Paul F. Lindholm

Effects of IKK inhibitor PS1145 on NF-κB function, proliferation, apoptosis and invasion activity in prostate carcinoma cells

A key antiapoptotic transcription factor, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), is known to be critically important for tumor cell growth, angiogenesis and development of metastatic lesions. We and others showed previously that NF-κB transcription factor was constitutively activated in androgen-independent prostate carcinoma (PC) cell lines due to the upregulated activity of inhibitor of NF-κB kinases (IKK). In this work, using luciferase assay, electrophoretic mobility shift assay and Northern blot analysis of expression of endogenous κB-responsive genes, we demonstrate that a novel highly specific small-molecule IKK inhibitor, PS1145, efficiently inhibited both basal and induced NF-κB activity in PC cells. We found that PS1145 induced caspase 3/7-dependent apoptosis in PC cells and significantly sensitized PC cells to apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor alpha. We also showed that PS1145 inhibited PC cell proliferation. Effects of PS1145 on proliferation and apoptosis correlated with inhibition of interleukin (IL)-6, cyclin D1, D2, inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP)-1 and IAP-2 gene expression and decreased IL-6 protein level. In addition, we found that incubation with PS1145 inhibited the invasion activity of highly invasive PC3-S cells in invasion chamber assay in a dose-dependent manner. Overall, this study provides the framework for development of a novel therapeutic approach targeting NF-κB transcription factor to treat advanced PC.

Requirement of cyclooxygenase-2 expression and prostaglandins for human prostate cancer cell invasion

The PC-3 Low Invasive cells and the PC-3 High Invasive cells were used to investigate the correlation of the COX-2 expression and its arachidonic acid metabolites, prostaglandins, with their invasiveness through Matrigel® using a Boyden chamber assay. The COX-2 expression in PC-3 High Invasive cells was approximately 3-fold higher than in PC-3 Low Invasive cells while the COX-1 expression was similar in both cell sublines. When incubated with arachidonic acid, PGE2 was the major prostaglandin produced by these cells. PC-3 High Invasive cells produced PGE2 approximately 2.5-fold higher than PC-3 Low Invasive cells. PGD2 was the second most abundant prostaglandin produced by these cells. Both indomethacin (a nonspecific COX inhibitor) and NS-398 (a specific COX-2 inhibitor) inhibited the production of prostaglandins and the cell invasion. PGE2 alone did not induce the cell invasion of PC-3 Low Invasive cells. However, PGE2 reversed the inhibition of cell invasion by NS-398 and enhanced the cell invasion of the PC-3 High Invasive cells. In contrast, PGD2 slightly inhibited the cell invasion. These results suggest that in the PC-3 Low Invasive cells, COX-2-derived PGE2 may not be sufficient to induce cell invasion while in the PC-3 High Invasive cells, PGE2 may be sufficient to act as an enhancer for the cell invasion. Further, PGD2 may represent a weak inhibitor and counteracts the effect of PGE2 in the cell invasion.

Myocardial nuclear factor-κB activity and nitric oxide production in rejecting cardiac allografts

BACKGROUND Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) is a rapid response transcription factor for genes whose products are critical for inflammation and immunity. In a rat model of heterotopic cardiac transplantation, we studied NF-kappaB DNA binding activity and nitric oxide (.NO) production in untreated allografts and whether inhibition of NF-kappaB suppresses .NO production and prolongs graft survival. METHODS In allograft recipients and isograft controls, NF-kappaB was assayed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay, daily from transplant until rejection. Myocardial .NO was directly detected in explanted allografts by electron spin resonance spectroscopy on day 6 after transplant. The potent inhibitor of NF-kappaB, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC; 250 mg/kg s.c.) was administered daily from transplant until day of rejection. The extent of graft lymphocytic infiltrate was assessed by routine hematoxylin and eosin staining. Immunohistochemical staining of NF-kappaB was per formed to identify the cell type responsible for NF-kappaB activity. RESULTS A time-dependent increase in myocardial NF-kappaB activity was seen in untreated allografts as compared with isografts as determined by PhosphorImage analysis. Peak NF-kappaB activity occurred in allografts on day 4 with a ninefold increase as compared with isografts (24.0+/-3.7% vs. 2.7+/-0.5; P<0.05). On posttransplant day 6, electron spin resonance spectroscopy analysis of allografts demonstrated .NO identified by a triplet nitrogen signal centered at g=2.012 with hyperfine splitting of 17.5 Gauss, which is consistent with nitrosoheme formation and low-field signals at g=2.08 and g=2.03 consistent with nitrosomyoglobin. These signals were not seen in native hearts of allograft recipients. With PDTC administration, a threefold decrease in NF-kappaB activity within the transplanted heart was observed on posttransplant day 5 as compared with untreated allografts (9.7+/-1.6% vs. 23.5+/-2.5%; P<0.01). PDTC prolonged graft survival as compared with untreated allografts (11.7+/-0.3 vs. 6.6+/-0.2 days; P<0.05) and reduced the intensity of the nitrosoheme and nitrosomyoglobin signals. Allograft mononuclear cell infiltrate correlated with peak NF-kappaB activity with peak infiltrate on posttransplant day 4. PDTC treatment had no effect on the extent of infiltrate. Immunohistochemical staining localized NF-kappaB to the infiltrating mononuclear cells on posttransplant day 5. CONCLUSION These data support a role for NF-kappaB in allograft rejection.

NF-κB activation by oxidative stress and inflammation suppresses contractility in colonic circular smooth muscle cells

Abstract Background & Aims: Transcription factor nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) plays a critical role in transcriptional changes in several diseases, including inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether NF-κB is activated by inflammation and oxidative stress in colonic circular smooth muscle cells and whether that leads to suppression of their contractility. Methods: The experiments were performed on freshly dissociated single cells using electrophoretic mobility shift assay, Western immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence imaging. Results: The NF-κB DNA binding was ∼6-fold greater in cells from the inflamed colon vs. those from the normal colon. Supershift assay indicated that the antibodies to p65, p50, and c-Rel, but not that to p52, shifted the NF-κB band. Western immunoblotting and immunofluorescence imaging also demonstrated the presence of p65, p50, and c-Rel proteins in the cytoplasm and their translocation to the nucleus by H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative stress. H 2 O 2 treatment degraded IκB β , but not IκB α , to translocate NF-κB to the nucleus. Hydrogen peroxide concentration and time dependently activated NF-κB DNA binding and suppressed cell contraction to acetylcholine. NF-κB inhibitors significantly inhibited these effects. Inhibition of NF-κB prior to and during inflammation in intact dogs also reversed the suppression of contractility. Conclusions: Transcription factor NF-κB is activated in colonic circular muscle cells by inflammation and oxidative stress. This activation of NF-κB mediates the suppression of cell contractility.

The role of constitutive NF-κB activity in PC-3 human prostate cancer cell invasive behavior

The purpose of this study was to determine if increased NF-κB activity of highly invasive PC-3 cells contributed to their invasive behavior. Increased NF-κB activity has been observed in several malignant tumors and it may have an important role in tumorigenesis, progression and chemotherapy resistance. By serial selection, we obtained invasion variant PC-3 cell sublines. The PC-3 High Invasive cells invade readily through a Matrigel® reconstituted basement membrane while PC-3 Low Invasive cells have low baseline invasion activity. In these studies, we discovered that NF-κB DNA binding activity was increased in PC-3 High Invasive cells when compared to PC-3 Low Invasive cells by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Gel supershift assays showed a 4-fold increase in p65 containing complexes and a 2.2-fold increase in the p50 containing complexes in the PC-3 High Invasive cells. Luciferase reporter assays showed that NF-κB dependent transcription activity was increased 10.2±2.5-fold in the highly invasive cells (P<0.002). The PC-3 High Invasive cells showed a constitutive increase in phospho-IκBα and introduction of the super-repressor IκBα S32/36A inhibited NF-κB activity to 19.2±2.5 percent of control transfected cells (P≤0.001). The IκBα super-repressor reduced the basement membrane invasion of PC-3 High Invasive cells from 6.2±1.1 to 3.8±0.4 percent (P<0.002) with no decrease in cell viability or proliferation. These results demonstrate that increased NF-κB activity contributed directly to the invasive behavior of PC-3 High Invasive prostate cancer cells.

A 36-kilodalton cellular transcription factor mediates an indirect interaction of human T-cell leukemia/lymphoma virus type I TAX1 with a responsive element in the viral long terminal repeat.

The human T-cell leukemia/lymphoma virus type I (HTLV-I) trans activator, TAX1, interacts indirectly with a TAX1-responsive element, TRE-2, located at positions -117 to -163 in the viral long terminal repeat. This report describes the characterization of a 36-kilodalton (kDa) protein identified in HeLa nuclear extract which mediates the interaction of TAX1 with TRE-2. Purification of the protein was achieved by zinc chelate chromatography and preparative sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The renatured 36-kDa protein bound specifically to a TRE-2 oligonucleotide but not to nonfunctional base substitution mutant probes in a gel retardation assay. Renatured proteins of differing molecular weights were unable to form this complex. In addition, the 36-kDa protein specifically activated transcription from the HTLV-I promoter in vitro. Purified TAX1 protein formed a complex with the TRE-2 oligonucleotide in the presence of the 36-kDa protein, suggesting that indirect interaction of TAX1 with the viral long terminal repeat may be one of the mechanisms by which HTLV-I transcription is regulated.

Lysophosphatidic acid stimulates PC‐3 prostate cancer cell matrigel invasion through activation of RhoA and NF‐κB activity

This study was performed to determine the relationship of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) stimulation and increased Ras homolog A (RhoA) activity to nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) activity, and the role of these factors in regulating prostate cancer cell invasion. PC‐3 high invasive cells demonstrated constitutively increased RhoA, NF‐κB, and in vitro Matrigel invasion which were further induced by LPA stimulation or transfection with constitutively active RhoA Q63E mutant. LPA treatment rapidly and transiently induced RhoA activity followed by maximally increased DNA binding of NF‐κB at 1 h and AP‐1 at 4 h. The LPA‐induced NF‐κB DNA binding was preceded by transient IκBα phosphorylation, and decreased total IκBα levels. Further demonstrating the relationship between RhoA and NF‐κB activation, PC‐3 cells stably transfected with constitutively active RhoA Q63E demonstrated constitutively increased phospho‐IκBα, while PC‐3 cells transfected with dominant negative RhoA N19 exhibited decreased phospho‐IκBα levels. The LPA‐induced Matrigel invasion and NF‐κB DNA binding activity were both inhibited by expression of the RhoA inhibitor C3 exoenzyme or dominant negative mutant NF‐κB inhibitor IκBα S32/36A. Similarly, transfection with dominant negative IκBα S32/36A inhibited PC‐3 RhoA Q63E cell in vitro invasion. Treatment of PC‐3 high invasive and RhoA Q63E cells with sodium salicylate or lactacystin inhibited NF‐κB and invasion, while pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) treatment of PC‐3 high invasive cells inhibited NF‐κB only. Each inhibitor blocked LPA‐induced invasion while PDTC inhibited LPA‐induced NF‐κB and invasion to the greatest extent. These results point to a model where LPA stimulates RhoA and increased PC‐3 prostate cancer cell invasion activity through an NF‐κB‐dependent pathway.

NOX 100, a nitric oxide scavenger, enhances cardiac allograft survival and promotes long-term graft acceptance.

BACKGROUND We examined the role of nitrosative stress in allograft destruction. METHODS Rats undergoing cardiac transplants received NOX-100, a water-soluble nitric oxide (NO) scavenger with antioxidant properties, with or without low-dose cyclosporine (CsA). Graft survival, NO production, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) activity were studied. RESULT Using NOX-100 daily until rejection prolonged graft survival (11.6+/-0.6 vs. 7.4+/-0.2 days; P<0.05). Daily low-dose CsA (2.5 mg/kg im) for 7 days or until rejection also prolonged survival (12.6+/-0.5 and 21.6+/-1.6 days, respectively; P<0.01 vs. Controls). Low-dose CsA for 7 days and NOX-100 for 30 days prolonged graft survival (45.0+/-4.7 days; P<0.01 vs. all groups.). NOX-100 had no effect on whole blood CsA levels. Combination therapy until Day 100 resulted in 1 graft loss at Day 116 and indefinite survival in 3 animals (>300 days), which accepted a second WF strain heart without further immunosuppressive therapy but promptly rejected a third party (ACI) cardiac allograft. NOX-100 and CsA reduced nitrate and nitrite, and combination therapy completely normalized NO through to Day 30. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopic analysis demonstrated reduction of signals for nitrosylmyoglobin and nitrosyl-heme with NOX-100 and elimination of signals with CsA alone or combination therapy. Activity of myocardial NF-kappaB decreased with monotherapy vs. untreated allografts. Combination therapy resulted in further inhibition of NF-kappaB up to Day 30. The extent of graft survival correlated with the extent of NO scavenging and NF-kappaB inhibition. Short-term combination therapy had no effect on graft lymphocytic infiltrate on Days 15, 20, and 30. CONCLUSION These data support a role for both oxidative and nitrosative stress in rejection and the immunoregulatory potential of antioxidant therapy after transplantation.

Colon biopsies for evaluation of acute graft-versus-host disease (A-GVHD) in allogeneic bone marrow transplant patients

BackgroundProper histomorphological interpretation of intestinal acute graft versus host disease (A-GVHD) associated with allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is critical for clinical managaement. However, studies methodically evaluating different histomorphological features of A-GVHD are rare.MethodsColonic biopsies from 44 allogeneic BMT patients having biopsy-proven cutaneous A-GVHD were compared with colon biopsies from 48 negative controls.ResultsA-GVHD showed intra-cryptal apoptosis in 91% and pericryptal apoptosis in adjacent lamina propria in 70% (p < 0.002). Nonspecific apoptosis along the surface epithelium was observed in all groups with comparable frequency. The number of apoptotic cells in mucosa were approximately four times (5.3 per 10 HPF) the negative controls (p < 0.002) in A-GVHD group. 48% of cases with A-GVHD showed decreased number of lymphocytes in lamina propria. Some features, including intraepithelial lymphocytes in surface or crypt epithelium; and neutrophils, eosinophils, and edema in lamina propria, did not demonstrate significant difference in A-GVHD and negative controls. Pericryptal apoptosis, dilated crypts, irregular distribution of crypts, decreased lymphocytes, increased microvessel network, focal fibrosis, presence of muciphages, reactive changes in surface epithelium with mucin depletion, mucosal ulceration, and/or reduced mucosal thickness showed higher association with A-GVHD group.ConclusionsIntracyptal apoptosis is a reliable indicator of A-GVHD. Its diagnostic significance was improved if intracyptal apoptosis was associated with features which were observed more frequently in A-GVHD group as mentioned above.

Desmopressin Improves Platelet Activity in Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background and Purpose— Minimizing hematoma growth in high-risk patients is an attractive strategy to improve outcomes after intracerebral hemorrhage. We tested the hypothesis that desmopressin (DDAVP), which improves hemostasis through the release of von Willebrand factor, improves platelet activity after intracerebral hemorrhage. Methods— Patients with reduced platelet activity on point-of-care testing alone (5), known aspirin use alone (1), or both (8) received desmopressin 0.4 &mgr;g/kg IV. We measured Platelet Function Analyzer-epinephrine (Siemens AG, Germany) and von Willebrand factor antigen from baseline to 1 hour after infusion start and hematoma volume from the diagnostic to a follow-up computed tomographic scan. Results— We enrolled 14 patients with of mean age 66.8±14.6 years, 11 (85%) of whom were white and 8 (57%) were men. Mean Platelet Function Analyzer-epinephrine results shortened from 192±18 seconds pretreatment to 124±15 seconds (P=0.01) 1 hour later, indicating improved plate activity. von Willebrand factor antigen increased from 242±96% to 289±103% activity (P=0.004), indicating the expected increase in von Willebrand factor. Of 7 (50%) patients who received desmopressin within 12 hours of intracerebral hemorrhage symptom onset, changes in hematoma volume were modest, −0.5 (−1.4 to 8.4) mL and only 2 had hematoma growth. One patient had low blood pressure and another had a new fever within 6 hours of desmopressin administration. Conclusions— Intravenous desmopressin was well tolerated and improved platelet activity after acute intracerebral hemorrhage. Larger studies are needed to determine its potential effects on reducing hematoma growth versus platelet transfusion or placebo. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00961532.