Detection of methylation in the CpG islands of the p16INK4A, RASSF 1A and methylguanine methyltransferase gene promoters in pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Pancreatic cancer consists of an accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations. Recently, aberrant methylation of CpG islands of cancer-related genes has emerged as an important epigenetic mechanism of their transcriptional dysregulation during tumour development [1]. Therefore, new diagnostic methods, for early detection based on a better understanding of the molecular biology of pancreatic cancer, are required.

L-arginine supplementation does not affect chemically induced carcinogenesis and tumor growth in BALB-c mice.

Unlabelled: T-cell zeta-chain downregulation is common in various types of cancer and it is proposed as a mechanism of cancer immunosubversion. L-arginine consumption by arginase rich suppressor myeloid cells has been incriminated. The effect of L-arginine supplementation on chemically induced carcinogenesis and tumor growth in mice was evaluated.

Expression of the HER family mRNA in breast cancer tissue and association with cell cycle inhibitors p21(waf1) and p27(kip1).

Background: The HER family of the receptor tyrosine kinases epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), HER2, HER3 and HER4 are involved in the pathogenesis of many human malignancies. Although there is extensive literature on the expression of single HER-2 and EGFR receptors in breast cancer, little is known concerning the simultaneous expression at the mRNA level of these four receptors in human breast tissue and their influence in downstream signaling pathways that control cell cycle and proliferation.

Materials And Methods: The mRNA expression pattern of the four HER-receptors has been investigated and correlated with the expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors p21(Waf1) and p27(Kip1) in 67 breast cancer specimens.

Cytotoxic effects of a mixed ligand copper(II) chelate complex against a panel of human and murine cancer cells in vitro. Theoretical study of the mechanism of biologic action through molecular modelling.

Purpose: In an effort to discover new compounds with anticancer activity, we have developed a novel copper (II) [Cu(II)] chelate complex with a tridentate ONNSchiff base ligand and the anion of salicylate and we evaluated the in vitro chemosensitivity of various human and murine tumor cell lines by measuring cell growth inhibition. The ultimate goal was to evaluate the existence of a potential antitumor activity of this complex. Beyond the cytotoxic activity assessment of the complex, we aimed at the elucidation of the underlying mechanism of action of this complex and its interactions with biological molecules, carrying out theoretical (quantum-chemical) calculations.

Combinational effect of topotecan and octreotide on murine leukemia cells in vivo and in vitro.

Purpose: The activity of topotecan (TPT) against a number of hematological malignancies is now notably increased. TPT is a drug which inhibits the DNA enzyme topoisomerase I (topo I), thereby leading to the induction of tumor cell apoptosis. On the other hand, octreotide (OCT) is a synthetic analogue of somatostatin, which can induce apoptosis and antiproliferative effects on various human tumor cell lines, human xenografts and animal tumors, as well as on lymphoproliferative neoplasms.