Biomedical subjects

R Carubelli

Publications and source records attributed to R Carubelli.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1997

Laser-photosensitizer assisted immunotherapy: a novel modality for cancer treatment.

Photosensitizer-enhanced laser treatment, where dyes are activated in situ by lasers of appropriate wavelengths, provides highly selective tissue destruction, both spatially and temporally, through photophysical reactions. Although laser-sensitizer treatment for cancer can achieve a controlled local tumor cell destruction on a large scale, total tumor eradication may not be accomplished because of the incomplete local tumor killing or the presence of tumor metastases, or both. The long-term control of cancer depends on the host immune surveillance and defense systems in which both cell-mediated and humoral responses are critical. In this study we report a novel minimally invasive cancer treatment combining the laser photophysical effects with the photobiological effects. Irradiation of a rat mammary tumor by an 805 nm diode laser, after an intratumor administration of a specific photosensitizer, indocyanine green in a glycated chitosan gel, caused immediate photothermal destruction of neoplastic cells. Concomitantly this treatment stimulated the immunological defense system against residual and metastatic tumor cells. Increases in survival rate and in the eradication of tumor burden, both primary and metastatic, were observed after this treatment. Furthermore, the resistance of successfully treated rats to tumor rechallenge demonstrated a long-lasting systemic effect of the treatment. These findings indicate that our treatment has triggered a specific humoral immune response in the tumor-bearing rats.

9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene↗

PubMed1995

Unexpected collagen crosslinking observed during in vitro radiolabeling of the galactosyl moiety.

Aldehyde groups, generated by oxidation of free primary alcohol groups of galactosyl residues of glycoproteins by galactose oxidase, can react with free amino groups on the polypeptide chain through Schiff base formation. Subsequent reduction with tritiated borohydride results in the formation of stable crosslinks instead of the expected generation of radiolabeled alcohol groups. Attempts to perform in vitro radiolabeling of collagen type I by this procedure resulted in undesirable crosslinking with profound alteration of the physical properties that rendered the resulting radiolabeled preparation unsuitable for biochemical studies.

Aldehydes↗

PubMed1995

Cytotoxic effects of autoxidative glycation.

Incubation of the RNA phage Q beta at 37 degrees C with a mixture of 100 mM ribose and 10 microM CuSO4 resulted in a complete loss of viable phage after 20 min. This cytotoxic effect required both ribose and cupric ions. There was a direct correlation between the decrease in the percentage of phage survival and: (a) the length of incubation, and (b) the concentrations of both ribose and CuSO4. Addition of the strong chelator diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid abolished the cytotoxic effect. These results are consistent with an initial production of superoxide free radicals by transition metal catalyzed autoxidation of ribose and Amadori products, followed by dismutation of superoxide to hydrogen peroxide and generation of lethal hydroxyl radicals by the Fenton reaction. RNA isolated from phage incubated with ribose and CuSO4 retained its infectivity, suggesting that the cytotoxic effect may be mediated by a free radical attack on proteinaceous components of the phage through a site specific generation of hydroxyl radicals on protein-bound transition metal ions.

Copper↗

PubMed1995

The role of free radicals in paraquat-induced corneal lesions.

Paraquat is a synthetic bipyridylium salt widely used as herbicide and defoliant. Enzyme-catalyzed redoxcycling of paraquat generates oxygen radicals. The toxic, even lethal, effects of paraquat are due to free radical-mediated tissue injury. Ocular lesions, sometimes quite severe, have been observed following accidental splashing of paraquat solutions onto the eyes. These studies were designed to document the generation of paraquat free radicals in corneal tissue, and to describe the histological nature of the corneal injuries in experimental animals (rabbits and monkeys). The EPR spectrum of rabbit corneas, 30 min. after intrastromal injection of paraquat, showed the signal of the free radical of paraquat. Ultrastructural studies of corneas 8 days after intrastromal injections (100 microliters) of paraquat solutions showed that the initial lesions occur at the epithelium/basement membrane interface. In rabbit cornea, dose dependent lesions were observed, i.e. whereas 50 mM paraquat caused only minimal damage to the epithelial basement membrane, 75 mM caused complete dissolution to the basement membrane with some damage to stromal collagen, and loss of epithelium with stromal ulceration and severe inflammatory response were observed with 150 mM paraquat. Monkey corneas were less susceptible than those of rabbits to the effects of paraquat. No lesions were observed following intrastromal injections of 50 mM or 75 mM paraquat. With higher concentrations of paraquat (100 mM and 150 mM) the primary injuries were to the proximal and lateral plasma membranes of basal epithelial cells; basement membrane alterations were detected only adjacent to areas of significant plasma membrane damage. The underlying Bowman's membrane and stroma were not affected. Anatomical differences between the corneas of rabbit and monkeys as well as possible biochemical differences may account for the species differences observed.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Effect of dietary butylated hydroxytoluene on nuclear envelope cytochrome P-450 during the initiation and promotion stages of hepatocarcinogenesis.

The anticarcinogenic effect of the dietary antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) correlates with a preservation of nuclear envelope (NE) cytochrome P-450 in rats undergoing chemically induced hepatocarcinogenesis. This effect of BHT on NE cytochrome P-450 was observed during both the initiation and the promotion stages of hepatocarcinogenesis. Complex interactions between the two different mechanisms of action of BHT (i.e., enzyme induction and antioxidant activity) may account for some of the differences between the patterns of response to BHT observed during initiation and promotion.

Animals↗

PubMed1991

The role of nonenzymatic glycosylation, transition metals, and free radicals in the formation of collagen aggregates.

Incubation of corneal collagen type I with glucose in the presence of transition metal ions (copper, iron) results in the formation of collagen aggregates insoluble in 6 M urea, and in 2% sodium dodecyl sulfate + 5% beta-mercaptoethanol. The reaction is mediated by hydrogen peroxide and transition metals since it is inhibited by catalase and by the chelating agent diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid. Comparative studies showed that copper is more efficient than iron and that the reaction proceeds more rapidly with ribose than with glucose. The data support a mechanism involving transition metal ion catalyzed autoxidation of glucose (and possibly of Amadori products) with generation of superoxide radical. Superoxide dismutation produces hydrogen peroxide, which then generates hydroxyl radicals in the presence of transition metal ions (Fenton reaction). Hydroxyl radical attack is known to lead to cross-linking, which is enhanced in glycated proteins. The experimental data presented are consistent with in vivo alteration of collagen properties during normal aging and with the acceleration of similar changes in diabetes mellitus.

Animals↗

PubMed1991

Prevention of 2-acetylaminofluorene-induced loss of nuclear envelope cytochrome P450 by the simultaneous administration of 3-methylcholanthrene.

Rats fed a basal diet containing 0.05% (w/w) 2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF) for 3 weeks showed a 50% loss of hepatic nuclear envelope cytochrome P450, whereas microsomal P450 remained at control levels. A similar dietary treatment with 0.004% (w/w) 3-methylcholanthrene (MC) caused moderate losses (20-25%) of cytochrome P450 in both nuclear envelopes and microsomes. Administration of the basal diet supplemented with a mixture of AAF (0.05%) plus MC (0.004%) resulted in a preservation of control levels of nuclear envelope cytochrome P450 and a 30% elevation of microsomal P450. Immunoblot analysis revealed that AAF alone, or in concert with MC, induced comparable levels of the P450d form. Induction of cytochrome P450c by dietary MC was detected only when MC was fed together with AAF. As previously found for butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), the protective effect of dietary MC against hepatocarcinogenesis in AAF-fed rats correlated with a preservation of nuclear envelope cytochrome P450 content and with the induction of cytochrome P450c.

2-Acetylaminofluorene↗

PubMed1991

Effect of oxygen free radicals on corneal collagen.

Corneal collagen was labeled in vivo by injection of 14C-proline into the anterior chamber of rabbit eyes. The isolated corneal collagen was incubated in iron-free phosphate buffered saline (pH 7.4) containing 1 mM ascorbate and 0.1 mM CuSO4 for either 1 hour or 3 hours at 37 degrees. Addition of 2 volumes of 8M urea-1 mM dithiothreitol and heating for 1 min at 100 degrees solubilized virutually all of the collagen in the control incubations but left a significant amount of insoluble collagen in specimens exposed to the hydroxyl radical generating system. This residue amounted to 19% and 38% of the initial radioactivity in samples incubated for 1 h and 3 h, respectively. The chromatographic profiles (gel filtration on CL-4B) of the soluble fraction showed an increase in both aggregation and degradation products of collagen in the 1 h incubation mixture, whereas after 3 h there was an increase only in degradation products. These observations suggest that additional crosslinking of the soluble collagen aggregates observed at 1 h may be responsible for their subsequent disappearance at 3 h, with concomitant increase of the insoluble fraction. Collagen degradation by .OH may play a role in corneal ulceration, whereas hydroxyl radical-mediated crosslinking is consistent with age-dependent increases in insoluble collagen.

Animals↗

PubMed1990

In vitro radiolabeling of galactosyl and N-acetylgalactosaminyl moieties of glycoproteins with carbon-14.

The primary alcohol group on the carbon 6 of terminal galactosyl and N-acetylgalactosaminyl moieties of glycoproteins can be oxidized to an aldehyde by treatment with galactose oxidase. By reacting these aldehyde groups with 14C-labeled sodium cyanide, 14C-labeled cyanohydrin derivatives were obtained. Similarly, reduction of these aldehyde groups with tritiated sodium borohydride following standard procedures, yields 3H-labeled glycoproteins. 14C- and 3H-labeled derivatives of asialofetuin and asialo ovine submaxillary mucin with high specific radioactivities were prepared using these procedures. Mixtures containing microgram amounts of 14C- and 3H-labeled glycoproteins were subjected to column chromatography and gradient ultracentrifugation and the position of the individual glycoproteins was determined by simultaneous counting for 14C and 3H. These experiments demonstrate the usefulness of this approach for comparative analytical studies using biological specimens available in minute quantities.

Acetylgalactosamine↗

PubMed1990

Role of active oxygen species in corneal ulceration. Effect of hydrogen peroxide generated in situ.

Cationic glucose oxidase, prepared by amidation of its free carboxylic groups, has prolonged retention in tissues, resulting in sustained release of hydrogen peroxide generated during oxidation of endogenous glucose. Increased levels of hydrogen peroxide can inhibit superoxide dismutase activity, thereby promoting reduction of transition metal ions, particularly iron and copper, by superoxide anions. Therefore, hydrogen peroxide can generate highly reactive hydroxyl radicals through a superoxide-driven Fenton reaction. Amidated glucose oxidase injected into rabbit cornea produces corneal opacification within 3-4 days and severe corneal damage by 7 days. Ultrastructural studies revealed typical tissue lesions observed in corneal melting. Heat-inactivated amidated glucose oxidase had no effect during the first 3-4 days. However, a gradual opacification occurred thereafter, resulting in some cases, in a severe opacity by 7 days. These results are consistent with an oxidative attack on corneal glycoconjugates by radicals derived from glucose oxidase-generated hydrogen peroxide during the first 3-4 days. Invading phagocytic cells are responsible for lesions observed with the inactive enzyme and for the progression of the initial lesions caused by the active enzyme. Stimulated phagocytic cells not only produce active oxygen species during the respiratory burst, but also release neutral collagenase and acid lysosomal hydrolases that contribute to and amplify the degradation of the extracellular matrix.

Animals↗

PubMed1989

Induction of rat liver microsomal and nuclear cytochrome P-450 by dietary 2-acetylaminofluorene and butylated hydroxytoluene.

The influence of dietary 2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF) on the cytochrome P-450 content of rat liver microsomal and nuclear fractions was immunochemically probed with monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to cytochromes P-450c and P-450d. Cytochrome P-450d but not P-450c was immunodetected in microsomes, nuclear envelopes, and nuclei from untreated rats. The levels of both cytochromes P-450c and P-450d were elevated after a diet of either 0.1% AAF for 1 week or 0.05% AAF for 3 weeks. However, the level of cytochrome P-450c relative to P-450d was lower after the more prolonged AAF feeding. Supplementation of AAF-containing diets with 0.3% butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), which affords protection against AAF hepatocarcinogenesis in high-fat fed rats, protected and/or induced total (spectral) nuclear envelope cytochrome P-450 content. Immunochemical studies of liver fractions showed that BHT enhanced the AAF-dependent induction of cytochrome P-450c, but not of P-450d. This was a concerted effect of AAF + BHT since dietary BHT by itself did not affect the levels of cytochrome P-450c or P-450d as compared to control rats. Since 1- to 3-week dietary AAF had little effect on total (spectral analyses) microsomal cytochrome P-450 but markedly reduced total P-450 in nuclear envelopes, the coordinated induction of specific cytochrome P-450s in the different fractions suggests selective induction and depression of different forms of cytochrome P-450 and provides additional evidence for independent regulation of the drug-metabolizing system in nuclear envelope and microsomes. In addition, these results suggest that regulation of cytochrome P-450 may play a crucial role in the nutritional modulation of AAF hepatocarcinogenesis.

2-Acetylaminofluorene↗

PubMed1989

Hepatic nuclear envelope cytochrome P-450 in rats fed 2-acetylaminofluorene. Effect of dietary fats and butylated hydroxytoluene.

Early losses of nuclear envelope (NE) cytochrome P-450 occur during 2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF)-hepatocarcinogenesis. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), which protects against AAF in rats fed high fat diets, preserves NE P-450 suggesting that the latter may be required for AAF detoxification. AAF-hepatocarcinogenesis is enhanced by increasing the amount or degree of unsaturation of dietary fats. The present studies show that in rats fed AAF in high fat diets BHT preservation of NE P-450 is considerably shorter (3 weeks) with polyunsaturated than with saturated fat (9 weeks). In rats fed AAF in a low fat diet, where BHT does not modify the low tumor incidence, there is a bimodal effect on NE P-450. In controls and AAF-fed rats, BHT causes significant induction of NE P-450 at 1-3 weeks. At 9-16 weeks BHT has no effect on controls and only partially preserves NE P-450 in AAF-fed rats. Due to time constraints, livers could not be utilized fresh, but they were kept frozen at -80 degrees C until processed. Thus, specimens from all groups underwent identical treatment for purposes of comparative studies.

2-Acetylaminofluorene↗

PubMed1987

Dietary butylated hydroxytoluene protects cytochrome P-450 in hepatic nuclear membranes of rats fed 2-acetylaminofluorene.

We previously reported that during hepatocarcinogenesis which is induced by feeding 2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF) there is an early loss of cytochrome P-450 in the nuclear envelope (Carubelli et al., Chem. Biol. Interact. 58, 125-136, 1986). Cytochrome P-450 participates in the activation in addition to the detoxification of xenobiotics; therefore, these findings suggested that AAF may cause the loss of an important defense for the protection of the genetic material of the nucleus against carcinogenic metabolites of AAF generated by microsomal P-450 which, in contrast to the nuclear envelope cytochrome P-450, remains essentially undiminished during early stages of AAF feeding. Because dietary butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) affords good protection against AAF carcinogenicity, we decided to investigate the possibility that the BHT effect could be mediated through the preservation of nuclear envelope cytochrome P-450. AAF (0.05% wt/wt) was administered in a purified diet with a high content of polyunsaturated fat (20% wt/wt corn oil), which is known to enhance AAF carcinogenicity. These studies showed that BHT supplementation (0.3% wt/wt) of control in addition to the AAF-containing diets resulted in higher levels of nuclear envelope cytochrome P-450. After 16 weeks of AAF feeding, nuclear envelope cytochrome P-450 could not be detected in rats fed BHT-free diet, whereas in the rats fed the diet containing AAF and BHT, measurable amounts of nuclear envelope P-450 were observed. These results are compatible with the hypothesis that nuclear envelope cytochrome P-450 is needed for protection against AAF and that BHT protects nuclear envelope cytochrome P-450.

2-Acetylaminofluorene↗

PubMed1986

Loss of cytochrome P-450 from hepatic nuclear membranes of rats fed 2-acetylaminofluorene.

The cytochrome P-450 content of nuclear membranes isolated from the livers of male Sprague-Dawley rats fed a semipurified diet containing 0.05% w/w 2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF) for 3 weeks, was only about 20% of the values in control rats fed the same diet devoid of AAF. This effect was apparent after only 1 week of AAF treatment and persisted in nuclear membranes from isolated hyperplastic nodules (HPN) generated by 4 cycles of interrupted AAF-feeding. The microsomal cytochrome P-450 content, on the other hand, remained at control levels after 1 week of AAF treatment, and it was only slightly decreased after 3 weeks. In contrast, microsomes from HPN generated by prolonged AAF treatment had markedly decreased amounts of cytochrome P-450. The AAF treatment also caused changes in cholesterol epoxide hydrolase activity, which paralleled those observed for cytochrome P-450 content. Nuclear membranes from livers of rats fed AAF for 3 weeks, and from isolated HPN, had only 30-50% of the cholesterol epoxide hydrolase activity present in controls, whereas the microsomal enzyme activity remained at control levels after 3 weeks of AAF feeding but was 50% depressed in microsomes from HPN. The selective loss of cytochrome P-450 and of cholesterol epoxide hydrolase in hepatic nuclear membrane, but not in microsomes, of rats fed AAF for 3 weeks suggests independent control for these enzymes in these two membrane fractions. Cytochrome P-450 plays a role both in the activation of AAF (N-hydroxylation) as well as in its detoxification (ring hydroxylation) whereas cholesterol epoxide hydrolase initiates the detoxification of cholesterol epoxide. Therefore, our findings suggest the hypothesis that AAF treatment causes an early loss, at the surface of the nucleus, of the last line of defense for detoxification of transforming or promoting metabolites generated by microsomal activation of natural substances such as cholesterol and of xenobiotics such as AAF.

2-Acetylaminofluorene↗

PubMed1984

The in vivo effect of benzamide and phenobarbital on liver enzymes: poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, cytochrome P-450, styrene oxide hydrolase, cholesterol oxide hydrolase, glutathione S-transferase and UDP-glucuronyl transferase.

Rats fed a synthetic diet containing 0.25% benzamide, 0.1% phenobarbital, separately or in combination, for two weeks showed a significant augmentation in the activity of nuclear poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase as well as changes in various nuclear, microsomal and cytosolic liver enzymes involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics. A selective depression of microsomal styrene oxide hydrolase activity by benzamide feeding, and a contrasting augmentation by phenobarbital, were confirmed by immunological titration of the enzyme-protein content suggesting actual enzyme repression and induction. The NAD content of these livers is not altered significantly as a result of benzamide and phenobarbital feeding, indicating that the changes in enzymes are not a result of non-specific toxic effects.

3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

PubMed1984

In vitro labeling of the sialic acid moiety of glycoconjugates with carbon-14.

Labeling of sialoglycoproteins with carbon-14 in vitro was performed by reacting the aldehyde groups, generated by mild periodate oxidation of the terminal sialyl groups, with 14C-labeled sodium cyanide to produce the labeled cyanohydrin derivatives (Kiliani reaction). Labeling with tritium was carried out by reduction of the aldehyde groups generated on the sialyl residues with 3H-labeled sodium borohydride following standard procedures. The behavior of both types of labeled specimens of fetuin and ovine submaxillary mucin, individually and in mixtures, was investigated by gel-filtration chromatography, gel electrophoresis, and cesium bromide gradient ultracentrifugation. The labeled sialyl residues were subjected to partial characterization: color yield with the resorcinol and thiobarbituric acid reagents, behavior on ion-exchange chromatography, and susceptibility to mild acid and enzymatic hydrolyses. In addition to these model glycoproteins, this procedure was also utilized to label the sialoglycoproteins present in human tracheobronchial secretions collected from normal subjects and patients with chronic bronchitis. The potential uses of this approach for comparative studies of normal and pathological sialoglycoconjugates available in minute amounts is described. The extension of this approach to the labeling of the galactosyl and N-acetylgalactosaminyl moieties of glycoconjugates following treatment with galactose oxidase is outlined.

Animals↗

PubMed1984

Changes in the relative distribution and properties of smooth endoplasmic reticulum subfractions isolated from the livers of rats fed 2-acetylaminofluorene.

A marked increase in the amount and relative proportion of fraction II of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER II) and a concomitant decrease in the SER I fraction were observed in the liver of male Sprague-Dawley rats fed diets containing 0.05% (w/w) 2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF) for various lengths of time (3-18 weeks). The amount of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), which remained at control levels after 3 weeks of AAF feeding, i.e. before the appearance of hyperplastic nodules (HPN), was clearly decreased after 18 weeks of continuous AAF-feeding (HPN present). When the rats were subjected to 4 or 5 cycles of interrupted AAF feeding, similar increases in SER II were also observed both in the homogenates of HPN-containing livers, as well as in the homogenates of HPN dissected out from the surrounding liver tissue. SER II, the predominant microsomal membrane fraction in the livers of rats fed AAF for 3 weeks, showed the highest level of induction of epoxide hydrolase. A marked elevation of the manganese-dependent enhancement of polysome binding in vitro was also observed in SER II from the livers of AAF-fed rats.

2-Acetylaminofluorene↗

PubMed1983

Sialic acid metabolism in rat liver: effect of carbon tetrachloride.

Sialic acid metabolism was investigated in the livers of control rats and of rats treated with a single oral dose (1.5 ml/kg body weight) of carbon tetrachloride. The main change observed during the necrotic stage of CCl4 poisoning (18 h after treatment) was a highly significant reduction in sialyltransferase activity. Slight reciprocal changes in neuraminidase activities, i.e., a small decrease in cytosolic neuraminidase and a small increase in the membrane bound enzyme were also observed. At 72 h after CCl4 treatment, during the stage of liver regeneration, the main change was a marked elevation in membrane-bound neuraminidase (two fold above control values). Moderate increases in the specific activities of CMP-N-acetylneuraminic acid synthetase and sialyltransferase were also observed. A considerable decrease in the sialic acid content of the isolated smooth endoplasmic reticulum (one half of control values) was detected at 72 h after CCl4 administration. The sialic acid content of the rough endoplasmic reticulum, on the other hand, remained at control levels.

Animals↗