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Target Concepts:
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Query: EC:5.99.1.2 (
topoisomerase
)
9,166
document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)
Incidence rates of colorectal cancer are relatively low in Asian populations, in which soy foods are commonly consumed. Soybeans and soy foods are an almost exclusive source of isoflavone intake. In in vitro studies, isoflavones have been shown to have various anticarcinogenic properties such as inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphorylation, induction of apoptosis, antiangiogenesis, and inhibition of
DNA topoisomerase
. Thus the protective role of soy foods and isoflavones in the etiology of colorectal cancer is a matter of interest. We therefore reviewed animal and epidemiological studies of colorectal cancer in relation to soybeans, soy foods, and isoflavones. Animal studies fairly consistently showed that soyfoods or isoflavones inhibited the formation of aberrant crypt foci, but did not clearly demonstrate an inhibitory effect of soy foods and isoflavones on the development of chemically-induced colorectal cancer. Several case-control studies have suggested that soy food consumption may confer a reduced risk of colorectal cancer although the findings are rather inconsistent. Most of the previous studies, especially in Japan, ascertained only the frequency of consuming selected soy foods, and thus were defective as regards the measurement of the total consumption of soy foods. Further epidemiological studies are needed to clarify the role for soy foods in colorectal
carcinogenesis
.
...
PMID:Soybeans, Soy Foods, Isoflavones and Risk of Colorectal Cancer: a Review of Experimental and Epidemiological Data. 1271 90
Radiation therapy has traditionally been the treatment of choice for locally or regionally advanced cancer, but its therapeutic efficacy is often hindered by limited tolerance of normal tissues and by tumor radioresistance. To improve therapeutic outcome, radiotherapy is frequently combined with chemotherapeutic drugs that are themselves cytotoxic and may sensitize cells to radiation. Solid evidence exists that administering standard chemotherapeutic agents during the course of radiotherapy (concurrent chemoradiotherapy) increases both local tumor control and patient survival in a number of cancer sites. These therapeutic improvements, however, have been achieved at the expense of considerable normal tissue toxicity. To improve chemoradiotherapy further, there have been extensive explorations of the potential of newer chemotherapeutic agents, including irinotecan (CPT-11, Camptosar) and other
topoisomerase
inhibitors. Preclinical studies have shown that these agents are potent radiosensitizers, providing a strong biologic rationale for using these drugs in combination with radiotherapy. These studies also generated information critical for designing effective treatment schedules in clinical settings. The therapeutic efficacy of
topoisomerase
inhibitor-radiation combinations is currently being tested clinically. Recent advances in molecular biology have discovered many cellular molecules, including the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme, that promote tumor cell survival and are responsible for tumor resistance to cytotoxic agents, and hence may serve as potential targets for augmentation of radio (or chemo) response. COX-2 is often overexpressed in premalignant lesions and cancer, and is involved in
carcinogenesis
, tumor growth, and metastatic spread. Preclinical studies provided solid evidence that inhibition of this enzyme with selective COX-2 inhibitors prevents
carcinogenesis
, slows the growth of established tumors, and enhances tumor response to radiation without appreciably affecting normal tissue radioresponse. The mechanisms of enhancement of tumor radioresponse involve direct actions on tumor cells and indirect actions, primarily on tumor vasculature. COX-2 inhibitors also improve tumor response to chemotherapeutic agents, including irinotecan. Additional therapeutic benefit was observed for celecoxib (Celebrex), a selective COX-2 inhibitor, consisting of a strong reduction in irinotecan-induced diarrhea. Thus, selective targeting of COX-2 may potentially improve radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or chemoradiotherapy--a therapeutic strategy that is currently being tested in clinical trials.
...
PMID:Improvement of radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy by targeting COX-2 enzyme. 1280 Jun 1
The proliferating zone contains stem cells that give rise to all epithelial cells of the gastric mucosa. In the present study, we investigated the turnover of gastric epithelial cells in the proliferating zone of Helicobacter pylori-infected mucosa, with or without intestinal metaplasia, before and after eradication of the microorganism. In addition, we studied the topographical distribution of the cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor p27(Kip1), which plays a critical role in cell cycle progression and differentiation programs. Twenty-eight patients (22 male), aged 32-78 years and with dyspeptic symptoms, were endoscoped, and gastric biopsies were obtained from antrum and corpus for histopathological examination and the Campylobacter-like organisms test; eradication therapy was given to infected patients, and all patients were re-endoscoped after 105 +/- 33 days (mean +/- SD). The kinetics of gastric epithelial cells and p27(Kip1) status was assessed by means of immunohistochemistry and TUNEL (Tdt-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling) assay. Twenty-one (21) of 28 patients were H. pylori positive, and 7 were found H. pylori negative and served as controls. In antrum, intestinal metaplasia was detected in 7/21 (33.3%). In H. pylori gastritis, Ki67 expression was found increased in the proliferating zone, compared with normal (P =.03); analogous results were obtained with the other proliferation markers, namely retinoblastoma protein and
topoisomerase
IIalpha. An inverse relationship between proliferation index and atrophy was disclosed (P =.02). A reduction in the proliferation index was observed after eradication, albeit not significant. Apoptotic epithelial cells were found significantly increased (P <.01) in H. pylori gastritis, and a significant reduction was observed after eradication (P <.01). In addition, apoptotic index was found to correlate with H. pylori density. The topographical study of p27(Kip1) revealed a p27(kip1)-positive epithelial cell population that resided deep in the proliferating zone; these cells were considered to be stem cells and were found significantly increased in areas with intestinal metaplasia (P <.05); in H. pylori gastritis, there was also an increase that did not reach statistical significance. H. pylori infection induces apoptosis and increases proliferation in the proliferating zone. The increased cellular turnover, together with the increased number of putative p27(Kip1)-positive stem cells in the context of intestinal metaplasia, provides further evidence for the role of H. pylori infection in gastric
carcinogenesis
.
...
PMID:Alterations in the proliferating compartment of gastric mucosa during Helicobacter pylori infection: the putative role of epithelial cells expressing p27(kip1). 1461 46
Changes in chemotherapy protocols have influenced the risk and rate of secondary malignancies in high-risk populations. The alkylating agents,
topoisomerase
inhibitors, and anthracycline agents pose the highest risk of initiating
carcinogenesis
. Normal cells that are especially sensitive to chemotherapy and most likely to begin
carcinogenesis
include those of the bone marrow, hair follicles, and the epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract. Thus, the development of secondary hematologic cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma pose the greatest risk to adult and childhood cancer survivors. Lifelong surveillance is recommended.
...
PMID:Chemotherapy-induced secondary malignancies. 1462 75
The ability of melanoma cells to evade engagement of apoptosis plays a significant role in their resistance to chemotherapy. In an attempt to lower the apoptotic threshold of melanoma cells as a possible strategy to increase their drug sensitivity, we generated a hammerhead ribozyme to down-regulate the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein survivin. The JR8 human melanoma cell line was stably transfected with the active ribozyme RZsurv (targeting the 3' end of the GUC294 triplet in the exon 3 of the survivin mRNA) or the catalytically inactive ribozyme mutRZsurv (carrying a mutation in the catalytic core of RZsurv). Two polyclonal cell populations expressing the active (JR8/RZsurv) or the mutant (JR8/mutRZsurv) ribozyme were selected for the study. JR8/RZsurv cells were characterized by a markedly lower survivin protein level than JR8 parental cells, whereas a negligible reduction in survivin expression was observed in JR8/mutRZsurv cells. JR8/RZsurv cells showed a significantly increased sensitivity to the
topoisomerase
-I inhibitor topotecan (as detected by clonogenic cell survival) compared with JR8/mutRZsurv cells. Moreover, the extent of drug-induced apoptosis (in terms of percentage of apoptotic nuclei and level of caspase-9 and caspase-3 catalytic activity) was significantly greater in JR8/RZsurv than in JR8/mutRZsurv cells. Finally, an increased antitumor activity of oral topotecan was observed in JR8/RZsurv cells grown as xenograft tumors in athymic nude mice compared with JR8/mutRZsurv cells. These results demonstrate that attenuation of survivin expression renders human melanoma cells more susceptible to topotecan-induced apoptosis and more responsive to in vivo treatment, and support the concept that survivin is an attractive target for new therapeutic interventions in melanoma.
Carcinogenesis
2004 Jul
PMID:Ribozyme-mediated down-regulation of survivin expression sensitizes human melanoma cells to topotecan in vitro and in vivo. 1476 61
Existing systems of classification of carcinogens are a matter of discussion, world-wide. There is agreement that it should be distinguished between genotoxic and non-genotoxic chemicals. The risk assessment approach used for non-genotoxic chemicals is similar among different regulatory bodies: insertion of an uncertainty (safety) factor permits the derivation of permissible exposure levels at which no relevant human cancer risks are anticipated. For genotoxic carcinogens, case studies of chemicals point to a whole array of possibilities. Positive data of chromosomal effects only, in the absence of mutagenicity, may support the characterization of a compound that produces carcinogenic effects only at high, toxic doses. Non-DNA-reactive genotoxins, such as
topoisomerase
inhibitors or inhibitors of the spindle apparatus are considered in this respect. In such cases, arguments are in favour of the existence of "practical" thresholds. Taking existing concepts together, it is proposed to basically distinguish between "perfect" and "practical" thresholds. There is a wide consensus that for non-DNA-reactive genotoxins such as aneugens (aneuploidy, chromosome loss, non-disjunction) thresholds should be defined. It is being discussed as to whether the identification of possible threshold effects should also include other mechanisms of genotoxicity, in addition to aneugenic effects. Specific mechanisms of clastogenicity have been repeatedly addressed as also having thresholds, such as
topoisomerase
II poisons or mechanisms based on reactive oxygen. Oxidative stress as an important mechanism is triggered by exposure to exogenous factors such as ultraviolet (UV) and ionizing radiation, anoxia and hyperoxia, and by chemicals producing reactive oxygen species. The idea is receiving increased support that reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated processes of
carcinogenesis
have practical thresholds. Since reactive oxygen species are genotoxic in principle, questions arise whether chemicals that increase ROS production will superimpose to an endogenously produced background level of DNA lesions, related to mechanisms that may result in non-linear dose-effect relationships. The existence of "endogenous" DNA adducts has been generally accepted, and possible regulatory implications of the presence of endogenous carcinogens have been discussed. It is now becoming evident that a diversity of methods of carcinogenic risk extrapolation to low doses must be considered, dependent on the mode of action. Although there is an increasing international awareness of these developments, the system of classification of carcinogens of the European Union still remains static. This should be changed, as the philosophy of separation of a strictly sequential "hazard assessment" and "risk assessment" appears out-of-date.
...
PMID:Carcinogenicity categorization of chemicals-new aspects to be considered in a European perspective. 1517 38
Perinatal
carcinogenesis
as a cross-disciplinary concern is the subject of this special issue of Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, which consists of a total of eight reviews or commentaries in the areas of epidemiology, risk assessment, and animal models. Some of the conclusions from these articles, and the Questions and Answers section that follows most of them, are summarized here. There is adequate reason to suspect that perinatal exposures contribute to human cancer risk, both childhood cancers, and those appearing later in life. The latter type of risk may actually be quantitatively the more important, and involve a wide range of types of effects, but has received only limited attention. With regard to childhood cancers, fetal irradiation and diethylstilbestrol exposure are known etiological agents, and it is likely, but not yet certain, there are additional external causes of a portion of these. Some current focal points of interest here include nitroso compounds,
DNA topoisomerase
inhibitors, viruses, anti-AIDS drugs, and endocrine disruptors. Regulatory agencies must rely heavily on animal data for estimation of human risk due to perinatal exposures to chemicals, and the quantity and quality of these data presently available for this purpose are greatly limiting. Correctly designed conventional animal studies with suspect chemicals are still needed. Furthermore, genetically engineered mouse models for childhood cancers, especially medulloblastoma, have become available, and could be used for screening of candidate causative agents for this cancer type, and for better understanding of gene-environment interactions.
...
PMID:Introduction and overview. Perinatal carcinogenesis: growing a node for epidemiology, risk management, and animal studies. 1531 81
This study evaluated the immunohistochemical expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) in endometrial carcinoma and atypical endometrial hyperplasia, and related it to the expression of
topoisomerase
(TP)IIalpha (a proliferation associated enzyme); apoptosis as determined by the frequency of apoptotic bodies (ABI); mitotic counts; and other clinicopathologic variables. Immunoreactivity for hTERT and TPIIalpha as well as ABI were assessed in 57 endometrial samples (12 atypical hyperplasias, 33 endometrioid carcinomas, 12 serous/clear cell carcinomas). hTERT immunoreactivity, TPIIalpha labeling indices (LI), ABI, and ratios of the indices (ABI/TPIIalpha LI) increased from atypical hyperplasias to endometrioid carcinomas to serous/clear cell carcinomas (p < 0.0001 for each variable). hTERT expression increased with ABI (p < 0.0001), TPIIalpha LI (p = 0.0019), ABI/TPIIalpha ratios (p < 0.0001), and grade (p = 0.0005), but not with FIGO stage (p = 0.2775). TPIIalpha LI, ABI, and ratios were related to high grade (p = 0.0001 for each variable), but not with FIGO stage (p = 0.7362, p = 0.7554, and p = 0.7405, respectively). TPIIalpha LI and ABI were significantly correlated in atypical hyperplasias (p = 0.0004), endometrioid carcinomas (p < 0.0001), and serous/clear cell carcinomas (p = 0.024). Immunostaining levels for hTERT were similar in atypical hyperplasias and grade 1 endometrioid carcinomas (p = 0.1956). These results suggest that hTERT expression is closely related to proliferation, apoptosis, and high grade in endometrial carcinomas, reflecting cell cycle deregulation in endometrial
carcinogenesis
.
...
PMID:Immunohistochemical detection of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), topoisomerase IIalpha expression, and apoptosis in endometrial adenocarcinoma and atypical hyperplasia. 1578 75
The existing systems of classification of carcinogens should include a distinction between genotoxic and non-genotoxic chemicals. For non-genotoxic chemicals, permissible exposure levels can be derived at which no relevant human cancer risks are anticipated. While genotoxic carcinogens can induce chromosomal effects without mutagenic action, non-DNA-reactive genotoxins affecting
topoisomerase
or the spindle, or those having an exclusively aneugenic effect can be carcinogenic only at high, toxic doses. Specific mechanisms of clastogenicity and processes of
carcinogenesis
based on reactive oxygen have practical thresholds. Since reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generally genotoxic, the question is whether chemicals that increase ROS production will add to endogenously produced background levels and lead to nonlinear dose-effect relationships. Taking into account the presence of endogenous carcinogens, it is now becoming evident that carcinogenic risk extrapolation to low doses must be considered according to the mode of action.
...
PMID:New aspects in the classification of carcinogens. 1596 33
The present work was conducted to further examine the effects of thymosin beta-4 (Tbeta4) upregulation on the apoptosis of SW480 colon cancer cells induced by T cells and various chemotherapeutic agents because reduced susceptibility to the cytotoxicity of an anti-Fas IgM (CH-11) in Tbeta4-overexpressing cells has previously been reported by us. As expected, Tbeta4 overexpressers were also more resistant to the killing effect of FasL-bearing Jurkat T cells. On the other hand, pretreating these cells with an MMP inhibitor restored not only their Fas levels but also their sensitivity to CH-11, suggesting a pivotal role of MMP in downregulating Fas in Tbeta4 overexpressers. Interestingly, while the susceptibilities of Tbeta4 overexpressers to 5-FU and irinotecan remained unchanged, they were more resistant to doxorubicin and etoposide which triggered apoptosis via a mitochondrial pathway. Concordantly, activation of both caspases 9 and 3 in Tbeta4 overexpressers by the two aforementioned
topoisomerase
II inhibitors was dramatically abrogated which could be accounted mainly by an increased expression of Survivin, a critical anti-apoptotic factor. Finally, poor survival was found in stage III colon cancer patients whose tumors were stained positively by the anti-Survivin antibody. Thus, advantages such as immune evasion and resistance to anticancer drug-induced apoptosis acquired by colon cancer cells through Tbeta4 overexpression might facilitate their survival during metastasis and chemotherapy.
Carcinogenesis
2006 May
PMID:Overexpression of thymosin beta-4 renders SW480 colon carcinoma cells more resistant to apoptosis triggered by FasL and two topoisomerase II inhibitors via downregulating Fas and upregulating Survivin expression, respectively. 1636 25
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