Effects of serum amyloid A on human glioma cells

• Grant number: 07/07019-8
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: February 01, 2008
• End date: January 31, 2010
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Morphology - Cytology and Cell Biology
• Principal Investigator: Ana Campa
• Grantee: Ana Campa
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Increases in the levels of serum acute phase proteins and chronic inflammation are associated with the presence of malignant tumors. Serum amyloid A (SAA) is an acute phase protein with immunomodulatory properties such as the induction of the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and release of reactive oxygen species by leukocytes (SAA). The association between SAA and neoplasia is limited to some clinical studies that show SAA as a diagnostic marker. However, if there is some association between SAA and cell proliferation was not studied yet. Here our goal is to analyze if SAA directly affects the proliferation of human glioma cells - A172 e T98G. In this case, we will characterize markers for proliferation, reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), matriz metalloproteases (MMP-2 e MMP-9), mTOR, apoptosis and necrosis. If SAA has no direct effect on cell proliferation, we will study all the parameters listed above in co-cultures of gliomas with mononuclear cells. Additionally we will verify if SAA is expressed in A172 e T98G. This study will provide information about the effect of SAA on tumor cells and will help to elucidate possible immunological mechanisms involved in tumor proliferation or regression. (AU)