Ag-NOR Proteins Research Articles

Does broccoli (brassica oleracea var. italica) extract have a potential therapeutic targets on human breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) using AgNOR detection method?

In this study, it was aimed to determine the in vitro effect of the extract obtained from mature broccoli on the breast cancer cell line. MDA-MB231 breast cancer cell line was used in the study. MDA-MB-231 cells were exposed to broccoli extract at 37°C and 5% CO2 for varying durations (24 and 48 hours) and doses (125 and 250 µl/ml).At the end of the incubation period, viability, apoptosis, cell cycle and AgNOR protein status of MDA-MB-231 cells were examined in the Muse Cell Analyzer. In the groups containing broccoli extract, a decrease in the percentage of viable cells and a significant increase in the percentage of early and total apoptosis were observed for both doses compared to the control. In the cell cycle test, the number of cells in the S phase increased in all groups.It was observed that the groups containing broccoli extract slowed down the cell cycle in the transition to the S checkpoint. AgNOR staining results also supported cell cycle and apopitosis, and AgNOR number and TAA/NA ratio decreased in the 125 µl/ml broccoli extract group after 24-48 hours and were found to be statistically significant compared to the control group. It was determined that broccoli increased apoptosis on breast cancer cells by various mechanisms and inhibited cell viability/cell growth. The results were similar to the results of AgNOR protein synthesis. The study showed that the regular and correct consumption of broccoli could be effective in preventing cancer formation and slowing its progression.

Arjirofilik Nükleolar Organize Edici Bölgeler Non ST Elevasyonlu Miyokard İnfarktüsünde Hipoksik Yanıtın Yeni bir Belirteci Olabilir mi?

Objective: Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is a type of acute coronary syndrome and its’ incidence is similarly high to ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Nucleolar organizing regions (NORs) are located of the secondary structure of acrocentric chromosome and composed of proteins and ribosomal DNA (rDNA) some of which are argyrophilic. We aimed to investigate the change of AgNOR proteins, which increase in hypoxia, in patients with NSTEMI.
 Methods: A total of 125 participants, 63 patients with NSTEMI and 62 volunteers without any acute coronary syndrome were included in the study. Echocardiography was performed and both mean AgNOR Number and total AgNOR area/total nuclear area (TAA/TNA) were detected for each individuals.
 Results: The mean AgNOR number and TAA/TNA ratio were significantly higher in the NSTEMI group than control (p

Argyrophilic Nucleolar Organizer Regions as New Biomarkers in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

(1) Background: ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is an inflammatory disease in which neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes accumulate in the ischemic myocardium and have important functions. Nucleolar-organizing regions (NORs) are the site of the ribosomal genes composed of ribosomal DNA and proteins. We aimed to evaluate AgNOR proteins, which have never been studied in patients with STEMI in the literature. (2) Methods: A total of 140 participants (75 with STEMI and 65 volunteers without any diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome) were included in this study. Echocardiography was carried out, and mean AgNOR number and total AgNOR area/total nuclear area (TAA/TNA) were evaluated for all individuals. (3) Results: The mean AgNOR number and TAA/TNA ratio were significantly higher in the STEMI group than the control (p < 0.001). Statistically significant relations between both TAA/TNA ratio and mean AgNOR number and interventricular septal thickness, fasting blood sugar, creatinine, HDL, hemoglobin (g/dL), WBC (µL/mL), monocytes, neutrophils, and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio were detected (p < 0.05). Moreover, a statistically significant relation between LDL (mg/dL) and mean AgNOR number (p = 0.005) was detected. (4) Conclusion: Both AgNOR protein amounts increase depending on the hypoxia that occurs in STEMI. The AgNOR proteins may thus be promising markers in STEMI.

Nucleolar organizer region proteins enhancement in nucleoplasm’s of renal tubular cells is an indication of kidney impairment in Leishmania-infected dogs

Hyperactivation of tubular cells contributes for the progression of kidney lesions. The exacerbated expression of immunological proteins and ribosomal DNA (rDNA) transcriptional activity are observed in tubular cells. This intensified expression results in more prominent hypertrophic changes and is often accompanied by increased expression of factors involved in different phases of ribosomal biosynthesis, such as the nucleolar organizer regions (NOR). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether there is an association between NOR proteins, renal impairment, and clinical status in Leishmania-infected dogs (CanL). Forty-five dogs with CanL and six uninfected controls were assessed in this study. PCR was performed to detect parasites’ nucleic acids in kidney. Histopathological analyses were performed in kidney fragments, and NOR was detected by Ag stain (AgNOR). Leishmania-infected dogs showed more intense inflammation and collagen deposition compared with uninfected controls. Biochemical alterations were observed only in Leishmania-infected dogs. AgNORs per cell were significantly higher in clinically affected dogs and higher histopathological lesion score was observed in Leishmania-infected dogs. Positive correlations between number of NORs per cell in medullary region and histopathological lesion score were observed. Furthermore, AgNOR expression, intensity of renal lesions, and clinical sigs was associated in Leishmania-infected dogs. We propose that the detection of AgNOR proteins could be used to better estimate the kidney tubular damage at the time of examination in Leishmania-infected dogs as a marker to estimate renal impairment in dogs with CanL.

May Argyrophilic Nucleolar Organizer Regions Be Used as a Biomarker for the Detection of the Degree of Ischemic Damage Instead of Tunel in Testicular Torsion?

Background and Objectives: It is of great importance to obtain information about the severity of ischemic damage and duration of testicular torsion for an effective treatment strategy. Nucleolar-organizing regions (NORs) are sites of the ribosomal genes composed of ribosomal DNA and proteins. Post-silver staining NORs are termed “AgNOR”. Since AgNORs clearly reveals the self-renewal potential of cells damaged in ischemic events, we performed the current study. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in four groups as control, sham, early, and late T/D. In the surgical groups, testes were corrected after a 4-h ischemia period. Testicular tissue samples were taken on the third day after detorsion in group 1, 2, 3, and on the tenth day after detorsion in group 4. TUNEL and silver stainings were applied to all samples. Results: The differences were significant among the groups for both mean AgNOR number and total AgNOR area/total nuclear area (TAA/TNA). Moreover, the differences between control and early torsion-detorsion (T/D), between control and late T/D, between sham and early T/D, between sham and late T/D, and between early T/D and late were statistically significant for AgNOR amount. Furthermore, statistically significant differences among the groups for an average number of apoptotic cells per tubule and the percentage of apoptotic tubule values were detected. Discussion: The apoptotic index gives the ratio of cells that are damaged and will die in a programmed way and cells that remain intact, rather than show the viability of the returning testicle. However, by measuring cells that regenerate with AgNOR, we can show not only those that survive but also cells that can repair themselves. Conclusion: AgNOR proteins are usable for the early observation of ischemic injury levels. The amount of AgNOR protein can enlighten us about the extent of testicular damage after T/D treatment. It may also help the physician in the development of effective treatment strategies for cases.

Nucleophosmin, Coilin, and Argentophilic (AgNOR) Proteins in the Neurons of Human Substantia Nigra

The aim of the work was to study the intranuclear distribution of nucleophosmin (B23), coilin (p80), AgNOR proteins, and nonheme iron in the neurons of the human substantia nigra. Fragments of the human midbrain (n = 10) were shown to have no signs of neurodegeneration. The material was fixed in zinc–ethanol–formaldehyde, a special fixative that provides high preservation of antigenic determinants and tissue structures. This work revaled a new data on molecular and structural organization of the nucleoli of neurons in human substantia nigra. It was found that, in the nuclei of substantia nigra neurons, there is only one large nucleolus, and its size varies between individuals (from 4.2 ± 0.4 to 6.2 ± 0.6 μm in diameter). Nucleophosmin is concentrated solely in the nucleolus and is unevenly distributed in it. Cajal bodies found in the nucleus of most substantia nigra neurons are coiline-containing structures of round or oval shape and about 1 μm in size. Coilin accumulation has also been noted in numerous intranuclear microstructures, which significantly differ in their localization and morphological characteristics from typical Cajal bodies. AgNOR proteins are present in the substantia nigra neurons and are very variably distributed. Nonheme iron was detected in the nucleoli ofof some substantia nigra neurons. In some cases iron was concentrated in the giant fibrillar center (GFC). The data obtained will contribute to a clearer understanding of the role of nucleolar proteins in the functioning of dopaminergic neurons in the human brain and the determination of molecular sensors of nucleolar stress observed during neurodegeneration.

Diagnostic and Prognostic Importance of AgNOR Pleomorphism in Cervical Carcinoma

Nucleolar organizer region-associated proteins are argyrophilic and visualized by silver staining called AgNOR. It can be used as a diagnostic and prognostic marker for malignant cells which exhibit a greater AgNOR protein. The present study aimed to evaluate the correlation of AgNOR counts with severity and prognosis of cervical lesion. Silver nitrate staining was performed in a total of 50 cervical smears collected from the women coming to the outpatient department of the hospital diagnosed as cytological normal, inflammatory, low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, high grade squamous intraepitelial lesion and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Total cell counts were determined for single and pleomorphic dots. Both single and pleomorphic dots increase with an increase in grades of lesions from cytological normal to SCC. But mean cell counts of pleomorphic dots increase with cytological abnormality. Correlation of disease severity with a cell count of pleomorphic dots (r = 0.96, p ≤ 0.001) and single dots (r = 0.98, p ≤ 0.001) is positive and significant. A significant increase in pleomorphic dot in patients indicated the prognostic importance of pleomorphic counts during the increase in cytological abnormalities of cervical lesions.

Does capsaicin have therapeutic benefits in human colon adenocarcinoma? Selection of the most reliable dose via AgNOR

Background/aim To determine the effect of different doses of capsaicin on AgNOR protein synthesis in human colon adenocarcinoma derivate from colon cancer (Caco-2 cell).Materials and methods In this experimental study, after the cultured of Caco-2 cell line, the cells are divided into 4 groups as control and different capsaicin exposed doses (25uµ, 50uµ, and 75uµ). Mean AgNOR number and total AgNOR area/nuclear area (TAA/NA) were calculated.Results A significant differences were detected between control and capsaicin (50uµ) (P = 0.001), between control and capsaicin (75uµ) (P = 0.000), between capsaicin (25uµ) and capsaicin (50uµ) (P = 0.001) and between capsaicin (25uµ) and capsaicin (75uµ) (P = 0.000) for TAA/NA. Also, there were significant differences between control and capsaicin (50uµ) (P = 0.001), between control and capsaicin (75uµ) (P = 0.000), between capsaicin (25uµ) and capsaicin (50uµ) (P = 0.000) and between capsaicin (25uµ) and capsaicin (75uµ) (P = 0.000) for mean AgNOR number.Conclusion: A certain amount of capsaicin has a protective effect against colon adenocarcinoma and the dose concentrations are important for the most reliable treatment.

May argyrophilic nucleolar organizing region-associated protein synthesis be used for selecting the most reliable dose of drugs such as rhamnetin in cancer treatments?

Rhamnetin is a flavonoid that has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. Nucleolar-organizing regions are the ribosomal genes region. We aimed to identify whether rhamnetin has an effect on cell proliferation and whether AgNOR proteins may be used for the detection of therapeutic benefits of the drugs and new metabolites, which have the potential of being used for cancer treatments. Twenty-four mice with Ehrlich's ascites carcinoma (EAC) were randomly assigned to three main groups as positive control, and groups 2 and 3 treated intraperitoneally with rhamnetin (100 µg/kg and 200 µg/kg, respectively). All the animals were sacrificed on day16, 24 h after the last dose; the tumors, which developed at the site of injection were removed. Then, mean AgNOR number and total AgNOR area/nuclear area (TAA/NA) were detected for each mouse. Significant differences were detected among all groups for mean AgNOR number (p = 0.000) and TAA/NA ratio (p = 0.000). While the difference between positive control and Rhamnetin (100 µg/kg) group was not significant (p = 0.387), there are significant differences between positive control and Rhamnetin (200 µg/kg) group (p = 0.000) and between Rhamnetin (100 µg/kg) and Rhamnetin (200 µg/kg) groups (p = 0.000) for TAA/NA ratio. Rhamnetin has an important role in preventing cancer formation. Our study showed that mean AgNOR numbers and TAA/NA values may be used also as biomarkers for evaluating the success rate of the performed therapeutic strategy and accurate dose selection for the management of the disease (Tab. 3, Fig. 3, Ref. 45).

The detection of curcumins' antitumoral effects via argyrophilic nucleolar organizing region-associated protein synthesis in mice with ehrlich's ascitic carcinoma.

Curcumin is a polyphenol compound that has antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemic and antimicrobial effects. Nucleolar-organizing regions are the sites of the gene on chromosomes. The present study was aimed to show the antitumoral effect of curcumin via AgNOR protein synthesis in Ehrlich's ascitic carcinoma (EAC) bearing mice. Twenty three mice with EAC were randomly divided into 3 groups as positive control (n = 7), group 2 (n = 8) and 3 (n = 8) treated intraperitoneally with curcumin (25 mg/kg) and (50 mg/kg), respectively. The animals were sacrificed on Day 16, the solid tumors were removed out. Then, total AgNOR area/nuclear area (TAA/NA) and the mean AgNOR number were estimated for each mice. Statistically significant differences were determined among the whole groups for TAA/NA ratio (p = 0.000), conversely mean AgNOR number (p = 0.361). When comparingthe two groups; while no difference was determined between the control and curcumin (25 mg/kg) groups (p = 0.061), the significant differences were detected between the control and curcumin (50 mg/kg) groups (p = 0.000) and between curcumin (25 mg/kg) and curcumin (50 mg/kg) groups (p = 0.000) for TAA/NA ratio. However, there was no significant difference for the mean AgNOR number in double comparison of the groups. The current study showed that curcumin had a crucial function against cancer development. Also, both AgNOR values might be used as biomarkers for detection of the most reliable therapeutic dose selection of cancer treatment (Tab. 3, Fig. 2, Ref. 27).

Deskriptivna i funkcionalna definicija jezgrice – put prema terapiji raka

Modern tumour therapy should be target specific and comprehensive. Recent clinical trials test small molecular inhibitors of transcription of ribosomal genes and activators of apoptosis. We treatise on models of activation of the suppressors of tumour growth acting in the nucleolar domain. Tumour cells demonstrate a disordered protein regulation and mutation of P53 gene which codes for a suppressor of growth. Therapy is guided by pathogenesis. Modern disease definition is based on etiopathogenesis of cell stress, wherein participate numerous organelles, including the nucleolus. Nucleus and nucleolus are forms seen on light microscopy. This presentation focuses on the description of the visible correlate of the notion of “nucleolus”. Further to this, acid non-histone proteins which gather around the transcriptional machinery of RNA polymerase I are described, and the significance of their visualisation towards the alteration of the definition of nucleolus is pointed out. Besides being a particle within the nucleoplasm and a subnuclear organelle, the nucleolus is visualized through its functional structures – the AgNORs. The AgNOR proteins have a role in nucleolar stress. The aim of this article is to discuss the nucleolar stress.

Prognostic Significance of Two Dimensional AgNOR Evaluation in Local Advanced Rectal Cancer Treated with Chemoradiotherapy.

The prognostic significance of AgNOR proteins in stage II-III rectal cancers treated with chemoradiotherapy was evaluated. Silver staining was applied to the 3μm sections of parafin blocked tissues from 30 rectal cancer patients who received 5-FU based chemoradiotherapy from May 2003 to June 2006. The microscopic displays of the cells were transferred into the computer via a video camera. AgNOR area (nucleolus organizer region area) and nucleus area values were determined as a nucleolus organizer regions area/total nucleus area (NORa/ TNa). The mean NORa/TNa value was found to be 9.02±3.68. The overall survival and disease free survival in the high NORa/TNa (>9.02) patients were 52.2 months and 39.4 months respectively, as compared to 100.7 months and 98.4 months in the low NORa/TNa (<9.02) cases. (p<0.001 and p<0.001 respectively). In addition, the prognosis in the high NORa/TNa patients was worse than low NORa/TNa patients (p<0.05). In terms of overall survival and disease-free survival, a statistically significant negative correlation was found with the value of NORa/TNa in the correlations tests. Cox regression analyses demostrated that overall survival and disease-free survival were associated with lymph node status (negative or positive) and the NORa/TNa value. We suggest that two-dimensional AgNOR evaluation may be a safe and usable parameter for prognosis and an indicator of cell proliferation instead of AgNOR dots.

Nuclear AgNOR protein enhancement in nucleoplasms of peripheral blood lymphocytes of babies/children with Down syndrome.

Down syndrome (DS) is one of the most common chromosomal disorders. The factors contributing to the mental retardation together with other defects in this syndrome have not been fully explained. Individuals with DS have extra rRNA gene family since they carry an extra chromosome 21. The few reports available are on the relationship between the nucleolus organizer regions (NORs) and DS phenotype. The in vivo regulation of NORs expression on the extra chromosome 21 is not completely understood. Previous studies have shown that nucleoli of lymphocytes from infants (mostly neonates) with DS contain more in vivo and in vitro nucleolar AgNOR proteins when compared with healthy infants. The objective of this study is to compare the in vivo nuclear AgNOR protein level in nucleoplasms (also called as karyoplasm) of nonstimulated peripheral blood lymphocytes from babies/children with DS and healthy controls. Peripheral blood samples obtained from 20 babies/children with DS and 20 matched healthy controls were smeared on clean glass slides and then AgNOR staining was performed. The AgNOR protein level in nucleoplasms of lymphocytes from both groups was calculated using a computer program. Nearly 100 interphase nuclei per individual were analysed. Average nuclear AgNOR protein levels in nucleoplasms of lymphocytes from babies/children with DS were found to be significantly higher than those of the controls (P < 0.001). On the basis of our present results, we propose that the increase of nuclear AgNOR protein in in vivo conditions may contribute to the formation of DS phenotypes.

RELATIONSHIP OF CLINICAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL PARAMETERS WITH SURVIVAL IN PATIENTS WITH ADENOCARCINOMA OF THE LUNG WITH ACTIVE NUCLEOLAR ORGANIZERS IN THE MIB-1 POSITIVE CELLS

Aim: To investigate argyrophilic proteins associated with nucleolar organizer regions (Ag-NOR proteins) in proliferating cells in connection with clinical and morphological parameters and survival in patients with adenocarcinoma of the lung. Materials and methods: Specimens of 94 operated patients with lung adenocarcinoma were investigated using double staining for antigen Ki-67 (Clone MIB-1, DAKO) by immunohistochemistry and Ag-NOR proteins staining with silver nitrate. Results: In the tumor tissue Ag-NOR proteins in the MIB-1 positive cells correlated with clinical and morphological parameters on TNM-system: T-index, the tumor size, N-index, disease stage and differentiation. Survival of patients with a small area of Ag-NOR proteins in the MIB-1 positive cells was better than in patients with large area. The area of Ag-NOR proteins in the MIB-1 positive cells – is an independent prognostic factor in patients with adenocarcinoma of the lung. Conclusion: The area of Ag-NOR proteins in the MIB-1 positive cells correlated with clinical and morphological parameters of the TNM-system and survival in patients with adenocarcinoma of the lung.

Argyrophilic proteins of nucleolar organizer regions and proliferative activity of cells in squamous cell carcinoma of the lung.

Argyrophilic proteins associated with nucleolar organizer regions (Ag-NOR proteins) and Ki-67 antigen were analyzed in 118 samples of squamous cell carcinoma of the lungs. Tumors with low and high content of Ag-NOR proteins and Ki-67 index were selected. It was found that the content of Ag-NOR proteins correlated with some clinical and morphological parameters (indexes T and N, tumor size less and more that 3 cm, stage of the disease, and tumor differentiation degree) and survival rate. High survival was associated with low content of Ag-NOR proteins and Ki-67 index and low survival correlated with high content of Ag-NOR proteins and Ki-67 index, while intermediate survival was associated with opposite values of Ag-NOR protein content and Ki-67 index. The tumor size, parameter N, and the content of Ag-NOR proteins had independent effects on patient's survival. In patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the lung without metastases in lymph nodes, survival correlated with the content of Ag-NOR proteins; in patients without metastases, survival correlated with tumor size.

Curcumin-mediated decrease in the expression of nucleolar organizer regions in cervical cancer (HeLa) cells

Curcumin, the major yellow-orange pigment of turmeric derived from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, is a highly pleiotropic molecule with the potential to modulate inflammation, oxidative stress, cell survival, cell secretion, homeostasis and proliferation. Curcumin, at relatively high concentrations, was repeatedly reported to be a potent inducer of apoptosis in cancer cells and thus considered a promising anticancer agent. In the present paper, the effects of low concentrations of curcumin on human cervical cancer (HeLa) cells were studied. We found curcumin-mediated decrease in the cell number and viability, and increase in apoptotic events and superoxide level. In contrast to previously shown curcumin cytotoxicity toward different cervical cancer lines, we observed toxic effects when even as low as 1μM concentration of curcumin was used. Curcumin was not genotoxic to HeLa cells. Because argyrophilic nucleolar protein (AgNOR protein) expression is elevated in malignant cells compared to normal cells reflecting the rapidity of cancer cell proliferation, we evaluated curcumin-associated changes in size (area) and number of silver deposits. We showed curcumin-induced decrease in AgNOR protein pools, which may be mediated by global DNA hypermethylation observed after low concentration curcumin treatment. In summary, we have shown for the first time that curcumin at low micromolar range may be effective against HeLa cells, which may have implications for curcumin-based treatment of cervical cancer in humans.

Response to copper bromide exposure in Vicia sativa L. seeds: Analysis of genotoxicity, nucleolar activity and mineral profile

Copper bromide (CuBr2) effects on seed germination and plantlet development of Vicia sativa L. are evaluated through mitotic index, chromosome aberrations, nucleolar activity and mineral profile. CuBr2 induces a significant presence of micronuclei, sticky and c-metaphases, anaphase bridges and chromosome breaks. Increased number of nucleoli and scattering of AgNOR proteins from the nucleolus in the nuclear surface at CuBr2 1mM and in the cytoplasm at CuBr2 5mM, goes along with the decrease of root growth. In V. sativa embryo the content of many macro and micronutrients increases up to copper 1mM in agreement with reserve mobilization while at CuBr2 5mM some elements are present in lower amount. We hypothesize that inhibitory effects observed at 5mM are due either to a nutrient shortage or to a direct influence of copper on root cell division, evidenced by low mitotic index, high occurrence of chromosome aberrations and loss of material from the nucleolus.

Relationship between the Argyrophilic Proteins of the Nucleolar Organizer Region and Stage of Squamous-Cell Carcinoma of the Lung

Argyrophilic proteins associated with chromosome nucleolar organizer regions (Ag-NOR proteins) were studied in lung squamous-cell carcinoma cells. After routine staining with silver nitrate, the area index and coefficient of variations of Ag-NOR protein were estimated by computer-aided image analysis. The Ag-NOR protein area indexes of tumor cells differed in clinical morphological variants of squamous-cell cancer (differing by T and N parameters, size of the primary node <3 cm or larger, by disease stage, and differentiation degree). Ag-NOR protein variation coefficient can be used for discriminating the tumors by size (<3 cm and larger), presence/absence of metastases, and evaluation of squamous-cell cancer differentiation degree. Ag-NOR protein area index and variation coefficient can be used as additional objective differential diagnostic criteria of clinical and morphological forms of squamous-cell carcinoma of the lung.

Relationship between argyrophilic proteins of nucleolar organizer regions and antigen ki-67 with clinical and morphological parameters and survival in lung adenocarcinoma

Investigated argyrophilic proteins associated with nucleolar organizer regions (Ag-NOR proteins) and Ki-67 antigen in lung adenocarcinoma. Defined tumor with low and high content of Ag-NOR proteins and proliferation index (PI) Ki-67. The content of Ag-NOR proteins had a relationship with the clinical and morphological parameters: parameters T, N, tumor size to 3 cm or more, stage of the disease. Survival of patients with lung adenocarcinoma is better in tumors with a low content of Ag-NOR proteins or PI Ki-67. High survival rate associated with low content of Ag-NOR proteins and PI Ki-67, low - with high content of Ag-NOR proteins and PI Ki-67, intermediate - with opposite values of the content of Ag-NOR proteins and PI Ki-67. Tumor size, parameter N and content of Ag-NOR proteins had an independent effect on survival. In lung adenocarcinoma with no metastasis to lymph nodes survival related to the size of the tumor, with metastases - with content of Ag-NOR proteins. Mutual study of Ag-NOR proteins and antigen Ki-67 has differential diagnostic and prognostic value in lung adenocarcinoma.

Aluminum can induce alterations in the cellular localization and expression of three major nucleolar proteins in root tip cells of Allium cepa var. agrogarum L.

A 50μM aluminum (Al) could induce nucleolar materials containing the argyrophilic proteins scattered in the nuclei and extruded from the nuclei into the cytoplasm in the root tip cells of Allium cepa. Unfortunately, what kinds of nucleolar proteins are affected has not been reported till now. In order to go deeper into the understanding of the cytological effects of Al on nucleolus and nucleolar proteins, alterations in the cellular localization and expression of three major nucleolar proteins: nucleophosmin, nucleolin, and fibrillarin were further examined under the treatment with Al in the root tip cells of A. cepa in the present study. Cytological effects of Al on nucleolus were observed by silver-staining method and three major nucleolar proteins: nucleophosmin, nucleolin, and fibrillarin were examined by western blotting. The results indicated that in the presence of 50μM Al for 48h the nucleolar proteins were translocated from nucleolus to nucleoplasm and cytoplasm. Western blotting data demonstrated the relatively higher expression of the three major nucleolar proteins when compared with control. Evidence from the present investigation indicated that Al had toxic effects on Ag-NOR proteins, nucleophosmin and nucleolin, and other kinds of nucleolar proteins, fibrillarin.