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Biomedical subjects

M A Moore

Publications and source records attributed to M A Moore.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

High-efficiency gene transfer into ex vivo expanded human hematopoietic progenitors and precursor cells by adenovirus vectors.

Replication-deficient adenoviral vectors (AdVec), which infect cycling and noncycling cells with high efficiency, low toxicity, and ease of delivery, provide ideal vehicles to study the expression of regulatory genes controlling different stages of hematopoiesis. To examine the infection efficiency of AdVec in hematopoietic precursor and progenitor cells, we used a replication-deficient adenovector expressing the humanized form of the cDNA for green fluorescent protein (AdGFP), permitting assessment of infection efficiency and kinetics of transgene expression in viable hematopoietic cells using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. Flow-cytometric analysis of ex vivo expanded hematopoietic precursor cells infected with a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 100 of AdGFP show that 78% of megakaryocytic (CD41a+ and CD42b+) cells, 82% of dendritic (CD1a+) cells, 41% of RBC precursors (glycophorin A+), and 32% of monocytic (CD14(+)) cells expressed GFP. Nineteen percent +/- 1% of freshly isolated CD34(+) cells from peripheral blood leukapheresis products infected under the same conditions expressed GFP. Morphologic evaluation of ex vivo expanded, AdGFP-infected CD34(+) cells showed normal maturation. The functional capacity of AdGFP-infected CD34(+) cells was analyzed by quantifying clonogeneic efficiency and proliferative capacity. Infection of CD34(+) progenitor cells with MOIs of 1 to 100 did not impair clonogeneic efficiency of CD34(+ )cells. However, MOI greater than 100 resulted in a significant inhibition of colony-forming unit-granulocyte/granulocyte-macrophage (CFU-G/GM) formation. In sequential dilution expansion over 3 weeks (Delta assay), the cytokine-driven proliferative potential of CD34(+) cells was not impaired following exposure to AdGFP at MOIs of 1 to 1,000. The GFP+ population expanded 10- to 15-fold at high MOIs (500 to 1,000), indicating multiple copies of the transgene in the initially infected CD34(+) cells, which were expressed in subsequent progenies. These data show that AdVec deliver transgenes with high efficiency and low toxicity to hematopoietic progenitor and precursor cells. Introduction of marker genes such as GFP into hematopoietic cells by AdVec will provide a valuable system for study of development, homing, and trafficking of hematopoietic precursor and progenitor cells in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, these results provide insights into the design of gene therapy strategies for treatment of hematologic disorders by AdVec.

Adenoviridae↗

Human cardiovascular and metabolic response to acute, severe isovolemic anemia.

CONTEXT: Although concern over the risks of red blood cell transfusion has resulted in several practice guidelines for transfusion, lack of data regarding the physiological effects of anemia in humans has caused uncertainty regarding the blood hemoglobin (Hb) concentration requiring treatment. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that acute isovolemic reduction of blood Hb concentration to 50 g/L in healthy resting humans would produce inadequate cardiovascular compensation and result in tissue hypoxia secondary to inadequate oxygen transport. DESIGN: Before and after interventional study. SETTING: Academic tertiary care medical center. PARTICIPANTS: Conscious healthy patients (n =11) prior to anesthesia and surgery and volunteers not undergoing surgery (n=21). INTERVENTIONS: Aliquots of blood (450-900 mL) were removed to reduce blood Hb concentration from 131 (2) g/L to 50 (1) g/L [mean (SE)]. Isovolemia was maintained with 5% human albumin and/or autologous plasma. Cardiovascular parameters, arterial and mixed venous oxygen content, oxyhemoglobin saturation, and arterial blood lactate were measured before and after removal of each aliquot of blood. Electrocardiogram and, in a subset, Holter monitor were monitored continuously. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: "Critical" oxygen delivery (TO2) as assessed by oxygen consumption (VO2), plasma lactate concentration, and ST changes on electrocardiogram. RESULTS: Acute, isovolemic reduction of Hb concentration decreased systemic vascular resistance and TO2 and increased heart rate, stroke volume, and cardiac index (each P<.001). We did not find evidence of inadequate oxygenation: VO2 increased slightly from a mean (SD) of 3.07 (0.44) mL of oxygen per kilogram per minute (mL O2 x kg(-1) x min[-1]) to 3.42 (0.54) mL O2 x kg(-1) x min(-1) (P<.001) and plasma lactate concentration did not change (0.81 [0.11] mmol/L to 0.62 [0.19] mmol/L; P=.09). Two subjects developed significant ST changes on Holter monitor: one apparently related to body position or activity, the other to an increase in heart rate (at an Hb concentration of 46-53 g/L); both occurred in young women and resolved without sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: Acute isovolemic reduction of blood Hb concentration to 50 g/L in conscious healthy resting humans does not produce evidence of inadequate systemic TO2, as assessed by lack of change of VO2 and plasma lactate concentration. Analysis of Holter readings suggests that at this Hb concentration in this resting healthy population, myocardial ischemia would occur infrequently.

Adult↗

Adenovector-mediated expression of human thrombopoietin cDNA in immune-compromised mice: insights into the pathophysiology of osteomyelofibrosis.

Thrombopoietin (TPO) cDNA can be effectively delivered in vivo by adenovectors. Immune normal mice (BALB/c) and syngeneic mice with variable degrees of immune dysfunction nu, SCID, and NOD-SCID) were treated with an adenovirus vector expressing the human TPO cDNA (AdTPO). Platelet peaks were significantly higher in SCID and NOD-SCID mice compared with BALB/c and nu mice. Human plasma TPO concentration correlated with the platelet counts. SCID and NOD-SCID mice exhibited also granulocytosis and increased numbers of hemopoietic progenitors in bone marrow. Following platelet peak, BALB/c mice developed autoantibodies against murine TPO leading to thrombocytopenia and depletion of megakaryocytes and hemopoietic progenitors in bone marrow. AdTPO-treated SCID mice developed osteomyelofibrosis and extramedullary/extrasplenal hemopoiesis. In contrast, NOD-SCID mice with a similar magnitude of TPO overexpression did not show fibrotic changes in bone marrow. We conclude, first, that a chronic high level of TPO overexpression stimulates megakaryocytopoiesis and myelopoiesis leading to thrombocytosis and granulocytosis. Second, increased megakaryocytopoiesis is not sufficient for development of secondary osteomyelofibrosis. The functionally deficient monocytes and macrophages of NOD-SCID mice probably prevented fibrotic marrow changes. Third, immune deficiency enhances expression of adenovirally mediated transgenes, and fourth, xenogeneic transgene delivered by adenovector to a host with normal immune functions may induce loss of immune tolerance and autoimmune phenomenon.

Adenoviruses, Human↗

Retroviral transduction of human CD34+ umbilical cord blood progenitor cells with a mutated dihydrofolate reductase cDNA.

Umbilical cord blood cells (UCB) have become a major target population for experimental and clinical studies using transfer of genes involved in inborn enzymatic diseases. Cord blood contains hematopoietic progenitor cells at a high frequency, and expanding these cells ex vivo generates sufficient numbers of hematopoietic precursors for transplantation into adults, e.g., as supportive treatment. As clinical reports about retroviral transduction into UCB cells have not been as encouraging as the first preclinical data, we have established a retroviral transduction system that allows expansion and selection of hematopoietic progenitor cells from UCB. CD34-enriched UCB cells were transduced with a retroviral vector encoding a mutated dihydrofolate reductase cDNA that confers MTX resistance. We observed increased resistance to MTX in transduced granulocyte macrophage-colony forming units (CFU-GM) after co-culture of CD34+ UCB cells with the virus-producing cell line, or after incubation with virus-containing supernatant. The supernatant-based transduction protocol included a prestimulation with recombinant interleukin-1 (rhIL-1), rhkit-ligand, and rhIL-3 to increase the percentage of cells in S phase to greater than 50%. Using this protocol we measured a 72-fold expansion of CFU-GM and a 2.5-fold selective advantage of transduced versus nontransduced progenitor cells after exposure to low-dose methotrexate in liquid culture. Polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed integration of proviral DNA into the majority of transduced colonies before and after ex vivo expansion. The retroviral vector and transduction protocol reported here provides an experimental system for selection and expansion of retrovirally transduced progenitor/stem cells from UCB that may help improve the efficiency of current clinical gene therapy strategies.

Antigens, CD34↗

Surveillance for nonfatal work-related injuries in Alaska, 1991-1995.

Historically, Alaska has had an occupational fatality rate five times greater than that for the United States. This article reports recent surveillance results for hospitalized nonfatal work-related injuries in Alaska, using the population-based Alaska Trauma Registry (ATR) from 1991 through 1995. The fishing, construction, and logging industries led with the highest number of reported cases in the ATR. Workers in the logging, water transportation, and wood product manufacturing industries had the highest injury rates. Cause, severity, type, and body region of injury were examined for each target industry. For industries with the highest numbers and rates of injuries, in most cases, falls were identified as a common cause of injuries. A fractured bone was the most common type of injury, and the extremities were the most common body region affected. The ATR has proved to be a reliable tool for work-related injury surveillance and will be helpful in planning research priorities and targeting injury prevention efforts.

Accidental Falls↗

The role of endothelium in the regulation of hematopoietic stem cell migration.

Mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells appears to be a multifactorial process which is at least partially regulated at the level of bone marrow microvascular endothelium (BMEC). In order to study the regulation of progenitor cell migration by endothelium in vitro, methods have been developed to isolate BMEC from bone marrow aspirates. In addition, immortalized BMEC cell lines have been generated. Using an in vitro model of migration across bone marrow endothelium, we demonstrate that only a small number of more mature, committed progenitors migrate spontaneously. In this model, adhesion molecules of the beta2-integrin family and the corresponding endothelial ligands are involved. The low spontaneous migratory capacity suggests that, in addition to adhesion molecules which mediate direct cellular contacts, paracrine cytokines and chemokines may play a role in progenitor migration across endothelium. Growth-factor-stimulated hematopoietic cells can produce cytokines which act on endothelial cells (e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF), modifying their motility, growth, permeability, and fenestration. Therefore, VEGF might be involved in the mobilization and homing of hematopoietic progenitor cells. Furthermore, transendothelial migration of progenitors in vitro is substantially enhanced by the chemokine stromal-cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), which is produced by bone marrow stromal cells. More primitive progenitors, which do not migrate spontaneously, also respond to this chemokine. We conclude that transendothelial progenitor cell migration is regulated by adhesion molecules, paracrine cytokines, and chemokines. Mobilizing hematopoietic growth factors stimulate proliferation of hematopoietic cells, which may indirectly result in changes of the local cytokine and chemokine milieu, adhesion molecule expression, and eventually the mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells.

Animals↗

Inhibition of azoxymethane initiated colon tumor and aberrant crypt foci development by bovine lactoferrin administration in F344 rats.

The influence of bovine lactoferrin (bLf) on colon carcinogenesis was investigated in male F344 rats treated with azoxymethane (AOM). In experiment I, 2% and 0.2% bLf, and Bifidobacterium longum (B. longum) as a positive control at 3% were given in the diet for 4 weeks, along with two s.c. 15 mg/kg injections of AOM on days 1 and 8. The numbers of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) were decreased by both treatments. Similar results were obtained in experiment II of 13 weeks duration. In experiment III, animals were given three weekly injections of AOM and then received 2 or 0.2% bLf, 2% bLf-hydrolysate, or 0.1% bovine lactoferricin (bLfcin) for 36 weeks. No effects indicative of toxicity were noted, but significant reduction in both the incidence and number of adenocarcinomas of the large intestine was observed with almost all the treatments. Thus, the incidences of colon adenocarcinomas in the groups receiving 2 or 0.2% bLf, 2% bLf-hydrolysate, or 0.1% bLfcin were 15%, 25%, 26.3% and only 10%, respectively, in contrast to the 57.5% control value (p < 0.01). ACF values also exhibited reduced development. Investigation of beta-glucuronidase revealed decrease in the cecal contents of animals receiving bLf. In addition, demonstration of enhancement of NK activity by bLf indicated that its inhibitory effects could have been related to elevated immune cytotoxicity.

Animals↗

Evaluation of porcine valves prepared by dye-mediated photooxidation.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies demonstrated that dye-mediated photooxidation can stabilize bovine pericardium. Here, photooxidized porcine valve cusp and root tissue were assessed in comparison to fresh and glutaraldehyde-treated samples. METHODS AND RESULTS: In an in vitro tissue solubility test, both photooxidized and glutaraldehyde-treated tissues were resistant to protein extraction compared to fresh tissue. A rat subcutaneous model was used to test in vivo stability and calcification potential. In this study, four of the six fresh leaflets were not visible because of resorption while both photooxidized and glutaraldehyde-treated tissues were biostable. Mineral contents of the rat explants were much lower for both fresh and photooxidized leaflets when compared with glutaraldehyde-treated leaflets. Also, the aortic root calcified whether treated or not with the most mineral being associated with glutaraldehyde-treated root. Analysis of photooxidized porcine valves explanted from the mitral position in sheep indicated a material that was biostable and contained only minor calcification, perhaps due to deformed stents. CONCLUSIONS: Porcine valve tissue treated by dye-mediated photooxidation is biostable and resistant to calcification, and has potential for use in heart valve bioprostheses.

Animals↗

G-CSF receptor-mediated up-regulation of c-fos but not c-raf mRNA expression in myeloid cells.

Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) regulates survival, proliferation, and differentiation of myeloid precursor cells. One of the signaling mechanisms for the G-CSF receptor (G-CSF-R) involves the activation of Ras/MAP kinase (MEK) pathway. Since Raf is an important, common link between Ras and MEK in the Ras-Raf-MEK cascade, we studied the expression of c-raf mRNA in G-CSF-treated myeloid precursor cell lines--NFS-60 and HL-60. G-CSF did not alter c-raf mRNA expression in these cells up to 24 h, but induced a transient up-regulation of c-fos mRNA expression between 15-60 min post-treatment. Our results show that G-CSF triggers a de novo induction of c-fos but not c-raf mRNA, and suggests that G-CSF-R-mediated activation of Ras/MEK pathway may involve post-transcriptional mechanisms of Raf regulation.

Bone Marrow Cells↗

Telomerase activity and telomere length in pediatric patients with malignancies undergoing chemotherapy.

Telomerase activity and telomere length in mononuclear cells (MNCs) and granulocytes from peripheral blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM) specimens were studied in pediatric acute leukemia (ALL, n = 15; AML, n = 11) and pediatric solid tumor (ST) patients (n = 9) at diagnosis, during and after chemotherapy. In four ST patients, tumor tissue was also available. For comparative analysis, MNCs from healthy donors (n = 53) were analyzed. Telomerase was evaluated using a modified telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) assay, and telomere length by terminal restriction fragment (TRF) analysis. At diagnosis, high telomerase activity was detected in MNCs from all leukemia patients, which was similar to the activity from ST biopsy specimens. This exceeded by 10- to 20-fold the activity in PB MNCs from ST patients and healthy donors (P < 0.05). Granulocyte fractions lacked telomerase activity in all groups. BM MNCs in leukemia patients revealed a four-fold higher telomerase activity than PB (P = 0.005). After induction chemotherapy and response to treatment, telomerase activity decreased to borderline or undetectable levels in PB MNCs in leukemia (P < 0.01). Average telomeres in PB MNCs from pediatric patients were significantly longer (n = 25; 10.9 kbp) than telomeres in PB and BM MNCs from adult healthy donors (7.45 kbp) (P < 0.0001). At diagnosis, telomeres were shorter from BM compared to PB specimens in leukemia (P < 0.05), and two peak TRFs were observed corresponding to the malignant and normal cell clones. With the attainment of remission, the lower TRF peak, reflecting the leukemic population, was lost. In leukemia patients, mean TRFs increased on average 2.2 kbp after induction chemotherapy, but decreased thereafter on consolidation and maintenance chemotherapy (1 kbp). This was comparable to an average telomere loss of 1.2 kbp in PB specimens from ST patients after chemotherapy. In all patients, telomere loss in granulocytes as compared to MNCs was more pronounced with 1.8 vs 1 kbp, respectively (P = 0.014). Our results demonstrate that at diagnosis, telomerase was consistently and highly upregulated in BM and PB specimens in leukemia, decreased after induction therapy, and correlated with remission. BM specimens in leukemia had higher telomerase activity, probably due to the greater leukemic burden than in PB. Telomeres were significantly longer in children than in adults, but shortened as a consequence of chemotherapy with repeated cycles of hematopoietic regeneration. In acute leukemia, with the loss of the leukemic burden after induction chemotherapy, longer mean TRFs were found, a reflection of the repopulation with normal cells. Our findings suggest that telomerase activity may be useful in the management of childhood malignancies. The significance of telomere length shortening in pediatric patients undergoing chemotherapy and possible telomere regeneration after myelosuppressive treatment remain to be determined.

Adolescent↗

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor activates protein kinase A in granulocytic but not monocytic precursors or neutrophils.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) regulates survival, proliferation, differentiation, and activation of myeloid cells. G-CSF-R signaling mechanisms other than tyrosine kinase activation have not been documented. We explored the potential involvement of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) in G-CSF-R signal transduction. In this report, we provide the first direct evidence of PKA modulation by G-CSF-R. G-CSF treatment of granulocytic precursor cell lines (HL-60, NFS-60, KG-1) resulted in PKA activation, measured by phosphorylation of Kemptide, a peptide substrate. In contrast, the myelomonocytic cell lines (WEHI-3B,U-937) and peripheral blood neutrophils (PMNC) showed a rapid decrease in PKA activity in response to G-CSF. H-89, a specific inhibitor of PKA, blocked G-CSF-induced PKA activation in HL-60 cells but did not affect ligand-induced downmodulation of G-CSF-R. Indomethacin, an inhibitor of the cyclooxygenase pathway and prostaglandin synthesis, did not inhibit PKA induction in G-CSF-treated HL-60 cells. Our results demonstrate the involvement of PKA in G-CSF-R signal transduction and suggest a lineage-restricted, developmental stage-specific regulation of this pathway in myeloid cells.

Animals↗

Physical exercise: a pillar for cancer prevention?

Both epidemiological and experimental studies have shown that physical exercise deserves particular attention in any consideration of approaches to the prevention of neoplasia, especially since it also exerts consistent beneficial effects on the other major chronic diseases prevalent in the Western world, atherosclerosis and non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). The organ sites for which strong evidence has been gained for a protective influence of exercise or an elevated risk with a sedentary existence include the colon, prostate, breast and endometrium. The underlying mechanisms appear to centre on the hormones insulin and oestrogen, serum elevation of both of these endocrine factors being associated with increased risk of neoplastic development. The immense potential benefit of an increased level of exercise in the general population suggests that commensurate measures should be taken in the field of cancer education.

Chronic Disease↗

Chronically elevated proliferation as a risk factor for neoplasia.

Chronic disease conditions that are associated with elevated proliferation are well established as risk factors for cancer development. These may be due to viruses (for example, in the case of hepatitis and liver cancer), bacterial infections, parasite infestation or physical trauma. In addition to these exogenous agents there are also metabolic abnormalities that can contribute, caused by genetic or epigenetic influence. In the latter case, an increase in serum levels of the hormones oestrogen, testosterone and insulin may be of special importance. The present review concentrates attention on factors that induce elevated cell turnover and for which there is epidemiological and/or experimental evidence of a link with neoplasia, with particular stress on the individual organ or tissue level.

Animals↗

Co-ordination and ecology in practical cancer prevention.

A great deal of information is already available regarding modifiable factors affecting cancer development in a negative or positive fashion. Thus, avoidance of harmful agents like tobacco, vaccination against virus infections, prompt treatment of inflammatory conditions and increased exposure to beneficial influences hold great promise for the achievement of effective prevention. However, this requires a co-ordinated strategy and an integration of efforts in epidemiological and biological research, medical practice and education, and is essential for optimal use of the resources available. In addition, more stress needs to be placed on community approaches. Concentration of particular attention on the 'ecological' interactions among a triad of the major areas of action: (1) information generation; (2) intervention efforts; (3) government policy, appears warranted.

Health Planning↗

European country comparisons provide evidence of a link between colon cancer and adenocarcinoma development in the lung but not the oesophagus.

Relative incidence rates of lung cancers demonstrate marked international variation in values for the different histological sub-types. In order to determine whether adenocarcinomas (ACs) in this site might share risk factors with other ACs, for example, in the breast, prostate, oesophagus and colon, a comparison of data in the IARC/WHO Cancer Incidence in Five Continents (Volume VII) was made for selected registries in Europe. Significant correlations were found between lung AC incidences/100,000 population and prostate and colon cancers in males (P < 0.005 and P < 0.05, respectively) and for breast and colon in females (P < 0.05 for both). Partial correlation coefficients were significant for lung and colon (P < 0.001) and prostate and colon (P < 0.005) in men, and for breast and colon in women (P < 0.005). A significant negative correlation with prostate cancer was noted for lung ACs in men. The results provide support for shared risk factors between lung Acs and colon cancers but do not indicate any link with AC development in the oesophagus. Data from registries in the UK and Italy were remarkable for high incidences of oesophageal and lung ACs, respectively, pointing to major differences in environmental risk factor or beneficial influence acting on these sites between the two countries.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Modulation of dihydroxy-di-n-propylnitrosamine-induced liver lesion development in Opisthorchis-infected Syrian hamsters by praziquantel treatment in association with butylated hydroxyanisole or dehydroepiandrosterone administration.

The effects of praziquantel coupled with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) or butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) administration 16 weeks subsequent to dihydroxy-di-n-propylnitrosamine (DHPN) treatment and infection with Opisthorchis viverrini (OV) on lesion development in the liver of Syrian hamsters were investigated. Animals were given 80 OV metacercariae and then two i.p. injections of DHPN (500 mg/kg body weight) 4 and 5 weeks thereafter. At week 16, groups received praziquantel (250 mg/kg, i.g.) and were placed on normal diet or diet supplemented with BHA (1%) or DHEA (0.6%) until they were killed at week 24. Histopathological assessment revealed that, whereas antihelminthic treatment alone resulted in a clear reduction in hepatocellular lesion development, effects on cholangiocellular lesions were equivocal. BHA and DHEA, in contrast, were both associated with a significant reduction in frequency of cholangiofibrosis and cholangiocellular carcinoma. The former chemical, however, increased the numbers of liver nodules while the hormone brought about a decrease as well as a shift in the phenotype of the lesions. The results thus indicate that although cholangiocellular lesion development may, unlike generation of hepatocellular nodules, be to a certain extent independent of the continued presence of parasite, it can be influenced by exogenous treatments.

Animals↗