Low dose fractionated radiation potentiates the effects of taxotere in nude mice xenografts of squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck

This study evaluated the combined effect of Low Dose Fractionated Radiation (LDFRT) and Taxotere (TXT) therapy on the growth of SCCHN (squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck; SQ-20B, a p53 mutant SCCHN cell line) tumors in a nude mouse model to exploit the increased hyper radiation sensitivity (HRS) phenomenon present in G(2)/M cell cycle phase when induced by low doses of radiation that was demonstrated in in vitro settings. Seventy-eight animals were randomized into one control group and 5 treatment groups (treatments were administered weekly for six weeks). Tumor regression was observed in all the groups, however, tumor regression was not significant in 2 Gy or TXT or 2 Gy plus TXT treated groups when compared to control group. The tumor regression was significant in both the LDFRT group (p < 0.0043) and LDFRT + TXT group (p < 0.0006) when compared to other groups. A significantly prolonged tumor growth delay was observed in LDFRT group (p < 0.0081). Importantly, in combination of TXT and LDFRT, no tumor regrowth was observed in 12 out of 13 mice since LDFRT + TXT treatment caused a sustained regression of tumors for 9 weeks. Molecular analysis of resected tumor specimens demonstrated that Bax levels were elevated with concomitant increase in cytochrome c release to the cytosol of the treatment Group VI. These findings strongly suggest that LDFRT can be used in combination with TXT to potentiate the effects of drug on tumor regression through an apoptotic mode of death. Furthermore, the G(2)/M cell cycle arrest by TXT appears to be an important component of the enhanced apoptotic effect of TXT + LDFRT combined treatment.     

Role of cytokines in the adoptive immunotherapy of an experimental model of human head and neck cancer by human IL-2-activated natural killer cells.

Peritumoral injection of human IL-2-activated natural killer cells into nude mice consistently induced regression of xenografts of human squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). To determine the mechanisms responsible for the tumor regression, the lymphoid cells infiltrating the tumor stroma at 24 to 48 h after adoptive immunotherapy were examined by in situ hybridization for the presence of mRNA for cytokines or IL-2R. Numerous lymphoid cells expressing cytokine or IL-2R genes were observed in these tumors, whereas the cultured IL-2-activated NK cells used for therapy were negative. Thus, it appeared that the transferred NK cells became activated in situ after coming into proximity with the tumor cells. To analyze this phenomenon, fresh or cultured human NK cells were coincubated in vitro with irradiated human SCCHN cell line, PCI-1, with or without the presence of IL-2. Expression of mRNA for IL-2R, perforin, and various cytokines was observed within 5 h. Contact with the tumor cells stimulated NK cells to proliferate, secrete IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, and soluble IL-2R, up-regulate cell surface expression of IL2R p55 and p75 as well as CD16 Ag, and mediate higher levels of antitumor activity in 51Cr-release assays. In addition, supernatants of in vitro-activated NK cells significantly inhibited proliferation of SCCHN cell lines. By examining the effects of neutralizing mAb to various cytokines, this inhibitory activity was shown to be partially attributable to IFN-gamma. To determine the possible in vivo role of soluble factors produced by activated human NK cells, the supernatants (0.2 ml) or rIFN-gamma (10(5) U) were injected perilesionally each day for 2 wk into 3-day SCCHN established in immunosuppressed nude mice. These treatments caused significant (p less than 0.02) inhibition of tumor growth. The results of our studies indicate that human NK cells are strongly activated by SCCHN cells and that the consequent release of cytokines contribute to the regression of SCCHN growing in nude mice.     

Pre-Clinical Characterization of Dacomitinib (PF-00299804), an Irreversible Pan-ErbB Inhibitor,Combined with Ionizing Radiation for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is over-expressed in nearly all cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), and is an important driver of disease progression. EGFR targeted therapies have demonstrated clinical benefit for SCCHN treatment. In this report, we investigated the pre-clinical efficacy of Dacomitinib (PF-00299804), an irreversible pan-ErbB inhibitor, both alone and in combination with ionizing radiation (IR), a primary curative modality for SCCHN. One normal oral epithelial (NOE) and three SCCHN (FaDu, UT-SCC-8, UT-SCC-42a) cell lines were used to conduct cell viability, clonogenic survival, cell cycle, and immunoblotting assays in vitro, using increasing doses of Dacomitinib (10–500 nM), both with and without IR (2–4 Gy). The FaDu xenograft model was utilized for tumor growth delay assays in vivo, and immunohistochemical analyses were conducted on extracted tumors. A dose-dependent reduction in cell viability and clonogenic survival after Dacomitinib treatment was observed in all three SCCHN models. Treatment led to a significant reduction in EGFR signalling, with a subsequent decrease in phosphorylation of downstream targets such as ERK, AKT, and mTOR. In vivo, Dacomitinib treatment delayed tumor growth, while decreasing phospho-EGFR and Ki-67 immunoexpression. These effects were further enhanced when combined with IR, both in vitro and in vivo. The preclinical data support the further evaluations of Dacomitinib combined with IR for the future management of patients with SCCHN.     

人乳头状瘤病毒协同60钴照射促进食管上皮细胞恶性转化

为探明人乳头状瘤病毒(HPV)和促癌剂对食管上皮致癌作用,人胚食管上皮细胞转染HPV协同60钴(60Co)放射观察其恶性转化.用HPV18E6E7AAV转染的人胚食管上皮(SHEE),培养至13代,分为4组,实验组分别用60Co2、4、8Gy照射,每周1次共4周;SHEE未经照射为对照组.细胞形态用相差显微镜观察;细胞DNA合成和定量用3H-TdR掺入和用流式细胞仪分析;染色体众数用常规方法分析;致瘤性用软琼脂培养和裸小鼠接种;HPVDNA用PCR检测.经60Co照射后细胞呈凋亡和坏死(危象期).8周后SHEE 4Gy组细胞增殖,增殖指数(34%)和3H-TdR摄入增高,软琼脂培养和裸鼠接种出现致瘤性.对照组SHEE组细胞增殖指数24%,伴有少数3H-TdR掺入,裸鼠未成瘤.染色体众数:对照组,58～62;4Gy组,63～65;两组HPV18E6E7 PCR呈阳性条带.此结果表明,用HPV18E6E7协同60Coγ射线可以使人胚食管上皮恶性转化,60Co γ射线有加速食管上皮细胞恶性转化作用.     

A longitudinal study of radiation-induced changes in tumor vasculature by contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging

Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI with two different-sized contrast agents, Gd-DTPA and Gadomer-17, was used to study the effects of radiation on the pharmacokinetics of the paramagnetic enhancement of water relaxation in the rat R3230 AC adenocarcinoma tumor model. The kinetics of enhancement was analyzed by a two-compartment pharmacokinetic model to derive parameters related to vascular volume (V(b)) and permeability (K(2)). Rats implanted with tumors were divided into two groups; one received 5 Gy and the other received 20 Gy (137)Cs gamma rays. Sequential dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI studies were performed, one before irradiation, one at day 1 after irradiation, and another at day 3 after irradiation, to investigate the effect of the radiation dose and the changes that occurred over time. The analysis was performed on a pixel-by-pixel basis to study the heterogeneity within the tumor. The pixel distribution profiles of V(b) and K(2) from each tumor were obtained to assess the regional radiation-induced effects on vascular volume and permeability. No significant change in vascular volume was detected with either Gd-DTPA or Gadomer-17 after irradiation of the tumor; however, a small dependence of K(2) on the radiation dose was observed. After low-dose (5 Gy) irradiation, the mean value of K(2) decreased by 46% at day 1 compared to the baseline, presumably due to cell swelling, and decreased further by 67% from the baseline on day 3. When the dose was increased to 20 Gy, the mean value of K(2) measured with Gadomer-17 did not show any significant changes at either day 1 or day 3 after irradiation. The value of K(2) measured with Gd-DTPA did not show any significant changes after either the low or the high radiation dose.     

Lack of cell-cycle-specific effects of recombinant tumor necrosis factor in vivo

Several in vitro studies have demonstrated that tumor cells arrested in the G2 and M phases of the cell cycle expressed an increased sensitivity to the tumor necrosis factor (TNF). The scope of the present study was to investigate whether this cycle dependence of TNF effects also exists in vivo. The experiments were performed by using the Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC), which had been allotransplanted to nude mice. In order to induce delays of the tumor cell cycle in G2, the animals were treated with etoposide (40 mg/kg body weight i.p.) or with local radiation (15 Gy), each increasing the G2 fraction of the LLC from 10% to 35% and 50% respectively. For combination therapy with recombinant (r)TNF, the tumor was transplanted to four groups of six mice each, one of them serving as a control group the others being treated either with a G2 inductor alone, with rTNF alone, or with rTNF and a G2 inductor combined. Administration of rTNF (125 or 250 g/kg body weight i.v.) was always carried out 24 h after therapy with etoposide or radiation when the maximum of G2 accumulation had developed. The growth behavior of the treated tumors revealed that the response of the LLC to rTNF in vivo was not improved by pretreatment with a G2 inductor and, thus, obviously lacked cell-cycle specificity. It is supposed that direct interactions of TNF with the tumor cells, which are a basic requirement for cell-cycle-linked phenomena, play a minor role in the therapeutic outcome of the LLC under in vivo conditions.     

The potential value of the neutral comet assay and the expression of genes associated with DNA damage in assessing the radiosensitivity of tumor cells

The assessment of tumor radiosensitivity would be particularly useful in optimizing the radiation dose during radiotherapy. Therefore, the degree of correlation between radiation-induced DNA damage, as measured by the alkaline and the neutral comet assays, and the clonogenic survival of different human tumor cells was studied. Further, tumor radiosensitivity was compared with the expression of genes associated with the cellular response to radiation damage. Five different human tumor cell lines were chosen and the radiosensitivity of these cells was established by clonogenic assay. Alkaline and neutral comet assays were performed in γ-irradiated cells (2-8Gy; either acute or fractionated). Quantitative PCR was performed to evaluate the expression of DNA damage response genes in control and irradiated cells. The relative radiosensitivity of the cell lines assessed by the extent of DNA damage (neutral comet assay) immediately after irradiation (4Gy or 6Gy) was in agreement with radiosensitivity pattern obtained by the clonogenic assay. The survival fraction of irradiated cells showed a better correlation with the magnitude of DNA damage measured by the neutral comet assay (r=-0.9; P<0.05; 6Gy) than evaluated by alkaline comet assay (r=-0.73; P<0.05; 6Gy). Further, a significant correlation between the clonogenic survival and DNA damage was observed in cells exposed to fractionated doses of radiation. Of 15 genes investigated in the gene expression study, HSP70, KU80 and RAD51 all showed significant positive correlations (r=0.9; P<0.05) with tumor radiosensitivity. Our study clearly demonstrated that the neutral comet assay was better than alkaline comet assay for assessment of radiosensitivities of tumor cells after acute or fractionated doses of irradiation.     

Chronic exposure to ionizing radiation as a tumor promoter in mouse skin.

We have tested chronic exposure to 90Y beta radiation for its action as a complete tumor promoter, a stage I tumor promoter, or a stage II tumor promoter in SENCAR mouse skin. In skin initiated with a single application of 7,12,dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA, 10 nmol), chronic exposure to beta radiation as a complete promoter (0.5 Gy, twice/week, 13 weeks) produced no tumors and, when added to a complete chemical promoter (TPA), reduced tumor frequency about 30%. A similar result was observed when beta radiation was tested as a stage II promoter. DMBA-initiated mice that received chemical (12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, TPA) stage I promotion followed by 13 weeks of beta-radiation exposure (0.5 Gy, twice/week) as stage II promotion produced essentially no tumors, and combining the same chronic beta-radiation exposure with chemical (mezerein) stage II promotion reduced tumor frequency about 20% when compared to a similar group that was not irradiated. Chronic beta-radiation exposure was tested two ways as a stage I tumor promoter in initiated skin that was subsequently treated with mezerein as a stage II promoter. Stage I promotion was shown to proceed with the passage of time, indicating this process occurs naturally in the absence of chemical or physical stimulation. Hyperthermia, previously shown to be a potent inhibitor of chemically stimulated stage I promotion, had no effect on the natural process, indicating at least some differences in mechanism between the two processes. The natural process was, in fact, inhibited by chemical tumor promoters, but not by radiation. In addition to the increase resulting from this natural process, tumor frequency was further increased slightly but significantly (12-15%, P less than or equal to 0.05) when chronic radiation exposure was given as a stage I promoter (0.5 Gy, twice/week, 13 weeks) subsequent to initiation, in spite of the expected 20% reduction resulting from this dose. Exposure of initiated animals to radiation (0.5 or 1.0 Gy, twice/week, 2 weeks) in addition to TPA as stage I promotion produced a similar increase in tumor frequency (P less than 0.02). At higher radiation doses, however, tumor frequency was reduced compared to unirradiated controls. In a third test as a stage I promoter, beta radiation (0.5 Gy twice/week, 4 weeks) was given prior to initiation with N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine in animals subsequently promoted by TPA (twice/week, 13 weeks), and again the radiation slightly but significantly (P less than 0.03) increased tumor frequency compared to the unirradiated control group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Repopulation kinetics of rat rhabdomyosarcoma tumors following single and fractionated doses of low-LET and high-LET radiation

Measurements were made of clonogenic cell survival in rat rhabdomyosarcoma tumors as a function of time following in situ irradiation with single or fractionated doses of 225-kVp X rays or with 557-MeV/u neon ions in the distal position of a 4-cm extended-peak ionization region. Single doses of 20 Gy of X rays or 7 Gy of peak neon ions reduced the initial surviving fraction to approximately 0.025 for each modality. Daily fractionated doses (four fractions in 3 days) of either peak neon ions (1.75 Gy per fraction) or X rays (6 Gy per fraction) achieved a cell survival of approximately 0.02-0.03 after the fourth dose of radiation. In the single-dose experiments, significant 5- and 10-fold decreases in the fraction of clonogenic cells were observed between the third and fourth days after irradiation with peak neon ions and X rays, respectively. After the sixth day postirradiation, the residual clonogenic cells exhibited a rapid burst of proliferation leading to doubling times for the surviving cell fractions of approximately 1.5 days. Radiation-induced growth delay was consistent with the cellular repopulation dynamics. In the fractionated-dose experiments with both radiation modalities, a large delayed decrease in cell survival was observed at 1-3 days after completion of the fractionated-dose schedule. Cellular repopulation was consistent with postirradiation tumor volume regression and regrowth for both radiation modalities. The extent of decrease in survival following the four-fraction radiation schedule was approximately two times greater in X-irradiated than in neon-ion-irradiated tumors that produced the same survival level immediately after the fourth dose. Mechanisms underlying the marked reduction in cell survival 3-4 days postirradiation are discussed, including the possible role of a toxic host cell response against the irradiated tumor cells.     

Depression of p53-independent Akt survival signals in human oral cancer cells bearing mutated p53 gene after exposure to high-LET radiation

Although mutations and deletions in the p53 tumor suppressor gene lead to resistance to low linear energy transfer (LET) radiation, high-LET radiation efficiently induces cell lethality and apoptosis regardless of the p53 gene status in cancer cells. Recently, it has been suggested that the induction of p53-independent apoptosis takes place through the activation of Caspase-9 which results in the cleavage of Caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). This study was designed to examine if high-LET radiation depresses serine/threonine protein kinase B (PKB, also known as Akt) and Akt-related proteins. Human gingival cancer cells (Ca9-22 cells) harboring a mutated p53 (mp53) gene were irradiated with 2 Gy of X-rays or Fe-ion beams. The cellular contents of Akt-related proteins participating in cell survival signaling were analyzed with Western Blotting 1, 2, 3 and 6h after irradiation. Cell cycle distributions after irradiation were assayed with flow cytometric analysis. Akt-related protein levels decreased when cells were irradiated with high-LET radiation. High-LET radiation increased G(2)/M phase arrests and suppressed the progression of the cell cycle much more efficiently when compared to low-LET radiation. These results suggest that high-LET radiation enhances apoptosis through the activation of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9, and suppresses cell growth by suppressing Akt-related signaling, even in mp53 bearing cancer cells.     

Rap1 mediates galanin receptor 2-induced proliferation and survival in squamous cell carcinoma

Previously we showed that galanin, a neuropeptide, is secreted by human squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) in which it exhibits an autocrine mitogenic effect. We also showed that rap1, a ras-like signaling protein, is a critical mediator of SCCHN progression. Given the emerging importance of the galanin cascade in regulating proliferation and survival, we investigated the effect of GAL on SCCHN progression via induction of galanin receptor 2 (GALR2)-mediated rap1 activation. Studies were performed in multiple SCCHN cell lines by inducing endogenous GALR2, by stably overexpressing GALR2 and by downregulating endogenous GALR2 with siGALR2. Cell proliferation and survival, mediated by the ERK and AKT signaling cascades, respectively, were evaluated by functional and immunoblot analysis. The role of rap1 in GALR2-mediated proliferation and survival was evaluated by modulating expression. Finally, the effect of GALR2 on tumor growth was determined. GALR2 stimulated proliferation and survival via ERK and AKT activation, respectively. Knockdown or inactivation of rap1 inhibited GALR2-induced, AKT and ERK-mediated survival and proliferation. Overexpression of GALR2 promoted tumor growth in vivo. GALR2 promotes proliferation and survival in vitro, and promotes tumor growth in vivo, consistent with an oncogenic role for GALR2 in SCCHN.     

Role of antigen-processing machinery in the in vitro resistance of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck cells to recognition by CTL

Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) cells are poorly recognized in vitro by CTL despite expressing the restricting HLA class I allele and the targeted tumor Ag (TA). Several lines of evidence indicate that the lack of SCCHN cell recognition by CTL reflects defects in targeted TA peptide presentation by HLA class I Ag to CTL because of Ag-processing machinery (APM) dysfunction. First, lack of recognition of SCCHN cells by CTL is associated with marked down-regulation of the IFN-gamma-inducible APM components low-m.w. protein 2, TAP1, TAP2, and tapasin. Second, SCCHN cell recognition by CTL is restored by pulsing cells with exogenous targeted TA peptide. Third, the restoration of CTL recognition following incubation of SCCHN cells with IFN-gamma is associated with a significant (p = 0.001) up-regulation of the APM components TAP1, TAP2, and tapasin. Lastly, and most conclusively, SCCHN cell recognition by CTL is restored by transfection with wild-type TAP1 cDNA. Our findings may explain the association between APM component down-regulation and poor clinical course of the disease in SCCHN. Furthermore, the regulatory nature of the APM defects in SCCHN cells suggests that intralesional administration of IFN-gamma may have a beneficial effect on the clinical course of the disease and on T cell-based immunotherapy of SCCHN by restoring SCCHN cell recognition by CTL.     

重组人凋亡素2 配体对放射线诱导肺腺癌A549 细胞凋亡作用的研究

目的:研究凋亡素2配体(Apo-2 ligand,Apo-2L),或称肿瘤坏死因子相关凋亡诱导配体(TNF-related apoptosis-inducing lig-and,TRAIL)在体外对人肺腺癌A549细胞系的放射增敏作用的研究。方法:MTT法检测Apo-2L单药或与放射线联合对腺癌A549细胞的抑制率,将细胞分为4组,对照组、Apo-2L组、Apo-2L+放射照射组、单纯照射组,200ng/ml、286 ng/ml的Apo-2L作用24小时后给予放射照射,照射剂量分别为:(1Gy、1.4 Gy、1.8Gy、2 Gy、3 Gy),然后进行流式细胞仪分析照射后24h各组细胞凋亡率变化。结果:MTT结果显示,腺癌A549细胞的抑制率与Apo-2L的浓度成正相关,凋亡素2配体作用24h后IC50为286ng/ml.流式细胞仪分析显示286ng/ml的Apo-2L处理24h后,细胞凋亡率从(6.68)%上升至(50)%,照射后24h Apo-2L+照射组凋亡率明显升高,为72.790%,对照组0.1185%,Apo-2L组50%,单纯照射组51.5067%。结论:Apo-2L在体外对腺癌A549细胞有抑制增殖和促进凋亡作用,并且Apo-2L联合放射线可以明显提高腺癌A549细胞的凋亡率。     

The effect of locally delivered c-myc antisense oligonucleotides combined with intravascular brachytherapy of 188Re liquid-filled balloon therapy on vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation in rabbit iliac arteries after injury with a balloon catheter.

Poststenting restenosis is a significant clinical problem that involves vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation. We primarily investigated the effect of c-myc antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ASODNs) combined with 188Re radiation therapy on VSMC proliferation in rabbit common iliac arteries injured by the porous balloon catheter to explore the therapeutic potential of the combined therapy for the prevention of restenosis. The iliac arteries in rabbits were injured with balloon catheters, and radiation therapy was carried out with a 2.5 mm balloon catheter filled with 188Re (8 or 15 Gy), and ASODNs (300 microg) were applied to the adventitia introduced using a pluronic gel releasing system and a lipofectin delivery system. After 3 weeks, the animals were killed and defined segments of arteries were sectioned. The histological sections were stained using alpha-actin immunohistochemistry staining. The positive alpha-actin ratios were calculated and analyzed statistically among groups. In contrast to the rate of alpha-actin positive cell staining in the control group, the rate of alpha-actin positive cell staining did not decrease (P > 0.05) in the 188Re-irradiated group (8 Gy). However, in the ASODN-treated group, the 188Re-irradiated group (15 Gy), and the combined ASODN - 188Reirradiated groups (8 or 15 Gy), the ratios had markedly decreased (P < 0.01). The effect of the combined group (ASODNs + 188Re (15 Gy)) provided the lowest level of alpha-actin positive cell staining (P < 0.01). The ASODNs (300 microg) effectively decreased VSMC poliferation. The effect of the 188Re radiation on the VSMCs depended on the dosage. The ASODNs (300 microg) and combined 188Re irradiation effectively lowered VSMC proliferation, and the effect was better than that achieved with any other treatment.     

Generation of T cells specific for the wild-type sequence p53(264-272) peptide in cancer patients: implications for immunoselection of epitope loss variants

Alterations in the p53 gene occur frequently and can lead to accumulation of p53 protein in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (SCCHN). Since accumulation of p53 is associated with enhanced presentation of wild-type sequence (wt) p53 peptides to immune cells, the development of pan vaccines against SCCHN has focused on wt p53 epitopes. We used the HLA-A2.1-restricted wt p53(264-272) epitope to generate CTL from circulating precursor T cells of HLA-A2.1(+) healthy donors and patients with SCCHN. Autologous peptide-pulsed dendritic cells were used for in vitro sensitization. CTL specific for the wt p53(264-272) peptide were generated from PBMC obtained from two of seven normal donors and three of seven patients with SCCHN. These CTL were HLA class I restricted and responded to T2 cells pulsed with p53(264-272) peptide as well as HLA-A2-matched SCCHN cell lines naturally presenting the epitope. Paradoxically, none of the tumors in the three patients who generated CTL could adequately present the epitope; two had a wt p53 genotype and no p53 protein accumulation, while the third tumor expressed a point mutation (R to H) in codon 273 that prevents presentation of the p53(264-272) epitope. In contrast, patients who did not generate CTL had tumors that accumulated altered p53 and potentially could present the p53(264-272) epitope. These findings suggest that in vivo, CTL specific for the wt p53(264-272) peptide might play a role in the elimination of tumor cells expressing this epitope and in immunoselection of epitope-loss tumor cells. Immunoselection of tumors that become resistant to anti-p53 immune responses has important implications for future p53-based vaccination strategies.     

青蒿琥酯对肺癌细胞裸鼠皮下移植瘤生长和放射敏感性的影响研究

目的:探讨青蒿琥酯对肺癌细胞裸鼠皮下移植瘤生长和放射敏感性的影响。方法:将肺癌细胞接种至裸鼠皮下,腹腔注射青蒿琥酯,同时给予放射处理记为联合组,设置青蒿琥酯组(不照射处理)、放射组(腹腔注射生理盐水)和对照组(腹腔注射生理盐水,不放射处理),测量肿瘤体积,取瘤体并称取瘤体重量,脱氧核糖核苷酸末端转移酶介导的缺口末端标记法(TUNEL)法检测组织中细胞凋亡水平,Western blot检测组织中活化的含半胱氨酸的天冬氨酸蛋白水解酶3(Cleaved Caspase-3)、信号转导与转录因子3(STAT3)、磷酸化的STAT3(p-STAT3)、p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(p38MAPK)、磷酸化的p38MAPK(p-p38MAPK)水平。结果:青蒿琥酯组、放射组、联合组皮下移植瘤体积和重量均明显低于对照组,联合组肿瘤重量和体积明显低于青蒿琥酯和放射组,差异均具有统计学意义(P0.05)。青蒿琥酯、放射组、联合组肿瘤组织中细胞凋亡率、Cleaved Caspase-3水平和p-p38MAPK/p38MAPK均明显高于对照组,联合组肿瘤组织中细胞凋亡率、Cleaved Caspase-3水平和p-p38MAPK/p38MAPK高于青蒿琥酯和放射组,差异均具有统计学意义(P0.05)。青蒿琥酯、放射组、联合组肿瘤组织中p-STAT3/STAT3水平明显低于对照组,联合组肿瘤组织中p-STAT3/STAT3水平低于蒿琥酯组和放射组,差异均具有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:青蒿琥酯能够抑制肺癌细胞裸鼠皮下移植瘤生长,促进癌细胞凋亡,增加放疗敏感性,作用机制可能与p38MAPK、STAT3信号通路有关。     

核辐射对大深度快速上浮脱险致减压病大鼠相关指标的影响*

目的: 探讨不同剂量核暴露后不同时间对大深度快速上浮脱险致减压病大鼠模型的发病率、死亡率及损伤指标的影响。方法: 80只SD雄性大鼠,随机分成空白对照组、脱险对照组和6个干预组(4 Gy辐射后4 h脱险、6 Gy辐射后4 h脱险、12 Gy辐射后4 h脱险、4 Gy辐射后8 h脱险、6 Gy辐射后8 h脱险、12 Gy辐射8 h后脱险),每组10只。干预组动物先采用不同剂量γ射线外照射(4、6、12 Gy),再进行大深度快速上浮脱险实验(最大加压深度150 m),分析大鼠肺W/D、脾指数及血浆IL-1β的变化。结果: 与脱险对照组比较,核辐射后脱险大鼠的减压病发病率及死亡率明显上升。4 Gy、6 Gy照射4 h后上浮脱险的大鼠发病率和死亡率较照射8 h后高。12 Gy辐射后4 h及8 h脱险大鼠的减压病的发病率及死亡率均比低剂量照射组明显增高,死亡率尤其明显。和发病率及死亡率的变化相一致,肺组织湿/干比、肺组织病理损伤程度、脾指数下降也表现同样的变化趋势:较低剂量(4 Gy、6 Gy)辐射后4 h改变明显,8 h改变不明显,而高剂量(12 Gy)辐射后4、8 h均变化明显。和空白对照组及脱险对照组相比较,各辐射后脱险组的血浆IL-1β浓度均显著上升。结论: 核辐射引起放射性肺损伤、免疫功能下降及血浆炎症因子浓度升高,会增加大鼠快速上浮脱险致减压病的风险。     

Apoptosis in HeLa Hep2 cells is induced by low-dose,low-dose-rate radiation

Radioimmunotherapy with radiolabeled antibodies may cause inhibition of the growth of epithelial tumors, despite low total radiation doses and comparatively low radiosensitivity of epithelial tumor cells. The induction of apoptosis by low-dose radiation, such as delivered in radioimmunotherapy, was investigated in vitro in human HeLa Hep2 carcinoma cells. The cultured cells were exposed to defined radiation doses from a (60)Co radiation therapy source. The radiation source delivered 0.80 +/- 0.032 (mean +/- SD) Gy/min and the cells were given total doses of 1, 2, 5, 10 and 15 Gy. Using fluorescein-labeled Annexin V, followed by flow cytometry and DNA ladder analysis, apoptotic cells were detected and quantified. Radiation doses below 2 Gy did not cause any significant increase in apoptosis. Compared to control cells, apoptosis was pronounced after 5-10 Gy irradiation and was correlated to the radiation dose, with up to 42 +/- 3.5% of the cells examined displaying apoptosis. Clonogenic assays confirmed significantly decreased viability of the cells in the interval 2 to 10 Gy with low-dose-rate radiation, 60 +/- 2% compared to 2 +/- 2%. Lethal effects on the tumor cells were also evaluated by an assay of the cytotoxic effects of the release of (51)Cr. Significant cytotoxicity, with up to 64 +/- 6% dead cells, was observed at 5 Gy. Similar results were obtained when the dose rate was reduced to 0.072 +/- 0.003 Gy/min (mean +/- SD). In the case of the (137)Cs source, the dose rate could be reduced to 0.045 Gy/h, a level comparable to radioimmunotherapy, which induced significant apoptosis, and was most pronounced at 72-168 h postirradiation. It can be concluded that in vitro low-dose and low-dose-rate radiation induces apoptosis in epithelial HeLa Hep2 cells and thus may explain a mechanism by which pronounced inhibition of growth of HeLa Hep2 tumors at doses used in radioimmunotherapy has been obtained previously.