Gallium phosphinoarylbisthiolato complexes counteract drug resistance of cancer cells.

In cancer therapy the platinum-based drugs are used frequently with a good clinical outcome, but besides unwanted side effects which occur, the tumour cells subjected to treatment are prone to develop tolerance or even multidrug resistance (MDR). Metal compounds with a central atom other than platinum are efficient in targeting the chemoresistant cells, therefore the biological outcome of two recently synthesized gallium phosphinoarylbisthiolato complexes was studied, having the formula [X][Ga{PPh(2-SC6H4)2-κ(3)S,S',P}{PPh(2-SC6H4)2-κ(2)S,S'}] where [X] is either the NEt3H (1) or PPh4 (2) cation. Compounds 1 and 2 display in vitro cytotoxicity against both platinum-sensitive and platinum-resistant cell lines (A2780 and A2780cis).

Characterization of CD4+ and CD8+ Tregs in a Hodgkin's lymphoma patient presenting with myasthenia-like symptoms.

The co-occurrence of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) and myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare phenomenon that is sometimes considered a paraneoplastic manifestation. There are a few documented cases in which myasthenia symptoms manifested only after the surgical removal of the tumor. However, the biological basis of this association is unknown.

GITR-expressing regulatory T-cell subsets are increased in tumor-positive lymph nodes from advanced breast cancer patients as compared to tumor-negative lymph nodes.

Lymph node (LN) infiltration by neoplastic process involves important changes in lymph node immune microenvironment. In particular, regulatory T cells (Treg) seem to have a key role in altering the immunoediting function of the immune system which leads to the elusion of the tumor from immune surveillance. In this study, we evaluated the expression of T-cell markers in CD4+ and CD8+ subsets from tumor-positive and tumor-negative lymph nodes from the same, advanced stage breast cancer patient.

Glucocorticoid-induced TNFR-related protein lowers the threshold of CD28 costimulation in CD8+ T cells.

CD28 is well characterized as a costimulatory molecule in T cell activation. Recent evidences indicate that TNFR superfamily members, including glucocorticoid-induced TNFR-related protein (GITR), act as costimulatory molecules. In this study, the relationship between GITR and CD28 has been investigated in murine CD8(+) T cells.

GITR-GITRL system, a novel player in shock and inflammation.

Glucocorticoid-induced TNFR-Related (GITR) protein is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily that modulates acquired and natural immune response. It is expressed in several cells and tissues, including T cells, natural killer cells, and, at lower levels, in cells of innate immunity. GITR is activated by its ligand, GITRL, mainly expressed on antigen presenting and endothelial cells.

Modulation of pro- and antiapoptotic molecules in double-positive (CD4+CD8+) thymocytes following dexamethasone treatment.

Glucocorticoids play a role in regulation of T lymphocytes homeostasis and development. In particular, glucocorticoid treatment induces massive apoptosis of CD4(+)CD8(+) double-positive (DP) thymocytes. This effect is due to many mechanisms, mainly driven by modulation of gene transcription.

A new member of the tumor necrosis factor/nerve growth factor receptor family inhibits T cell receptor-induced apoptosis.

By comparing untreated and dexamethasone-treated murine T cell hybridoma (3DO) cells by the differential display technique, we have cloned a new gene, GITR (glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor family-related gene) encoding a new member of the tumor necrosis factor/nerve growth factor receptor family. GITR is a 228-amino acids type I transmembrane protein characterized by three cysteine pseudorepeats in the extracellular domain and similar to CD27 and 4-1BB in the intracellular domain. GITR resulted to be expressed in normal T lymphocytes from thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes, although no expression was detected in other nonlymphoid tissues, including brain, kidney, and liver.

Emergencies in delayed diaphragmatic herniation due to blunt trauma.

A transthoracic approach was used in the treatment of 2 patients with emergencies due to traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. Relevant symptoms began respectively 3 months and 8 months after closed injury. Strangulation and necrosis of abdominal organs herniated into the chest are associated with a high mortality.

Substrate-labeled fluorescent immunoassay for phenobarbital.

An assay for the anticonvulsant drug phenobarbital (PB) has been developed that is based on the principles of the substrate-labeled fluorescent immunoassay. A fluorogenic enzyme substrate, galactosyl umbelliferone, was covalently linked to a derivative of PB. The labeled drug, galactosyl umbelliferone-PB (GUPB), is nonfluorescent under conditions of the assay; however, hydrolysis of the galactosyl moiety by bacterial beta-galactosidase yields a fluorescent product.

The value of transperineal injection for the diagnosis of imperforate anus.

Imperforate anus is one of the most common causes of intestinal obstruction in the newborn and the exact estimation of the level of the blind rectal pouch is of primary importance. We present 11 cases of imperforate anus and demonstrate the accurate location of the rectal pouch by transperineal injection of contrast media. This method shows an advantage in comparison to the classical plain roentgenogram in the inverted position of the baby.