Diana E. Zamora-Avila

Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus-Like Gene Sequences in Breast Cancer Samples of Mexican Women

Background: Previous reports related the presence of mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV)-like gene sequences to human breast carcinoma. The aim of this study was to determine whether MMTV-like env gene sequences are present in breast cancer samples of Mexican women and in breast and lung cancer cell lines. Methods: Using specific primers for MMTV, we tested 3 breast cancer cell lines, 4 non-small lung cancer cell lines and 119 breast cancer samples from Mexican women. Results: MMTV-like gene sequences were amplified in the lung cancer cell INER-51, but not in the MCF-7 cell line that has been used as a positive control in other reports and in 5 of 119 (4.2%) breast cancer biopsy tissues. Furthermore, the identity of sequences of PCR products from INER-51 and a breast cancer-positive sample are 98 and 99% when compared with the env region of MMTV (GenBank accession No. AY161347). Conclusion: These results indicate that MMTV-like gene sequences are present in the Mexican population.

Expression of Prostate Apoptosis Response (Par-4) Is Associated with Progesterone Receptor in Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND The prostate apoptosis response (Par-4) gene encodes a proapoptotic protein that selectively induces apoptosis in cancer cells after diverse apoptotic stimuli. Par-4 expression and its association with other biomarkers have not been reported in breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to determine Par-4 expression in breast cancer samples and its association with other biomarkers and clinical factors (T-stage, age, nodal status). METHODS Paraffin-embedded section samples of breast cancer were evaluated by immunohistochemical analysis to determine Par-4, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PgR), c-erbB2, Ki67, p53 and bcl-2 expression. The correlation between Par-4 and the other biomarkers and clinical factors was determined by multivariate analysis. RESULTS Thirty five percent (n=21) of samples were PAR-4 positive and 64.4% (n=38) were negative. The hormonal status was 64% ER positive (n=38), 35% ER-negative (n=21) and 40.7% PgR positive (n=24), 59.3% PgR negative (n=35). The majority (90%) of the samples presented clear cytoplasmic localization and a small portion (10%) was cytoplasmic and nuclear. Univariate analysis indicates that the Par-4 expression has a significant inverse association (p=0.04) only with expression of PgR and not with the other variables analyzed. Normal breast tissue analyzed was negative for Par-4 immunostaining. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that, in breast cancer, Par-4 plays a similar tumor suppressor gene role as reported in endometrial carcinoma.

Antiangiogenic and antitumor effects of IMMUNEPOTENT CRP in murine melanoma.

Background: Skin cancers are common, and there has recently been a dramatic increase in their incidence, particularly in the occurrence of melanoma. Furthermore, relapse after curative surgical treatment of melanoma remains a significant clinical challenge and accounts for most of the mortality of this disease. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether IMMUNEPOTENT CRP affects B16F10 melanoma cells and tumors growth and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production in vivo and in vitro. Methods: B16F10 cells and B16F10-inoculated mice were treated with different concentrations of IMMUNEPOTENT CRP. Outcomes were then evaluated using MTT, TUNEL, Caspase-3, senescence, ELISA and colorimetric assays. Parameters related to survival and tumor weight were also assessed. Results: IMMUNEPOTENT CRP decreased the viability of B16F10 cells by increasing apoptosis of the treated cells, and VEGF production was decreased both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, treatment prevented metastasis, delayed the appearance of tumors, decreased tumor weight and improved the survival of tumor-bearing mice. Discussion: These observations suggest that IMMUNEPOTENT CRP can be used to suppress growth and metastasis by using targeting proteins such as VEGF.

Detección molecular del virus de la hepatitis E en hígados de cerdo destinados al consumo humano en el estado de Nuevo León, México

OBJETIVO: Deteccion molecular del virus de la hepatitis E (VHE) en higado de cerdo para consumo humano en Nuevo Leon, Mexico. MATERIAL Y METODOS Se analizaron 127 higados de cerdo (87 obtenidos de rastros TIF, y 40 de carnicerias) mediante RT-PCR semianidado para amplificar un fragmento de 212 pb del gen ORF2 del VHE. RESULTADOS: El 19.5% (17) de los higados de rastros y 22.5% (9) de carnicerias fueron positivos. La secuenciacion mostro 94-95% de homologia con el genotipo 3. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados indican que el VHE circula en granjas porcinas del estado, lo que constituye una probable fuente de contaminacion para los productos carnicos porcinos.

Mouse mammary tumor virus-like gene sequences are present in lung patient specimens

BackgroundPrevious studies have reported on the presence of Murine Mammary Tumor Virus (MMTV)-like gene sequences in human cancer tissue specimens. Here, we search for MMTV-like gene sequences in lung diseases including carcinomas specimens from a Mexican population. This study was based on our previous study reporting that the INER51 lung cancer cell line, from a pleural effusion of a Mexican patient, contains MMTV-like env gene sequences.ResultsThe MMTV-like env gene sequences have been detected in three out of 18 specimens studied, by PCR using a specific set of MMTV-like primers. The three identified MMTV-like gene sequences, which were assigned as INER6, HZ101, and HZ14, were 99%, 98%, and 97% homologous, respectively, as compared to GenBank sequence accession number AY161347. The INER6 and HZ-101 samples were isolated from lung cancer specimens, and the HZ-14 was isolated from an acute inflammatory lung infiltrate sample. Two of the env sequences exhibited disruption of the reading frame due to mutations.ConclusionIn summary, we identified the presence of MMTV-like gene sequences in 2 out of 11 (18%) of the lung carcinomas and 1 out of 7 (14%) of acute inflamatory lung infiltrate specimens studied of a Mexican Population.

Reference values for amino acids and acylcarnitines in peripheral blood in Quarter horses and American Miniature horses

AbstractBackgroundFree amino acids and acylcarnitines circulating in the blood can be used for diagnosis for metabolic illness and imbalances. To date, the normal reference ranges of amino acids and acylcarnitines in horse peripheral blood have not been established. In this study, the concentrations of 12 amino acids and 26 acylcarnitines were determined by tandem mass spectrometry in complete blood from 100 healthy horses (50 Quarter horses (QH) [23 males and 27 females] and 50 American Miniature horses (AMH) [15 males and 35 females]) with no signs of metabolic disease. The means and standard deviations were determined and data statistically analyzed.FindingsConcentrations of short, medium, and long chain acylcarnitines were significantly higher in male AMH than in male QH. The concentrations of the amino acids alanine, arginine, glycine, proline (glycogenic), and leucine (ketogenic) were higher in the QH than in the AMH. Female AMH had higher concentrations of propionylcarnitine, leucine, proline, arginine, and ornithine than female QH.ConclusionsNormal reference ranges of amino acids and acylcarnitines were established for AMH and QH. Significant differences were found in concentration of these compounds between breeds and gender.

Human Papillomavirus 16/18 Infections in Lung Cancer Patients in Mexico

Background/Aims: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is an epitheliotropic, double-stranded DNA virus, and its high-risk genotypes are associated with human cancer. HPV genome has been detected in lung carcinomas in certain places around the world, including Mexico; however, the prevalence of this is unclear. In this study, we examine the frequency of high-risk HPV 16/18 in lung cancer tissues from a Mexican population. Methods: 39 lung cancer specimens were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using HPV GP5+/GP6+ primers and then were genotyped using specific primers to HPV 16/18. Additionally, in situ hybridization (ISH) was performed using BIO-labeled oligonucleotide probes. Results: Our results identified 15 positive cases (38.46%) for HPV 16 and 1 positive case (2.56%) for HPV 18 by PCR. ISH showed the presence of HPV DNA in 13 of 16 (81%) samples, in agreement with the PCR results. Conclusions: In this study, we detected HPV 16/18 gene sequences in lung cancer samples obtained from Mexican patients by PCR and ISH. We found the highest prevalence of HPV 16 infection in lung adenocarcinomas, suggesting that HPV infection may be associated with lung cancer. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the role of HPV in lung carcinogenesis.

Quantitative analysis of TNF-α, IL-4, and IL-10 expression, nitric oxide response, and apoptosis in Encephalitozoon cuniculi–infected rabbits

&NA; The expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) ‐&agr;, interleukin (IL) −4 and IL‐10, as well as apoptosis and nitric oxide (NO) levels were measured in the brain and kidneys of immunocompetent and immunosuppressed New Zealand White rabbits infected with Encephalitozoon cuniculi. All of the animals had clinical signs histopathological lesions compatible with encephalitozoonosis and were E. cuniculi‐positive by using a carbon immunoassay test. Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection promoted the expression of TNF‐&agr; and NO production in the kidneys of infected rabbits, and a synergic effect was observed in animal treated with dexamethasone. The IL‐4 expression was similar in the brain and kidneys of infected rabbits, regardless of their immunologic status. The IL‐10 mRNA expression in the brain of infected immunosuppressed rabbits was elevated when compared with positive controls. Apoptosis of granuloma mononuclear‐like cells was detected in immunocompetent E. cuniculi–infected rabbits, but it was more evident in infected‐immunosuppressed animals. Nitric oxide levels were elevated both in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed infected animals, but it was more apparent in the kidneys. These data suggest that modulation of the immune response by E. cuniculi could contribute to the survival of the parasite within phagocytic cells in granulomas via an as yet undetermined mechanism. HighlightsEncephalitozoon cuniculi changes the cytokine profile according to the immunologic status of the animal.TNF‐&agr; was expressed primarily in the kidneys of infected rabbits.IL‐4 is expressed in either the brain or kidneys in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed rabbits.IL‐10 regulates the expression of TNF‐&agr; in brain of rabbits.Encephalitozoon cuniculi induces and increases NO and apoptosis levels.

Recovery of lipophilic Malassezia species from two infants with otitis media in Monterrey, Nuevo Len, Mexico

Malassezia species are yeasts that can be present on healthy human skin but also associated with external otitis and other skin diseases. The aim of this work was the identification of Malassezia -lipophilic- species recovered from infants with otitis media. Microbiological culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing were performed for Malassezia detection in samples obtained from two cases of infants with otitis media. We identified two strains of lipid-dependent Malassezia species: M. furfur and M. restricta. This is the first report regarding the presence of Malassezia species in infants with otitis media in Monterrey, Mexico. Key words: Malassezia, Malassezia furfur, Malassezia restricta, otitis media, infants, LSU rDNA D1/D2, yeasts.

CD133 antisense suppresses cancer cell growth and increases sensitivity to cisplatin in vitro.

The increased incidence of cancer in recent years is associated with a high rate of mortality. Numerous types of cancer have a low percentage of CD133+ cells, which have similar features to stem cells. The CD133 molecule is involved in apoptosis and cell proliferation. The aim of this study was to determine the biological effect of CD133 suppression and its role in the chemosensitization of cancer cell lines. RT-PCR and immunocytochemical analyses indicated that CD133 was expressed in the cancer cell lines B16F10, MCF7 and INER51. Downregulation of CD133 by transfection with an antisense sequence (As-CD133) resulted in a decrease in cancer cell viability of up to 52, 47 and 22% in B16F10, MCF-7 and INER51 cancer cell lines, respectively. This decreased viability appeared to be due to the induction of apoptosis. In addition, treatment with As-CD133 in combination with cisplatin had a synergic effect in all of the cancer cell lines analyzed, and in particular, significantly decreased the viability of B16F10 cancer cells compared with each treatment separately (3.1% viability for the combined treatment compared with 48% for 0.4 μg As-CD133 and 25% for 5 ng/μl cisplatin; P<0.05). The results indicate that the downregulation of CD133 by antisense is a potential therapeutic target for cancer and has a synergistic effect when administered with minimal doses of the chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin, suggesting that this combination strategy may be applied in cancer treatment.