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Biomedical subjects

S Murthy

Publications and source records attributed to S Murthy.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Thallium-201 and iodine-131 scintigraphy in differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

UNLABELLED: The purpose of this study was to determine the concordance and discordance between diagnostic 131I and 201TI whole-body scintigraphy in patients with differentiated carcinoma of the thyroid. METHODS: Following thyroidectomy for differentiated thyroid carcinoma, 50 patients underwent whole-body 131I and 201TI scanning (60 pairs of scans in total). Fifteen pairs of studies were obtained before ablative therapy, 30 pairs after ablative therapy and 15 pairs after 131I therapy for metastatic disease. Serum thyroglobulin levels were concurrently determined by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: Thirty-six 131I whole-body scans (in 34 patients) showed residual uptake in the neck, but only six (17%) of the corresponding whole-body thallium studies had detectable uptake in the neck. Fourteen 131I scans (in nine patients) identified multiple metastatic lesions, whereas the thallium scans were interpreted as either negative, nonspecific or showing fewer lesions. In four study pairs, the thallium scans showed solitary lesions that were not detected by the corresponding radioiodine scans. In 16 scans, the thallium studies gave false-positive results. CONCLUSION: Iodine-131 scintigraphy for differentiated thyroid carcinoma is more sensitive and more specific than 201TI scintigraphy for detection of distant metastases and residual activity in the neck following thyroidectomy.

Adenocarcinoma, Follicular↗

Esterification of plasma membrane cholesterol and triacylglycerol-rich lipoprotein secretion in CaCo-2 cells: possible role of p-glycoprotein.

Acylcoenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) and/or cholesteryl esters have been implicated as important factors in the normal assembly of apolipoprotein (apoB)-containing lipoproteins. The predominant substrate for ACAT is believed to originate from cholesterol contained within the plasma membrane. To investigate a possible role of intestinal plasma membrane cholesterol in triacylglycerol-rich lipoprotein synthesis and secretion, CaCo-2 cells were incubated with agents that are known to interfere with cholesterol transport from the plasma membrane to the ER. Progesterone, verapamil, and trifluoperazine significantly decreased the movement of cholesterol from plasma membrane to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in CaCo-2 cells. Without altering the synthesis of apoB and independent of their effects on cellular cholesterol esterification, progesterone, verapamil, and trifluoperazine decreased the basolateral secretion of triacylglycerols, cholesteryl esters, and immunoreactive and newly synthesized apoB. The three agents also interfered with the esterification of cholesterol absorbed from taurocholate micelles. As progesterone, verapamil, and trifluoperazine are recognized inhibitors of p-glycoprotein, a variety of agents that have been shown to interfere with p-glycoprotein function were tested to investigate their effects on cholesterol transport and apoB secretion. All the agents significantly decreased in parallel both cholesterol transport and apoB secretion. In contrast, methotrexate, an antimetabolite that does not interact with p-glycoprotein, had no effect. Nigericin, a potassium ionophore, which causes alkalinization of intracellular vesicles, also caused a profound inhibition of cholesterol transport and apoB secretion. Preventing plasma membrane cholesterol from arriving at the ER, or inhibiting the esterification of plasma membrane cholesterol, does not alter apoB secretion. However, the results suggest a possible role for p-glycoprotein in normal cholesterol trafficking and triacylglycerol-rich lipoprotein secretion in CaCo-2 cells. It is postulated that p-glycoprotein might function to maintain the acidic environment of transport vesicles, and therefore, could play a role in the transport of lipids by the intestine.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

Lysophosphatidylcholine increases the secretion of cholesteryl ester-poor triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins by CaCo-2 cells.

To address the effect of lysophosphatidylcholine on triacylglycerol transport in intestine, CaCo-2 cells, grown on semipermeable supports, were incubated with lysophosphatidylcholine solubilized in 1 mM taurocholate. [14C]Palmitoyllysophosphatidylcholine was readily taken up and incorporated predominantly into cellular phospholipids, particularly phosphatidylcholine. Twenty-five percent of the label was found in triacylglycerols. Compared with labelled cellular phospholipids, labelled triacylglycerols were preferentially secreted. Lysophosphatidylcholine caused a profound decrease in cholesteryl ester synthesis and secretion, whereas cellular triacylglycerol mass and triacylglycerol synthesis and secretion were increased. The effect was more pronounced with oleoyllysophosphatidylcholine than with either palmitoyl- or stearyl-lysophosphatidylcholine. Lysophosphatidylcholine increased the secretion of immunoreactive and newly-synthesized apoprotein B (apoB) without altering the rate of apoB synthesis. Thus, luminal lysophosphatidylcholine and/or its uptake decreases cholesterol esterification and secretion, but increases triacylglycerol synthesis and secretion, triacylglycerol mass accumulation and the secretion of apoB by CaCo-2 cells.

Animals↗

Phase I clinical evaluation of a new murine monoclonal antibody (Mu-9) against colon-specific antigen-p for targeting gastrointestinal carcinomas.

BACKGROUND: Colon-specific antigen-p is a tumor-associated antigen present in approximately 60% of colorectal cancers. Preclinical studies have shown that the murine monoclonal antibody Mu-9 has excellent tumor-targeting abilities; therefore, clinical studies were initiated. METHODS: The immunoglobulin G and F(ab')2 were radiolabeled with 131I and administered to 13 and 12 patients, respectively, with advanced gastrointestinal cancer (colon, rectal, and pancreatic) for radioimmunodetection or radioimmunotherapy. RESULTS: Even in patients with highly elevated carcinoembryonic antigen levels, only one patient showed appreciable complexation of the labeled antibody, suggesting the epitope may not be highly expressed in the blood. Fifty percent of 131I-Mu-9 immunoglobulin G was cleared from the blood within 41 +/- 13 hours, while it took only 19 +/- 8 hours for the same amount of 131I-F(ab')2 to be cleared from the blood. Lesion detection in the abdomen, liver, and pelvis was greater than 90% for either the immunoglobulin G or F(ab')2. The dose absorbed by the normal organs, except the kidneys, was two- to threefold less for the F(ab')2 than for the whole immunoglobulin G. The dose to the kidneys was similar for both forms of immunoglobulin. The average tumor dose for 131I-Mu-9 immunoglobulin G was 13.9 +/- 11.0 cGy/mCi, and for 131I-F(ab')2 was 4.9 +/- 2.9. Tumor/red marrow dose ratios for the whole immunoglobulin G were 4.3 +/- 3.0, compared to 3.3 +/- 1.9 for the F(ab')2, suggesting the therapeutic window for the two forms of immunoglobulin may be similar. Eight of nine patients given the whole immunoglobulin G developed highly elevated levels of human anti-mouse antibody, whereas lower values were observed in five of seven patients given the F(ab')2. CONCLUSIONS: These initial results support the need for further evaluation of Mu-9 immunoglobulin G and F(ab')2 for targeting gastrointestinal cancer for radioimmunotherapy.

Adult↗

Radioimmunodetection of non-small cell lung cancer using technetium-99m-anticarcinoembryonic antigen IMMU-4 Fab' fragment. Preliminary results.

BACKGROUND: Although computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging have improved the staging and evaluation of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), mediastinal staging lacks adequate specificity and sensitivity. Radioimmunodetection may augment computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The authors evaluated the ability of the technetium 99m-anticarcinoembryonic antigen IMMU-4 Fab' fragment to localize NSCLC in vivo, measured its pharmacokinetics, and estimated its radiation dose. METHODS: Seventeen patients with carcinoembryonic antigen-positive NSCLC received 16-30 mCi of technetium 99m IMMU-4 Fab'. Planar imaging was performed at 1-7 hours and 20-24 hours. Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was performed within 8 hours after injection. In 10 patients, blood sampling, urine collection, and quantitative imaging were performed to determine blood and urine pharmacokinetics and radiation dose estimates. Human anti-mouse antibody response was measured for as long as 3 months after administration. RESULTS: Planar and/or SPECT imaging detected 72% of 32 known lesions. SPECT was more sensitive than planar imaging. T1/2 alpha averaged 0.18 +/- 0.33 hours; T1/2 beta averaged 8.02 +/- 5.53 hours. The mean concentration versus time value was 1.11 +/- 0.56 mg.h. The average whole body dose estimated for administration of 30 mCi was 0.45 +/- 0.08 rads. No human anti-mouse antibody responses were detected. CONCLUSION: The tumor detection rate was high, but the persistent blood pool at < 8 hours complicated image interpretation. An intermediate imaging time point (12-16 hours) might be preferable. SPECT is an important adjunct to imaging with this radioimmunoconjugate. The acceptable dosimetry estimated for 30 mCi Technetium 99m IMMU-4 Fab' and the lack of human anti-mouse antibody responses suggest this is a promising localizing tool for NSCLC:

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

A phase I trial of intrapleural recombinant human interferon alpha (rHuIFN alpha 2b) in patients with malignant pleural effusions.

The use of intrapleural sclerosing agents to control reaccumulation of pleural fluid in patients with malignant effusions has been widely investigated. A phase I trial of intrapleural recombinant human interferon alpha (rHuIFN alpha 2b) was initiated to determine the toxicity and maximal tolerated dose in this group of patients. rHuIFN alpha 2b was instilled as a single dose following chest tube (15/16) or percutaneous (1/16) drainage of cytologically proven malignant effusions. Doses of rHuIFN alpha 2b were escalated from 25 x 10(6) to 200 x 10(6) U/m2 in cohorts of three to four patients. Toxicity was mild to moderate, and included chills, fever and chest pain, and resembled that produced by systemic administration of rHuIFN alpha 2b. Dose-limiting toxicity occurred at 200 x 10(6) U/m2 and consisted of hepatic enzyme elevations and renal failure. Partial control of the effusions was noted in two patients, with two additional patients having stable disease. Phase II trials of rHuIFN alpha 2b should utilize up to 150 x 10(6) U/m2 for intrapleural instillation.

Adult↗

Immunogenicity of recombinant adenovirus-human immunodeficiency virus vaccines in chimpanzees following intranasal administration.

Recombinant adenovirus (Ad)-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vaccines expressing HIVIIIB Env and Gag proteins were evaluated for immunogenicity in chimpanzees following intranasal administration. When Ad7-, Ad4-, and Ad5-vectored vaccines were administered sequentially at 0, 24, and 52 weeks, respectively, to three chimpanzees, the inoculations resulted in limited virus replication in the nasopharynx, but extensive Ad-HIV replication occurred in the intestine. High-titered IgG serum antibody responses to Env and Gag that were nonneutralizing were induced following booster administration of Ad4-HIV recombinant viruses. Following the Ad5-HIV booster, low levels of neutralizing antibodies as well as V3 loop antibodies were induced in all three chimpanzees that persisted for several months. Administration of a gp160 subunit vaccine (baculovirus derived) in SAF-m 24 weeks later boosted broadly neutralizing serum antibodies that peaked within 1 month of the injection. Two additional subunit boosters 19 and 37 weeks later were progressively less effective at stimulating serum neutralizing antibody responses. Substantial local immune responses were induced in nasal, vaginal, and salivary secretions following the third Ad-HIV intranasal immunization. These responses were further boosted with the gp160 subunit vaccine, which also stimulated production of rectal antibodies. The predominant responses in all secretions tested were of the IgG isotype, although some IgA responses were also detected. Strong blastogenic responses to HIV recombinant Env and Gag proteins were induced after each immunization.

AIDS Vaccines↗

Regulation of apolipoprotein B secretion by biliary lipids in CaCo-2 cells.

The regulation of apoB synthesis and secretion by lipids present within bile was investigated in CaCo-2 cells grown on semipermeable filters. Bile acids decreased the basolateral secretion of immunoreactive apoB. Taurocholic acid decreased the secretion of newly synthesized apoB by increasing the rate of apoB degradation, but had no effect on the synthesis and secretion of apoA-I or trichloroacetic acid-precipitable proteins. The calcium ionophore, A23187, decreased apoB secretion similar to that observed for taurocholate. The addition of the ionophore and taurocholate together did not cause a further decrease in apoB secretion. Cholesterol or its hydroxylated derivative, 25-hydroxycholesterol, did not alter secretion of immunoreactive or newly synthesized apoB. Phosphatidylcholine increased apoB synthesis and secretion without affecting the synthesis or secretion of apoA-I. Phosphatidylcholine also reversed the effect of A23187 on apoB secretion. When phosphatidylcholine was added to the basolateral medium, apoB secretion was not altered. ApoB secretion was not increased by phospholipids of other classes. Dioleoylphosphatidylcholine increased apoB secretion, whereas dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine did not. Fatty acid-labeled phosphatidylcholine was not hydrolyzed in the apical medium. Only 2% of the added phosphatidylcholine was cell-associated, and of this, 80% of the label remained as phosphatidylcholine with most of the remainder in triacylglycerols, fatty acids, and phosphatidylethanolamine. The results suggest that bile acids decrease apoB secretion by increasing its rate of degradation. This effect may be related to their ionophoric property. Cholesterol flux does not regulate apoB secretion. Phosphatidylcholine, independent of triacylglycerol flux and independent of its hydrolysis, increases the secretion of apoB by increasing apoB synthesis. Luminal phosphatidylcholine may play a role in apoB secretion in the intestine.

Apolipoproteins B↗

Phase I trial of recombinant granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in patients with lung cancer: clinical and immunologic effects.

Recombinant granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rhuGM-CSF) may enhance the functional activity of monocytes and macrophages in vitro and in vivo and thereby have antitumor activity. A phase I trial using rhuGM-CSF was performed; the trial included 17 patients with unresectable and/or metastatic lung cancer. rhuGM-CSF was administered as a continuous infusion for 14 days at four dose levels: 60 micrograms/m2, 125 micrograms/m2, 250 micrograms/m2, and 500 micrograms/m2. Dose-limiting toxicity was pulmonary and occurred at 500 micrograms/m2, with the maximal tolerated dose (MTD) identified as 250 micrograms/m2. The hematologic effects of rhuGM-CSF included leukocytosis with significant correlations between dose level and the numbers of neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, and lymphocytes. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed for 14 patients, and no effect on alveolar macrophage numbers was detected. Tumor biopsies were obtained in two patients, and no changes in macrophage infiltrates were detected with use of immunohistochemical studies. Serum levels of GM-CSF reached a steady state during week one and decreased or were undetectable during week two. No evidence of tumor regression was seen. rhuGM-CSF when administered as a continuous infusion was well tolerated and appears to modulate monocyte numbers and function in vivo.

Adult↗

Clinical evaluation of tumor targeting with a high-affinity, anticarcinoembryonic-antigen-specific, murine monoclonal antibody, MN-14.

BACKGROUND: The authors previously reported that an anticarcinoembryonic antigen antibody against a carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)-specific epitope is preferred for clinical investigations. They developed a second generation, CEA-specific murine monoclonal antibody (MoAb), MN-14 (IMMU-14), that has a tenfold higher affinity. This report summarizes the initial clinical experience with the new MoAb. METHODS: MN-14 immunoglobulin G (IgG) (0.5-6.0 mg) was labeled with radioactive iodine (I131) (5-80 mCi) and injected into 22 patients with cancer. External scintigraphy was used to determine targeting in patients with low and highly elevated plasma CEA. Quantitative external scintigraphy methods were used to determine organ and tumor clearance rates and absorbed radiation doses. Targeting data were correlated with several factors, including MoAb protein dose, plasma CEA, and relative tumor burden. RESULTS: Despite more than 80% complexation with plasma CEA of more than 500 ng/ml, all known tumor sites were disclosed by external scintigraphy. The overall sensitivity of tumor targeting on a lesion basis was 89%. The residence time in the blood was predicted by body weight (P = 0.05) and the log of plasma CEA (P = 0.043). The absorbed dose to the red marrow and total body could be predicted by the body weight of the patient, but no other factor contributed significantly to the clearance rate or absorbed dose to the organs. Individual tumors received an average dose of 9.3 +/- 6.4 cGy/mCi. The absorbed dose to the tumors was negatively correlated to the weight of the tumor, and the percent uptake in the tumor was positively correlated to the estimated total tumor burden. Patients injected with approximately 5 mg of MN-14 IgG were more likely to have anti-mouse antibodies (HAMA) develop than were patients who were injected with less MoAb. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that MN-14 targets tumors effectively, even in the presence of elevated circulating CEA. Additional studies are necessary to determine if an advantage for the higher affinity MN-14 MoAb, compared with the lower affinity NP-4 MoAb, can be appreciated clinically.

Adult↗

Phase I study of WR-2721 and carboplatin.

Because WR-2721 reduces the toxicity of cisplatin and carboplatin in preclinical systems, we have treated 35 patients in a phase I study of WR-2721 and carboplatin. As the plasma half-life of WR-2721 is short relative to that of carboplatin, WR-2721 was administered in two divided doses. This schedule produced acceptable toxicity in 24 patients treated with carboplatin 400 mg/m2 and escalating doses of WR-2721. In the subsequent 11 patients, WR-2721 was fixed at 740 mg/m2/dose and the dose of carboplatin was escalated. With WR-2721, grade 3-4 thrombopenia (platelets < 50 x 10(9)/l) was produced in 4/5 patients treated with carboplatin 625 mg/m2 and in 1/6 patients treated with carboplatin 500 mg/m2. Carboplatin pharmacokinetic parameters in 4 patients were similar to those reported for carboplatin alone. These results suggest that WR-2721 might increase the maximum tolerated dose of carboplatin from 400 to 500 mg/m2.

Adult↗

Evidence that involucrin is a covalently linked constituent of highly purified cultured keratinocyte cornified envelopes.

The cornified envelop, the terminal product of keratinocyte differentiation, is composed of a variety of covalently cross-linked proteins that form a rigid three-dimensional structure. Our present studies show that preparations of intact envelopes prepared from cultured human keratinocytes contain soluble involucrin, keratin, and filaggrin. Sequential extraction with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and urea followed by sonication produces envelope fragments that are largely free of soluble proteins, including involucrin. Digestion of these highly purified envelope fragments with cyanogen bromide (CNBr) releases a smear of anti-involucrin immunoreactive material (40-180 kDa) with two enriched clusters of bands at approximately 52 and 70 kDa. The 52-kDa band cluster co-migrates with products released by CNBr digestion of purified involucrin. The CNBr-mediated release of discrete (52- and 70-kDa) involucrin-immunoreactive bands suggests that many involucrin molecules may be cross-linked at relatively few glutamyl residues/molecule in envelopes prepared from cultured keratinocytes. Moreover, what appears to be cross-linked involucrin can be localized on highly purified sonicated envelope fragments using colloidal gold electron microscopy. These results provide evidence that involucrin is a cross-linked component of the keratinocyte marginal band.

Cells, Cultured↗

Involucrin--structure and role in envelope assembly.

Recent findings have revealed much about the structure of involucrin. These findings make it possible to propose specific models regarding the role of involucrin and the mechanism of its crosslinking as an envelope precursor. These models provide clearly testable hypotheses that are expected to provide additional insights into the mechanism of cornified envelope assembly.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Tissue-specific and differentiation-appropriate expression of the human involucrin gene in transgenic mice: an abnormal epidermal phenotype.

Involucrin is a precursor of the keratinocyte cornified envelope that is specifically expressed in the suprabasal layers of the epidermis and other stratifying squamous epithelia. To study involucrin gene expression and the function of involucrin, we expressed a 6 kb DNA fragment of the human involucrin gene, containing approximately 2.5 kb of upstream sequence and 0.5 kb of downstream sequence, in transgenic mice. The transgene produces a 68 kDa protein that is detected by a human involucrin-specific antibody, and is expressed in a tissue-specific and differentiation-appropriate manner (i.e., expression is confined to the suprabasal layers of the epidermis, extocervix, trachea, esophagus and conjunctiva). Soluble involucrin levels are two to four times higher in transgenic epidermal keratinocytes compared to human foreskin keratinocytes. Newborn heterozygous animals have a normal birth weight and a normal appearing epidermis and hair growth begins at 4 to 5 days of age (i.e., the same time as hair growth in non-transgenic animals). In a subpopulation of the newborn homozygous animals birth weight is reduced, the epidermis is scaly and hair growth begins late, at around 9 to 10 days of age. In addition, the hair tends to stand erect on both heterozygous and homozygous adult animals giving the appearance of diffuse alopecia. Immunofluorescent and electron microscopy localize involucrin in the hair follicle and cornified envelope, respectively. These results suggest that overexpression of involucrin may cause abnormalities in hair follicle structure/function and cornified envelope structure. These animals provide a new model for the study of cornified envelope structure and function.

Alopecia↗