GRP78 up-regulation is associated with androgen receptor status, Hsp70-Hsp90 client proteins and castrate-resistant prostate cancer

GRP78/BiP is a key member of the molecular chaperone heat shock protein (Hsp) 70 family. It has a critical role in prostate cancer (PC) including Pten loss-driven carcinogenesis, but the molecular basis of this remains unclear. We investigated the effect of GRP78 and its putative client proteins, including androgen receptor (AR) in clinical PC. Expression of GRP78 and key Hsp70-hsp90 client proteins (HER2, HER3, AR and AKT) were studied in an incidence tissue microarray (TMA) of prostate cancer. The relationship of GRP78 and AR was further tested in in vitro cell models (LNCaP and its derived LNCaP-CR subclone) and a matched TMA of hormone-naïve (HNPC) and castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). In vitro and in vivo expression of GRP78 and client proteins were assessed by western blotting and immunohistochemistry, respectively, using the weighted histoscore method. Significant co-expression of GRP78, pAKT, HER2, HER3 and AR was observed in PC. Abnormal AR, GRP78 and pAKT expression have significant impact on patient survival. GRP78 expression in AR(+) tumours was significantly higher than in AR(-) tumours. In keeping with our clinical data, activation of AR by dihydrotestosterone (DHT) potently activated GRP78 expression in both LNCaP and LNCaP-CR cells. For the first time, using a matched HNPC and CRPC TMA, enhanced cytoplasmic and membranous GRP78 expression was observed in CRPC. Future prospective studies are therefore warranted to validate GRP78 as prognostic marker and therapeutic target, in the context of the AR and pAKT status. In summary, GRP78 is co-expressed with Hsp70-hsp90 client proteins. Up-regulated expression of AR and GRP78 expression in untreated prostate cancer predicts a less favourable outcome. This points to the importance of understanding in the molecular interaction among AR, GRP78 and AKT.

Early discontinuation but not the timing of adjuvant therapy affects survival of patients with high-risk colorectal cancer: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

Adjuvant therapy results in significant improvement in survival of patients with high-risk colorectal cancer. Little is known about the significance of timing and early discontinuation of adjuvant treatment in such patients. Our study aims to determine the prognostic impact of timing and completion of adjuvant therapy in patients with high-risk colorectal cancer.

METHODS

Medical records of patients with stage III colon and stage II/III rectal cancer diagnosed between 1993 and 2000 in the province of Saskatchewan were reviewed. Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyze the impact of timing and completion of adjuvant therapy on survival.

RESULTS

Six hundred sixty-three eligible patients with a median age of 66 years were identified. Sixty-five percent patients received adjuvant <56 days after surgery and 79% patients completed planned treatment. Median follow-up was 54.6 months. Five-year disease-free survival and overall survival of patients who received adjuvant therapy <56 days after surgery was 54.6% and 59.5%, respectively, compared with 51.9% and 57.1%, respectively, of patients who received therapy ≥56 days after surgery (P = NS). The five-year disease disease-free survival and overall survival of patients who completed planned treatment was 56.7% and 62.3%, respectively, compared with 42.1% and 45%, respectively, of patients who required early treatment discontinuation (P < .0001). On multivariate analysis, age ≥65 years, T4 tumor, grade 3 cancer, node-positive disease, rectal tumor, and early treatment discontinuation were identified as poor prognostic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Although time to adjuvant therapy following surgical resection did not impact the outcomes, failure to complete planned therapy was associated with adverse prognosis.

Antioxidant responses versus DNA damage and lipid peroxidation in golden grey mullet liver: a field study at Ria de Aveiro (Portugal)

The present work aimed to investigate golden grey mullet (Liza aurata) liver protection versus damage responses at a polluted coastal lagoon, Ria de Aveiro (Portugal), as a tool to evaluate the human impacts on environmental health at five critical sites in Ria de Aveiro (Portugal) in comparison to a reference site (Torreira; TOR). Protection was evaluated by measuring non-enzymatic [total glutathione (GSHt) and non-protein thiols (NPT)] and enzymatic [catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and glutathione reductase (GR)] antioxidant defenses. Damage was assessed as DNA integrity loss and lipid peroxidation (LPO). No significant differences were found between sites in terms of non-enzymatic defenses (GSHt and NPT). CAT did not display significant differences among sites. However, GPx at Barra (BAR, associated with naval traffic), Gafanha (GAF, harbor and dry-dock activities area), Laranjo (LAR, metal contaminated associated with chlor-alkali plant), and Vagos (VAG, contaminated by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) was significantly lower than the reference site. GST was lower at GAF, Rio Novo do Príncipe (RIO, pulp mill effluent area), LAR, and VAG, whereas GR was lower at RIO. The loss of antioxidant defenses was paralleled by higher LPO levels only at GAF and VAG. However, no DNA integrity loss was found. Results highlight the importance of the adopted multibiomarkers as applied in the liver of L. aurata in coastal water pollution monitoring. The integration of liver antioxidant defense and damage responses can improve the aquatic contamination assessment.

Seasonal Liza aurata tissue-specific DNA integrity in a multi-contaminated coastal lagoon (Ria de Aveiro, Portugal)

In this study, the DNA integrity of golden grey mullet (Liza aurata) collected in differently contaminated sites of a coastal lagoon, Ria de Aveiro (Portugal), was assessed, over the period of 1 year, using the DNA alkaline unwinding assay, in four different tissues (gill, kidney, liver and blood) and compared to a reference site. The four tissues displayed different DNA integrity basal levels, clearly affected by seasonal factors. Gill and kidney were, respectively, the most and least sensitive tissues. All sites demonstrated the capacity to interfere with DNA integrity. The sites displaying the highest and lowest DNA damage capability were, respectively, Barra (subject to naval traffic) and Vagos (contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). In terms of seasonal variability, autumn seems to be the more critical season (more DNA damage) unlike summer when no DNA damage was found in any tissue. Data recommend the continued monitoring of this aquatic system.

Antioxidant system breakdown in brain of feral golden grey mullet (Liza aurata) as an effect of mercury exposure

Although brain has been recognized as a primary target for mercury toxicity in mammals, the effects of this metal in fish brain are scarcely described. Thus, the main objective of this study was to assess the mercury threat to feral fish (Liza aurata) by estimating the antioxidant defenses and peroxidative damage in brain, keeping in mind the association with mercury accumulation. Sampling was carried out in an estuarine area historically affected by discharges from a chlor-alkali industry-Laranjo Basin (Ria de Aveiro, Portugal). Total mercury (T-Hg) in brain increased towards the contamination source, clearly indicating mercury exposure. An overall antioxidant depletion was verified in brain of fish collected at the mercury-contaminated stations, since total glutathione content and the studied antioxidant enzymes (catalase-CAT, glutathione peroxidase-GPx, glutathione-S-transferase-GST and glutathione reductase-GR) significantly decreased. In addition, this breakdown of the redox-defense system was significantly correlated with the accumulated T-Hg levels. Unexpectedly, fish exhibited unaltered lipid peroxidation levels, pointing out a higher propensity of mercury to inhibit enzymes than to oxidatively damage lipids in the brain. Nevertheless, an increased susceptibility of the fish's brain was identified, leaving the organ more vulnerable to oxidative stress-related challenges. Overall, the current findings provide information to better understand mechanisms of mercury neurotoxicity in fish.

Changes in central retinal artery blood flow after ocular warming and cooling in healthy subjects

Context:

Retinal perfusion variability impacts ocular disease and physiology.

Aim:

To evaluate the response of central retinal artery (CRA) blood flow to temperature alterations in 20 healthy volunteers.

Setting and Design:

Non-interventional experimental human study.

Materials and Methods:

Baseline data recorded: Ocular surface temperature (OST) in °C (thermo-anemometer), CRA peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end diastolic velocity (EDV) in cm/s using Color Doppler. Ocular laterality and temperature alteration (warming by electric lamp/cooling by ice-gel pack) were randomly assigned. Primary outcomes recorded were: OST and intraocular pressure (IOP) immediately after warming or cooling and ten minutes later; CRA-PSV and EDV at three, six and nine minutes warming or cooling.

Statistical Analysis:

Repeated measures ANOVA.

Results:

(n = 20; μ ± SD): Pre-warming values were; OST: 34.5 ± 1.02°C, CRA-PSV: 9.3 ± 2.33 cm/s, CRA-EDV: 4.6 ± 1.27 cm/s. OST significantly increased by 1.96°C (95% CI: 1.54 to 2.37) after warming, but returned to baseline ten minutes later. Only at three minutes, the PSV significantly rose by 1.21 cm/s (95% CI: 0.51to1.91). Pre-cooling values were: OST: 34.5 ± 0.96°C, CRA-PSV: 9.7 ± 2.45 cm/s, CRA-EDV: 4.7 ± 1.12 cm/s. OST significantly decreased by 2.81°C (95% CI: −2.30 to −3.37) after cooling, and returned to baseline at ten minutes. There was a significant drop in CRA-PSV by 1.10cm/s (95% CI: −2.05 to −0.15) and CRA-EDV by 0.81 (95% CI: −1.47 to −0.14) at three minutes. At six minutes both PSV (95% CI: −1.38 to −0.03) and EDV (95% CI: −1.26 to −0.02) were significantly lower. All values at ten minutes were comparable to baseline. The IOP showed insignificant alteration on warming (95% CI of difference: −0.17 to 1.57mmHg), but was significantly lower after cooling (95% CI: −2.95 to −4.30mmHg). After ten minutes, IOP had returned to baseline.

Conclusion:

This study confirms that CRA flow significantly increases on warming and decreases on cooling, the latter despite a significant lowering of IOP.

A comparative study of human health risks via consumption of food crops grown on wastewater irrigated soil (Peshawar) and relatively clean water irrigated soil (lower Dir)

Food crops irrigated with wastewater are mostly contaminated with heavy metals and considered as a main pathway for human exposure. In this study, soil and food crops samples were collected from wastewater irrigated soils, background and relatively less polluted areas. Results of the sequential extraction and total metals concentrations in soils indicated that wastewater irrigation has significantly increased (p > or = 0.001) the bioavailable and total metal contents in wastewater irrigated soil as compared to background and control soils. Heavy metal concentrations in the food crops grown on wastewater irrigated soil were higher than those grown on background and control soils but were found within WHO/FAO permissible limits except for Zn. Health risk index values were less than 1 for both control and wastewater irrigated soils (except Mn). However, the food crops such as Brassica rapa, Spinacia oleracae L., Lycopersicum esculantum, Mentha viridis, Coriandum sativum and Lactuca sativa grown on wastewater irrigated soil can pose health risks because of the high concentration of Mn.

Exploiting knowledge of immune selection in HIV-1 to detect HIV-specific CD8 T-cell responses

Since HLA-restricted cytotoxic T-cell responses select specific polymorphisms in HIV-1 sequences and HLA diversity is relatively static in human populations, we investigated the use of peptide epitopes based on sites of HLA-associated adaptation in HIV-1 sequences to stimulate and detect T-cell responses ex vivo. These "HLA-optimised" peptides captured more HIV-1 Nef-specific responses compared with overlapping peptides of a single consensus sequence, in interferon-gamma enzyme linked immunospot assays. Sites of immune selection can reveal more immunogenic epitopes in HLA-diverse populations and offer insights into the nature of HLA-epitope targeting, which could be applied in vaccine design.

Measurements of X- and γ-ray emission probabilities in the β(-) decay of (233)Pa

X- and γ-ray emission probabilities from the β(-) decay of (233)Pa were measured with planar (LEPS) and coaxial Ge detectors. A (233)Pa source was produced after radiochemical separation from a (237)Np sample in which the parent ((237)Np) and daughter ((233)Pa) nuclides were in secular equilibrium. The results are compared with previous measurements and data evaluations.

Heavy metals in brick kiln located area using atomic absorption spectrophotometer: a case study from the city of Peshawar, Pakistan

Environmental pollution is one of the burning issues of the world. In developed countries, there are lot of awareness about the environment and the impact of various industries on their life and surroundings. A little has been done in this direction in developing countries. In Pakistan, a big problem is the rapid conglomeration of the brick kilns in the outskirts of nearly all the urban centers to cope with the rapid construction work in big cities. A huge amount of low-grade coal or rubber tires is used as fuel in a very non-scientific manner. The purpose of the present study was to look into the impact of the brick kilns on the different aspects of environmental pollution caused by these kilns. Concentration of metals Cu, Co, Zn, Pb, Cr, Ni, Cd, and Mn were measured on 36 soil samples collected from the area and the same number of plant samples in order to establish the distribution of heavy metals in the area and to determine the effect of this distribution on the surrounding atmosphere and the possible effects on human life.

Five-year experience of critical incidents associated with patient-controlled analgesia in an Irish University Hospital

BACKGROUND

Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is a common and effective means of managing post-operative pain. We sought to identify factors that may lead to critical incidents (CIs) in patient safety when using PCA in our institution.

METHODS

An observational study of prospectively collected data of patients who received PCA from 2002 to 2006 was performed. All CIs were documented and analysed by staff members of the acute pain service (APS). Cause analysis of CIs was undertaken to determine if measures can be instituted to prevent recurrence of similar events.

RESULTS

Over eight thousand patients (8,240) received PCA. Twenty-seven CIs were identified. Eighteen were due to programming errors. Other CIs included co-administration of opioids and oversedation.

CONCLUSION

In our institution, the largest contributory factor to CIs with PCAs was programming error. Strategies to minimize this problem include better education and surveillance.

Hepatic metallothionein concentrations in the golden grey mullet (Liza aurata) - Relationship with environmental metal concentrations in a metal-contaminated coastal system in Portugal

This field survey was designed to assess the environmental metal contamination status of Ria de Aveiro (Portugal). To achieve that goal, the concentrations of Cd, Hg, Cu and Zn in the sediments and water were assessed and Liza aurata hepatic metallothionein (MT) determined. The relationships between MT and environmental metal concentrations and hydrological factors were examined. Results revealed a wide distribution of metals both in water and sediments throughout the lagoon, mainly at Rio Novo do Principe (RIO) and Laranjo (LAR), at concentrations that may affect biota. MT concentrations were higher at the sites with high metal content (RIO and LAR). A significant positive correlation was found between MT and Cd in the sediments as well as with MT and Hg and Cu in the water. Moreover, a negative correlation between MT and salinity was found. Thus, the current data support MT use as a biomarker of metal exposure emphasizing the importance of hydrological parameters in its concentrations. Results suggest the continued monitoring of this lagoon system.

Monitoring pollution of coastal lagoon using Liza aurata kidney oxidative stress and genetic endpoints: an integrated biomarker approach

Despite the importance of fish kidney in several functions (immune, metabolism and excretion of xenobiotics) its use in coastal water biomonitoring focusing on protection and damage is scarce. Five critical sites in Ria de Aveiro (Portugal; Barra--BAR, Gafanha--GAF, Rio Novo do Principe--RIO; Laranjo--LAR and Vagos--VAG) were assessed in comparison to a reference site (Torreira--TOR), focusing on Liza aurata kidney antioxidant defences versus damage responses. Non protein thiols were higher at RIO (near a former bleached kraft pulp mill effluent) and total glutathione at RIO, LAR (mercury contaminated) and VAG (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons contaminated). Catalase and glutathione S-transferase activities were higher at RIO and LAR whereas no differences were found in glutathione peroxidase activity. However, glutathione reductase was higher at BAR (subject to naval traffic), GAF (harbour water area), RIO and LAR. No peroxidative damage was observed despite the decreased DNA integrity at RIO and VAG. The integrated biomarker response index ranked impacted sites as: LAR>RIO>BAR>GAF>VAG>TOR.

Infusion of mesenchymal stromal cells can aid hematopoietic recovery following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell myeloablative transplant: a pilot study

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are important in the support of hematopoiesis. In this pilot study, we evaluated the safety and efficiency of donor-expanded MSC infusion after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in six patients with poor hematopoietic recovery. MSCs were infused without HSC and without conditioning at a dose of 1 x 10(6)/kg weight. Two patients displayed rapid hematopoietic recovery (days 12 and 21), and four patients showed no response. The two patients who showed hematopoietic recovery were in first complete remission (CR1) compared to the other heavily pretreated patients. There were no toxic side effects linked to MSC infusion. One patient developed cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation 12 days following the MSC infusion and died from CMV disease. We found that infusion of MSCs without HSC co-infusion can restore medullary function in some patients with poor hematopoietic recovery. Our data suggest that patients with a less damaged stroma could benefit from this approach.

Guggullipid derivatives: synthesis and applications

Two guggullipid derivatives, Z-guggulsulfate [4,17(20)-pregnadiene-3-one-16beta-sulfate] sodium salt and Z-guggullaurate [4,17(20)-pregnadiene-3-one-16beta-laurate], have been synthesized and evaluated for liposomal drug delivery system. Its precursor, Z-guggulsterol [4,17(20)-pregnadiene-3-one-16beta-ol], is also synthesized in gram scale starting from guggulsterone using the novel combination of known reactions in fewer steps and with higher yield than previously reported synthesis. These new synthetic guggullipid derivatives were also used in the preparation of liposomes. This new class of lipid molecules will be a useful tool in the development of nanosomal or liposomal drug delivery system.

NanoLC-MS/MS analyses of urinary desmosine, hydroxylysylpyridinoline and lysylpyridinoline as biomarkers for chronic graft-versus-host disease

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is a common and potentially lethal complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). cGVHD as well as the transplant procedure itself (chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy) can lead to the degradation of connective tissue components such as elastin and collagen. The catabolism of these structural proteins releases desmosine (DES), lysylpyridinoline (LP), hydroxylysylpyridonoline (HP), and related pyridinium-based cross-linkers analogues that could represent potential biomarkers for cGVHD. This study reports the development of a sensitive liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous analysis of N-propyl derivatives of DES, HP, and LP. The concentrations of free and total forms of urinary DES, HP, and LP were determined using synthetic deuterated internal standards. This method enabled accurate quantitation of these pyridinium-based cross-linkers from as little as 100 microL of urine with detection limits of 0.03-0.10 ng/mL. These compounds were analyzed in urine samples from three groups of patients: (1) Healthy volunteers, (2) Autologous HSCT recipients (who cannot develop cGVHD), and (3) Allogeneic HSCT recipients at onset of cGHVD. These analyses revealed that the urinary concentrations of DES, HP, and LP in the autologous recipients were greater or equal to the cGVHD group although both groups showed marked increase in the levels of these compounds compared to healthy individuals. These results suggest that the chemotherapy treatment has significant effects on the turnover of elastin and collagen, and that these biomarkers could be effective during prospective analyses to determine the onset of cGVHD.