Gene-Activated Matrices for Cartilage Defect Reparation

A cartilage defect has a very limited ability to repair itself spontaneously due to the shortage of blood. Many attempts have been made to restore the integrity of cartilage in clinical and experimental studies. Recently, tissue engineering has emerged as a new protocol for lost tissue regeneration. Meanwhile, the defect-repairing environment can be improved by gene therapy methods. Gene-activated matrices (GAM) fabricated with biomaterials and plasmids fill the cartilage defects to restore the integrity of joint surface, facilitating repair cell adhesion and proliferation as well as the synthesis of extracelluar matrix. And they also serve as a local gene delivery system, inducing therapeutic agent expression at the repair site. In the present study, we fabricated two- and three-dimensional matrices from chitosan and gelatin, then added a plasmid DNA encoding transforming growth factors-β1 (TGF-β1) for cartilage defect regeneration. First, we demonstrated primary chondrocytes could maintain their biological characteristics and secrete therapeutic proteins when they were cultured onto GAM in vitro. Subsequently we inserted three-dimensional GAM into cartilage defects of rabbit knee joints. With the results of the new cartilage tissue formation, we came to the conclusion that GAM was helpful for new tissue production and this therapeutic protocol provided a cheap, simple, and effective method for cartilage defect reparation.

Can zinc protect cells from the cytotoxic effects of cobalt ions and nanoparticles derived from metal-on-metal joint arthroplasties?

Objectives

Recently, high failure rates of metal-on-metal (MOM) hip implants have raised concerns of cobalt toxicity. Adverse reactions occur to cobalt nanoparticles (CoNPs) and cobalt ions (Co²⁺) during wear of MOM hip implants, but the toxic mechanism is not clear.

Methods

To evaluate the protective effect of zinc ions (Zn²⁺), Balb/3T3 mouse fibroblast cells were pretreated with 50 μM Zn²⁺ for four hours. The cells were then exposed to different concentrations of CoNPs and Co²⁺ for four hours, 24 hours and 48 hours. The cell viabilities, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and inflammatory cytokines were measured.

Results

CoNPs and Co²⁺ can induce the increase of ROS and inflammatory cytokines, such as tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). However, Zn pretreatment can significantly prevent cytotoxicity induced by CoNPs and Co²⁺, decrease ROS production, and decrease levels of inflammatory cytokines in Balb/3T3 mouse fibroblast cells.

Conclusion

These results suggest that Zn pretreatment can provide protection against inflammation and cytotoxicity induced by CoNPs and Co²⁺ in Balb/3T3 cells.

Cite this article: Y. Liu, H. Zhu, H. Hong, W. Wang, F. Liu. Can zinc protect cells from the cytotoxic effects of cobalt ions and nanoparticles derived from metal-on-metal joint arthroplasties? Bone Joint Res 2017;6:649–655. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.612.BJR-2016-0137.R2.

Head-shaft angle changes during internal and external shoulder rotations: 2-D angulation in 3-D space

INTRODUCTION

Restoration of native head-shaft angle (HSA) is critical for treatment of proximal humerus fracture. However, HSA has not been properly investigated according to the humeral rotation. This study was designed to analyze the relationship between the humeral rotation and the HSA at 1° increments, and clarify its serial changing pattern according to the humeral rotation.

HYPOTHESIS

The angulation of HSA would be undervalued when the humerus is being rotated externally and it would be overvalued when it is being rotated internally.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eight dried cadaveric normal humeri were CT scanned. They were analyzed using computer-aided design with a standardized neutral position. HSA was the angle between the humeral shaft axis (SA) and the humeral head axis (HA). SA and HA were the best-fit lines through center of all the best-fitting circles in every cross section along the humeral shaft and within the humeral head, respectively. Each 3D model was rotated 30° internally and 45° externally relatives to the SA at 1° increments with the camera was fixed at antero-posterior view of neutral position. Angulation of HSA in every rotational degree was documented as ratio relatives to the angulation of HSA in neutral position.

RESULTS

The average HSA at neutral position was 133±1.93°. HSA was underestimated by 8±1.9% and it was overestimated by 20±5.1% at the maximum external rotation (ER) and internal rotation (IR), respectively. HSA was underestimated by 1% in every 5.8° of ER and overestimated by 1% in every 1.5° of IR. Rotational misalignments within 10° of IR and 18° of ER could be tolerated (P>.05).

CONCLUSIONS

HSA was underestimated at ER and was overestimated at IR. This information could be useful for surgeons in restoring the native HSA for treatment of proximal humerus fracture.

TYPE OF STUDY

Basic research study.

[The clinical and imaging features of 118 patients with spontaneous cerebral arterial dissections presenting with ischemic stroke]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical and radiologic features of patients with spontaneous cerebral arterial dissections (CADs) presenting with ischemic stroke and to explore the effect of gender and age on those features.

METHODS

Patients admitted to our stroke center diagnosed as ischemic stroke secondary to CADs from August 2008 to April 2015 were prospectively registered. Patients aged between 15 to 80 years old, who had acute brain infarcts within the territory of a major cerebral artery affected by a dissection confirmed by the neuroradiological examinations, were enrolled in the study. The followings were the exclusion criteria: (1) there were any potential causes for the brain infarcts other than CADs; (2) CADs were the results of a definite cause; (3) the clinical data were incomplete.

RESULTS

A total of 118 patients were enrolled in the study with the mean age of (44.2±12.8) years old. There were 87 men (73.7%) and 67 patients (56.8%) aged under 45 years old. Smoking (41.5%), hypertension (25.4%) and hypercholesterolemia (21.2%) were the three leading risk factors for stroke. Hypercholesterolemia was more common in the male patients (25.3% vs 9.7%, P=0.021), whereas hypertension (39.2% vs 14.9%, P=0.005) and diabetes (25.5% vs 4.5%, P=0.002) were more common in the patients aged 45 years or older. Headache or neck pain before or at the onset of stroke was more common in the female patients (67.7% vs 34.5%, P=0.002). A total of 71 patients were found with CADs of the anterior circulation, while 47 patients with that of the posterior circulation. The involvement of the intra and extracranial arteries were documented in 59 and 59 patients, respectively. The middle cerebral artery (MCA) was the most common site in the intracranial dissection and more MCA dissections were observed in the male patients (46.3% vs 11.1%, P=0.016). The dissection of intracranial carotid artery was more common in patients aged under 45 years old (38.7% vs 0, P<0.001). Lumen status of CADs often presented as stenosis (43.2%) and occlusion (41.2%), while less aneurysm (5.9%) and aneurysm with stenosis (9.3%) were observed. Aneurysm was found to be more common in patients aged 45 years or older (11.8% vs 1.5%, P=0.042).

CONCLUSION

Chinese patients with spontaneous CADs presenting with ischemic stroke have unique clinical and imaging features, which correlated with age and gender.

A macro-porous graphene oxide-based membrane as a separator with enhanced thermal stability for high-safety lithium-ion batteries

To develop a separator with remarkable thermal-resistance for high-safety lithium-ion batteries, a graphene-oxide-grafted, hyper-branched polyether macro-porous membrane without any polymer binder was designed and prepared using polystyrene nanoparticles as hard templates.

Selective inhibition of metabotropic glutamate type 1 alpha receptor (mGluR1α) reduces cell proliferation and migration following status epilepticus in early development

The present study examined whether a single or multiple episode(s) of status epilepticus induced with kainic acid (KA) during the first 3 weeks of postnatal (P) development would aberrantly stimulate proliferation zones that alters migration to potentially injured areas and whether they would be blocked by selective Group I mGluR antagonists. mGluR1α (LY367385) and mGluR5 (MPEP) antagonists were administered 2h following KA-induced status epilepticus and animals were examined after 7days. Proliferating cells of the subventricular zone (SVZ), third ventricle, hippocampus, amygdala cortical complex were analyzed with the proliferative marker, Ki67; and two complementary retrograde dye tracers. Proliferation increased in extrahippocampal limbic structures when KA was administered on P13 or P20 which correlated with number of injured cells at the older age. LY367385 post-treatment caused striking decreases in proliferation in all limbic structures in the presence and absence of injury, whereas a reduction with MPEP was observed only within the amygdala cortical complex (Amg/ERcx) in the presence of multiple seizures (3×KA). After 3×KA and LY367385 post-treatments, diminished co-staining of dye tracers with Ki67 was observed within the Amg/ERcx despite high levels of progenitors marked by the retrograde tracers in this region. This indicates that not only was local proliferation within the SVZ and distant structures inhibited, but also that migration itself was reduced indirectly since there were less cells to migrate from the SVZ. Co-labeling with biomarkers provided evidence for neuronal differentiation suggesting potential aberrant integration may occur in distant locations, and that targeting of mGluR1α receptors may be a potential therapeutic strategy for future development.

Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus faecal isolates associated with food-borne disease in Korea

AIMS

To characterize Staphylococcus aureus faecal isolates from people suspected to be infected with food poisoning by using antimicrobial susceptibility testing and molecular techniques.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 340 Staph. aureus isolates from 6226 people suspected to be infected with food poisoning were identified and characterized by biochemical methods, antimicrobial susceptibility testing and PCR. Samples were obtained from January 2006 to December 2008 from the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System at the Research Institute of Public Health and Environment in Seoul Metropolitan, Korea. All strains carried at least one of the eight staphylococcal enterotoxin (se) genes tested and a total of 27 se profiles were produced; the most frequent se profile was seg-sei and the next was sea. Among the total isolates, 36 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSAs) isolates were further analysed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), Staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) typing, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and PCR detection for pvl. ST72-SCCmec type IV was the most predominant clone (27 isolates, 75%) followed by ST1-SCCmec type IV (five isolates, 13·8%), ST20-SCCmec type IV (one isolate, 2·8%), ST493-SCCmec type IV (one isolate, 2·8%), ST903-SCCmec type IV (one isolate, 2·8%) and ST5-SCCmec type II (one isolate, 2·8%). By PFGE typing, MRSAs isolated during the same period were grouped together although they were isolated from different regions. None of MRSAs had PVL gene and nine MRSAs were multidrug resistant.

CONCLUSIONS

Analysis of MRSAs by MLST, SCCmec typing, PFGE and pvl detection showed that the majority of strain associated with food-borne diseases belonged to a Korean community-acquired (CA) MRSA clone with ST72-SCCmec type IV-PVL negative-SEG/SEI and its variations while one strain was hospital-acquired (HA) MRSA.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

CA-MRSA clone which possessed ST72-SCCmec type IV-PVL negative-SEG/SEI was spread most commonly among MRSAs that were associated with food-borne diseases. This is the first report of ST903 strain in Korea.

Killer-cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptor (KIR) gene profiles modify HIV disease course, not HIV acquisition in South African women

BACKGROUND

Killer-cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptors (KIR) interact with Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) to modify natural killer- and T-cell function. KIR are implicated in HIV acquisition by small studies that have not been widely replicated. A role for KIR in HIV disease progression is more widely replicated and supported by functional studies.

METHODS

To assess the role of KIR and KIR ligands in HIV acquisition and disease course, we studied at-risk women in South Africa between 2004-2010. Logistic regression was used for nested case-control analysis of 154 women who acquired vs. 155 who did not acquire HIV, despite high exposure. Linear mixed-effects models were used for cohort analysis of 139 women followed prospectively for a median of 54 months (IQR 31-69) until 2014.

RESULTS

Neither KIR repertoires nor HLA alleles were associated with HIV acquisition. However, KIR haplotype BB was associated with lower viral loads (-0.44 log10 copies/ml; SE = 0.18; p = 0.03) and higher CD4+ T-cell counts (+80 cells/μl; SE = 42; p = 0.04). This was largely explained by the protective effect of KIR2DL2/KIR2DS2 on the B haplotype and reciprocal detrimental effect of KIR2DL3 on the A haplotype.

CONCLUSIONS

Although neither KIR nor HLA appear to have a role in HIV acquisition, our data are consistent with involvement of KIR2DL2 in HIV control. Additional studies to replicate these findings are indicated.

Cloning and characterisation of JAZ gene family in Hevea brasiliensis

Mechanical wounding or treatment with exogenous jasmonates (JA) induces differentiation of the laticifer in Hevea brasiliensis. JA is a key signal for latex biosynthesis and wounding response in the rubber tree. Identification of JAZ (jasmonate ZIM-domain) family of proteins that repress JA responses has facilitated rapid progress in understanding how this lipid-derived hormone controls gene expression and related physiological processes in plants. In this work, the full-length cDNAs of six JAZ genes were cloned from H. brasiliensis (termed HbJAZ). These HbJAZ have different lengths and sequence diversity, but all of them contain Jas and ZIM domains, and two of them contain an ERF-associated amphiphilic repression (EAR) motif in the N-terminal. Real-time RT-PCR analyses revealed that HbJAZ have different expression patterns and tissue specificity. Four HbJAZ were up-regulated, one was down-regulated, while two were less effected by rubber tapping treatment, suggesting that they might play distinct roles in the wounding response. A yeast two-hybrid assay revealed that HbJAZ proteins interact with each other to form homologous or heterogeneous dimer complexes, indicating that the HbJAZ proteins may expand their function through diverse JAZ-JAZ interactions. This work lays a foundation for identification of the JA signalling pathway and molecular mechanisms of latex biosynthesis in rubber trees.

Nasal endoscopic findings and nasal symptoms in patients with asthma: a clinical study from a rhinological perspective

OBJECTIVE

Allergic rhinitis (AR), non-allergic rhinitis (NAR), chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), and chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) occur frequently in asthmatic patients. We evaluated nasal symptoms and nasal endoscopic findings in patients with asthma and correlated them to asthma severity.

METHODS

Subjects (n=150) with asthma completed questionnaires designed to provide information related to asthma and nasal disease. Patients were divided into four groups based on asthma severity. Pulmonary function tests, skin-prick tests (SPTs) and nasal endoscopy were performed on every patient. Clinical findings were compared in asthma patients by rhinologists.

RESULTS

The total incidence of AR, NAR, CRSwNP and CRSsNP in these patients with asthma was 76%. By using Fisher's Exact Test, there was no statistical significance between asthma severity and the incidence of AR, NAR, CRSwNP and CRSsNP (P=0.311). There was a significant difference in the total nasal symptoms score among subjects with different grades of asthma (P=0.002). However, there were no significant differences in the total Lund-Kennedy endoscopic score (LKS) (P=0.736). The nasal endoscopic scores were significantly correlated at a high degree with the nasal symptoms score (P=0.000). A significant correlation was found between the nasal endoscopic score and the duration of asthma in the patients with different grades of asthma (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The relationship between rhinitis and asthma is complex. Nasal airways should become part of standard clinical assessment and follow-up in patients with asthma.

Quality control metrics improve repeatability and reproducibility of single-nucleotide variants derived from whole-genome sequencing

Although many quality control (QC) methods have been developed to improve the quality of single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) in SNV-calling, QC methods for use subsequent to single-nucleotide polymorphism-calling have not been reported. We developed five QC metrics to improve the quality of SNVs using the whole-genome-sequencing data of a monozygotic twin pair from the Korean Personal Genome Project. The QC metrics improved both repeatability between the monozygotic twin pair and reproducibility between SNV-calling pipelines. We demonstrated the QC metrics improve reproducibility of SNVs derived from not only whole-genome-sequencing data but also whole-exome-sequencing data. The QC metrics are calculated based on the reference genome used in the alignment without accessing the raw and intermediate data or knowing the SNV-calling details. Therefore, the QC metrics can be easily adopted in downstream association analysis.

Improved methods for selective cryolipolysis results in subcutaneous fat layer reduction in a porcine model

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Cryolipolysis is a noninvasive method for the selective reduction of localized fat tissues. It has demonstrated efficacy in both clinical and preclinical trials; however, despite its popularity, its mechanisms of action and evaluation methods are not yet fully defined. The purpose of this study was to improved methods for cryolipolysis using a porcine model.

METHODS

The abdomens of female PWG micro-pigs were treated with a cooling device (CRYOLIPO II(™)), and we examined the treatment effects using photography, three-dimensional photography, ultrasound, gross, and microscopic pathology, and serum lipid level analyses in order to determine the mechanism of action, efficacy, and safety of CRYOLIPO II(™).

RESULTS

CRYOLIPO II(™) successfully reduced abdominal fat in our porcine model. Gross and microscopic histological results confirmed the noninvasive cold-induced selective subcutaneous fat destruction, and showed increases in pre-adipocyte differentiation and in the activation of lipid catabolism. In particular, we found that CRYOLIPO II(™) may increase PPARδ (delta) levels in adipose tissue at 30-60 days post-treatment.

CONCLUSION

Fat reduction by cryolipolysis was successfully achieved in our porcine model. Thus, our findings indicate that CRYOLIPO II(™) may be a promising fat reduction device for body contouring and fat reduction in humans, and that cryolipolysis exerts its effects, at least partly, by targeting the PPARδ signaling pathway. These results show that both investigative and diagnostic potentials capacity.

Dynamic layer rearrangement during growth of layered oxide films by molecular beam epitaxy

The A(n+1)B(n)O(3n+1) Ruddlesden-Popper homologous series offers a wide variety of functionalities including dielectric, ferroelectric, magnetic and catalytic properties. Unfortunately, the synthesis of such layered oxides has been a major challenge owing to the occurrence of growth defects that result in poor materials behaviour in the higher-order members. To understand the fundamental physics of layered oxide growth, we have developed an oxide molecular beam epitaxy system with in situ synchrotron X-ray scattering capability. We present results demonstrating that layered oxide films can dynamically rearrange during growth, leading to structures that are highly unexpected on the basis of the intended layer sequencing. Theoretical calculations indicate that rearrangement can occur in many layered oxide systems and suggest a general approach that may be essential for the construction of metastable Ruddlesden-Popper phases. We demonstrate the utility of the new-found growth strategy by performing the first atomically controlled synthesis of single-crystalline La3Ni2O7.

Quantum dot-based nanoprobes for in vivo targeted imaging

Fluorescent semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) have attracted tremendous attention over the last decade. The superior optical properties of QDs over conventional organic dyes make them attractive labels for a wide variety of biomedical applications, whereas their potential toxicity and instability in biological environment have puzzled scientific researchers. Much research effort has been devoted to surface modification and functionalization of QDs to make them versatile probes for biomedical applications, and significant progress has been made over the last several years. This review article aims to describe the current state-of-the-art of the synthesis, modification, bioconjugation, and applications of QDs for in vivo targeted imaging. In addition, QD-based multifunctional nanoprobes are also summarized.

Multimodality imaging of CXCR4 in cancer: current status towards clinical translation

CXCR4 has gained tremendous attention over the last decade, since it was found to be up-regulated in a wide variety of cancer types, in addition to its role in human immunodeficiency virus infection. Molecular imaging of CXCR4 with small molecules, peptides, and antibodies has been a vibrant research area over the last several years. In this review article, we will summarize the current status of imaging CXCR4 with fluorescence, bioluminescence, positron emission tomography, and single-photon emission computed tomography techniques. Since each molecular imaging modality has its own strengths and weaknesses, dualmodality probes that can be detected by more than one imaging techniques have also been investigated. Noninvasive visualization of CXCR4 expression has potential clinical applications in multiple facets of patient management. While big strides have been made over the last several years in the development of CXCR4- targeted imaging probes, clinical translation and investigation of these agents in cancer patients are eagerly awaited. Since CXCR4 is also involved in many other diseases beyond cancer, these clinically translatable probes can also play multiple roles in other pathological disorders such as myocardial infarction and several immunodeficiency disorders.

δ-Catenin, a Wnt/β-catenin modulator, reveals inducible mutagenesis promoting cancer cell survival adaptation and metabolic reprogramming

Mutations of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway has essential roles in development and cancer. Although β-catenin and adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene mutations are well established and are known to drive tumorigenesis, discoveries of mutations in other components of the pathway lagged, which hinders the understanding of cancer mechanisms. Here we report that δ-catenin (gene designation: CTNND2), a primarily neural member of the β-catenin superfamily that promotes canonical Wnt/β-catenin/LEF-1-mediated transcription, displays exonic mutations in human prostate cancer and promotes cancer cell survival adaptation and metabolic reprogramming. When overexpressed in cells derived from prostate tumor xenografts, δ-catenin gene invariably gives rise to mutations, leading to sequence disruptions predicting functional alterations. Ectopic δ-catenin gene integrating into host chromosomes is locus nonselective. δ-Catenin mutations promote tumor development in mouse prostate with probasin promoter (ARR2PB)-driven, prostate-specific expression of Myc oncogene, whereas mutant cells empower survival advantage upon overgrowth and glucose deprivation. Reprogramming energy utilization accompanies the downregulation of glucose transporter-1 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage while preserving tumor type 2 pyruvate kinase expression. δ-Catenin mutations increase β-catenin translocation to the nucleus and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) expression. Therefore, introducing δ-catenin mutations is an important milestone in prostate cancer metabolic adaptation by modulating β-catenin and HIF-1α signaling under glucose shortage to amplify its tumor-promoting potential.

Interfacial bonding and structure of Bi2Te3 topological insulator films on Si(111) determined by surface x-ray scattering

Interfacial topological states are a key element of interest for topological insulator thin films, and their properties can depend sensitively on the atomic bonding configuration. We employ in situ nonresonant and resonant surface x-ray scattering to study the interfacial and internal structure of a prototypical topological film system: Bi2Te3 grown on Si(111). The results reveal a Te-dominated buffer layer, a large interfacial spacing, and a slightly relaxed and partially strained bottom quintuple layer of an otherwise properly stacked bulklike Bi2Te3 film. The presence of the buffer layer indicates a nontrivial process of interface formation and a mechanism for electronic decoupling between the topological film and the Si(111) substrate.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) sparing effects of glucosamine hydrochloride through N-glycosylation inhibition; strategy to rescue stomach from NSAID damage

Gastrointestinal or cardiovascular complications limit nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) prescription. Glucosamine hydrochloride (GS-HCl) alternatively chosen, but debates still exist in its clinical efficiency. COX-2 instability through inhibiting COX-2 N-glycosylation of GS-HCl raised the possibility of NSAID sparing effect. Study was done to determine whether combination treatment of glucosamine and NSAID contributes to gastric safety through NSAID sparing effect. IEC-6 cells were stimulated with TNF-α and compared the expressions of inflammatory mediators after indomethacin alone or combination of indomethacin and GS-HCl by Western blotting and RT-PCR. C57BL/6 mice injected with type II collagen to induce arthritis were treated with indomethacin alone or combination of reduced dose of indomethacin and GS-HCl after 3 weeks. TNF-α increased the expression of COX-2, iNOS and inflammatory cytokines, but GS-HCl significantly attenuated TNF-α-induced COX-2 expression. Decreased COX-2 after GS-HCl was caused by N-glycosylation inhibition as much as tunicamycin. Combination of reduced dose of indomethacin and GS-HCl significantly reduced the expressions of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, IL-8, IL-1β, MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-9, and MMP-11 mRNA as well as NF-κB activation better than high dose indomethacin alone. These NSAID sparing effect of GS-HCl was further proven in collagen-induced arthritis model. Combination of GS-HCl and 2.5 mg/kg indomethacin showed significant protection from gastric damages as well as efficacious anti-arthritic effect. Taken together, COX-2 N-glycosylation inhibition by GS-HCl led to indomethacin sparing effects, based on which combination of GS-HCl and reduced dose of NSAID can provide the strategy to secure stomach from NSAID-induced gastric damage as well as excellent anti-arthritic effects.

Controlling the topology of Fermi surfaces in metal nanofilms

The properties of metal crystals are governed by the electrons of the highest occupied states at the Fermi level and determined by Fermi surfaces, the Fermi energy contours in momentum space. Topological regulation of the Fermi surface has been an important issue in synthesizing functional materials, which we found to be realized at room temperature in nanometer-thick films. Reducing the thickness of a metal thin film down to its electron wavelength scale induces the quantum size effect and the electronic system changes from three to two-dimensional, transforming the Fermi surface topology. Such an ultrathin film further changes its topology through one-dimensional (1D) structural deformation of the film when it is grown on a 1D substrate. In particular, when the interface has 1D metallic bands, the system is additionally stabilized by forming an electron energy gap by hybridization between 1D states of the film and substrate.

WE-C-217BCD-06: In Vivo Targeting and Imaging of Tumor Vasculature with Radiolabeled, Antibody-Conjugated Nano-Graphene

PURPOSE

Our goal was to explore nano-graphene for in vivo tumor targeting and quantitatively evaluate the pharmacokinetics and tumor targeting efficacy through PET imaging, using ^{6 4} Cu and ⁶⁶ Ga as the radiolabel.

METHODS

Nano-graphene oxide (GO) sheets, with amino group- terminated PEG chains (10 kDa) covalently attached, were conjugated to NOTA (l,4,7-triazacyclononane-l,4,7-triacetic acid, a suitable chelator for ^{6 4} Cu and ^{6 6} Ga) and TRC105 (a mAb that binds to CD 105, overexpressed on neovasculature). FACS analyses, size measurements, and serum stability studies were performed to characterize the GO conjugates before in vivo investigation (PET, bio distribution, blocking studies, etc.) in 4T1 murine breast tumor-bearing mice. Findings from imaging studies were then validated by histology.

RESULTS

TRC105-conjugated GO, 20-30 nm in diameter, was specific for CD105 with little non-specific binding. Both ⁶⁴ Cu- and ⁶⁶ Ga- labled GO conjugates had excellent stability in mouse serum. Clearance of the GO conjugates in mice was via the hepatobiliary pathway. ^v Cu/^{6 6} Ga-NOTA-GO-TRC105 accumulated rapidly in the 4T1 tumor and tumor uptake remained stable over time (3.8±0.4, 4.5±0.4, 5.8±0.3, and 4.5±0.4 %ID/g at 0.5, 3, 7, and 24 h p.i. for⁶⁶ Ga; 5.8±0.6, 5.3±0.6, 4.0±0.4, and3.4±0.1 %ID/g at 0.5, 3,24, and 48 h p.i. for ^{6 4} Cu; n = 4). Blocking studies confirmed CD105 specificity of ^{6 4} Cu/^{6 6} Ga-NOTA- GOTRC105, which was corroborated by bio distribution studies. Furthermore, microscopy examination of GO in light view mode and immunofluorescence staining revealed that targeting of NOTA-GO-TRC105 is tumor vasculature CD105 specific with little extravasation.

CONCLUSIONS

For the first time, we demonstrated that GO can be specifically directed to the tumor neovasculature in vivo through targeting of CD105, a marker of tumor angiogenesis. The versatile chemistry of graphene-based nanomaterials makes them suitable nanoplatforms for future biomedical research, such as cancer theranostics.

WE-C-217BCD-04: Multimodality Imaging of Breast Cancer Experimental Lung Metastasis

PURPOSE

Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is incurable. The clinical gold standard for assessing tumor microvessel density (MVD), an independent prognostic marker in MBC, is CD 105 staining. The goal of this study is to develop a positron emission tomography (PET)/near-infrared fluorescent (NIRF) probe for imaging of CD105 expression in MBC (i.e. non-invasive measurement of MVD), as well as other applications such as early detection of metastasis, intraoperative guidance, etc.

METHODS

TRC105, a chimeric anti-CD105 mAb, was dual-labeled with a NIRF dye and ⁸⁹ Zr to yield ^{8 9} Zr-Df-TRC105-800CW. Luciferase-transfected 4T1 murine breast cancer cells were injected intravenously into female BALB/c mice to establish a lung MBC model. Bio luminescence imaging (BLI) was carried out to non- invasively monitor the lung tumor burden. Comprehensive in vivo/ex vivo studies were performed to investigate ^{8 9} Zr-Df-TRC105-800CW in this MBC model. Cetuximab was used as an isotype-matched control.

RESULTS

Radiolabeled TRC105 has high tumor uptake in many tumor types in addition to MBC (e.g. pancreatic/prostate cancer and brain tumor), revealing broad clinical potential for TRC105-based agents. FACS analysis of HUVECs showed no difference in CD 105 binding between TRC105 and Df- TRC105-800CW. PET imaging revealed that 4T1 lung tumor uptake of ⁸⁹ Zr-Df-TRC105-800CW was 8.7±1.4,10.9±0.5, and 9.7±1.1 %ID/g at 4, 24, and 48 h post-injection (n = 4), with excellent tumor contrast. Bio distribution studies, blocking, control studies with ^{8 9} Zr-Df-cetuximab- 800CW, ex vivo BLI/PET/NIRF imaging, and histology all confirmed CD 105 specificity of the tracer. NIRF imaging-guided removal of 4T1 tumors with Df-TRC105-800CW in a subcutaneous model was also straightforward.

CONCLUSIONS

We report the first PET/NIRF imaging of CD105 expression in a MBC model. Broad clinical potential of TRC105- based agents was shown in many tumor types, which also enabled early detection of small metastases and provided intraoperative guidance for tumor removal.

Anti-Obesity Effects of Chitosan and Psyllium Husk with L-Ascorbic acid in Guinea Pigs

The aim of this study was to investigate whether L-Ascorbic acid would facilitate the anti-obesity effects of chitosan and psyllium husk in vivo. The study was carried out with male Hartley guinea pigs for 5 weeks. The results show that chitosan itself did not influence body weight gain and food efficiency ratio (FER). However, the addition of L-Ascorbic acid to chitosan decreased these parameters; the body weight gain and FER in the chitosan-2 group (high-fat diet group with 5 % chitosan containing 0.5 % L-Ascorbic acid) was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than that in F-controls (high-fat diet group), and was similar to that in controls (normal diet group). L-Ascorbic acid enhanced significantly (p < 0.05) the increases of total fecal weight and fecal fat excretion by chitosan. The addition of L-Ascorbic acid to psyllium husk did not differ from psyllium husk alone in terms of changes in weight gain, plasma lipid levels, and fat pad weight. We found that the addition of L-Ascorbic acid to chitosan influenced the reduction in body weight gain and FER, and the increase in total fecal weight and fecal fat excretion in guinea pigs fed a high-fat diet.

Aptamers as therapeutics in cardiovascular diseases

With many advantages over other therapeutic agents such as monoclonal antibodies, aptamers have recently emerged as a novel and powerful class of ligands with excellent potential for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Typically generated through Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment (SELEX), aptamers have been selected against a wide range of targets such as proteins, phospholipids, sugars, nucleic acids, as well as whole cells. DNA/RNA aptamers are single-stranded DNA/RNA oligonucleotides (with a molecular weight of 5-40 kDa) that can fold into well-defined 3D structures and bind to their target molecules with high affinity and specificity. A number of strategies have been adopted to synthesize aptamers with enhanced in vitro/in vivo stability, aiming at potential therapeutic/diagnostic applications in the clinic. In cardiovascular diseases, aptamers can be developed into therapeutic agents as anti-thrombotics, anti-coagulants, among others. This review focuses on aptamers that were selected against various molecular targets involved in cardiovascular diseases: von Willebrand factor (vWF), thrombin, factor IX, phospholamban, P-selectin, platelet-derived growth factor, integrin α(v)β(3), CXCL10, vasopressin, among others. With continued effort in the development of aptamer-based therapeutics, aptamers will find their niches in cardiovascular diseases and significantly impact clinical patient management.

Tumor-targeted drug delivery with aptamers

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death around the world. Tumor-targeted drug delivery is one of the major areas in cancer research. Aptamers exhibit many desirable properties for tumor-targeted drug delivery, such as ease of selection and synthesis, high binding affinity and specificity, low immunogenicity, and versatile synthetic accessibility. Over the last several years, aptamers have quickly become a new class of targeting ligands for drug delivery applications. In this review, we will discuss in detail about aptamer-based delivery of chemotherapy drugs (e.g. doxorubicin, docetaxel, daunorubicin, and cisplatin), toxins (e.g. gelonin and various photodynamic therapy agents), and a variety of small interfering RNAs. Although the results are promising which warrants enthusiasm for aptamer-based drug delivery, tumor homing of aptamer-based conjugates after systemic injection has only been achieved in one report. Much remains to be done before aptamer-based drug delivery can reach clinical trials and eventually the day-to-day management of cancer patients. Therefore, future directions and challenges in aptamer-based drug delivery are also discussed.

Molecular imaging with nucleic acid aptamers

With many desirable properties such as ease of synthesis, small size, lack of immunogenicity, and versatile chemistry, aptamers represent a class of targeting ligands that possess tremendous potential in molecular imaging applications. Non-invasive imaging of various disease markers with aptamer-based probes has many potential clinical applications such as lesion detection, patient stratification, treatment monitoring, etc. In this review, we will summarize the current status of molecular imaging with aptamer-based probes. First, fluorescence imaging will be described which include both direct targeting and activatable probes. Next, we discuss molecular magnetic resonance imaging and targeted ultrasound investigations using aptamer-based agents. Radionuclide-based imaging techniques (single-photon emission computed tomography and positron emission tomography) will be summarized as well. In addition, aptamers have also been labeled with various tags for computed tomography, surface plasmon resonance, dark-field light scattering microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy imaging. Among all molecular imaging modalities, no single modality is perfect and sufficient to obtain all the necessary information for a particular question. Thus, a multimodality probe has also been constructed for concurrent fluorescence, gamma camera, and magnetic resonance imaging in vivo. Although the future of aptamer-based molecular imaging is becoming increasingly bright and many proof-of-principle studies have already been reported, much future effort needs to be directed towards the development of clinically translatable aptamer-based imaging agents which will eventually benefit patients.

Confirmation of LRRK2 S1647T variant as a risk factor for Parkinson's disease in southern China

BACKGROUND

Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) S1647T has been identified as a risk variant for Parkinson's disease (PD) in Han Chinese.

METHODS

To replicate the association of LRRK2 S1647T with risk of PD, we conducted a case-control study of this variant involving 406 PD subjects and 412 controls from southern mainland China.

RESULTS

The results showed that the frequency of A allele was higher in patients with PD (OR=1.238, 95% CI: 1.015-1.510, P=0.035) compared to controls. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis with the disease group (patients with PD vs. controls) as the dependent variable and genotype as an independent factor adjusting for the effect of age and gender, the homozygous S1647T genotype (AA) was associated with an increased risk of PD (OR=1.815, 95% CI:1.270-2.594, P=0.001). The pooled analysis of present data and the data from the previous work demonstrated that the frequency of A allele was higher in patients with PD (OR=1.2, 95% CI: 1.09-1.32, P<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

LRRK2 S1647T increases the risk of Parkinson's disease in southern China.

Testosterone regulates cell proliferation in aggressive fibromatosis (desmoid tumour)

Background:

Aggressive fibromatosis (desmoid tumour) is a locally invasive tumour caused by mutations resulting in β-catenin protein stabilisation. Apc1638N mice are predisposed to developing aggressive fibromatosis tumours, and male mice develop greater numbers of tumours than female mice, suggesting a role for androgens in this tumour type.

Methods:

Human aggressive fibromatosis tumours were examined for the expression of the androgen receptor, and primary human tumour cell cultures were treated with testosterone. Orchidectomised Apc1638N mice were investigated for the development of tumours, and were treated with testosterone to study the effect of tumour formation and the level of β-catenin.

Results:

Androgen receptors are universally expressed in human aggressive fibromatosis tumours. Testosterone increased the proliferation rate and β-catenin protein level in a dose-dependent manner in human aggressive fibromatosis tumours. Orchiectomy reduced the number and size of tumours that formed in male Apc1638N mice to a similar level as observed in female mice. Testosterone treatment increased the number of tumours that formed in orchidectomised male mice, and resulted in a marked increase in β-catenin protein levels.

Conclusion:

Testosterone regulates β-catenin protein level and proliferation rate in this mesenchymal tumour. This work identifies the therapeutic use of testosterone blockade in aggressive fibromatosis as an area for further investigation.