Background Human xenograft models, resulting from orthotopic transplantation (implantation into the anatomically correct site) of histologically intact tissue into animals, are important for investigating local tumor growth, vascular and lymphatic invasion at the primary tumor site and metastasis. Methodology/Principal Findings We used surgical orthotopic transplantation to establish a nude mouse model of primary hepatic lymphoma (PHL), HLBL-0102. We performed orthotopic transfer of the HLBL-0102 tumor for 42 generations and characterized the tumor cells. The maintenance of PHL characteristics were supported by immunohistochemical and cytogenetic analysis. We also report the antitumor effect of Cantide, an antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotide against hTERT, on the growth of HLBL-0102 tumors. We showed a significant, dose-dependent inhibition of tumor weight and serum LDH activity in the orthotopically transplanted animals by Cantide. Importantly, survival was prolonged in Cantide-treated HLBL-0102 tumor-bearing mice when compared to mock-treated mice. Conclusions/Significance Our study provided the basis for the development of a clinical trial protocol to treat PHL.
To provide an useful animal model for exploring metastatic biology and anti-metastatic therapy of primary malignant melanoma of the small intestine.A 49-year old male patient with malignant melanoma was treated by surgery, and the primary tumor in the small intestine and a metastatic tumor in the liver were removed. The diagnosis of malignant melanoma was confirmed by histopathology. Fresh melanoma tissue fragments taken from the primary intestinal tumor and hepatic metastatic tumor were orthotopically implanted into the mucosal layer of small intestine in nude mice, respectively. The tumor growth rate, invasion and metastasis of the transplanted tumors were observed. Light and electron microscopy, immunophenotype analysis, flow cytometry and karyotype analysis were carried out.Fragments of the primary and liver metastatic malignant melanoma were successfully implanted in nude mice. After continuous passages in nude mice, an highly-metastatic model of human primary malignant melanoma of the small intestine (from the primary lesion) in nude mice (termed HSIM-0602) and a liver metastatic model of human primary malignant melanoma of the small intestine (originally from the liver metastatic lesion) in nude mice (termed HSIM-0603) were successfully established. Histological examination of the transplanted tumors revealed a high-grade melanoma of the small intestine. Immunohistochemical stainings of S-100 protein and HMB45 were positive. Many scattered melanosomes and melanin complex were seen in the cytoplasm of tumor cells. Chromosomal modal number was between 55 and 59. DNA index (DI) was 1.59 - 1.71, representing a heteroploid. The HSIM-0602 and HSIM-0603 tumor models had been maintained for 21 and 23 passages in nude mice, respectively. 227 nude mice were used for transplantation. Both the growth rate after transplantation and resuscitation rate from liquid nitrogen cryopreservation were 100%. The HSIM-0602 model exhibited 84.8% lung metastasis, 65.7% liver metastasis and 63.8% lymph node metastasis. However, HSIM-0603 displayed 100% liver metastasis, 46.7% lung metastasis and 71.3% lymph node metastasis. The transplanted tumors actively and invasively grew in the small intestine of nude mice and showed hematogenous and lymphatic metastases.To our knowledge it is the first time that two strains of spontaneous highly-metastatic nude-mouse model of human primary malignant melanoma of the small intestine have been successfully established in our department. The models are very closely mimic the natural clinicopathologic course of primary small intestinal melanoma in humans and provide ideal animal models for the researches on metastasis biology and anti-metastatic experimental therapy of malignant melanoma of the small intestine.
Background Alpha-fetoprotein-producing gastric cancer (AFPGC) is a highly malignant subtype of gastric cancer, but solely alpha-fetoprotein may fail to accurately predict the prognosis. Although the utilization of multi tumor markers could improve stratified patient management, such research in AFPGC is still blank. This study seeks to evaluate whether combining multiple tumor markers can enhance risk stratification and identify AFPGC subtypes with poor prognosis. Methods We first screened for patients with elevated serum CEA levels within the AFPGC cohort and evaluated their prognosis. Tumor characteristics and overall health conditions were analyzed to identify factors contributing to CEA elevation. Finally, the treatment responses of this group to different treatment modalities were also reviewed. Results Approximately 45% of gastric cancer patients with elevated serum AFP also show increased CEA levels, classifying them as the dual-positive gastric cancer (DPGC) subgroup. These patients exhibit significantly shorter overall survival, heightened metastasis risk, and are more susceptible to systemic inflammation, immune response dysregulation, malnutrition, and cancer-related thrombosis. The elevation in serum CEA levels may indicate gastric cancer liver metastasis and increased neutrophils. While surgery is optimal for AFPGC, DPGC patients benefit significantly from immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy. Conclusions In AFPGC, combining serum AFP and CEA offers a more accurate prognosis. The poor prognosis in DPGC may be associated with aggressive local properties and systemic complications. Liver metastases and increased neutrophils are associated with increased serum CEA in AFPGC. Immunochemotherapy is a viable option for DPGC patients who cannot undergo surgery.
Objective To develop a series of high metastatic models of human gastric malignant lymphoma in nude mice by orthotopic transplantation. Methods Two histologically intact primary and hepatic metastatic fragments derived from surgical specimen of a patient with primary gastric lymphoma were implanted into the submucosa of stomach in nude mice. Highly metastatic and specific organ metastatic models were screened by selective orthotopic passage in nude mice. Transplantability, invasion, metastasis, morphological characteristics (light microscopy, electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry), karyotypic analysis and DNA content of orthotopically transplanted tumors were studied. Results Primary and hepatic metastatic fragments of primary gastric lymphoma were successfully transplanted in nude mice. Two nude mouse models of human primary gastric lymphoma, termed HGBL-0304 (hepatic metastasis model) and HGBL-0305 (high metastasis model), were developed, exhibiting different metastasis biology. Histopathology of transplanted tumors showed primary gastric diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Two models have been maintained for 45 generations by orthotopic passage in nude mice. A total of 419 nude mice were used for transplantation. The growth rate and resuscitation rate of liquid nitrogen cryopreservation of transplanted tumors were both 100%. Significant difference in metastasis biology was exhibited in four aspects of metastasis time, organ metastatic rate, the extent of hepatic metastasis and survival of cancer-bearing mice. The metastatic rates of liver, spleen, lymph nodes and peritoneal seeding in HGBL-O304 and HGBL-0305 models were 100% and 69.5%, 94.3% and 55.6%, 62.6% and 45.7%, and 43.5% and 30.5%. The onset time for metastases of liver, spleen, lymph nodes and peritoneal seeding was 2 w and 5 w, 3 w and 6 w, 2 w and 3 w, 3 w and 6 w respectively. The extent of hepatic metastasis in HGBL-0304 and HGBL-0305 models displayed diffuse involvement of the whole liver and mainly right lobe invasion of liver respectively. The mean survival time of HGBL-0304 and HGBL-O305 models was 54.3d and 106.9 d respectively. Conclusion Surgical orthotopic implantation combined with in vivo selective passage screening is an effective method for establishing highly metastatic and specific organ metastatic models of human malignant lymphoma in nude mice. The study is the first time to establish hepatic metastasis and high metastasis nude mouse models of human primary gastric lymphoma with the same original patient and different potentials of invasion and metastasis.
Key words:
Stomach neoplasms; Lymphoma; Neoplasm transplantation; Neoplasmmetastasis
To establish a liver metastasis models of human colorectal carcinomas in nude mice.Orthotopic transplantation of histologically intact colo-rectal cancer tissues from patients into colo-rectal mucosa of nude mice. Tumorgenicity, invasion, metastasis and morphological characteristics of the transplanted tumors were studied by light microscopy, electron microscopy and immunuhistochemistry.Liver metastasis models of human colon carcinoma (HCA-HMN-1) and human rectal carcinoma (HRA-HMN-2) were established after screening from 34 colorectal carcinomas. They had been passaged in vivo for 18 and 21 gererations respectively. There were lymphatic, hematogenous, and implanting metastases. CEA secretion was maintained after transplantation. The primary and liver metastatic tumors were similar to the original human carcinoma in histopathological and ultrastructural features, DNA content and chromosomal karyotype.The liver metastasis models provide useful tools for the study of mechanism of metastasis and its treatment of human colo-rectal cancer.
This study was purposed to evaluate the safety and curative effect of autologous cytokine induced killer cells (CIK) combined with low-dose IL-2 regimen containing immune enhancement of thymic peptide on elderly patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL). Thymic peptide α1 was subcutaneously given as the immunoenhancement agent at a dose of 1.6 mg/d, 14 days as one cycle. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNC) from 5 patients with B-CLL were isolated once a week to induce ex vivo CIK cells through culture in the context of interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-2 and anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody. The PBMNC were separated from patients before and after 14 days as one cycle of thymic peptide α1 administration. Parameters of amplification ability, effector cells quantity, lymphocyte subgroups percentage and antitumor cytotoxicity were compared before and after thymic peptide administration. The 5 patients were treated with CIK cells combined with low-dose IL-2 regimen immediately after injection of thymic peptide α1. The CIK cells plus low-dose IL-2 regimen containing thymic peptide enhancement was defined as: thymic peptide α1 1.6 mg/d was subcutaneously administered once every other day; (4 - 6) ×10(9) of CIK cells were transfused followed by IL-2 subcutaneous administration of 1 mU/d on days 1-10, 28 days as one cycle. Clinical evaluation parameters including cellular immunity function, CLL related biomarkers, disease state and infectious frequency and degree were investigated before and after CIK cells infusion puls IL-2. The results showed that the amount of amplified CIK cells, the percentage and amplification times of effector cells and antitumor cytotoxicity more significantly increased after thymic peptide α1 treatment than before its use (P < 0.05). The total 46 cycles of CIK cells infusion plus IL-2 were completed in the 5 CLL patients. No adverse reaction was observed. After treatment of CIK cells plus IL-2, the general conditions of 5 CLL patients were to different extent improved. Simultaneously, percentages of CD3(+), CD3(+)CD8(+), and CD3(+)CD56(+) cells in peripheral blood remarked by raised (P < 0.05), the serum level of β2 microglobulin was significantly declined (P < 0.05), and the frequency and degree of infection was also decreased (P < 0.05). Following CIK cells plus IL-2 therapy, the transformation of disease state from partial remission (PR) to complete remission was seen in 3 patients, from stable disease (SD) to PR in 1 patient, and from progress of disease to SD in 1 patient. It is concluded that the regimen of autologous CIK cells combined with low-dose IL-2 containing immune enhancement of thymic peptide is safety and effective for the treatment of elderly patients with B-CLL.
Objective To analyze the amifostine-regulated human hematopoietic and immune-related genes retrieved from open gene chip databases with bioinformatics method.Methods Differently expressed amifostine-regulated human hematopoietic and immune-related genes were retrieved from internet gene expression databases including GEO,SAGE,GeneCard,InterPro,ProtoNet,UniProt,and BLOCKS using amifostine as the key word and analyzed with bioinformatics method,and their functional clustering was analyzed according to the Database of Annotation,Visualization and Integrated Discovery(DAVID).Results Only 1 expressed gene was screened from the GEO database.The functional clustering analysis showed that a significant difference was found only in expression of 2.14% of the whole genome(460/192 000) at transcription level after the K562 cells were treated with amifostine.Of the 460 differential genes,139 were the known genes.Of the 139 known genes,17 including 15 up-regulated and 2 down-regulated genes were related with hematopoiesis and immune system and divided into 8 categories in the biological pathway.Conclusion Full use of open human gene chip databases can rapidly,conveniently and economically analyze the characteristics of drug-regulated gene expression profiling,thus providing a guidance for predicting and verifying the pharmacological actions of new drugs.
Objective To screen and select new drugs for aplastic anemia (AA) and evaluate their clinical efficacy by clinical bioinformatics methods. Methods First, we established genome expression profiles of AA patients, and conducted similarity analyses with the pharmacogenomics database to screen and select drugs with possible efficacy. Intractable AA patients who received immunosuppressors and/or androgen for more than six months showing no clinical efficacy were enrolled in the study to evaluate therapeutic effects of the therapeutic regime. Clinical efficacy and adverse effects were evaluated after six months. Results The clinical bioinformatics results showed therapeutic effects of metformin hydrochloride on AA. Forty-three intractable AA patients (15 with severe AA) were treated with metformin hydrochloride combined with cyclosporin A (CsA) and stanozolol. Twenty-seven transfusion-dependent patients (100%) became transfusion independent after a 6-month therapy. The hemoglobin level completely returned to normal in 37 out of 40 anemia patients (92.5%). In the 40 patients with platelet count lower than 20×109/L, the platelet count of 28 patients (90.3%) increased to higher than 50×109/L. The white cell count increased to higher than 3.5×109/L in 30 out of 35 patients (88.6%) with white cell count lower than 2.5×109/L. Among 40 anemic patients, 1 was found to have abnormal renal function, but it recovered to the normal range after ending CsA treatment. Eighteen patients were found to have elevated transaminase levels which were lowered to normal range after using liver protectants and reducing the dosage of stanozolol. There were no instances of hypoglycemia in all patients throughout the treatment. Conclusion Combination of metformin hydrochloride, CsA and stanozolol is effective in refractory aplastic anemia with acceptable toxicity.
To provide an ideal animal model for exploring pathogenesis and experimental treatment of primary colonic lymphoma.Primary colonic and liver metastatic lymphoma tissues were obtained from the surgical specimens,and transplanted into colonic mucosa of nude mice respectively. The tumorigenesis, invasion, metastasis and morphology of the transplanted tumor were observed. Karyotype was analyzed and DNA content was measured.According to the new WHO classification of malignant lymphoma, two high metastatic models (HCBL-0303 from primary lymphoma and HCBL-0304 from live metastatic lesion) of human primary colonic non-Hodgkin's B cell lymphoma in nude mice were established successfully by orthotopic transplantation. Pathological examination showed poorly differentiated non-Hodgkin's B cell lymphoma of the transplanted tumors, and immunohistochemical staining showed positive expressions of CD19, CD20 and CD22, and negative expressions of CD3 and CD7. The number of chromosome ranged from 55 to 59, and DNA index (DI) was 1.59 - 1.71 (i.e. heteroploid). In HCBL-0303,liver metastasis rate was 63.7% and lymph node metastasis rate was 56.4%. However, in HCBL-0304, both metastasis rates of liver and lymph node were 100%. The transplanted tumors grew autonomously and invasively in nude mice, and further developed hematogenous, lymphatic metastasis and intraperitoneal seeding.HCBL-0303 and HCBL-0304 are the first established high metastatic models of primary colonic lymphoma, and can be applied to the research on pathogenesis, invasion,metastasis and experimental therapy of human primary colonic lymphoma.