A potential role for D-dimer in the diagnosis of tuberculous pleural effusion

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE) is associated with enhanced local fibrinolysis; however, its role in TPE has not been studied. The present study aims to investigate whether pleural D-dimer, a fibrinolysis marker, plays a diagnostic role for TPE.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with pleural effusion were recruited prospectively. All subjects underwent a standard thoracocentesis and pleural effusion samples were collected. The diagnosis of pleural effusion was based on clinical, radiological, bacteriological, and histopathological examinations. Pleural D-dimer levels were measured by immunonephelometry assay. The capacity of pleural D-dimer to differentiate TPE from non-TPE was assessed with receiver operating characteristic curve analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 87 patients with pleural effusion were included in the study (32 TPE cases and 55 non-TPE controls). Subjects with TPE showed a marked elevation of pleural D-dimer than those with other etiologies (1082.66±453.83 vs. 319.98±266.78 mg/L FEU, p < 0.05). The area under curve when pleural D-dimer was used to differentiate TPE from non-TPE was 0.928 (95% confidence interval: 0.878-979). With a cut-off value of 622.5 mg/L FEU, the sensitivity and specificity were 84.38% and 85.45%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Pleural D-dimer levels are higher in TPE than other causes of pleural effusions. D-dimer might be useful as a simple, surrogate marker for TPE. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Stable knockdown of clusterin by vectorbased RNA interference in a human breast cancer cell line inhibits tumour cell invasion and metastasis

OBJECTIVE

Overexpression of the clusterin (CLU) gene occurs in breast cancer and is associated with lymph node metastasis. The present study explored the effect of CLU silencing on invasion and metastasis, and the relationship between CLU expression and the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) / matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP) signalling pathway in human breast cancer cells.

METHODS

A pcDNA3.1-based RNA interference approach was used to knockdown the CLU gene in MDA-231 cells (MDA-231-CLUi); control MDA-231 cells were transfected with an empty vector (MDA-231-Vec). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to assess CLU and MMP-9 mRNA levels, and Western blotting was used to analyse CLU, MMP-9 and ERK protein levels. Metastatic potential was evaluated using in vitro and in vivo models of invasion and metastasis.

RESULTS

Compared with MDA-231-Vec cells, the MDA-231-CLUi cells demonstrated reduced migration and invasion in vitro and decreased metastatic potential in vivo. Reintroduction and reexpression of the CLU gene into the MDA-231-CLUi cells restored the invasive phenotype. MMP-9 mRNA and protein levels were reduced in MDA-231-CLUi cells, and there was a correlation between activated ERK and CLU and MMP-9 protein levels.

CONCLUSION

CLU may regulate the aggressive behaviour of human breast cancer cells through modulation of ERK signalling and MMP9 expression.

Targeting Cullin-RING ligases by MLN4924 induces autophagy via modulating the HIF1-REDD1-TSC1-mTORC1-DEPTOR axis

MLN4924, a newly discovered small molecule inhibitor of NEDD8-activating enzyme (NAE), inactivates Cullin-RING E3 ubiquitin Ligases (CRLs) by blocking cullin neddylation. As a result, MLN4924 causes accumulation of several key substrates of CRLs and effectively suppresses tumor cell growth by inducing apoptosis and senescence. However, the role of MLN4924 in induction of autophagy and its biological significance are totally unknown. Here we showed that MLN4924 effectively induces autophagy in both time- and dose-dependent manners in multiple human cancer lines, indicating a general phenomenon. Mechanistically, by inactivating CRLs, MLN4924 causes accumulation of DEPTOR and HIF1α. The siRNA knockdown and gene KO studies showed that DEPTOR and the HIF1-REDD1-TSC1 axis are responsible for MLN4924-induced autophagy via inhibiting mTORC1. Biologically, autophagy is a survival signal to tumor cells, and blockage of autophagy via siRNA knockdown, gene KO and small molecule inhibitor remarkably enhanced MLN4924-induced apoptosis. Our study reveals an uncharacterized mechanism of MLN4924 action and provides the proof-of-concept evidence for strategic drug combination of MLN4924 with an autophagy inhibitor for maximal killing of tumor cells via enhancing apoptosis.

Induction of autophagy and senescence by knockdown of ROC1 E3 ubiquitin ligase to suppress the growth of liver cancer cells

Regulator of Cullins-1 (ROC1) or RING box protein-1 (RBX1) is an essential RING component of Cullin-RING ligase (CRL). Our previous studies showed that ROC1 is required for the growth of several cancer cell lines while ROC1 siRNA silencing inactivates CRL, leading to cell cycle arrest, cell senescence and/or apoptosis. However, it is completely unknown whether ROC1 knockdown triggers autophagic response by inactivating CRL. Moreover, the role of ROC1 in liver cancer remains elusive. In this study, we reported that ROC1 knockdown significantly inhibited the growth of liver cancer cells by sequentially and independently inducing autophagy and p21-dependent cell senescence. Mechanism analysis revealed that ROC1 silencing triggered autophagy by inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity due to accumulation of mTOR-inhibitory protein Deptor, a substrate of CRL. Consistently, Deptor knockdown significantly blocked autophagy response upon ROC1 silencing. Biologically, autophagy response upon ROC1 silencing was a survival signal, and blockage of autophagy pathway sensitized cancer cells to apoptosis. Finally, we demonstrated that ROC1 was overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinomas, which is associated with poor prognosis of liver cancer patients. These findings suggest that ROC1 is an appealing drug target for liver cancer and provide a proof-of-concept evidence for a novel drug combination of ROC1 inhibitor and an autophagy inhibitor for effective treatment of liver cancer by enhancing apoptosis.

Emergence of resistance to fluoroquinolones and third-generation cephalosporins in Shigella flexneri subserotype 1c isolates from China

We report here on the first identification of Shigella flexneri subserotype 1c in China. We also report the emergence of resistance to ciprofloxacin and third-generation cephalosporins in this subserotype 1c for the first time. Isolates of seven strains circulating in China yielded three new sequence types and seven pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns, thus demonstrating the existence of high genetic diversity within the isolates. Overall, the seven isolates showed reduced susceptibility to ciprofloxacin; one isolate was ciprofloxacin resistant, whilst another developed resistance to ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, cefotaxime and ceftriaxone.

What does the nature of the MECP2 mutation tell us about parental origin and recurrence risk in Rett syndrome?

The MECP2 mutations occurring in the severe neurological disorder Rett syndrome are predominantly de novo, with rare familial cases. The aims of this study were to provide a precise estimate of the parental origin of MECP2 mutations using a large Chinese sample and to assess whether parental origin varied by mutation type. The parental origin was paternal in 84/88 [95.5%, (95% confidence interval 88.77-98.75)] of sporadic Chinese cases. However, in a pooled sample including data from the literature the spectrum of mutations occurring on maternally and paternally derived chromosomes differed significantly. The excess we found of 'single base pair gains or losses' on maternally derived MECP2 gene alleles suggests that this mutational category is associated with an elevated risk of gonadal mosaicism, which has implications for genetic counseling.

Effect of ionizing radiation on acinar morphogenesis of human prostatic epithelial cells under three-dimensional culture conditions

Homeostasis is maintained by the interplay of multiple factors that directly or indirectly regulate cell proliferation and cell death. Complex multiple interactions between cells and the extracellular matrix occur during acinar morphogenesis and changes in these might indicate carcinogenesis of cells from a normal to a malignant, invasive phenotype. In this study, the human prostatic epithelial cell line RWPE-1 was cultured under three-dimensional (3-D) culture conditions, and the effect of ionizing radiation on acinar morphogenesis and its association with autophagy were discussed. The results illustrated that formation of specific spheroid (acinar) structures was detectable under 3-D culture conditions. Radiation induced the disruption of acini in different cell models using either gene overexpression (Akt) or gene knock-down (Beclin 1 and ATG7). Introduction of Akt not only accelerated the growth of cells (i.e., caused the cells to manifest elongating and microspike-like structures that are obviously different from structures seen in wild-type RWPE-1 cells under two-dimensional conditions), but also changed their morphological characteristics under 3-D culture conditions. Knock-down of autophagy-related genes (Beclin 1 and ATG7) increased the radiosensitivity of cells under 3-D culture conditions, and cells died of non-apoptotic death after radiation. The results suggested that ionizing radiation may change the cell phenotype and the formation of acini. Additionally even the autophagy mechanism may play a role in these processes.

APP/PS1 Transgenic Mice Treated with Aluminum: An Update of Alzheimer's Disease Model

There is still no animal model available that can mimic all the cognitive, behavioral, biochemical, and histopathological abnormalities observed in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). We undertook to consider the interaction between genetic factors, including amyloid precursor protein (APP) and presenilin-1 (PS1), and environmental factors, such as Aluminum (Al) in determining susceptibility outcomes when studying the pathogenesis of AD. In this article, we provide an AD model in APP/PS1 transgenic mice triggered by Al. The animal model was established via intracerebral ventricular microinjection of aluminum chloride once a day for 5 days in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Twenty wild type (WT) mice and 20 APP/PS1 transgenic (TG) mice were separately divided into 2 groups (control and Al group), and a stainless steel injector with stopper was used for microinjection into the left-lateral cerebral ventricle of each mouse. The Morris water maze task was used to evaluate behavioral function of learning and memory ability on the 20th day after the last injection. This AD model's brain was analyzed by: (1) amyloid β immunohistochemical staining; (2) Tunnel staining; (3) apoptotic rates; (4) caspase-3 gene expression. Here, decrease of cognitive ability and neural cells loss were shown in APP/PS1 transgenic mice exposed to Al, which were more extensive than those in APP/PS1 TG alone and WT mice exposed to Al alone. These findings indicate that there is a close relationship between over-expression of APP and PS1 genes and Al overload. It is also suggested that APP/PS1 TG mice exposed to Al have potential value for improving AD models.

Influence of flavonoid extracts from celery on oxidative stress induced by dichlorvos in rats

The present work was to investigate the effects of flavonoid extracts from celery on oxidative stress induced by dichlorvos (DIC) in male Wistar rats maintained on a normal diet. The rats were given DIC through intragastric administration by the dose of 7.2 mg/kg·body weight (bw)/day and additionally added 5% flavonoid extracts to the diet for 4 weeks continuously. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in livers of rats were measured at the end of the experiment. Under the influence of DIC, there were significant decrease in the activities of SOD, CAT and GST and significant increase in GPx activity and MDA content. The results also showed that the activities of SOD, GST and CAT in the DIC-treated group declined significantly when compared with the flavonoid extracts group and the DIC + flavonoid extracts group, respectively. With regard to GPx activity and MDA content, significant increase were showed in the DIC-treated group in comparison to those in the flavonoid extracts group and the DIC + flavonoid extracts group, respectively. The observations presented lead us to conclude the harmful effects of DIC during the exposure and the protective role of flavonoids in minimizing these effects.

SCF E3 ubiquitin ligases as anticancer targets

The SCF multisubunit complex (Skp1, Cullins, F-box proteins) E3 ubiquitin ligase, also known as CRL (Cullin-RING ubiquitin Ligase) is the largest E3 ubiquitin ligase family that promotes the ubiquitination of various regulatory proteins for targeted degradation, thus regulating many biological processes, including cell cycle progression, signal transduction, and DNA replication. The efforts to discover small molecule inhibitors of a SCF-type ligase or its components were expedited by the FDA approval of Bortezomib (also known as Velcade or PS-341), the first (and only) class of general proteasome inhibitor, for the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma. Although Bortezomib has demonstrated a certain degree of cancer cell selectivity with measurable therapeutic index, the drug is, in general, cytotoxic due to its inhibition of overall protein degradation. An alternative and ideal approach is to target a specific E3 ligase, known to be activated in human cancer, for a high level of specificity and selectivity with less associated toxicity, since such inhibitors would selectively stabilize a specific set of cellular proteins regulated by this E3. Here, we review recent advances in validation of SCF E3 ubiquitin ligase complex as an attractive anti-cancer target and discuss how MLN4924, a small molecule inhibitor of NEDD8-activating enzyme, can be developed as a novel class of anticancer agents by inhibiting SCF E3 ligase complex via removal of cullin neddylation. Finally, we discuss under future perspective how basic research on SCF biology will direct the drug discovery efforts surrounding this target.

Proinflammatory protein CARD9 is essential for infiltration of monocytic fibroblast precursors and cardiac fibrosis caused by Angiotensin II infusion

Background

Angiotensin II (Ang II)–induced cardiac remodeling with the underlying mechanisms involving inflammation and fibrosis has been well documented. Cytosolic adaptor caspase recruitment domain 9 (CARD9) has been implicated in the innate immune response. We aimed to examine the role of CARD9 in inflammation and cardiac fibrosis induced by Ang II.

Methods

Two-month-old CARD9-deficient (CARD9^−/−) and wild-type (WT) male mice were infused with Ang II (1,500 ng/kg/min) or saline for 7 days. Heart sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Masson trichrome and examined by immunohistochemistry; and activity and protein levels were measured in macrophages obtained from mice.

Results

WT mice with Ang II infusion showed a marked increase in CARD9⁺ macrophages in the heart, but CARD9^−/− mice showed significantly suppressed macrophage infiltration and expression of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). Importantly, Ang II–induced cardiac fibrosis (extracellular matrix and collagen I deposition) was diminished in CARD9^−/− hearts, as was the expression of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and level of myofibroblasts positive for α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Furthermore, Ang II activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), JNK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in WT macrophages was reduced in CARD9^−/− macrophages.

Conclusion

CARD9 plays an important role in regulating cardiac inflammation and fibrosis in response to elevated Ang II.

Increased numbers of circulating ECs are associated with systemic GVHD

INTRODUCTION

Circulating endothelial cells (ECs) are known to reflect endothelial injury, and endothelial injury is associated with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). We hypothesised that circulating ECs might be associated with systemic acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD).

METHODS

BALB/c (H-2k(d) ) mice were treated with total body irradiation and then infused with C57B/6-derived T-cell-depleted bone marrow (TCD-BM) cells or TCD-BM cells and splenocytes. Cyclosporine was used to prevent aGVHD. Circulating ECs and allogeneic lymphocytes were analysed by flow cytometry at multiple time points. The morphology and ultrastructure of the endothelium were examined by light microscopy or transmission electron microscopy.

RESULTS

The results indicated that the number of circulating ECs peaked at day 5 after lethal irradiation in all mice; allogenic transplanted mice (TCD-BM cells and splenocytes) developed typical aGVHD beginning at day 7, exhibiting both histological and clinical symptoms of disease. Circulating ECs peaked a second time at day 9 with aGVHD progression. However, following the administration of CSA, an absence of or a reduction in the amount of subsequent endothelial injury was observed.

CONCLUSION

Circulating ECs might be associated with systemic aGVHD.

Vascular endothelium changes after conditioning in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: role of cyclophosphamide and busulfan

Vascular endothelial injury, a feature of some complications of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), is characterized by increased endothelial cells. We investigated that classical pretreatment drugs in HSCT could result in vascular endothelial injury in mice. Six-to eight-week-old female BALB/c mice were divided into a control group, a cyclophosphamide group (60 mg/kg per day for 2 days) and a busulfan group (4 mg/kg per day for 4 days). We observed the general state of health and regularly counted the number of white blood cells. Circulating endothelial cells and their progenitors were estimated by flow cytometry. Morphologic endothelial changes were analyzed with optical and transmission electron microscopy. After conditioning with cyclophosphamide or busulfan, white blood cells fell to a low number with injuries noted on hematoxylin and eosin-stained pathology sections. Circulating endothelial cells and their progenitors peaked significantly higher than in the control group. Vascular endothelial injuries were observed in the 2 experimental groups by transmission electron microscopy. These data support the hypothesis the vascular endothelial injury occurs during conditioning with cyclophosphamide or busulfan for HSCT, with simultaneous mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells.

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease with PRNP G114V mutation in a Chinese family

BACKGROUND

Recent evidence has shown clinical phenotypic heterogeneity of inherited prion diseases, even between patients harbouring the same mutation in the PRNP gene.

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS

We collected clinical data from a Chinese family with autosomal dominant dementia and screened the PRNP gene on 28 living members. A stereotactic biopsy of the right frontal lobe of the proband was performed.

RESULTS

The family comprised four affected individuals within two successive generations. The age of onset was in 30 or 40 s, and the duration was about 2-3 years. Clinical features of the affected members included neuropsychiatric disturbances, progressive dementia and extrapyramidal symptoms. Immunostaining for prion protein showed fine granular deposits of PrP(sc) in the neuropil. The PRNP gene analysis demonstrated a heterozygous G114V mutation in 15 family members. The proband was diagnosed as familial Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (fCJD).

CONCLUSION

This study strengthens the linkage of the G114V mutation to CJD. It supports the worldwide distribution of fCJD despite differences in genetic background.

Tritrophic interactions among Macrosiphum euphorbiae aphids, their host plants and endosymbionts: investigation by a proteomic approach

The Mi-1.2 gene in tomato confers resistance against certain clones of the potato aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae). This study used 2D-DIGE coupled with protein identification by MALDI-TOF-MS to compare the proteome patterns of avirulent and semivirulent potato aphids and their bacterial endosymbionts on resistant (Mi-1.2+) and susceptible (Mi-1.2-) tomato lines. Avirulent aphids had low survival on resistant plants, whereas the semivirulent clone could colonize these plants. Eighty-two protein spots showed significant quantitative differences among the four treatment groups, and of these, 48 could be assigned putative identities. Numerous structural proteins and enzymes associated with primary metabolism were more abundant in the semivirulent than in the avirulent aphid clone. Several proteins were also up-regulated in semivirulent aphids when they were transferred from susceptible to resistant plants. Nearly 25% of the differentially regulated proteins originated from aphid endosymbionts and not the aphid itself. Six were assigned to the primary endosymbiont Buchnera aphidicola, and 5 appeared to be derived from a Rickettsia-like secondary symbiont. These results indicate that symbiont expression patterns differ between aphid clones with differing levels of virulence, and are influenced by the aphids' host plant. Potentially, symbionts may contribute to differential adaptation of aphids to host plant resistance.

WITHDRAWN: Association of apolipoprotein M gene polymorphisms with cerebral infarction and lipid levels in a Chinese Han population

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Pharmacokinetics of LJP 993, a tetrameric conjugate of domain 1 of beta2-glycoprotein I for antiphospholipid syndrome

beta2-glycoprotein I is the best-characterized antigenic target for antiphospholipid autoantibodies. We synthesized a tetrameric conjugate of the domain 1 of beta2-glycoprotein I (LJP 993) aimed at developing the conjugate as a Toleragen to suppress antiphospholipid syndrome. The present studies focused on determining the stability, tissue distribution, plasma concentration-time profile and excretion of the LJP 993 in mice. The stability of LJP 993 in mouse plasma was quantitatively evaluated using strong cation-exchange high performance liquid chromatography. ( 125)I-labeled LJP 993 was intravenously injected to mice, and levels of (125)I-labeled LJP 993 in plasma, tissues, urine and feces were determined at known intervals. Incubation of LJP 993 with mouse serum at 37 degrees C for 8 h resulted in a decrease by 34% of LJP 993 concentration. No degradation fragment was observed during the incubation. After a single intravenous administration of (125)I-LJP 993 (0.5 and 5 mg/kg) to mice, both C(max) and area-under-curve values increased in a dose-proportional manner, and blood radioactivity disappeared in a bi-exponential manner with the distribution half-lives equal to 1.7 min, and the elimination half-lives 188 and 281 min, respectively. The (125)I-LJP 993 was moderately distributed into organs and tissues with the exception that brain level of ( 125)I-LJP 993 was negligible. The major sites of (125)I-LJP 993 uptake were the kidney (at 30 min post dosing), and kidney, lung, liver, heart, spleen, skin, muscle and fat tissues (at 4 h post dosing). Cumulative urinary and fecal radioactivity for 0-48 h post dosing accounted for 44.7% and 4.2% of the administered dose, respectively, with the fast rate of urinal excretion occurring within the first 8 h. In summary, LJP 993 was fairly stable in mouse plasma. After administration to mice, (125)I-LJP 993 was taken up mainly by kidney and then distributed extensively to tissues except brain. Both C(max) and area-under-curve values increased in a dose-proportional manner. It was predominantly excreted in the urine with an elimination half-life longer than 3 h. Kidney is a major route to excrete the tetrameric conjugate.

Survivin knockdown by short hairpin RNA abrogates the growth of human hepatocellular carcinoma xenografts in nude mice

Abnormal high activation of survivin is involved in carcinogenesis of various types of cancer. Survivin has been shown to promote cell proliferation in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Survivin-targeting approaches have become a promising strategy for treating HCC. Here, we used a reporter system to screen effective survivin siRNA sequences. The effect of vector-based survivin short hairpin RNA (shRNA) on the malignant phenotype of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo was determined, and an adenovirus-mediated shRNA expression vector was developed to decrease survivin expression of the established HCC tumor in nude mice. In vitro study showed that stable survivin knockdown inhibited cancer cell proliferation, enhanced apoptotic susceptibility, arrested cell cycle in the G1 phase and resulted in apparent mitotic catastrophe. Moreover, cells stably expressing survivin shRNA showed decreased tumorigenicity in nude mice. An additional in vivo study showed that intratumoral injection of adenovirus-delivered survivin shRNA suppressed tumor growth by spontaneous apoptosis of cancer cells and significantly prolonged animal survival. In conclusion, we proved the therapeutic potential of survivin shRNA for the treatment of HCC. And our results indicated that adenovirus-delivered shRNA may serve as a novel therapeutic for HCC.

Study on external Chinese herbal medicine LC07 treating capecitabine-induced hand-foot syndrome in metastatic breast cancer

1088

Background: With the capecitabine being increasingly used in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer (MBC), the common side effect of capecitabine, hand-foot syndrome (HFS) has become a main problem which can distress both physicians and patients. Severe HFS such as severe pain can have a negative impact on quality of life (QOL) of these patients and cause reduced dosage or even stopping chemotherapy. No effective treatment for HFS can be available at present. Over the years we have used LC07, a kind of external agents from Chinese herbs (Herba Geranii, etc.), to treat capecitabine-induced HFS. In this study, the efficacy and safety of LC07 were evaluated in patients with MBC and HSF. Methods: Eligible patients includes patients with MBC, who had HFS (NCI-CTC grade ≥1) after receiving single capecitabine chemotherapy (1,250 mg/m2, PO, twice daily, cycled days 1–14, every 21 days). LC07 granules 10g was dissolved in 1,000mL of warm water (keep 34°C-37°C in a footbath), the patients soaked their feet and hands in this lotion for 20 minutes, twice daily for 7 days. An independent researcher assessed symptoms before and after treatment. Evaluation criteria, CR as symptom disappearing completely, PR as NCI-CTC grade for HFS decreasing by more than 1 level after treatment, the total response rate as CR+PR. The QOL of these patients were also evaluated before and after treatment using a FACT-B questionnaire (Version 4.0-Chinese). Results: 42 patients (pts) have been enrolled in this study. All of them are Asian and female. Media age 51.5 yrs (25–72). Grade 1 for HFS was seen in 8 pts, G2 in 19 pts, and G3 in 15 pts. The total response rate was 83.3% (35/42), CR 38.1% (16/42), PR 45.2% (19/42). The average time from therapy to pain relief was 1.8±0.8 days, the skin lesion of HFS including dermatitis, peeling, ulceration have been improved after treatment. The QOL scores before and after treatment were 77.24±25.69 and 109.17±20.53, respectively (p < 0.01). No side effects such as skin allergies related to LC07 was found in this study. Conclusions: In the treatment of capecitabine-induced HFS, the external Chinese medicine LC07 is fast effective for relieving pain, and it has the features of easy use and no skin allergies. Thus LC07 can improve the QOL of patients with MBC and HFS.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Heparin inhibits P388D1 cells adherence and metastasis to peripheral lymph nodes in vitro and in vivo

Heparin is known to attenuate tumor metastasis mainly by inhibiting the interaction between L-selectin and its ligand. However, the mechanism of heparin on lymphoma is unclear. This report demonstrates that both L-selectin/h IgG chimeric protein and heparin treatment can significantly inhibit the adhesion of P388D1 cells onto lymphatic sinusoids and marginal sinusoids in vitro, that heparin can attenuate P388D1 cell homing to lymph nodes in vivo at 12 hours, and that heparin significantly reduced P388D1 cells metastasis to lymph nodes 18 days after injection. These results indicate that heparin may act as a ligand for L-selectin on the P388D1 macrophage-like lymphoma cell line to attenuate tumor growth and metastasis.

Quantitative determination of apogossypol, a pro-apoptotic analog of gossypol, in mouse plasma using LC/MS/MS

A simple and selective liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method based on internal standard quantitation using apigenin as the internal standard has been developed and validated for the analysis of the gossypol analog apogossypol, a pro-apoptotic compound, in mouse plasma. The methodology involves protein precipitation of plasma samples followed by LC/MS/MS analysis. Ascorbic acid was added to the spiking solutions and plasma samples to stabilize the easily oxidized compound. Separation of apogossypol and the internal standard from the plasma matrix was achieved using a C18 column with a gradient elution profile consisting of 5mM ammonium acetate and methanol. The validated range of the method extended from 10 to 2000 ng/mL with accuracies of 85-115% and precision of <15%. The average recovery of apogossypol at three concentrations (50, 200 and 1000 ng/mL) assayed in triplicate using this methodology was determined to be 90.8+/-12.9%. Recovery for the internal standard (apigenin) at a concentration of 500 ng/mL was found to be 99.9+/-6.41%. Apogossypol concentrations of 50 ng/mL and above were found to be stable in extracted plasma for 24h when stored at 25 degrees C. This method has been applied to the determination of apogossypol concentrations in plasma collected from mice given an IV dose of apogossypol.

Increased risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases in coke oven workers: interaction between occupational exposure and smoking

BACKGROUND

Coke oven workers are regularly exposed to coke oven emissions (COE) and may be at risk of developing lung diseases. There is limited evidence for the link between exposure to COE and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). The aim of this study was to explore the dose-response relationship between COE exposure and COPD and to assess the interaction with cigarette smoking.

METHODS

Seven hundred and twelve coke oven workers and 211 controls were investigated in southern China. Benzene soluble fraction (BSF) concentrations as a surrogate of COE were measured in representative personal samples and the individual cumulative COE exposure level was quantitatively estimated. Detailed information on smoking habits and respiratory symptoms was collected and spirometric tests were performed.

RESULTS

The mean BSF levels at the top of two coking plants were 743.8 and 190.5 microg/m3, respectively, which exceed the OSHA standard (150 microg/m3). After adjusting for cigarette smoking and other risk factors, there was a significant dose-dependent reduction in lung function and increased risks of chronic cough/phlegm and COPD in coke oven workers. The odds ratio for COPD was 5.80 (95% confidence interval 3.13 to 10.76) for high level cumulative COE exposure (> or =1714.0 microg/m3-years) compared with controls. The interaction between COE exposure and smoking in COPD was significant. The risk of COPD in those with the highest cumulative exposure to COE and cigarette smoking was 58-fold compared with non-smokers not exposed to COE.

CONCLUSION

Long term exposure to COE increases the risk of an interaction between COPD and cigarette smoking.

Effects of jasmonate-induced defenses on root-knot nematode infection of resistant and susceptible tomato cultivars

Jasmonates, such as jasmonic acid (JA), are plant-signaling compounds that trigger induced resistance against certain pathogens and a broad range of arthropod herbivores. One goal of this study was to determine the effects of JA-dependent defenses in tomato on root-knot nematodes. Another was to determine if the artificial induction of these defenses could enhance nematode control on plants that carry Mi-1.2, a nematode resistance gene that is present in many tomato cultivars. At moderate soil temperatures, Mi-1.2 can effectively suppress reproduction of most isolates of the common root-knot nematode species Meloidogyne javanica, M. incognita, and M. arenaria. Mi-mediated resistance has its limitations, however. Mi-1.2 is reported to lose its effectiveness at soil temperatures above 28 degrees C, and certain virulent nematode isolates can overcome resistance even at moderate soil temperatures. This study used a foliar application of JA to activate induced resistance in two near-isogenic lines of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) with and without Mi-1.2, and evaluated the effects of induced resistance at moderate soil temperatures on one avirulent nematode isolate (M. javanica isolate VW4) and two virulent isolates (M. javanica isolate VW5 and M. incognita isolate 557R). In addition, the effects of induced resistance on avirulent nematode performance were examined at a high temperature (32 degrees C). The results indicate that JA application induces a systemic defense response that reduces avirulent nematode reproduction on susceptible tomato plants. Furthermore, JA-dependent defenses proved to be heat-stable, whereas the effects of Mi-mediated resistance were reduced but not eliminated at 32 degrees C. JA treatment enhanced Mi-mediated resistance at high temperature, but did not suppress either of the virulent nematode isolates tested.

Increase in the ratio of mitochondrial Bax/Bcl-XL induces Bax activation in human leukemic K562 cell line

The p53- and Bcl-2-negative leukemic K562 cell line showed resistant to DNA damage-induced Bax activation and apoptosis. The constitutive balanced ratio of Bax/Bcl-XL in K562 mitochondria allowed the formation of active Bax and cytochrome c release from mitochondria in the presence of a BH3-only protein, tBid, in a cell-free system. Bax transfection led to Bax undergoing a conformational change, translocation to mitochondria and homo-oligomerization but not apoptosis in the K562 cell line. After treatment with UV light, while Bcl-XL but not Bax translocated to mitochondria in K562, both Bax and Bcl-XL translocated to mitochondria in the Bax stable transfectant K/Bax cells. The increased ratio of Bax/Bcl-XL in K/Bax mitochondria led to an increased conformationally changed Bax, formation of the homo-multimer of Bax-Bax, and a reduced hetero-dimerization of Bax-Bcl-XL. Increased proportion of active Bax was accompanied with increased percentage of apoptosis. We therefore demonstrate that direct increase in the ratio of mitochondrial Bax/Bcl-XL can induce Bax activation in the p53- and Bcl-2-negative leukemic cells. Increased Bcl-XL translocation and failure in Bax translocation from cytosol to mitochondria play important roles in preventing Bax activation.

The role of protein kinase A pathway and cAMP responsive element-binding protein in androgen receptor-mediated transcription at the prostate-specific antigen locus

Androgen-independent prostate cancer is a lethal form of the disease that is marked by metastasis and rapid proliferation in its final stages. As no effective therapy for this aggressive tumor currently exists, it is imperative to elucidate and target the mechanisms involved in the progression to androgen independence. Accumulating evidence indicates that aberrant activation of androgen receptor (AR) via signal transduction pathways, AR gene mutation and/or amplification, and/or coregulator alterations may contribute to the progression of prostate cancer. In the present study, the effects of protein kinase A (PKA) signaling and its downstream factors on AR activity at the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) gene were tested. Activation of PKA by forskolin resulted in enhanced androgen-induced expression of the PSA gene, an effect that was blocked by the AR antagonist, bicalutamide. Interestingly, when either p300 or CBP was overexpressed, PKA activation was sufficient to stimulate PSA promoter-driven transcription in the absence of androgen, which was not inhibited by bicalutamide. PKA activation did not significantly alter AR protein levels but significantly increased the phosphorylated form of its downstream effector, cAMP responsive element-binding protein (CREB) in the presence of androgen. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation showed that the combination of androgen and forskolin increased phosphorylated CREB occupancy, which was accompanied by histone acetylation, at the putative cAMP responsive element located in the 5' upstream regulatory region of the PSA gene. Remarkably, mammalian two-hybrid assay indicated that p300/CBP may bridge the interaction between AR and CREB, suggesting a novel enhanceosomal cooperation. These results demonstrate an intriguing interplay between a signal transduction pathway, coactivator overexpression and AR signaling as a possible combined mechanism of progression to androgen-independent prostate cancer.