Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

T E Adrian

Publications and source records attributed to T E Adrian.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

On the role of the islets of Langerhans in pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease characterized by a dismal prognosis with most patients dying within six months after diagnosis. Surgery is an option in less than one in five of these patients, and even with tumor resection the majority of patients succumb to the disease. Other effective treatment options are not available. Common features of pancreatic cancer are severe cachexia, marked insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus. Several studies have demonstrated connections between pancreatic cancers and the endocrine pancreas and this has raised questions regarding the role of the islets of Langerhans in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. This manuscript reviews the recent literature in this field and addresses several questions regarding the interaction between the islets of Langerhans and pancreatic cancer. This review considers the histological findings in pancreatic cancer, cell culture and animal experiments, the four islet cell types and the hormones they secrete, as well as the influence of the arachidonic acid pathways on islet cell function and pancreatic cancer. While pancreatic adenocarcinomas are ductal in nature, the cell of origin has not been identified and there is even some evidence that the islets may harbor the precursor cell. Considerable evidence suggests that the diabetes is caused by the tumor, while other studies have identified diabetes as a risk factor. Clearly, the islets are important in many aspects of this disease. However, even though progress has been made, some questions regarding the interaction of pancreatic cancer and the endocrine pancreas remain unanswered.

Adenocarcinoma↗

12-lipoxygenase metabolite 12(S)-HETE stimulates human pancreatic cancer cell proliferation via protein tyrosine phosphorylation and ERK activation.

We previously reported that inhibition of the 12-lipoxygenase pathway abolished proliferation and induced apoptosis in several pancreatic cancer cell lines. Furthermore, the 12-lipoxygenase product 12(S)-HETE stimulated pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and reversed 12-lipoxygenase inhibitor-induced growth inhibition. We investigated the underlying mechanism for 12(S)-HETE-induced pancreatic cancer cell proliferation, using 2 human pancreatic cancer cell lines, PANC-1 and HPAF. Cell proliferation was monitored by both thymidine incorporation and cell number. Western blotting was used to investigate the effect of 12(S)-HETE on cellular protein tyrosine phosphorylation as well as ERK, P38 MAPK and JNK/SAPK phosphorylation. 12(S)-HETE markedly stimulated proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. In parallel, 12(S)-HETE induced tyrosine phosphorylation of multiple cellular proteins, while inhibition of tyrosine kinase by genestein abolished 12(S)-HETE-induced proliferation, indicating that intracellular protein tyrosine kinase activation is involved in the mitogenic effects of 12(S)-HETE. Following treatment with 12(S)-HETE, both ERK and P38 MAPK, but not JNK/SAPK, were phosphorylated. The specific MEK inhibitors PD098059 and U0126, which in turn suppress ERK, abolished 12(S)-HETE-stimulated proliferation. In contrast, inhibition of P38 MAPK with SB203580 did not affect 12(S)-HETE-stimulated pancreatic cancer cell proliferation. Furthermore, 12(S)-HETE-stimulated ERK phosphorylation was inhibited by genestein, indicating that tyrosine phosphorylation is essential for ERK activation. These findings suggest that both ERK and cellular protein tyrosine kinase activation are involved in 12(S)-HETE-induced pancreatic cancer cell proliferation but P38 and JNK/SAPK are not involved in this mitogenic effect.

12-Hydroxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic Acid↗

Responses of python gastrointestinal regulatory peptides to feeding.

In the Burmese python (Python molurus), the rapid up-regulation of gastrointestinal (GI) function and morphology after feeding, and subsequent down-regulation on completing digestion, are expected to be mediated by GI hormones and neuropeptides. Hence, we examined postfeeding changes in plasma and tissue concentrations of 11 GI hormones and neuropeptides in the python. Circulating levels of cholecystokinin (CCK), glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), glucagon, and neurotensin increase by respective factors of 25-, 6-, 6-, and 3.3-fold within 24 h after feeding. In digesting pythons, the regulatory peptides neurotensin, somatostatin, motilin, and vasoactive intestinal peptide occur largely in the stomach, GIP and glucagon in the pancreas, and CCK and substance P in the small intestine. Tissue concentrations of CCK, GIP, and neurotensin decline with feeding. Tissue distributions and molecular forms (as determined by gel-permeation chromatography) of many python GI peptides are similar or identical to those of their mammalian counterparts. The postfeeding release of GI peptides from tissues, and their concurrent rise in plasma concentrations, suggests that they play a role in regulating python-digestive responses. These large postfeeding responses, and similarities of peptide structure with mammals, make pythons an attractive model for studying GI peptides.

Animals↗

Pancreatic cancer cells require an EGF receptor-mediated autocrine pathway for proliferation in serum-free conditions.

In-vitro and in-vivo studies have shown that autocrine growth factors and receptors are frequently expressed in human malignancies. Few of these studies, however, provide evidence that the identified autocrine pathway is functional. In this study, a functional autocrine growth pathway in pancreatic cancer has been identified using an in-vitro cell culture system. When pancreatic cancer cells were grown without change of medium, proliferation was greater than when either medium was replaced frequently (HPAF, CAPAN-2, PANC-1 or SW1990) or cells were grown in the presence of the EGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor AG1478 or the MEK inhibitor PD098059 (HPAF or CAPAN-2). Activity of extracellular-regulated kinases (ERK) 1 and 2 and c- jun and c- fos mRNA levels were significantly elevated in CAPAN-2 cells cultured continuously in serum-free medium. Collectively, the observations indicate that the EGF receptor and the ERK MAP kinase pathway mediate autocrine signals. In contrast to previous reports, the GRP and IGF-I receptors were shown not to be required for autocrine effects on pancreatic cancer cell proliferation. Autocrine stimulation of the EGF receptor can contribute to sustained mitogenic activity and proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells.

Cell Division↗

MEK/ERK-mediated proliferation is negatively regulated by P38 map kinase in the human pancreatic cancer cell line, PANC-1.

Pancreatic carcinoma is characterized by a poor prognosis and lack of response to conventional therapy. The regulatory mechanisms for the rapid proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells and the particular aggressiveness of this cancer are still not fully understood. In mammalian cells, three MAPK families including ERK, JNK, and P38 MAPK have been characterized. ERK is known to play an important role in regulating pancreatic cancer cell proliferation. However, the role of P38 kinase in pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and its relationship with ERK are unclear. Using the specific P38 inhibitor, SB203580 we found that blockade of P38 MAP kinase significantly enhanced proliferation of the pancreatic cancer cell line, PANC-1 cell, in a concentration-dependent manner. In parallel with the stimulation of proliferation, blockade of P38 MAP kinase markedly induced MEK and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, indicating an interaction between MEK/ERK and P38 MAP kinase signaling. Clearly, the interaction between these kinase pathways does not involve transcription and translation because MEK/ERK was activated immediately upon SB203580 treatment. Furthermore, inhibition of the MEK/ERK cascade using the MEK inhibitor, PD098059 abolished SB203580-induced PANC-1 cell proliferation. From these results, we conclude that a MEK/ERK and P38 MAP kinase interaction is important for pancreatic cancer cell proliferation. Breaking the balance between these two signaling pathways will modify pancreatic cancer cell proliferation.

Cell Cycle↗

Upregulation of uncoupling protein homologues in skeletal muscle but not adipose tissue in posttraumatic insulin resistance.

Metabolic alterations after surgical stress include peripheral insulin resistance and increased utilization of fat as a fuel substrate. An up-regulation of skeletal muscle uncoupling proteins (UCPs) has been associated with physiologic states of insulin resistance and enhanced fat metabolism in rodents. We examined whether posttraumatic insulin resistance induced the UCPs in gastrocnemius and soleus muscle and white adipose tissue in an experimental model of surgical trauma. Insulin sensitivity was significantly reduced in isolated soleus muscles but unchanged in adipocytes after trauma. In traumatized rats, mRNA and protein contents of UCP2 and UCP3 and were significantly increased in both muscle types. UCP2 protein content in adipose tissue was unaltered by surgical stress. Circulating NEFAs and glycerol were reduced after surgical trauma. We hypothesize that the changes in UCP2 and UCP3 gene and protein expression are involved in the regulation of substrate utilization in posttraumatic insulin resistance.

Adipocytes↗

Prevention of pancreatic cancer induction in hamsters by metformin.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Our previous study suggested that the known promotional effect of a high fat diet, which in hamsters induces peripheral insulin resistance, is related to a compensatory proliferation of islet cells. The present study was to examine whether the prevention of islet cell proliferation can inhibit the promotional effect of a high-fat diet in pancreatic carcinogenesis. METHODS: Two groups of high fat-fed hamsters were used. One group received Metformin in drinking water for life (HF+Met group), and the other group served as a control (HF group). At the time when the normalization of the plasma insulin level was expected, all hamsters were treated with the pancreatic carcinogen, N-nitrosobis-(2-oxopropyl)amine, and the experiment was terminated 42 weeks later. RESULTS: Although 50% of the hamsters in the high-fat group developed malignant lesions, none was found in the HF+Met group (P < 0.05). Also, significantly more hyperplastic and premalignant lesions, most of which were found within the islets, were detected in the high-fat group (8.6 lesions/hamster) than in the HF+Met group (1.8 lesions/hamster). CONCLUSIONS: The results lend further support on the significant role of islet cells in pancreatic carcinogenesis and may explain the association between pancreatic cancer and obesity, which is usually associated with peripheral insulin resistance.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Receptors and ligands for autocrine growth pathways are up-regulated when pancreatic cancer cells are adapted to serum-free culture.

Overexpression of autocrine growth factors and their receptors has been reported in many human cancers. The study of autocrine-regulated pathways using in vitro culture systems can be hindered by the presence of fetal bovine serum in culture medium. A human pancreatic cancer cell line (HPAF) was slowly weaned from its dependence on fetal bovine serum and subsequently maintained in serum-free conditions. Growth factor secretion studies showed that production of autocrine growth factors such as transforming growth factor alpha, gastrin-releasing peptide, and insulin-like growth factor I from weaned cells increased three times compared with nonweaned cells (p < 0.01). The epidermal growth factor and gastrin-releasing peptide receptor densities were also increased in weaned cells (2 times and 2.5 times, respectively, p < 0.05). The proliferation of weaned cells cultured continuously in the same medium was significantly greater than of nonweaned cells (p < 0.05). Collectively, these data indicate that weaned pancreatic cancer cells can proliferate in the absence of serum by up-regulating autocrine pathways.

Binding, Competitive↗

Transdifferentiation of human islet cells in a long-term culture.

It has been established that ductal cells or precursor cells within the ductal tree of the pancreas can differentiate into islet cells. Although islet cells can also form exocrine cells, it is unclear whether they arise from precursor (stem) cells or from mature endocrine cells by transdifferentiation. Using a defined culture medium and technique for islet purification, for the first time we were able to maintain human islets in culture for more than a year. Multilabeling immunohistochemical and immunoelectron microscopic examination of the islets at different days of culture using islet cell markers (antibodies to hormones, neuron-specific enolase, chromogranin A) and ductal cell markers (cytokeratins 7 and 19, carbonic anhydrase II, DU-PAN2, CA 19-9, and MUC1) revealed that endocrine cells gradually transdifferentiate to ductal, acinar, and intermediary cells. Although islet hormone secretion ceased after day 28 in culture, endocrine cells were still detectable at day 60. However, later, all endocrine and exocrine cells were replaced by undifferentiated cells that expressed neuron-specific enolase, chromogranin A, laminin, vimentin, cytokeratin 7 and 19, alpha-1-antitrypsin, transforming growth factor-alpha, and epidermal growth factor receptor. Our data thus show that, under proper conditions, human islets can be maintained in vitro over a long period and that, in the culture condition, islet cells seem to transdifferentiate to exocrine cells and undifferentiated cells, which may be considered pancreatic precursor (stem) cells.

Biomarkers↗

Mouth to pouch transit after restorative proctocolectomy: hydrogen breath analysis correlates with scintigraphy.

OBJECTIVES: Fast intestinal transit may be responsible for slow adaptation and unacceptable steady-state function after restorative proctocolectomy. Investigation of GI transit time may be valuable in such a setting. We hypothesized that postprandial hydrogen breath tests may yield transit data that correlate with technetium-labeled meal scintigrams. METHODS: This study compared intestinal transit after a lactulose and bean meal via the breath hydrogen and scintigraphy methods in 21 ileoanal pouch subjects. The meal consisted of baked beans (425 g), 30 ml (20 g) lactulose syrup, 1 mCi 99mtechnetium sulfur colloid in finely chopped liver and 170 ml tap water. The meal contained 120 Kcal (70% carbohydrate, 18% protein and 12% fat). RESULTS: Of 21 pouch subjects, 11 (53%) had breath tests and scintigraphy transit studies that differed by 5-21 min. Three of 21 (14%) scintigraphy mouth to pouch transit times were faster than breath test transits by 43-107 min. Seven of 21 (33%) subjects did not have breath test peaks >10 ppm. Mouth to pouch transit for breath hydrogen (104+/-16 min) and scintigraphy (98+/-7 min) tests had significant correlation (r = 0.96, p < 0.0001) among subjects with alveolar hydrogen peaks and accurate scintigrams (n = 11). Scintigrams were five times more expensive than breath tests. CONCLUSIONS: A peaking hydrogen breath test provides an alternative to scintigraphy for estimating intestinal transit after ileoanal pouch.

Adult↗

Cyclooxygenases and lipoxygenases as potential targets for treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is characterized by poor prognosis, late diagnosis and lack of response to conventional therapies. The incidence of this disease shows no sign of declining in the Western world. Thus, new targets need to be identified for pancreatic cancer treatment. In particular, new chemotherapeutic agents would be extremely beneficial for control of unresectable cancer and metastatic lesions as well as for prevention of this deadly disease. Mounting evidence suggests that both lipoxygenases (LOXs) and cyclooxygenases (COXs), the key enzymes for arachidonic acid metabolism, have a profound influence on the development and progression of several human cancers. Recent evidence suggests that both COX and LOX pathways are important in pancreatic cancer. Results from immunocytochemical, RT-PCR, and Western blotting studies have shown that COX, specifically COX-2, is upregulated in human pancreatic cancer cell lines as well as human pancreatic cancer tissues compared with normal ductal cells and normal pancreas specimens. Agents that block COX enzymes significantly inhibit pancreatic cancer growth both in vitro and in vivo, in parallel with induction of apoptosis. Expression of both 5-LOX and 12-LOX is also seen in pancreatic cancer, although compared to the expression of COX this has not been extensively investigated. Chemical inhibitors or antisense oligonucleotides that block either 5-LOX or 12-LOX cause marked inhibition of pancreatic cancer cell proliferation. On the other hand, LOX metabolites stimulate growth of the tumor cells and reverse LOX-inhibitor-induced growth inhibition, suggesting the specific role of LOX in regulating pancreatic cancer cell proliferation. Although questions still need to be answered, such as the underlying mechanisms for COX and LOX-induced growth inhibition, both COX and LOX pathways are potential targets for pancreatic cancer treatment and chemoprevention. COX and LOX enzyme inhibitors are available and have been shown to be relatively safe in the treatment of other diseases.

Animals↗

Early changes in islet hormone secretion in the hamster pancreatic cancer model.

The diabetic state that is seen at a high frequency in association with pancreatic cancer is characterized by elevated plasma levels of several islet hormones and by marked insulin resistance. Both the diabetic state and insulin sensitivity improve after tumor removal by sub-total pancreatectomy. Impaired glucose tolerance has also been found in the hamster pancreatic cancer model, but conflicting data regarding islet function have been reported. In order to further investigate islet function and secretion during early development of pancreatic cancer, we measured the concentrations of insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, and islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) in plasma, pancreatic tissue, and secretin-stimulated pancreatic juice at 12 and 27 weeks after the ductal-cell-specific carcinogen, BOP had been used to induce tumors in Syrian golden hamsters. At 12 weeks after BOP, plasma glucagon levels were significantly increased. An exaggerated plasma-glucose response and concomitant hyperinsulinemia were observed at 27 but not 12 weeks after BOP. Plasma IAPP concentrations, but not glucagon or somatostatin, were elevated at 27 weeks. Tissue concentrations of IAPP were substantially reduced in BOP-treated hamsters at 27 weeks. No differences in hormone concentrations were seen in pancreatic juice from the two groups at either of the two time points investigated. The study showed that islet hormone changes accompany the early development of pancreatic tumors in the hamster pancreatic model. The hormone changes and apparent insulin resistance resemble the metabolic changes found in humans with pancreatic cancer.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Effects of long-term infusion of anorexic concentrations of islet amyloid polypeptide on neurotransmitters and neuropeptides in rat brain.

Islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP or amylin) potently reduces food intake in rats at or near physiological concentrations. Although the mechanisms of action of IAPP are not understood, the brain is a suggested site. Changes in hypothalamic and striatal neurotransmission have been reported following acute systemic administration of a pharmacological concentration of IAPP. In the current study, we evaluated the effects of chronic administration of low doses of IAPP on satiety-related neurotransmitters and neuropeptides in the hypothalamus, hippocampus, striatum, left cortex, and right cortex of the rat. Doses of 0, 5 and 25 pmol IAPP/kg-min were administered subcutaneously for 2 or 5 days. Food intake was reduced by 27 and 44% (both P<0.001) for the 5 and 25 pmol/kg-min groups, respectively, in the 2-day experiment and was decreased by 14% (P<0.01) and 24% (P<0.001), respectively, in the 5-day experiment. Body weight was significantly decreased in a dose-dependent fashion. In the 2-day experiment, norepinephrine increased in the hypothalamus in the 5 pmol IAPP/kg-min group, and neurotensin increased in the hippocampus in the 25 pmol/kg-min rats (both P<0.05). In the 5-day, 5 pmol/kg-min rats, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) increased in the hypothalmus and cholecystokinin (CCK) increased in the striatum (both P<0.05). In the 5-day, 25 pmol/kg-min group, neuropeptide Y (NPY) increased in the hypothalamus (P<0.01) and CCK increased in the hypothalmus and striatum (both P<0.05). The present study confirms that IAPP is a potent anorectic peptide at low doses and suggests that IAPP not only affects classical neurotransmitters in the brain but also alters concentrations of neuropeptides known to be involved in food intake.

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid↗

Manometric and hormonal changes after distal partial gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Alkaline oesophagitis attributable to duodenal mechanisms may induce oesophageal carcinogenesis in a rat reflux model. AIM: To investigate the mechanism of the regurgitation after distal partial gastrectomy. METHODS: Oesophageal manometry was used in 16 patients before and after distal partial gastrectomy with reconstruction by Bilroth methods. Serum concentrations of four gastrointestinal hormones were measured by radioimmunoassay in 10 gastrectomy patients and nine healthy volunteers before and after a standardized meal. RESULTS: The lower oesophageal sphincter pressure was reduced to 83% after surgery. The amplitude and duration of the peristaltic waves tended to be increased, and the velocity tended to be less after surgery (amplitude 120%, duration 114%, velocity 88%). Interrupted waves appeared more frequently after surgery. The manometric changes in gastrectomized patients are considered to be disadvantageous relative to regurgitation. After surgery, gastrin and pancreatic polypeptide were completely abolished postprandially, whereas cholecystokinin and neurotensin were significantly increased. CONCLUSION: The hormonal changes should have a suppressive effect on the lower oesophageal sphincter. Both the manometric and the hormonal changes may exacerbate reflux oesophagitis after distal partial gastrectomy.

Aged↗

Maintenance of human islets in long-term culture.

The long-term maintenance of human islets in culture has remained a challenge. Despite advancements in culture techniques, human islets proved to have a short life span in vitro. For the first time, we have succeeded in maintaining human islets in a defined culture medium for more than 12 months. Freshly isolated islets from a 38-year-old donor were cultured in M3:5 medium and placed on a rocker for 14 days to remove contaminated exocrine and mesenchymal cells which attached to the bottom. The floating islets were purified by daily hand-picking and transfer into fresh medium. After 14 days, purified islets were allowed to attach to the bottom of the flasks and to expand. At various time points, islets were examined immunohistochemically and electron microscopically, and the secretion of islet hormones and their mRNA were determined by radioimmunoassay and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Within seven days of culture, ductular and acinar cells developed within the initially normal islets. With time, exocrine cell types expanded while the number of the endocrine cells and their secretion decreased. At day 60, only a few endocrine cells were identifiable, whereas most of the cells appeared undifferentiated and expressed cytokeratin 7 and 19, neuron specific enolase, tomato lectin, phaseolus leucoagglutinin, laminin, and vimentin. After 60 days, the culture consisted entirely of undifferentiated cells which could be maintained in culture for 270 days before they became senescent. This is the first report on the long-term maintenance of human islet cells in culture and allows an insight into the complex process of endocrine cell differentiation.

Adult↗

Physiological concentrations of insulin augment pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and glucose utilization by activating MAP kinase, PI3 kinase and enhancing GLUT-1 expression.

Pancreatic carcinoma is characterized by poor prognosis and lack of response to conventional therapy for reasons that are not clear. Because of the structural relationship between the exocrine and endocrine pancreas and high concentrations of islet hormones bathing pancreatic tissue, we hypothesized that pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and glucose utilization are regulated by pancreatic islet hormones, particularly insulin. Based on this, the effect of islet hormones on pancreatic cancer cells in vitro was investigated. Five pancreatic cancer cell lines, CD11, CD18, HPAF, PANC-1, and MiaPaCa2 were used to investigate the effect of islet hormones on cell proliferation, glucose utilization, and GLUT-1 expression. Insulin, but not somatostatin and glucagon, induced pancreatic cancer cell growth in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. At concentrations within the range of those in the intrapancreatic vasculature, insulin (10(-10)-10(-8) mol/L) markedly increased [3H]-thymidine incorporation. Insulin significantly enhanced glucose utilization of pancreatic cancer cells before it enhanced cell proliferation. The MAPK kinase inhibitor PD 098059 abolished insulin-stimulated DNA synthesis and partially reduced insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. In contrast, the PI3 kinase inhibitor wortmannin substantially inhibited insulin-induced glucose uptake and partially blocked thymidine incorporation. Furthermore, after 24-hour treatment with insulin, GLUT-I expression in pancreatic cancer cells was markedly increased, indicating that insulin enhances glucose utilization partly through increasing glucose transport. These findings suggest that insulin stimulates proliferation and glucose utilization in pancreatic cancer cells by two distinct pathways. Insulin augments DNA synthesis mainly by MAP kinase activation and glucose uptake mainly by PI3 kinase activation and enhancement of GLUT-I expression. High intrapancreatic concentrations of insulin are likely to play an important role in stimulating pancreatic cancer growth indirectly by increasing substrate availability as well as by direct action as a trophic factor.

Androstadienes↗

Establishment of human pancreatic ductal cells in a long-term culture.

Cultivation and preservation of human pancreatic ductal cells have remained a challenge. With a defined culture medium and refinement of culturing techniques, we have been able to maintain human pancreatic ductal cells without any genetic manipulation in culture for more than 16 months. Freshly isolated ductal fragments were placed on a rocker in M3:5 medium free of collagen for 14 days to remove fibroblasts and endocrine cells before allowing them to attach. The cells produced an excessive amount of mucin and expressed the duct specific cytokeratins (CK) 7 and 19, DU-PAN2, CA19-9, carbonic anhydrase II (CA II), and secretin receptors. During the course of the culture, however, the cells gradually lost the expression of CA II, secretin receptors, DU-PAN2, and CA 19-9 and assumed an undifferentiated phenotype, which showed an upregulation of transforming growth factor alpha (TGFalpha) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), an increase in the expression of Ki-67, and an increased binding to Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin (PHA-L) and tomato lectin. These ductal cells present a useful source with which to study physiologic aspects of ductal cells including differentiation.

Adult↗