Publications by authors named "Carsten Brocks"

Background: In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), a variety of immunomodulatory mediators contribute to strongly impaired immune functions. The secretion of C-reactive protein (CRP) by HNSCC cells and its influence on human myeloid dendritic cells (MDC) was investigated.

Materials And Methods: The CRP levels were analyzed using photometric methods and real-time PCR.

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Protein expression of human toll-like receptors (TLR) 1-10 was measured in cell lines and solid tumors of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). All HNSCC cell lines and 80% of solid tumors were found to express TLR3 as a predominantly intracellular protein, while no other TLR proteins were expressed. TLR3 has previously been shown to contribute to the activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), a transcription factor which promotes several types of human cancers.

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Background: In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), the secretion of various immunosuppressive mediators contributes to large-scale effects on the immune functions. The influence of HNSCC on various cellular functions of human myeloid dendritic cells (MDC) was analyzed in this work.

Materials And Methods: MDCs were isolated from peripheral blood by 'magnetic bead separation'.

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Background: In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) the secretion of various immunosuppressive mediators contributes to large-scale effects on the immune functions. The influence of HNSCC on the Toll-like receptor (TLR) expression profiles of human myeloid dendritic cells (MDCs), which have been identified in human solid tumor tissue of the head and neck, was analysed.

Materials And Methods: MDCs were isolated from peripheral blood by 'magnetic bead separation' and subsequently incubated with supernatants of HNSCC permanent cell lines.

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Background: Human myeloid dendritic cells (MDC) have been identified in human solid tumor tissue of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), their cellular functions being strongly affected in this environment. The characterization of MDC differentiation and functions requires the establishment of highly efficient isolation procedures.

Materials And Methods: Human MDC were isolated from peripheral blood and solid HNSCC using density gradient centrifugation or preparation of single cell suspensions, respectively.

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Background: Cytokine profiles of permanent cell lines of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) were analyzed to define the cytokine levels secreted in the absence of immune cells.

Materials And Methods: Cytokine profiles of IL-4, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 were analyzed in the supematants of 4 different permanent HNSCC cell lines using the Bio-Plex human cytokine assay system.

Results: In HNSCC, IL-6 and IL-8 are involved in oncogenic processes, while IL-4 and IL-10 suppress proper immune responses in the tumor microenvironment.

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Purpose: We determined if a single intravesical instillation of gemcitabine (2',2'-difluorodeoxycytidine) could prevent the implantation of urothelial cancer cells in the bladder wall of mice, and if 4 weekly treatments could eliminate early implanted bladder cancer in this model.

Materials And Methods: Tumor implantation and orthotopic bladder tumors were induced in mice by electrocautery of the bladder wall and subsequent instillation of MB49 bladder cancer cells. In the first experiment the tumor cell suspension was left in place for 30 minutes, immediately followed by bladder irrigation and a single intravesical instillation of 250 or 500 microg gemcitabine for 10, 30, 60 or 120 minutes.

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