Eicosanoid biosynthetic activity by the cyclooxygenase pathway is reduced in smooth muscle cell-derived foam cells [Pomerantz, K.B., & Hajjar, D.P. (1989) J. Lipid Res. 30, 1219-1231; Pomerantz, K.B., & Hajjar, D.P. (1990) Biochemistry 29, 1892-1899]. The present study identifies those mechanisms which contribute to reduced production of cyclooxygenase products following cholesterol enrichment of arterial smooth muscle cells. Cyclooxygenase activity, as assessed by the conversion of exogenous arachidonate to 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, was reduced approximately 8-fold in intact lipid-laden cells relative to untreated cells. Microsomes from cholesterol-enriched cells also converted less [3H]arachidonic acid to 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and PGE2 relative to microsomes from untreated cells. The reduction in cyclooxygenase activity paralleled the reduced mass of the constitutive form of cyclooxygenase (COX-1) and PGI2 synthase by approximately 80% and 33%, respectively. Northern blot hybridization analyses of COX-1 mRNA steady-state levels revealed no differences between normal and cholesterol-enriched cells under basal conditions, indicating that cholesterol enrichment did not alter COX-1 gene expression. Furthermore, cholesterol enrichment did not alter the relative levels of COX-1 mRNA expression over time following exposure of the cells to actinomycin D, indicating that cholesterol enrichment did not significantly alter the rate of COX-1 mRNA degradation. Recovery of PGI2 biosynthesis in untreated cells exposed to serum following the inactivation of COX occurred within 12 h, while the recovery of COX activity in lipid-enriched cells did not return to levels observed in untreated cells even after up to 48 h, suggesting that the induction of COX-2 (inducible form of cyclooxygenase) synthesis by growth factors or cytokines is impaired. Indeed, cholesterol enrichment attenuated IL-1 beta-, PDGF-, and TNF alpha-induced PGI2 synthesis relative to controls and was consistent with the results of in vitro labeling experiments demonstrating that cholesterol enrichment reduced the incorporation of [35S]methionine into immunoprecipitable COX-1 and COX-2 following induction by PDGF. Cholesterol enrichment also reduced the induction of COX-2 mRNA steady-state levels following exposure to PDGF. Taken together, these data demonstrate that reduced eicosanoid synthesis in smooth muscle-derived foam cells is due, in part, to impaired transcription of mRNA for COX-1 and COX-2 as well as fatty acid remodeling in membrane phospholipids. These findings support the hypothesis that cholesterol enrichment alters posttranscriptional processing of COX-1 expression, as well as altering COX-2 gene expression.

Serum-deprived (0.1-0.2%) resting NIH 3T3 mouse fibroblasts pre-incubated with cycloheximide (7.5 micrograms/ml), or puromycin (10 micrograms/ml), were fused with stimulated cells taken 10 h after changing the medium to one containing 10% serum, and DNA synthesis was investigated in the nuclei of monokaryons, homodikaryons and heterodikaryons using radioautography with the double-labelling technique. Pre-incubation of resting cells with inhibitors of protein synthesis for 1-4 h abolished their ability to suppress DNA synthesis in stimulated nuclei in heterokaryons. Three hours after the removal of cycloheximide from the medium, the resting cells acquired once again the inhibitory capacity for entry of stimulated nuclei into the S period. This inhibitory influence disappeared also in the case of post-fusion cycloheximide application as well as following an 8-12 h pre-treatment of resting cells with actinomycin D (1 microgram/ml) prior to fusion. Pre-incubation of resting cells for 12 h with PDGF (1 u/ml-1) followed by an 8-48 h incubation in serum-free medium stimulated the onset of DNA synthesis. A brief exposure (45 min) of resting cells to cycloheximide (7.5 micrograms/ml), or puromycin (7.5 micrograms/ml), exerted a similar effect, inducing by itself the entry of cells into the S period. The results support the assumption that acquirement, by resting cells, of competence for DNA replication includes as a necessary step the down-regulation of intracellular growth inhibitors whose formation depends on protein synthesis.

Lung morphogenesis is in part regulated by extracellular matrix (ECM), and cytokines may indirectly control lung development via modulation of ECM. In the present study, we investigated the effect of different platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) isoforms AA, AB, and BB on the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) by fetal rat lung cells. Independent of gestational age, PDGF-BB, but not PDGF-AA or -AB, stimulated GAG synthesis of fetal lung fibroblasts. In contrast, GAG synthesis by epithelial cells was not affected by any of the PDGF molecules. The stimulatory effect of PDGF-BB on fibroblast GAG biosynthesis was dose >> 10 ng/ml) and time >> 8 h) dependent. The relative proportion of the individual GAG molecules was not altered by PDGF-BB exposure. Blockage of tyrosine kinase activity with staurosporine did abolish the effect of PDGF-BB on fibroblast GAG formation. Actinomycin D and cycloheximide did not abrogate the PDGF-BB effect, suggesting that no new RNA or protein synthesis is required. The proteoglycan synthesis blocker, beta-D-xyloside, also did not inhibit the PDGF-BB action on fibroblast GAG synthesis. These data suggest that the effect of PDGF on GAG synthesis is cell type and isoform specific and is most likely a direct effect on the GAG chain elongation enzymes.

The appaloosa coat colour pattern of the horse is similar to that caused by the rump-white (Rw) gene in the mouse. In the mouse Rw colour pattern is the result of an inversion involving the proto-oncogene c-kit (KIT). Therefore, we investigated KIT as a candidate gene that encodes the appaloosa coat colour gene (Lp) in horses. KIT plays a critical role in haematopoiesis, gametogenesis, and melanogenesis and encodes a transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor that belongs to the PDGF/CSF-1/c-KIT receptor subfamily. Half-sib families segregating for Lp were uninformative for a reported polymorphism in KIT. However, KIT is located on horse chromosome 3 close to albumin (ALB), serum carboxylesterase (ES), vitamin D-binding protein (GC) and microsatellite markers ASB23, LEX007, LEX57, and UCDEQ437. Indeed, KIT and ASB23 were localized to ECA3q21-22.1 and 3q22.1-22.3, respectively, by fluorescent in situ hybridization. Family studies were conducted to investigate linkage of Lp to these markers using eight half-sib families in which Appaloosa stallions were mated to solid coloured mares. Linkage of Lp to the chromosome region containing ES, ALB, GC, ASB23, UCDEQ437, LEX57, and LEX007 was investigated by a multipoint linkage analysis using the computer program GENEHUNTER. LOD scores over the interval under investigation ranged from -4.28 to -12.48, with a score of -12.48 at the location for ASB23. Therefore, it was concluded that appaloosa (Lp) is not linked to any of the tested markers on ECA3, and thus Lp is unlikely to be the product of KIT.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the adjunctive effect of LED light in platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-aided dentoalveolar osteogenesis.

METHODS

Full-thickness osseous wounds were created on rat maxillae and were either unfilled or filled with poly-(D,L-lactide) and poly-(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres encapsulating PDGF. Animals received daily 660 ± 25 nm LED light irradiation at 0, 10 (LD), or 20 (HD) J/cm(2) , were killed at days 4-28 (n = 6/group/time) and evaluated by microcomputed tomography (micro-CT), histology, and the expressions of osteopontin and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP).

RESULTS

Greater osteogenesis was noted in the PDGF-treated defects at day 14. Under the LED light irradiation, osteogenesis was significantly greater in both LD and HD groups of the non-PDGF-treated defects, but only in the LD group of the PDGF-treated defects. No significant differences in osteogenesis among groups were noted at day 28. Greater bone marrow space was noted in the LED light-irradiated specimens, especially in the PDGF-treated defects at both time points. Osteopontin was significantly promoted in the LD group at both time points, and TRAP was significantly promoted in all LED light-irradiated groups at day 28.

CONCLUSIONS

LED light could an adjunct to promote early PDGF-aided dentoalveolar osteogenesis by facilitating the osteoblast-osteoclast coupling.

BACKGROUND

Several growth factors have been implicated in the development of proliferative eye diseases, and some of those are present in human vitreous (HV). The effects of HV on cellular responses which modulate proliferative cell processes were studied. This study describes the partial characterization of a vitreous factor activity which does not correspond to any of the previously reported growth factors in pathological HV.

METHODS

Vitreous humour was obtained from medical vitrectomies, from patients with PDR and PVR. The biological activity of the vitreous factor was determined by its ability to increase cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), increase production of inositol phosphates, and induce cell proliferation in the cell line EGFR T17. In some experiments other cell lines, such as NIH 3T3, 3T3-L1, FRTL5, A431, PC12, Y79, and GH3, were also employed. Measurement of [Ca2+]i in cell suspensions was performed using the fluorescent Ca2+ indicator fura-2. The activity of the factor present in HV was compared with other growth factors by means of: (a) [Ca2+]i mobilization pattern, (b) sequential homologous and heterologous desensitization of receptors, (c) effects of phorbol esters on their action, and (d) inactivation after treatment with different proteolytic enzymes.

RESULTS

The HV-induced cell proliferation and increases in [Ca2+]i concentration were characterized by a peculiar time pattern. The different approaches used ruled out its identity with PDGF, bFGF, EGF, TGF-beta, IGFs, TNF-alpha, NGF, and other compounds such as ATP, angiotensin I, and bradykinin. Vitreous factor actions are mediated by specific receptors apparently regulated by PKC. This factor is able to induce [Ca2+]i mobilization in most of the cell lines studied, indicating that its effects are not tissue specific.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest the presence of a growth factor activity in pathological HV which may be due to the presence of an undescribed growth factor in the eye.

Chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) remains the primary reason for late allograft loss in kidney transplantation. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is a major mitogen mediating mesenchymal cell proliferation in CAN. When administered continuously the PDGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib prevents the development of CAN and restores kidney function in experimental kidney transplantation. Herein we investigated whether early short-term imatinib treatment prevented CAN. Kidney transplantations were performed from DA to WF rats and syngenic controls were done between DA rats. Allograft recipients were immunosuppressed with cyclosporine (CsA; 1.5 mg/kg/d sc). One group of allografts was also treated with imatinib (10 mg/kg/d po). Serum creatinine levels were measured once a week. Grafts were harvested 90 days after transplantation for histology and immunohistochemistry (PDGF-AA, -BB, PDGFR-alpha, -beta). Histological changes were scored according to the Chronic Allograft Damage Index (CADI). Among syngenic grafts, no signs of CAN were observed, namely, CADI 0.3 +/- 0.2 (mean +/- SEM). Control allografts showed moderate to intense chronic changes, CADI 6.5 +/- 1.3. Early short-term imatinib treatment significantly prevented the development of CAN compared with control allografts. Only a few histological changes were seen, namely, CADI 3.3 +/- 1.4. Compared with control allografts PDGF ligand and receptor induction was significantly inhibited by imatinib to nearly the same level as in syngenic grafts. Creatinine values of imatinib-treated allografts were also lower than control allografts. Our results demonstrated that early short-term imatinib treatment significantly prevented CAN. This indicated that early PDGF induction has an important role in the pathogenesis of CAN.

In order to verify the role of activation of phosphatidylcholine (PC) hydrolysis by phospholipase D (PLD) in the initiation of mitogenic process of retinal capillary pericytes, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), a known PC hydrolysis stimulator, and exogenous PLD have been used to stimulate pericytes. Exogenous PLD (Streptomyces chromofuscus PLD) or PDGF BB homodimer (PDGF) was added to a medium of quiescent pericytes prelabeled with [32P]orthophosphate. In the presence of ethanol (300 mM), phosphatidic acid (PA) and its stable transphosphatidylated product, phosphatidylethanol (PEt), were determined. In parallel, [3H]thymidine incorporation was measured. Downregulation of PKC was achieved by long-term treatment with a phorbol ester. The addition of exogenous PLD or PDGF stimulated both [3H]thymidine incorporation and [32P]PEt formation in a similar kinetic fashion, suggesting that PC hydrolysis is involved in PDGF-mitogenic signaling pathway. PDGF-stimulated [3H]PA formation was significantly higher in the presence than in the absence of PA phosphohydrolase (PAP) inhibitor, indicating the activation of PLD/PAP pathway. In the presence of ethanol, a substantial level of PA at the steady state can be abolished by an inhibitor of diacylglycerol (DAG) kinase. This phenomenon indicates the existence of PC-phospholipase C (PLC)/DAG kinase pathway in PC hydrolysis. Insulin potentiated both PLD- and PDGF-induced DNA synthesis. Though similarities occur in the induction of DNA synthesis and PC hydrolysis by exogenous PLD and PDGF, the maximum extent of DNA synthesis of exogenous PLD was only approximately 43% of that induced by PDGF. Moreover, exogenous PLD-induced DNA synthesis was not blunted, while PDGF-elicited DNA synthesis was markedly reduced, by PKC downregulation. In addition, PDGF-induced PC hydrolysis was attenuated by a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, whereas exogenous PLD-induced PC hydrolysis was unchanged. Taken together, exogenous PLD may mimic PDGF action and partially account for the efficacy on DNA synthesis elicited by PDGF. The signal transduction initiated by exogenous PLD is able to bypass the PKC- and PTK-dependent activation of endogenous PLD. These findings provide evidence for the importance of PLD-mediated PC hydrolysis in pericyte DNA synthesis stimulated by PDGF.

In rat vascular smooth muscle cells, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), stimulated phosphatidic acid synthesis by activating both of the two alternative pathways, diacyglycerol kinase (DGK) and phospholipase D (PLD). Genistein, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, inhibited PLD activation but not DGK activation, the latter was inhibited selectively by R 59022. PDGF-induced DNA synthesis was partially inhibited by genistein or R 59022, but these inhibitors had no effect on phorbol ester-induced DNA synthesis. Further, the specific effects of these inhibitors on PDGF-induced DNA synthesis were additive.

We examined the effect of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) on the activation of phosphatidylcholine-hydrolyzing phospholipase D in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells. PDGF-BB stimulated both the formation of choline (EC50 = 15 ng/ml) and inositol phosphates (EC50 = 5 ng/ml). However, PDGF-BB had little effect on the formation of phosphocholine. The formation of choline stimulated by a combination of PDGF-BB and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, a protein kinase C (PKC)-activating phorbol ester, was additive. H-7, an inhibitor of protein kinases, inhibited 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced choline formation, whereas HA1004, a control for H-7 as PKC inhibitor, had little effect. Neither H-7 nor HA1004 affected the PDGF-BB-induced formation of choline. Genistein and methyl 2,5-dihydroxycinnamate, inhibitors of protein tyrosine kinases, dose dependently inhibited the PDGF-BB-induced formation of choline. PDGF-BB stimulated Ca2+ influx from extracellular space. PDGF-BB-induced choline formation was significantly reduced by chelating extracellular Ca2+ with EGTA. PDGF-BB stimulated DNA synthesis of MC3YT3-E1 cells, and H-7 inhibited the DNA synthesis. These results strongly suggest that PDGF activates phosphatidyl-choline-hydrolyzing phospholipase D independently from PKC activated by phosphoinositide hydrolysis in osteoblast-like cells, and that both tyrosine kinase activation and Ca2+ influx are essential for this mechanism.

The proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) induced by injury to the intima of arteries is an important etiologic factor in vascular proliferative disorders such as atherosclerosis and restenosis. 2,3,4',5-Tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (TSG), an active component extracted from Polygonum multiflorum, has been found to have an antiatherosclerotic effect. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of TSG on platelet derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB induced VSMCs proliferation and to explore the possible mechanisms of such effects. Pretreatment of VSMCs with TSG significantly inhibited PDGF-BB-induced cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent but not time-dependent manner. In addition, flow cytometry analysis of the DNA content revealed blocking of the PDGF-BB-inducible cell cycle progression by TSG. On the contrary, an inhibitory effect of TSG on VSMCs proliferation and expression of cell cycle regulators were markedly attenuated by addition of an nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, a soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor and a cyclic GMP (cGMP)-dependent protein kinase (PKG) inhibitor: N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), 1H-[1,2,4] oxadiazolo [4,3-α] quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) and KT5823, respectively. It was also demonstrated that TSG enhanced NO and cGMP formation through up-regulating endothelial NO synthase expression in VSMCs. The findings indicate that TSG inhibited VSMCs proliferation induced by PDGF-BB may involve the NO/cGMP/PKG signal pathway.

Culture of the postimplantation rat conceptus from gestational day 9.5-10.5 in media supplemented with d-glucose or scyllo-inositol decreases tissue myo-inositol and phosphoinositides with a concomitant increase in dysmorphogenesis. A number of mitogenic agents initiate cellular proliferation and differentiation through receptors coupled to phosphoinositide hydrolysis. To test whether the decrease in conceptus phosphoinositides is associated with a reduced phosphoinositide hydrolytic response, we developed a protocol to stimulate phosphoinositide hydrolysis. Phosphoinositide hydrolysis was monitored by measurement of [3H]inositol phosphates after preincubation in serum free media. We examined the ability of serum, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), epidermal-derived growth factor (EGF), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2), endothelin-1 (ET-1), and endothelin-2 (ET-2), to stimulate phosphoinositide hydrolysis. As measured by [3H]inositol monophosphate ([3H]InsP1) accumulation, normal rat seru, ET-1, and ET-2 stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis 47%, 420%, and 154% above the basal rate observed in serum free controls. EGF stimulated a statistically insignificant 15% increase while PDGF, IGF-1, or IGF-2 were without effect. We further characterized ET-1 stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis. Dose-response studies disclosed that incremental increases in [3H]InsP1 (129-420%) are observed over a concentration range of 10-1,000 nM. Maximal stimulation was not reached even at 1,000 nM. Temporally [3H]InsP1 and [3H]InsP3 levels increased linearly during incubation periods of 15-60 min. We further analyzed ET-1 stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis in 10.5-day conceptuses cultured for 24 hr in media containing high concentrations of glucose (23.3-56.6 mM) or scyllo-inositol (0.55, 5.5 mM). Under these dysmorphogenic conditions that concomitantly decrease the phosphoinositide precursor pool the response to ET-1 was blunted 28-76% for glucose and 29-65% for scyllo-inositol. This suggests that the effect of glucose and scyllo-inositol on lowering phosphoinositide precursor pools also results in a decrease in the response to agonists using the inositol/lipid intracellular pathway. This impaired signaling response may contribute to initiating dysmorphogenic events in diabetic embryopathy.

BACKGROUND

ATP is released into the extracellular milieu during tissue injury and platelet aggregation and has a modest mitogenic effect on cultured rat glomerular mesangial cells (MCs). In this study we investigated the interaction of ATP with multiple growth factors during MC mitogenesis.

METHODS

Replication of MCs was determined by direct cell counting and DNA synthesis was measured by 3H-thymidine uptake. Activity of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) was assessed by measuring formation of inositol phosphates from 3H-labelled precursors.

RESULTS

Extracellular ATP (1-100 microM) exerted a powerful synergistic effect on DNA synthesis of MCs when used simultaneously with various mitogens, including epidermal growth factor (EGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB), endothelin-1 (ET-1), arginine vasopressin (AVP), thrombin (Thr), serotonin (5-HT), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta). ATP synergized with these factors by increasing the maximum of DNA synthesis, without changing the half-maximal concentration of the growth factor. In addition cell counts revealed that ATP significantly augments MC growth induced by EGF, bFGF, PDGF-BB, ET-1, AVP, Thr, 5-HT, and IL-1 beta. ATP caused activation of PI-PLC, but did not synergize with any of the tested growth factors in this respect. ATP-induced PI-PLC activation was inhibited by preincubation with pertussis toxin by 40-93%. This treatment did not suppress DNA synthesis induced by ATP alone, by PDGF, or by PDGF plus ATP. The calcium antagonists, TMB-8 and verapamil, as well as the inhibitors of protein kinase C, calphostin C and H7, had no effect on DNA synthesis induced by ATP or PDGF plus ATP. Also, ATP synergistically stimulated DNA synthesis in combination with the direct activator of protein kinase C, phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), and with the reaction product of phospholipase D, phosphatidic acid. Finally, ATP was mitogenic in an MC line of higher passage which did not respond with PI-PLC activation.

CONCLUSIONS

Extracellular ATP synergistically augments MC growth induced by multiple growth factors. While the ATP-induced mitogenic signal is presently unclear, our observations support the concept that ATP may play a role during the course of glomerulonephritis when multiple growth factors are released from glomerular and inflammatory cells.

Prostaglandin F2alpha, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and calcium ionophore A23187 stimulated the rapid (within 25 s) generation of polyunsaturated 1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG) species, in particular 18:0/20:3n-9, 18:0/20:4n-6 and 18:0/20:5n-3, in Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts. This was followed by a second sustained phase characterised by saturated, monounsaturated and diunsaturated DAG species derived, at least partially, from a phospholipase D/phosphatidate phosphohydrolase-linked pathway. This could be directly activated by phorbol ester. Assay of rat brain protein kinase C (PKC) in lipid vesicles showed that first phase, polyunsaturated-enriched DAG isolated from Swiss 3T3 cells was a more potent activator of kinase activity compared to that achieved with DAG from control or 5 min stimulated cells. Thus activation of distinct members of the phospholipase C family leads to the rapid and almost identical generation of polyunsaturated DAG species which are capable of preferentially activating protein kinase C (PKC).

It is known that PDGF-induced phospholipase D (PLD) activation occurs downstream of phospholipase C gamma 1 (PLC-gamma 1) activation. Herbimycin A, a specific inhibitor of Src family tyrosine kinase, dose-dependently inhibited PDGF-induced PLD activation (IC50 of 8 micrograms/ml) without affecting PLC-gamma 1 activation and significantly reduced PDGF-induced tyrosine phosphorylations of 40-46 kD and 60 kD proteins in PLC-gamma 1-overexpressing NIH 3T3 gamma 1 cells. These results suggest that PLC activation is necessary but not sufficient for PDGF-induced PLD activation. Tyrosine phosphorylation of p40-p46 and p60 is thought to be involved in PDGF-induced activation of PLD but not of PLC.

This article reviews the possible role of prostaglandin D(2) synthase (PGD(2)S) in the progression of chronic renal failure and dialysis dementia. Such a proposal is based on our observation that PGD(2)S significantly increases the rate of apoptosis in cultured pig kidney proximal tubule LLC-PK1 and rat neuronal PC12 cells. Apoptosis was caspase mediated and inhibitable by PGE(1), PGE(2), PGF(2alpha), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and by PGD(2)S inhibitors, selenium and anti-PGD(2)S antibody. Apoptosis was restored by the addition of downstream metabolic products, PGD(2) and 15 deoxy PG triangle up (12,14)J(2). The proposal that PGD(2)S contributes to progression of renal failure and dialysis dementia is based on: (1) the progressive creatinine-like increase in PGD(2)S levels in blood as renal function decreases, increased renal cyclooxygenase (COX) 2 in chronic renal failure, and reported increase in apoptosis noted in the remnant kidney model, and (2) a 35- to 150-fold increase in blood levels of PGD(2)S in dialysis patients. Both conditions appear to favor shifting the PG metabolic pathway to downstream apoptotic metabolites, PGD(2) and 15 deoxy PG triangle up (12,14)J(2). The diverse role that PGs, growth factors, and COX play in progression of chronic renal failure, their interactions with PGD(2)S, and the status of COX inhibitors in retarding the progression of renal failure are reviewed. In addition, the need for a more systematic longitudinal assessment of dementia in dialysis patients by standardized neuropsychologic testing, testing blood levels and glycosylated isoforms of PGD(2)S, and the effect of COX inhibition and erythropoietin administration on dialysis dementia are discussed.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the functional relationship between androgen receptor (AR) and PDGF D as it relates to the radiation response of PTEN-null prostate cancer (PCa) cells and the effect of enzalutamide on these interactions.

METHODS

Using murine PTEN-null prostate epithelial cell line and human prostate carcinoma LNCaP (PTEN-mutant) models, nuclear and cytosolic AR levels were determined by immunoblot analysis and the transcriptional activity of nuclear AR was assessed by RT-PCR analysis of its target genes with or without irradiation. Cell survival was evaluated by clonogenic assay or sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay upon irradiation in the absence or presence of the AR antagonist enzalutamide.

RESULTS

PTEN loss resulted in upregulation of AR expression in a PDGF-D dependent manner and irradiation selectively increased the nuclear AR protein level and its activity in a murine cell model. When the functional significance of AR in cell survival was tested, treatment with enzalutamide resulted in radiosensitization of human LNCaP cells. Similarly to the murine model, PDGF-D overexpression increased the nuclear AR level and its transcriptional activity in LNCaP cells. PDGF-D over-expression was associated with radioresistance and enzalutamide treatment effectively reversed PDGF-D-mediated radioresistance in LNCaP cells.

CONCLUSIONS

We have demonstrated that AR, a target of the PTEN and PDGF D-downstream signaling program, contributes to radiation resistance in human PCa cells. In addition, this study suggests that anti-androgens such as enzalutamide may serve as radiation sensitizers for the treatment of PCa patients, particularly so in patients with loss of PTEN or overexpression of PDGF-D.

Two murine cell lines that overexpress v-sis/PDGF-2 were used to study the mechanism of cell transformation by SSV (simian sarcoma virus). In contrast to the parental cells that are phenotypically normal and serum-dependent for growth, v-sis-overexpressing cells grow in PDGF-free plasma medium, are unable to enter the G0 state and are highly tumorigenic. Analysis of the expression of some growth factor-induced early response genes in v-sis-overexpressing cells revealed: (a) high and constitutive c-myc mRNA levels in SSV-NRK cells; (b) unaltered levels of fra-1, fos B, jun B and krox 20 transcripts; (c) high and constitutive FOS staining due to c-FOS and FOS-related protein(s); (d) constitutive c-JUN and higher JUN D expression. These results are compatible with a model in which endogenous production of v-sis/PDGF-2 leads to deregulated expression of key cellular transregulators that, in turn, alter the cells' transcriptional program leading to the transformed state and malignancy.

UNASSIGNED

To determine whether (1) the in vitro expression of epithelial basement membrane components nidogen-1, nidogen-2, and perlecan by keratocytes, corneal fibroblasts, and myofibroblasts is modulated by cytokines/growth factors, and (2) perlecan protein is produced by stromal cells after photorefractive keratectomy.

UNASSIGNED

Marker-verified rabbit keratocytes, corneal fibroblasts, myofibroblasts were stimulated with TGF-β1, IL-1α, IL-1β, TGF-β3, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-AA, or PDGF-AB. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR was used to detect expression of nidogen-1, nidogen-2, and perlecan mRNAs. Western blotting evaluated changes in protein expression. Immunohistochemistry was performed on rabbit corneas for perlecan, alpha-smooth muscle actin, keratocan, vimentin, and CD45 at time points from 1 day to 1 month after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

UNASSIGNED

IL-1α or -1β significantly upregulated perlecan mRNA expression in keratocytes. TGF-β1 or -β3 markedly downregulated nidogen-1 or -2 mRNA expression in keratocytes. None of these cytokines had significant effects on nidogen-1, -2, or perlecan mRNA expression in corneal fibroblasts or myofibroblasts. IL-1α significantly upregulated, while TGF-β1 significantly downregulated, perlecan protein expression in keratocytes. Perlecan protein expression was upregulated in anterior stromal cells at 1 and 2 days after -4.5 or -9 diopters (D) PRK, but the subepithelial localization of perlecan became disrupted at 7 days and later time points in -9-D PRK corneas when myofibroblasts populated the anterior stroma.

UNASSIGNED

IL-1 and TGF-β1 have opposing effects on perlecan and nidogen expression by keratocytes in vitro. Proximate participation of keratocytes is likely needed to regenerate normal epithelial basement membrane after corneal injury.

Tyrosine kinases are used as important biomarkers in many tumor types. Preclinical and clinical anti-tumor studies have shown that broadly acting tyrosine kinase inhibitors may be more useful than specific inhibitors, since the former might overcome redundancies and crosstalk in tumor cell growth signaling pathways. Here, we aim to identify a novel potent tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Computer modeling of the pyrido-pyrimidine class compound, TKI-28(6-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-8-methyl-2-phenylamino-8H-pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine-7-one), predicted that the compound would dock well in the ATP pocket of the ErbB-2 tyrosine kinase, yielding a high binding affinity for ErbB receptors. Biochemical studies revealed that TKI-28 potently inhibited the activities of tyrosine kinases such as ErbB-2, EGFR, KDR, PDGFRbeta, c-kit and c-Src, but had little effect on Flt-1 in cell-free system. TKI-28 also efficiently blocked autophosphorylation of the listed receptor tyrosine kinases, and subsequently downregulated phosphorylation of many downstream signaling proteins at the cellular level. TKI-28 exhibited a more potent anti-proliferative activity against EGF- and neuregulin-stimulated SK-OV-3 cells versus serum-stimulated cells, accompanied by apparent induction of apoptosis. Finally, TKI-28 was found to possess anti-angiogenic effects, characterized by inhibition of cell proliferation driven by EGF, VEGF and PDGF, as well as decreased cell migration and tube formation in HMECs. These results collectively highlight the pharmacological characteristics of TKI-28 as a broad-spectrum tyrosine kinase inhibitor, suggesting that it has great potential as an anti-cancer and anti-angiogenesis agent.

SAR103168, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor of the pyrido [2,3-d] pyridimidine subclass, inhibited the kinase activities of the entire Src kinase family, Abl kinase, angiogenic receptor kinases (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor [VEGFR] 1 and 2), Tie2, platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) 1 and 3, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). SAR103168 was a potent Src inhibitor, with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) = 0.65 ± 0.02 nM (at 100 μM ATP), targeting the auto-phosphorylation of the kinase domain (Src(260-535)) and activity of the phosphorylated kinase. Phosphorylation of Src, Lyn and Src downstream signaling pathways (PYK2, P-130CAS, FAK, JNK and MAPK) were inhibited in a dose-dependent manner. SAR103168 inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT5 in KG1 cells and fresh cells from patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). SAR103168 inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in acute and chronic myeloid leukemic cells at nanomolar IC50. SAR103168 induced anti-proliferation of leukemic progenitors (CFU-L) from 29 patients with AML, and>> 85% of AML patient samples were sensitive to SAR103168. These antagonist activities of SAR103168 were independent of FLT3 expression. SAR103168 treatment was effective in 50% of high-risk patient samples carrying chromosome 7 abnormalities or complex rearrangement. SAR103168 administration (intravenous or oral) impaired tumor growth and induced tumor regression in animals bearing human AML leukemic cells, correlating with potent inhibition of Src downstream signaling pathways in AML tumors. SAR103168 showed potent anti-tumor activity in SCID (severe combined immunodeficiency) mice bearing AML (KG1, EOL-1, Kasumi-1, CTV1) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) (K562) tumors. The combination of cytarabine and SAR103168 showed synergistic activity in AML and CML tumor models. These results highlight the therapeutic potential of SAR103168 in myeloid leukemias and support the rationale for clinical investigations.

Cigarette smoke exposure activates several cellular mechanisms predisposing to atherosclerosis, including oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, and vascular inflammation. Antrodia camphorata, a renowned medicinal mushroom in Taiwan, has been investigated for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiatherosclerotic properties in cigarette smoke extracts (CSE)-treated vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs), and ApoE-deficient mice. Fermented culture broth of Antrodia camphorata (AC, 200-800 µg/mL) possesses effective antioxidant activity against CSE-induced ROS production. Treatment of SMCs (A7r5) with AC (30-120 µg/mL) remarkably ameliorated CSE-induced morphological aberrations and cell death. Suppressed ROS levels by AC corroborate with substantial inhibition of CSE-induced DNA damage in AC-treated A7r5 cells. We found CSE-induced apoptosis through increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, was substantially inhibited by AC in A7r5 cells. Notably, upregulated SOD and catalase expressions in AC-treated A7r5 cells perhaps contributed to eradicate the CSE-induced ROS generation, and prevents DNA damage and apoptosis. Besides, AC suppressed AP-1 activity by inhibiting the c-Fos/c-Jun expressions, and NF-κB activation through inhibition of I-κBα degradation against CSE-stimulation. This anti-inflammatory property of AC was accompanied by suppressed CSE-induced VEGF, PDGF, and EGR-1 overexpressions in A7r5 cells. Furthermore, AC protects lung fibroblast (MRC-5) cells from CSE-induced cell death. In vivo data showed that AC oral administration (0.6 mg/d/8-wk) prevents CSE-accelerated atherosclerosis in ApoE-deficient mice. This antiatherosclerotic property was associated with increased serum total antioxidant status, and decreased total cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels. Thus, Antrodia camphorata may be useful for prevention of CSE-induced oxidative stress and diseases. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 2070-2084, 2017.