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Biomedical subjects

P Brousset

Publications and source records attributed to P Brousset.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

bcl-2 proto-oncogene and Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein-1 expression in AIDS-related lymphoma.

The expression of bcl-2 protein and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) latent membrane protein 1 (LMP-1) was investigated in 18 cases of lymphoma occurring in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). EBV small RNAs were detectable in tumour cells in all cases by in situ hybridization with EBER oligonucleotides. LMP-1 expression was detected in 61% of the cases, and 55% were positive for bcl-2. Dual expression of LMP-1 and bcl-2 was found in 8/18 (44%) cases, while five cases (28%) expressed either LMP-1 or bcl-2 and five expressed neither. Thus, there was an inconsistent relationship between the presence of EBV and the expression of bcl-2. One LMP-1 negative case was found to express bcl-2 in reactive lymphocytes but not in lymphoma cells. No clinical features were found to correlate statistically with LMP-1 or bcl-2 expression in the tumour cells. However, CD4 counts at diagnosis were significantly lower in bcl-2 positive cases (P < 0.05). The respective roles of EBV LMP-1 and the expression of bcl-2 in lymphogenesis in AIDS patients remains complex and is not yet fully understood.

Adult↗

Expression of human recombination activating genes (RAG-1 and RAG-2) in lymphoma.

Two recently discovered genes, the recombination activating genes 1 and 2 (RAG-1 and RAG-2), are necessary to perform variable (V), diversity (D), and joining (J) recombination. They synergistically activate VDJ recombination to generate immunocompetent lymphocytes. Disruption of either gene results in a maturation arrest at a very early B and T cell progenitor stage. Expression and downregulation of RAG's are closely associated with interleukin 7, sIgM and TCR-CD3 complex, respectively. Assessment of RAG mRNA expression is a valuable marker in identifying the genotypic maturation status of leukemias and lymphomas. Persistent RAG expression in otherwise mature lymphoid proliferations may explain puzzling biological and clinical observations such as multiple rearrangements in lymphomas with a mature phenotype. Lack of RAG expression in Hodgkin's disease with abundant Reed-Sternberg cells is consistent with a mature phenotype of the latter. Availability of a anti-RAG-1 monoclonal antibody in the near future will facilitate RAG analysis of lymphomas.

Animals↗

[Internal deletions of the latent membrane protein oncogenes of Epstein-Barr virus in Hodgkin's disease are almost identical with those of Asiatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma].

The latent membrane protein (LMP) oncogene of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is 1300 base pairs (bp) long and expressed in Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg (HRS) cells of about 50% of Hodgkin's lymphomas and in tumor cells of about 60% of nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPC). The LMP sequences of EBV variants isolated from two NPC (NPC 1510 and NPC CAO) have recently been published. Compared to the standard EBV sequence (EBV B95-8) they both show deletions of 30 bp near the 3' end. These mutations render the LMP oncogene more aggressive in NPC. In 52 Hodgkin's lymphomas expressing the LMP oncogene was amplified the coding sequence by the polymerase chain reaction. In five tumors deletions within the coding region for the intracytoplasmic LMP domain have been found. DNA sequencing revealed three 30 bp deletions almost identical to those observed in NPC 1510 and NPC CAO. In a forth case, a 70 bp deletion encompassing the regions of the 30 bp deletions was found. Histologically, all five tumors with such deletions showed abundant HRS cells. It is likely that these mutations of the LMP oncogene in a similar way as in NPC also favour the proliferation of HRS cells in Hodgkin's disease.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

[Epstein-Barr virus replication in Hodgkin disease].

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is present in up to 40% of Hodgkin's disease (HD). The viral genomes remain latent within Reed-Sternberg cells (RS cells), but the recent detection of Zebra protein in rare neoplastic cells of a few EBV+ HD cases, suggests an activation of EBV replication. We have studied fifty HD cases containing EBV genomes and expressing LMP1 protein (including five AIDS-related cases), by immunohistochemistry with anti-Zebra antibodies. Four of these cases (all HIV-) showed Zebra+ tumor cells. One of these four cases showed numerous Zebra+ neoplastic cells (approximately 1% of tumor cells) and positive staining for EA-R protein, thus indicating early gene expression. In situ hybridization with biotinylated BamHI W probe revealed in this case, a signal of unusual strength within some Reed-Sternberg cells, probably related to increased number of EBV genomes, thus suggesting EBV replication. Viral replication was finally confirmed in this case, by the detection of BLLF1 transcripts (encoding for the membrane antigen gp 350/220) using reverse transcriptase and polymerase chain reaction. Thus, a very few Zebra+ neoplastic cells are concerned by viral replication, most of them harboring EBV involved in an abortive, instead of a full lytic cycle. EBV replication in RS cells remains an exceptional event, but may provide clues to immunologic mechanisms of control of viral latency. Clinical implications need further investigations.

Adult↗

Intensified conditioning regimen with busulfan followed by allogeneic BMT in children with myelodysplastic syndromes.

Four consecutive children with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) underwent matched allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Ages ranged from 3.2 to 6.3 years. Diagnosis was assessed according to FAB classification: refractory anemia-RA (n = 1), RA with excess of blasts (RAEB) (n = 1), and juvenile chronic myelogenous leukemia (JCML) (n = 2). Initial treatment included transfusions for all of them, splenectomy (n = 2) and chemotherapy (n = 1). Patients were all prepared with busulfan 21 mg/kg (480 mg/m2), cytosine arabinoside 24,000 mg/m2, melphalan 140 mg/m2. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis associated cyclosporine-methotrexate. Engraftment was prompt and complete in all children. Toxicity included severe mucositis (n = 3), moderate veno-occlusive disease (n = 2), acute GVHD (n = 3), chronic GVHD (n = 1). Sequelae have not yet been seen. All patients are alive and disease-free with a follow-up ranging from 7 to 35 months, with a Karnofsky score of 90-100%. Combined busulphan conditioning can offer an alternative to total body irradiation-based regimens in order to avoid late side-effects in children.

Anemia, Refractory↗

B-cell lymphoma following polycythemia vera: evidence for the involvement of two different clones.

We report here two patients with polycythemia vera (PV) who developed secondary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Both cases were high grade B-cell NHL. Cytogenetic analysis of bone marrow and lymph node was performed in each case and showed numerous chromosomal abnormalities. Of interest, chromosomal abnormalities of the PV and of the NHL clones were different, suggesting the possible involvement of two different clones. A 11q23 breakpoint was common between the two cases and the putative role of this breakpoint in the pathogenesis of the NHLs is discussed.

Aged↗

Deletions within the LMP1 oncogene of Epstein-Barr virus are clustered in Hodgkin's disease and identical to those observed in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

This study of 52 European patients with Hodgkin's disease (HD) expressing the latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) oncogene within diagnostic Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg (HRS) cells was performed to detect LMP1 isolates carrying deletions and to characterize them at a molecular and histologic level. Deletions were identified in 5 cases, clustered near the 3' end of the LMP1 gene, and histologically associated with numerous HRS cells. DNA sequencing showed homology with the deletions seen in the Asian nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) isolates CAO and 1510. Our findings suggest that partial deletions of the LMP1 oncogene, associated with aggressive behavior in NPC CAO and NPC 1510, occur at a particular localization and confer a proliferative phenotype to lymphoid cells in HD.

Adult↗

[Histogenesis of malignant lymphomas].

The strides achieved by immunohistochemical techniques, the development of monoclonal antibodies and, more recently, molecular biology have brought deep changes in the concept of histogenesis and in the classification of malignant lymphomas. After blockage, each of the cells which mark out the transformation of B and T may give birth to a malignant lymphoma. In most cases lymphoproliferations retain the immunological (differentiation markers) and morphological attributes of the normal cells from which they derive. It is on this corpus of data that the present histogenesis and classifications are resting. However, the complexity of lymphoma histogenesis is related to heterogeneous lymphoid populations which are not a mere division into B and T cells. There are numerous and not yet clearly individualized subpopulations the morphological and antigenic features of which are imperfectly known. On the other hand, the development of in situ hybridization techniques and of molecular biology (PCR) has provided useful data on the aetiology of malignant lymphomas. The latest results obtained suggest that several viruses (Epstein-Barr, HTLV-1, HHV-6) might play a predominant oncogenic role.

Cell Division↗

Demonstration of Epstein-Barr virus replication in Reed-Sternberg cells of Hodgkin's disease.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is detectable in approximately 40% of cases of Hodgkin's disease (HD). The viral genomes remain latent but positive staining with anti-ZEBRA antibody in a small fraction of Reed-Sternberg (RS) cells of some cases of HD would suggest possible activation of EBV replication within these cells. We report the investigation of 40 cases of EBV-associated HD (including 5 human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]-positive cases) using anti-ZEBRA antibodies. Positive staining was found in only three (HIV-negative) cases. One of these three cases showed approximately 1% of ZEBRA-positive tumor cells, whereas the other two cases showed rare positive cells. In the case with 1% ZEBRA-positive cells, a strong signal was obtained with anti-EA-R antibody and BHLF1 oligoprobes, which indicated early gene expression. EBV replication could be shown in this case by nonisotopic in situ DNA-DNA hybridization, which showed markedly increased numbers of EBV genomes in a few RS cells. Viral replication was confirmed using reverse transcriptase and polymerase chain reaction that detected transcripts from the BLLF1 gene encoding for the membrane antigen gp350/220. EBV replication in RS cells seems to be an exceptional event but may provide clues to mechanisms of control of viral latency and assume clinical implications in the future.

Base Sequence↗

High incidence of Epstein-Barr virus detection in Hodgkin's disease and absence of detection in anaplastic large-cell lymphoma in children.

By in situ hybridization with EBER oligonucleotides and immunohistochemistry with anti-latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) antibody, we compared the detection rate of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in Hodgkin's disease and anaplastic large-cell lymphomas in children. Among the 13 cases of Hodgkin's disease tested, 7 (54%) were found to be EBV associated (EBER transcripts +, LMP1 +). None of the 11 cases of ALC lymphomas was found to contain EBV genomes or gene products. This may indicate that EBV is not a pathogenic agent in anaplastic large-cell lymphomas in children in comparison to Hodgkin's disease.

Adolescent↗

Absence of Epstein-Barr virus carrying cells in synovial membranes and subcutaneous nodules of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the Epstein-Barr virus is present in synovial membranes and subcutaneous nodules of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: A sensitive in situ hybridisation technique was applied to tissue sections of 11 synovial membranes and five rheumatoid nodules. RESULTS: Cells carrying the Epstein-Barr virus were not detected using EBER and BHLF1 oligonucleotides in the tissue samples investigated here. CONCLUSIONS: Although it has been suggested that the Epstein-Barr virus could play a part in the aetiology of rheumatoid arthritis, it was not detected in synovial membranes and subcutaneous lesions in this study.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

Relation of follicular dendritic reticulum cells to Reed-Sternberg cells of Hodgkin's disease with emphasis on the expression of CD21 antigen.

Based on observations of 66 cases, in which tissues were specially processed to optimize the simultaneous preservation of cell membrane antigens and morphology, we provide evidence in favor of a relationship between follicular dendritic reticulum cells (FDRC) and Reed-Sternberg (RS) cells of Hodgkin's disease (HD) other than the lymphocyte predominance subtype. RS cells were intimately related to the FDRC network (75% of cases), and the expression of CD21 antigen was frequent (41% of cases). Exclusive expression of CD21 antigen was found in 11 cases of HD, while the expression of other B-cell-associated markers (CD19, CD20, CD22) was both variable and inconsistent. The expression of T-cell antigens (CD3, CD4, CD8) was rare. Null phenotype of RS cells was observed in 27 of 66 cases (41%). Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) nucleic acids were found in 34 of 66 (51.5%) cases. Double labeling techniques showed the presence of EBV-positive RS cells within the FDRC network. A non-B-cell origin of RS cells was supported by the differential expression of EBV latent antigens in HD (latent membrane protein+, EB nuclear antigen 2-), which is unusual in EBV-driven lymphoblastoid cell lines and EBV-positive B-cell lymphomas. FDRC and RS cells are known to share morphological traits (binucleated cells), and both cell types possess Fc receptor for IgG. The hypothesis is further backed by the findings of CD15 antigen expression by occasional RS-like dysplastic FDRC in Castleman's disease (five cases), which is characterized by hyperplasia of FDRC. Whether FDRC might be the only cells involved in the conversion to RS cells by the loss or gain of antigens remains to be determined.

Antibodies↗

Assessment of the methods for the detection of Epstein-Barr virus nucleic acids and related gene products in Hodgkin's disease.

BACKGROUND: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is present in the pathogenic cells of a significant number of cases of Hodgkin's disease, particularly of the mixed cellularity subtype. EBV remains latent and the incidence of detection rate of the genomes and gene products varies greatly with the methods employed. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: From a pool of 137 cases of Hodgkin's disease previously studied by cold in situ hybridization (ISH) for the presence or absence of EBV DNA and the immunohistochemical reactivity with anti-latent membrane protein 1 antibody, we selected 24 cases (12 EBV DNA-positive, 12 EBV DNA-negative) for Southern blotting, as well as for study with nonisotopic EBER and BHLF1 oligonucleotide probes and amplification of DNA by polymerase chain reaction. EBV positive cases were further tested with anti-ZEBRA (BZLF1) antibody. RESULTS: The EBV DNA detection rate was found to be lower with Southern blotting compared to ISH and IHC methods because 8 of the 12 EBV positive cases were positive with BamHI W probe and only 7 (of the 8) with XhoI 1.9 kb probe. These 7 cases contained monoclonal episomal circular EBV genomes. All EBV DNA-positive cases showed EBER gene transcription by ISH. EBER probes also reacted with small lymphocytes in all EBV DNA+ and 9 EBV DNA- cases. These EBER-positive small lymphocytes were detected neither by BamHI W DNA probe nor by immunohistochemical methods with anti-latent membrane protein 1 and anti-EBNA2 antibodies. Polymerase chain reaction produced a positive result in all EBV DNA+ cases and 2 (of the 9) EBV DNA- cases containing EBER+ small lymphocytes. This discrepancy was attributed to amplification of EBV in reactive lymphocytes. Anti-ZEBRA antibody was positive in 2 cases (one BHLF1+) suggesting infrequent viral replication and probable abortive lytic cycle. CONCLUSIONS: ISH and immunohistochemical methods are more sensitive than Southern blot for detecting EBV in Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg cells of Hodgkin's disease. Polymerase chain reaction appears to be very sensitive but is less sensitive and specific (amplification of EBV DNA of non-neoplastic lymphocytes) than ISH with non-isotopic EBER oligoprobes, which often detects and localizes EBV in pathogenic cells even when they are in small numbers and also in a few small lymphocytes. In addition, this method offers the advantage of being applied to routinely processed tissue sections.

Antigens, Viral↗

A novel human lymphoma cell line (Deglis) with dual B/T phenotype and gene rearrangements and containing Epstein-Barr virus genomes.

We report a new and apparently unique human lymphoma cell line termed Deglis. The line was established from a polymorphic centroblastic lymphoma. The cell line and its source carry a dual B-cell and T-cell phenotype and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genomes. Simultaneous expression of B-cell (CD19+, CD20+, CD23+, CD37+) and T-cell (CD2+, CD3+/-, CD7+, CD43+) antigens, activation antigens (CD30+, CDw70+) as well as CD68+, a macrophage-associated antigen, was observed on the cell line and its source. Genotypic studies of the cell line showed dual gene rearrangements. JH (on both primary tumor and the cell line) and C kappa were rearranged without expression of cytoplasmic or surface immunoglobulins. T-cell receptor-alpha (TCR-alpha) and TCR-beta genes were rearranged, but TCR-delta and TCR-gamma genes were in germline configuration. Apparently, functional transcripts of TCR-alpha and truncated transcripts for TCR-beta and TCR-delta were observed. EBV-encoded proteins (LMP and EBNA2) were expressed by the parent tumor and the cell line. Southern blot analysis showed the same clonal EBV genomes in the primary tumor and the cell line. Karyotypic analysis of the cell line showed several chromosomal abnormalities but normal chromosomal number. The characteristics of this cell line suggest that neoplastic transformation has occurred in a precursor cell broadly committed to lymphoid lineage. Further studies on this cell line may help resolve some issues in the physiopathology of lymphoid tumors.

Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte↗

Prevention of hepatic veno-occlusive disease after bone marrow transplantation by continuous infusion of low-dose heparin: a prospective, randomized trial.

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) is a major regimen-related toxicity after bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Endothelial injury, leading to deposition of coagulation factors within the terminal hepatic venules, is believed to be the key event in the pathogenesis of VOD. To evaluate the benefit and the safety of a VOD prophylaxis with anticoagulants, we conducted a prospective randomized trial of continuous infusion of low-dose heparin among 161 patients under-going either allogeneic (n = 79) or autologous BMT (n = 81). Patients were randomized to receive (n = 81) or not receive (n = 80) prophylactic heparin 100 U/kg/d by continuous infusion from day -8 until day +30 post-BMT. Heparin was found to be highly effective in preventing VOD, which occurred in 11 of 80 patients (13.7%) in the control group versus 2 of 81 (2.5%) in the heparin group (P less than .01). Furthermore, none of the 39 patients in the heparin group developed VOD after allogeneic BMT, versus 7 of 38 (18.4%) in the control group (P less than .01). This prophylactic effect was achieved without added risk of bleeding. Indeed, the low-dose heparin we used did not prolong the partial thromboplastin time and did not increase the red blood cell and platelet requirements. It is therefore recommended that heparin prophylaxis be part of early mortality prevention programs after BMT.

Adult↗