Elevated levels of HMGB1 in cancerous and inflammatory effusions.
BACKGROUND
Recently, it has become obvious that the HMGB1 protein can act as a proinflammatory and proangiogenic mediator when actively secreted by macrophages or passively released from necrotic cells playing an important role in the pathogenesis of several diseases including cancer.


METHODS
The absolute and relative amount of HMGB1 was measured with an ELISA in different effusion types.


RESULTS
The amount of HMGB1 protein in the samples differed between 0.0004% and 0.0025% of the total sample protein. The mean values of transudates were significantly (p<0.001) lower than the mean values of exudates.


CONCLUSIONS
HMGB1, a so-called danger signalling protein, was found to be highly expressed in human pleural and peritoneal effusions due to cancer and inflammation. Compared to transudates the average level of HMGB1 was significantly higher in exudates. These results underline the characteristics of HMGB1 as a possible target for treatment in advanced cancer as well.
Winter
Nina
N
Centre for Human Genetics, University of Bremen, Leobener Str. ZHG, 28359 Bremen, Germany.
Meyer
Anke
A
Richter
Andreas
A
Krisponeit
Dietz
D
Bullerdiek
Jörn
J
D001201:Ascites / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D024243:HMGB1 Protein / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D009336:Necrosis; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D016066:Pleural Effusion, Malignant / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D011379:Prognosis
D024243:HMGB1 Protein