Objective: BNip3 and its homologue Nix are pro-apoptotic factors of the Bcl-2-family and are expressed in malignant tumors. In vitro, this expression was shown to be mediated by hypoxia. Recently, it has been shown th...Objective: BNip3 and its homologue Nix are pro-apoptotic factors of the Bcl-2-family and are expressed in malignant tumors. In vitro, this expression was shown to be mediated by hypoxia. Recently, it has been shown that placental hypoxia as well as apoptosis are pathogenetic factors for pregnancy-induced hypertensive diseases and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). The aim of the study was to analyze placental expression of BNip3 and Nix in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia, hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome and IUGR. Material and methods: Placental tissue was sampled from 10 pregnancies each with preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome, IUGR and gestational age-matched controls. The placental expression of BNip3/Nix has been investigated with immunohistochemistry by the use of specific human BNip3/Nix antibodies. Results: In cytotrophoblastic cells, the BNip3 expression was strong in the control placentas, but only mediate in the placentas from pregnancies with preeclampsia, IUGR or HELLP syndrome. The intensity of the Nix staining showed a similar pattern. In the syncytiotrophoblast, there was a weak BNip3 staining observable in the control as well as IUGR samples, whereas BNip3 was undetectable in preeclamptic placentas or those with HELLP syndrome. For Nix, only in the preeclampsia a weak staining was detectable, whereas all other probes were negative. Conclusions: Our study shows for the first time that the proapoptotic proteins BNip3 and Nix are expressed in the human placenta. Pregnancies with placental dysfunction and hypertensive pregnancy disorders with different clinical manifestations are characterized by a significantly decreased expression of BNip3 and Nix. These results suggest that the hypothesis of generally increased placental apoptosis in pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders caused by disturbed trophoblast invasion has to be partly reconsidered.展开更多
Objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of the pro apoptotic protein Apaf-1 in cervical cancers. Moreover, we studied its correlat ion to intratumoral pO2 and to clinico-pathological parame...Objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of the pro apoptotic protein Apaf-1 in cervical cancers. Moreover, we studied its correlat ion to intratumoral pO2 and to clinico-pathological parameters. Methods. 86 pat ients with cervical cancer were subjected to intratumoral pO2 measurement with t he Eppendorf electrode. From these patients, cervical cancer tissue was used for immunohistochemistry with an anti-Apaf-1 antibody. Results. Apaf-1 is expres sed in cervical cancer. Cervical cancers with strong or moderate Apaf-1 express ion had significantly less lymph node metastases at time of surgery than tumors with weak or negative Apaf-1 expression (P = 0.022). There was no significant c orrelation between Apaf-1 expression and intratumoral pO2,pT stage, FIGO stage, lymphovascular space involvement, and grade. Conclusions. Loss of Apaf-1 expre ssion may represent a marker of aggressive tumor behavior since it correlates si gnificantly with the occurrence of lymph node metastasis in cervical cancer.展开更多
文摘Objective: BNip3 and its homologue Nix are pro-apoptotic factors of the Bcl-2-family and are expressed in malignant tumors. In vitro, this expression was shown to be mediated by hypoxia. Recently, it has been shown that placental hypoxia as well as apoptosis are pathogenetic factors for pregnancy-induced hypertensive diseases and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). The aim of the study was to analyze placental expression of BNip3 and Nix in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia, hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome and IUGR. Material and methods: Placental tissue was sampled from 10 pregnancies each with preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome, IUGR and gestational age-matched controls. The placental expression of BNip3/Nix has been investigated with immunohistochemistry by the use of specific human BNip3/Nix antibodies. Results: In cytotrophoblastic cells, the BNip3 expression was strong in the control placentas, but only mediate in the placentas from pregnancies with preeclampsia, IUGR or HELLP syndrome. The intensity of the Nix staining showed a similar pattern. In the syncytiotrophoblast, there was a weak BNip3 staining observable in the control as well as IUGR samples, whereas BNip3 was undetectable in preeclamptic placentas or those with HELLP syndrome. For Nix, only in the preeclampsia a weak staining was detectable, whereas all other probes were negative. Conclusions: Our study shows for the first time that the proapoptotic proteins BNip3 and Nix are expressed in the human placenta. Pregnancies with placental dysfunction and hypertensive pregnancy disorders with different clinical manifestations are characterized by a significantly decreased expression of BNip3 and Nix. These results suggest that the hypothesis of generally increased placental apoptosis in pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders caused by disturbed trophoblast invasion has to be partly reconsidered.
文摘Objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of the pro apoptotic protein Apaf-1 in cervical cancers. Moreover, we studied its correlat ion to intratumoral pO2 and to clinico-pathological parameters. Methods. 86 pat ients with cervical cancer were subjected to intratumoral pO2 measurement with t he Eppendorf electrode. From these patients, cervical cancer tissue was used for immunohistochemistry with an anti-Apaf-1 antibody. Results. Apaf-1 is expres sed in cervical cancer. Cervical cancers with strong or moderate Apaf-1 express ion had significantly less lymph node metastases at time of surgery than tumors with weak or negative Apaf-1 expression (P = 0.022). There was no significant c orrelation between Apaf-1 expression and intratumoral pO2,pT stage, FIGO stage, lymphovascular space involvement, and grade. Conclusions. Loss of Apaf-1 expre ssion may represent a marker of aggressive tumor behavior since it correlates si gnificantly with the occurrence of lymph node metastasis in cervical cancer.
