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Endostatin exhibits a direct antitumor effect in addition to its antiangiogenic activity in colon cancer cells.

Endostatin has been considered a highly specific inhibitor of endothelial cell proliferation and/or migration. To explore the use of endostatin in antiangiogenic gene therapy, we generated a recombinant adenovirus, AdEndo, carrying the gene for mouse endostatin. Injection of 10(9) PFU of AdEndo resulted in a low but significant suppression (25%) of preestablished tumor growth in murine models involving murine Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) and human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 tumors. Greater anticancer activity was observed when the same dose of AdEndo was injected into two other preestablished murine models involving C51 murine colon cancer and HT29 human colon cancer (55 and 47% tumor growth reduction, respectively). In vitro, endostatin derived from AdEndo-infected MRC-5 fibroblasts inhibited the growth of C51 and HT29 cell lines (72 and 61%, respectively). The extent of this inhibition was comparable to that observed in endothelial cells: 75% for microcapillary endothelial cell line HMEC-1, 52% for human dermal microvascular endothelial cells, 46% for human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and 67% for calf pulmonary arterial endothelial cells. Both endothelial and colon cancer cells showed a clear increase in cell apoptosis (4- to 5-fold for endothelial cells and 5- to 10-fold for colon cancer cells) and an accumulation in the G(1) phase of the cell cycle. This antiproliferative activity was not observed in other tumor cell lines: LLC, MDA-MB-231, murine colon adenocarcinoma MC38, human prostate cancer cell line DU145, and human breast cancer cell line CAL51. Taken together, these results provide evidence that, in addition to its antiangiogenic activity, endostatin exerts a direct anticancer action that appears to be restricted to some tumor cell lines. Thus, endostatin could be used in some colon cancer treatments and its clinical efficacy would depend on the response of tumor cells themselves.

Adenoviridae↗

Alternative polyadenylation of cyclooxygenase-2.

A biologically important human gene, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), has been proposed to be regulated at many levels. While COX-1 is constitutively expressed in cells, COX-2 is inducible and is upregulated in response to many signals. Since increased transcriptional activity accounts for only part of the upregulation of COX-2, we chose to explore other RNA processing mechanisms in the regulation of this gene. We performed a comprehensive bioinformatics survey, the first of its kind known for human COX-2, which revealed that the human COX-2 gene has alternative polyadenylation (proximal and distal sites) and suggested that use of the alternative polyadenylation signals has tissue specificity. We experimentally established this in HepG2 and HT29 cells. We used an in vivo polyadenylation assay to examine the relative strength of the COX-2 proximal and distal polyadenylation signals, and have shown that the proximal polyadenylation signal is much weaker than the distal one. The efficiency of utilization of many suboptimal mammalian polyadenylation signals is affected by sequence elements located upstream of the AAUAAA, known as upstream efficiency elements (USEs). Here, we used in vivo polyadenylation assays in multiple cell lines to demonstrate that the COX-2 proximal polyadenylation signal contains USEs, mutation of the USEs substantially decreased usage of the proximal signal, and that USE spacing relative to the polyadenylation signal was significant. In addition, mutation of the COX-2 proximal polyadenylation signal to a more optimal sequence enhanced polyadenylation efficiency 3.5-fold. Our data suggest for the first time that alternative polyadenylation of COX-2 is an important post-transcriptional regulatory event.

3' Untranslated Regions↗

Detection in situ of gamma-ray-induced DNA strand breaks in single cells: enzymatic labelling of free 3'-OH ends.

We report a procedure allowing the detection and counting of free 3'-OH DNA strand extremities in single cells in situ. Terminal transferase (TdT) catalysed the incorporation of 3H-dGMP into fixed nuclei of human colonic adenocarcinoma cells (HT29), using free 3'-OH ends as initiator. Radioactivity was detected by autoradiography and determined quantitatively with a rapid image-processing system for grain counting. The initiator activity for TdT increases with the dose of gamma-rays in the dose range 2.5-20 Gy.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Effects of gastrin, proglumide, loxiglumide and L-365,260 on growth of human colon carcinoma cells.

Gastrin-17 stimulated growth of the human colon carcinoma cell line HT29 but not of the human colon carcinoma cell lines T84, HCT116 and the mouse fibroblast cell line 3T3-L1. Correspondingly, specific gastrin binding sites were only found on HT29-cells. Proglumide, loxiglumide and L-365,260 inhibited gastrin-17 stimulated growth of HT29-cells at doses which did not influence cell growth when given without gastrin. At higher concentrations proglumide and loxiglumide reduced cell proliferation in all cell lines investigated. Gastrin-17 could not reverse these effects. This growth inhibition was therefore considered as not gastrin receptor mediated. The results demonstrate that only some human colon carcinoma cell lines are stimulated by gastrin. This stimulation can be inhibited by gastrin/CCK-antagonists.

3T3 Cells↗

Improved tumor selectivity of radiolabeled peptides by receptor and antigen dual targeting in the neurotensin receptor model.

Radiolabeled peptides are emerging tools for diagnosis and therapy of tumors overexpressing receptors. However, binding to receptors expressed by nontumor tissues may cause toxicity. The objective of this study was to specifically enhance the binding affinity of labeled peptides to tumor cells, as opposed to receptor-positive nontumor cells, to ensure targeting selectivity. This was achieved by the simultaneous binding of hapten-bearing peptides to their receptor and to a tumor-associated antigen, mediated by a bispecific antibody directed to the tumor antigen and to the hapten. Binding of labeled neurotensin analogues bearing the DTPA(indium) hapten (NT-DTPA(111In)) to human colorectal carcinoma cells (HT29), which express the neurotensin receptor (NTR1) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), was studied in the presence of a bispecific antibody (BsmAb) directed to CEA and to DTPA(indium). In vitro dual binding of NT-DTPA in the presence of BsmAb was about 6.5-fold higher than monovalent binding to NTR1 and 3.5-fold higher than the sum of the monovalent bindings to NTR1 or to CEA, suggesting cooperativity. Increased binding under bivalent conditions translated into increased internalization. In vivo pretargeting with BsmAb enhanced tumor uptake and tumor retention. Hapten bearing peptides binding simultaneously an overexpressed cell-surface receptor and a tumor antigen show increased selectivity to target tumor cells as compared to cells only expressing the cell surface receptor. Better resistance to enzymatic degradation and optimized administration protocols should further enhance in vivo targeting selectivity and may allow the development of radiopharmaceuticals labeled with isotopes suitable for radiotherapy such as 131I or 90Y.

Animals↗

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) enhances the metastatic potential of human colon carcinoma DLD1 cells through LPA1.

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a lipid mediator with diverse effects on various cells. Here, we investigated the effects of LPA on human colon carcinoma DLD1 cells. Northern blot analysis revealed that DLD1 highly expressed LPA1/Edg-2 but showed only low expression of LPA2/Edg-4 and no expression of LPA3/Edg-7 at the mRNA level. Western blot analysis revealed that DLD1 cells highly expressed LPA1 at the protein level. Using the Boyden chamber assay, LPA markedly increased DLD1 cell migration at concentrations as low as 10 nM, with maximum stimulation at 100 nM (3.6-fold increase). Checkerboard analysis indicated that LPA stimulated both the chemotactic and chemokinetic migration of DLD1 cells. LPA induced a dose-dependent increase in the proliferation of DLD1 cells (3.2-fold increase at 20 microM). Furthermore, LPA stimulated DLD1 cell adhesion to collagen type I (2.0-fold increase at 10 microM) and also stimulated the secretion of both vascular endothelial growth factor (1.4-fold increase at 20 microM) and interleukin 8 (19-fold increase at 20 microM) by ELISA. In contrast, as for matrix metalloproteinase, LPA had no significant effect on pro-matrix metalloproteinase-2 secretion and its activation, as measured by Western blot analysis. Thus, LPA, at concentrations that are present physiologically, enhanced DLD1 cell migration, proliferation, adhesion, and secretion of angiogenic factors, all of which are crucial for cancer metastasis. In comparison, other human colon carcinoma cells (HT29 and WiDR) exclusively expressed LPA2. LPA enhanced their proliferation and secretion of angiogenic factors, whereas LPA did not enhance migration or adhesion. Our results suggest that LPA acts as a potent stimulator of colon cancer progression, although the binding to LPA1 and LPA2 induces slightly different responses.

Cell Adhesion↗

O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase inactivation by ester prodrugs of O6-benzylguanine derivatives and their rate of hydrolysis by cellular esterases.

To modulate the bioavailability and perhaps improve the tumor cell selectivity of O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase (AGT) inactivators, pivaloyloxymethyl ester derivatives of O6-benzylguanine (BG) were synthesized and tested as AGT inactivators and as substrates for cellular esterases. The potential prodrugs examined were the 7- and 9-pivaloyloxymethyl derivatives of O6-benzylguanine (7- and 9-esterBG), and of 8-aza-O6-benzylguanine (8-aza-7-esterBG and 8-aza-9-esterBG) and the 9-pivaloyloxymethyl derivative of 8-bromo-O6-benzylguanine (8-bromo-9-esterBG). The benzylated purines were all potent inactivators of the pure AGT and of the AGT activity in HT29 cells and cell extracts. Each ester was at least 75 times less potent than the corresponding benzylated purine against the pure human AGT. In contrast, the activities of esters and their respective benzylated purine were similar in crude cell extracts and in intact cells. The increase in potency of esters in cellular extracts could be explained by a conversion of the respective prodrug to the more potent benzylated purine in the presence of cellular esterases. The apparent catalytic activity (Vmax/Km) of liver microsomal esterase for 8-azaBG ester prodrugs was 70-130 times greater than for BG prodrugs and 10-20 times greater than for 8-bromo-9-esterBG. Tumor cell hydrolysis of the esters varied considerably as a function of cell type and prodrug structure. These data suggest that these or related prodrugs may be advantageous for selective AGT inactivation in certain tumor types.

Animals↗

Radioresponsiveness at low doses: hyper-radiosensitivity and increased radioresistance in mammalian cells.

The rationale for and importance of research on effects after radiation at "low doses" are outlined. Such basic radiobiological studies on induction of repair enzymes, protective mechanisms, priming, and hypersensitivity are certainly all relevant to treatment of cancer (see Section 1, Studies at low doses - relevance to cancer treatment). Included are examples from many groups, using various endpoints to address the possibility of an induced resistance, which has been compared to the adaptive response [M.C. Joiner, P. Lambin, E.P. Malaise, T. Robson, J.E. Arrand, K.A. Skov, B. Marples, Hypersensitivity to very low single radiation doses: its relationship to the adaptive response and induced radioresistance, Mutat. Res. 358 (1996) 171-183.]. This is not intended to be an exhaustive review--rather a re-introduction of concepts such as priming and a short survey of molecular approaches to understanding induced resistance. New data on the response of HT29 cells after treatment (priming) with co-cultured activated neutrophils are included, with protection against X-rays (S1). Analysis of previously published results in various cells lines in terms of increased radioresistance (IRR)/intrinsic sensitivity are presented which complement a study on human tumour lines [P. Lambin, E.P. Malaise, M.C. Joiner, Might intrinsic radioresistance of human tumour cells be induced by radiation?, Int. Radiat. Biol. 69 (1996) 279-290].It is not feasible to extrapolate to low doses from studies at high doses. The biological responses probably vary with dose, LET, and have variable time frames. The above approaches may lead to new types of treatment, or additional means to assess radioresponsiveness of tumours. Studies in many areas of biology would benefit from considerations of different dose regions, as the biological responses vary with dose. There may also be some implications in the fields of radiation protection and carcinogenesis, and the extensions of concepts of hyper-radiosensitivity (HRS)/IRR extended to radiation exposure are considered in Section 2, Possible relevance of IRR concepts to radiation exposure (space). More knowledge on inducible responses could open new approaches for protection and means to assess genetic predisposition. Many endpoints are used currently--clonogenic survival, mutagenesis, chromosome aberrations and more direct--proteins/genes/functions/repair/signals, as well as different biological systems. Because of scant knowledge of the relevant aspects at low doses, such as inducible/protective mechanisms, threshold, priming, dose-rate effects, LET within one system, it is still too early to draw conclusions in the area of radiation exposure. Technological advances may permit much needed studies at low doses in the areas of both treatment and protection.

Animals↗

Anthocyanidins modulate the activity of human DNA topoisomerases I and II and affect cellular DNA integrity.

In the present study, we investigated the effect of anthocyanidins on human topoisomerases I and II and its relevance for DNA integrity within human cells. Anthocyanidins bearing vicinal hydroxy groups at the B-ring (delphinidin, DEL; cyanidin, CY) were found to potently inhibit the catalytic activity of human topoisomerases I and II, without discriminating between the IIalpha and the IIbeta isoforms. However, in contrast to topoisomerase poisons, DEL and CY did not stabilize the covalent DNA-topoisomerase intermediates (cleavable complex) of topoisomerase I or II. Using recombinant topoisomerase I, the presence of CY or DEL (> or = 1 microM) effectively prohibited the stabilization of the cleavable complex by the topoisomerase I poison camptothecin. We furthermore investigated whether the potential protective effect vs topoisomerase I poisons is reflected also on the cellular level, affecting the DNA damaging properties of camptothecin. Indeed, in HT29 cells, low micromolar concentrations of DEL (1-10 microM) significantly diminished the DNA strand breaking effect of camptothecin (100 microM). However, at concentrations > or = 50 microM, all anthocyanidins tested (delphinidin, cyanidin, malvidin, pelargonidin, and paeonidin), including those not interfering with topoisomerases, were found to induce DNA strand breaks in the comet assay. All of these analogues were able to compete with ethidium bromide for the intercalation into calf thymus DNA and to replace the minor groove binder Hoechst 33258. These data indicate substantial affinity to double-stranded DNA, which might contribute at least to the DNA strand breaking effect of anthocyanidins at higher concentrations (> or = 50 microM).

Anthocyanins↗

Naturally occurring antibodies to epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM).

Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (Ep-CAM) is an epithelial tumor-associated antigen that is expressed by a number of normal tissues and has been used as a target in many immunotherapy studies. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of serum anti-EpCAM IgG (immunoglobulin G) antibodies in colon cancer and tumor-free patients and to assess the tumor protective value of anti-EpCAM antibodies. One third of both the cancer (16/48) and the control (9/27) patients had detectable antibodies. Although the mean antibody concentration was higher in cancer patients (0.048 +/- 0.120 U) than in controls (0.038 +/- 0.064 U) the difference was not statistically significant. Western blot analysis revealed reactivity to multiple HT29 cell proteins including a 40-kDa protein (presumed to be Ep-CAM). Monoclonal anti-EpCAM 323/A3 antibody did not have a tumor-protective effect in murine Ep-CAM expressing colocarcinoma. We conclude that Ep-CAM is immunogenic not only for cancer patients, but also for tumor-free individuals.

Adenocarcinoma↗

The lymphotoxin-alpha (LTalpha) subunit is essential for the assembly, but not for the receptor specificity, of the membrane-anchored LTalpha1beta2 heterotrimeric ligand.

The lymphotoxins (LT) alpha and beta, members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) cytokine superfamily, are implicated as important regulators and developmental factors for the immune system. LTalpha is secreted as a homotrimer and signals through two TNF receptors of 55-60 kDa (TNFR60) or 75-80 kDa (TNFR80). LTalpha also assembles with LTbeta into a membrane-anchored, heterotrimeric LTalpha1beta2 complex that engages a distinct cognate receptor, the LTbeta receptor (LTbetaR). To investigate the role of the LTalpha subunit in the function of the membrane LTalpha1beta2 complex, gene transfer via baculovirus was used to assemble LTalpha and -beta complexes in insect cells. LTalpha containing mutations at D50N or Y108F are secreted as homotrimers that fail to bind either TNF receptor and are functionally inactive in triggering cell death of the HT29 adenocarcinoma cell line. In contrast, these mutant LTalpha proteins retain the ability to co-assemble with LTbeta into membrane-anchored LTalpha1beta2 complexes that engage the LTbetaR and trigger the death of HT29 cells. Membrane-anchored LTbeta expressed on the cell surface in absence of the LTalpha subunit binds the LTbetaR but is functionally inactive in the cell death assay. These results indicate that the TNF receptor-binding regions of the LTalpha subunit are not necessary for engagement of the LTbetaR, but the LTalpha subunit is required for the assembly of LTbeta into a functional heteromeric ligand.

Animals↗

Ca2+ and cAMP activate different K+ conductances in the human intestinal goblet cell line HT29-Cl.16E.

The mechanism of regulated Cl- secretion was evaluated in the mucin-secreting cell line HT29-Cl.16E by transepithelial electrophysiology and fura 2 measurements of cytosolic Ca2+. Carbachol by itself was a weak secretagogue, but augmented adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)-mediated secretion more than twofold, consistent with activation of a rate-limiting K+ conductance. To characterize this conductance, monolayers were apically permeabilized with amphotericin B. At least two types of K+ conductances were identified. One type was activated by elevated cytosolic cAMP levels and inhibited by Ba2+ (inhibitor constant 0.3 mM) in the basolateral solution but was not affected by quinidine or elevated cytosolic Ca2+. The other type was activated by carbachol via cytosolic Ca2+ and was partially inhibited by quinidine (60% inhibition by 2.5 mM quinidine) but was not affected by Ba2+ up to 1 mM. Both conductances appear to be involved in active, transepithelial Cl- secretion in intact monolayers but under different conditions because 1) the cAMP-stimulated short-circuit current (Isc) can be partially inhibited by 1 mM Ba2+ (50%) but not quinidine, 2) the Ba2+ inhibition does not affect the carbachol-induced increase in Isc in cells with elevated cAMP levels, and 3) the carbachol-dependent Isc can be inhibited by quinidine. Therefore, the contribution of the cAMP-dependent K+ conductance appears important for maintaining the membrane potential and therewith Cl- secretion when cAMP is the only messenger for secretion signals, whereas the Ca(2+)-dependent K+ conductance is responsible for the carbachol-stimulated increase in Isc.

Amphotericin B↗

Induction of MRP1 and gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase gene expression by interleukin 1beta is mediated by nitric oxide-related signalings in human colorectal cancer cells.

Treatment of human colorectal cancer cells HT29 with interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta) induces expression of the multidrug resistance protein (MRP1) gene encoding the ATP-dependent glutathione S-conjugate export (GS-X) pump and the gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (gamma-GCSh) gene encoding heavy (catalytic) subunit of gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase, the rate-limiting enzyme for the biosynthesis of glutathione (GSH). The induction can be suppressed by N(G)-methyl-L-arginine, a specific inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). These results suggest that IL-1beta-mediated MRP1 and gamma-GCSh induction involve nitric oxide (NO) -related signaling. Further supports to the involvement of NO in the induction of MRP1 and gamma-GCSh expression are made by the following observations. (i) Expression of MRP1 and gamma-GCSh genes were induced by treating the cells with NO donors, i.e., S-nitro-N-acetyl-D,L-penicillamide (SNAP) and S-nitroso-L-glutathione, in a concentration-dependent manner. (ii) Ectopic expression of inducible NOS (iNOS) activity by transfecting expressible recombinant iNOS cDNA encoding functional iNOS but not the nonfunctional version resulted in elevated expression of MRP1 and gamma-GCSh. We also demonstrated that HT-29 cells treated with either 1L-1beta or SNAP induced ceramide production, and addition of C2 or C6 ceramides into cultured HT-29 cells resulted in induction of gamma-GCSh but not MRP1 expression. Collectively, our results demonstrate that induction of MRP1 and gamma-GCSh by IL-1beta is regulated, at least in part, by an NO-related signaling, and induction of gamma-GCSh is by NO-related ceramide signaling.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

Extracellular zinc triggers ERK-dependent activation of Na+/H+ exchange in colonocytes mediated by the zinc-sensing receptor.

Extracellular zinc promotes cell proliferation and its deficiency leads to impairment of this process, which is particularly important in epithelial cells. We have recently characterized a zinc-sensing receptor (ZnR) linking extracellular zinc to intracellular release of calcium. In the present study, we addressed the role of extracellular zinc, acting via the ZnR, in regulating the MAP kinase pathway and Na+/H+ exchange in colonocytes. We demonstrate that Ca2+ release, mediated by the ZnR, induces phosphorylation of ERK1/2, which is highly metal-specific, mediated by physiological concentrations of extracellular Zn2+ but not by Cd2+, Fe2+, Ni2+, or Mn2+. Desensitization of the ZnR by Zn2+, is followed by approximately 90% inhibition of the Zn2+ -dependent ERK1/2 phosphorylation, indicating that the ZnR is a principal link between extracellular Zn2+ and ERK1/2 activation. Application of both the IP3 pathway and PI 3-kinase antagonists largely inhibited Zn2+ -dependent ERK1/2 phosphorylation. The physiological significance of the Zn2+ -dependent activation of ERK1/2 was addressed by monitoring Na+/H+ exchanger activity in HT29 cells and in native colon epithelium. Preincubation of the cells with zinc was followed by robust activation of Na+/H+ exchange, which was eliminated by cariporide (0.5 microm); indicating that zinc enhances the activity of NHE1. Activation of NHE1 by zinc was totally blocked by the ERK1/2 inhibitor, U0126. Prolonged acidification, in contrast, stimulates NHE1 by a distinct pathway that is not affected by extracellular Zn2+ or inhibitors of the MAP kinase pathway. Desensitization of ZnR activity eliminates the Zn2+ -dependent, but not the prolonged acidification-dependent activation of NHE1, indicating that Zn2+ -dependent activation of H+ extrusion is specifically mediated by the ZnR. Our results support a role for extracellular zinc, acting through the ZnR, in regulating multiple signaling pathways that affect pH homeostasis in colonocytes. Furthermore activation of both, ERK and NHE1, by extracellular zinc may provide the mechanism linking zinc to enhanced cell proliferation.

Animals↗

Potentiation of cytotoxicity by 3-aminobenzamide in DNA repair-deficient human tumor cell lines following exposure to methylating agents or anti-neoplastic drugs.

We studied the potentiation by 3-aminobenzamide (3AB) of killing of nine human cell lines exposed to alkylating agents. Cell lines included normal, transformed and DNA repair-proficient and -deficient phenotypes. 3AB potentiated cell killing by the methylating agents methylmethanesulfonate (MMS) and N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) in all lines tested. The degree of potentiation ranged from 1.7- to 3.8-fold, based on the LD99. The average potentiation observed with MMS (2.7-fold) was greater than with MNNG (2.2-fold). On average the potentiation of MMS and MNNG killing of repair-deficient Mer- lines (2.4-fold) was similar to that of repair-proficient Mer+ lines. The degree of 3AB potentiation of MNNG killing (2.0-fold) was similar in Mer+ Rem- lines and in Mer+ Rem+ lines. Mer+ Rem+, Mer+ Rem-, Mer- Rem+, and Mer- Rem- strains all appeared proficient in a 3AB-sensitive DNA repair pathway. Within experimental error, 20 mM 3AB did not inhibit the removal of the MNNG-induced methylpurines 7-methylguanine, O6-methylguanine and 3-methyladenine from the DNA of repair-proficient Mer+ Rem+ HT29 cells, consistent with evidence that 3AB inhibits the ligation step of excision repair. 3AB potentiated cell killing by the bifunctional alkylating agents 1-(2-chlorethyl)-1-nitrosourea or busulfan, two anti-neoplastic drugs, by only 0.9- to 1.5-fold. These drugs therefore produce DNA damage which is not efficiently repaired by the pathways that repair methylated bases.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Inhibition of dimethylhydrazine-induced aberrant crypt foci and induction of apoptosis in rat colon following oral administration of the glucosinolate sinigrin.

Glucosinolates are sulphur compounds that occur as glycosides in brassica vegetables. In response to tissue disruption they are degraded by thioglucosidase, releasing a range of highly reactive breakdown products, including the isothiocyanates, which we have previously shown to be selectively cytotoxic to undifferentiated colorectal tumour cells (HT29). In the present study we explored the effect of sinigrin on the intestinal mucosa of rats previously treated with dimethylhydrazine (DMH). In the first experiment, a semisynthetic feed containing sinigrin (400 microg/g diet) was provided 6 h after the second of two injections of DMH. The level of apoptosis was measured by morphological assessment of intact microdissected crypts obtained at 18, 24, 38, 48 and 72 h after injection, and compared with control groups given DMH only, or a sham-injection. Higher numbers of apoptotic nuclei were present in colonic tissue from both groups of DMH-treated rats compared with the controls, and the level was significantly higher in DMH-treated rats fed sinigrin compared with those given DMH only (P < 0.02). In a second experiment, rats were given sinigrin (400 microg/g diet) 22 h after the second of two injections of DMH; the level of apoptosis was measured after 48 h and the numbers of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) were measured after 42 days. The level of apoptosis was significantly higher in DMH-treated rats given sinigrin compared with controls (P < 0.05), and the numbers of ACF were significantly lower in sinigrin-treated rats (P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant induction of apoptosis in animals fed sinigrin alone. Sinigrin administered after DMH suppresses induction of ACF. This may be due to increased apoptotic deletion of damaged stem cells in the crypts of animals fed sinigrin.

Animals↗

Kinetics of biochemical, electrophysiological and morphological events (including lysosomal disorder) during the course of suramin-induced differentiation of the human colon-cancer cell clone HT29-D4.

Suramin, a polysulfonated naphtylurea, has been shown to bind to a wide variety of tumor growth factors, and to exhibit anti-proliferative effects on several cell lines. We have followed the suramin-induced (100 micrograms/ml) evolution of morphological, biochemical and electrophysiological changes in HT29-D4 human colonic adenocarcinoma cell clone as a function of culture time. After 5 days of culture in the presence of the drug the cells were polarized and exhibited apical brush border and tight junctions. The polarization process of carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA) in the apical membrane domain was achieved after 8 days of treatment, while the correct localization of HLA class-I molecules in the basolateral membrane domain occurred after 14 days of culture in the presence of suramin. Spontaneous potential difference (PD) and transepithelial resistance (Rt) were recorded from the 9th day of treatment and reached maximum values at day 15 (PD = 3 mV; RT = 450 omega cm2), giving evidence that the differentiation process triggered by suramin concerned virtually all cells in the monolayer. Untreated cells were consistently found to be electrically inactive. Finally, from day 10 of suramin treatment, the lysosomal system was perturbed including accumulation of large autophagic vacuoles and, later, typical lamellar inclusion bodies. These structures were never seen when cells were induced to differentiate in suramin-containing serum-free medium. Moreover, similar perturbations of the lysosomal system could be obtained by adding BSA in the suramin-containing defined medium, suggesting that the lysosomal storage disorder occurring upon suramin treatment was due to endocytosis of suramin-BSA complexes. We conclude that lysosomal impairment due to the presence of BSA in the culture medium did not prevent HT29-D4 cells from differentiating and that it was not an early event which could be involved in the mechanism of action of suramin. However, this perturbation might account for some of the toxic effects occurring during chronic suramin treatment in humans.

Cell Differentiation↗