Report on a large animal study with Göttingen Minipigs where regenerates and controls for articular cartilage were created in a large number. Focus on the conditions of the operated stifle joints and suggestions for standardized procedures.

The characterization of regenerated articular cartilage (AC) can be based on various methods, as there is an unambiguous accepted criterion neither for the natural cartilage tissue nor for regenerates. Biomechanical aspects should be considered as well, leading to the need for more equivalent samples. The aim of the study was to describe a large animal model where 8 specimens of regenerated AC can be created in one animal plus the impact of two surgeries on the welfare of the animals.

Anti-tumor properties of the cGMP/protein kinase G inhibitor DT3 in pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest cancers in the world. Therefore, new therapeutic options are urgently needed to improve the survival of PDAC patients. Protein kinase G (PKG) conducts the interlude of cGMP signaling which is important for healthy as well as for cancer cells.

Immunological in vivo effects of B7-H1 deficiency.

B7-H1 regulatory protein, a member of the B7-H family, plays a crucial role in the modulation of immune response in healthy steady-state conditions as well as in different pathologies. B7-H1 knockout mice represent an important model to elucidate further molecular and cellular mechanisms involved, among others, in autoimmunity development and cancer progression. However, a deep immunologic characterization of this model is not complete yet.

5-Fluorouracil and interferon-α immunochemotherapy enhances immunogenicity of murine pancreatic cancer through upregulation of NKG2D ligands and MHC class I.

Pancreatic cancer has the poorest prognosis of all gastrointestinal cancers, driving the need for new therapeutic approaches. Adjuvant 5-fluorouacil (5-FU) chemotherapy proved effective in increasing the survival of patients with resected tumors. Furthermore, the addition of interferon alpha (IFN-α) immunotherapy to 5-FU has shown encouraging clinical results.

Involvement of the epidermal growth factor receptor in the modulation of multidrug resistance in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a molecular complex tumor with high intrinsic drug resistance. Recent evidence suggests an involvement of the tyrosine kinase pathway in the regulation of ATP-binding cassette protein (ABC-transport protein) mediated multidrug resistance in cancer cells. The aim of this study was to examine whether EGFR inhibition sensitizes HCCs to chemotherapy and to elucidate its mechanism.

Sorafenib modulates the gene expression of multi-drug resistance mediating ATP-binding cassette proteins in experimental hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background: High ATP-binding cassette (ABC) protein expression leads to intrinsic drug resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to investigate the potential chemosensitizing effects of sorafenib on the multi-drug resistance (MDR) phenotype.

Material And Methods: The ABC-protein gene expression and the cellular survival were determined by RT-PCR analysis and MTT assay in HUH7 cells.

New doxorubicin-loaded phospholipid microbubbles for targeted tumor therapy: in-vivo characterization.

Doxorubicin(DOX) is a potent chemotherapy drug that is often limited by severe adverse effects such as cardiac toxicity and myelosupression. Drug targeting with non invasive techniques would be desirable, aiming at increased local drug concentration and reduced systemic side effects. Ultrasound(US) targeted destruction of drug loaded microbubbles(MBs) has evolved as a promising strategy for non invasive local gene and drug delivery.

Bortezomib is ineffective in an orthotopic mouse model of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the potency of the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib +/- gemcitabine in vitro and in vivo in pancreatic carcinoma. It could be shown that bortezomib induced apoptosis and inhibited proliferation of pancreatic carcinoma very efficiently in vitro. In contrast, in an orthotopic pancreatic adenocarcinoma mouse model, gemcitabine treatment inhibited tumor growth, whereas bortezomib promoted it.