Cysteine proteinase inhibitor level in tumor and normal tissues in control and cured mice.

Cystatin C is the best known extracellular endogenous cysteine proteinase inhibitor and has been studied as a possible index of tumor growth and as a marker of the effectiveness of antitumor therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate cystatin C concentrations in murine tumor tissues (compared with other organs not directly involved with tumor development, such as the liver and spleen) during treatment with several antitumor drugs (Ukrain and/or cyclophosphane). Cystatin C concentrations in murine tissues and biological fluids was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) assay.

Influence of Ukrain and cyclophosphamide administration on HA-1 murine hepatoma and LS lymphoma on aspartic proteinase cathepsin D.

Cathepsin D, the major lysosomal aspartyl proteinase and a mediator of interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced apoptosis, was studied in murine models of LS lymphosarcoma treated by cyclophosphamide (possible apoptosis induction), and HA-1 hepatoma treated by Ukrain (positive antitumor effect). It was found that cyclophosphamide, as well as cyclophosphamide plus Ukrain, increased cathepsin D specific activity in mice with LS lymphosarcoma. Ukrain alone had no effect on cathepsin D activity in LS lymphosarcoma.

Chitotriosidase as a new marker of macrophage stimulation in a tumor model treated with cyclophosphamide and Ukrain.

Ukrain has previously been demonstrated to exert a malignotoxic effect in vivo. This antitumor drug has been effective in the treatment of some malignancies in experimental animals as a result of immunostimulation (macrophage stimulation). In the present study, serum chitotriosidase activity was measured as a biochemical marker of macrophage stimulation in several murine and rat models of macrophage stimulation.