PubMed HealthSearch

Biomedical subjects

R Reich

Publications and source records attributed to R Reich.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Adenovirus E1A represses protease gene expression and inhibits metastasis of human tumor cells.

Stable transfection of human tumor cell lines with the adenovirus-5 E1A gene repressed the expression of the secreted proteases, type IV collagenase, interstitial collagenase and urokinase. In addition, E1A blocked the 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate (TPA) induction of interstitial collagenase transcription in HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells. Plasmids bearing the interstitial collagenase or type IV collagenase 5' flanking regions linked to a chloramphenicol acetyl transferase coding sequence were constructed and analysed for expression by transient cotransfections into HT1080 cells. Cotransfection with a plasmid bearing a functional E1A gene repressed transcription of the type IV collagenase promoter and blocked the TPA induction of the interstitial collagenase promoter. Furthermore, E1A repressed transcription from a TK promoter driven by AP-1 complex binding sites (TRE), suggesting that E1A interferes with the AP-1 trans-activation pathway. This effect was not, however, due to the repression of c-jun gene transcription by E1A. In fact, the expression of E1A rendered the c-jun gene hypersensitive to TPA induction. Concomitant with reduction in expression levels of secreted proteases, stable E1A transfectants showed reduced metastatic activity in vivo and reduced ability to traverse a reconstituted basement membrane in vitro. Monospecific anti-type IV collagenase antibodies inhibited invasive activity of parental tumor cell lines in the in vitro assay, suggesting a possible causal relationship between the repression of secreted proteases and loss of metastatic properties of the transformants.

Adenovirus Early Proteins

The role of cell adhesion and migration in the in vitro invasiveness of mouse adrenal carcinoma cells.

Using the Matrigel invasion assay, we have examined the role of cell adhesion and migration in the invasiveness of two cell lines, DM and HSR, derived from the Y1 mouse adrenocortical tumor. The DM cells were metastatic and more invasive (10-fold) than the nonmetastatic HSR cells. The difference in invasiveness could not be ascribed to different levels of secreted type IV collagenolytic activity since HSR cells secreted higher levels of activity. Cells from the metastatic DM line showed greater motility to both laminin and fibronectin when compared to the HSR line. Furthermore, both Matrigel and laminin promoted the attachment and spreading of DM cells but they had little effect on the adhesion of the HSR cells. Electron microscopic examination revealed an increased ruffling of the cell membrane in the metastatic DM line. These studies suggest a role for cell adhesion and migration on the invasion of Matrigel by malignant tumor cells.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms

Expression of type IV collagenase and procollagen genes and its correlation with the tumorigenic, invasive, and metastatic abilities of oncogene-transformed human bronchial epithelial cells.

In a series of immortalized human bronchial epithelial cell lines continuing various oncogenes, the transcriptional levels of the type IV collagenase and the type IV procollagen genes were compared with the properties of invasiveness in vitro and tumorigenicity and metastatic ability in athymic nude mice. v-Ha-ras greatly enhanced invasion and metastasis, whereas v-Ki-ras, c-myc, and c-raf had lesser effects on these malignant phenotypes. In addition, cell lines derived from tumors obtained by injecting the original immortalized human bronchial epithelial cell lines into nude mice exhibited enhanced invasive and metastatic abilities and increased level of type IV collagenase mRNA when compared with the original immortalized human bronchial epithelial cell lines. Invasiveness and metastatic capacity correlated positively with expression of the type IV collagenase gene and negatively with the expression of the type IV procollagen gene, suggesting that these phenotypes are associated both with decreased production and increased dissolution of extracellular matrix.

Animals

Eicosapentaenoic acid reduces the invasive and metastatic activities of malignant tumor cells.

Recent studies have shown that the cyclooxygenase and the 5-lipoxygenase pathways of arachidonic acid, are required for the invasive and metastatic activity of certain tumor cells. We show here that malignant murine melanoma and human fibrosarcoma cells cultured in media supplemented with eicosapentaenoic acid show a dose and time dependent decrease in invasiveness, in collagenase IV production and in the case of the murine cells, a reduced ability to metastasize to the lung after intravenous injection. It was also shown that a metabolite of eicosapentaenoic acid was less potent than the comparable arachidonic acid metabolite in restoring collagenase IV production and invasiveness after inhibition of the lipoxygenase pathway. These studies indicate that such supplements have the potential to reduce the metastasis of certain tumor cells, converting them to benign status.

Animals

Invasive and metastatic potential of a v-Ha-ras-transformed human bronchial epithelial cell line.

The in vivo growth behavior and invasive potential of normal and "immortalized" human bronchial epithelial cells were studied by xenotransplantation procedures, an in vitro assay of invasiveness, and determinations of type IV collagenase activity and mRNA expression. BEAS-2B cells, immortalized after hybrid virus infection (adenovirus 12-simian virus 40), reconstituted a columnar epithelium when xenotransplanted into de-epithelialized rat tracheas transplanted sc into athymic BALB/c mice. A few adenomatous growths could be seen 16 weeks after transplantation. BZR cells, obtained by transfer of the v-Ha-ras oncogene into BEAS-2B cells, were tumorigenic in this xenotransplantation model. BZR-T33 cells, obtained from a tumor produced after injection of BZR cells, were also tumorigenic; however, they exhibited a shorter latent period. When these same cell lines were injected sc and iv into athymic BALB/c mice, BEAS-2B cells were not tumorigenic, and the BZR-T33 cells were more tumorigenic than the BZR cells. The incidence of spontaneous metastases after sc inoculation was zero for BEAS-2B cells, 33% for BZR cells, and 100% for BZR-T33 cells. Similar increasing values that correlated well with the data on in vivo growth were noted in the in vitro invasion assay, the collagenolytic ability, and the mRNA expression of type IV collagenase. Normal human bronchial epithelial cells showed the lowest values in all the assays. These progressive changes occurring in cells derived from the same parental line indicate that the presence of the v-Ha-ras oncogene in immortalized bronchial cells is associated with a full-fledged malignant phenotype, which is further enhanced by in vivo passaging.

Animals

Enhancement of the invasive ability of a transformed human bronchial epithelial cell line by 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate and diacylglycerol.

The effect of the tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) was studied using an immortalized human bronchial epithelial cell line, BEAS-2B, both in vivo and in vitro. The in vivo model consisted of tracheas reconstituted with an epithelium of BEAS-2B cells xenotransplanted into athymic nude mice. Intraluminal TPA treatment caused increased BEAS-2B cell proliferation and downgrowth into the tracheal stroma. In an in vitro invasion assay, TPA enhanced the invasive capacity of BEAS-2B cells 20- to 25-fold. A similar result was observed with diacylglycerol (DAG), an endogenous activator of protein kinase C, and the effects of TPA and DAG were abolished by simultaneous treatment with H-7, a protein kinase C inhibitor. TPA induced type IV collagenolysis, and this effect also was prevented by H-7. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that TPA causes these cells to become invasive by inducing collagenase activity and that this effect is mediated via protein kinase C.

Animals

Expression of human recombinant plasminogen activators enhances invasion and experimental metastasis of H-ras-transformed NIH 3T3 cells.

The gene transfer technique was used to examine the role of plasminogen activator (PA) in the invasive and metastatic behavior of tumorigenic cells. H-ras-transformed NIH 3T3 clonal cells producing a very low level of PA were generated and further transfected with an expression plasmid containing a cDNA sequence encoding either the urokinase-type or the tissue-type human PA. Compared with the parental transformed cells, clonal cells expressing high levels of both types of recombinant PA invaded more rapidly through a basement membrane reconstituted in vitro. Furthermore, cells expressing high levels of recombinant urokinase-type PA also caused a higher incidence of pulmonary metastatic lesions after intravenous injection into nude mice. Both activities were reduced by the serine proteinase inhibitor EACA; invasion was also suppressed by antibodies blocking the activity of human PAs and by the synthetic collagenase inhibitor SC-44463. These findings provide direct genetic evidence for a causal role of PA in invasive and metastatic activities.

Animals

Increased calcium levels alter cellular and molecular events in wound healing.

Surgical morbidity is dictated directly by wound healing. We have studied the effects of elevated calcium levels using cultured keratinocytes in vitro on two of the rate-limiting steps of wound healing, chemotaxis (directed migration) and adhesion. We found that the increased calcium (10 mmol/L) significantly inhibited both keratinocyte chemotaxis and adhesion (p less than 0.05). The calcium effect on adhesion could be partially reversed by pretreatment with the calcium channel blocker verapamil. Based on these data, an animal model was formulated in which topical calcium (5 mmol/L/day) was added to linear incision wounds. This resulted in significantly (p less than 0.05) delayed wound contraction characteristic of a chronic or impaired wound. Wound contraction depends on the presence of fibroblasts that synthesize collagen. The chronic wound was characterized by increased collagenase activity (p less than 0.05) but little alteration in collagen I synthesis. The addition of verapamil to these chronic wounds resulted in improved wound closure. These studies define the molecular and cellular events occurring as a result of the addition of elevated levels of calcium both in vitro and in vivo. Calcium may play a key role in the pathogenesis of chronic wounds.

Animals

Differential regulation of growth and invasiveness of MCF-7 breast cancer cells by antiestrogens.

Estrogen increases the ability of the estrogen-dependent MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line to both proliferate and invade through an artificial basement membrane. In studying the response of MCF-7 cells to various antiestrogens, we found that 4-hydroxytamoxifen and tamoxifen inhibited cell proliferation but increased their invasiveness. In contrast, the structurally unrelated benzothiophene antiestrogens, LY117018 and LY156758, were potent antiproliferative agents which did not stimulate invasiveness. The differential effects of these antiestrogenic agents on invasion correlated with changes in production of collagenase IV, while no significant change was seen in the chemotactic activity of the cells. Invasiveness was increased by 17 beta-estradiol or 4-hydroxytamoxifen after a few hours of treatment and was rapidly lost when 17 beta-estradiol was withdrawn. Stimulation of invasiveness with 17 beta-estradiol was blocked by the antiestrogen, LY117018. Cells from the MDA-MB-231 line which lacks estrogen receptors were not affected by estrogen or antiestrogen in terms of proliferation or invasion. These studies indicate that the invasiveness of MCF-7 cells is regulated by antiestrogens through the estrogen receptor and may be mediated by collagenase IV activity. Antiestrogens which reduce both the proliferation and invasiveness of these cells may be interesting new candidates for clinical application.

Breast Neoplasms

Effects of inhibitors of plasminogen activator, serine proteinases, and collagenase IV on the invasion of basement membranes by metastatic cells.

Using both human and murine cell lines, we show that malignant cells are able to invade through basement membrane and also secrete elevated amounts of collagenase IV, an enzyme implicated in the degradation of basement membranes. Using serine proteinase inhibitors and antibodies to plasminogen activators as well as a newly described collagenase inhibitor we demonstrate that a protease cascade leads to the activation of an enzyme(s) that cleaves collagen IV. Inhibition at each step reduces the invasion of the tumor cells through reconstituted basement membrane in vitro. Treatment with a collagenase inhibitor reduced the incidence of lung lesions in mice given i.v. injections of malignant melanoma cells.

Animals

Inhibitors of collagenase IV and cell adhesion reduce the invasive activity of malignant tumour cells.

The invasive activities of some malignant cells appear to be activated by contact with laminin. This protein occurs solely in basement membranes and the binding of malignant cells to the surface of this extracellular matrix initiates the invasion process. Passage of the cells across basement membrane requires degradative activity and laminin induces the production of collagenase IV which lyses the collagen IV network. The motility of the cells is enhanced by chemo-attractants and by matrix molecules. Peptides that inhibit the binding of tumour cells to laminin, inhibitors of collagenase IV, and inhibitors of specific pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism prevent invasion as well as the metastasis of malignant cells and could be employed to stop the spread of cancer.

Animals

Factors regulating basement membrane invasion by tumor cells.

Basement membranes serve as significant barriers to the passage of tumor cells but ones which metastatic cells can pass. This involves the production of a cascade of proteases leading to the activation of a specific collagenase that degrades the unique collagen network in basement membrane. Breast cancer cells, when estrogen dependent, show a requirement for estrogen for invasive activity. However, when these cells progress to an estrogen independent state and increased malignancy, they express an invasive phenotype constitutively. Studies with various anti-estrogens suggest that these responses are mediated via the estrogen receptor. Anti-estrogens lacking agonist activity suppress invasiveness as well as growth of the breast cancer cells.

Basement Membrane

Modulatory role of eicosanoids in vascular changes during the preovulatory period in the rat.

Previous studies have demonstrated the involvement of eicosanoids (prostaglandins and hydroxyperoxides, including leukotrienes) in ovulation in several mammalian species. In this study, the role played by eicosanoids in the vascular changes that occur in the immediate preovulatory period after human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulation was examined in the rat. Changes in the ovarian uptake of two iodinated proteins were examined 30 minutes after i.v. injection of 125I-bovine serum albumin (BSA, Mr = 68,000) and 125I-alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2M, Mr = 750,000). Uptake was measured during 30 min, 0, 3, 6, and 9 h after induction of ovulation by an i.p. injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG, 10 IU). hCG enhanced the uptake of both iodinated proteins, with peak uptake values at 6 and 9 h. Intra-bursal injections of an ovulation inhibiting dose (0.5 mg/bursa) of indomethacin-a cycooxygenase inhibitor-and nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), esculetin, or caffeic acid--inhibitors of lipoxygenase--concomitantly with hCG attenuated the action of the hormone on 125I-BSA uptake. Indomethacin and esculetin were without effect on the uptake of alpha 2M. Ovarian and follicular blood flow was measured using 113Sn-microspheres. hCG increased ovarian and follicular blood flow with the most pronounced effect at the early time of 1.5 h. Indomethacin and NDGA did not attenuate this action of hCG. Accordingly, ovarian vascular resistance was reduced by hCG at 1.5, 6, and 9 h post-hCG, respectively, and indomethacin and NDGA had no significant effects. We suggest that one way in which eicosanoids are involved in follicular rupture is by their modulation of vascular permeability as revealed by uptake of the protein marker albumin.

Animals

Steroids and follicular rupture at ovulation.

The preovulatory surge of gonadotropins stimulates follicular steroidogenesis and changes from estrogen as the major product to progesterone. We shall overview the studies dealing with the role of ovarian steroidogenesis in follicular rupture at ovulation. Several inhibitors of steroidogenesis blocked follicular rupture in vivo. Likewise, RU 38486 partially blocked ovulation triggered by hCG. Collectively, these data support the knowledge that follicular steroidogenesis is required for ovulation. Recent studies confirmed the essential role of plasminogen activator (PA) in follicular rupture. The LH stimulation of PA activity was partially blocked by several inhibitors of steroidogenesis and it could be restored by the addition of progesterone, testosterone and estradiol-17 beta, but not the non-aromatizable 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone. Gonadotropic stimulation enhanced only the synthesis of tissue type PA (t-PA) and not that of urokinase. Likewise, inhibition of steroidogenesis, reduced only the synthesis of t-PA and was reversed by addition of estradiol-17 beta. It seems, therefore, that follicular steroids, most probably estrogen, are involved in the preovulatory rise in follicular t-PA activity.

Aminoglutethimide

Thyroid carcinoma metastatic to the orbit.

Metastatic thyroid carcinoma rarely involves the orbit. A 35-year-old woman with a history of thyroid lobectomy for a "benign" goiter 6 years earlier presented with a right superotemporal mass causing bony erosion of the lateral orbital wall shown by clinical examination and computed tomographic (CT) scanning. Orbital exploration with biopsy showed metastatic thyroid carcinoma. This represents the youngest patient reported with this rare condition.

Adult

Follicular fluid contents as predictors of success of in-vitro fertilization-embryo transfer.

In order to establish criteria for selection of the best ova in in-vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) programes we have examined the follicular fluid (FF) levels of plasminogen activator (PA), collagenolytic activity, progesterone (P) and alpha 2 macroglobulin (alpha 2M) and related them to the success of pregnancy. PA activity was similar in FF of pregnant and nonpregnant cycles, 13.8 +/- 3.9 mU/ml versus 14.6 +/- 2.9 (mean +/- SEM) respectively. By contrast, FF from pregnant cycles exhibited lower collagenolytic activity (49.6 +/- 3.9% versus 67.9 +/- 3.0; P less than 0.001). Likewise, in a semi-quantitative assay of alpha 2M, only 18.4% of the aspirates from pregnant cycles showed a precipitation line, whereas 76.8% of those from non-pregnant cycles were positive. Levels of P in aspirates from pregnant cycles were in the intermediate range, as compared with those from non-pregnant cycles (0.06-5.5 micrograms/ml versus 0.02-12.0 micrograms/ml). All these assays can be completed before ET and performed in IVF-ET programmes. In conclusion, it seems that a combination of follicular alpha 2M levels and collagenolytic activity, and to a lesser extent addition of P assay, may serve as good criteria for selecting the best embryos for establishment of pregnancy.

Cleavage Stage, Ovum

Arachidonic acid metabolism in human granulosa cells: evidence for cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase activity in vitro.

In view of the studies demonstrating the involvement of eicosanoids (prostaglandins and hydroxyperoxides, including leukotrienes) in ovulation in several mammalian species, we have examined the activity of the two enzyme systems, lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase in human granulosa cells obtained from women undergoing in-vitro fertilization--embryo transfer. The activity of cyclooxygenase was assessed by radioimmunoassay of prostaglandin E and of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha, the conversion product of prostacyclin, accumulated in the culture medium of granulosa cells. Lipoxygenase activity was detected by the conversion of [14C]arachidonic acid into its products (hydroxyperoxides and leukotrienes) separated by reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The results confirmed the activity of cyclooxygenase in human granulosa cells, production in vitro of prostaglandin E and prostacyclin and demonstrated the presence of active lipoxygenase enzymes. These results support the possible involvement of eicosanoids in ovulation of the human.

Arachidonic Acids

Intrafollicular distribution of plasminogen activators and their hormonal regulation in vitro.

Recent studies from our laboratory corroborated the suggested role of plasminogen activation in follicular rupture at ovulation, and its involvement in the activation process of collagenolysis in the follicle. In the present study, the molecular types and cellular source of plasminogen activator (PA) were examined. Explanted preovulatory follicles produced in vitro both urokinase type and tissue type (t-PA) activators. Upon gonadotropin stimulation a highly significant increase in t-PA, but not in urokinase type, was observed. Separation of the follicle into granulosa cells and residual tissue, mainly theca, revealed that both compartments produce both types of PA. The granulosa compartment was found to produce 80-90% of the total follicular PA activity. Gonadotropins stimulated predominantly t-PA. Most of the gonadotropin-enhanced PA activity produced by granulosa cells was secreted into the culture medium, whereas that from thecal origin remained in the tissue. Likewise, in whole follicles only about 10% of PA was secreted into the medium. Gonadotropin-induced PA activity in vitro was reduced by inhibitors of steroidogenesis. This inhibition was overcome by the addition of estradiol-17 beta. The inhibition of steroidogenesis affected predominantly the t-PA type of PA. In conclusion, the granulosa cells contribute most of the follicular PA activity, and t-PA is predominantly enhanced by gonadotropin and estrogen. It seems, therefore, that t-PA is the activator involved in the processes leading to follicular rupture.

Animals