PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

P Delvenne

Publications and source records attributed to P Delvenne.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Aspergillus pericarditis with cardiac tamponade and haemophagocytic syndrome: a non-classical case of immunodeficiency].

We report the case of a 31-year-old woman who died in a context of haemophagocytic syndrome with multiple opportunist infections:viral, mycobacterial and fungal. To our knowledge, this is the tenth case of invasive aspergillosis manifested by an aspergillus pericarditis with cardiac tamponade. Search for HIV infection, neoplasia, haematological malignancies was negative. In addition, the patient carried on a nonviral, non-ethylic cirrhosis, the etiology of which remained unknow. We will particularly develop the aspergillus pericarditis with cardiac tamponade and the haemophagocytic syndrome.

Adult↗

High levels of p105 (NFKB1) and p100 (NFKB2) proteins in HPV16-transformed keratinocytes: role of E6 and E7 oncoproteins.

We have previously shown that functional components of the NF-kappaB signaling pathway are up-regulated and sequestered in the cytoplasm of human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16)-transformed cell lines leading to a reduced activity of NF-kappaB. In this study, we examined the expression of the NF-kappaB precursors p100 and p105 in keratinocytes transformed or not by HPV16. Western immunoblotting experiments demonstrated high levels of p100 and p105 proteins not only in HPV16+ cervical carcinoma-derived keratinocytes but also in keratinocytes stably transfected by HPV16 E6 or E7 oncogenes. Moreover, p100 and p105 proteins were predominantly cytoplasmic and nuclear in keratinocytes expressing E7 and E6, respectively. A predominantly cytoplasmic localization of E7 protein was also detected in all keratinocytes expressing E7. Our results suggest that HPV16 E6 and E7 proteins modulate the expression and the subcellular localization of p100 and p105 NF-kappaB precursors.

Blotting, Western↗

Altered expression of type I insulin-like growth factor receptor in Crohn's disease.

The fibrotic and antiapoptotic effects of insulin-like growth factors (IGF) are mediated by type I IGF receptor (IGF-1R). IGFs could play a role in intestinal stricturing and in the maintenance of inflammation in Crohn's disease (CD). We aimed to describe IGF-1R expression in CD intestinal lesions, to compare it to other intestinal inflammatory diseases and to correlate it with fibrosis and apoptosis. IGF-1R expression and apoptosis (active caspase-3) were studied by immunohistochemistry. Surgical intestinal specimens [17 CD, nine controls, six diverticulitis and four ulcerative colitis (UC)] were used. IGF-1R was expressed transmurally mainly by inflammatory cells (IC) and smooth muscle cells, both in diseased intestine and controls. IGF-1R positive IC were increased in the mucosa and the submucosa of CD (P < 0.007), and in involved areas compared to uninvolved areas (P = 0.03). In UC, the number of IGF-1R positive IC was only increased in the mucosa, and was not different from controls in the submucosa. In diverticulitis, the number of IGF-1R positive IC did not differ from controls. In CD submucosa, IGF-1R expression in IC was inversely correlated with apoptosis in uninvolved areas (P = 0.01). Expression of IGF-1R in submucosal fibroblast-like cells, subserosal adipocytes and hypertrophic nervous plexi was specific for CD. We have shown a transmural altered expression of IGF-1R in CD. This may suggest a role for IGF-1R in the maintenance of chronic inflammation and stricture formation in CD.

Apoptosis↗

Increased expression of receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL), its receptor RANK and its decoy receptor osteoprotegerin in the colon of Crohn's disease patients.

Crohn's disease (CD) is associated with low bone mass due to chronic inflammation and other factors. Receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL), its receptor RANK and its decoy receptor osteoprotegerin (OPG) are potentially involved in this process as they regulate osteoclastogenesis and are influenced by pro-inflammatory cytokines. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of soluble RANKL (sRANKL), RANK and OPG expression both in the serum and in the colon of CD patients. Levels of sRANKL and OPG were assessed in the serum and the supernatants of cultured colonic biopsies in patients with CD and controls by ELISA. RANK expression was explored by immunostaining and immunofluorescence of fixed colonic samples. OPG and sRANKL levels were higher in the serum of CD patients as compared to age- and sex-matched controls. Levels of sRANKL and OPG were significantly enhanced in cultured colonic biopsies from CD, and OPG levels correlated with histological inflammation, and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels. No significant correlation was found for sRANKL. RANK+ cells were increased in the colon of CD, particularly in inflamed areas. These cells were positive for CD68 or S100 protein. We conclude that serum and local levels of sRANKL and OPG are increased in CD. Moreover, RANK is expressed in the colonic mucosa by subpopulations of activated macrophages or dendritic cells at higher levels in CD compared to normal colon.

Adolescent↗

Different mechanisms are implicated in ERBB2 gene overexpression in breast and in other cancers.

The ERBB2 gene is overexpressed in 30% of breast cancers and this has been correlated with poor prognosis. ERBB2 is upregulated in other cancers such as prostate, pancreas, colon and ovary. In breast cancer cells, the mechanisms leading to ERBB2 gene overexpression are increased transcription and gene amplification. In these cancers, AP-2 transcription factors are involved in ERBB2 overexpression, and AP-2 levels are correlated with p185(c-)(erbB-2) levels. In this work, we wanted to know if the same molecular mechanisms are responsible for the ERBB2 upregulation in non-breast cancers. We compared ERBB2 gene copy number, p185(c-)(erbB-2) and mRNA levels with AP-2 levels in several ovary, prostate, colon and pancreas cancer cells. A moderate expression of erbB-2 mRNA and protein were observed in some cells without gene amplification. In contrast to breast cancer cells, AP-2 factors were absent or low in some non-breast cells which did express ERBB2. It is thus likely that AP-2 is not a major player in the increased levels of erbB-2 transcripts in non-breast cancer cells. The transcriptional activity of the ERBB2 promoter in colon and ovary cancer cells was estimated using reporter vectors. The results showed that the promoter regions involved in ERBB2 gene overexpression in breast cancer cells are different from those that lead to the gene upregulation in colon and ovary cancers. In conclusion, our results indicate that different transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms are responsible for the increased levels of erbB-2 transcript and protein in breast and non-breast cancer cells.

Blotting, Western↗

Detection of bone sialoprotein in human (pre)neoplastic lesions of the uterine cervix.

Bone sialoprotein (BSP) is a secreted glycoprotein primarily found in the mineral compartment of developing bones. BSP is detected in a variety of human cancers, particularly those that metastasize to the skeleton. High expression of BSP in breast and prostate primary carcinomas is associated with progression and bone metastases development. Since squamous cell carcinoma (SCCs) of the uterine cervix also frequently metastasizes to bone, we investigated whether BSP is expressed in human cervical cancer. We examined BSP expression in cervical tissue samples from 47 patients, including 19 normal tissues, 20 squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs) (9 low and 11 high grade) and 8 invasive SCCs. BSP protein expression was evaluated by the immunophosphatase technique using a BSP polyclonal antibody in paraffin-embedded cervical biopsies. The abundance of BSP protein was significantly higher in invasive SCCs and high grade SILs than in normal cervix tissue samples and low grade SILs, which showed no or a low level of anti-BSP immunoreactivity. In situ hybridization experiments performed on representative cervix invasive SCCs frozen sections revealed that BSP transcripts were detectable in these lesions. Our study demonstrates that BSP expression is a common feature in high grade SILs and invasive SCCs of the uterine cervix. The prognostic value of BSP detection in these lesions and the potential role of BSP as an angiogenic factor in this type of cancer are currently under investigation.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

[Screening for uterine cervical cancer in Belgium in 2003].

Squamous cell cancer of the uterine cervix is associated with a high morbidity and mortality worldwide and in Belgium. Its development is related to the infection by oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) types. Cervical cancer is preceded by dysplasic stages (squamous intraepithelial lesions) which can be detected by a Pap smear. The goal of this paper is to review the screening of uterine cervical cancer in Belgium.

Belgium↗

Differential production of cytokines and activation of NF-kappaB in HPV-transformed keratinocytes.

We have proposed that chronic infection of keratinocytes by HPV modifies the expression of potentially important cytokines by interfering with the NF-kappaB signal pathway. We evaluated the constitutive and IL-1beta-induced expression of GM-CSF and TNF-alpha and the expression/activity of NF-kappaB in HPV+ and HPV- cell lines. Despite the enhanced expression of the functional components of the NF-kappaB signaling pathway in HPV+ cell lines by a mechanism implicating the HPV oncoprotein E6, the constitutive activity of NF-kappaB and the expression of GM-CSF/TNF-alpha were significantly reduced relative to the HPV- cell line and normal keratinocytes. In contrast, we observed a superactivation of NF-kappaB activity after IL-1beta stimulation, a strong and transient induction of GM-CSF/TNF-alpha mRNA, but undetectable levels of secreted proteins in HPV+ cell lines. Our data demonstrate that E6 modulates the NF-kappaB signaling pathway and suggest that other HPV proteins also interfere with GM-CSF/TNF-alpha expression by transcriptional and/or posttranscriptional mechanisms.

Cytokines↗

Dendritic cells induce the death of human papillomavirus-transformed keratinocytes.

Although human papillomavirus (HPV) antigens are expressed in a majority of (pre)neoplastic lesions (squamous intraepithelial lesions; SILs) of the uterine cervix, progression to invasive cancer may occur, which suggests that the presentation of viral antigens to the immune system is deficient in some SILs. To determine whether professional antigen-presenting cells die in SILs, we assayed for the apoptosis of immature dendritic cells (DC) in organotypic cultures of HPV-transformed keratinocytes, which reproduce many features of in vivo observed SILs. Unexpectedly, the infiltration of organotypic cultures by DC specifically induced the apoptosis of HPV+ tumor cells, whereas DC were not affected. In the same conditions and in coculture experiments, apoptosis was not observed in normal keratinocytes. The induction of apoptosis required membrane contacts between DC and HPV-transformed keratinocytes. Although the HPV+cell lines were sensitive to the effects of TRAIL, soluble TRAILR2-Fc did not block the DC-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, although FasL and Fas were detected on DC and HPV+ cell lines, respectively, functional analysis revealed that this pathway is not responsible for the apoptosis induced by the DC. All together these results suggest that DC may be at the interface between innate and adaptive immunity by inducing the apoptosis of (pre)neoplastic cells.

Antibodies↗

The organotypic culture of HPV-transformed keratinocytes: an effective in vitro model for the development of new immunotherapeutic approaches for mucosal (pre)neoplastic lesions.

The purpose of this study is to develop a reliable in vitro human model to test new immunotherapeutic approaches for squamous cell carcinoma that develop on mucosal surfaces. The organotypic (raft) culture permits cells to proliferate and differentiate at an air-liquid interface on a dermal equivalent support. Normal keratinocytes stratify and fully differentiate in a manner similar to the normal squamous epithelial tissues, while human papillomavirus-immortalized and established squamous carcinoma cell lines exhibit dysplastic morphologies similar to (pre)neoplastic lesions seen in vivo. We have demonstrated the ability of these organotypic cultures to be manipulated by altering the epithelial stratification with cytokines (interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha) and by integrating activated lymphocytes or dendritic cells into the in vitro formed epithelial sheet. This model may provide a useful tool to investigate the factors contributing to the presence and function of immunocompetent cells within a neoplastic epithelium that develops on a mucosal surface.

Cancer Vaccines↗

Detection of cytokines in human sural nerve biopsies: an immunohistochemical and molecular study.

In vitro and in vivo models have implicated numerous cytokines as major modulators of inflammation, destruction and repair in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The in situ production of cytokines in human peripheral nerve disorders is still poorly documented. We studied the expression of interleukin (IL)-1 beta, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, IL-6, IL-10, IL-4, IL-3 and nerve growth factor (NGF) in 35 human sural nerve biopsies using immunohistochemistry; additional reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and mRNA in situ hybridization were performed for IL-4 and NGF. Expression of IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha was shown in both morphologically normal nerves and various neuropathies, and macrophages appeared as their predominant source. Levels of IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha expression were significantly correlated (P < 0.01) with each other and with expression of NGF. Multiple endoneurial sources were suggested for IL-6 and IL-10 with low immunoreactivity in the vast majority of cases. Conversely, IL-4 and IL-3 expression were found in neuropathies of various etiologies and Schwann cells appeared to be a predominant source of IL-4 in double-labeling immunofluorescence studies. IL-3 immunoreactivity correlated with IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha and IL-6. In this retrospective study, no specific cytokine profile of expression could be assigned to a precise subgroup of neuropathies. This is the first report of IL-4 and IL-3 expression in human neuropathies, and it may be important given the potential role of these cytokines in modulating macrophage activity in the PNS.

Adolescent↗

Combined suicide and cytokine gene therapy for peritoneal carcinomatosis.

BACKGROUND: Gene therapy is a novel approach for the treatment of cancers, and tumours disseminated in the peritoneal cavity are suitable for in situ delivery of a therapeutic gene. AIMS: The efficacy of a therapy combining a suicide gene (herpes simplex virus type I thymidine kinase (HSV-TK)) and cytokine genes was investigated in a model of peritoneal carcinomatosis induced by colon carcinoma cells in syngeneic rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Pre-established macroscopic tumours in BDIX rats were treated by intraperitoneal injections of retrovirus producing cells (FLYA13 TK, FLYA13 granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), FLYA13 interleukin 12 (IL-12)) and ganciclovir (GCV). RESULTS: TK/GCV treated animals showed a slight increase in survival time (72 days) compared with the control group (63 days) while the association of cytokine and TK/GCV gene therapy resulted in significantly improved survival, with a large proportion of animals remaining tumour free on day 480 (60% and 40% for TK/GCV/GM-CSF and TK/GCV/IL-12 treated animals, respectively). Histological analysis of treated animals showed that the remaining tumour nodes were infiltrated by mononuclear cells but no major differences were observed between the various treatments. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that lymphoid CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells as well as macrophages accumulated outside untreated tumour nodes while CD8(+) and CD25(+) activated T cells and macrophages heavily infiltrated the tumours after the different treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that combined suicide and cytokine gene therapy is a powerful approach for the treatment of macroscopic peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Animals↗

Combined interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha treatment differentially affects adhesion and migration of keratinocyte-derived cells to laminin-1.

Interactions with the extracellular matrix constitute basic steps in cervix carcinoma cell invasion. In this study, we examined the adhesion and migration profiles of two human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA-transfected keratinocyte-derived cell lines, EIL8 and 18-11S3, and of the cervix adenocarcinoma SiHa cell line, towards laminin-1, and the selective effect of a 24-72 h treatment of 1000 U/ml interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a treatment that significantly decreases cervix carcinoma cell proliferation and progression in nude mice, on these parameters. Compared to normal cervix keratinocytes (CK) and two HPV DNA-transfected keratinocyte cell lines, in basal conditions, the SiHa cell line was characterized by increased attachment (SiHa, 48.74 +/- 4.02 vs. normal keratinocytes, 4.32 +/- 0.40, EIL8, 17.80 +/- 3.03 and 18-11S3, 17.82 +/- 1.48% of attached cells after 30 min) and marked directed chemotactic migration towards laminin-1. Interestingly, treatment of the cells with the cytokines (1000 U/ml IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha) did not modulate the adhesion properties of the cells, but chemotactic migration of SiHa cells to laminin-1 was significantly decreased, while migration towards type I collagen was increased. Similar results were obtained with the Ca Ski cervix carcinoma cell line. Our results emphasize the altered pattern of interactions of cervix carcinoma cells with extracellular matrix components such as laminin-1, compared to normal and pre-neoplastic cells, and contributes to the understanding of the effects of cytokine treatment on cervix carcinoma cells.

Adenocarcinoma↗