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H U Schulz

Publications and source records attributed to H U Schulz.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Effects of the angiogenesis inhibitor angiostatin on the growth of CC531 colon carcinoma cells in vitro and in a laparoscopic animal model of peritoneal carcinomatosis.

BACKGROUND: As angiogenesis is one of the key steps in tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis, antiangiogenic therapy is supposed to be an attractive approach for antitumor treatment. We investigated the cytotoxic, anti-adhesive, and anti-invasive effects of angiostatin in vitro and on intraperitoneal tumor growth in a laparoscopic rat model of peritoneal carcinomatosis using CC531 colon adenocarcinoma cells. METHODS: The in vitro adhesion and cytotoxicity assays were performed with microtiter plates, and the invasion assay with Transwell dual chambers. Normal saline was used as control. In in vivo experiments, CC531 adenocarcinoma cells were intraperitoneally given to Wistar Albino Glaxo rats after the establishment of a pneumoperitoneum. The animals received angiostatin in different doses intraperitoneally, and in some, angiostatin was additionally administered subcutaneously. Saline was used as control. After 21 days, the animals were euthanized to determine the intra-abdominal tumor weight. RESULTS: In in vitro experiments, there was no effect of angiostatin on the viability of tumor cells in the cytotoxicity assay, but there was a significant inhibition of tumor cell adhesion and invasion (p<0.05 and p<0.01) in all angiostatin concentrations. In in vivo experiments, an intraperitoneal application of 20 microg angiostatin, but not 10 microg, significantly (p<0.005) decreased the intraperitoneal tumor weight compared with controls. This effect was most pronounced after the combined intraperitoneal and subcutaneous applications. CONCLUSION: Angiostatin given intraperitoneally at a dose of 20 microg alone or in combination with subcutaneous application significantly diminishes intraperitoneal tumor growth in rats undergoing laparoscopy. This may offer additional therapeutic options for patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2004

Impact of taurolidine on the growth of CC531 coloncarcinoma cells in vitro and in a laparoscopic animal model in rats.

BACKGROUND: The object of this study was to examine the effect of taurolidine on intraabdominal tumor growth in a laparoscopic animal model. We tested the cytotoxic, antiadhesive, and anti-invasive effects of this substance on CC531 adenocarcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo using WAG rats. METHODS: For in vitro experiments, Transwell dual chambers with polycarbonate filters coated with 100 microg/cm2 Matrigel were used to investigate the effects of 5, 10, and 20 microl of 2.0% taurolidine on the invasion of 1 x 10(5) CC531 adenocarcinoma cells. For the adhesion assays, tumor cells were applied onto microtiter plates coated with 5, 10, and 20 microl taurolidine and 0.9% NaCl solution for the control group subsequently. For in vivo experiments, 40 WAG rats were randomized into three therapy groups and one control group. All animals underwent laparoscopy and received 1 ml of CC531 adenocarcinoma cells (5 x 10(6) cells/ml) intraabdominally at the beginning of the procedure. According to the randomization, the rats were administered taurolidine with different concentrations or 1 ml of 0.9% NaCl solution for the control group. After 21 days, the animals were killed and the intraabdominal tumor weight was determined. RESULTS: For the in vitro experiments, we found a moderate cytotoxicity and a significant inhibition of tumor cell adhesion and invasion (p < 0.01) by all taurolidine concentrations used in the assay. For in vivo experiments, the application of all concentrations of taurolidine significantly decreased the intraperitoneal tumor weight (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Taurolidine significantly decreases adhesion and invasion of CC531 adenocarcinoma cells in vitro and significantly diminishes tumor growth in vivo. This may offer additional therapeutic options for laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2004

Effects of acetylsalicylic acid on ascorbic acid concentrations in plasma, gastric mucosa, gastric juice and urine--a double-blind study in healthy subjects.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated concentrations of ascorbic acid (ASC) in gastric mucosa, gastric juice, urine and plasma in healthy subjects under steady state and fasted conditions with and without concomitant administration of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study in healthy subjects. It has assessed the effects of a 6-day administration of 0.8 g ASA or 0.48 g ASC, 3 times daily and the combination of both on concentrations of ASC in gastric mucosa, gastric juice, urine and plasma. Treatments were switched after 6 days without any washout for assessment of compartment sensitivity to changes in study medication resulting in an overall 14-day study period. Each of the 3 treatment groups consisted of 15 subjects. RESULTS: ASC concentrations were highest in the gastric mucosa (251+/-11 microg/g), followed by gastric juice (29+/-6 microg/ml), plasma (10+/-0.2 microg/ml), and urine (5+/-1 microg/ml). On day 7, ASC concentrations in gastric mucosa, plasma and urine had increased in those groups receiving ASC and decreased in the group receiving ASA only. All differences were statistically significant and indicate an interaction with ASA. In gastric juice, differences in ASC concentrations between the treatment groups were not statistically significant between baseline and day 7. ASC concentrations in plasma were strongly correlated with corresponding ASC concentrations in gastric mucosa (r = 0.34) and urine (r = 0.83), as were ASC concentrations in gastric mucosa with ASC in urine (r = 0.28). CONCLUSIONS: The gastric mucosa is the largest depot of ASC in the human body with ASC concentrations 25 times higher than in plasma. In healthy subjects, clinically relevant doses of ASA reduced ASC concentrations in gastric mucosa by about 10% within 6 days resulting from antioxidative defense mechanisms. In patients with long-term ASA treatment or conditions with additional risks such as elderly subjects with unfavorable dietary conditions and impaired antioxidative protection, a protective adjunct administration of ASC appears to be beneficial.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Dual role of serum soluble E-cadherin as a biological marker of metastatic development in gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Soluble E-cadherin serum levels as a potential biological marker for gastric cancer were analysed with special consideration to clinical and pathological features. METHODS: Seventy-one healthy control subjects and 166 patients with gastric cancer were enrolled. Gastric cancer patients were classified into intestinal-type (51%) and diffuse-type (49%), according to Laurén. Soluble E-cadherin serum levels were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The mean logarithmic concentrations of soluble E-cadherin in gastric cancer patients were significantly higher than those of control subjects, with an average of 4.03 (+/- 0.32) versus 3.86 (+/- 0.24), respectively (P < 0.0001). The concentration of soluble E-cadherin was significantly higher in the intestinal-type group than in the diffuse-type group, with an average of 4.07 +/- 0.3 versus 3.98 +/- 0.34, respectively (P = 0.0494). In the intestinal-type group, concentrations of soluble E-cadherin were significantly higher in more advanced stages (stages III-IV) than in earlier stages (stages I-II), with an average of 4.13 +/- 0.29 versus 3.96 +/- 0.31, respectively (P = 0.0234). In the diffuse-type group, concentrations of soluble E-cadherin were significantly higher in localized than in metastatic gastric cancer, with an average soluble E-cadherin concentation of 4.15 +/- 0.3 versus 3.95 +/- 0.32, respectively (P = 0.0139). CONCLUSION: Serum soluble E-cadherin concentrations exhibit a completely different pattern in intestinal-type and diffuse-typegastric cancer. Serum levels are increased in intestinal-type gastric cancer, especially in advanced stages, whereas in diffuse-type gastric cancer E-cadherin levels are decreased in advanced, metastasized cancer.We conclude that soluble E-cadherin concentrations should be interpreted along with Laurén classification and thus might serve as a biological marker in intestinal-type gastric cancer.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

A proteinase inhibitor decreases tumor growth in a laparoscopic rat model.

BACKGROUND: The balance between proteolysis and protease inhibition in the formation and breakdown processes of the extracellular matrix plays a major role in tumor cell invasion. An understanding of this relationship gave rise to the therapeutic concept of lowering tumor cell invasion by inhibiting protease activity. Phosphoramidon is an unspecific proteinase inhibitor. This experimental study investigated the effect of intraperitoneal phosphoramidon administration on tumor growth in a laparoscopic rat model. METHODS: In the first phase of the study, we investigated the influence of phosphoramidon on tumor cell invasion in a collagen matrix gel chamber in vitro. In a second experiment, a suspension of colon carcinoma cells (CC531) was introduced into the peritoneal cavity of male WAG rats. Prior to laparoscopy (at 6 mmHg for 20 min), the animals were randomized to two groups. At the start of laparoscopy, the test substance was applied intraperitoneally (group 1: controls, 1 ml 0.9% NaCl; group 2: 250 mg phosphoramidon in 1 ml 0.9% NaCl). Three weeks after the injection of tumor cells, the animals were autopsied and the tumor mass determined. RESULTS: In comparison with the control group (tumor weight 7.42 +/- 1.01 g), intraperitoneal tumor growth in the experimental group was significantly (p < 0.001) reduced by the application of phosphoramidon (tumor weight, 3.22 +/- 1.06 g). Phosphoramidon also significantly (p < 0.05) reduced tumor cell invasion through the matrix gel. CONCLUSION: The proteinase inhibitor phosphoramidon reduced tumor cell invasion in vitro and tumor cell growth in vivo in this laparoscopic rat model.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

[Hepatobiliary cystadenoma].

INTRODUCTION: Hepato-biliary cystadenomas are rare intrahepatic cystic tumours. The correct preoperative diagnosis of this lesion is difficult. METHODS: We report four cases of hepato-biliary cystadenoma treated in our department from January 1995 to December 1999. RESULTS: The symptoms were unspecific. Preoperative computed tomography showed signs of an echinococcal cystic lesion in two patients, but there were no antibodies against an echinoccocal species in the serum. We performed a complete resection of the cystic tumour in three patients and a subtotal resection of a hepato-biliary cystadenoma in one, because of involvement of the hepatic portal structures. We did not find a malignant transformation to a hepato-biliary cystadenocarcinoma. CONCLUSION: Complete excision of a cystadenoma with a wide margin of normal liver tissue is the treatment of choice, because several reports have described malignant transformation of this kind of tumour. Taking a rapidly frozen section during the operation is an important step in the treatment of cystic liver lesions. A cystic liver lesion with several walls and a elevated CA 19-9 can predict a mucinous cystadenoma or cystadenocarcinoma.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Induction and expression of cyclin D3 in human pancreatic cancer.

PURPOSE: Cyclins play a key role in the control and regulation of the cell cycle. The role of cyclins in the pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer is largely unknown. METHODS: Using Northern blot analysis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry, we examined the expression of cyclins D1, D2, and D3 in human pancreatic cancer and studied the induction of these cyclins by growth factors in pancreatic cancer cell lines. RESULTS: We now report that cyclin D1 and D3 mRNAs are expressed in human pancreatic cancer cell lines, and that the expression of cyclin D3 is enhanced in pancreatic cancer cells by amphiregulin, a member of the epidermal growth factor family. Cyclins D1 and D3 are also expressed in normal and malignant pancreatic tissues. However, while the normal pancreas and pancreatic cancers express cyclin D2 as determined by reverse-transcriptase PCR, we could not detect cyclin D2 mRNA by either Northern blot analysis or reverse transcriptase PCR in the two pancreatic cancer cell lines. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed the expression of cyclin D3 in pancreatic cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that D-type cyclins are differentially expressed in pancreatic cancer and that the aberrant activation of the EGF receptor in human pancreatic cancer by amphiregulin may lead to the progression of the cell cycle via induction of cyclin D3 expression, thus contributing to the growth advantage of these transformed cells.

Amphiregulin↗
PubMed2001

[Enzymatic and histological alterations in the isolated perfused rat pancreas in the taurocholate and cerulein model of acute pancreatitis].

METHODS: The pancreas of 24 male Wistar rats was perfused extracoporally by modified Krebs-Ringer-buffer for 80 minutes (including a 20 minutes equilibration period). To verify any organ damage we measured the activity of pancreatic enzymes like amylase, lipase and lactatdehydrogenase in the portal effluent. Furthermore histological changes were analysed after perfusion. Organ damage was induced by adding cerulein in a physiological dose (10(-10) M, n = 6) and in a supramaximal dose (10(-8) M, n = 6) and by intraductal injection of taurocholate (3.5 %, n = 6). RESULTS: Already 10 minutes after stimulation with cerulein (10(-8) M) and after intraductal injection of taurocholate increased activities (p < 0.01) of amylase and lipase were measured in the portal effluent compared to the group without any treatment. Lactatdehydrogenase levels did not changed. Apart from marked oedema in both groups considerable zones of necrosis could be noticed especially in the taurocholate group. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the isolated perfused rat pancreas (IPRP) is a valuable experimental tool to verify pathophysiological changes in the early phase of acute pancreatitis (AP). Various established models of AP such as by cerulein hyperstimulation or intraductal injection of taurocholate, could be applied to the IPRP. We conclude that this method enlarges the spectrum of established experimental models of acute pancreatitis.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2001

[The isolated perfused rat pancreas - an experimental model for investigation the early events in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis].

METHODS: External perfusions of the pancreatic glands of Wistar-rats were done, using a modified Krebs-Ringer-Buffer (KRB). We looked for an elevation of amylase, lipase and lactate-dehydrogenase in the effusion fluid (portal outflow fluid). We investigated a normal perfusion (KRB, 60 minutes), a long term perfusion (KRB, 240 minutes) and a perfusion (60 minutes) including an additive of the detergents triton x-100 or the cholecystokinin analogue ceruletid (10(-8) M). RESULTS: An isolated external perfusion of a rat pancreas is possible without inducing any increase of parameters of damage such as amylase, lipase or lactate-dehydrogenase in the outflow medium. The perfusion time should be limited to 80 minutes including a 20 minutes equilibration period. A damage of pancreatic parenchyma is indicated by increased levels of pancreatic enzymes in the perfusion medium. Such damage can be induced by various noxious substances like detergents or cerulein, which has a significance in the pathophysiology of experimental acute pancreatitis. A significant increase (p < 0.01) of lactate-dehydrogenase, lipase and amylase was found 10, 20 and 30 minutes after an application of triton x-100. During a perfusion with the cholecystokinin analogue ceruletid (10(-8) M) we found an increase of lipase (p < 0.05) after 30 minutes and an increase of amylase (p < 0.05) after 50 minutes perfusion. CONCLUSIONS: The isolated perfused rat pancreas is a valuable experimental model to investigate the early phase of pathophysiology in acute pancreatitis.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2001

Real-time assessment of intraperitoneal tumor growth in a rat model using CEA immunoscintigraphy.

BACKGROUND: In most preclinical models, assessment of intraperitoneal tumor location and size require killing the animal. The dynamics of postoperative intraperitoneal tumor implantation and growth remain unclear. A noninvasive method allowing reliable in vivo, real-time assessment of tumor growth is desirable. METHODS: An intraperitoneal tumor homograft using cultured CC531 colorectal cells was created by laparotomy in 24 Wistar Albino Glaxo rats. Eight additional rats were used as controls. Then, 10 MBq technetium 99m-labeled anticarcinoembryonic antigen (anti-CEA) monoclonal antibodies were administrated intravenously and radioactivity uptake was measured by using extracorporeal gamma counting at various time points. Subsequently, the animals were killed for tumor weighting. In 2 more groups of 8 animals, real-time, repeated measures were performed. RESULTS: Correlation between gamma counting and tumor weight was highly significant (P <.001). The regression equation obtained by using the least squares method was: tumor weight (g) = 2.422 + 0.267 x counts. It was possible to obtain real-time tumor growth curves when repeated measurements of radioactivity were performed. At day 25, the predicted tumor weight was 8.49 +/- 0.76 g, the measured weight was 8.16 +/- 0.99 g. CONCLUSIONS: Immunoscintigraphic measurements with technetium 99m anti-CEA antibodies are highly correlated with tumor weight in this model. As opposed to other tumor graft models based on autopsy findings, real-time monitoring is possible. This will allow dynamic studies of intraperitoneal tumor implantation and growth and will reduce the number of animals used in further studies.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Randomized, placebo-controlled trial of lazaroid effects on severe acute pancreatitis in rats.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the therapeutic potential of lazaroids in severe necrotizing acute pancreatitis and to investigate the association between oxidative stress, protease activation, and local production of proinflammatory cytokines and the severity and lethality of the disease. BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress is a crucial factor in the pathophysiology of acute pancreatitis and its systemic complications. Treatment with antioxidants, however, failed to improve survival in most studies performed so far. Lazaroids are a novel class of antioxidants that potently protect pancreatic acinar cells against oxidant attack in vitro. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, controlled experimental study. SETTING: University research laboratory. SUBJECTS: Seventy-five anesthetized male Wistar rats (300-350 g). INTERVENTIONS: Severe acute pancreatitis was induced by retrograde injection of 3.5% taurocholate-sodium into the common bile-pancreatic duct. Interventions were performed to mimic the clinical situation, including continuous intravenous fluid substitution and administration of lazaroids in a therapeutic protocol. Therapy was started 1 hr after injection of the bile salt by using three different lazaroids, lactated Ringer's solution (placebo), and methylprednisolone as a corticosteroid control (n = 15 in each group). All the substances were given by continuous intravenous infusion throughout the 20-hr trial period. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Pancreatic homogenates and ascites were analyzed for indicators of oxidative stress, antioxidants, proteases, and proinflammatory cytokines. Pancreatic edema, morphologic pancreatitis severity, and pancreatic histopathology also were assessed. All three lazaroids and methylprednisolone diminished pancreatic tumor necrosis factor-alpha concentrations. Lethality was 33% in the placebo group. Neither the lazaroids nor methylprednisolone influenced survival. The local pancreatic and peritoneal concentrations of lipid peroxidation products, antioxidants, and proteases did not differ among the five groups. Nonsurviving rats, however, had a higher total protease activity in the pancreas and higher concentrations of trypsinogen activation peptide in ascites, as compared with surviving animals. There were no differences between survivors and nonsurvivors with regard to variables of oxidative stress and cytokines. CONCLUSIONS: Lazaroid application under clinically relevant conditions (i.e., after induction of fulminant acute pancreatitis) does not influence lethality or biochemical variables relevant to this disease. Protease activation rather than oxidative stress or local pancreatic cytokine production is an important determinant of disease severity and survival in acute pancreatitis. In experimental studies evaluating novel therapeutics, the same strict criteria should be applied as in the human setting.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Expression of metallothionein II in intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia, and gastric cancer.

Differential display is a valuable tool for the identification of differentially expressed genes in human carcinogenesis and development. The search for differentially expressed genes in gastric cancer and its premalignant lesions may help to define molecular alterations in the gastric mucosa that may precede the development of gastric cancer. Using the differential display technique, we identified a cDNA fragment, encoding metallothionein (MT) IIa mRNA. We performed immunohistochemical analysis using a monoclonal antibody directed against human MT and tissues obtained from 34 patients with gastric cancer and 20 healthy individuals to determine the expression and localization of MT in gastric cancer and its associated premalignant lesions and to correlate our findings with histomorphological features and Helicobacter pylori status. In addition, MT expression was assessed in gastric tissues obtained from patients with gastric cancer and first-degree relatives of patients with gastric cancers and healthy individuals using reverse transcription-PCR analysis. Northern blot analysis confirmed the overexpression of MT IIa in gastric cancer. In the normal gastric tissues, no MT immunoreactivity was observed at the superficial gastric epithelium toward the top of gastric glands. However, MT immunoreactivity was detected at the foveolar neck of the gastric glands. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed an intense MT immunoreactivity in gastric cancer cells, independent of tumor stage, grade of differentiation, or tumor type. Furthermore, areas of dysplasia and intestinal metaplasia also exhibited intense MT immunoreactivity. Reverse transcription-PCR analysis of gastric biopsies obtained from first-degree relatives of patients with gastric cancer revealed the frequent expression of MT Ia in this high-risk group as compared with healthy subjects (P < 0.01). The overexpression of MT in gastric cancer and the expression of MT in intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia, as well as the expression of MT in the gastric mucosa of first-degree relatives of patients with gastric cancer, point to a role for MT in the early process of malignant transformation of the gastric mucosa.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Multiple metachronous metastases of renal cell carcinoma in the pancreas. Case report and review of the literature].

Isolated pancreatic metastases from renal-cell carcinomas (RCC) are extremely rare. Only 96 cases of clinically diagnosed renal-cell carcinoma metastatic to the pancreas have been reported in the world literature, and 70 of the patients (including ours) underwent a definitive surgical resection. In many cases the time between the nephrectomy and diagnosis of metachronous metastases is reported to exceed 10 years. Therefore, the initial diagnosis may be overlooked when there is a prolonged disease-free interval. When it does occur simultaneously or metachronously, aggressive surgical resection, when possible, seems to be the most effective treatment for this metastatic lesion. Surgical resection can provide long-term survival in selected cases. We present the case of a 69-year-old woman in whom two pancreatic metastases were treated by a left-sided subtotal pancreatectomy with splenectomy, 12 years after radical nephrectomy for a RCC. The patient simultaneously presented with both a mass in the body of the pancreas and a right-sided colon cancer. Thus, the diagnosis of pancreatic metastasis of colon cancer was suspected initially. Both tumors were radically resected, and histological examination revealed two pancreatic metastases from the previous RCC. In the world literature this report represents the eighth case of multiple pancreatic metastases due to RCC. It illustrates a rare indication of pancreatic resection because of pancreatic metastasis. The need for prolonged follow-up of patients is emphasized. The few reports on surgically treated pancreatic metastases from RCC are reviewed after the presentation of this case.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2000

Oxidative stress in lung tissue induced by CO(2) pneumoperitoneum in the rat.

BACKGROUND: Clinical trials have found that the pneumoperitoneum has potentially hazardous side effects. The biochemical basis of organ injury induced by pneumoperitoneum is, however, not well defined. Since oxidative stress is believed to play an important role in many pathological conditions, we set out to examine oxidative stress markers in the lung, liver, kidney, and pancreas by using a rat model of laparoscopy with CO(2) pneumoperitoneum and comparing it to a group with gasless laparoscopy. METHODS: Malondialdehyde (for lipid peroxidation), protein-bound carbonyls (for protein oxidation), reduced and oxidized glutathione, and the neutrophil marker myeloperoxidase were evaluated in tissue homogenates at 2 h, 6 h, and 18 h after laparoscopy. Immunoblotting was used to analyze the modification of lung proteins by 4-hydroxynonenal at 6 h. RESULTS: Significant lipid peroxidation was found selectively in lungs at 2 h and 6 h after CO(2) pneumoperitoneum. This was accompanied by a loss of glutathione but only minor protein oxidation. Further, lung proteins were clearly modified by the aldehydic product of lipid peroxidation 4-hydroxynonenal. Myeloperoxidase in lungs increased continuously up to 18 h in both experimental groups, but there were higher levels in the group with pneumoperitoneum. CONCLUSION: Oxidative stress is likely to contribute to the impairment of pulmonary function after laparoscopic operations using a CO(2) pneumoperitoneum.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2000

Effect of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor treatment on ex vivo neutrophil functions in nonneutropenic surgical intensive care patients.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) preferentially stimulates growth and differentiation of neutrophil precursors and activates neutrophil functions. The aim of the present study was to investigate the functional response of the neutrophil to exogenous recombinant human G-CSF (rHuG-CSF) in nonneutropenic patients. In 30 surgical intensive care unit patients with severely impaired wound healing, leukocyte differential count, plasma G-CSF level, and a broad spectrum of neutrophil functions were monitored before (day 0), throughout (days 1 and 5), and at days 1 and 5 after stopping G-CSF treatment. G-CSF application resulted in a 3.5-fold increase in peripheral blood granulocyte count at day 5 of treatment. The mean plasma G-CSF level rose from 48 to a maximum of 2314 pg/ml at day 1 of G-CSF therapy. Neutrophil chemotaxis and stimulated lysozyme release were decreased throughout G-CSF treatment, whereas respiratory burst activity, phagocytic activity, and intracellular calcium concentration were enhanced by G-CSF. Neutrophil membrane depolarization remained unaffected. The increased count and activation state of neutrophils were associated with clinical improvement in most of these patients. Thus, G-CSF may be a useful adjuvant treatment for nonneutropenic patients with severely impaired wound healing.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas.

BACKGROUND: Its considerable size at the time of diagnosis and low grade of malignancy are typical features of the solid-pseudopapillary tumor, which has a tendency to predominantly affect young females. A relationship to the long-term intake of oral contraceptives is discussed. Invasive tumor growth or metastases have been observed only rarely until now. METHODS: The 53-yr-old female patient we report on here was treated by radical partial pancreatoduodenectomy for a nonmetastasizing solid-pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreatic head (T1bN0M0) 19 mo ago. RESULTS: Histopathological studies made a definitive diagnosis of solid-pseudopapillary tumor. The patient is recurrence-free, and there are no signs of metastases at present. Since a microscopically invasive tumor growth is assumed, oncologically curative resection should be preferred vs the less radical enucleation. CONCLUSION: In this report, a case of the rare solid-pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas is described. In contrast to other pancreatic tumors, the semimalignant solid-pseudopapillary tumor has a favorable prognosis.

Female↗
PubMed2000

Telomerase activity and expression of hTRT and hTR in gastrointestinal stromal tumors in comparison with extragastrointestinal sarcomas.

Stromal tumors of the gut (GISTs) have rarely been analyzed for genetic alterations. This study aimed at determining telomerase activity and the expression of the telomerase subunits human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTRT) and human telomerase RNA (hTR) in GISTs and extragastrointestinal neurogenic or myogenic sarcomas. Telomerase activity was investigated using the telomeric repeat amplification protocol assay in 21 GISTs, recurrences and liver metastases from 16 patients, and in 22 leiomyosarcomas and 21 malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs), which served as reference tumors. Expression of hTRT and hTR mRNA was investigated using reverse transcription-PCR. Thirteen GISTs were localized in the stomach and three in the small intestine. Two tumors were benign. In one case, the biological behavior was uncertain. In 67% of GISTs, high telomerase activity was found, whereas high activity was noted in only 18% of leiomyosarcomas and in 48% of MPNSTs. There was no activity in two benign and two malignant GISTs. In one malignant tumor of the small intestine, the primary tumor showed no activity at first but a marked activity in its recurrence. In the tumor with uncertain behavior, telomerase activity and hTRT expression were only weak. In all GISTs showing telomerase activity, the catalytic subunit hTRT was expressed. All GISTs and extragastrointestinal sarcomas expressed hTR. In comparison with leiomyosarcomas and MPNSTs, malignant GISTs showed a higher telomerase activity, which, however, was not seen in benign GISTs. It is possible that telomerase activity occurs during the progression of malignant GISTs. There was a correlation between telomerase activity and the expression of hTRT.

Adult↗