Biomedical subjects

B K Sinha

Publications and source records attributed to B K Sinha.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1995

Relationships between proto-oncogene expression and apoptosis induced by anticancer drugs in human prostate tumor cells.

A variant of human prostate PC3 cells, isolated from PC3 cells, was shown to be significantly resistant (> 10-fold) to several clinically active anticancer drugs, including VP-16 and cisplatin. Previous studies showed that resistance to these drugs was not due to expression of the mdr1 gene, or modifications in topoisomerases but may have resulted from high expressions of certain proto-oncogenes (Yamazaki et al. (1994) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1226, 89-96). Flow cytometry, DNA gel electrophoresis and northern blot analysis were used to further characterize drug responses in sensitive and resistant cells. Treatment of the sensitive PC3 cells with VP-16 and CDDP resulted in accumulation of cells in S and G2, and G1 and S phases, respectively, and caused significant degradation of the genomic DNA into internucleosomal sized DNA fragments, indicating apoptosis. In contrast, resistant PC3 cells showed little or no DNA fragmentation. Resistant PC3(R) cells expressed 2-3-fold more bcl2 protein than the parental PC3 cells, and overexpressed c-myc, c-jun and H-ras mRNA compared to sensitive cells. Treatment with VP-16 or CDDP significantly induced c-myc mRNA levels in sensitive PC3 cells. H-ras message was not affected by either VP-16 or CDDP treatment in PC3 cells. These studies, taken together, suggest that a differential susceptibility to apoptosis and chemosensitivity may be related to altered levels of bcl2 and/or oncogene overexpression in PC3(R) cells.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

PubMed1995

Buthionine sulphoximine-mediated sensitisation of etoposide-resistant human breast cancer MCF7 cells overexpressing the multidrug resistance-associated protein involves increased drug accumulation.

Preincubation of etoposide-resistant human MCF7 breast cancer cells (MCF7/VP) with buthionine sulphoximine (BSO) resulted in their sensitisation to etoposide and vincristine. Chemosensitisation was accompanied by elevated intracellular drug levels. In contrast, simultaneous exposure to BSO did not result in increased drug accumulation. Similar, but quantitatively smaller, effects were also observed when sensitive wild-type MCF7/WT cells were treated with BSO. In agreement with its effect on drug accumulation, BSO pretreatment also increased VP-16-stimulated cleavable complex formation between DNA topoisomerase II and cellular DNA. BSO treatment also led to a significant increase in acid-precipitable VP-16 levels in MCF7/VP, but not MCF7/WT cells. In contrast, no clear effects of BSO on drug efflux were observed and drug retention was only minimally increased after BSO treatment of both MCF7/WT and MCF7/VP cells and no difference between the two cell lines was detected. Thus, chemosensitisation by BSO appeared to be mediated through increased intracellular drug concentrations and/or protein binding.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

PubMed1995

Topoisomerase inhibitors. A review of their therapeutic potential in cancer.

The nuclear enzymes topoisomerase I and II are critical for DNA function and cell survival, and recent studies have identified these enzymes as cellular targets for several clinically active anticancer drugs. Topoisomerase II inhibitors (anthracyclines, epipodophyllotoxins, etc.) are active against several types of tumours. However, treatment with these drugs often results in the development of the multi-drug resistance. Because topoisomerase II-active drugs have several different modes of action, different mechanisms of resistance, including decreased activation and increased detoxification by glutathione-dependent enzymes, have also been implicated. Unlike topoisomerase II, topoisomerase I is not a cell cycle-dependent enzyme and, therefore, it is a more desirable cellular target for anticancer drug development. Topoisomerase I inhibitors, such as camptothecin and its derivatives, have shown significant activity against a broad range of tumours and, in general, are not substrates for either the multi-drug-resistance P-170 glycoprotein or the multi-drug-resistance-associated protein. Because of manageable toxicity and encouraging activity against solid tumours, topoisomerase I-active drugs offer promise in the clinical management of human tumours.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Effects of interleukin-1 alpha on DNA repair in human ovarian carcinoma (NIH:OVCAR-3) cells: implications in the mechanism of sensitization of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II).

The cytokine interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) showed a cytostatic effect on human ovarian carcinoma cells and significantly enhanced the antiproliferative activity of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (cisplatin) toward the NIH:OVCAR-3 tumor cell line in culture. The factor of sensitization was 15-20-fold. The maximum levels of sensitization were observed both with simultaneous exposure to cisplatin and IL-1 alpha and with 24-hr pretreatment with IL-1 alpha. Synergy between these agents was diminished when cells were pretreated with an IL-1 alpha-specific receptor antagonist, indicating that synergistic interaction was receptor mediated. Using atomic absorption spectroscopy, we evaluated the cellular accumulation of cisplatin and the DNA platination; the results showed that IL-1 alpha increased cellular accumulation of cisplatin and DNA platination. Cisplatin did not affect IL-1 alpha accumulation in NIH:OVCAR-3 cells. Further studies showed that IL-1 alpha reduced the removal of platinum from DNA. These results strongly suggest that IL-1 alpha inhibits DNA repair, and this decrease in DNA repair may explain, in part, the strong synergistic interaction between IL-1 alpha and cisplatin in NIH:OVCAR-3 cells.

Cisplatin↗

PubMed1994

Oncogene overexpression and de novo drug-resistance in human prostate cancer cells.

We have isolated a variant [PC3(R)] of the human prostate PC3 tumor cell line which showed resistance to several anticancer drugs. Studies to evaluate the mechanisms of resistance to anticancer drugs in the PC3(R) cell line indicated that mdr1 was not overexpressed. Studies also indicated that activities of topo I and topo II were not different in these cell lines, nor was there any difference in the formation of drug-induced KCl-SDS precipitable complexes, indicating that topoisomerases were not involved in the development of resistance in PC3(R) cells. While the activity of glutathione S-transferase and total glutathione levels were also similar in these cell lines, the glutathione peroxidase activity in PC3(R) cells was 5-fold lower than in PC3 cells. Furthermore, proto-oncogene expression for c-jun, c-myc, and H-ras was significantly higher in resistant cells than in sensitive cells, indicating that the amplification of early response genes may play a role in the emergence of de novo resistance in PC3(R) cells.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

PubMed1994

Free radical formation by ansamycin benzoquinone in human breast tumor cells: implications for cytotoxicity and resistance.

The benzoquinonoid ansamycin antibiotics, geldanamycin and herbimycin A, are potent cytotoxins against tumor cells in vitro. We have examined the mechanism of their in vitro cytotoxicity against human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cells and we have found that multidrug-resistant MCF-7/ADRR cells that exhibit the MDR phenotype and the overexpression of P-170-glycoprotein, were cross-resistant to geldanamycin and herbimycin A. Verapamil, which binds competitively with P-170-glycoprotein, enhanced geldanamycin cytotoxicity 12-fold only in resistant cells, suggesting that geldanamycin may interact with the drug efflux protein. Geldanamycin and herbimycin A, like adriamycin, were reductively activated by the NADPH-cytochrome P450-reductase and formed reactive .OH. The formation of .OH was significantly lower in resistant cells. In contrast to adriamycin, the formation of .OH was unaffected by the addition of DNA, indicating that a DNA-complexed drug was redoxactive and may, therefore, may be more effective in killing tumor cells at the DNA level. These observations indicate that both the decreased free radical formation and interactions with P170 glycoprotein may be important in geldanamycin and herbimycin A resistance in multidrug resistant human breast tumor cells.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

PubMed1994

Mechanisms of resistance to ansamycin antibiotics in human breast cancer cell lines.

We recently reported that multidrug-resistant, P-170 glycoprotein-positive, Adriamycin-selected, human breast tumor (MCF7/ADRR) cells were resistant to the benzoquinonoid ansamycin antibiotics geldanamycin (GL) and herbimycin A (HA) and that significantly fewer hydroxyl radicals were formed in resistant cells. We have carried out additional studies to define the mechanisms of cytotoxicity of and resistance to GL and HA, by directly examining the interactions of these drugs with P-170 glycoprotein using photoaffinity labeling. We found that both GL and HA inhibited binding of azidopine to P-170 glycoprotein in a dose-dependent manner. We have developed a 10-fold GL-resistant cell line (MCF7/GLR) by continuous drug exposure. Our studies indicated no significant differences in free radical formation between wild-type MCF7 cells and MCF7/GLR cells. Uptake and efflux studies indicated a small decrease in the GL accumulation but no difference in the efflux of GL in these cells. Verapamil had no effect on cellular accumulation of GL in wild-type MCF7 cells or MCF7/GLR cells. Verapamil significantly increased the accumulation of GL in MCF7/ADRR cells and enhanced GL cytotoxicity 12-fold, suggesting that GL interacted with the P-170 glycoprotein. Using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, we found no expression of the mdr1 gene; however, expression of the multidrug resistance-associated protein was about 2-fold higher in MCF7/GLR cells. Taken together, these studies indicate that the mechanisms of GL resistance are multifactorial. Although decreased free radical formation may not play a significant role in low levels of GL resistance, e.g., in MCF7/GLR cells, both overexpression of mdr1 and decreased free radical formation contribute to GL resistance in highly resistant cells such as MCF7/ADRR cells.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

PubMed1993

Inhibition of DNA repair and sensitization of cisplatin in human ovarian carcinoma cells by interleukin-1 alpha.

Interleukin-1 alpha induced an increase in both the cellular accumulation of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) (cisplatin) and DNA platination and significantly reduced the removal of platinum from DNA of human ovarian (NIH: OVCAR-3) carcinoma cells in culture. The combinations of IL-1 alpha and cisplatin were highly synergistic against these ovarian carcinoma cells and maximum levels of sensitization (15-20-fold) were observed during simultaneous exposure of cisplatin and IL-1 alpha. IL-1 alpha specific receptor antagonist decreased this synergy. These results strongly indicate that IL-1 alpha inhibits DNA repair, and this inhibition of DNA repair may explain, in part, a strong synergistic interaction between IL-1 alpha and cisplatin in NIH: OVCAR-3 cells.

Cell Line↗

PubMed1993

Doxorubicin-induced oxygen free radical formation in sensitive and doxorubicin-resistant variants of rat glioblastoma cell lines [corrected and republished erratum originally printed in FEBS Lett 1993 May 17;322(3):295-8].

We have studied the formation of hydroxyl radical (OH.) induced by doxorubicin in a series of doxorubicin- or vincristine-selected variants of C6 rat glioblastoma cells in culture by electron-spin resonance spectroscopy using 5,5'-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-1-oxide as a spin trap. Wild-type cells, sensitive to doxorubicin, exhibited in the presence of this drug a concentration-dependent OH. formation which could be inhibited by preincubation with superoxide dismutase, catalase or an antibody against cytochrome P450-reductase. In highly doxorubicin-resistant cells, OH. formation was reduced to about 20% of the level obtained in sensitive cells. In cells presenting a very low level of resistance to doxorubicin or in cells selected with vincristine, both presenting a pure multidrug-resistant phenotype, OH. formation was identical to that obtained in sensitive cells. In cells of intermediate resistance or in revertant cells, intermediate levels of OH. formation were obtained. Protection against OH. formation and action can be identified at the levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities, which are both enhanced in the resistant cells.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Synergistic antiproliferative effects of interleukin-1 alpha and doxorubicin against the human ovarian carcinoma cell line (NIH:OVCAR-3).

Interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) exerts antiproliferative effects on a human ovarian carcinoma cell line, NIH:OVCAR-3, which is resistant to clinically relevant concentrations of doxorubicin (DOX) and other chemotherapeutic agents. This action of IL-1 alpha depends on the presence of type I (80 kDa) receptors, although no quantitative relationship has been established between receptor occupancy and inhibition of cell growth. When NIH:OVCAR-3 cells were exposed to IL-1 alpha and DOX in combination, a mutual potentiation of the antiproliferative effects of the two agents was observed. This synergistic effect was not due to IL-1 receptor expression up-regulation by DOX, and receptor-dependent internalization of the cytokine was also unaffected. The involvement of IL-1 receptors is supported by the observation that synergism between the two agents was diminished (but not abolished) in the presence of a specific IL-1 receptor antagonist at concentrations blocking more than 75% of IL-1 alpha binding. DOX was found to significantly increase IL-1 alpha accumulation by NIH:OVCAR-3 cells after long-term (48 hr) exposure to the cytokine at 37 degrees, which might be due to increased nonspecific fluid phase uptake or to interference with cytokine degradation and/or release processes. The potent synergy of IL-1 alpha and DOX against ovarian carcinoma cells in vitro suggests that this drug combination may be effective against this disease in the clinic.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗

PubMed1993

Synergistic interactions of etoposide and interleukin-1 alpha are not due to DNA damage in human melanoma cells.

Several possible mechanisms of the synergistic interactions of IL-1 alpha and VP-16 against A375-C6 human melanoma cells were investigated. Studies indicate that IL-1 alpha did not increase topoisomerase II-dependent VP-16-mediated DNA damage, nor did IL-1 alpha inhibit the repair of VP-16-induced DNA damage in these cells. Furthermore, IL-1 alpha by itself or in combination with VP-16 did not cause significant fragmentation of cellular DNA into oligomers, indicating programmed cell death (apoptosis) was not involved in the mechanism of synergy. In contrast, an IL-1-specific receptor antagonist significantly decreased IL-1 alpha toxicity toward the melanoma cells and nearly eliminated the synergistic interactions of IL-1 alpha with VP-16. These results strongly indicate that synergism of IL-1 alpha with VP-16 was dependent upon an IL-1-receptor-mediated processes. DNA-strand breakage was unlikely to be a primary intracellular target for IL-1 alpha cytotoxicity and synergism with VP-16.

Cytotoxins↗

PubMed1993

Suramin inhibits DNA damage in human prostate cancer cells treated with topoisomerase inhibitors in vitro.

Suramin, a highly sulfonated drug, has been reported to be effective against several human malignancies in vitro and in vivo, and currently is undergoing clinical trials against prostate tumors. The biochemical and molecular mechanisms for suramin's antiproliferative activity are not clear. In order to define the biochemical basis for its antitumor activity and to enhance suramin's chemotherapeutic potential while decreasing its toxicity, we have examined interactions of suramin with topoisomerase I and II and several clinically active anticancer drugs against the human prostate (PC3 and LNCaP) cancer cell line. While etoposide, m-AMSA, camptothecin, and SN-38 (the active metabolite of CPT-11) were active in killing prostate cells as single agents, combinations of suramin and these agents were antagonistic against these cells. We found that suramin inhibited activities of purified topoisomerase I and II in vitro as measured by relaxation and cleavage assays. Further studies indicated that suramin also inhibited the drug-induced DNA damage in vitro and in isolated nuclei. These findings indicate that combinations of suramin with topoisomerase inhibitors, for example, VP-16, m-AMSA, or CPT, may not be beneficial to patients receiving suramin-containing chemotherapy.

Amsacrine↗

PubMed1992

Synergistic antiproliferative effects of the combination of interleukin-1 alpha and doxorubicin against human melanoma cells.

We have investigated the antiproliferative effects of recombinant human interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1) combined with the cytotoxic antitumor drug doxorubicin against A375 human melanoma IL-1-sensitive (C6) and IL-1-resistant (C5) clonal cell lines. Growth inhibition was assessed by the MTT assay, and C5 cells were 10-fold less sensitive to IL-1 than the C6 cells, but both cell lines were equally sensitive to doxorubicin. Synergistic antitumor activity between the two agents was evaluated by median effects/combination index analysis, and IL-1 and doxorubicin were strongly synergistic over a broad range of drug concentrations. The strongest synergism occurred when C6 cells were exposed to IL-1 prior to doxorubicin, and when C5 cells were pretreated with doxorubicin for 6 hr prior to IL-1 additions. An examination of various ratios of the two agents revealed a maximum 20-fold potentiation of doxorubicin, and a 30-fold potentiation of IL-1 median dose values in the combination compared to the median dose values obtained with doxorubicin or IL-1 alone. Doxorubicin treatment enhanced the binding and internalization of [125I]IL-1 after 24 and 48 hr at 37 degrees C, but IL-1 binding to cells incubated on ice was increased only marginally by doxorubicin pretreatment. Treatment of C6 cells with IL-1 for 24 hr did not alter the cellular accumulation of doxorubicin. A recombinant protein IL-1 receptor antagonist that binds to both the 80 kDa type I and the 65 kDa type II IL-1 receptors, blocked the cytostatic effects of IL-1 and abrogated the synergism with doxorubicin. In cells synchronized following release from aphidicolin block, doxorubicin caused a G2 + M accumulation, IL-1 alone had no effect, and the combination of both agents resulted in a G2 + M block similar in magnitude to that caused by doxorubicin alone. These results provide preclinical evidence that doxorubicin combined with IL-1 may be beneficial in the clinical treatment of malignant melanoma and possibly other types of solid tumors.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗

PubMed1992

Selective formation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) degradation products contributes to TNF mediated cytotoxicity.

We compared tumor necrosis factor (TNF) metabolism by wild-type MCF-7 (WT) cells, by 40-fold doxorubicin resistant (40F) breast cancer cells and by PC3 and LNCaP prostate cancer cell lines. MCF-7 WT and LNCaP cell lines were sensitive to TNF cytotoxicity and both lines produced two major intracellular TNF degradation products of 15 kDa and 5.5 kDa. The MCF-7 40F and the PC3 cell lines were resistant to TNF and produced multiple TNF degradation products with molecular weights lower than 15 kDa. Both the breast and prostate lines showed TNF receptor crosslinking patterns consistent with a molecular weight of 55 kDa. The breast and LNCaP lines expressed TNF receptors with an apparent dissociation constant (Kd) of 0.4 to 0.6 nM, while the TNF resistant line had a Kd of 2 nM. Similar receptor numbers per cell were found for all cell types (4,000 to 8,000/cell), and comparable levels of TNF internalization were noted. TNF-conditioned medium from the TNF-sensitive cell types was cytotoxic toward both the TNF-sensitive and TNF-resistant lines, and the toxicity was significantly blocked by an anti-TNF monoclonal antibody. Hydrophobic interaction column HPLC fractionation of the TNF-degradation products produced by MCF-7 WT and LNCaP cells revealed that the trimeric, monomeric, and 5.5 kDa fractions possessed the greatest in vitro antitumor activity. These findings suggest that a TNF degradation product, produced selectively by TNF-sensitive cells, may contribute to the antitumor action of TNF.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

PubMed1991

Etoposide-induced DNA damage in human tumor cells: requirement for cellular activating factors.

Previous studies with the multidrug-resistant human HL60 cell line have shown a 3-4-fold decrease in VP-16 accumulation compared to the sensitive cell line, while the degree of resistance to VP-16 was 300-fold, indicating that other mechanisms of resistance are also operative. Since VP-16 has been shown to interfere with topoisomerase II activity, we have evaluated VP-16-dependent DNA strand break formation in the drug-sensitive and -resistant HL60 cells. Studies reported here show that the drug-resistant HL60 cells are extremely resistant to VP-16-dependent DNA cleavage compared to the sensitive cells. This decrease in DNA cleavage activity in the presence of VP-16 was, in part, related to a 2-3-fold decrease in both the amount and activity of topoisomerase II in the resistant cell line compared to the sensitive cells. Nuclei from the resistant cell line were markedly more resistant to VP-16-dependent DNA cleavage than the WT cell nuclei. Interestingly, WT nuclei were found to be relatively more resistant to VP-16-induced DNA cleavage than the intact WT cells. Addition of WT cytosolic proteins to WT nuclei, however, significantly stimulated VP-16-dependent DNA cleavage and slightly increased DNA cleavage in resistant cell nuclei. In contrast, cytosolic proteins from the resistant cells had no effect on DNA cleavage in nuclei isolated from either cell line. These observations indicate that a decrease in the amount and activity of topoisomerase II in resistant HL60 cells translates into a decrease in VP-16-dependent DNA breakage and contributes to the resistance to VP-16. Furthermore, the cytosolic fraction from WT cells contains some factor, not present in the resistant cells, which is necessary for the maximal drug-induced DNA cleavage.

Blotting, Western↗

PubMed1991

Biochemical and pharmacological characterization of MCF-7 drug-sensitive and AdrR multidrug-resistant human breast tumor xenografts in athymic nude mice.

The phenotypic expression of multidrug resistance by the doxorubicin-selected AdrR human breast tumor cell line is associated with overexpression of plasma membrane P-170 glycoprotein and increased cytosolic selenium-dependent GSH-peroxidase activity relative to the parental MCF-7 wild-type line (WT). To determine whether doxorubicin resistance by AdrR cells persists in vivo, and to further investigate the possibility of biochemical differences between WT and AdrR solid tumors, both tumor cell lines were grown as subcutaneous xenografts in athymic nude mice. Tumorigenicity depended upon cell inoculation burden, and tumor incidence was similar for both cell lines (greater than 80% tumor takes at 10(7) cells/mouse) at 14 days, provided 17 beta-estradiol was supplied to the animals bearing the WT tumors. However, the growth rate for the AdrR xenografts was only about half that of WT xenografts. Doxorubicin (2-8 mg/kg, i.p., injected weekly) significantly diminished the growth of the WT tumors, but AdrR solid tumors failed to respond to doxorubicin. The accumulation of 14C-labeled doxorubicin was 2-fold greater in WT xenografts that in AdrR, although there were no differences in host organ drug levels in mice bearing either type of tumors. Membrane P-170 glycoprotein mRNA was detected by slot-blot analysis in the AdrR tumors, but not in WT. Electron spin resonance 5,5-dimethylpyrroline-N-oxide-spin-trapping experiments with microsomes and mitochondria from WT and AdrR xenographs demonstrated a 2-fold greater oxygen radical (superoxide and hydroxyl) formation from activated doxorubicin with WT xenographs compared to AdrR. Selenium-dependent glutathione (GSH)-peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and GSH-S-aryltransferase activities in AdrR xenografts were elevated relative to WT. Although the activities of the latter two enzymes were similar to those measured in both tumor cell lines, GSH-peroxidase activities were elevated 70-fold (WT) and 10-fold (AdrR) in xenografts compared to tumor cells. In contrast, in both WT and AdrR solid tumors in vivo, catalase, NAD(P)H-oxidoreductases, and glutathione disulfide (GSSG)-reductase activities, and GSH and GSSG levels were not markedly different, and were essentially the same as in cells in vitro. Like the MDR cells in culture, AdrR tumor xenografts were extremely resistant to doxorubicin and retained most of the characteristics of the altered phenotype. These results suggest that WT and AdrR breast tumor xenografts provide a useful model for the study of biochemical and pharmacological mechanisms of drug resistance by solid tumors in vivo.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

PubMed1991

A role for the interleukin 1 receptor in the synergistic antitumor effects of human interleukin 1 alpha and etoposide against human melanoma cells.

To investigate the possibility that anticancer drugs combined with cytokines may show increased activity, human tumor cells were treated with combinations of human recombinant interleukin 1 alpha (rIL-1 alpha) and etoposide (VP-16). The cytotoxicity of these combinations was evaluated by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay using rIL-1 alpha-sensitive A375-C6 melanoma cells and A375-C5 cells, a clonal variant line that is resistant to IL-1 alpha. Data were analyzed for synergism by the median effect principle of T-C. Chou and P. Talalay (J. Biol. Chem., 252: 6438-6442, 1977). At a dose ratio of VP-16 to rIL-1 alpha of 12 nM:1 unit/ml in either simultaneous or sequential exposure (VP-16 first), the calculated combination index values indicated synergistic cytotoxicity toward both A375-C6 cells and A375-C5 cells. IL-1 alpha treatment 24 h prior to VP-16 exposure had no advantage over simultaneous treatment. Surface IL-1 alpha receptors on both A375-C6 and A375-C5 cells were measured using 125I-radiolabeled rIL-1 alpha binding; A375-C6 cells had 701 +/- 128 (SD) receptor molecules/cell and A375-C5 cells only had 58 +/- 33 receptor molecules/cell. The dissociation constants for IL-1 alpha were similar in both cell types (19 +/- 6 pM for A375-C6 and 17 +/- 2 pM for A375-C5). The specific binding of rIL-1 alpha to the surface IL-1 alpha receptors of both sensitive and resistant cells was significantly increased in a dose-dependent fashion by the prior treatment with VP-16 (1.75-fold on A375-C6 cells and 3.5-fold on A375-C5 cells). VP-16 also enhanced the internalization of receptor-bound rIL-1 alpha, suggesting that a possible mechanism of the synergistic cytotoxicity of rIL-1 alpha and VP-16 might be related to the modulation of rIL-1 alpha receptors by VP-16, resulting in increased internalization of rIL-1 alpha.

Drug Administration Schedule↗

PubMed1991

Increased glutathione peroxidase activity in a human sarcoma cell line with inherent doxorubicin resistance.

Several mechanisms of drug resistance have been defined using cell lines selected for resistance in vitro. However, the relevance of these to tumor cell resistance in vivo remains unclear. We established tumor cell lines from biopsies of human sarcomas before and after doxorubicin therapy. One pretreatment sarcoma line, STSAR90, was 6-fold less sensitive to doxorubicin than was a normal fibroblast line, AG1522. The sensitivities of six other sarcoma lines were similar to that of AG1522. STSAR90 cells did not overexpress P-glycoprotein mRNA, by Northern analysis with the pCHP1 complementary DNA fragment. Photoaffinity labeling with the vinblastine analogue N-(p-azido-3-125I-salicyl)-N'-beta-aminoethylvindesine did not show increased P-glycoprotein concentrations. Accumulation of [3H]daunomycin was not decreased in STSAR90 compared with a less resistant sarcoma line, STSAR11, nor was the doxorubicin sensitivity of STSAR90 increased by coincubation with verapamil. Glutathione levels were twice as high in STSAR90 as in STSAR11, and glutathione peroxidase activity was 3.5- to 6-fold higher. This was due mostly to an increase in selenium-dependent peroxidase activity. After exposure to doxorubicin, STSAR90 cells formed only half as much measurable hydroxyl radical as STSAR11, as detected by electron spin resonance spectrometry. Doxorubicin sensitivity was increased in STSAR90 cells when intracellular glutathione levels were reduced by buthionine sulfoximine. These results indicate that multidrug resistance due to P-glycoprotein-mediated drug efflux is not the only mechanism of doxorubicin resistance that occurs in sarcomas and that glutathione peroxidase-dependent detoxification of doxorubicin-induced oxygen radicals may contribute to clinical doxorubicin resistance.

Adolescent↗