Margareta Frohm Nilsson

Antimicrobial protein hCAP18/LL-37 is highly expressed in breast cancer and is a putative growth factor for epithelial cells

Human cathelicidin antimicrobial protein hCAP18/LL‐37 is an effector molecule of the nonspecific innate immune system. hCAP18/LL‐37 is present in leukocytes and is expressed in skin and other epithelia, where it is upregulated in association with inflammation and injury. In addition, antimicrobial proteins including cathelicidins have been proposed to play a role in the nonspecific defense against tumors. To assess its potential role in tumor host defense, we investigated the expression of hCAP18/LL‐37 in a series of breast carcinomas. Unexpectedly, we found that hCAP18/LL‐37 was strongly expressed in the tumor cells and not in the adjacent stroma. To test the hypothesis that hCAP18/LL‐37 may provide a growth advantage for the tumor cells, we treated human epithelial cell lines with synthetic biologically active LL‐37 peptide and found a significant increase in cell proliferation. In addition, transgenic expression of hCAP18 in 2 different human epithelial cell lines resulted in increased proliferation of both cell types. These findings do not support the hypothesis that LL‐37 has an antitumor effect, but rather suggest that hCAP18/LL‐37 may promote tumor cell growth in breast cancer.

Injury downregulates the expression of the human cathelicidin protein hCAP18/LL-37 in atopic dermatitis

Please cite this paper as: Injury downregulates the expression of the human cathelicidin protein hCAP18/LL‐37 in atopic dermatitis. Experimental Dermatology 2009; 19: 442–449.

The Meaning of the Future for the Oldest Old

The aim of the study was to highlight the oldest old peoples view of their future from a perspective of philosophy of life. Data was collected by means of life story interviews with 15 persons. The analysis was performed by utilizing a phenomenological hermeneutic method and the interpretation was guided by the conceptual framework of philosophy of life as designated by Jeffner (1988). The following themes emerged: future seen as everyday life; future-oriented values; and thoughts about life and death. The oldest old were found to view their future in ways that ranged from a tangible positive approach via a wait-and-see policy to a negative approach. Their perception of their future implied two different time perspectives, their immediate future and a more long-term perspective of the future. Furthermore, the future was experienced on three different levels, the individual level, the intergenerational level, and the metaphysical level.