Vitamin D3 is a potent inhibitor of tumor cell-induced angiogenesis.

Vitamin D3 derivative 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25[OH]2D3) exerts various biological effects in cells that possess vitamin D3 receptor (VDR), including enhancement of cell differentiation and inhibition of cell proliferation. These activities of 1,25(OH)2D3 might be responsible for its anti-neoplastic effects, as shown in various experimental systems. The aim of this study was to compare the anti-angiogenic activity of 1,25(OH)2D3, retinoids, and interleukin-12 (IL-12) in an experimental tumor cell-induced angiogenesis assay in mice.

A mouse model for studying epidermodysplasia-verruciformis-associated carcinogenesis.

Epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV) is considered as a model of genetic cancer due to unusual susceptibility to EV-specific human papillomaviruses (HPVs). We established an in vivo experimental system for long-term propagation of EV tissue which should facilitate the study of tumor progression in EV. Skin fragments from benign and early pre-malignant lesions of 6 EV patients were grafted under the kidney capsule of athymic mice.

Systemic administration of 2-chloro-2'-deoxyadenosine (2-CdA) in patients with systemic scleroderma.

Three patients with diffuse variety of systemic scleroderma were treated with 2-chloro-2'-deoxyadenosine. In two of them a moderate improvement of skin involvement was observed. No significant effects of the drug on the immunological parameters have been found.

Adhesion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to vascular endothelium in patients with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma).

Objective: Perivascular infiltrates in skin, subcutaneous tissue, and internal organs are a characteristic feature of early systemic sclerosis (SSc). We studied the first step of migration of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) through the vessel wall to the extravascular space, i.e.