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Preclinical models for chemoprevention of colon cancer.

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer incidence and death in the USA in 2002. Specific genetic defects have been identified which cause hereditary colon cancers in humans. In addition, a number of intestinal luminal risk factors for colon cancer have been described. This information has been exploited to develop experimental cell and rodent models which recapitulate features of human colon cancer. In this chapter, we will discuss the strengths and limitations of these models to further our understanding of basic mechanisms of colon carcinogenesis and to develop strategies for colon cancer chemoprevention.

Animals↗

A preclinical model for sequential high-dose chemotherapy.

Dose-intensive chemotherapy regimens have entered clinical trial based on the notion that log-linear tumor-cell killing, especially with antitumor alkylating agents, is maintained at higher drug doses. Several clinical trials employing two intensifications are underway. Using the tumor-cell survival assay, animals bearing the FSaII fibrosarcoma were treated with single doses of various chemotherapeutic agents once or twice with a 3- or 7-day interval between the drugs. Isobologram methodology was used to determine if the sequential treatment regimens resulted in subadditive, additive or greater-than-additive tumor-cell killing. When melphalan was followed 3 or 7 days later by a second dose of melphalan there was evidence of resistance to the second dose of melphalan as indicated by subadditive tumor-cell killing. Melphalan followed 3 days later by cyclophosphamide (300 mg/kg) produced greater-than-additive tumor-cell killing, however, when the interval was 7 days the resulting tumor-cell killing was subadditive. Melphalan followed 3 or 7 days later by thiotepa or carboplatin produced subadditive-to-additive tumor-cell killing. Adriamycin followed 3 days later by melphalan, cyclophosphamide, thiotepa, or carboplatin resulted in subadditive-to-additive tumor-cell killing by the combinations. These results indicate that sequential drug-intensive treatments may not optimize tumor-cell killing in vivo.

Animals↗

Schedule dependence, activity against natural metastases, and cross-resistance of pyrazine diazohydroxide (sodium salt, NSC 361456) in preclinical models in vivo.

Pyrazine diazohydroxide (sodium salt, NSC 361456; PZDH) is a new antitumor drug with relatively broad activity in initial evaluations against murine leukemias, solid tumors, and two human tumor xenografts in vivo. The present studies were designed to address questions about PZDH activity on different treatment schedules, its activity against metastases, and the extent of its cross-resistance with established drugs. Human LOX amelanotic melanoma xenografts in athymic mice were used to explore schedule dependence and activity against natural metastases, and a series of drug-resistant murine leukemias provided an in vivo cross-resistance profile. Single-dose treatment and prolonged treatment provided equivalent therapeutic responses to PZDH by both the i.p. and i.v. routes in the i.p. LOX model. A s.c. LOX model resulting in spontaneous pulmonary metastases was adapted for bioassay and quantitation of the numbers of LOX cells killed by PZDH among both primary and metastatic cell populations. It was demonstrated that PZDH afforded about 2-log10 orders of magnitude greater cell kill among pulmonary metastases than against primary s.c. LOX tumors in the same mouse. Murine leukemias resistant to doxorubicin (ADR), vincristine (VCR), cisplatin (DDPt), methotrexate (MTX), N,N'-bis(2-chloroethyl)-N-nitrosourea (BCNU), and cyclophosphamide (CPA) were not cross-resistant to PZDH. However, both P388 and L1210 leukemia sublines resistant to melphalan (L-PAM) were cross-resistant to PZDH, suggesting that patients previously treated with L-PAM might have less likelihood of response to PZDH than those who had had no opportunity to develop L-PAM resistance. Although these observations should not be applied to clinical studies without due caution, they support clinical evaluation of PZDH as well as continued investigation of its molecular pharmacology.

Animals↗

Cryopreservation of blood mononuclear leukocytes and stem cells suspended in a large fluid volume. A preclinical model for a blood stem cell bank.

It was the purpose of this study to establish and evaluate a freezing-and-thawing method for preservation of hemopoietic stem cells from the peripheral blood. Blood leukocytes collected by means of an IBM Blood-Cell-Separator were frozen in plastic bags using 10% DMSO and controlled cooling rates. Thawing was performed rapidly, and DMSO was diluted and removed prior to the in-vitro and in-vivo assays. The mean recovery of mononuclear cells collected from 82 leukaphereses was 86%. To assess the recovery of cryopreserved hemopoietic stem cells, the soft agar culture method adapted for the dog was used. There was no significant difference in the CFUc recovery per 1 X 10(6) mononuclear cells or in per leukapheresis after different cryopreservation times (1--6 and 7--27 months). To evaluate the hemopoietic repopulation capability of cryopreserved blood stem cells, leukapheresis-derived leukocytes were transfused into 1200 R whole body x-irradiated dogs. The hemopoietic repopulation pattern at day 10 after transfusion of comparable numbers of fresh or frozen leukocytes was not significantly different, as measured in bone marrow smears and sections and by granulocyte concentration in the peripheral blood.

Animals↗

Antitumor activity of interleukin 12 in preclinical models.

Interleukin 12 (IL-12) is a heterodimeric cytokine with a number of biological effects that are consistent with its potential role as an antitumor agent. The antimetastatic and antitumor activities of IL-12 have been demonstrated in a number of murine tumor models. Both the inhibition of established experimental pulmonary or hepatic metastases and a reduction in spontaneous metastases have been achieved by treatment with murine IL-12. Systemic treatment of mice bearing subcutaneous tumors with IL-12 results in tumor growth inhibition, prolongation of survival, and, in some models, tumor regression. The antitumor effect of IL-12 in these models is dose-dependent and can be initiated against well-established tumors. Mice cured of their tumor by IL-12 treatment are specifically immune to rechallenge with the same tumor. A series of experiments have demonstrated that both T-cells and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) induction are necessary for the optimal antitumor effects of IL-12. However, the antitumor efficacy of IL-12 has not been observed after exogenous administration of murine IFN-gamma, suggesting that additional factors may be important for the antitumor effects of IL-12. In several tumor models, IL-12 is more active or has a larger therapeutic window than either IL-2 or IFN-alpha, two cytokines with demonstrated antitumor activity against human malignancies. Combining IL-12 with other cytokines or chemotherapeutic drugs can improve antitumor effects.

Animals↗

Applied gene therapy in preclinical models of vascular injury.

Atherosclerosis remains the major cause of morbidity and mortality in Western countries. Atherothrombotic complications, including vascular occlusions and severe narrowing of nutrient blood vessels in the cerebral, coronary, or peripheral circulation, usually require invasive revascularization strategies. As molecular mediators contributing to these complications are being identified in more representative experimental injury models, and as gene transfer platforms and vectors acquire improved safety and efficacy profiles, there is ground for cautious optimism that gene-based interventions will likely reduce the clinical burden of these diseases. Increased generation of reactive oxygen species in diseased atherosclerotic vessels has been implicated in vasospasm, exaggerated neointima formation, and enhanced thrombosis. Ex vivo pressurized vascular gene transfer in venous bypass grafts using antisense oligonucleotides directed against cell-cycle control genes can modify the venous graft's phenotype and confer clinical benefit with improved long-term graft survival. Alternatively, percutaneous intra-arterial gene transfer is feasible, but at relatively low transgene expression levels. Although this may suffice in the case of secreted gene products with marked paracrine or bystander effects, including nitric oxide synthase and heme oxygenase-1, drug- and gene-eluting stents may provide the preferred future vehicle for well-controlled, quantifiable, and safe vascular gene transfer. Continued efforts to improve gene transfer technology in diseased human vessels and to increase our understanding of molecular targets are required before the full therapeutic potential of vascular gene therapy can be realized.

Animals↗

The role of 5-lipoxygenase products in preclinical models of asthma.

BACKGROUND: The action of 5-lipoxygenase on arachidonic acid generates potent inflammatory mediators that may contribute to the pathophysiology of asthma. METHODS: Using the potent and selective 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor BI-L-239, we have examined the role of 5-lipoxygenase products in three animal models of asthma. RESULTS: In vitro BI-L-239 inhibited 5-lipoxygenase product generation from human lung mast cells, alveolar macrophages, and peripheral blood leukocytes with a concentration that would provide 50% inhibition values of 28 to 340 nmol/L. A 36-fold selectivity for immunoreactive leukotriene C4 versus immunoreactive prostaglandin D2 inhibition was demonstrated in mast cells. In anesthetized cynomolgus monkeys, inhaled BI-L-239 provided dose-dependent inhibition of the inhaled Ascaris-induced immunoreactive leukotriene C4 release (maximum, 73%; bronchoalveolar lavage [BAL], 20 minutes), late-phase bronchoconstriction (maximum, 41%; +6 to 8 hours), and neutrophil infiltration (maximum, 63%; BAL, +8 hours). In conscious sheep, inhaled BI-L-239 provided dose-dependent inhibition of the inhaled Ascaris-induced late-phase bronchoconstriction (maximum, 66%; +6 to 8 hours) and increase in airway responsiveness (maximum, 82%; carbachol, +24 hours). The acute bronchoconstriction was shortened, and neutrophil infiltration diminished (maximum, 61%; BAL, +8 hours) in this model. Finally in conscious actively sensitized guinea pigs pretreated with pyrilamine and indomethacin, inhaled BI-L-239 attenuated acute bronchoconstriction (maximum, 80%; +5 to 15 minutes), leukocyte infiltration (58%; BAL, +3 days) and increase in airway responsiveness (100%; methacholine, +3 days) induced by three alternate-day ovalbumin inhalations. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, results in these three animal models indicate that 5-lipoxygenase products may be major contributors to the bronchoconstriction (especially late phase), leukocyte infiltration, and airway hyperresponsiveness that characterize asthma.

Animals↗

Photodynamic therapy with motexafin lutetium for rectal cancer: a preclinical model in the dog.

PURPOSE: Local recurrence of rectal cancer remains a significant clinical problem despite multi-modality therapy. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a cancer treatment which generates tumor kill through the production of singlet oxygen in cells containing a photosensitizing drug when exposed to laser light of a specific wavelength. PDT is a promising modality for prevention of local recurrence of rectal cancer for several reasons: tumor cells may selectively retain photosensitizer at higher levels than normal tissues, the pelvis after mesorectal excision is a fixed space amenable to intra-operative illumination, and PDT can generate toxicity in tissues up to 1 cm thick. This study evaluated the safety, tissue penetration of 730 nm light, normal tissue toxicity and surgical outcome in a dog model of rectal resection after motexafin lutetium-mediated photodynamic therapy. METHODS: Ten mixed breed dogs were used. Eight dogs underwent proctectomy and low rectal end to end stapled anastomosis. Six dogs received the photosensitizing agent motexafin lutetium (MLu, Pharmacyclics, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA) of 2 mg/kg preoperatively and underwent subsequent pelvic illumination of the transected distal rectum of 730 nm light with light doses ranging from 0.5 J/cm(2) to 10 J/cm(2) three hours after drug delivery. Two dogs received light, but no drug, and underwent proctectomy and low-rectal stapled anastomosis. Two dogs underwent midline laparotomy and pelvic illumination. Light penetration in tissues was determined for small bowel, rectum, pelvic sidewall, and skin. Clinical outcomes were recorded. Animals were sacrificed at 14 days and histological evaluation was performed. RESULTS: All dogs recovered uneventfully. No dog suffered an anastomotic leak. Severe tissue toxicity was not seen. Histological findings at necropsy revealed mild enteritis in all dogs. The excitation light penetration depths were 0.46 +/- 0.18, 0.46 +/- 0.15, and 0.69 +/- 0.39 cm, respectively, for rectum, small bowel, and peritoneum in dogs that had received MLu. For control dogs without photosensitizer MLu, the optical penetration depths were longer: 0.92 +/- 0.63, 0.67 +/- 0.10, and 1.1 +/- 0.80 cm for rectum, small bowel, and peritoneum, respectively. CONCLUSION: Low rectal stapled anastomosis is safe when performed with MLu-mediated pelvic PDT in a dog model. Significant tissue penetration of 730 nm light into the rectum and pelvic sidewall was revealed without generation of significant toxicity or histological sequelae. Penetration depths of 730 nm light in pelvic tissue suggest that microscopic residual disease of less than 5 mm are likely to be treated adequately with MLu-mediated PDT. This approach merits further investigation as an adjuvant to total mesorectal excision and chemoradiation for rectal cancer.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

Design of preservation solutions for universal tissue preservation in vivo: demonstration of efficacy in preclinical models of profound hypothermic cardiac arrest.

The design of new solutions for the universal preservation of tissues is a quest that would facilitate multiple-organ harvesting from organ donors since current preservation solutions do not provide optimum preservation for all organs. In contrast, a new approach to bloodless surgery using hypothermic blood substitution (HBS) to protect the whole body during profound hypothermic circulatory arrest (clinical suspended animation) has focused on the development of a hybrid solution design with the objective of providing universal tissue preservation. In this study, a porcine model of uncontrolled lethal hemorrhage was employed. A combination of two new solutions, maintenance and purge, was used in a cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) technique to affect profound hypothermia and prolonged cardiac arrest (60 min), with resuscitation after surgical repair of the vascular deficit induced to affect exsanguination. After rewarming and recovery, pigs were monitored for 6 weeks for neurological deficits, cognitive function (learning new skills), and organ dysfunction. All the normothermic control animals died (n = 10), whereas 90% (9 of 10) in the HBS group survived (P < .05). Moreover, all of the survivors were neurologically intact, displayed normal learning and memory capability, and had no long-term organ dysfunction. Histology of brains after 6 weeks revealed no ischemic damage in marked contrast to control animals, which all showed diffuse ischemic damage. The demonstrated efficacy of these synthetic, acellular HBS solutions for protection of all the tissues in the body during clinical suspended animation justifies their consideration for multiple-organ harvesting from cadaveric and living donors.

Animals↗

Efficacy of malononitrilamide FK778 in a preclinical model of small bowel transplantation.

In a swine model of orthotopic small bowel transplantation, we assessed the efficacy of combined immunosuppressive therapy with low-dose tacrolimus plus FK778, compared with high-dose tacrolimus monotherapy. The small bowel was replaced in 23 piglets: group 1 (n = 5), no immunosuppression; group 2 (n = 12), oral tacrolimus to maintain whole blood trough levels between 15 and 25 ng/mL; and group 3 (n = 6), oral FK778 4 mg/kg/d, plus oral tacrolimus to maintain whole blood trough levels between 5 and 15 ng/mL. Follow-up time was limited to 60 days. Overall survival rates at 30 and 60 days were 0% and 0% in group 1, 30% and 0% in group 2, and 66% and 66% in group 3, respectively. The median survival time was 11 days in group 1, 28 days in group 2, and more than 60 days in group 3. The differences between groups 3 and 1 and between groups 3 and 2 were statistically significant. The numbers of major bacterial infections were 19 in group 2 (1.9 episodes per animal) and 3 in group 3 (0.75 episodes per animal). The infectious-related mortality rate was 70% in group 2 (7 cases) and 0% in group 3 (P < .05). Acute cellular rejection was absent or mild in 85% of group 2 stomal biopsy specimens and in 100% of group 3 biopsy specimens. In conclusion, combination therapy of low-dose tacrolimus is potentiated by FK778 to prevent acute cellular rejection and prolong small bowel transplant survival in pigs.

Alkynes↗

Preclinical models: status of basic research in depression.

Approximately one half-century ago several classes of medications, discovered by serendipity, were introduced for the treatment of depression and bipolar disorder. These highly effective medications revolutionized our approach to mood disorders and helped launch the modern era of psychiatry. Yet our progress since those serendipitous discoveries has been disappointing. We still do not understand with certainty how those medications produce their desired clinical effects. We have not introduced newer medications with fundamentally different mechanisms of action than the older agents. We have not identified the genetic and neurobiological mechanisms underlying depression and mania, nor do we understand the mechanisms by which nongenetic factors influence these disorders. We have only a rudimentary understanding of the circuits in the brain responsible for the normal regulation of mood and affect, and of those circuits that function abnormally in mood disorders. In approaching these gaps in our knowledge, this workgroup highlighted four major areas for future investment. These include developing better animal models of mood disorders; identifying genetic determinants of normal and abnormal mood in humans and animals; discovering novel targets and biomarkers of mood disorders and treatments; and increasing the recruitment of investigators from diverse backgrounds to mood disorders research.

Animals↗

Preclinical models for human pre-embryo biopsy and genetic diagnosis. I. Efficiency and normalcy of mouse pre-embryo development after different biopsy techniques.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the usefulness of three micromanipulative methods at two different stages of pre-embryo development and to assess possible effects on postbiopsy survival and development. DESIGN: Four-cell and eight-cell mouse pre-embryos were biopsied using enucleation, aspiration, or extrusion of single blastomeres. After biopsy, pre-embryos were observed for in vitro and in vivo development. SETTING: Laboratories of The Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School. PATIENTS, PARTICIPANTS: Only mice were used. INTERVENTIONS: Pre-embryo biopsy, developmental normalcy and pre-embryo transfer were studied. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Few pre-embryos died as a result of biopsy trauma. High postbiopsy survival rates were associated with normal intrauterine and postnatal development. RESULTS: Expanded blastocyst formation rates from four-cell and eight-cell pre-embryos were 94.6%, 96.7% (controls); 80.7%, 89.1% (enucleation); 90.1%, 91.7% (aspiration); 83.1%, 91.5% (extrusion), respectively. Live birth rates at the four-cell stage were slightly lower in the enucleation group than in the blastomere aspiration and extrusion groups or controls (49.2% versus 58.8%, 56.3% and 66.7%, respectively). For the eight-cell stage, there were no differences between the groups. No developmental abnormalities were found in body or organ weights, in neonates or at 3 weeks of age, or in their subsequent ability to reproduce a second generation. CONCLUSIONS: Biopsy of mouse pre-embryos produces only a small loss of viability because of trauma and permits normal prenatal and postnatal development among surviving pre-embryos.

Animals↗

Preclinical models for human pre-embryo biopsy and genetic diagnosis. II. Polymerase chain reaction amplification of deoxyribonucleic acid from single lymphoblasts and blastomeres with mutation detection.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the use of the polymerase chain reaction in the amplification of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from single human lymphoblasts and mouse blastomeres. Amplified target genes for diagnosis of sickle cell anemia and Tay-Sachs are shown. Similarly, the sparce fur mouse model for ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency was used as an X-linked system for demonstration of mutation detection after biopsy of a single blastomere. A new diagnostic method for the detection of the ornithine transcarbamylase mutation using the restriction enzyme Mse I is presented. Accuracy and reproducibility were assured. DESIGN: Polymerase chain reaction proficiency test for amplification from single cells was studied. Also, accuracy of mutation detection systems was demonstrated. SETTING: Laboratories of The Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School. PATIENTS, PARTICIPANTS: We used the sparse fur mouse model and human blood cells. INTERVENTIONS: Pre-embryo biopsy, polymerase chain reaction amplification, and mutation detection were performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Accuracy and reproducibility of DNA amplification without contamination, as well as efficient diagnostic analysis, from both single somatic and embryonic cells were shown. RESULTS: DNA amplification from single cells was uniformly rapid (6 to 10 hours) reproducible (n = 220) and accurate (n = 52). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the feasibility of clinical application for pre-embryo biopsy and genetic diagnosis of specific heritable diseases.

Amino Acid Sequence↗