REG1A predicts recurrence in stage Ta/T1 bladder cancer

AIMS

Stage Ta/T1 urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (Ta/T1 BC) has a marked tendency to recur. Regenerating protein 1 A (REG1A) has been reported to be expressed in human cancers, and it may be positively correlated with patient's prognosis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic value of REG1A in Ta/T1 BC.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry was done on 110 paraffin-embedded specimens of human Ta/T1 BC to detect the proteins REG1A, PCNA and MMP2. The relationships between REG1A expression and the clinical-pathological characteristics of Ta/T1 BC patients were evaluated.

RESULTS

Sixty-five out of 110 specimens were REG1A-positive. Grade and expression levels of MMP2 and REG1A were significantly correlated with the recurrence rate. REG1A expression (Hazard ratio: 3.1; 95% CI: 1.1-8.5; P=0.030) was an independent predictor of recurrence rate in multivariate Cox regression analysis. A significant association between REG1A expression and MMP2 expression (P=0.023) was also observed.

CONCLUSION

Expression of REG1A is an independent predictor of recurrence in Ta/T1 BC.

A novel mouse model of human breast cancer stem-like cells with high CD44+CD24-/lower phenotype metastasis to human bone

Abstract #4155

Background: At present, our understanding of the development of bone metastasis is limited. Therefore, little progress has been made in preventing skeletal metastasis in the breast cancer patient. A satisfactory animal model that avoids the species-specific factor and simultaneously shares similarities to the clinical pathophysiological progression of breast cancer metastasizing to bone is unavailable. A subpopulation (CD44+/CD24-/lower) of breast cancer cells possesses stem/progenitor cell properties (cancer stem-like cell). CD44 potentiates the adherence of metastatic breast cancer cells to bone marrow endothelial cells. In the present study, we used hepatocyte growth factor to enhance the proportion of CD44+/CD24-/lower subpopulation in the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. We used these human breast cancer stem-like cells and implantation of human bone to build a novel human-source model of human breast cancer skeletal metastasis.
 Methods: The human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 was cultured in serum-free DMEM-F12 supplemented with growth factors. Cells in different subpopulations were separated by Percoll gradient centrifugation and incubated in the presence of 50 ng/mL hepatocyte growth factor. The proportion of CD44+/CD24-/lower subpopulation in the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 was detected with flow cytometry. Before injection with human breast cancer stem-like cells, the experimental animals were implanted with human bone in the right or left dorsal flanks. Animals in Groups A, B, and C were injected with 1 X 105, 1 X 106 human breast cancer stem-like cells, and 1 X 106 parental MDA-MB-231 cells, respectively. A positive control group (D) without implantation of human bone (non-human source model) was also injected with 1 X 106 MDA-MB-231 cells. A group of negative controls (E) with human bone implantation was injected with isotonic sodium chloride. For each group, Micro-SPECT was performed at weeks 4 and 7, and all animals were sacrificed at week 8. Immunohistochemistry was performed for CD34, CD105, SMA, CD44, CD24, CK, CXCR4, and OPN. mRNA levels of CD44, CD24, CXCR4, and OPN in bone metastasis tissues were analyzed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.
 Results: New vessels and connective tissue were found on the surface of implanted human bones and cells stained positive for antibodies against human CD105, SMA, and CD34, indicating that implanted human bones were viable and functional. Histologic and immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the metastases as cancer cells. Importantly, the results demonstrated that cells in implanted human bones of group B, which received 1 X 106 cancer stem-like cells, stained strongly positive for CD44, CXCR4, and OPN, whereas that of other groups showed no or minimum staining. Moreover, group B had the highest incidence of human bone metastasis (77.8%, P = 0.0230) and no accompaniment of other tissue metastasis. The real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) showed an increase of CD44 mRNA in metastatic bone tissues in group B compared with that of groups C and D (15.2- and 21.1-fold, respectively). The mRNA levels of CXCR4 and OPN (8.4- and 28.4-fold, respectively) in bone metastasis tissues of group B were all higher than that of groups C and D (4.8- and 11.6-fold; respectively). The levels of CD24 mRNA in group B were lowest, measuring only 30 percent of that in groups C and D.
 Conclusion: This study indicates that in the novel human source model of breast cancer, breast cancer stem-like cells demonstrate a higher human bone-seeking ability, which may contribute to increase metastasis incidence and attenuate species-specific influences. Its mechanism might be related to the higher expressions of CD44, CXCR4 and OPN, and the lower expression of CD24 in breast cancer stem-like cells. The model shares more similarities with clinical pathological features of bone metastatic patients. It will be helpful for further study of the mechanisms and subclinical diagnosis of bone metastasis.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 4155.

Angiotensinogen gene G-6A polymorphism influences idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis disease progression

Angiotensin II is a growth factor that plays a key role in the physiopathology of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). A nucleotide substitution of an adenine instead of a guanine (G-6A) in the proximal promoter region of angiotensinogen (AGT), the precursor of angiotensin II, has been associated with an increased gene transcription rate. In order to investigate whether the G-6A polymorphism of the AGT gene is associated with IPF development, severity and progression, the present study utilised a case-control study design and genotyped G-6A in 219 patients with IPF and 224 control subjects. The distribution of G-6A genotypes and alleles did not significantly differ between cases and controls. The G-6A polymorphism of the AGT gene was not associated with disease severity at diagnosis. The presence of the A allele was strongly associated with increased alveolar arterial oxygen tension difference during follow-up, after controlling for the confounding factors. Higher alveolar arterial oxygen tension changes over time were observed in patients with the AA genotype (0.37+/-0.7 mmHg (0.049+/-0.093 kPa) per month) compared to GA genotype (0.12+/-1 mmHg (0.016+/-0.133 kPa) per month) and GG genotype (0.2+/-0.6 mmHg (0.027+/-0.080 kPa) per month). G-6A polymorphism of the angiotensinogen gene is associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis progression but not with disease predisposition. This polymorphism could have a predictive significance in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients.

Apolipoprotein A-I stimulates AMP-activated protein kinase and improves glucose metabolism

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

In humans, one of the hallmarks of type 2 diabetes is a reduced plasma concentration of HDL and its major protein component, apolipoprotein A-I (APOA-I). However, it is unknown whether APOA-I directly protects against diabetes. The aim of this study was to characterise the functional role of APOA-I in glucose homeostasis.

METHODS

The effects of APOA-I on phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC), glucose uptake and endocytosis were analysed in C2C12 myocytes. Glucose metabolism was investigated in Apoa-I knockout (Apoa-I (-/-)) mice.

RESULTS

APOA-I was able to stimulate the phosphorylation of AMPK and ACC, and elevated glucose uptake in C2C12 myocytes. APOA-I could be endocytosed into C2C12 myotubes through a clathrin-dependent endocytotic process. Inhibition of endocytosis abrogated APOA-I-stimulated AMPK phosphorylation. In Apoa-I (-/-) mice, AMPK phosphorylation was reduced in skeletal muscle and liver, and expression of gluconeogenic enzymes was increased in liver. In addition, the Apoa-I (-/-) mice had increased fat content and compromised glucose tolerance.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Our data indicate that APOA-I has a protective effect against diabetes via activation of AMPK. ApoA-I deletion in the mouse led to increased fat mass and impaired glucose tolerance.

China: The Aging Giant

This article examines the changing demographics of China, with particular attention paid to the effect of the one-child policy in relation to long-term care of older people. It also examines the current state of health care for older people. Long-term stays characterize hospital care. Most geriatric syndromes are less common in hospitalized older people (e.g., delirium, falls), but some (e.g., polypharmacy) are more common. A high volume of patients and brief targeted visits characterize outpatient care. Nursing homes exist in China, but relatively fewer than in the most developed countries. Geriatric departments in university-based hospitals primarily have developed out of a need to care for retired government officials and workers. There are no formal geriatric fellowships or national board certifications in geriatrics Health care is primarily based on fee for service. Not all elderly have healthcare insurance. Although costs of health care and medications are less expensive than in the United States, they are relatively high for lower- and middle-class Chinese and have increased more quickly than has the standard of living in the past 20 years. Family and community support for older people is strong in China. Some older people have one-to-one care from a baomu (literally "protection" (bao) "mother" (mu)), a type of live-in maid who also provides care for the older person. Some of the challenges facing China in the care of its aging population are how to increase geriatric research and training, how to care for the uninsured or underinsured, and how to handle the inevitable growth of disabled and frail older people.

Evidence of increased oxidative damage in subjects with mild cognitive impairment

OBJECTIVE

To determine if increased levels of oxidative damage are present in the brains of persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition that often precedes Alzheimer disease (AD).

METHODS

The authors assessed the amount of protein carbonyls, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), and malondialdehyde in the superior and middle temporal gyri (SMTG) and cerebellum of short postmortem interval and longitudinally evaluated normal subjects and those with MCI and early AD.

RESULTS

Elevated levels of protein carbonyls (approximately 25%), malondialdehyde (approximately 60%), and TBARS (approximately 210%) were observed in the SMTG of individuals with MCI and early AD vs normal control subjects. The elevation in TBARS was associated with the numbers of neuritic but not diffuse plaques. Levels of protein carbonyls increased as delayed verbal memory performance declined.

CONCLUSION

Oxidative damage occurs in the brain of subjects with mild cognitive impairment, suggesting that oxidative damage may be one of the earliest events in the onset and progression of Alzheimer disease.

Insulin-like growth factor I interfaces with brain-derived neurotrophic factor-mediated synaptic plasticity to modulate aspects of exercise-induced cognitive function

The ability of exercise to benefit neuronal and cognitive plasticity is well recognized. This study reveals that the effects of exercise on brain neuronal and cognitive plasticity are in part modulated by a central source of insulin-like growth factor-I. Exercise selectively increased insulin-like growth factor-I expression without affecting insulin-like growth factor-II expression in the rat hippocampus. To determine the role that insulin-like growth factor-I holds in mediating exercise-induced neuronal and cognitive enhancement, a specific antibody against the insulin-like growth factor-I receptor was used to block the action of insulin-like growth factor-I in the hippocampus during a 5-day voluntary exercise period. A two-trial-per-day Morris water maze was performed for five consecutive days, succeeded by a probe trial 2 days later. Blocking hippocampal insulin-like growth factor-I receptors did not significantly attenuate the ability of exercise to enhance learning acquisition, but abolished the effect of exercise on augmenting recall. Blocking the insulin-like growth factor-I receptor significantly reversed the exercise-induced increase in the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA and protein and pro-brain-derived neurotrophic factor protein, suggesting that the effects of insulin-like growth factor-I may be partially accomplished by modulating the precursor to the mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor. A molecular analysis revealed that exercise significantly elevated proteins downstream to brain-derived neurotrophic factor activation important for synaptic function, i.e. synapsin I, and signal transduction cascades associated with memory processes, i.e. phosphorylated calcium/calmodulin protein kinase II and phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase II. Blocking the insulin-like growth factor-I receptor abolished these exercise-induced increases. Our results illustrate a possible mechanism by which insulin-like growth factor-I interfaces with the brain-derived neurotrophic factor system to mediate exercise-induced synaptic and cognitive plasticity.

Prothrombin Shanghai: hypoprothrombinaemia caused by substitution of Gla29 by Gly

Prothrombin deficiency is a rare bleeding disorder inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. In this study, we reported a Chinese family with hereditary prothrombin deficiency. The proposita had a prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT, 71.6 s) and prothrombin time (PT, 28.0 s). The coagulation factors activities were normal except that prothrombin coagulation activity was markedly reduced, and the prothrombin antigen level was moderately decreased. Nucleotide sequencing of amplified DNA revealed a novel mutation, Glu (GAG) to Gly (GGG) at residue 29, which normally undergoes gamma-carboxylation within the Gla domain of prothrombin. The proposita was identified as homozygous, while her father, mother and maternal grandmother were heterozygous for the mutation. Gla29 has been demonstrated as one of the key residue for Ca2+-binding, membrane interaction and biological activity of prothrombin.

Type I coagulation factor V deficiency caused by compound heterozygous mutation of F5 gene

A 16-year-old Chinese female with prolonged bleeding after surgery has been studied. Routine clotting tests revealed a prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT; 126.6 s) and prothrombin time (PT; 42.8 s). The coagulation factors activities were normal except for factor V, which was only 0.3% of normal. DNA analysis of the FV gene revealed five nucleotide substitutions in exons, including two silent mutations (G327A and A5112G), one polymorphism (G1628A), a G1348T missense mutation and 4887 approximately 8delG. These abnormalities were associated with her FV deficiency, perhaps by causing a Gly392Cys substitution in FV amino acid sequence or by introducing a premature stop codon at amino acid position 1390. This is the third case in which FV deficiency is caused by compound heterozygous mutation of F5 gene, and is the first report from a Chinese family.

Gene therapy of HSV-TK transferred by the EBV based expression vector on experimental hepatocellular carcinoma

To study the therapeutic effects of herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) gene transferred by the EBV-based expression vector (pDR2) on experimental hepatocellular carcinoma, pDR2-TK gene was delivered into human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line SMMC-7721 by using liposome-mediated transfection technique, and then gene expression was detected by RT-PCR, and the killing effects were examined through MTT method. In the nude mice hepatoma model, the antitumor effects of pDR2-TK/GCV system was evaluated in terms of tumor growth. MTT results showed that the pDR2-TK/GCV had cytotoxic effect and about 70% SMMC-7721 cells were killed when GCV was at 1000 mumol/L. In vivo experiment showed that the tumor size in nude mice with transferred pDR2-TK gene was significantly smaller than that in control group (P < 0.01). On the 10th day the tumor in 3 mice (60%) disappeared completely after GCV treatment. It is concluded that the pDR2-TK/GCV system has marked killing effects on the experimental hepatocellular carcinoma.

The complete nucleotide sequence of Beet black scorch virus (BBSV), a new member of the genus Necrovirus

The complete nucleotide sequence of Beet black scorch virus (BBSV) was determined. The BBSV genome is composed of 3641 nucleotides and has similar organization with Tobacco necrosis virus D of 61% nucleotide identity. The 5'-proximal open reading frame (ORF) encodes a putative 23 kDa protein and a 82 kDa protein by reading-through of an amber termination codon. Three small ORFs located in the center of the genome may encode for a 4.2 kDa protein and two 7 kDa proteins. The 3'-proximal ORF encodes a 24.5 kDa protein equivalent in mass to the viral coat protein. Considering biological and molecular similarities with TNV, it is concluded that BBSV is a new member of the genus Necrovirus.

Phosphorylation of the CCAAT displacement protein (CDP)/Cux transcription factor by cyclin A-Cdk1 modulates its DNA binding activity in G(2)

Stable DNA binding by the mammalian CCAAT displacement protein (CDP)/Cux transcription factor was previously found to be up-regulated at the G(1)/S transition as the result of two events, dephosphorylation by the Cdc25A phosphatase and proteolytic processing, to generate an amino-truncated isoform of 110 kDa. In S phase, CDP/Cux was shown to interact with and repress the core promoter of the p21(WAF1) gene. Here we demonstrate that DNA binding by p110 CDP/Cux is down-modulated as cells progress into G(2). Accordingly, cyclin A-Cdk1 was found to bind to CDP/Cux and modulate its DNA binding activity in vitro and in vivo. Interaction with CDP/Cux required the presence of both cyclin A and a cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk)-activating kinase-activated Cdk1 and involved the Cut homeodomain and a downstream Cy motif. Phosphorylation of serines 1237 and 1270 caused inhibition of DNA binding in vitro. In cotransfection studies, cyclin A-Cdk1 inhibited CDP/Cux stable DNA binding and prevented repression of the p21(WAF1) reporter. In contrast, mutant CDP/Cux proteins in which serines 1237 and 1270 were replaced with alanines were not affected by cyclin A-Cdk1. In summary, our results suggest that the phosphorylation of CDP/Cux by cyclin A-Cdk1 contributes to down-modulate CDP/Cux activity as cells progress into the G(2) phase of the cell cycle.

TGF-beta1 up-regulates paxillin protein expression in malignant astrocytoma cells: requirement for a fibronectin substrate

Cytokines can influence the interactions between members of the integrin cell adhesion receptor family and the extracellular matrix thereby potentially affecting cell function and promoting cell adhesion, growth and migration of malignant astrocytoma tumor cells. As malignant astrocytoma cells synthesize TGF-beta1 in vivo, we analysed the effects of TGF-beta1 on signaling events associated with integrin receptor ligation, focusing on the effects on paxillin, a phosphorylated adaptor protein, that acts as a scaffold for signaling molecules recruited to focal adhesions. TGF-beta1-stimulation of primary astrocytes and serum-starved U-251MG malignant astrocytoma cells attached to fibronectin induced a substantial increase in the levels of paxillin protein (fivefold increase at 2.0 ng/ml) in a dose- and time-dependent manner compared to the levels observed on plating onto fibronectin in the absence of stimulation. In the astrocytoma cells, this resulted in an increase in the pool of tyrosine-phosphorylated paxillin, although it did not appear to alter the extent of phosphorylation of the paxillin molecules. In contrast, in primary astrocytes the protein levels were upregulated in the absence of a parallel increase in phosphorylation. The TGF-beta1-stimulated increase in paxillin levels required ligation of the fibronectin receptor, as it was not induced when the cells were plated onto vitronectin, collagen or laminin. The increase in the pool of paxillin on TGF-beta1 stimulation of the fibronectin-plated astrocytoma cells was associated with an increase in translation, but was not associated with an increase in the steady-state levels of paxillin mRNA. Stimulation with TGF-beta1 on a fibronectin substrate increased subsequent attachment and spreading of U-251MG cells onto fibronectin and, to a lesser extent, vitronectin, but not collagen. Our results indicate that physiologic levels of TGF-beta1 stimulate the expression of paxillin protein at the level of translation through a process that requires engagement of the fibronectin receptor, and promotes attachment and spreading of malignant astrocytoma cells on fibronectin.

Suppressor of fused negatively regulates beta-catenin signaling

Suppressor of fused (Su(fu)) is a negative regulator of the Hedgehog signaling pathway that controls the nuclear-cytoplasmic distribution of Gli/Ci transcription factors through direct protein-protein interactions. We show here that Su(fu) is present in a complex with the oncogenic transcriptional activator beta-catenin and functions as a negative regulator of T-cell factor (Tcf)-dependent transcription. Overexpression of Su(fu) in SW480 (APC(mut)) colon cancer cells in which beta-catenin protein is stabilized leads to a reduction in nuclear beta-catenin levels and in Tcf-dependent transcription. This effect of Su(fu) overexpression can be blocked by treatment of these cells with leptomycin B, a specific inhibitor of CRM1-mediated nuclear export. Overexpression of Su(fu) suppresses growth of SW480 (APC(mut)) tumor cells in nude mice. These observations indicate that Su(fu) negatively regulates beta-catenin signaling and that CRM-1-mediated nuclear export plays a role in this regulation. Our results also suggest that Su(fu) acts as a tumor suppressor.

[Analysis on the surveillanca data of newborn death from 1990 to 1999 in Rugao City, Jiangsu province]

A surveillance and data analysis on the cause and death rate of newborn death in Rugao city, Jiangsu Provinces was conducted from 1990 to 1999. There were 1300 cases died in these 10 years. The mortality rate was 0.92% and the proportion of male to female was 1.53:1. More cases (75%) were died in the early stage after birth. The causes of the newborn death were in the order of premature, asphyxia, pneumonia, congenital anomaly and accidental asphyxia. More babies (75.62%) were died in hospitals. The emphasis on newborn health care was pointed out and had discussions. Taking comprehensive measures would be the key point to reduce newborn mortality rate.

Proteasomes and proteasome inhibition in the central nervous system

Although the proteasome is responsible for the majority of intracellular protein degradation, and has been demonstrated to play a pivotal role in a diverse array of cellular activities, the role of the proteasome in the central nervous system is only beginning to be elucidated. Recent studies have demonstrated that proteasome inhibition occurs in numerous neurodegenerative conditions, and that proteasome inhibition is sufficient to induce neuron death, elevate intracellular levels of protein oxidation, and increase neural vulnerability to subsequent injury. The focus of this review is to describe what is currently known about proteasome biology in the central nervous system and to discuss the possible role of proteasome inhibition in the neurodegenerative process.

Proteasome inhibition in oxidative stress neurotoxicity: implications for heat shock proteins

Recent studies have demonstrated that inhibition of the proteasome, an enzyme responsible for the majority of intracellular proteolysis, may contribute to the toxicity associated with oxidative stress. In the present study we demonstrate that exposure to oxidative injury (paraquat, H(2)O(2), FeSO(4)) induces a rapid increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, inhibition of proteasome activity, and induction of cell death in neural SH-SY5Y cells. Application of proteasome inhibitors (MG115, epoxomycin) mimicked the effects of oxidative stressors on mitochondrial membrane potential and cell viability, and increased vulnerability to oxidative injury. Neural SH-SY5Y cells stably transfected with human HDJ-1, a member of the heat shock protein family, were more resistant to the cytotoxicity associated with oxidative stressors. Cells expressing increased levels of HDJ-1 displayed similar degrees of ROS formation following oxidative stressors, but demonstrated a greater preservation of mitochondrial function and proteasomal activity following oxidative injury. Cells transfected with HDJ-1 were also more resistant to the toxicity associated with proteasome inhibitor application. These data support a possible role for proteasome inhibition in the toxicity of oxidative stress, and suggest heat shock proteins may confer resistance to oxidative stress, by preserving proteasome function and attenuating the toxicity of proteasome inhibition.

Alterations of MAPK activities associated with intestinal cell differentiation

Three distinct groups of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) have been identified in mammalian cells (i.e., ERK, JNK, and p38) which play an important role in the differentiation and apoptosis of various cells. The purpose of our present study was to determine MAPK activity and levels associated with sodium butyrate (NaBT)-mediated differentiation and apoptosis in the human colon cancer cell lines Caco-2 and HT29. Intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) activity, a marker of intestinal differentiation, was increased at 48 h after NaBT treatment followed by cell death at 72 h. ERK activity was decreased in differentiated Caco-2 cells either induced with NaBT or allowed to differentiate spontaneously and in HT29 cells treated with NaBT. The combination of the MEK inhibitor, PD98059, with NaBT further increased IAP activity and cell death compared with NaBT alone. In contrast to ERK, JNK1 activity and c-Jun phosphorylation was increased 8 h after NaBT treatment suggesting a role for the JNK pathway in intestinal cell differentiation and apoptosis. p38 activity was increased at 24 and 48 h after NaBT treatment. Taken together, our results suggest that alterations in MAPKs (i.e., ERK inhibition and JNK induction) contribute to the differentiation and apoptotic pathways in intestinal cells.

[Relationship between hot spot mutation in hepatitis B virus basic core promotor and HBeAg status]

OBJECTIVE

This paper was to study the influence of hot spot mutation in hepatitis B virus (HBV) basic core promotor (BCP) (nt1762 and nt1764) on HBeAg status of asymptomatic HBV carriers.

METHODS

Mismatched PCR was used to amplify the fragment of HBVBCP and the fragments were analysed by restrict enzyme assay. Ninety cases of HBV infection were tested for hot spot mutations in HBVBCP.

RESULTS

Twenty-six (43.3%) of 60 asymptomatic HBV carriers with HBeAg negative were found to have hot spot mutations in HBVBCP, among which 20 cases were accompanied by the mutation of nt 1896 in HBV Pre-C region. Hot-spot mutation in HBVBCP, however, occurred only in 3(10%) of 30 asymptomatic HBV carriers with HBeAg positive. For further investigation the HBVBCP hot spot mutations in asymptomatic HBV carriers without mutation of HBV Pre-C region were studied. Six(31.6%) of 19 asymptomatic HBV carriers with HBeAg negative were found to have hot spot mutation in HBVBCP. Two(7.1%) of 28 asymptomatic HBV carriers with HBeAg positive had hot spot mutations in HBVBCP, and there was a statistically significant difference between two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Hot spot mutations in HBVBCP is common in the HBV carriers with HBeAg negative and usually accompanies with nt1896 mutation of HBV Pre-C region. It is possible that Hot spot mutation in HBVBCP is a new reason of HBeAg negative HBV infection.

p125 focal adhesion kinase promotes malignant astrocytoma cell proliferation in vivo

p125 focal adhesion kinase (p125FAK) is a cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase that is activated upon engagement of integrin cell adhesion receptors, and initiates several signaling events that modulate cell function in vitro. To determine the biologic role of p125FAK in malignant astrocytic tumor cells, U-251MG human malignant astrocytoma cells were stably transfected with p125FAK cDNA using the TET-ON system, and stable clones isolated that exhibited an estimated 5- or 20-fold increase in p125FAK expression on administration of 0.1 or 2.0 microg/ml doxycycline, respectively. In vitro studies demonstrated that induction of p125FAK resulted in a 2- to 3-fold increase in cell migration, increased p130CAS phosphorylation, localization of exogenous p125FAK to focal adhesions, and a 2-fold increase in soft agar growth. To determine the role of p125FAK in vivo, clones were injected stereotactically into the brains of scid mice. A 4.5-fold estimated increase in p125FAK expression was induced by administration of doxycycline in the drinking water. Analysis of xenograft brains demonstrated that, upon induction of p125FAK, there was a 1.6- to 2.8-fold increase in tumor cell number, and an increase in mAb PCNA-labeling of tumor cells in the absence of a change in the apoptotic index. Compared to normal brain, the expression of p125FAK was elevated in malignant astrocytic tumor biopsies from patient samples. These data demonstrate for the first time that p125FAK promotes tumor cell proliferation in vivo, and that the underlying mechanism is not associated with a reduction in apoptosis.

[Measurement of T and DHT contents in normal and diseased human prostate tissues]

OBJECTIVE

To measure T and DHT contents in normal and diseased human prostate tissues.

METHODS

Serum and prostatic T and DHT levels were measured in patients with normal, benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer.

RESULTS

A decline was observed in serum T level, but no change in DHT concentration with aging. There were no significant differences in both blood T and DHT levels between the patients with BPH or PCA and normal controls. Serum T level remained constant. There were excessive accumulation of DHT in BPH, and cancerous prostate tissues were responsible for the pathogenesis of BPH and PCA. Finasteride treatment did not produce a reduction in prostatic DHT content.

CONCLUSION

More than one form of 5a-reductases is responsible for the high level of DHT in the gland.

[Transurethral electrovaporization-ablation of superficial bladder carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To observe short-term curative effect of transurethral electrovaporization-ablation of superficial bladder carcinoma.

METHODS

82 cases of superficial bladder carcinoma were treated using transurethral electrovaporization-ablation.

RESULTS

The mean operative time was 36 min. One patient was complicated with extraperitoneal bladder perforation. No patients experienced TUR syndrome and severe hemorrhage. During the follow up for 2-18 months, 3 patients had recurrence respectively at 7, 8 and 10 months after the operation.

CONCLUSIONS

Cut-electrode had vaporization and ablation with smooth surface of the wound and speed. The advantage includes safety, few complication, evident efficacy, and short hospitalization.

Identification and molecular characterization of the Choristoneura fumiferana multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus genomic region encoding the regulatory genes pkip, p47, lef-12, and gta

Choristoneura fumiferana multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (CfMNPV) is a baculovirus pathogenic to spruce budworm, the most damaging insect pest in Canadian forestry. CfMNPV is less virulent to its host insect and its replication cycle is slower than the baculovirus type species Autographa californica multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) but the basis of these characteristics is not known. We have now identified, localized, and determined the sequence of the region of CfMNPV carrying potentially important regulatory genes including p47, lef-12, gta, and pkip. DNA database searches revealed that this region of CfMNPV is most closely related to the homologous OpMNPV genes. Transcription analysis demonstrated that CfMNPV P47 is encoded by a 1.6-kb transcript, LEF-12 is encoded by a 2.6-kb transcript, and GTA is encoded by a 2.1-kb transcript. Transcripts for these genes were detectable at 6 h postinfection but all of them showed a burst in expression levels between 12 and 24 h postinfection corresponding to the time of initiation of CfMNPV DNA replication. A polyclonal antibody, raised against CfMNPV P47, detected a nuclear 43-kDa polypeptide from 12 to 72 h postinfection, demonstrating that the CfMNPV p47 gene product is first expressed at a time corresponding to the burst of transcriptional activity between the early and the late phases. Both AcMNPV and CfMNPV P47 translocate to the nucleus of infected cells.

Synthesis and antitumor cytotoxicity evaluation of pyrido[4,3,2-de]quinolines and isoquinolino[6,5,4,3-cde]quinolines

A series of novel pyrido[4,3,2-de]quinoline and isoquinolino[6,5,4,3-cde] quinoline compounds was synthesized and evaluated for cytotoxicity in the National Cancer Institute developmental therapeutics program. The tricyclic compound 7 was synthesized by the cyclization of 3,4-diamino-1,2dimethoxybenzene with diethyl 1,3-acetonedicarboxylate. Oxidation of monochloropyrido[4,3,2-de]quinoline 8 selectively produced 2,3-diketopyrido[4,3,2-de]quinoline 9 as deep violet crystals. Compound 9, when treated with acetone or acetophenone, affords the tetracyclic isoquinolino[6,5,4,3-cde]quinolines 13 and 14, respectively. 2,3-Diketopyrido[4,3,2-de]quinolines 9 and 10 exhibit higher cytotoxic potency than isoquinolino[6,5,4,3-cdelquinolines 13, 14, 15 and 16. Compound 9 selectively affects the cell growth against leukemia CCRF-CEM and HL-60 cell lines, the non-small cell lung cancer HOP-92 cell line, and breast cancer MDA-MB231/ ATCC and MDA-MB- 435 cell lines with GI(50) values of <2.0 microM. Modification of compound 9 with an ester group at the N-1 position afforded compound 10, which exhibits a wide spectrum of anticancer activities with a mean graph midpoint value of 1.8 microM against the 60 cancer cell lines.

Extracellular FGF-1 inhibits cytoskeletal organization and promotes fibroblast motility

Previous efforts from this laboratory have established that acidic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-1), either added exogenously or secreted as a biologically active protein, induces a transformed phenotype in primary murine fibroblasts. Experimental studies described here demonstrate that constitutive exposure to extracellular FGF-I results in reduced cell attachment to multiple ligands, inhibition of cytoskeletal organization, and reduced collagen contraction, despite no detectable change in integrin cell surface expression. In addition, FGF-1-transduced fibroblasts demonstrated a > 10-fold increase in migration, an observation correlated with increased tyrosine phosphorylation of p125FAK and p130CAS. Collectively, these results suggest that FGF-1-induced fibroblast transformation includes the involvement of specific FGF receptor-mediated signal transduction cascades targeted to cytoskeletal and focal adhesion structures.

Characterization and regulation of E2F activity during Caco-2 cell differentiation

The specific mechanisms controlling intestinal cell differentiation remain largely undefined. The retinoblastoma (Rb) proteins (pRb, p130, and p107) appear crucial to the terminal differentiation process of certain cells through their association and repression of E2F transcription factors. We have examined the expression of pRb-related proteins p130 and p107 as well as the regulation of E2F during spontaneous differentiation of the Caco-2 intestinal cell line. Nuclear protein levels of p130 and p107 were increased with Caco-2 differentiation. Induction of a slower-migrating E2F complex was noted in postconfluent (i.e., differentiated) Caco-2 cells; p130 protein was the predominant component of this E2F complex with a minor contribution from cyclin-dependent kinase-2. A small component of p107 binding was identified by deoxycholate release gel shift assays. In contrast, no pRb binding to E2F was noted in Caco-2 cells. In addition to increased association with p130, E2F-4 phosphorylation was markedly decreased in differentiated Caco-2 cells, whereas E2F protein levels remained unchanged. Taken together, our findings suggest that the regulation of E2F function may be an important contributing factor in the cell cycle block and spontaneous differentiation of Caco-2 cells. This regulation of E2F occurs most likely through its increased association with p130 as well as decreased phosphorylation.

Downregulation of mitogen-activated protein kinases in human colon cancers

BACKGROUND

Activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) appears to play an important role in both proliferation and transformation of various cells; the role of MAPK activation in colorectal cancers has not been clearly defined. The purpose of our study was to determine whether MAPK activity and protein levels were increased in colorectal cancers.

METHODS

Colorectal cancers and adjacent normal mucosa from 21 patients were extracted for protein. Expression levels and activity of the MAPKs (ERK1/2, JNK1, p38 and ERK3) were assessed by immunoblot analysis and in vitro kinase assays, respectively. In addition, changes in myelin basic protein (MBP) kinase activity and autophosphorylation were determined by in-gel kinase assays.

RESULTS

The activities of ERK1/2, JNK1 and p38 were downregulated in the majority of cancers; ERK3 kinase activity was increased in 10 of 21 cancers. The presence of proteins displaying increased MBP phosphorylation and autophosphorylation was identified specifically in the cancers by in-gel kinase assays.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate that the constitutive activation of ERK1/2, JNK1 and p38 is not a feature of colorectal cancers. Moreover, our in-gel kinase results suggest that protein kinases, other than the MAPKs assessed, may play a more crucial role in colon carcinogenesis.

[Detection of telomerase activity in prostate needle-biopsy samples]

OBJECTIVE

To detect telomerase activity inprostate needle-biopsy samples and its role in diagnosis and prognosis of prostate cancer.

METHODS

20 tissue samples of prostate cancer tissues and 16 samples of adjacent tissues were obtained by needle-biopsy guided by transrectal B ultrasonography. 16 samples of benign prostatic hyperplasia tissues were obtained by prostatectomy and were confirmed pathologically. Telomerase activity was revealed by modified PCR-based telomeric repeat amplication protocol (TRAP)-silver staining assay.

RESULTS

Telomerase activity was revealed in 18 cases of prostate cancer. In tissues adjacent to prostate cancer, telomerase activity was found in 7 of 11 cases of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), and in 2 of 5 cases of BPH. None of tissue samples from patients with BPH showed telomerase activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Telomerase activity in prostate needle-biopsy samples might be an useful marker for detecting prostate cancer and biological malignancy.

[Purity analysis of cephalosporins with capillary zone electrophoresis]

A capillary zone electrophoresis method is proposed for the purity determination of nine cephalosporin drugs. A background electrolyte comprising of either 20 mmol/L pH 9.20 borate buffer or 20 mmol/L pH 6.86 phosphate buffer was used for most drugs studied except for cefaloridine which formed neutral molecules at these pH values. For it 50 mmol/L pH 2.05 phosphate buffer was used instead. Internal normalization method was employed for quantitation. The method is simple, rapid and versatile. Analysis was completed within 8 min. The merits and limitations of the method were also discussed.

Mouse suppressor of fused is a negative regulator of sonic hedgehog signaling and alters the subcellular distribution of Gli1

The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway has critical functions during embryogenesis of both invertebrate and vertebrate species [1]; defects in this pathway in humans can cause developmental disorders as well as neoplasia [2]. Although the Gli1, Gli2, and Gli3 zinc finger proteins are known to be effectors of Hh signaling in vertebrates, the mechanisms regulating activity of these transcription factors remain poorly understood [3] [4]. In Drosophila, activity of the Gli homolog Cubitus interruptus (Ci) is likely to be modulated by its interaction with a cytoplasmic complex containing several other proteins [5] [6], including Costal2, Fused (Fu), and Suppressor of fused (Su(fu)), the last of which has been shown to interact directly with Ci [7]. We have cloned mouse Suppressor of fused (mSu(fu)) and detected its 4.5 kb transcript throughout embryogenesis and in several adult tissues. In cultured cells, mSu(fu) overexpression inhibited transcriptional activation mediated by Sonic hedgehog (Shh), Gli1 and Gli2. Co-immunoprecipitation of epitope-tagged proteins indicated that mSu(fu) interacts with Gli1, Gli2, and Gli3, and that the inhibitory effects of mSu(fu) on Gli1's transcriptional activity were mediated through interactions with both amino- and carboxy-terminal regions of Gli1. Gli1 was localized primarily to the nucleus of both HeLa cells and the Shh-responsive cell line MNS-70; co-expression with mSu(fu) resulted in a striking increase in cytoplasmic Gli1 immunostaining. Our findings indicate that mSu(fu) can function as a negative regulator of Shh signaling and suggest that this effect is mediated by interaction with Gli transcription factors.

[Nonpalpable testicular masses incidentally discovered by ultrasound]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the diagnosis and management of impalpable testicular masses detected sonographically.

METHODS

We analyzed retrospectively the sonographic findings and pathologic results of such cases and reviewed related literature.

RESULTS

In over 600 patients receiving scrotal ultrasound, 14 aged on average 42.4 years (14 to 71 years) had 16 impalpable testicular masses, with a diameter of 5 to 30 mm (mean 12.1 mm). All masses were predominantly hypoechoic except for one appeared hyperechoic and calcified. Pathological examination showed 2 seminomas, 2 lymphomas, 2 testicular tuberculoses and cysts respectively. The other six were embryonal cell carcinoma, metastatic adenocarcinoma, testicular fibrosis, partial infarction, testis abscess, and hematoma. Malignant lesions accounted for 42.86% (6/14). In 13 of 14 patients, the affected testis was resected, while in 1 the testis spared for frozen sectioning revealed a benign cystic lesion.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound findings can not differentiate malignant from benign in the impalpable lesions, and clinical history should be considered. All patients with indefinite diagnosis should undergo inguinal exploration and the testis can be spared if intraoperative frozen section diagnosis is negative. Ultrasound follow-up should be used only if there is a strong evidence of infection or trauma.

Enterocyte-like differentiation of the Caco-2 intestinal cell line is associated with increases in AP-1 protein binding

The nuclear factor AP-1, a large family of transcription factors composed of the Jun and Fos protein families, plays a role in the differentiation of various cells; the role of the AP-1 factors in intestinal differentiation is not known. Members of the AP-1 family can be activated by the Ras pathway and, in addition, Ras appears to be important for gut differentiation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether AP-1 activity is altered in the Caco-2 cell line, which spontaneously differentiates to a small bowel phenotype after confluency, and the Caco-2-ras cell line, which exhibits differentiated properties regardless of culture conditions. AP-1 binding activity, consisting of c-Jun, JunD, c-Fos and Fra-2 proteins, was increased in Caco-2 cells at 3 days postconfluency, a time point associated with G1 block and cessation of proliferation. Steady state levels of JunD were increased at day 3 postconfluency as determined by Western blot. Furthermore, AP-1 binding was increased in preconfluent Caco-2-ras cells compared with parental Caco-2 cells, suggesting that AP-1 induction may be mediated by the Ras pathway. The early induction of AP-1 binding activity suggests a role for these proteins in the differentiation of the Caco-2 intestinal cell line.

Pyrroloquinoline and pyridoacridine alkaloids from marine sources

Marine organisms are a rich source for natural products. Pyrrolo[4,3, 2-de]quinolines and pyrido[4,3,2-mn]acridines are of major interest as metabolites in sponges and ascidians. Many of these compounds have generated interest both as challenging problems for structure elucidation and synthesis as well as for their cytotoxicities. The isolation, structure proof, biological activities, chemical properties and synthesis have attracted the attention of chemists, biologists and pharmacists. The principal structural feature of these alkaloids is the core of a planar iminoquinone moiety which can intercalate into DNA and cleave the DNA double helix or inhibit the action of topoisomerase II. Of the makaluvamines, makaluvamine F and A are the most cytotoxic to the HCT 116 cell line. The enhanced toxicity of the makaluvamines towards xrs-6 cells shows that all of the makaluvamines, except makaluvamine B, act like m-AMSA and etoposide in inhibiting topo iso merases via cleavable complex formation, or via the direct induction of DNA double-strand breaks. They are also amongst the most potent inhibitors of topoisomerase II. Both makaluvamine A and C can decrease tumor size in a solid human tumor model. Discorhabdin A and C in contrast are of high cytotoxicity, but they exhibit no inhibition of topoisomerase II. As representatives of the derivatives of pyrido[4,3,2-mn]acridine, cystodytins, kuanoniamines and diplamine are the most potent to inhibit HCT replication. Eilatin, as a 1,10-phenanthroline derivative, can form complexes with metal ions. It has been shown that these metal complexes can bind to DNA by intercalation. The new members of the pyrrolo[4,3,2-de]quinolines and pyrido[4,3, 2-mn]acridines, such as veiutamine, discorhabdin G, tsitsikammamines, epinartins, arnoamines as well as sagitol are reviewed. Some successful syntheses of pyrrolo[4,3,2-de]quinoline ring system and pyrido[4,3,2-mn]acridine ring system are also reviewed in this article.

Genetic algorithm-based wavelength selection for the near-infrared determination of glucose in biological matrixes: initialization strategies and effects of spectral resolution

An improved genetic algorithm (GA)-based wavelength selection procedure is developed to optimize both the near-infrared wavelengths used and the number of latent variables employed in building partial least-squares (PLS) calibration models. This GA-based wavelength selection algorithm is applied to the determination of glucose in two different biological matrixes. With random selection of a small number of initial wavelengths, a dramatic reduction in the number of wavelengths required for building the PLS calibration models is observed. The fitness function used to guide the GA, the method of recombination used, and the effect of spectral resolution on the wavelength selection are also studied. In the resolution study, the original data with a point spacing of 2 cm-1 are deresolved to 4-, 8-, and 16-cm-1 point spacings by truncating the collected interferograms before applying the Fourier processing step. The use of lower resolution spectra is found to reduce further the number of final wavelengths selected by the GA, and the performance of the optimal calibration models obtained with the original spectra is maintained with the lower resolution spectra of both 4- and 8-cm-1 point spacing. Degradation in performance is observed with the spectra computed with a point spacing of 16 cm-1, however.

Essential function of Gli2 and Gli3 in the formation of lung, trachea and oesophagus

Foregut malformations (oesophageal atresia, tracheo-oesophageal fistula, lung anomalies and congenital stenosis of the oesophagus and trachea) are relatively common anomalies occurring in 1 in 2,000-5,000 live births, although their aetiology is poorly understood. The secreted glycoprotein Sonic hedgehog (Shh) has been suggested to act as an endodermal signal that controls hindgut patterning and lung growth. In mice, three zinc-finger transcription factors, Gli1, Gli2 and Gli3, have been implicated in the transduction of Shh signal. We report here that mutant mice lacking Gli2 function exhibit foregut defects, including stenosis of the oesophagus and trachea, as well as hypoplasia and lobulation defects of the lung. A reduction of 50% in the gene dosage of Gli3 in a Gli2-/- background resulted in oesophageal atresia with tracheo-oesophageal fistula and a severe lung phenotype. Mutant mice lacking both Gli2 and Gli3 function did not form oesophagus, trachea and lung. These results indicate that Gli2 and Gli3 possess specific and overlapping functions in Shh signalling during foregut development, and suggest that mutations in GLI genes may be involved in human foregut malformations.

Diminished Sonic hedgehog signaling and lack of floor plate differentiation in Gli2 mutant mice

Floor plate cells at the midline of the neural tube are specified by high-level activity of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) secreted by notochord, whereas motor neurons are thought to be specified by a lower level activity of Shh secreted in turn by floor plate cells. In Drosophila, the Gli zinc finger protein Cubitus interruptus functions as a transcription factor activating Hedgehog-responsive genes. We report that the expression of known Shh-responsive genes such as Ptc and Gli1 is downregulated in mutant mice lacking Gli2 function. Gli2 mutants fail to develop a floor plate yet still develop motor neurons, which occupy the ventral midline of the neural tube. Our results imply that Gli2 is required to mediate high level but not low level Shh activity and show that the development of motor neurons can occur in the absence of floor plate induction.

Glutathione depletion associated with the HIV-1 TAT protein mediates the extracellular appearance of acidic fibroblast growth factor

Primary murine embryonic fibroblasts transfected with HIV-1 TAT demonstrated decreased levels of high energy phosphates (ATP, GTP, UTP/CTP), adenine nucleotides (ATP, ADP, AMP), and both NAD+/NADH redox pairs, resulting in a substantial loss of redox poise. A greater than 50% decrease in intracellular reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration was accompanied by the extracellular appearance of acidic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-1). Addition of either N-acetyl-L-cysteine or glutathione ester (GSE), but not L-2-oxothiazolidine 4-carboxylate, partially restored intracellular GSH levels and resulted in loss of extracellular FGF-1. Treatment of FGF-1-transduced cells with buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) resulted in a time- and dose-dependent decrease in total cellular GSH concentration that was accompanied by the extracellular appearance of FGF-1. Inclusion of GSE during BSO treatment eliminated the extracellular appearance of FGF-1. BSO treatment of cells transfected with a mutant form of FGF-1, in which all three cysteine residues were replaced with serines, also decreased total cellular GSH concentration but failed to induce the extracellular appearance of FGF-1. Collectively, these results suggest that HIV-1 TAT induces a condition of oxidative stress, which mediates cellular secretion of FGF-1, an observation relevant to the pathophysiologic development and progression of AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma.

The clinical characteristics of possession disorder among 20 Chinese patients in the Hebei province of China

OBJECTIVE

This paper describes the clinical characteristics of 20 hospitalized psychiatric patients in the Hebei province of China who believed they were possessed.

METHODS

A structured interview focused on clinical characteristics associated with possession phenomena was developed and administered to 20 patients at eight hospitals in the province. All patients had been given the Chinese diagnosis of yi-ping (hysteria) by Chinese physicians before being recruited for the study.

RESULTS

The subjects' mean age was 37 years. Most were women from rural areas with little education. Major events reported to precede possession included interpersonal conflicts, subjectively meaningful circumstances, illness, and death of an individual or dreaming of a deceased individual. Possessing agents were thought to be spirits of deceased individuals, deities, animals, and devils. Twenty percent of subjects reported multiple possessions. The initial experience of possession typically came on acutely and often became a chronic relapsing illness. Almost all subjects manifested the two symptoms of loss of control over their actions and acting differently. They frequently showed loss of awareness of surroundings, loss of personal identity, inability to distinguish reality from fantasy, change in tone of voice, and loss of perceived sensitivity to pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Preliminary findings indicate that the disorder is a syndrome with distinct clinical characteristics that adheres most closely to the DSM-IV diagnosis of dissociative trance disorder under the category of dissociative disorder not otherwise specified.