Deregulated expression of prostate apoptosis response gene-4 in less differentiated lymphocytes and inverse expressional patterns of par-4 and bcl-2 in acute lymphocytic leukemia.

Introduction: Prostate apoptosis response gene-4, known as par-4, is a new proapoptotic factor functionally required but not sufficient for apoptosis. Since there is evidence from prostate cancer cells that par-4 is involved in regulation of bcl-2 we assessed expression of par-4 and bcl-2 in different populations of normal and neoplastic lymphocytes.

Materials And Methods: Expression of par-4 mRNA and protein in different subpopulations of normal and neoplastic lymphocytes was assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot.

In vitro induction of apoptosis of neoplastic cells in low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphomas using combinations of established cytotoxic drugs with bendamustine.

Background And Objectives: Regulation of apoptotic cell death is being increasingly recognized as a mechanisms by which cytostatic agents mediate tumor cell death. Preliminary clinical studies with bendamustine, an alkylating agent with a purine nucleus, provide strong evidence that this drug is a highly effective cytostatic in low grade lymphomas. Therefore, we investigated the in vitro activity of bendamustine in combination with other established cytotoxic drugs.