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Independent regulation of plasminogen activator inhibitor 2 and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 in human synovial fibroblasts.

OBJECTIVE: To study the plasminogen activator inhibitor(s) (PAI) produced in vitro by human synovial fibroblast-like cells. METHODS: Human synovial cell explant cultures were established using cells from nonrheumatoid donors. PAI-2 and PAI-1 antigens were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were determined by Northern blot. RESULTS: The synovial fibroblasts produced both PAI-2 and PAI-1. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) increased PAI-2 but decreased PAI-1 formation, both at the protein and the mRNA levels. Using cyclooxygenase inhibitors, evidence was obtained that an endogenous cyclooxygenase product(s) in the IL-1-treated cultures inhibited formation of both PAIs; exogenous prostaglandin E2 (10(-7) M) reversed the effect of cyclooxygenase inhibition. The glucocorticoid dexamethasone (10(-6) to 10(-7) M) inhibited IL-1-stimulated PAI-2 formation but reversed the suppressive effect of IL-1 on PAI-1 production. CONCLUSION: PAI-2 formation and PAI-1 formation can be regulated independently in human synoviocytes, illustrating the complexity of the modulation of the net PA activity expressed by these cells.

Blotting, Northern↗

Transforming growth factor beta1, urokinase-type plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 mRNA expression in head and neck squamous carcinoma and normal adjacent mucosa.

BACKGROUND: A balance between urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and its main inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) appears to be important for cancer invasive behavior. Since uPA/PAI-1 system seems to be regulated by transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) in different cell types, our aim was to investigate the relationship between the expression of the three genes and lymph node status in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) at specific sites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: uPA, PAI-1, and TGFbeta1 mRNAs were determined by Northern analysis in tumor, and paired normal mucosa samples were obtained from 91 operable HNSCC patients. RESULTS: In oral cavity, excluding tongue, TGFbeta1, PAI-1, and uPA mRNAs values were consistently lower in the normal tissues than in tumors. In larynx tumors, TGFbeta1 expression was increased, but no statistically significant differences were found for uPA or PAI-1 mRNAs as compared with normal tissues. Tongue tumors overexpressed only uPA mRNA, and uPA levels showed significant parallel variations with TGFbeta1 and PAI-1 mRNAs mainly in pN+ tumors. In oral cavity tumors, an inverse correlation between TGFbeta1 and uPA was observed in pN0 subgroup, elevated uPA mRNA was counterbalanced by high PAI-1 mRNA TGFbeta1, and PAI-1 were not coordinately expressed. Correlations between the three markers were not found in larynx. Hypopharynx tumors, all staged as pN+, expressed the lowest TGFbeta1 mRNA mean values. CONCLUSIONS: Combined information about TGFbeta1, uPA, and PAI-1 mRNAs may add some clues to the understanding of the pathophysiological role of uPA system in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Adult↗

Plasmin, substilisin-like endoproteases, tissue plasminogen activator, and urokinase plasminogen activator are involved in activation of latent TGF-beta 1 in human seminal plasma.

We reported previously that TGF-beta 1 is a major immunosuppressive agent in human seminal plasma. TGF-beta 1 in seminal plasma is so abundant that it may represent the highest physiologic concentration of TGF-beta 1 reported for a biological fluid. The in vitro activation of TGF-beta 1 is detected at acidic pH. The acidic environment of the vagina is suggested as an in vivo physiological condition for the activation of seminal plasma latent TGF-beta 1. The present study demonstrates that Pefabloc [4-(2-aminoethyl)-benzenesulfonyl fluoride AEBSF]-inhibitable serine proteases are involved in the activation of latent TGF-beta 1. Pefabloc inhibits latent TGF-beta 1 activation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The use of other protease inhibitors and specific antibodies reveals that, in addition to plasmin, substilisin-like endoproteases and tissue- and urokinase-type plasminogen activators participate in the activation of latent TGF-beta 1 in human seminal plasma.

Dose-Response Relationship, Drug↗

[Persistent changes in tissue-type plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor fibrinolytic parameters in patients following juvenile ischemic cerebral infarct].

In diseases associated with thrombotic or thromboembolic complications, a reduction in the fibrinolytic potential may contribute to the risk to develop thrombosis. To investigate whether juvenile cerebral infarction is associated with a permanent defect of the fibrinolytic system we measured the main components of the fibrinolytic system, tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) and its fast acting inhibitor (PAI) in plasma samples of 21 patients (aged 21-44 years) 3-24 months after the acute event. The data obtained were compared to those from thirteen healthy young volunteers (22-46 years). A direct effect of known risk factors on the fibrinolytic system could be excluded because patients avoided their risk factors immediately after the ischemic cerebral attack. Hypertension and the combination of oral contraceptives and smoking had been the most striking original risk factors. Levels of t-PA antigen and t-PA activity before and after venous occlusion, or PAI activity were not different between patients and controls suggesting that at least a permanent decrease in the activity of the fibrinolytic system does not exist in these patients. However, our findings do not exclude that a temporary defect in fibrinolysis might have contributed to the acute onset of the thrombotic cerebral event possibly induced by the risk factors originally present.

Adult↗

Differential effects of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs on the IL-1 altered expression of plasminogen activators and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 by articular chondrocytes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the in vitro effects of several nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs on the IL-1 altered expression and activity of tPA, uPA and PAI-1 by articular chondrocytes. METHODS: Bovine chondrocytes were cultured in alginate gel beads. Cells were treated with IL-1alpha in the presence or absence of drugs at various concentrations. Expression of mRNA for the plasminogen activators (uPA and tPA) and their inhibitor (PAI-1) were analyzed by RT-PCR-ELISA. The protein content of PAI-1 in culture media was deter mined by ELISA. PA activity was measured by a functional assay. RESULTS: All tested NSAIDs dose dependently inhibited the IL-1 induced mRNA expression of tPA, whereas only indomethacin and tiaprofenic acid were also able to reduce the expression of uPA. Expression of PAI-1 was elevated by IL-1 without an accompanying increase in secreted amounts of the inhibitor. Indomethacin, naproxen and tiaprofenic acid stimulated the release of PAI-1 into culture media, whereas meloxicam also induced expression of PAI-1 above IL-1 stimulated levels. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our studies indicate that NSAIDs preferentially inhibit tPA expression by bovine articular chondrocytes. By increasing the production of PAI-1 at therapeutical concentrations meloxicam could reduce PA activity, whereas the other NSAIDs tested mainly enhanced the release of this inhibitor from the extracellular matrix. In how far this would affect the enzyme-inhibitor balance within cartilage has to be determined in further studies.

Animals↗

Effects of tetracyclines on the production of matrix metalloproteinases and plasminogen activators as well as of their natural inhibitors, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of tetracycline effects on the expression of MMP-1, MMP-3, tissue inhibitor(s) of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), plasminogen activators (PA), and PA inhibitor-1, which are all involved in the ultimate regulation of MMP activity could provide new insight into how tetracyclines achieve their cartilage preserving effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used bovine articular chondrocytes cultured in alginate gel beads for our studies which were initially treated with 10 microM tetracyclines in the presence of IL-1. Only significant effects were studied at additional concentrations. Expression of mRNA was analyzed by RT-PCR-ELISA. The activity of enzymes and TIMP was measured by functional assays; whereas, the level of PAI-1 was determined by ELISA. RESULTS: Treating chondrocytes with IL-1 induced the expression of MMPs and downregulated TIMP-1 but stimulated both the expression of PAs and PAI-1. When tested at 10 microM only minocycline reduced collagenase activity and expression of MMP-1. Further pharmacokinetic analysis revealed IC50 values of 26 microM and 16 microM for the inhibition of collagenase activity and mRNA expression, respectively. Production of MMP-3 was only decreased by tetracycline (IC50 = 45.4 microM). No effects of tetracyclines could be observed on proteoglycan degradation, TIMP activity and the production of PAs, PAI-1, and TIMP-1. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the inhibition of MMPs by tetracyclines occurs mainly via down-regulation of the respective gene expression.

Animals↗

Ionic modulation of the effects of heparin on plasminogen activation by tissue plasminogen activator: the effects of ionic strength, divalent cations, and chloride.

Ionic strength, divalent cations, and Cl- modulate the ability of the glycosaminoglycan heparin to stimulate the activation of human plasminogen (Pg) by tissue-type Pg activator. Kinetic analysis of Pg activation indicates that heparin is inhibitory, stimulatory, or nonstimulatory as a function of ionic strength. While increasing ionic strength inhibits Pg activation in the absence of heparin, in it presence an activation phase followed by an inhibitory phase is observed. Divalent cations, inhibitors of activation in the absence of heparin, increase the rate of activation in its presence. Kinetic analysis demonstrates that divalent cations augment the heparin stimulatory effect a maximum of 60-fold due to increases in kcat without changes in Km of the reaction. This effect is heparin-specific, since activation is not affected by Ca2+ in the presence of heparan sulfate or de-N-sulfated heparin. Also, Cl- inhibits Pg activation in the presence of heparin by acting as a competitive inhibitor (Kic of 100 mM). Furthermore, inhibition by Cl- reduces the overall magnitude of heparin stimulation of Pg activation. These results suggest that physiologic ions in combination with heparin may be significant effectors of Pg activation in the vascular microenvironment.

Binding, Competitive↗

Plasminogen activators and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 before and after venous occlusion of the upper limb in thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease).

Plasma levels of plasminogen activators (t-PA, u-PA) and their inhibitor (PAI-1) were studied in patients suffering from Buerger's disease and healthy volunteers before and after 15 minutes of venous occlusion test. The baseline levels of t-PA in group of patients did not differ from those of controls. On the contrary patients with Burger's disease showed a marked increase in u-PA antigen concentrations with concomitant decrease in PAI-1 antigen levels. During venous stasis t-PA antigen concentrations increased in all subjects, however it was much pronounced in controls. Venous occlusion resulted in significant decrease in free PAI-1 levels in the group of patients only. In conclusion, Buerger's disease is associated with the endothelial derangement with increased u-PA release and decreased PAI-1 release, which does not influence the function of fibrinolytic system. The fact that the reduced response of the endothelium to release t-PA after venous stasis goes in parallel with marked decrease in PAI-1 antigen levels seems to suggest that patients suffering from Buerger's disease are not at high risk of intravascular fibrin deposition.

Arm↗

Expression of plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor by rat mesothelioma induced by asbestos.

We have investigated the expression of plasminogen activators (PAs) and PA inhibitors (PAIs) by an asbestos-induced mesothelioma. Using zymographic, immunological and biochemical techniques it was demonstrated that cell lines derived from the tumor express high levels of PAI and low levels of a UK-like PA. Adherent and partially non-adherent variants of the mesothelioma expressed indistinguishable amounts of PAI and UK. Based on partial biochemical characterization, the PAI secreted by the mesothelioma cells was a set of PAIs which consisted of PAI-1 in addition to other species. These observations indicate that the difference in growth phenotype of the adherent and partially non-adherent lines was not due to detectable differences in PA and PAI expression.

Animals↗

Plasminogen activator inhibitor activity, 4G5G polymorphism of the plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 gene, and first-trimester miscarriage in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

We assessed whether hypofibrinolytic plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1 activity) showed an independent association with first-trimester miscarriage in the 430 women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who had previous pregnancies (from a cohort of 967 women with PCOS). Prospectively, we hypothesized that Glucophage (Bristol-Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ) promotes successful live births in women with PCOS by lowering PAI-1 activity before conception and maintaining further reductions of PAI-1 activity during the first trimester of pregnancy. We also assessed whether PAI-1 activity levels were independently related to PAI-1 genotype and to modifiable risk factors body mass index (BMI), insulin, and triglyceride. By stepwise logistic regression, with the dependent variable being previous pregnancy outcomes at 3 levels (live birth pregnancies only [n = 208]; both > or =1 live birth and > or =1 first-trimester miscarriage [n = 111]; or first-trimester miscarriages only [n = 71]) and explanatory variables PAI-1 genotype, PAI-1 activity, insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, BMI, and triglyceride, PAI-1 activity was positively associated with first-trimester miscarriage (P = .004). For each 5 IU/mL increment in PAI-1 activity, the risk being in an adverse first-trimester miscarriage category increased (odds ratio, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.20). Prospectively, from pretreatment to the last preconception visit on Glucophage, in 30 women who subsequently had live births, PAI-1 activity fell 44%, but rose 19% in 23 women with first-trimester miscarriage (P = .03). In the 30 women with live birth pregnancies, median PAI-1 activity fell continuously from pretreatment through the first trimester (from 16.8 to 6.7 IU/mL), whereas PAI-1 activity was either unchanged or rose in women with first-trimester miscarriage. Of the 921 women with PCOS who had 4G5G data, 718 (78%) had 4G4G-4G5G genotypes vs 87 (69%) of 126 normal female controls (chi(2) = 4.95, P = .026). The 4G allele frequency was 53% in women with PCOS vs 46% in controls (chi(2) = 4.3, P = .04). Of the 866 women with PCOS who had PAI-1 activity data, by stepwise regression, positive independent determinants of PAI-1 activity included BMI (partial R(2) = 10.6%, P < .0001), insulin (partial R(2) = 2.8%, P < .0001), triglyceride (partial R(2) = 1.1%, P = .0009), and the 4G4G-4G5G genotype (partial R(2) = 1%, P = .0011). The PAI-1 gene 4G polymorphism is more common in women with PCOS than in normal women and, in concert with obesity, hyperinsulinemia, and hypertriglyceridemia, contributes to treatable, hypofibrinolytic, miscarriage-promoting, high PAI-1 activity. Preconception and first-trimester decrements in PAI-1 activity on Glucophage are associated with live births, whereas increments or no change in PAI-1 activity despite Glucophage appears to be associated with first-trimester miscarriage.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗

Comparison of the effects of O2*-/HO* free radical- and copper ions-oxidized LDL or lipoprotein(a) on the endothelial cell releases of tissue plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1.

We investigated the effects of low density-lipoproteins (LDL) and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] oxidized by O2*-/HO* free radicals generated by gamma radiolysis of water, on the release of tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA) and of its main inhibitor Plaminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). These effects were compared to those of lipoproteins issued from the same preparations but oxidized by the classical copper ions procedure. The results showed that O2*-/HO* free radical oxidized LDL and Lp(a) led to a dramatic decrease of PAI-1 release but did not affect tPA release, whereas copper oxidation of lipoproteins resulted in an increase in PAI-1 release and a decrease in tPA release. Chemical analysis revealed that O2*-/HO* free radical oxidized lipoproteins exhibited very much lower levels of phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxides, lysophosphatidylcholine and oxysterols (7-ketocholesterol, 7beta-hydroxycholesterol, 5,6beta-epoxycholesterol) than copper oxidized LDL. Thus, the discordant effects of O2*-/HO* oxidized and copper oxidized LDL and Lp(a) on the endothelial releases of PAI-1 and tPA appeared to be due to qualitatively and/or quantitatively different formation of oxidized components by the two oxidation processes.

Copper↗

Induction of hepatic tissue-type plasminogen activator and type 1 plasminogen activator-inhibitor gene expressions and appearance of their translation products in the bile following acute liver injury in rats.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The plasminogen activator (PA)-plasmin system is primarily involved in fibrinolysis, but is also in the patho/physiological events in which breakdown of extracellular matrices is evoked topically. In this present study, we examined the expression of fibrinolytic factors, tissue-type PA (t-PA) and Type 1 PA inhibitor (PAI-1), in acute liver injury. METHODS: Acute liver injury was produced in rats by the intraperitoneal administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)). Plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities were measured to verify the hepatocellular damage. t-PA and PAI-1 gene expressions were measured by Northern blotting, and the cell type(s) expressing these genes was identified by in situ hybridization. t-PA and PAI-1 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: A single intraperitoneal administration of CCl(4) caused severe acute parenchymatous liver injury. Both t-PA and PAI-1 gene expressions were induced by the acute liver injury, and plasma t-PA and PAI-1 concentrations were also increased. In situ hybridization studies demonstrated that the hepatocytes were the cells expressing t-PA and PAI-1 genes during the acute liver injury. t-PA was also augmented in the bile, whereas PAI-1 was decreased there. CONCLUSIONS: t-PA and PAI-1 gene expressions are induced in the hepatocytes of rats with acute liver injury. These fibrinolytic factors induced by liver injury may play important roles in liver regeneration.

Animals↗

Effects and mechanism of tissue-type plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor on vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation.

UNLABELLED: Smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation and migration play a pivotal role in restenosis following angioplasty. The expression of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) increased significantly during SMC proliferation and migration in rabbit iliac artery injury model. In this experiment, the relationship of tPA, PAI-1 and vascular SMC proliferation was studied in vitro using human aortic smooth muscle cells cultivated in normal lipid or high lipid serum. The expression of certain oncogenes during the SMC proliferation was detected by Northern blot. RESULTS: tPA stimulates vascular SMC proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, and the effect is increased significantly in high lipid environment. PAI-1 inhibits the mitogenic effect of tPA to SMC and is dose-dependent. tPA increases oncogene c-myc mRNA level during SMC proliferation, and the level of c-myc mRNA increases significantly in hyperlipidemia. These findings indicate that tPA directly promotes human vascular SMC proliferation in vitro, and may contribute to intimal SMC proliferation after vascular injury by increasing the expression of oncogene c-myc mRNA.

Aorta↗

Characterization of morphogenetic and invasive abilities of human mammary epithelial cells: correlation with variations of urokinase-type plasminogen activator activity and type-1 plasminogen activator inhibitor level.

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and one of its inhibitors, the PAI-1, are involved in the proteolytic cascade of matrix degradation during in vivo morphogenesis or metastasis. In the present study, we have characterized the in vitro morphological behavior of human normal and malignant mammary epithelial cells and determined the levels of uPA activity and PAI-1 during these events. Two-dimensional cultures in the presence of inductive fibroblast-conditioned medium (CM) allowed migration of HBL-100 cells and MDA-MB-231 cells. Normal human mammary epithelial cells (HMEC) and MCF-7 cells failed to migrate under these conditions. The epithelial cell migration correlated with an increase in the uPA activity whereas their immobility correlated with both increases in uPA activity and PAI-1 level. In three-dimensional cultures in collagen gel, fibroblasts or fibroblast CM induced branching tubular morphogenesis to HMEC, cord-like extensions to HBL-100 cells and a greater invasiveness ability to MDA-MB-231 cells. These events correlated with an increased uPA activity. In contrast, no morphological rearrangement was observed in MCF-7 cells and this correlated with both increases in uPA activity and PAI-1 level. Altogether, these results show that the in vitro mammary epithelial behavior is under the influence of mesenchymal inductive signals and is in agreement with modifications of uPA activity and PAI-1 levels. Our culture system gives a suitable model to study the mechanisms of mammary development and metastasis and to highlight the involvement of proteases and their inhibitors in cell-cell positioning and cell-matrix reorganization.

Breast↗

Heparin oligosaccharides enhance tissue-type plasminogen activator: a correlation between oligosaccharide length and stimulation of plasminogen activation.

The rate of plasminogen (Pg) activation by tissue-type Pg activator (t-PA) is enhanced by heparin-derived oligosaccharides. Kinetic analysis of the effects of heparin oligosaccharides, ranging in size from di- to dodecasaccharides, on Pg activation demonstrates that stimulation of the reaction is dependent on the size of the heparin oligosaccharides. Di- and tetrasaccharides enhance the activation through 2-fold increases in kcat and 4-fold decreases in Km. Hexasaccharide and larger oligosaccharides stimulate the reaction by increasing the kcat by as much as 4-fold, but do not affect the Km. Previous experiments have shown that lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] inhibits Pg activation by t-PA, but only in the presence of a template which enhances t-PA activity such as fibrinogen fragments or intact heparin. Similiarly, Lp(a) inhibits the enhancement of t-PA activity by the larger heparin oligosaccharides but has no effect on t-PA activity in the presence of di- and tetrasaccharides. The results of this study when considered with our previous observations (Edelberg & Pizzo, 1990) suggest that the enhancement in Pg activation by the smaller oligosaccharides is mediated exclusively via binding to t-PA while the larger oligosaccharides may interact with both t-PA and Pg. Furthermore, studies of Pg activation in the presence of both heparin oligosaccharides and fibrinogen fragments demonstrate that t-PA is stimulated preferentially by fibrinogen fragments.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Further characterization of the cellular plasminogen binding site: evidence that plasminogen 2 and lipoprotein a compete for the same site.

Specific cell surface receptors for plasminogen (Pg) are expressed by a wide variety of cell types and serve to promote fibrinolysis and local Pg proteolysis. Pg types 1 and 2, separated by chromatography on concanavalin A-Sepharose, were utilized to determine their binding to the monocytoid U937 cell line. Both forms bind in a dose-dependent manner. However, Pg 2 binds to the cellular receptor considerably better than Pg 1 and at equilibrium demonstrates approximately 10-fold greater binding. Lipoprotein a [Lp(a)], which possesses a subunit showing considerable homology to Pg, competes with Pg 2 for the Pg receptor in U937 cells. Moreover, Pg 1 is not able to displace Pg 2 from the receptor. These studies suggest that high levels of Lp(a) may alter the profibrinolytic activity at the cell surface and increase the risks of atherosclerosis and thrombosis. This hypothesis is in accord with the 2-5-fold increased risk of atherosclerosis in patients having high levels of Lp(a).

Binding Sites↗

Prognostic significance of urokinase-type plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in primary breast cancer.

The uPA-mediated pathway of plasminogen activation is central to cancer metastasis. Whether uPA and PAI-1 are related to local recurrence, metastatic spread or both is not clear. We present a retrospective study of 429 primary breast cancer patients with a median follow-up of 5.1 years, in which the levels of uPA and PAI-1 in tumour extracts were analysed by means of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The median values of uPA and PAI-1, which were used as cut-off points, were 4.5 and 11.1 ng mg(-1) protein respectively. The levels of uPA and PAI-1 were correlated with tumour size, degree of anaplasia, steroid receptor status and number of positive nodes. Patients with high content of either uPA or PAI-1 had increased risk of relapse and death. We demonstrated an independent ability of PAI-1 to predict distant metastasis (relative risk 1.7, confidence limits 1.22 and 2.46) and that neither uPA nor PAI-1 provided any information regarding local recurrence.

Adult↗

Cathepsin-D, urokinase plasminogen activator and type-1 plasminogen activator inhibitor in early breast cancer: an immunohistochemical study of prognostic value and relations to tenascin-C and other factors.

Cytosolic determinations of cathepsin-D (cath-D), urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and its specific inhibitor PAI-1 have shown an association with adverse prognosis in breast cancer. Our aim was to study the distribution of these markers in small axillary node-negative breast carcinomas using immunohistochemistry and relate the semiquantitative results to known prognostic factors, the expression of tenascin-C (Tn-C) in invasion border of the tumour and prognosis. All the 158 women (159 tumours) were treated with breast conserving surgery and postoperative radiotherapy. Cytoplasmic immunoreactivity for cath-D was seen in carcinoma cells in 47% and in stromal cells in 44%. Nearly all tumours expressed uPA and PAI-1, which were categorized to cytoplasmic expression in carcinoma cells and diffuse stromal expression and quantified -/+/++/ and further dichotomized for purposes of analysis. Expression of uPA and PAI-1 in stromal fibroblasts was recorded as -/+. Cytoplasmic and stromal cell cath-D contents were associated with grade, proliferation, Tn-C expression in the tumour invasion border and the development of distant metastasis. In multivariate analysis stromal cath-D proved to be an independent prognostic factor for metastasis. Stromal expression of uPA was associated with an increased risk of local recurrence; otherwise high levels of uPA did not associate with other prognostic factors nor with prognosis. Fibroblastic expression of PAI-1 showed an association with both local and distant disease recurrence. However, no consistent association between the immunohistochemically quantified uPA and PAI-1 and prognosis was found. In conclusion, immunohistochemical determination of cath-D seems to be a viable method to predict a higher risk of metastasis but not local recurrence in small axillary node-negative breast carcinomas.

Biomarkers↗