Biomedical subjects

M Maio

Publications and source records attributed to M Maio.

57 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

PubMedDate not supplied

In vitro analysis of the melanoma/endothelium interaction increasing the release of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 by endothelial cells.

Melanoma cells constitutively release intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) as soluble ICAM-1 (sICAM-1), and its levels are elevated in melanoma patients and correlate with disease progression. However, this correlation is not absolute, suggesting that specific characteristics of neoplastic cells and/or ICAM-1-positive non-neoplastic cells may influence the amounts of circulating sICAM-1. In this study, we found a weak correlation (r = 0.55; r2 = 0.3) between sICAM-1 release by 40 metastatic melanomas (36 primary cultures and 4 cell lines), and ICAM-1 expression on neoplastic cells. In addition, melanoma-secreted interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha) (1/40) but not vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (29/40), significantly (P < 0.05) up-regulated the shedding of sICAM-1 by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). This was completely abolished by IL-1alpha/beta neutralizing antibodies both at the protein and mRNA level. Altogether, our results suggest that (i) the extent of sICAM-1 release is distinctive for individual melanomas and can be independent of ICAM-1 expression; (ii) tumor endothelia may sustain levels of sICAM-1 in selected melanomas; (iii) melanoma-released VEGF does not affect ICAM-1 expression and sICAM-1 release by HUVEC. Melanoma-derived sICAM-1 inhibits cell-mediated cytotoxicity of melanoma cells; therefore, constitutive levels of sICAM-1 release and IL-1alpha secretion by individual melanomas can differentially influence tumor progression and the clinical effectiveness of cytotoxic-cell-based vaccines.

Cells, Cultured↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Emerging role of protectin (CD59) in humoral immunotherapy of solid malignancies.

Over the past two decades, complement (C)-activating monoclonal antibodies (mAb), directed to specific tumor-associated antigens (TAA), have been extensively utilized for passive immunotherapy of solid tumors of different histology. However, the clinical outcome of this therapeutic approach has been substantially disappointing; antigenic heterogeneity of neoplastic cells and their limited accessibility by therapeutic mAb, have been provided as substantial explanations for the poor clinical results obtained. Nevertheless, in light of the recent advances in the knowledge of the mechanisms regulating C-activity, it begins to be evident that membrane and soluble C-inhibitory proteins play a key role in the protection of neoplastic cells from C-attack, providing additional insights on biological features of transformed cells that may hamper the clinical efficacy of humoral immunotherapy. Among C-regulatory proteins investigated, this review will focus on protectin (CD59) that represents the main restriction factor of C-susceptibility of neoplastic cells from solid malignancies. In view of the functional role of CD59, we will describe its tissue distribution and biological features in malignant neoplasms; major emphasis will be given to cutaneous melanoma, in which the C-regulatory role of CD59 has been extensively investigated, and clinical approaches of humoral immunotherapy have been implemented. According to the available data, the foreseeable strategies to improve the therapeutic efficacy of humoral immunotherapy of solid malignancies will be discussed.

CD59 Antigens↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Malignant mesothelioma in 2004: How advanced technology and new drugs are changing the perspectives of mesothelioma patients. Highlights from the VIIth Meeting of the International Mesothelioma Interest Group.

Malignant mesothelioma (MMe) is a seemingly uncommon tumour whose incidence has in fact increased steadily and progressively over the last 30 years. Indeed, an actual "epidemic" is expected in the next 20 years, with over 1300 new cases a year till 2020 at least. Despite unquestionable improvement in the diagnostic methods at our disposal and the availability of new treatment strategies, the prognosis of MMe patients remains dramatically poor. For all the above reasons, translational research is the key to success; indeed, ever increasing knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying MMe pathogenesis could lead (and is actually leading) to new, hopefully more active, treatment options. To foster discussion among investigators working in this field, and to exchange different viewpoints concerning the newest advances in MMe pathogenesis and treatment, the VII International Mesothelioma Interest Group (IMIG) meeting was held in Brescia (Italy) between 24 and 26 June 2004 in cooperation with the Italian Group for the Study and Therapy of MMe (GIMe). The aim of this report is to summarize the most significant advances in the different disciplines applied to MMe presented and discussed during the IMIG meeting and how these advances will be changing the perspective of patients with MMe.

Angiogenesis Inhibitors↗