1. |
- Tassidis, Helena, et al.
(author)
-
Immunohistochemical detection of tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 predicts outcome after radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer
- 2010
-
In: International Journal of Cancer. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0020-7136 .- 1097-0215. ; 126:10, s. 2296-2307
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) receptors and cytosolic signaling proteins as well as the protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) have important roles in regulation of growth of the benign and malignant prostate gland. Here, we studied expression of the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 in prostate cancer cell lines and in human prostatic tissues. SHP-1 is expressed at a high level in LNCaP prostate cancer cells compared with PC3 cells. Silencing of SHP-1 expression with siRNA in LNCaP cells led to an increased rate of proliferation, whereas overexpression of SHP-1 by means of transient and stable transfection in PC3 cells led to a decrease in proliferation. Corresponding changes were observed in cyclin D1 expression. We further demonstrate that LNCaP and PC3 cells respond differently to IL-6 stimulation. SHP-1 overexpression in PC3 cells reversed IL-6 stimulation of proliferation, whereas in SHP-1-silenced LNCaP cells, IL-6 inhibition of proliferation was not affected. In addition, IL-6 treatment led to higher levels of phosphorylated STAT3 in SHP-1-silenced LNCaP cells than in control cells. Next, SHP-1 expression in human prostate cancer was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining of tissue microarrays comprising tumor specimens from 100 prostate cancer patients. We found an inverse correlation between the tumor level of SHP-1 expression and time to biochemical recurrence and clinical progression among prostate cancer patients. In conclusion, our results suggest that a decreased level of SHP-1 expression in prostate cancer cells is associated with a high proliferation rate and an increased risk of recurrence or clinical progression after radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer.
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2. |
- Brokken, Leon, et al.
(author)
-
Association between polymorphisms in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor repressor gene and disseminated testicular germ cell cancer.
- 2013
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In: Frontiers in Endocrinology. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 1664-2392. ; 4:Feb.,14
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In the Western world, testicular germ cell cancer (TGCC) is the most common malignancy of young men. The malignant transformation of germ cells is thought to be caused by developmental and hormonal disturbances, probably related to environmental and lifestyle factors because of rapidly increasing incidence of TGCC in some countries. Additionally, there is a strong genetic component that affects susceptibility. However, genetic polymorphisms that have been identified so far only partially explain the risk of TGCC. Many of the persistent environmental pollutants act through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). AHR signaling pathway is known to interfere with reproductive hormone signaling, which is supposed to play a role in the pathogenesis and invasive progression of TGCC. The aim of the present study was to identify whether AHR-related polymorphisms were associated with risk as well as histological and clinical features of TGCC in 367 patients and 537 controls. Haplotype-tagging single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped in genes encoding AHR and AHR repressor (AHRR). Binary logistic regression was used to calculate the risk of TGCC, non-seminoma versus seminoma, and metastasis versus localized disease. Four SNPs in AHRR demonstrated a significant allele association with risk to develop metastases (rs2466287: OR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.21-0.90; rs2672725: OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.25-0.94; rs6879758: OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.08-0.92; rs6896163: OR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.12-0.98). This finding supports the hypothesis that compounds acting through AHR may play a role in the invasive progression of TGCC, either directly or through modification of reproductive hormone action.
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3. |
- Brokken, Leon, et al.
(author)
-
Association of polymorphisms in genes encoding hormone receptors ESR1, ESR2 and LHCGR with the risk and clinical features of testicular germ cell cancer.
- 2012
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In: Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1872-8057 .- 0303-7207. ; 351:2, s. 279-285
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Testicular germ cell cancer (TGCC) is the most common malignancy in young men. Genetic variants known to be associated with risk of TGCC only partially account for the observed familial risks. We aimed to identify additional polymorphisms associated with risk as well as histological and clinical features of TGCC in 367 patients and 214 controls. Polymorphisms in ESR2 (rs1256063; OR=0.53, 95% CI: 0.35-0.79) and LHCGR (rs4597581; OR=0.68, 95% CI: 0.51-0.89, and rs4953617; OR=1.88, 95% CI: 1.21-2.94) associated with risk of TGCC. Polymorphisms in ESR1 (rs9397080; OR=1.85, 95% CI: 1.18-2.91) and LHCGR (rs7371084; OR=2.37, 95% CI: 1.26-4.49) associated with risk of seminoma and metastasis, respectively. SNPs in ESR1 (rs9397080) and LHCGR (rs7371084) were predictors of higher LH levels and higher androgen sensitivity index in healthy subjects. The results suggest that polymorphisms in ESR1, ESR2 and LHCGR contribute to the risk of developing TGCC, histological subtype, and risk to metastasis.
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4. |
- Brokken, Leon, et al.
(author)
-
Gene-environment interactions in male reproductive health: Special reference to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling pathway.
- 2014
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In: Asian Journal of Andrology. - 1008-682X. ; 16:1, s. 89-96
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Over the last few decades, there have been numerous reports of adverse effects on the reproductive health of wildlife and laboratory animals caused by exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The increasing trends in human male reproductive disorders and the mounting evidence for causative environmental factors have therefore sparked growing interest in the health threat posed to humans by EDCs, which are substances in our food, environment and consumer items that interfere with hormone action, biosynthesis or metabolism, resulting in disrupted tissue homeostasis or reproductive function. The mechanisms of EDCs involve a wide array of actions and pathways. Examples include the estrogenic, androgenic, thyroid and retinoid pathways, in which the EDCs may act directly as agonists or antagonists, or indirectly via other nuclear receptors. Dioxins and dioxin-like EDCs exert their biological and toxicological actions through activation of the aryl hydrocarbon-receptor, which besides inducing transcription of detoxifying enzymes also regulates transcriptional activity of other nuclear receptors. There is increasing evidence that genetic predispositions may modify the susceptibility to adverse effects of toxic chemicals. In this review, potential consequences of hereditary predisposition and EDCs are discussed, with a special focus on the currently available publications on interactions between dioxin and androgen signaling.
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5. |
- Brokken, Leon, et al.
(author)
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Interactions between polymorphisms in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor signalling pathway and exposure to persistent organochlorine pollutants affect human semen quality.
- 2014
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In: Reproductive Toxicology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1873-1708 .- 0890-6238. ; 49:Jul 30, s. 65-73
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) may affect male reproductive function. Many dioxin-like POPs exert their effects by activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signalling pathway. We analysed whether gene-environment interactions between polymorphisms in AHR (R554K) and AHR repressor (AHRR P185A) and serum levels of markers of POP exposure 1,1-bis-(4-chlorophenyl)-2,2-dichloroethene (p,p'-DDE) and 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (CB-153) are associated with 21 parameters of male reproductive function in 581 proven-fertile European and Greenlandic men. In Greenlandic men, AHR variants significantly modified the association between serum levels of both p,p'-DDE and CB-153 and inhibin B levels, sperm chromatin integrity, and seminal zinc levels. In the total cohort, interactions between AHRR variants and serum levels of CB-153 were associated with sperm chromatin integrity and the expression of the pro-apoptotic marker protein Fas. The data indicate that susceptibility to adverse effects of POP exposure on male reproductive function is dependent on polymorphisms in genes involved in AHR signalling.
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6. |
- Brokken, Leon, et al.
(author)
-
Non-linear association between androgen receptor CAG and GGN repeat lengths and reproductive parameters in fertile European and Inuit men.
- 2013
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In: Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1872-8057 .- 0303-7207. ; 370:1-2, s. 163-171
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Recently the dogma that there is an inverse linear association between androgen receptor (AR) CAG and GGN polymorphisms and receptor activity has been challenged. We analysed the pattern of association between 21 male reproductive phenotypes and AR CAG/GGN repeat lengths in 557 proven-fertile men. A linear association was only found between sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and CAG length, and between inhibin B and GGN length. Men with longer CAG then the reference (22-24), had higher oestradiol levels, whereas men with shorter CAG stretches had a higher DFI and a higher proportion of Fas-positive germ cells. Subjects with either short or long CAG had increased seminal levels of prostate-specific antigen and neutral α-glucosidase activity. Compared to men with the median GGN length of 23, those with shorter GGN repeats had higher levels of inhibin B, higher proportions of normal and progressive sperm, and a higher fraction of Fas-positive sperm, while men with longer GGN had higher oestradiol levels. These data indicate that at least for some markers of male reproductive function the association with CAG or GGN repeat length is curvilinear.
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7. |
- Brokken, Leon, et al.
(author)
-
Suppression of serum TSH by Graves' Ig: evidence for a functional pituitary TSH receptor
- 2001
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In: Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. - 1945-7197. ; 86:10, s. 4814-4817
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Antithyroid treatment for Graves' hyperthyroidism restores euthyroidism clinically within 1-2 months, but it is well known that TSH levels can remain suppressed for many months despite normal free T(4) and T(3) levels. This has been attributed to a delayed recovery of the pituitary-thyroid axis. However, we recently showed that the pituitary contains a TSH receptor through which TSH secretion may be down-regulated via a paracrine feedback loop. In Graves' disease, TSH receptor autoantibodies may also bind this pituitary receptor, thus causing continued TSH suppression. This hypothesis was tested in a rat model. Rat thyroids were blocked by methimazole, and the animals were supplemented with L-T(4). They were then injected with purified human IgG from Graves' disease patients at two different titers or with IgG from a healthy control (thyroid hormone binding inhibitory Ig, 591, 127, and < 5 U/liter). Despite similar T(4) and T(3) levels, TSH levels were indeed lower in the animals treated with high TSH receptor autoantibodies containing IgGs; the 48-h mean TSH concentration (mean +/- SEM; n = 8) was 11.6 +/- 1.3 ng/ml compared with 16.2 +/- 0.9 ng/ml in the controls (P < 0.01). The intermediate strength TSH receptor autoantibody-treated animals had levels in between the other two groups (13.5 +/- 2.0 ng/ml). We conclude that TSH receptor autoantibodies can directly suppress TSH levels independently of circulating thyroid hormone levels, suggesting a functioning pituitary TSH receptor.
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8. |
- Nilsson, Emeli, et al.
(author)
-
Fibroblast growth factor 8 increases breast cancer cell growth by promoting cell cycle progression and by protecting against cell death.
- 2010
-
In: Experimental Cell Research. - : Elsevier BV. - 1090-2422 .- 0014-4827. ; 316, s. 800-812
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Fibroblast growth factor 8 (FGF-8) is expressed in a large proportion of breast cancers, whereas its level in normal mammary gland epithelium is low. Previous studies have shown that FGF-8b stimulates breast cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo. To explore the mechanisms by which FGF-8b promotes growth, we studied its effects on cell cycle regulatory proteins and signalling pathways in mouse S115 and human MCF-7 breast cancer cells. We also studied the effect of FGF-8b on cell survival. FGF-8b induced cell cycle progression and up-regulated particularly cyclin D1 mRNA and protein in S115 cells. Silencing cyclin D1 with siRNA inhibited most but not all FGF-8b-induced proliferation. Inhibition of the FGF-8b-activated ERK/MAPK pathway decreased FGF-8b-stimulated proliferation. Blocking the constitutively active PI3K/Akt and p38 MAPK pathways also lowered FGF-8b-induced cyclin D1 expression and proliferation. Corresponding results were obtained in MCF-7 cells. In S115 and MCF-7 mouse tumours, FGF-8b increased cyclin D1 and Ki67 levels. Moreover, FGF-8b opposed staurosporine-induced S115 cell death which effect was blocked by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt pathway but not the ERK/MAPK pathway. In conclusion, our results suggest that FGF-8b increases breast cancer cell growth both by stimulating cell cycle progression and by protecting against cell death.
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9. |
- Nilsson, E M, et al.
(author)
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Identification of fibroblast growth factor-8b target genes associated with early and late cell cycle events in breast cancer cells.
- 2012
-
In: Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1872-8057 .- 0303-7207. ; 358:1, s. 104-115
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Fibroblast growth factor-8 (FGF-8) is implicated in the development and progression of breast cancer and its levels are frequently elevated in breast tumors. The mechanisms driving FGF-8-mediated tumorigenesis are not well understood. Herein we aimed to identify target genes associated with FGF-8b-mediated breast cancer cell proliferation by carrying out a cDNA microarray analysis of genes expressed in estrogen receptor negative S115 breast cancer cells treated with FGF-8b for various time periods in comparison with those expressed in non-treated cells. Gene and protein expression was validated for selected genes by qPCR and western blotting respectively. Furthermore, using TRANSBIG data, the expression of human orthologs of FGF-8-regulated genes was correlated to the Nottingham prognostic index and estrogen receptor status. The analysis revealed a number of significantly up- and down-regulated genes in response to FGF-8b at all treatment times. The most differentially expressed genes were genes related to cell cycle regulation, mitosis, cancer, and cell death. Several key regulators of early cell cycle progression such as Btg2 and cyclin D1, as well as regulators of mitosis, including cyclin B, Plk1, survivin, and aurora kinase A, were identified as novel targets for FGF-8b, some of which were additionally shown to correlate with prognosis and ER status in human breast cancer. The results suggest that in stimulation of proliferation FGF-8b not only promotes cell cycle progression through the G1 restriction point but also regulates key proteins involved in chromosomal segregation during mitosis and cytokinesis of breast cancer cells.
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10. |
- Tassidis, Helena, et al.
(author)
-
Immunohistochemical detection of tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 predicts outcome after radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer
- 2009
-
In: Cancer Research. - 0008-5472 .- 1538-7445. ; 69:9 Supplement, s. LB-257-
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) receptors and cytosolic signalling proteins as well as the protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTP) have important roles in regulation of growth and function of the benign and malignant prostate gland. Here we studied the expression levels and functions of the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 in prostate cancer cell lines and in benign and malignant human prostatic tissues. We found that SHP-1 is expressed at a high level in LNCaP prostate cancer cells compared to PC-3 cells. Silencing of SHP-1 expression with siRNA in LNCaP cells led to an increased rate of proliferation as measured by thymidine incorporation, whereas in PC3 cells in which SHP1 was overexpressed by transient transfection proliferation rate was decreased. We also examined SHP-1 expression in prostate cancer by immunohistochemical staining of tissue microarrays comprising tumor specimens from 122 prostate cancer patients. We found an inverse correlation between SHP-1 staining intensity and the time to biochemical recurrence as measured by a rise in the serum level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in prostate cancer patients. In conclusion, our results suggest that a low level of SHP-1 expression in prostate cancer cells is associated with high proliferation rate and with an increased risk of biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer.
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11. |
- Tassidis, Helena, et al.
(author)
-
Immunohistochemical detection of tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 predicts outcome after radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer
- 2010
-
In: International Journal of Cancer. - : Wiley. - 0020-7136 .- 1097-0215. ; 126:10, s. 2296-2307
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) receptors and cytosolic signaling proteins as well as the protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) have important roles in regulation of growth of the benign and malignant prostate gland. Here, we studied expression of the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 in prostate cancer cell lines and in human prostatic tissues. SHP-1 is expressed at a high level in LNCaP prostate cancer cells compared with PC3 cells. Silencing of SHP-1 expression with siRNA in LNCaP cells led to an increased rate of proliferation, whereas overexpression of SHP-1 by means of transient and stable transfection in PC3 cells led to a decrease in proliferation. Corresponding changes were observed in cyclin D1 expression. We further demonstrate that LNCaP and PC3 cells respond differently to IL-6 stimulation. SHP-1 overexpression in PC3 cells reversed IL-6 stimulation of proliferation, whereas in SHP-1-silenced LNCaP cells, IL-6 inhibition of proliferation was not affected. In addition, IL-6 treatment led to higher levels of phosphorylated STAT3 in SHP-1-silenced LNCaP cells than in control cells. Next, SHP-1 expression in human prostate cancer was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining of tissue microarrays comprising tumor specimens from 100 prostate cancer patients. We found an inverse correlation between the tumor level of SHP-1 expression and time to biochemical recurrence and clinical progression among prostate cancer patients. In conclusion, our results suggest that a decreased level of SHP-1 expression in prostate cancer cells is associated with a high proliferation rate and an increased risk of recurrence or clinical progression after radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer.
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12. |
- Tassidis, Helena, et al.
(author)
-
Low expression of SHP-2 is associated with less favorable prostate cancer outcomes
- 2013
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In: Tumor Biology. - : Springer. - 1010-4283 .- 1423-0380. ; 34:2, s. 637-642
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Src homology 2 domain-containing tyrosine phosphatase-2 (SHP-2) is an important regulator of cell signaling because of its ability to dephosphorylate receptors of growth factors as well as the cytokines and tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins associated with these receptors. In the current study, we used four different prostate cancer cell lines: PC3, DU145, LNCaP and LNCaP-IL6+. Tumor specimens from 122 patients with prostate cancer were analyzed using a tissue microarray. Our data demonstrate that all four prostate cancer cell lines express the SHP-2 protein. Additionally, low staining intensity and SHP-2 expression in the cytoplasm of cancer cells in prostate tumor specimens was inversely correlated with prostate volume (p = 0.041 and p = 0.042, respectively) whereas nuclear staining was positively correlated with extracapsular extension (p = 0.039). In our post-prostatectomy specimens, we found that patients with low SHP-2 expression had less favorable outcomes with respect to biochemical recurrence and clinical progression (p = 0.005 and p = 0.018, respectively). The loss of cytoplasmic SHP-2 expression is associated with increased growth and prostatic cancer progression.
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13. |
- Tassidis, Helena, et al.
(author)
-
Low expression of SHP-2 is associated with less favourable outcome of prostate cancer
- 2013
-
In: Tumor Biology. - 1010-4283 .- 1423-0380. ; 34:2, s. 637-642
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Src homology 2 domain-containing tyrosine phosphatase-2 (SHP-2) is an important regulator of cell signaling because of its ability to dephosphorylate receptors of growth factors as well as the cytokines and tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins associated with these receptors. In the current study, we used four different prostate cancer cell lines: PC3, DU145, LNCaP and LNCaP-IL6+. Tumor specimens from 122 patients with prostate cancer were analyzed using a tissue microarray. Our data demonstrate that all four prostate cancer cell lines express the SHP-2 protein. Additionally, low staining intensity and SHP-2 expression in the cytoplasm of cancer cells in prostate tumor specimens was inversely correlated with prostate volume (p = 0.041 and p = 0.042, respectively) whereas nuclear staining was positively correlated with extracapsular extension (p = 0.039). In our post-prostatectomy specimens, we found that patients with low SHP-2 expression had less favorable outcomes with respect to biochemical recurrence and clinical progression (p = 0.005 and p = 0.018, respectively). The loss of cytoplasmic SHP-2 expression is associated with increased growth and prostatic cancer progression.
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14. |
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