[A murine model of human primary hepatic lymphoma constructed by surgical orthotopic implantation of histologically intact human tumor tissue and in vivo continuous orthotopic passage].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a nude murine model of human primary hepatic lymphoma (PHL) with surgical orthotopic implantation of histologically intact human tumor tissue and in vivo continuous orthotopic passage. METHODS: Histologically intact lymphoma tissues harvested intraoperatively from a PHL patient were orthotopically transplanted into liver parenchyma of nude mice and in vivo continuous orthotopic passage in nude mice was used to develop a nude murine model mimicking the biological characteristics of PHL patients. Histopathology (light microscopy and immunohistochemistry), serological test, karyotypic analysis and flow cytometry were used to explore the tumorigenicity, invasion and metastasis. RESULTS: An orthotopic nude murine model of PHL, named HLBL-0102, was successfully developed. Histopathology of transplanted tumors showed primary hepatic lymphoma (diffuse large B cell) stained positive for CD20, CD79a and MUM1. Serological test in tumor-bearing mice indicated that alpha-fetal protein (AFP) was negative and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive. The serum level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was elevated to an average of ((1223 ± 258) vs (124 ± 54) U/L, P < 0.01). The chromosomal number of transplanted tumors was between 55 and 59. The DNA index (DI) of 1.7 ± 0.2 indicated heteroploid. So far HLBL-0102 model has been passed for 42 generations in nude mice. A total of 320 nude mice were used for transplantation. The growth rate and resuscitation rate of liquid nitrogen cryopreservation of transplanted tumors were both 100%. The transplanted tumors grew invasively in the liver of nude mice and destroyed adjacent liver tissues and bile ducts, veins and arteries of portal area. There was no involvement of other tissues, organs and distal lymph nodes. CONCLUSION: An orthotopically transplanted model has been successfully established for human primary hepatic lymphoma in nude mice.

Antisense oligonucleotide against hTERT (Cantide) inhibits tumor growth in an orthotopic primary hepatic lymphoma mouse model.

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.

[Short-term curative efficacy of autologous cytokine induced killer cells combined with low-dose IL-2 regimen containing immune enhancement by thymic peptide in elderly patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia].

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 ß2 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.

[Research progress on immunocyte senescence - review].

The function of immune system degenerates in an aging-dependent manner and this results in immunosenescence. Human immune system includes two parts: genetic/innate immunity and adaptive immunity. The former is involved in monocytes, nature killer cells, and dendritic cells, the later is involved in acquired B and T lymphocytes. During the aging of immunity system, the both parts of immunity are damaged to some degree. Generally, innate immunity seems well-retained and the acquired immunity is degenerative seriously with aging. Immunocyte senescence is closely related to the elderly decreased ability to control infectious disease, cancer and to their generally poor response to vaccination. This review summarized the research progress on immunosenescence characteristics in aged phase.

Clinical study of autologous cytokine-induced killer cells for the treatment of elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of autologous cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells in elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from nine elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. PBMCs were augmented by priming with interferon gamma (IFN-γ) followed by IL-2 and monoclonal antibody (mAb) against CD3. Autologous CIK cells (range 5 × 10(9)-1 × 10(10)) were then infused back to individual patients; infusion was repeated every 4 weeks for 32 weeks (eight cycles). Patients were assessed for changes in lymphocyte subgroup, tumor-related biological parameters, imaging characteristics, the condition of remission, quality of life (QOL), and survival. Prior to CIK infusion, two patients were in complete remission and seven patients were in partial remission. After autologous CIK cell transfusions, the proportion of CD3+, CD3+CD8+, and CD3+CD56+ cells were significantly increased compared with baseline (P < 0.05); whereas serum levels of ß2-microglobulin and LDH were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The lymphoma symptoms were reduced and QOL was improved (P < 0.05) in all patients. All patients achieved complete remission at study endpoint. No adverse reactions were reported. Autologous CIK cell immunotherapy is safe and efficacious for the treatment of elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

[Prediction and bioinformatics analysis of human gene expression profiling regulated by amifostine].

Objective of this study was to perform bioinformatics analysis of the characteristics of gene expression profiling regulated by amifostine and predict its novel potential biological function to provide a direction for further exploring pharmacological actions of amifostine and study methods. Amifostine was used as a key word to search internet-based free gene expression database including GEO, affymetrix gene chip database, GenBank, SAGE, GeneCard, InterPro, ProtoNet, UniProt and BLOCKS and the sifted amifostine-regulated gene expression profiling data was subjected to validity testing, gene expression difference analysis and functional clustering and gene annotation. The results showed that only one data of gene expression profiling regulated by amifostine was sifted from GEO database (accession: GSE3212). Through validity testing and gene expression difference analysis, significant difference (p < 0.01) was only found in 2.14% of the whole genome (460/192000). Gene annotation analysis showed that 139 out of 460 genes were known genes, in which 77 genes were up-regulated and 62 genes were down-regulated. 13 out of 139 genes were newly expressed following amifostine treatment of K562 cells, however expression of 5 genes was completely inhibited. Functional clustering displayed that 139 genes were divided into 11 categories and their biological function was involved in hematopoietic and immunologic regulation, apoptosis and cell cycle. It is concluded that bioinformatics method can be applied to analysis of gene expression profiling regulated by amifostine. Amifostine has a regulatory effect on human gene expression profiling and this action is mainly presented in biological processes including hematopoiesis, immunologic regulation, apoptosis and cell cycle and so on. The effect of amifostine on human gene expression need to be further testified in experimental condition.

[Establishment of a nude mouse model of highly metastatic gastric lymphoma constructed with orthotopic transplantation of surgical specimen].

OBJECTIVE: To construct a mouse model of highly metastatic gastric lymphoma with orthotopic transplantation of human primary gastric lymphoma specimen. METHODS: A fresh surgical specimen of primary gastric lymphoma was obtained intraoperatively and implanted into the submucosa of stomach in nude mice. Tumor formation, invasion, metastasis, morphological characteristics under light microscopy and electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry,and the karyotype of orthotopically transplanted tumor cells were studied. RESULTS: An orthotopic highly metastatic model of human primary gastric lymphoma in nude mice(HGBL-0305) was successfully established. Histopathology of transplanted tumors showed primary gastric diffuse large B cell lymphoma. CD19, CD20, CD22 and CD79alpha were positive, while CD3 and CD7 were negative. The number of chromosome ranged from 56 to 69. DNA index(DI) was 1.47+/-0.12(i.e. heteroploid). Until now, HGBL-0305 model has been maintained for 45 generations by orthotopic passage for almost 4 years in nude mice. A total of 156 nude mice were used for transplantation. The growth rate and resuscitation rate of liquid nitrogen cryopreservation of transplanted tumor cells were both 100%. The autonomic growth of the transplanted tumor cells invaded and destructed all the layers of the nude mice stomach. The metastasis rates of liver, spleen, lymph node, and peritoneal seeding were 69.5%, 55.6%, 45.7%, and 30.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: An orthotopic highly metastatic model of human primary gastric lymphoma in nude mice is successfully established. HGBL-0305 model may simulate the natural course of primary gastric lymphoma in human and provides an ideal animal model for studies on pathogenesis, metastasis biology and anti-metastatic therapies of primary gastric lymphoma.

A liver-metastatic model of human primary gastric lymphoma in nude mice orthotopically constructed by using histologically intact patient specimens.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In recent years, incidence and mortality of lymphoma are markedly increasing worldwide. However, the pathogenesis and mechanism of invasion and metastasis for lymphoma are not yet fully clarified. It is mainly due to the lack of ideal animal models, which can precisely simulate the invasion and metastasis of lymphoma in the human body. So, it is very necessary to establish a highly metastatic nude mouse model of human lymphoma. This study developed a liver-metastatic model of primary gastric lymphoma in nude mice by using orthotopic surgical implantation of histologically intact patient specimens into the corresponding organs of the recipient small animals. METHODS: A histologically intact fragment of liver metastasis derived from a surgical specimen of a patient with primary gastric lymphoma was implanted into the submucosa of the stomach in nude mice. Tumorigenicity, invasion, metastasis, morphologic characteristics (via light microscopy, electron microscopy, and immunohistochemistry), karyotype analysis, and DNA content of the orthotopically transplanted tumors were studied. RESULTS: An orthotopic liver metastatic model of human primary gastric lymphoma in nude mice (termed HGBL-0304) was successfully established. The histopathology of the transplanted tumors showed primary gastric diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. CD19, CD20, CD22, and CD79alpha were positive, but CD3 and CD7 were negative. The serum level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was elevated [(1010.56+/-200.85) U/L]. The number of chromosomes ranged from 75 to 89. The DNA index (DI) was 1.45+/-0.25 (that is, heteroploid). So far, the HGBL-0304 model has been passed on for 45 generations of nude mice. A total of 263 nude mice were used for the transplantation. Both the growth and resuscitation rates of liquid nitrogen cryopreservation of the transplanted tumors were 100%. The transplanted tumors autonomically invasively grew and damaged a whole layer in the stomach of nude mice. The metastasis rates of liver, spleen, lymph node, and peritoneal seeding were 100%, 94.3%, 62.6%, and 43.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The study successfully establishes an orthotopic liver metastatic model of human primary gastric lymphoma in nude mice. The HGBL-0304 model can completely simulate the natural clinical process of primary gastric lymphoma and provides an ideal animal model for the research on the biology of metastasis and antimetastatic experimental therapies of primary gastric lymphoma.

[Highly metastatic nude mouse model of human primary gastric lymphoma constructed by surgical orthotopic transplantation and in vivo continuous screening method].

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-0304 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-0305 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.

[Establishment of a highly-metastatic model of human primary melanoma of the small intestine orthotopically transplanted in the small intestine of nude mice].

OBJECTIVE: To provide an useful animal model for exploring metastatic biology and anti-metastatic therapy of primary malignant melanoma of the small intestine. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.

Inhibition of hepatocellular carcinoma growth by antisense oligonucleotides to type I insulin-like growth factor receptor in vitro and in an orthotopic model.

AIM: The type I insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-IR) is overexpressed in many tumors including human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It is a critical signaling molecule for tumor cell proliferation and survival. In the present study, IGF-IR expression was down-regulated by phosphorothioate antisense oligonucleotides (AS[S]ODN) to evaluate their specific effects on growth of hepatoma cells in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: HepG2 cells were transfected with different doses of AS[S]ODN, sense [S]ODN, mismatch [S]ODN, or Lipofectin for 72 h, and cell proliferation was analyzed by MTS assay. In vivo, an orthotopic transplant model of HCC was established in nude mice, which were then injected with AS[S]ODN, sense [S]ODN, 5-fluorouracil or saline. At the endpoint of treatment, the tumors were excised and evaluated. RESULTS: Compared to sense and mismatched oligonucleotides, AS[S]ODN targeting to IGF-IR mRNA significantly inhibited hepatoma cell lines HepG2 proliferation and IGF-IR expression at both mRNA and protein levels. The in vivo results showed that systemic treatment also resulted in significant inhibition in tumor growth. Tumor growth in mice treated with AS[S]ODN (50 and 75 mg/kg per day) was significantly inhibited (71.81% and 61.74%, respectively) compared to the saline-treated group (P < 0.01) in a dose-dependent manner. The antitumor effect of IGF-IR AS[S]ODN was associated with down-regulation of IGF-IR in tumor xenografts. Furthermore, IGF-IR AS[S]ODN prevented liver recurrence tumor growth and metastasis in the lung, showing a dose-dependent response. The level of serum alpha-fetoprotein in AS[S]ODN-treated groups was also decreased in a dose-dependent manner, and a good correlation was observed between tumor volume and serum alpha-fetoprotein concentration. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that IGF-IR AS[S]ODN can effectively and specifically inhibit HCC growth in vitro and in vivo. Blockage of IGF-IR expression could be a promising therapeutic approach for the management of patients with HCC.

[Establishment of a nude mouse model of orthotopically transplanted human primary malignant lymphoma of the liver].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a nude mouse model of orthotopically transplanted human primary malignant lymphoma of the liver, and to serve researches on pathogenesis and experimental treatment of this disease. METHODS: Small pieces of lymphoma tissues freshly taken from patients with primary lymphoma of the liver were orthotopically transplanted into the liver parenchyma in nude mice. Tumorgenicity, invasion, metastasis, and morphological characteristics were examined by light and electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry. AFP, HBsAg and LDH were assayed by serological test. Karyotype analysis and DNA content of orthotopically transplanted tumors were also performed. RESULTS: A nude mouse model of orthotopically transplanted human primary malignant lymphoma of the liver was successfully established and named HLBL-0102. The tumor was confirmed as primary lymphoma of the liver (non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, B cell) by histopathology. Immunohistochemistry showed positive expression of CD19, CD20, CD45 and CD79a, but negative of CD3 and CD7. Serological test indicated that AFP was negative, HBsAg positive and the concentration of LDH was 1267.5 U/L. The number of chromosomes was between 55 and 59. DNA index (DI) was 1.57 approximately 1.61 (i.e. heteroploid). So far, the strain HLBL-0102 has grown for 3 years and been passaged for 37 generations in nude mice. Totally 283 nude mice were used for transplantation and the successful rate was 100%. Both the growth rate and resuscitation rate of liquid nitrogen cryo-preserved transplanted tumors were 100%. The transplanted tumors grew intensely and invasively in the liver of nude mice and damaged adjacent liver tissues, bile ducts and portal vein areas. No involvement of other tissues and organs and distal lymph nodes was observed. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge it is the first report of successfully established nude mouse model of orthotopically transplanted human primary malignant lymphoma of the liver. The HLBL-0102 model simulate very well the natural process of human primary lymphoma of the liver and provides an ideal animal model for researches on the biology and therapies of this malignancy.

[Establishment of liver metastasis model of human primary colonic lymphoma by orthotopic transplantation].

OBJECTIVE: To provide an ideal animal model for exploring pathogenesis and experimental treatment of primary colonic lymphoma. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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.

Inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis with antisense oligonucleotides (Cantide) targeting hTERT in an in situ human hepatocellular carcinoma model.

AIM: To evaluate the in vivo antitumor effects of Cantide and the combined effect with 5-fluorouracil. METHODS: An in situ human hepatocellular carcinoma model was established in mice livers orthotopically. Drugs were administered intravenously and tumor sizes were monitored with calipers. Plasma alpha-fetoprotein(AFP) were detected by radiation immunoassay. Morphology of tumors was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin (H and E) staining of histological sections. Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) protein levels were detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: Cantide significantly inhibit in situ human hepatocellular carcinoma growth in mice with a 75 and 50 mg.kg(-1).d(-1) administration of Cantide compared to the saline group in a dose-dependent manner, which included injecting Cantide 25 mg.kg(-1).d(-1) by iv for 20 d after surgically removing the tumor in liver. Cantide was also found to prevent tumor recurrence in the liver and metastasis in the lung, showing a dose-dependent response. When Cantide was administered by iv combined with 5-fluorouracil, it resulted in a significant reduction in tumor growth compared to either agent alone treatment group. After the treatment with Cantide alone or combined with 5-fluorouracil, plasma AFP concentration decreased in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrated that Cantide was an effective antitumor antisense oligonucleotide in vivo and has the potential to be developed into a clinical anti-cancer drug.

[Establishment and characteristics of orthotopically transplanted model of human primary malignant small intestinal lymphoma in nude mice].

OBJECTIVE: To establish orthotopically transplanted model of human malignant small intestinal lymphoma in nude mice and analyze their biologic characteristics. METHODS: Small intestinal lymphoma tissues from 5 patients were transplanted into intestinal mucosa of nude mice. Tumorgenecity, invasion and metastasis of the transplanted tumors were observed by morphological analyses (light microscopy, electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry), karyotyping and DNA quantitative assay. RESULTS: Tumor tissues from 3 lymphoma patients were successfully transplanted. According to the World Health Organization classification, the three models were classified into non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (B cell) of human small intestine (HSIL-1), high metastasis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (B cell) of human small intestine (HSIL-2) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (T cell) of human small intestine (HSIL-3), respectively. Immunohistochemistry showed that CD19, CD20, CD22, CD40, CD45 and CD72 were positive in HSIL-1 and HSIL-2, whereas CD3, CD7 and CD45RO were positive in HSIL-3. The karyotypes of the transplanted tumors were all hypotriploid with modal numbers from 55 to 69 and the DNA index (DI) was 1.46 approximately 1.71. The three models had been passaged for 32, 27 and 21 generations respectively in 433 nude mice. The growth rate, resuscitation rate of the liquid nitrogen preserved tumor cells and spontaneous metastasis rate upon transplantation were all 100%. We observed an invasive growth of the transplanted tumors in small intestine, which resulted in disrupting of the intestinal wall, hematogenous metastasis, lymph node metastasis and seeding metastasis. The features of the transplanted tumors were similar to the original tumors in histopathology, ultrastructure, DNA content and karyotype. CONCLUSION: Three strains of orthotopically transplanted model of human primary malignant small intestinal lymphoma in nude mice were successfully developed. The result of research will provide ideal animal models for further studies on mechanism of tumorigenesis, invasion and metastasis of malignant small intestinal lymphoma and experimental therapy.

Liver metastasis models of human colorectal carcinoma established in nude mice by orthotopic transplantation and their biologic characteristic.

AIM:To establish a liver metastasis model of human colorectal carcinoma in nude mice.METHODS:Orthotopic transplantation of histologically intact colorectal tissues from patients into colorectal mucosa of nude mice. Tumorgenicity, invasion, metastasis and morphological characteristics of the transplanted tumors were studied by light microscopy, electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry.RESULTS:Liver metastasis models of human colon carcinoma (HCA-HMN-1) and human rectal carcinoma (HRA-HMN-2) were established after sceening from 34 colorectal carcinomas.They had been passaged in vivo for 18 and 21 generations respectively. There were lymphatic, hemotogenous and implanting metastasesis.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.CONCLUSION:The liver metastasis models provide useful tools for the study of mechanism of metastasis and its treatment of human colorectal cancer.