RECK in osteosarcoma: a novel role in tumour vasculature and inhibition of tumorigenesis in an orthotopic model.

Background: Targeted therapy in osteosarcoma (OS) is needed to improve patient outcomes. Human RECK may have a role because it inhibits cancer invasion and regulates angiogenesis. This study aimed to characterize RECK expression in human OS, to examine in vitro effects of RECK on vascular endothelium and OS cell behavior, and to analyze the effect of RECK on OS grown orthotopically in nude mice.

Dz13 induces a cytotoxic stress response with upregulation of E2F1 in tumor cells metastasizing to or from bone.

The oligonucleotide Dz13 is a DNA enzyme (deoxyribozyme) that cleaves c-Jun mRNA. It has efficacious effects against tumors directly, is active against tumor-induced angiogenesis, inhibits neointima formation after arterial injury, and controls inflammatory responses. The off-target effects of Dz13 may in fact be driving some of these potentially therapeutic effects, though no mechanisms have been clearly defined in target cells.

Dz13, a c-jun DNAzyme, is a potent inducer of caspase-2 activation.

Signaling pathways for caspase-2-mediated apoptosis are poorly defined. This is partially due to a lack of a reproducible stimulus to trigger caspase-2 activation. We present the oligonucleotide Dz13, a DNA enzyme that cleaves c-Jun mRNA and is capable of inhibiting various model tumors in mice, which potently induces caspase-2 resulting in apoptosis in a panel of tumor cell lines.

Myoepithelioma within the carpal tunnel: a case report and review of the literature.

Myoepitheliomas of the extremity are rare and usually benign, while a minority display malignant features. This case demonstrates the diagnosis and management of myoepithelioma within the carpal tunnel. Clinical and radiological tumour features were evaluated.

Involvement of c-jun in human liposarcoma growth: supporting data from clinical immunohistochemistry and DNAzyme efficacy.

c-jun has been found to be upregulated in a variety of cancers. Recently, this oncogene has also been implicated in liposarcoma (LS) progression. c-jun knockdown mediated by a deoxyribozyme induced apoptosis in LS cells via evoking caspase-10, but not the Fas/FasL pathway.

Biocompatible properties of surgical mesh using an animal model.

Aim: To study the biocompatibility of surgical meshes for use in pelvic reconstructive surgery using an animal model.

Methods: Eight different types of mesh: Atrium, Dexon, Gynemesh, IVS tape, Prolene, SPARC tape, TVT tape and Vypro II, were implanted into the abdominal walls of rats for 3 months' duration. Explanted meshes were assessed, using light microscopy, for parameters of rejection and incorporation.