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Biomedical subjects

S Krause

Publications and source records attributed to S Krause.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

BEACOPP: a new regimen for advanced Hodgkin's disease. German Hodgkin's Lymphoma Study Group.

The BEACOPP chemotherapy regimen for advanced Hodgkin's disease employs a rearranged schedule permitting a shortened three-week cycle. With haematological growth factor support, the dosages of cyclophosphamide, etoposide and adriamycin could be moderately escalated. The 3-armed multicentre HD9 trial (recruitment 1993-1998; 1300 patients randomised) aimed to compare BEACOPP with the standard COPP/ABVD chemotherapy and to detect and measure the gain in efficacy, if any, due to moderate dose escalation of BEACOPP. Eight cycles were given, followed by local irradiation. The most recent interim analysis, with 689 evaluable patients, circa 40% of all expected events and a median observation time of 27 months, showed significant differences in progression rate (P) and in two-year freedom from treatment failure (F) between the treatment arms, with escalated BEACOPP (P = 2%, F = 89%) better than baseline BEACOPP (P = 9%, F = 81%) better than COPP/ABVD (P = 13%, F = 72%). Survival was not significantly different. Acute toxicity was more severe due to dose escalation, but remained manageable. These preliminary results suggest that BEACOPP improves efficacy. Moderate dose escalation is feasible with G-CSF support and appears likely to make a worthwhile improvement in the cure rate. The results must await confirmation (or otherwise) by the final analysis including all randomised patients and sufficiently mature data.

Adolescent↗

BEACOPP, a new dose-escalated and accelerated regimen, is at least as effective as COPP/ABVD in patients with advanced-stage Hodgkin's lymphoma: interim report from a trial of the German Hodgkin's Lymphoma Study Group.

PURPOSE: The HD9 trial aims to evaluate whether moderate dose escalation and/or acceleration of standard polychemotherapy is beneficial for advanced-stage Hodgkin's disease (HD). Two variants of a novel bleomycin, etoposide, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone (BEACOPP) scheme (standard and escalated dose) are compared with cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone (COPP)/doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The randomized, three-arm trial recruited patients in stages IIB and IIIA with risk factors and stages IIIB and IV. BEACOPP in baseline dose contains all drug dosages of COPP/ABVD (except vincristine and procarbazine) rearranged in a shorter, 3-week cycle. Escalated BEACOPP uses higher doses of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and etoposide with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) support. After eight chemotherapy cycles, initial bulky and residual disease is irradiated. The trial is monitored and analyzed by means of a sequential strategy. RESULTS: An interim analysis with 505 assessable patients and a median follow-up of 23 months showed a significant inferiority (according to sequential monitoring strategy) of the COPP/ABVD regimen in progression rate and freedom from treatment failure (FFTF) compared with the pooled results of both BEACOPP variants. The 24-month FFTF rate was 75% for COPP/ABVD and 84% for BEACOPP pooled (P = .034). There was 12% progressive disease with COPP/ABVD and 6% with BEACOPP pooled. Differences in survival were not significant in sequential analysis. The acute toxicity of baseline BEACOPP resembled that of COPP/ABVD; escalated BEACOPP showed increased but manageable hematologic toxicity. CONCLUSION: Combined with local irradiation, BEACOPP in one or both variants shows superior disease control compared with COPP/ABVD, with acceptable acute toxicity. Further follow-up is required to assess the effect of dosage and the effect on survival and late toxicities.

Adolescent↗

Platelets inhibit the activity of platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase in monocyte-derived macrophages.

Blood platelets are capable of interacting with monocytes and macrophages and of enhancing various functions of these cells, which are believed to play a role in thrombosis and inflammation. An increase in the uptake of oxidised low density lipoprotein (LDL), in the synthesis of procoagulant tissue factor, thrombospondin and leukotrienes, as well as stimulation of oxygen radical production by platelets has been described (1-5). In circulating blood, a substantial proportion of monocytes was found to be associated with platelets, but the pathophysiological significance of such platelet-monocyte conjugates is not yet clear (6,7). Immigration of monocytes into the arterial intima and their differentiation into macrophages are initial steps in the development of an atherosclerotic lesion (8). During differentiation, there is a tremendous increase in the activity and secretion of the enzyme PAF acetylhydrolase (PAF = platelet-activating factor = 1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) (9,10), and there is some evidence that this enzyme may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. It cleaves PAF, and the remaining lyso-PAF is chemotactic for monocytes (11). Furthermore it also acts on oxidised low density lipoproteins and enhances their uptake into macrophages (12,13). We were therefore interested in investigating whether platelets may modulate the differentiation of monocytes into macrophages and the activity of PAF acetylhydrolase.

1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase↗

Structural requirements for RNA editing in glutamate receptor pre-mRNAs by recombinant double-stranded RNA adenosine deaminase.

Pre-mRNAs for brain-expressed ionotropic glutamate receptor subunits undergo RNA editing by site-specific adenosine deamination, which alters codons for molecular determinants of channel function. This nuclear process requires double-stranded RNA structures formed by exonic and intronic sequences in the pre-mRNA and is likely to be catalyzed by an adenosine deaminase that recognizes these structures as a substrate. DRADA, a double-stranded RNA adenosine deaminase, is a candidate enzyme for L-glutamate-activated receptor channel (GluR) pre-mRNA editing. We show here that DRADA indeed edits GluR pre-mRNAs, but that it displays selectivity for certain editing sites. Recombinantly expressed DRADA, both in its full-length form and in an N-terminally truncated version, edited the Q/R site in GluR6 pre-mRNA and the R/G site but not the Q/R site of GluR-B pre-mRNA. This substrate selectivity correlated with the base pairing status and sequence environment of the editing-targeted adenosines. The Q/R site of GluR-B pre-mRNA was edited by an activity partially purified from HeLa cells and thus differently structured editing sites in GluR pre-mRNAs appear to be substrates for different enzymatic activities.

Adenosine↗

Contact-induced modulation of neutrophil elastase secretion and phagocytic activity by platelets.

It has been reported that platelets stimulate generation of reactive oxygen species in neutrophils and monocytes by a mechanism that requires mutual cell-cell contact and the presence of P-selectin on the platelet surface. In the present study we investigated the effect of platelet-neutrophil contacts on neutrophil elastase secretion and phagocytic activity. Non-activated or thrombin-activated platelets were fixed with formaldehyde, washed and incubated with neutrophils in the absence or presence of various neutrophil agonists. Elastase secretion was determined by measuring the enzyme activity in cell-free supernatants using a chromogenic substrate. Platelet-neutrophil adhesion and ingestion of zymosan particles by neutrophils were quantitated by light microscopy. Platelets significantly reduced elastase secretion from neutrophils but had no effect on the elastase activity in the supernatant of neutrophil lysates. When neutrophils were stimulated with the ionophore A23187 or the chemotactic peptide FMLP, thrombin-activated platelets were more potent to inhibit elastase secretion when compared with non-activated platelets. Neutrophils that were not able to bind platelets to their surface had a significantly lower phagocytic activity when compared with neutrophil with adherent platelets or neutrophils that were incubated in the absence of platelets. The results indicate that platelet-neutrophil contacts may also lead to an inhibition of neutrophil functions and that such inhibition could be due to a transient contact rather than due to a firm platelet-neutrophil adhesion.

Blood Platelets↗

Growth factor-induced epidermal invasion of the dermis in human skin organ culture: dermal invasion correlated with epithelial cell motility.

We have developed a model of human squamous epithelial cell invasion in human skin organ culture. Epidermal invasion of the dermis occurs in this model when the tissue is exposed to an exogenous source of epithelial cell growth factor. In the present study we sought to determine to what extent growth factor-induced invasion correlates with the ability of the growth factor to induce epithelial cell motility. Histological examination of tissue treated with epidermal growth factor (EGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) or keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) showed that only HGF and EGF were inducers of invasion while KGF- and IGF-1-treated tissues were histologically similar to untreated controls. In parallel studies, HGF and EGF were found to be potent stimulators of epidermal keratinocyte motility while IGF-1 was less effective and KGF was even less so. None of the growth factors stimulated dermal fibroblast motility while HGF and to a lesser extent IGF-1 (but not EGF or KGF) stimulated motility of dermal vascular endothelial cells. Thus, there is a strong correlation between growth factor capacity to induce epidermal keratinocytes to invade the underlying dermal tissue and to induce motility in the invasive population of cells.

Adult↗

Acetylated low density lipoprotein inhibits the incorporation of arachidonic acid in phospholipids with a concomitant increase of cholesterol arachidonate in rat peritoneal macrophages.

The aim of our work was to evaluate the influence of native low density lipoproteins (LDL) and LDL chemically modified by acetylation (acLDL) on incorporation and release of arachidonic acid (AA) in rat peritoneal macrophages. Compared to a control group without treatment, 100 micrograms/ml of acLDL for 15 h considerably increased the incorporation of [3H]AA in cholesterol-ester (CE) of rat peritoneal macrophages and induced a decrease of 3H-labeled membrane phospholipids (PL). No effect was shown with LDL treatment. In the presence of acLDL, LS3251 (100 nM), an acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) inhibitor, inhibited the [3H]AA incorporation into CE in macrophages. [3H]AA-prelabeled macrophages cultured for 15 h with acLDL (compared to macrophages untreated or treated with LDL) showed an increase of labeled CE and a decrease of labeled PL and of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase eicosanoid production. After zymosan stimulation of macrophages prelabeled with [3H]AA and treated with or without LDL or acLDL, AA release and eicosanoid production increased in all groups of macrophages. The inhibition of eicosanoid production in foam cells does not seem to be linked to an inhibition of phospholipase but rather paralleled to an increase of the cholesterol [3H]arachidonate. A significant portion of cellular arachidonate released from phospholipids, in particular from phosphatidylcholine, could serve as a substrate to ACAT in this foam cell.

Acetylation↗

Isolation of genomic and cDNA clones encoding bovine poly(A) binding protein II.

cDNA clones for bovine poly(A) binding protein II (PAB II) were isolated. Their sequence predicts a protein of 32.8 kDa, revising earlier estimates of molecular mass. The protein contains one putative RNA-binding domain of the RNP type, an acidic N-terminal and a basic C-terminal domain. Analyses of authentic PAB II were in good agreement with all predictions from the cDNA sequence except that a number of arginine residues appeared to be post-translationally modified. Poly(A) binding protein II expressed in Escherichia coli was active in poly(A) binding and reconstitution of processive polyadenylation, including poly(A) tail length control. The cDNA clones showed a number of potential PAB II binding sites in the 3' untranslated sequence. Bovine poly(A)+RNA contained two mRNAs hybridizing to a PAB II-specific probe. Analysis of a genomic clone revealed six introns in the coding sequence. The revised molecular mass led to a demonstration of PAB II oligomer formation and a reinterpretation of earlier data concerning the protein's binding to poly(A).

Amino Acid Sequence↗

YAC/P1 contigs defining the location of 56 microsatellite markers and several genes across a 3.4-cM interval on mouse chromosome 11.

The characterization of three YAC/P1 contigs from adjacent segments of the central region of mouse Chromosome (Chr) 11 is described. These contigs are based upon 63 YACs and 40 P1 recombinants. From these clones, 185 end sequences were obtained, of which 147 sequences could be converted into sequence-tagged sites and mapped within the three contigs. Deletions were detected in 16 out of 63 YACs; 19 of 63 YACs were found to be chimeric. No such aberrations were found in P1 recombinants. A total of 22 public and 34 newly developed microsatellite markers were unambiguously localized to and ordered in the contigs. In the cryb1/Nf1 interval of the central contig, several new genes have been identified by exon trapping and precisely localized with respect to known STS markers.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Expression and characterization of preproVIP derived peptides in the human male urogenital tract.

Expression of the gene sequence encoding vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) leads to the synthesis of a 170 amino acid precursor molecule which can be processed to five fragments: preproVIP 22-79, peptide histidine methionine (PHM), or peptide histidine valine (PHV), preproVIP 111-122, VIP and preproVIP 156-170. Using region specific radioimmunoassays and antisera against the functional domains of the VIP precursor in combination with immunocytochemistry and chromatography, the localization, distribution and identity of the preproVIP derived peptides within the human male urogenital tract were investigated. Postmortem as well as fresh tissue specimens were used. All the preproVIP derived peptides were expressed and could be demonstrated in nerve fibres throughout the urogenital tract in close relation to the epithelial lining and in vascular as well as non-vascular smooth muscle. The VIP-related peptide containing fibres were most abundant in the prostate parenchyma and the seminal vesicle. Using double immunostaining, co-localization of the various preproVIP derived peptides could be evidenced. The fact that all preproVIP derived peptides are present in the urogenital tract, should be taken into consideration when the regulatory aspects of neuropeptides in physiological and pathophysiological functions are discussed.

Adult↗

Cloning of cDNAs encoding mammalian double-stranded RNA-specific adenosine deaminase.

Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-specific adenosine deaminase converts adenosine to inosine in dsRNA. The protein has been purified from calf thymus, and here we describe the cloning of cDNAs encoding both the human and rat proteins as well as a partial bovine clone. The human and rat clones are very similar at the amino acid level except at their N termini and contain three dsRNA binding motifs, a putative nuclear targeting signal, and a possible deaminase motif. Antibodies raised against the protein encoded by the partial bovine clone specifically recognize the calf thymus dsRNA adenosine deaminase. Furthermore, the antibodies can immunodeplete a calf thymus extract of dsRNA adenosine deaminase activity, and the activity can be restored by addition of pure bovine deaminase. Staining of HeLa cells confirms the nuclear localization of the dsRNA-specific adenosine deaminase. In situ hybridization in rat brain slices indicates a widespread distribution of the enzyme in the brain.

Adenosine Deaminase↗

Generation of reactive oxygen species and activity of platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase in human monocyte-derived macrophages.

Monocytes were prepared from healthy human volunteers and were allowed to differentiate into macrophages by adhesion to plastic surface and cultured over 7 days in presence of either 10% fetal calf serum (FCS), human control serum or serum from hyperlipaemic patients. Hyperlipaemic serum stimulated the differentiation (measured as an increase in cellular protein and DNA content) to a higher extent when compared to control serum and FCS. With all sera a marked increase of the cellular activity of the enzyme platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) and a tremendous decrease in the capacity of cells to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) was observed. After seven days of culture the increase in PAH-AH activity was about 19-fold with hyperlipaemic serum, 11-fold with control serum and 6-fold with FCS. During the same period of time ROS generation measured as zymosan-induced chemiluminescence decreased by about 98% and no significant differences between the three types of serum were found. The results indicate that the activity of PAF-AH and the capacity of ROS generation which are both assumed to play an important role in the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and thus in the development of atherosclerosis, change in opposite direction during the differentiation of blood monocytes into macrophages, and that hyperlipaemic serum stimulates PAF-AH activity but not ROS generation.

1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase↗

A yeast artificial chromosome contig on mouse chromosome 11 encompassing the nu locus.

Mutations at the nude locus disrupt the homing process of T cell progenitor cells to the thymic rudiment, a key aspect of T cell differentiation. Here, we map the nude locus to a set of overlapping yeast artificial chromosomes (YAC) clones covering a genetic interval of about 0.5 centi Morgan on mouse chromosome 11. These results provide a suitable starting point to molecularly clone the nude gene.

Animals↗

Immunodetection of poly(A) binding protein II in the cell nucleus.

During the polyadenylation of pre-mRNA in vitro, poly(A) binding protein II (PAB II) binds to the growing poly(A) tail, stimulating its extension. The subcellular localization of PAB II was investigated with an antibody affinity-purified from rabbit serum raised against the purified protein. Immunofluorescence microscopy detected PAB II exclusively in the cell nucleus, both in a widespread staining and in more intensely stained "speckles." PAB II was excluded from the nucleoli. By electron microscopy, PAB II was also found almost exclusively in the nucleus, predominantly in clusters of interchromatin granules, likely corresponding to the speckles observed by immunofluorescence microscopy, and in perichromatin fibrils, which represent nascent transcripts and probably the sites of pre-mRNA processing. In addition, electron microscopy also detected PAB II in nucleoli. The distribution corresponds largely to that of other factors involved in the processing of pre-mRNA and is thus in agreement with the proposed role of the protein in polyadenylation.

Blotting, Western↗

Monocyte differentiation and accessory function: different effects on the proliferative responses of an autoreactive T cell clone as compared to alloreactive or antigen-specific T cell lines and primary mixed lymphocyte cultures.

An autoreactive T cell clone derived from a patient with reactive arthritis, two alloreactive T cell lines, two antigen-specific T cell lines and allogeneic resting T cells were analyzed for their responses to monocytes and macrophages derived from monocytes by in vitro differentiation. The autoreactive T cell clone strongly proliferated in response to fresh monocytes and to macrophages derived from a 7 day culture, but only poorly to monocytes cultured for 2 days. In contrast, alloreactive and antigen-specific T cell lines proliferated to all stimulatory cells equally well. Finally, primary mixed lymphocyte reactions could be stimulated by both fresh and 2-day cultured monocytes, but not by in vitro derived macrophages. The impaired response of the autoreactive T cell clone to 2-day cultured monocytes could not be attributed to reduced expression of several well-defined surface molecules nor to induction of nonresponsiveness. Neither allogeneic monocytes nor cytokines (IL-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6) could correct the defective response of the autoreactive T cell clone. However, preculture of monocytes in the presence of interferon-gamma, IL-1, IL-4 or IL-6 retained their stimulatory capacity. Our interpretation of the selectively impaired response of the autoreactive T cell clone is that it most likely recognizes a differentiation-dependent monocyte/macrophage-specific peptide.

Antigen-Presenting Cells↗