Epithelial Cell Proliferation (epithelial + cell_proliferation)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Epithelial Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis in the Developing Murine Palatal Rugae

ANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 1 2002
M. TAKANOSU
Epithelial cell proliferation and apoptosis during morphogenesis of the murine palatal rugae (PR) were examined histochemically by using anti-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated UTP nick-end-labelling (TUNEL) technique. Formation of the PR rudiment was observed as an epithelial placode in fetuses at 12.5 days post-coitus (dpc). During the PR formation, BrdU-positive cells were detected mainly in the epithelium of the interplacode and interprotruding areas in fetuses administered BrdU maternally at 2 h before killing. TUNEL-positive cells were detected only at the epithelial placode area in 12.5,14.5 dpc. At 16.5,18.5 dpc, the BrdU-positive cells were decreased in number in the epithelial cells at the interprotruding area of the PR. Only a few TUNEL-positive cells were observed in the protruding area of the PR at 16.5 dpc. These results suggest that cell proliferation and apoptosis in the palatal epithelium are involved spatiotemporally in the murine PR morphogenesis. [source]


Expression and distribution of distinct variants of E-MAP-115 during proliferation and differentiation of human intestinal epithelial cells

CYTOSKELETON, Issue 4 2003
Marie-Thérčse Vanier
Abstract Epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation occur concomitant with striking remodeling of the cytoskeleton. Microtubules (MTs) play important roles in these processes, during which the MTs themselves are reorganized and stabilized by microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs). Among the proteins classified as structural MAPs, E-MAP-115 (also named ensconsin) is preferentially expressed in cells of epithelial origin. The aims of this study were, first, to determine if E-MAP-115, like other MAPs, is expressed as different isoforms during differentiation and, second, to perform a detailed analysis of the expression and distribution of any E-MAP-115 variants detected in intestinal epithelial cells during their polarization/differentiation. It was our expectation that these data would help us to develop hypotheses concerning the role of this MAP in epithelial development. We report the expression of three E-MAP-115 transcripts encoding isoforms of 115, 105, and 95 kDa; two display an expression gradient inverse to the third one as Caco-2 cells progress from proliferation through the stages of differentiation. To monitor the proteins produced from each transcript, we used purified polyclonal antibodies against synthetic peptides contained within the 115, 105, and 95 kDa isoforms to assay proliferating and differentiating CaCo-2 cells. Our results indicate that the expression and MT-binding capacity of the 115, 105, and 95 kDa isoforms vary upon proliferation/differentiation of the cells. E-MAP-115 proteins colocalize with MTs in proliferative and differentiated Caco-2 cells; in vivo, they are expressed in both crypt and villus epithelial cells where they are mainly concentrated at the apical pole of the cells. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 55:221,231, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Epithelial Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis in the Developing Murine Palatal Rugae

ANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 1 2002
M. TAKANOSU
Epithelial cell proliferation and apoptosis during morphogenesis of the murine palatal rugae (PR) were examined histochemically by using anti-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated UTP nick-end-labelling (TUNEL) technique. Formation of the PR rudiment was observed as an epithelial placode in fetuses at 12.5 days post-coitus (dpc). During the PR formation, BrdU-positive cells were detected mainly in the epithelium of the interplacode and interprotruding areas in fetuses administered BrdU maternally at 2 h before killing. TUNEL-positive cells were detected only at the epithelial placode area in 12.5,14.5 dpc. At 16.5,18.5 dpc, the BrdU-positive cells were decreased in number in the epithelial cells at the interprotruding area of the PR. Only a few TUNEL-positive cells were observed in the protruding area of the PR at 16.5 dpc. These results suggest that cell proliferation and apoptosis in the palatal epithelium are involved spatiotemporally in the murine PR morphogenesis. [source]


Effects of Aspirin on the Development of Helicobacter pylori -Induced Gastric Inflammation and Heterotopic Proliferative Glands in Mongolian Gerbils

HELICOBACTER, Issue 1 2008
Guo Qing Li
Abstract Background: Helicobacter pylori infection is a major cause of gastritis and gastric carcinoma. Aspirin has anti-inflammatory and antineoplastic activity. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of aspirin on H. pylori -induced gastritis and the development of heterotopic proliferative glands. Methods: H. pylori strain SS1 was inoculated into the stomachs of Mongolian gerbils. Two weeks after inoculation, the animals were fed with the powder diets containing 0 p.p.m. (n = 10), 150 p.p.m. (n = 10), or 500 p.p.m. (n = 10) aspirin. Mongolian gerbils were killed after 36 weeks of infection. Uninfected Mongolian gerbils (n = 10) were used as controls. Histologic changes, epithelial cell proliferation and apoptosis, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels of gastric tissue were determined. Results: H. pylori infection induced gastric inflammation. Administration of aspirin did not change H. pylori -induced gastritis, but alleviated H. pylori -induced hyperplasia and the development of heterotopic proliferative glands. Administration of aspirin accelerated H. pylori -associated apoptosis but decreased H. pylori -associated cell proliferation. In addition, the increased gastric PGE2 levels due to H. pylori infection were suppressed by treatment with aspirin, especially at the dose of 500 p.p.m. Conclusions: Aspirin alleviates H. pylori -induced hyperplasia and the development of heterotopic proliferative glands. Moreover, aspirin increases H. pylori -induced apoptosis. We demonstrated the antineoplastic activities of aspirin in H. pylori -related gastric carcinogenesis. [source]


Enhanced Expression of Transcription Factor E2F in Helicobacter pylori -infected Gastric Mucosa

HELICOBACTER, Issue 3 2002
Hajime Isomoto
Abstract Objective.Helicobacter pylori is implicated in gastric carcinogenesis through increased gastric epithelial cell turnover. In fact, high proportions of proliferating and apoptotic epithelial cells are found in H. pylori -infected gastric mucosa. E2F, a transcription factor, induces coordinated transactivation of a set of genes involved in cell cycle progression. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of E2F in H. pylori -infected gastric mucosa and examine the correlation between such expression and gastric epithelial cell proliferation and apoptosis. Methods. Twenty-five patients with H. pylori -associated gastritis (HAG) and 13 control subjects negative for H. pylori were examined. E2F expression was studied in situ by Southwestern histochemistry, a method used to localize transcription factors. Labeled double-stranded oligo-DNA with specific consensus sequence for E2F binding sites was reacted with frozen sections from antral biopsy specimens obtained at endoscopy. Gastric epithelial cell proliferation was assessed by immunostaining of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), while apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL). The percentages of epithelial cells with nuclear staining for PCNA and E2F were expressed as a positivity index (PI). The percentage of TUNEL-positive epithelial cells was defined as apoptotic index. Results. E2F was expressed in the nuclei of gastric epithelial cells within gastric pits. E2F PI in H. pylori -infected gastric mucosa was significantly higher than that in noninfected. Expression of E2F correlated well with PCNA-positive epithelial cells. We also demonstrated colocalization of PCNA with E2F expression in the same epithelial cells. Apoptotic index was also high in H. pylori -infected mucosa, and correlated with E2F PI. Conclusion. Our results demonstrated a significant increase in the expression of E2F in H. pylori -infected mucosa, which correlated with both the percentages of PCNA- and TUNEL-positive cells. Our results suggest that enhanced E2F expression in gastric mucosa may be involved in H. pylori -related gastric carcinogenesis through accelerated cell turnover. [source]


Mechanisms and modulation of intestinal epithelial repair

INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES, Issue 1 2001
Dr. Axel U. Dignass
Abstract The mucosal epithelium of the alimentary tract represents a crucial barrier to a broad spectrum of noxious and immunogenic substances within the intestinal lumen. An impairment of the integrity of the mucosal epithelial barrier is observed in the course of various intestinal disorders including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), celiac disease, intestinal infections, and various other diseases. Furthermore, even under physiologic conditions temporary damage of the epithelial surface mucosa may be caused by proteases, residential flora, dietary compounds, or other factors. Generally, the integrity of the intestinal mucosal surface barrier is rapidly reestablished even after extensive destruction because of an enormous regenerative capability of the mucosal surface epithelium. Rapid resealing of the surface epithelium is accomplished by epithelial cell migration, also termed epithelial restitution, epithelial cell proliferation, and differentiation. Healing of the intestinal surface epithelium is regulated by a complex network of highly divergent factors, among them a broad spectrum of structurally distinct regulatory peptides that have been identified within the mucosa of the intestinal tract. These regulatory peptides, conventionally designated as growth factors and cytokines, play an essential role in regulating differential epithelial cell functions to preserve normal homeostasis and integrity of the intestinal mucosa. In addition, a number of other peptide molecules such as extracellular matrix factors and blood clotting factors, and also nonpeptide molecules including phospholipids, short-chain fatty acids, adenine nucleotides, trace elements, and pharmacological agents, have been demonstrated to modulate intestinal epithelial repair mechanisms. Some of these molecules may be released by platelets, adjacent stromal cells, inflammatory cells, or injured epithelial and nonepithelial cells and may play an important role in the modulation of intestinal injury. Repeated damage and injury of the intestinal surface are key features of various intestinal disorders including IBD and require constant repair of the epithelium. Enhancement of intestinal repair mechanisms by regulatory peptides or other modulatory factors may provide future approaches for the treatment of diseases that are characterized by injuries of the epithelial surface. [source]


Combined effect of the finasteride and doxazosin on rat ventral prostate morphology and physiology

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY, Issue 3 2010
Luis A. Justulin Jr
Summary Finasteride (Fin) and Doxazosin (Dox), alone or in combination, have been widely used in treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms and recently have been suggested as potential drugs for prostate cancer (PCa)prevention and treatment. However, little is known about the effects of the combination therapy on prostate tissue morphology, physiology and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) activity, a special set of enzymes closely related to PCa progression and metastasis. In this study, adult Wistar rats were treated with Fin + Dox (25 mg/kg per day) and the ventral prostate (VP) was excised at days 3 and 30 of treatment to evaluate morphology, cell proliferation, death, transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-,1) protein expression, MMP-2, MMP-9 activities and MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 mRNA expression. Fin + Dox treatment induced a transient increase in testosterone (T) plasma concentration and a permanent reduction in dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The VP and epithelial cell proliferation were reduced and the stromal collagen fibre volume fraction and apoptosis of the epithelial cell were increased. Fin + Dox treatment also increased the TGF-,1 immunoreaction in the epithelium and in the stroma. The mRNAs for MMP-2, TIMPs-1 and -2 expressions after 30 days of treatment were decreased. The mRNA for MMP-9 was not detected in any of the groups analysed. Fin + Dox treatment for 30 days promoted a decrease in gelatinolytic activity of MMP-2 and an increase in MMP-9. In conclusion, combined treatment with Fin and Dox interferes in the epithelial cell behaviour and in the MMPs activity, potentially via TGF-,1-mediated and androgen pathways. Our results contribute to a better understanding of the clinical data and also of the molecular mechanisms behind isolated or combined Fin and Dox long-term treatment. [source]


Effects on titanium implant surfaces of chemical agents used for the treatment of peri-implantitis

JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH, Issue 1 2010
Krisztina Ungvári
Abstract The treatment of peri-implantitis, which causes tissue deterioration surrounding osseointegrated implants, involves surface decontamination and cleaning. However, chemical cleaning agents may alter the structure of implant surfaces. We investigated three such cleaning solutions. Commercially pure (grade 4) machined titanium discs (CAMLOG Biotechnologies AG, Switzerland) were treated with 3% H2O2 (5 min), saturated citric acid (pH = 1) (1 min) or chlorhexidine gel (5 min), and their surface properties were examined by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Human epithelial cell attachment (24-h observation) and proliferation (72-h observation) were investigated via dimethylthiazolyl-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and bicinchoninic acid (BCA) protein content assays. AFM revealed no significant difference in roughness of the three treated surfaces. XPS confirmed the constant presence of typical surface elements and an intact TiO2 layer on each surface. The XPS peaks after chlorhexidine gel treatment demonstrated CO and/or CO bond formation, due to chlorhexidine digluconate infiltrating the surface. MTT and BCA assays indicated similar epithelial cell attachments in the three groups; epithelial cell proliferation being significantly higher after H2O2 than after chlorhexidine gel treatment (not shown by BCA assays). These agents do not harm the Ti surface. Cleaning with H2O2 slightly enhances human epithelial cell growth, in contrast to chlorhexidine gel. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010. [source]


Retinoid metabolism in the small intestine during development of liver cirrhosis

JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 5 2009
Sathish Kumar Natarajan
Abstract Background and Aims:, Retinoids are important mediators of cellular differentiation and proliferation in various epithelia of the body including the small intestine. Though alterations in intestinal epithelial cell proliferation have been noted in liver cirrhosis, mechanisms involved in the process are not well understood. This study examined the levels of various retinoids and retinoid-metabolizing enzymes in the small intestine during development of liver cirrhosis. Methods:, Four groups of animals were used (control, phenobarbitone control, thioacetamide and carbon tetrachloride treatment). Twice-weekly intragastric or i.p. administration of carbon tetrachloride or thioacetamide, respectively, produced liver cirrhosis after 3 months, which was confirmed through histology and serum markers. Retinoid levels were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Results:, A decrease in the levels of retinal, retinoic acid and retinol was evident in the intestine by 3 months, when cirrhosis was evident histologically, and these remained low until 6 months. A decrease in the activities of retinaldehyde oxidase, retinaldehyde reductase and retinol dehydrogenase was also seen in intestine from cirrhotic rats. Conclusion:, These results suggest that altered retinoid metabolism in the intestine of cirrhotic rats might have an influence on changes in intestinal epithelial cell differentiation, seen in liver cirrhosis. [source]


Histomorphometric characteristics and expression of epidermal growth factor and its receptor by epithelial cells of normal gingiva and hereditary gingival fibromatosis

JOURNAL OF PERIODONTAL RESEARCH, Issue 3 2003
C. S. A. Araujo
Objective:, The objective of this study was to examine the histomorphometric features and evaluate the expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transmembranic receptor (EGFr) and the proliferative potential of epithelial cells from normal and hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) gingival tissues. Background:, EGF is a multifunctional cytokine with a variety of biological effects including stimulation of cell proliferation by binding to its specific EGFr. Methods:, Immunohistochemistry was performed to measure EGF and EGFr expression and the epithelial cell proliferation was determined by measuring proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Results:, Histomorphometric evaluation indicated that in HGF the mean height of the epithelial papillae was higher compared to the normal gingiva (NG), whereas mean epithelial area and number of epithelial papillae were quite similar in both groups. The EGF and EGFr positive cells were observed in the basal, spinous and granular cell layers of both normal and HGF tissues, with a gradual reduction from the basal layer. Although the expressions of EGF and EGFr in the control group were significantly higher than those from HGF, in HGF the epithelial papilla tips showed increased number of proliferating cells and elevated expression of EGF and EGFr. There was a correlation between the proliferative potential of epithelial cells and the expression of EGF or EGFr only in the epithelial papilla tips of HGF gingiva. Conclusion:, Our data suggest that EGF and EGFr in the oral epithelium of HGF gingiva may stimulate epithelial cell proliferation, with the resultant apical migration of the oral epithelium and formation of the slender deep epithelial papillae; however, without hyperplastic alterations. [source]


Gastric epithelial cell proliferation and apoptosis in Helicobacter pylori-infected mice

ALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 2000
T. Yamaguchi
Summary Background: Helicobacter pylori causes gastritis and is strongly associated with gastroduodenal ulcer and gastric cancer. The bacterium is associated with an increased rate of epithelial proliferation, which can be reversed by eradication of the organism. The mechanism of this response is not known, but this epithelial proliferation is one of the risk factors for developing gastric carcinoma. Recently, apoptosis also was found to be increased in the gastric mucosa of persons carrying H. pylori. Methods: cagA -positive H. pylori isolated from a human gastric ulcer was inoculated into BALB/C mice. At 4, 6, 12, 18 and 24 weeks, mice were injected with bromodeoxyuridine 5 mg/kg and killed 1 h later. Proliferation was analysed by histochemical staining for BrdU; apoptosis was examined by the TUNEL assay. Results: The number of BrdU-labelled cells in the antrum was significantly increased by H. pylori infection beginning 12 weeks after infection. The number of apoptotic cells in this tissue was increased significantly by 6 weeks after inoculation. Conclusion: The proliferation observed in H. pylori infection may be a response to increased apoptosis. [source]


Differential effects of five Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans strains on gingival epithelial cells

MOLECULAR ORAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2008
T. Shimada
Introduction:, We investigated gingival epithelial cell proliferation and expression of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) in response to Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans serotypes a, b, and c. Methods:, Human gingival cells (Ca9-22) were cultured in bacterial extracts prepared from five strains of A. actinomycetemcomitans: ATCC 43717 (serotype a); ATCC 29524, ATCC 29522, and ATCC 43718 (all serotype b); and ATCC 43719 (serotype c). Results:, In bacterial extracts of ATCC 29522, cell growth was significantly impaired, while the expression of IL-8 and ICAM-1 was significantly increased. The level of induction in response to the other strains was minimal. Conclusion:, Our results indicate that the five strains of A. actinomycetemcomitans have distinct effects on the abilities of human gingival epithelial cells to proliferate and to produce proinflammatory factors. [source]


c - fos and estrogen receptor gene expression pattern in the rat uterine epithelium during the estrous cycle

MOLECULAR REPRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT, Issue 4 2003
C. Adriana Mendoza-Rodríguez
Abstract Different studies in ovariectomized estrogen treated animals support the idea that c - fos plays a role in the proliferation of uterine epithelial cells. However, these studies invite us to reassess the role played by c - fos in epithelial cell types of the endometrium during the estrous cycle. The present study was undertaken to determine the c - fos and estrogen receptor (ER) gene expression pattern in the rat uterine epithelium during the estrous cycle in which natural and cyclic changes of steroid hormones occur, and correlate these changes with the proliferation status of this cellular types. Proliferation was assessed during the estrous cycle using bromodeoxyuridine incorporation to DNA. ER, and , proteins were assessed by immunohistochemistry. The regulation of c - fos gene expression in the uterus of intact animals during the estrous cycle was evaluated using both in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) plasma levels were assessed by radioimmunoassay. The results indicated that luminal (LE) and glandular epithelia (GE) presented maximal proliferation during the metestrus (M) and the diestrus (D) days. However, during the proestrus (P) day only LE presented proliferation, and during the estrus (E) day only the stromal cells proliferated. A marked immunostaining for ER, was detected in both LE and GE cells during the early phases of the cycle but diminished on the P and the E day. In contrast, ER, was undetectable in both epithelia during all stages of the cycle. The highest c - fos mRNA level was detected in both epithelia on the M day, followed by a significant reduction during the other days of the cycle. The highest protein content was observed on the M and D days, and the minimal value was detected on the E day. The c-Fos protein level in LE was increased during M and D days, presenting a high correlation with the cellular proliferation pattern of this cell type. In conclusion, the overall results indicate that c-Fos protein presented a good correlation with uterine epithelial cell proliferation of LE. In the case of GE, the same tendency was observed, although no significant correlation was found. Both in LE and GE, c - fos mRNA did not strictly correlate with its protein levels. c - fos seems to have a postranscriptional regulation in uterine epithelial cells during the rat's estrous cycle. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 64: 379,388, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Human submucosal neurones regulate intestinal epithelial cell proliferation: evidence from a novel co-culture model

NEUROGASTROENTEROLOGY & MOTILITY, Issue 3 2003
F. Toumi
Abstract The role of the human enteric nervous system (ENS) in the control of the intestinal epithelium organization and proliferation is unknown. To address this issue, we developed a novel co-culture model, consisting of human submucosa containing the submucosal plexus and a human colonic epithelial monolayer. After 3 days in basal conditions (i.e. in absence of neuronal activation) epithelium disorganization and proliferation occurred. In contrast, electrical activation of submucosal neurones maintained monolayer organization and decreased cell proliferation. These effects were blocked by tetrodotoxin and a vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) receptor antagonist, and reproduced by VIP. In conclusion, our study suggests that the human ENS is involved in the control of epithelial cell proliferation. [source]


Transient TWEAK overexpression leads to a general salivary epithelial cell proliferation

ORAL DISEASES, Issue 1 2009
T Sugito
Objectives:, Tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) is a multifunctional cytokine that has pro-apoptotic, pro-angiogenic and pro-inflammatory effects. In liver, TWEAK leads to proliferation of progenitor oval cells, but not of mature hepatocytes. This study evaluated the hypothesis that TWEAK overexpression in salivary glands would lead to the proliferation of a salivary progenitor cell. Methods:, A recombinant, serotype 5 adenoviral vector encoding human TWEAK, AdhTWEAK, was constructed, initially tested in vitro, and then administered to male Balb/c mice via cannulation of Wharton's duct. TWEAK expression in vivo was monitored as protein secreted into saliva and serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Salivary cell proliferation was monitored by proliferating cell nuclear antigen staining and apoptosis was monitored using TUNEL staining. Results:, AdhTWEAK administration led to a dose-dependent, transient TWEAK protein expression, detected primarily in saliva. Salivary epithelial cell proliferation was generalized, peaking on ,days 2 and 3. TWEAK expression had no detectable effect on apoptosis of salivary epithelial cells. Conclusion:, Transient overexpression of TWEAK in murine salivary glands leads to a general proliferation of epithelial cells vs a selective stimulation of a salivary progenitor cell. [source]


Pharmacological doses of dietary curcumin increase colon epithelial cell proliferation in vivo in rats

PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 10 2007
Sylvia Jeewon Kim
Abstract Although curcumin has preventive actions in animal models of colon cancer, whether the mechanism of action is through anti-proliferation in normal environment is not clearly understood. Here, we studied the effects of chemopreventive doses of curcumin on the proliferation rate of colon epithelial cells (CEC), using a recently developed stable isotope , mass spectrometric method for measuring DNA synthesis rate. Adult male F344 rats were given diets containing 0, 2 and 4% curcumin for 5 weeks. 4% 2H2O was given in drinking water to label DNA, after a priming bolus, for 4 days prior to sacrifice. The isotopic enrichment of the deoxyribose moiety of deoxyadenosine from DNA was measured by gas chromatography , mass spectrometry. Cell cycle analysis was performed after propidium iodide staining of CECs. Curcumin administration did not reduce but instead resulted in dose-dependent increases in CEC proliferation rate (p < 0.05) for 2% and 4% curcumin vs 0%). The length of the colon crypts and the fraction of cells in S-phase were also increased in the 2% and 4% curcumin groups (p < 0.05). Thus, pharmacological doses of curcumin increase CEC proliferation rate and pool size in normal rats. Reduction of CEC proliferation therefore cannot explain the proposed chemopreventive actions of curcumin in colon cancer. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Grading gastrointestinal dysplasia and what to call it when you don't know what it is,

THE JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY, Issue 2 2007
GJ Offerhaus
Abstract Dysplasia in the gastrointestinal tract is defined as intraepithelial neoplasia (IEN) according to the WHO nomenclature. Neoplastic growth in the gastrointestinal tract evolves through stepwise tumour progression in which consecutive morphological stages are characterized by increasing genetic instability accompanied by specific genetic alterations. Invasive cancer is preceded by non-invasive precursor stages and the clonal epithelial cell proliferation in these pre-invasive stages is diagnosed as dysplasia or IEN. Dysplasia is therefore a marker for cancer risk and guides surveillance. Dysplasia is conventionally graded using a two-tier system and low- and high-grade dysplasia convey different connotations regarding cancer risk. This perspective argues that the critical differential diagnosis is the one between neoplastic and non-neoplastic epithelial cell proliferations and the relevance of grading dysplasia is questionable. It is furthermore expected that a molecular signature will predict the propensity to invasive carcinoma more accurately than routine histopathology in the near future. Research in this field needs to focus on a combination of biomarkers representing genetic instability, clonal mutations, and genetic clonal divergence. Copyright © 2007 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Circadian variation of the cell proliferation in the jejunal epithelium of rats at weaning phase

CELL PROLIFERATION, Issue 3 2005
J. R. Gomes
A continuous decrease in the arrested metaphases occurred from 07.00 h to13.00 h. From 17.00 h arrested metaphase values increased and were maintained at the higher level during the dark period as showed by Cosinor analyses (P < 0.05). These results indicate that in the young rat there is already a circadian variation in jejunal epithelial cell proliferation as early as 18 days. We can even suggest that the presence of a circadian rhythm at weaning contributes to the steady state of cell proliferation in the intestinal epithelium observed in adult life. [source]


Laminin-2 stimulates the proliferation of epithelial cells in a conjunctival epithelial cell line

CELL PROLIFERATION, Issue 2 2004
J. Dowgiert
To test the hypothesis that LN-2 can additionally modulate epithelial cell biology, an analysis of the role of LN-2 in cell adhesion, activation of signalling intermediates and proliferation was undertaken. A virally transformed human conjunctival epithelial cell line (HC0597) was utilized in this study. Adhesion assays using function-inhibiting antibodies demonstrated that ,3,1 integrin is essential for the rapid attachment of conjunctival epithelial cells to LN-2. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation analyses revealed that, compared with LN-1 or LN-10, LN-2 significantly promotes epithelial proliferation. Phosphorylation of the signalling intermediates Erk1/2 and Akt-1 was observed within 15 min of cell adhesion to LN-2. Inhibiting ,3,1 integrin function decreased total cellular phosphotyrosine levels, specifically inhibited phosphorylation of Erk1/2 and Akt-1, and dampened the proliferation response of epithelial cells adherent to LN-2. Inhibition of Erk or Akt activation inhibited cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. However, the inhibition of Erk resulted in a stronger suppression of proliferation compared with Akt inhibition. From these results, it is concluded that human conjunctival epithelial cells adhere to immobilized LN-2 using ,3,1 integrin. ,3,1 integrin/LN-2 signalling, transduced primarily through an Erk pathway, enhances epithelial cell proliferation. These results demonstrate that LN-2 can impact on epithelial cell biology in addition to nerve and muscle, and provide information regarding the role of this isoform in ocular surface epithelial cells. [source]


Increased levels of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-2 in sera and tumours from patients with colonic neoplasia with and without acromegaly

CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 4 2001
F. Miraki-Moud
OBJECTIVE Patients with acromegaly are at increased risk of developing colorectal carcinoma and premalignant tubulovillous adenoma. The pathogenesis of these neoplasms could involve a stimulatory effect of serum growth factors on colonic epithelial cell proliferation. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in (1) serum IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-2 and (2) changes in local expression of IGFBPs and p53 in colonic epithelium in patients with colonic neoplasia with and without acromegaly. DESIGN A cross-sectional retrospective study was performed. Fasting serum samples were obtained at the time of colonoscopy for patients with acromegaly and at the time of surgery for patients with colonic neoplasia without acromegaly. MEASUREMENTS Serum IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-2 and IGFBP,3 were measured using specific immunoassays. Tissue expression of IGFBP-2, IGFBP-3 and p53 status were determined by immunohistochemistry. PATIENTS Group 1: 26 age- and sex-matched control subjects (range 40,69 years); group 2: 18 patients with acromegaly without colonic neoplasia (range 39,68 years); group 3: 18 patients with acromegaly and colonic neoplasia (range 41,74 years, 11 = adenoma, seven = carcinoma); group 4: 19 patients with colonic neoplasia without endocrine disease (range 43,91 years, four = adenoma, 15 = carcinoma). Immunohistochemical staining of colonic biopsies was performed for IGFBP-2, IGFBP-3 and p53 in groups 3 and 4. RESULTS Mean serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels were significantly elevated in group 2 (371 ± 131 µg/l and 6·5 ± 1·8 mg/l, respectively) and group 3 (379 ± 174 µg/l and 5·8 ± 1·6 mg/l, respectively), and significantly reduced in group 4 (103 ± 36 µg/l and 2·4 ± 1 mg/l) compared to controls (165 ± 40 µg/l and 4·7 ± 1 mg/l; P < 0·0001, P < 0·001, respectively). However, median serum IGFBP-2 levels were significantly elevated in group 3 (P < 0·01) and group 4 (P < 0·0001). Immunostaining for IGFBP-2 showed strong areas of immunoreactivity in the cytoplasm of malignant colonic epithelium compared to benign epithelium. IGFBP-3 immunostaining showed strong areas of immunoreactivity in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus of malignant and benign colonic epithelium compared to the normal epithelium. Nuclear staining for p53 was observed in three patients from group 3 (two carcinoma, one adenoma) and four patients from group 4 (all carcinoma). CONCLUSION Our results describe changes in IGFBP-2 expression in colonic neoplasia in patients with and without acromegaly, which suggest that this binding protein may regulate local bioavailability of IGF, which in turn could modulate colonic cell proliferation and/or differentiation. [source]


Grading gastrointestinal dysplasia and what to call it when you don't know what it is,

THE JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY, Issue 2 2007
GJ Offerhaus
Abstract Dysplasia in the gastrointestinal tract is defined as intraepithelial neoplasia (IEN) according to the WHO nomenclature. Neoplastic growth in the gastrointestinal tract evolves through stepwise tumour progression in which consecutive morphological stages are characterized by increasing genetic instability accompanied by specific genetic alterations. Invasive cancer is preceded by non-invasive precursor stages and the clonal epithelial cell proliferation in these pre-invasive stages is diagnosed as dysplasia or IEN. Dysplasia is therefore a marker for cancer risk and guides surveillance. Dysplasia is conventionally graded using a two-tier system and low- and high-grade dysplasia convey different connotations regarding cancer risk. This perspective argues that the critical differential diagnosis is the one between neoplastic and non-neoplastic epithelial cell proliferations and the relevance of grading dysplasia is questionable. It is furthermore expected that a molecular signature will predict the propensity to invasive carcinoma more accurately than routine histopathology in the near future. Research in this field needs to focus on a combination of biomarkers representing genetic instability, clonal mutations, and genetic clonal divergence. Copyright © 2007 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]