Association of cytokine gene polymorphisms (IL‑6, IL‑12B, IL‑18) with Behcet's disease : A meta-analysis

PURPOSE

This study aims to investigate the association of cytokine gene polymorphisms with the risk of Behcet's disease (BD) via comprehensive meta-analysis.

METHODS

The Embase and PubMed databases covering the period from the earliest possible year to May 2015 were searched. A total of 13 eligible articles including 2,065 BD patients and 1,559 controls were recruited. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of the associations. Potential publication bias was evaluated using Egger's linear regression test.

RESULTS

Meta-analysis indicated associations between IL‑6 rs1800795, IL‑12B rs3212227, and IL‑18 rs1946518 in all study subjects: IL‑18 rs1946518 in the dominant model (IL‑18 rs1946518: OR = 0.48, 95 % CI: 0.34-0.70, P = 0.000) and the homozygote model (IL‑18 rs1946518: OR = 0.40, 95 % CI: 0.25-0.65, P = 0.000); and IL‑6 rs1800795 and IL‑12B rs3212227 in the dominant model (IL‑6 rs1800795: OR = 0.53, 95 % CI: 0.39-0.72, P = 0.000; IL‑12B rs3212227: OR = 1.26, 95 % CI: 1.06-1.48, P = 0.007; IL‑18 rs1946518: OR = 0.46, 95 % CI: 0.33-0.65, P = 0.000). No significant evidence for associations of IL‑18 rs187238 polymorphisms with BD susceptibility was detected.

CONCLUSION

In summary, this meta-analysis finds that IL‑6 rs1800795 and IL‑18 rs1946518 polymorphisms decrease the risk of BD. However, IL‑12B rs3212227 increases BD susceptibility. Further large-scale investigation of this association is necessary.

Abstract P1-04-07: Environmental influence on epigenetic markers in the development of breast cancer

Aberrant DNA methylation plays an important role in breast cancer initiation and progression. We hypothesize that environmental risk factors contribute to causal alterations in DNA methylation and that such causal changes have already occurred prospectively in normal breast tissue before tumor occurrence. In order to test this hypothesis, normal breast tissue from healthy women must be used. We therefore conducted an integrative molecular epidemiological study that combined the environmental regulation of DNA methylation in normal breast tissue and the differential DNA methylation profiling in tumor and normal breast tissue. We examined for the first time the environmental impact on DNA methylation in normal breast tissue from healthy women and determine the association of these epigenetic changes with breast cancer development. Potentially causal DNA methylation markers identified from our study has the potential to make a major scientific and clinical impact in understanding breast cancer etiology as well as developing novel, more effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Citation Format: He C, Wu W, Gao H, Nephew K, Li L, Schneider B, Han J, Liu Y. Environmental influence on epigenetic markers in the development of breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-04-07.

[Anti-β(2)GPⅠantibodies accelerate the formation of atherosclerosis in high fat diet fed ApoE deficient mice]

Objective: To investigate the effects of anti-β(2) glycoprotein Ⅰ(β(2)GPⅠ) antibody on atherosclerosis in ApoE deficient mice. Methods: A total of 24 male ApoE deficient mice of specific pathogen free level(six to eight-week old)were divided into normal control group, high fat diet group, high fat diet with anti-β(2)GPⅠ group, high fat diet with homologous control antibody group (n=6 each group). During the feeding period, mice were weighed every 2 weeks and were intraperitoneally injected with anti-β(2)GPⅠIgG (100 μg/per) and homologous control IgG (100 μg/per) according to grouping once a week. At the 16th week, the carotid arterial lipid deposition was observed by small animal magnetic resonance imaging, and blood samples were collected from internal vein of eyeball and the concentrations of TC, TG, HDL-C and LDL-C in plasma were measured after EDTA anticoagulant treatment. AI was calculated. The mice were then sacrificed and carotid arteries were removed, hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the atherosclerotic lesions near the bifurcation of carotid artery and to calculate lesion size. Results: (1) The body weight of mice was significantly higher in the high fat diet group compared to other 3 groups(all P<0.05), which was similar among high fat diet+ anti-β(2)GPⅠantibody group, high fat diet+ homologous control IgG group and normal diet control group (P>0.05). (2) After 16 weeks, plasma concentrations of TC and LDL-C in high fat diet group, high fat diet+ anti-β(2)GPⅠantibody group and high fat diet+ homologous control IgG group were significantly higher than in normal diet group (all P<0.05), there was no significant difference among high fat diet groups. The level of HDL-C was significantly higher in high fat diet control group than in normal diet control group. The concentration of TG was similar among groups. However, the value of AI in high fat+ anti-β(2)GPⅠ antibody group was significantly higher than in other groups (all P<0.05). (3) After 16 weeks, magnetic resonance imaging revealed that mice in high fat diet+ anti-β(2)GPⅠ antibody group had more obviously lipid deposition in the carotid arteries, it was significantly higher than that in the other groups, and the cross sections of carotid arteries stained with HE also demonstrated obviously carotid lumen stenosis and the percentage of carotid plaque area to carotid artery was (37.545±1.351)% in the high fat diet+ anti-β(2)GPⅠ antibody group, it was significantly higher than normal diet group ((1.235±0.460)%), high fat diet control group((11.635±2.751)%) and high fat diet+ homologous control IgG group ((11.815±2.623)%), all P<0.01. In high fat diet+ anti-β(2)GPⅠ antibody group, the area of carotid plaque was (3.121±0.124)×10(4) μm(2,) it was also significantly higher than normal diet group ((0.094±0.015)×10(4) μm(2)), high fat diet control group ((1.309±0.147)×10(4) μm(2)) and high fat diet+ homologous control IgG group ((1.027±0.228)×10(4)μm(2)), all P<0.01. Conclusion: Anti-β(2)GPⅠ antibody can promote atherosclerotic plaque formation in high fat diet fed ApoE deficient mice.

[The prevalence of primary HIV-1 drug resistance in newly reported HIV infections in Henan]

OBJECTIVE

To study the prevalence of primary HIV-1 drug resistance in newly reported HIV infected individuals receiving no antiviral treatment in Henan.

METHODS

Network direct reporting information of newly reported HIV infection cases in six cities of Henan during January to June, 2013 and January to June, 2014 were collected, and blood samples were collected from the cases to conduct genotypic drug resistance test and sequence analysis.

RESULTS

Primary HIV-1 drug resistance was detected in 45 of 624 newly reported HIV infection cases, the prevalence of primary HIV-1 drug resistance was 7.21%, which was classified as moderate. Univariate analysis revealed that the prevalence of primary HIV-1 drug resistance was higher in females(χ(2)=11.463, P = 0.001), in age group <20 years(χ(2)=8.969, P=0.011), in illiterates(χ(2)=18.072, P=0.001)and in cases of HIV subtype B infection(χ(2)=9.897, P=0.019). Multi-univariate analysis revealed that the risk of primary HIV-1 drug resistance was high in females(OR=2.194, 95%CI: 1.111-4.331). Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor(NNRTI), Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor(NRTI)and Protease inhibitor(PI)resistance mutations were found in 4.97%, 3.53% and 1.12% of the cases, respectively. M184V/I(2.08%)and K103N/S(2.88%)were the most commonly emerged NRTI and NNRTI resistance mutation. Multiple NRTI resistance mutation was found in four cases. HIV subtype B infections accounted for largest proportion(51.76%, 323/624), followed by CRF07_BC cases(23.72%, 148/624)and CRF01_AE cases(19.71%, 123/624).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of primary HIV-1 drug resistance was moderate in the newly reported HIV infected individuals in Henan. The surveillance for HIV-1 drug resistance transmission should be strengthened and drug resistance test before the antiviral treatment should be given.

A pilot study of traditional indoor biomass cooking and heating in rural Bhutan: gas and particle concentrations and emission rates

Although many studies have reported the health effects of biomass fuels in developing countries, relatively few have quantitatively characterized emissions from biomass stoves during cooking and heating. The aim of this pilot study was to characterize the emission characteristics of different biomass stoves in four rural houses in Bhutan during heating (metal chimney stove), rice cooking (traditional mud stove), fodder preparation (stone tripod stove), and liquor distillation (traditional mud stove). Three stage measurements (before, during, and after the activity had ceased) were conducted for PM_2.5 , particle number (PN), CO, and CO₂ . When stoves were operated, the pollutant concentrations were significantly elevated above background levels, by an average of 40 and 18 times for PM_2.5 and CO, respectively. Emission rates (mg/min) ranged from 1.07 × 10² (PM_2.5 ) and 3.50 × 10² (CO) for the stone tripod stove during fodder preparation to 6.20 × 10² (PM_2.5 ) and 2.22 × 10³ (CO) for the traditional mud stove during liquor distillation. Usable PN data were only available for one house, during heating using a metal chimney stove, which presented an emission rate of 3.24 × 10¹³ particles/min. Interventions to control household air pollution in Bhutan, in order to reduce the health risks associated with cooking and heating, are recommended.

Coupling effects of the electric field and bending on the electronic and magnetic properties of penta-graphene nanoribbons

The magnetic configuration transitions for P-GNRs vs. critical electric field strength on applying different bending strains.

Hypoxia inducible factor-1α-induced interleukin-33 expression in intestinal epithelia contributes to mucosal homeostasis in inflammatory bowel disease

Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs), an important barrier to gut microbiota, are subject to low oxygen tension, particularly during intestinal inflammation. Hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is expressed highly in the inflamed mucosa of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and functions as a key regulator in maintenance of intestinal homeostasis. However, how IEC-derived HIF-1α regulates intestinal immune responses in IBD is still not understood completely. We report here that the expression of HIF-1α and IL-33 was increased significantly in the inflamed mucosa of IBD patients as well as mice with colitis induced by dextran sulphate sodium (DSS). The levels of interleukin (IL)-33 were correlated positively with that of HIF-1α. A HIF-1α-interacting element was identified in the promoter region of IL-33, indicating that HIF-1α activity regulates IL-33 expression. Furthermore, tumour necrosis factor (TNF) facilitated the HIF-1α-dependent IL-33 expression in IEC. Our data thus demonstrate that HIF-1α-dependent IL-33 in IEC functions as a regulatory cytokine in inflamed mucosa of IBD, thereby regulating the intestinal inflammation and maintaining mucosal homeostasis.

Tuning the electronic and magnetic properties of graphene-like SiGe hybrid nanosheets by surface functionalization

In this paper, the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of fully and partially surface modified SiGe nanosheets (NSs) have been investigated using first-principles calculations based on density functional theory. The results demonstrate that the electronic and magnetic properties of SiGe NSs can be tuned by decorating H, Cl and F atoms on Si sites in SiGe NSs. It is shown that by decorating their surface with H, F, and Cl atoms, H-SiGe, F-SiGe, and Cl-SiGe NSs in FM states are predicted to behave as a semiconductor, half-metal, and metal, respectively. The diverse electronic and magnetic properties define the potential applications of SiGe nanosheets in electronics and spintronics.

[Efficacy of GLIDE chemotherapy for patients with newly diagnosed advanced-stage or relapsed/refractory extranodal natural killer cell lymphoma]

目的

研究GLIDE（吉西他滨、门冬酰胺酶、异环磷酰胺、地塞米松、依托泊苷）方案治疗初发进展期及复发难治性结外鼻型NK/T细胞淋巴瘤（ENKL）患者的有效性及安全性。

方法

纳入2010年3月至2016年3月收治的初发进展期及复发难治性ENKL患者42例，给予GLIDE方案化疗，中位疗程数为3(2~6）个，评估化疗结束后缓解率及早期（2个疗程后）缓解率，采用Kaplan-Meier方法统计无进展生存（PFS）及总生存（OS），同时采用Cox回归方法进行多因素分析，寻找影响患者PFS及OS的独立预后因素。

结果

31例（73.8%）患者达到完全缓解（CR），其中22例（52.4%）为早期CR，31例CR患者中14例接受序贯自体造血干细胞移植（ASCT）。1年PFS与OS率分别为65.6％和82.7%，4年PFS与OS率分别为48.2％和63.1%，中位OS时间未达到，中位PFS时间为30.5个月。多因素分析提示美国东部肿瘤协作组体能状态评分（ECOG评分）0~1分以及CR后序贯ASCT为减少复发、延长患者生存的有利因素。

结论

GLIDE方案能够有效治疗初发进展期及复发难治性ENKL, ECOG评分0~1分及CR后序贯ASCT治疗是患者获得较长PFS和OS时间的独立预后因素。

Interfacial Symmetry Control of Emergent Ferromagnetism at the Nanoscale

The emergence of complex new ground states at interfaces has been identified as one of the most promising routes to highly tunable nanoscale materials. Despite recent progress, isolating and controlling the underlying mechanisms behind these emergent properties remains among the most challenging materials physics problems to date. In particular, generating ferromagnetism localized at the interface of two nonferromagnetic materials is of fundamental and technological interest. Moreover, the ability to turn the ferromagnetism on and off would shed light on the origin of such emergent phenomena and is promising for spintronic applications. We demonstrate that ferromagnetism confined within one unit cell at the interface of CaRuO3 and CaMnO3 can be switched on and off by changing the symmetry of the oxygen octahedra connectivity at the boundary. Interfaces that are symmetry-matched across the boundary exhibit interfacial CaMnO3 ferromagnetism while the ferromagnetism at symmetry-mismatched interfaces is suppressed. We attribute the suppression of ferromagnetic order to a reduction in charge transfer at symmetry-mismatched interfaces, where frustrated bonding weakens the orbital overlap. Thus, interfacial symmetry is a new route to control emergent ferromagnetism in materials such as CaMnO3 that exhibit antiferromagnetism in bulk form.

[Value of ratio of sensory nerves conductive velocity along palm-median finger/wrist-palm in diagnosing the carpal tunnel syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

To Verify the value of the ratio of sensory nerves conductive velocity along palm-median finger /wrist-palm minus 1 for diagnosis of the mild-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS).

METHODS

The different value between 1 and the ratio of sensory nerves conductive velocity along palm-median finger/wrist-palm was defined as index-CTS which was used to assess the severity of CTS.The index-CTS of 100 palms from healthy controls and 58 palms from mild-moderate CTS patients were calculated and compared.Multiple regression was used to identify the relative factors of index-CTS.The ROC curve was used to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of index-CTS at different values.

RESULTS

The value of index-CTS from healthy controls and patients both fitted Gaussian distribution.The mean value were -0.053±0.042 vs 0.055±0.074 in the controls and the patients respectively.The difference was statistically significant between the two groups by T-test(P<0.001). Multiple regression analysis showed that Tinel sign, Phalen sign, laterality, clinical grade, electrical grade were identifiable factors related to index-CTS.When index-CTS was over 0.001 and Ⅳ-DL over 0.395 ms , specificity of diagnosis by both can get 92%, but index-CTS showed more higher sensitivity(98.3% vs 89.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

Rising index-CTS could be the most significant electrophysiological feature in CTS.It can be used as a sensitive marker to assess the extent of conduction block of median nerve in carpal tunnel.

Unexpected increase in indoor pollutants after the introduction of a smoke-free policy in a correctional center

Correctional centers (prisons) are one of the few non-residential indoor environments where smoking is still permitted. However, few studies have investigated indoor air quality (IAQ) in these locations. We quantified the level of inmate and staff exposure to secondhand smoke, including particle number (PN) count, and we assessed the impact of the smoking ban on IAQ. We performed measurements of indoor and outdoor PM2.5 and PN concentrations, personal PN exposure levels, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and nicotine both before and after a complete indoor smoking ban in an Australian maximum security prison. Results show that the indoor 24-h average PM2.5 concentrations ranged from 6 (±1) μg/m(3) to 17 (±3) μg/m(3) pre-ban. The post-ban levels ranged from 7 (±2) μg/m(3) to 71 (±43) μg/m(3) . While PM2.5 concentrations decreased in one unit post-ban, they increased in the other two units. Similar post-ban increases were also observed in levels of PN and VOCs. We describe an unexpected increase of indoor pollutants following a total indoor smoking ban in a prison that was reflected across multiple pollutants that are markers of smoking. We hypothesise that clandestine post-ban smoking among inmates may have been the predominant cause.

The four and a half LIM domains 2 (FHL2) regulates ovarian granulosa cell tumor progression via controlling AKT1 transcription

The four and a half LIM domains 2 (FHL2) has been shown to play important roles in the regulation of cell proliferation, survival, adhesion, motility and signal transduction in a cell type and tissue-dependent manner. However, the function of FHL2 in ovarian physiology and pathology is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the role and functional mechanism of FHL2 in the progression of ovarian granulosa cell tumors (GCTs). Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that FHL2 was overexpressed in GCT tissues. Cellular localization of FHL2 in GCT cells was cell cycle dependent. Knockdown of FHL2 suppressed GCT cell growth, reduced cell viability and inhibited cell migration. Consistently, ectopic expression of FHL2 in GCT cells with very low endogenous FHL2 promoted cell growth, improved cell viability and enhance cell migration. Importantly, overexpression of FHL2 promoted GCT progression in vivo. Mechanistic studies indicated that FHL2 regulates AKT1 gene expression in vitro and in vivo. Knockdown of FHL2 or AKT1 in GCT cell lines induced very similar phenotypes. Ectopic expression of constitutively active AKT1 rescued FHL2 knockdown-induced arrest of GCT cell growth and reduction of GCT cell viability, suggesting that FHL2 regulates GCT cell growth and viability through controlling AKT1 expression. Finally, co-immunoprecipitation and chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses indicated that FHL2 functions as a co-activator of NFκB and AP-1 to regulate AKT1 gene transcription. In conclusion, results from the present study indicate that FHL2 exerts its oncogenic action in GCT cells via controlling AKT1 gene expression. FHL2 is a promising target for the development of novel drugs against ovarian granulosa cell tumor.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress eIF2α-ATF4 pathway-mediated cyclooxygenase-2 induction regulates cadmium-induced autophagy in kidney

The heavy metal cadmium (Cd) is nephrotoxic. Recent studies show that autophagy plays an essential role in Cd-induced kidney injury. However, the mechanisms of Cd-induced kidney injury accompanied by autophagy are still obscure. In the present study, we first confirmed that Cd induced kidney damage and dysfunction, along with autophagy, both in vivo and in vitro. Then, we observed that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and the eIF2α-ATF4 pathway of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress were induced by Cd in both kidney tissues and cultured cells. Further studies showed that inhibition of COX-2 with celecoxib or RNA interference (RNAi) inhibited the Cd-induced autophagy in kidney cells. In addition, blocking ER stress with 4-phenylbutyrate or RNAi partially counteracted COX-2 overexpression and autophagy induced by Cd, which suggested that ER stress was required for Cd-induced kidney autophagy. Significantly, our results showed that Cd activated ATF4 and induced its translocation to the nucleus. Knockdown of ATF4 inhibited Cd-induced COX-2 overexpression. While COX-2 overexpression is involved in renal dysfunction, there is no prior report on the role of COX-2 in autophagy regulation. The results of the current study suggest a novel molecular mechanism that the ER stress eIF2α-ATF4 pathway-mediated COX-2 overexpression contributes to Cd-induced kidney autophagy and injury. The present study implies that COX-2 may be a potential target for therapy against Cd-induced nephrotoxicity.

Randomized controlled clinical trial on the efficacy of fosfomycin trometamol for uncomplicated gonococcal urethritis in men

We assessed the efficacy of fosfomycin trometamol in treating uncomplicated gonococcal urethritis in men. We conducted an open randomized controlled trial in 152 consecutive men with any main complaints suggestive of uncomplicated gonococcal urethritis in Dujiangyan Medical Center between 1 September 2013 and 31 August 2015. In total, 126 patients completed all aspects of this study. Sixty were provided therapy with fosfomycin trometamol 3 g orally on days 1, 3 and 5 in the intervention group; the other 61 were provided ceftriaxone 250 mg intramuscularly plus azithromycin 1 g orally simultaneously as a single dose in the control group. The primary outcomes involved clinical and microbiologic cure on days 7 and 14 after receipt of all the study medications. At the day 7 follow-up visit, all the 121 participants had complete resolution of clinical symptoms and signs. In addition, five patients (two in the intervention group and three in the control group) discontinued intervention because of unsuccessful treatment. After receipt of all the study medications, these five patients still had urethral purulent discharge and were switched to other unknown treatment regimens by other doctors. The bacterial smears and cultures of urethral or urine specimens in the 121 patients who completed all aspects of the study were negative on a test-of-cure visit. In the per-protocol analysis, both clinical and microbiologic cure were experienced by 96.8% (60/62 patients) in the intervention group and 95.3% (61/64 patients) in the control group. There were no recurrences at the day 14 test-of-cure visit. This trial indicates that fosfomycin trometamol exhibits excellent efficacy for treatment of uncomplicated gonococcal urethritis in men. Serious adverse effects are rare.

The GGDEF-domain protein GdpX1 attenuates motility, exopolysaccharide production and virulence in Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae

AIMS

Cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP), a ubiquitous bacterial second messenger that is synthesized by diguanylate cyclase (DGC) with the GGDEF-domain, regulates diverse virulence phenotypes in pathogenic bacteria. Although 11 genes encoding GGDEF-domain proteins have been shown in the genome of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) strain PXO99(A) , the causal pathogen of bacterial blight of rice, however, little is known about their roles in the c-di-GMP regulation of virulence in the pathogen. GdpX1, one of the GGDEF-domain proteins in Xoo was investigated in this study to reveal its regulatory function of bacterial virulence expression through genetic analysis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

GdpX1 was functionally characterized in virulence expression through deletion and overexpression analysis. Bioinformatics analysis revealed the GGDEF-domain in GdpX1 was well conserved, indicating it is a putative DGC. Deletion of gdpX1 resulted in significant increases in virulence, exopolysaccharide (EPS) production and flagellar motility. In contrast, overexpression of gdpX1 dramatically reduced these virulence phenotypes. qRT-PCR analysis showed genes related to the type III secretion system (T3SS), EPS synthesis, and flagellar motility, were up-regulated in ∆gdpX1 and down-regulated in the gdpX1-overexpressed strains. In addition, overexpression of gdpX1 promoted biofilm formation and xylanase activity.

CONCLUSION

GdpX1 is the first GGDEF-domain protein functionally characterized in Xoo, which functions as a negative regulator of bacterial virulence via suppression of virulence-related gene transcription.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Identification and functional characterization of GdpX1 provided additional insights into molecular mechanisms of c-di-GMP regulation of bacterial virulence expression.

5-Fluorouracil induces apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is widely used in chemotherapy for treatment of colorectal cancer. Leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor (LGR) is known to participate in the occurrence and development of breast cancer by regulating the rebirth of tumor vessels. This study aimed to explore the proliferation and apoptosis of HCT116 colorectal cancer cells treated with 5-FU and related molecular mechanisms. 5-FU (20 μg/mL) was used to treat cultured HCT116 cells. An MTT test, flow cytometry, and colony formation assays were used to examine the proliferation and apoptosis of HCT116 cells. Western blotting was applied to detect the expression of the LGR4 protein in HCT116 cells. Small interference RNA or over-expression techniques were used to manipulate LGR4 expression in HCT116 cells and describe the proliferation and apoptosis of HCT116 treated with 5-FU. A dosage of 20 μg/mL 5-FU resulted in a significant decrease in the proliferation and apoptosis of HCT116 cells and significantly decreased expression levels of LGR4. The specific gene silence or over-expression of LGR4 in HCT116 cells increased and decreased the levels of apoptosis in HCT116, respectively. 5-FU induces apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells and inhibits proliferation by suppressing LGR4 proteins.

Abstract P5-04-09: Copper chaperons as novel targets for therapy in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)

Background: Copper metabolism is frequently dysregulated in cancer and promotes tumorigenesis. Copper chelation was shown to delay tumor development, attenuate tumor growth, block angiogenesis and inhibit metastases in preclinical breast cancer models. Copper depletion with tetrathiomolybdate (TM) in on-going phase II study for breast cancer patients at high risk for relapse resulted in significant improvement in progression-free survival, especially in patients with TNBC. We hypothesized that targeting ATOX-1 and CCS, copper chaperons that are major regulators of copper trafficking, with novel selective inhibitor may disrupt cellular copper transport and suppress TNBC cell growth, block angiogenic activity, and enhance cytotoxicity of available chemotherapy.

Methods:We measured ATOX-1 and CCS protein expression using western blot in a panel of breast cancer cell lines including TNBC cell lines with basal-like (BL) and claudin-low (CL) subtypes. We compared potency and efficacy of ATOX-1/CCS inhibitor to induce cytotoxicity in MDA-MB231, MDA-MB436, MDA-MB468 and primary normal mammary HMECs. We evaluated ability of the inhibitor to disrupt tubulogenesis of endothelial cells. To determine if blocking copper transport can enhance sensitivity of TNBC to chemotherapy we used novel ATOX-1/CCS inhibitor in combination with Cisplatin to treat TNBC in a schedule-dependent manner.

Results: ATOX-1 protein expression was elevated in all tested TNBC cell lines compared to normal HMEC (1.7±0.2 and 2.1± 0.3 folds higher in BL and CL cells, respectively). Upregulated CCS protein expression was also observed in majority of tested cell lines compared to HMEC (2.8±0.6 and 1.2±0.1 times higher in BL and CL cells, respectively). Treatment of MDA-MB231, MDA-MB436, MDA-MB468 with the inhibitor resulted in reduced cell proliferation. IC50 doses for 72h treatment with single agent were: 0.23±0.02uM (MDA-MB468), 0.29±0.03uM (MDA-MB231) and 0.35±0.02uM (MDA-MB436). Additional cytotoxicity was observed in TNBC when ATOX-1/CCS inhibitor was applied in combination with Cisplatin. Interestingly, sequential treatment resulted in synergistic effect (CI&lt; 1). Treatment with the inhibitor reduced growth of HMECs and HuVECs in vitro, and inhibited angiogenesis in tube formation assay with HuVECs.

Conclusions: Targeting copper trafficking by selective inhibition of chaperons ATOX-1 and CCS is promising and could potentially serve as a therapeutic approach to overcome resistance to chemotherapy in TNBC. In vivo studies investigating efficacy and biological activity of the novel compound in a xenograft model are ongoing and will help to elucidate molecular mechanisms of action, and further estimate potential clinical relevance of this approach.

Citation Format: Karginova O, Song A, Wang J, Luo C, Jiang H, He C, Olopade OI. Copper chaperons as novel targets for therapy in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-04-09.

An immune regulatory CCT repeat containing oligodeoxynucleotide capable of causing hair loss in male mice

An oligodeoxynucleotide with CCT repeats (CCT ODN) has been found in our previous study to selectively downregulate Toll-like receptor 7/9 (TLR7/9)-mediated immune responses both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we unexpectedly found that CCT ODN induced severe patchy hair loss around the mouth in male F1 mice (female Balb/c × male C57BL/6) with lupus-like nephritis induced by injecting allogenic lymphocytes and also in male Balb/c mice, but not in female F1 mice and Balb/c mice and either gender of C57BL/6 mice. Increased infiltration of natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D⁺) cells in hair loss skin and upregulated interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) messenger RNA expression in cultured splenocytes were observed in male Balb/c mice. The CCT ODN-conditioned supernatants of cultured mouse splenocytes caused catagen-like changes to hair follicles (HFs). We hypothesized that the CCT ODN could induce patchy hair loss in the male mice with certain genetic traits by mobilizing NKG2D⁺ cells to HFs and by inducing the production of IFN-γ from immune cells. Taken together these data indicated that a gender and genetic preference of immune-regulatory oligonucleotides is causing unexpected clinical situations such as hair loss.

YAP induces high-grade serous carcinoma in fallopian tube secretory epithelial cells

Accumulating evidence indicates that ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) originates from fallopian tube secretory epithelial cells (FTSECs). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the initiation and progression of HGSC derived from FTSECs remains unclear. In this study, we found that the Hippo/Yes-associated protein (YAP) signaling pathway has a critical role in the initiation and progression of fallopian tube and ovarian HGSC. Importantly, YAP was overexpressed in inflammatory and cancerous fallopian tube tissues. Further, overexpression of wild-type YAP, or constitutively active YAP in immortalized FTSECs, induced cell proliferation, migration, colony formation and tumorigenesis. Moreover, the Hippo/YAP and the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling pathways formed an autocrine/paracrine-positive feedback loop to drive the progression of the FTSEC-derived HGSC. Evidence in this study strongly suggests that combined therapy with inhibitors of YAP (such as verteporfin) and FGF receptors (such as BGJ398) can provide a novel therapeutic strategy to treat fallopian tube and ovarian HGSC.

Regulatory immune cells in regulation of intestinal inflammatory response to microbiota

The intestinal lumen harbors nearly 100 trillion commensal bacteria that exert crucial function for health. An elaborate balance between immune responses and tolerance to intestinal microbiota is required to maintain intestinal homeostasis. This process depends on diverse regulatory mechanisms, including both innate and adaptive immunity. Dysregulation of the homeostasis between intestinal immune systems and microbiota has been shown to be associated with the development of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) in genetically susceptible populations. In this review, we discuss the recent progress reported in studies of distinct types of regulatory immune cells in the gut, including intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes, Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells, regulatory B cells, alternatively activated macrophages, dendritic cells, and innate lymphoid cells, and how dysfunction of this immune regulatory system contributes to intestinal diseases such as IBD. Moreover, we discuss the manipulation of these regulatory immune cells as a potential therapeutic method for management of intestinal inflammatory disorders.

Collective Modes and Structural Modulation in Ni-Mn-Ga(Co) Martensite Thin Films Probed by Femtosecond Spectroscopy and Scanning Tunneling Microscopy

The origin of the martensitic transition in the magnetic shape memory alloy Ni-Mn-Ga has been widely discussed. While several studies suggest it is electronically driven, the adaptive martensite model reproduced the peculiar nonharmonic lattice modulation. We used femtosecond spectroscopy to probe the temperature and doping dependence of collective modes, and scanning tunneling microscopy revealed the corresponding static modulations. We show that the martensitic phase can be described by a complex charge-density wave tuned by magnetic ordering and strong electron-lattice coupling.

Anti-CII antibody as a novel indicator to assess disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects a variety of organ systems. Anti-dsDNA Abs and complement factors have been used as indicators of lupus activity for more than 50 years. A novel indicator of activation in SLE is reported in this paper. Anti-collagen type II (CII) Ab was obviously elevated in patients with SLE compared to those patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and healthy controls (HCs). Anti-CII-Ab-positive patients with SLE showed significantly higher levels of serum IgG and higher titers of ANA but lower levels of C3 and C4 than controls. A positive correlation was demonstrated between anti-CII Ab and serum IgG in SLE patients (r = 0.50, p < 0.0001). The negative correlations of anti-CII Ab with C3 and C4 were observed in SLE patients (r = -0.36, p = 0.0013; r = -0.37, p = 0.0006, respectively). The reduced anti-CII Ab level was accompanied by decreased level of serum IgG and increased levels of C3 and C4 after regular treatment. Therefore, anti-CII Ab could be a novel indicator for monitoring activity of SLE.

Effects of whole-body vibration training with quadriceps strengthening exercise on functioning and gait parameters in patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis: a randomised controlled preliminary study

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effects of whole-body vibration training (WBVT) with quadriceps strengthening exercise (QSE) with QSE alone on functioning and gait parameters in patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis.

DESIGN

Randomised controlled preliminary study.

SETTING

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.

SUBJECTS

Thirty-nine patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants were assigned at random to one of two groups.

MAIN MEASURES

Visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), timed up and go test (TUG), 6-minute walk distance test (6MWD), and three-dimensional gait analysis during level walking at baseline, 12 weeks and 16 weeks (follow-up).

RESULTS

Compared with baseline, significant improvements in VAS, all WOMAC scales, TUG, 6MWD and all spatiotemporal parameters were seen in both the WBVT+QSE group and the QSE alone group at 12 and 16 weeks. However, the WBVT+QSE group showed greater improvements than the QSE alone group in WOMAC scales (physical function), TUG, 6MWD and cadence at 12 weeks. No differences were found between the WBVT+QSE and QSE alone groups in VAS, WOMAC scales (pain, stiffness), kinematic and kinetic gait parameters, and other spatiotemporal parameters at 12 weeks and 16 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Over a 3-month period, WBVT in combination with QSE improved symptoms, physical function and spatiotemporal parameters in patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis, and led to greater improvement than QSE alone in WOMAC scales (physical function), TUG, 6MWD and cadence.

Association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in MPO and COX genes with oral lichen planus

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is an intractable, chronic inflammatory disorder, and its pathogenesis is still largely unknown. Some literatures supported that genes involved in both oxidative stress and prostaglandin metabolism play an important role in the process of inflammation. To explore their association with OLP, we investigated four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from myeloperoxidase (MPO) and cyclooxygenase (COX) genes in 475 Chinese individuals (242 case and 233 controls) by MassArray. Although the genotype distributions had no significant differences between the patients and controls, we found that in different gender, rs2243828 from MPO displayed the statistically significant variance genotype frequencies between patients and controls (P = 0.018 in females, P = 0.035 in males). Moreover, for the major allele recessive model, this SNP also showed a significant difference between case and control groups in males (P = 0.015). In this study, we first observed significant association with MPO polymorphism and OLP risk in different gender groups in Chinese, suggesting MPO polymorphism is a gender-specific risk factor of OLP probably by influencing sex hormone-sensitive elements to regulate inflammatory gene expression networks, and we further revealed that oxidative stress was actually involved in the pathogenesis of this disease. Moreover, these findings inspire us some constructive solutions to the treatment of this disease.

Functional inactivation of hypocretin 1 receptors in the medial prefrontal cortex affects the pyramidal neuron activity and gamma oscillations: An in vivo multiple-channel single-unit recording study

The hypocretin signaling is thought to play a critical role in maintaining wakefulness via stimulating the subcortical arousal pathways. Although the cortical areas, including the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), receive dense hypocretinergic fibers and express its receptors, it remains unclear whether the hypocretins can directly regulate the neural activity of the mPFC in vivo. In the present study, using multiple-channel single-unit recording study, we found that infusion of the SB-334867, a blocker for the Hcrtr1, beside the recording sites within the mPFC substantially exerted an inhibitory effect on the putative pyramidal neuron (PPN) activity in naturally behaving rats. In addition, functional blockade of the Hcrtr1 also selectively reduced the power of the gamma oscillations. The PPN activity and the power of the neural oscillations were not affected after microinjection of the TCS-OX2-29, a blocker for the Hcrtr2, within the mPFC. Together, these data indicate that endogenous hypocretins acting on the Hcrtr1 are required for the normal neural activity in the mPFC in vivo, and thus might directly contribute cortical arousal and mPFC-dependent cognitive processes.

Tuning the electronic and magnetic properties of graphene-like AlN nanosheets by surface functionalization and thickness

Semiconductor → half-metal → metal transition with nonmagnetic → magnetic transfer can be achieved for AlN nanosheets by surface hydrogenation and increasing nanosheet thickness.

Tuning the structures and electron transport properties of ultrathin Cu nanowires by size and bending stress using DFT and DFTB methods

Electron transport properties of ultrathin Cu nanowires with diameters of 0.2–1.0 nm under different bending stresses are reported, using density functional theory and density-functional-based tight-binding approaches, for application in flexible displays and solar cells.

Tuning electronic and magnetic properties of zigzag graphene nanoribbons with a Stone–Wales line defect by position and axis tensile strain

The structural, electronic and magnetic properties can be modulated by changing the SW LD locations and axis tensile strain of 10-ZGNRs using density functional theory.

Tunable electronic and magnetic properties of monolayer MoS2 on decorated AlN nanosheets: a van der Waals density functional study

The structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of monolayer MoS₂ on decorated AlN nanosheets have been systematically investigated using density functional theory with van der Waals corrections.

The natural history of the multicystic dysplastic kidney--is limited follow-up warranted?

OBJECTIVE

Imaging of patients with multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) has increased over the past three decades. This increased use of imaging has provided additional insights into the natural history of MCDK. The present study looked at this data for predictors of involution and associated anomalies.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Institutional review board approval was obtained for this retrospective study. The University of Michigan Departments of Urology and Radiology records were searched to identify unilateral MCDK patients during 1980-2012. Available clinical, radiological and surgical records were reviewed, and pertinent data were recorded. The log-rank test and a Cox proportional regression analysis were performed to identify predictors of MCDK involution. Probability of involution over time was assessed using Kaplan-Meier methodology.

RESULTS

301 unilateral MCDKs were identified; 195 (64.8%) were detected antenatally. Of the MCDKs found, 136 (45.2%) were in girls; 160 (53.2%) were right-sided. Mean size at baseline was 5.0 ± 0.2 cm (Mean ± SE). Associated abnormalities included: contralateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction (n = 10; 3.3%); contralateral ureterovesical junction obstruction/primary megaureter (n = 6; 2.0%); ipsilateral VUR (n = 21; 7.0%); contralateral VUR (n = 63; 20.1%); and renal fusion anomaly (n = 4; 1.3%). The cumulative probability of involution was: 9.8% at one year, 38.5% at five years, and 53.5% at ten years of age. Baseline MCDK size was the only significant predictor of involution at bivariate (p < 0.0001) and multivariate (p < 0.0001; HR 0.58 [95% CI: 0.49, 0.69]) analyses. No MCDK developed malignancy during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

As many MCDKs eventually involute and the risk of associated malignancy appears to be very low, there is no absolute indication for nephrectomy. Based on the data and other recent studies, it is believed that pediatric MCDK patients with no other urologic abnormalities can safely tolerate more limited urological and radiological follow-up.