A novel mutation of PAX6 identified in a Chinese twin family with congenital aniridia complicated with nystagmus

Genetic variations within the paired box gene 6 (PAX6) gene are associated with congenital aniridia. To detect the genetic defects in a Chinese twin family with congenital aniridia and nystagmus, exons of PAX6 were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), sequenced and compared with a reference database. Six members from the family of three generations were included in the study. The twins' father presented with congenital aniridia, nystagmus and cataract at birth, while the twins presented with congenital aniridia and nystagmus. A novel mutation c.888 insA in exon 10 of PAX6 was identified in all affected individuals. This study suggests that the novel mutation c.888 insA is likely responsible for the pathogenesis of the congenital aniridia and nystagmus in this pedigree. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of this mutation in PAX6 gene in pedigree with aniridia. Furthermore, no PAX6 gene defect was reported in twins with congenital aniridia.

The expression of FoxO1 in placenta and omental adipose tissue of gestational diabetes mellitus

To investigate FoxO1 expression in term placenta and omental adipose tissue between pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and those with normal glucose tolerance (control). The relationship between FoxO1 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in cultured trophoblast cells was also investigated.Maternal serum, term placenta and omental adipose tissue were collected from the GDM group (n=20) and the control group (n=20). Serum TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β concentration was measured. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and fasting serum insulin (FIN) were investigated to calculate an insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to examine the localization of FoxO1 protein in the placenta and adipose tissue. Real time RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to compare the levels of FoxO1 and TNF-α gene and protein between the 2 groups. Trophoblast cells (HTR-8/SVneo and BeWo cells) were cultured to detect the regulation of TNF-α on FoxO1 expression. The effect of FoxO1 knockdown on TNF-α stimulated expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines was also investigated.Compared to control group, Serum TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β concentration was higher in GDM group. FoxO1 was expressed in both the placenta and omental adipose tissue. The gene and protein expression of FoxO1 and TNF-α was higher in the GDM group than the control group in both tissues. The expression of FoxO1 in the placenta was positively correlated with HOMA-IR and TNF-α. Stimulation of TNF-α gene increased the expression of FoxO1 in cultured trophoblast cells. FoxO1 deletion in these cells attenuated TNF-α-induced expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6.FoxO1 has a potential role as a pro-inflammatory factor in GDM, and may be involved in the development of IR through interaction with TNF-α.

Changing patterns of basic household consumption in the Inner Mongolian grasslands: a case study of policy-oriented adoptive changes in the use of grasslands

Grassland ecosystems, as the basic natural resources in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, are becoming increasingly sensitive to human intervention, leading to deterioration in fragile ecosystems. The goal of this study was to describe the restoration policy-oriented adoptive changes to basic household consumption patterns of food, fuel, and water, and their spatial distribution by grassland types in the region. Basic household consumption data were collected in the meadow steppe (Hulun Buir), typical steppe (Xilin Gol), and semi-desert steppe (Ordos) ecosystems using structured questionnaires administered to 209 herders and farmers. In 2010, the householders’ intake comprised a low amount of agri-crops, including staple foods, vegetables and fruit with a high amount of meat, which still dominated the patterns of food consumption. However, the number of households preferring this pattern is decreasing and higher amounts of agri-crop and lower amounts of meat consumption pattern is increasing. From 1995 to 2010, fuel consumption patterns changed from being dominated by bio-fuels (dung) to being dominated mainly by electricity and gas. However, bio-fuel remains a major energy source for daily life in the meadow steppe ecosystem. In all three surveyed grassland types, the use of coal, electricity and gas increased from 1995 to 2010. The source of domestic water in all three surveyed areas is from groundwater, with an increasing trend to use tap water from a public supply rather than from privately owned wells.

Overexpressed TGF-β in subchondral bone leads to mandibular condyle degradation

Emerging evidence has implied that subchondral bone plays an important role during osteoarthritis (OA) pathology. This study was undertaken to investigate whether abnormalities of the condylar subchondral bone lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) OA. We used an osteoblast-specific mutant TGF-β1 transgenic mouse, the CED mouse, in which high levels of active TGF-β1 occur in bone marrow, leading to abnormal bone remodeling. Subchondral bone changes in the mandibular condyles were investigated by micro-CT, and alterations in TMJ condyles were confirmed by histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis. Abnormalities in the condylar subchondral bone, characterized as fluctuant bone mineral density and microstructure and increased but uncoupled activity of osteoclasts and osteoblasts, were apparent in the 1- and 4-month CED mouse groups, while obvious cartilage degradation, in the form of cell-free regions and proteoglycan loss, was observed in the 4-month CED group. In addition, increased numbers of apoptotic chondrocytes and MMP9- and VEGF-positive chondrocytes were observed in the condylar cartilage in the 4-month CED group, but not in the 1-month CED group, compared with their respective age-matched controls. This study demonstrated that progressive degradation of mandibular condylar cartilage could be induced by the abnormal remodeling of the underlying subchondral bone during TMJOA progression.

Protocol for Seizure Prophylaxis following Intracerebral Hemorrhage Study (SPICH): A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Short-Term Sodium Valproate Prophylaxis in Patients with Acute Spontaneous Supratentorial Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Rationale

Seizures after intracerebral hemorrhage are a common complication and may adversely affect neurological outcome. However, studies are inadequate on the utility of prophylactic anticonvulsant therapy in patients with hemorrhagic stroke, and the results remains controversial.

Aims

This study aims to determine if short-duration sodium valproate prevents seizure onset or improves the survival and neurological outcome in adults after acute spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage.

Design

In this randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled trial, 258 patients meeting the inclusion criteria will be enrolled in the Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital. In addition to standard care, patients will be randomly assigned to receive seven-day prophylaxis of sodium valproate 500 mg daily (alternatively 400 mg daily by intravenous infusion in 250 ml 0·9% normal saline) or matching placebo. Patients will be followed up at seven-days, 3, 6, and 12 months.

Study outcomes

The primary outcomes are early (≤7 days) and late onset seizures (>7 days). Secondary outcomes include midline shift, enlargement of hematoma, death (all cause), adverse effects, and functional outcome assessed by Glasgow Outcome Scale and modified Rankin Scale.

Discussion

Given the lack of evidence for seizure prophylaxis in patients with acute supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage, randomized controlled trials are desperately needed. The results from our study are believed to directly influence future prophylactic anticonvulsant therapy of intracerebral hemorrhage.

Effect of aminoguanidine intervention on neutrophils in diabetes inflammatory cells wound healing

To explore aminoguanidine (AG) effect on neutrophil functions and associated signal transduction way in diabetic rats wound healing. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into 3 groups, Group A (control+burns), Group B (diabetes+burns), Group C (diabetes+burns+AG). Wound skin tissue was harvested at 6h, 24h and 36h after trauma, and then immunohistochemistry was used to detect AGE (advanced glycation end products) contents and RAGE (receptor of AGE) expression. Western blotting was applied to detect RAGE and NF-κB. Oxidative stress changes were detected by colorimetry. Inflammatory cytokines were determined by ELIASA and cell apoptosis by TUNEL. Pathological changes were analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. In the wound tissue of Group C, compared to that in Group B, AGE content, RAGE expression level, NF-κB level declined, and MPO (myeloperoxidase) decreased at 36h; TNFα, IL-8, H2O2, GSH-Px (Glutathione peroxidse), and MDA (malondialdehyde) levels increased; dense post-traumatic inflammation belt formed obviously. AG for prophylactic use can promote the migration and respiratory burst of neutrophils markedly, and help to restore the functions of neutrophil; and the abnormal secretion of inflammation cytokines can be corrected partly. Blocking AGE deposition and promoting microenvironment were effective ways for diabetic wound healing.

Preoperative level of serum amyloid A is superior to C-reactive protein in the prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Preoperative elevations in the levels of serum amyloid A (SAA) or C-reactive protein (CRP) have been reported to be prognostic indicators in several malignancies. The aim of this study is to evaluate the serum levels of SAA and CRP in the prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). In total, 252 patients with ESCC who had undergone surgery with curative-intent were retrospectively recruited. The specificity, sensitivity, and prognostic value of SAA or CRP levels were measured as the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). The clinical value of SAA and CRP levels as prognostic indicators was evaluated using Cox's proportional hazards model. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates for the entire cohort of patients with ESCC were 71.0%, 61.0%, and 43.0%, respectively. The correlation between the levels of SAA and CRP was significant (r(2) = 0. 685, P < 0.001). The ROC analysis showed that the levels of CRP were associated with a significantly lower overall accuracy than were the SAA levels (AUC, 0.615 vs. 0.880; P < 0.001). For the complete cohort, the median OS was 52.0 months longer in patients with low preoperative serum levels of SAA (72.0 months) compared with patients who had high SAA levels (20.0 months, P < 0.001). The median OS among patients with low CRP levels was also longer compared with the patients who had high CRP levels (72.0 vs. 51.0 months, respectively; P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses showed that the preoperative elevated levels of SAA could find significant differences in OS for stage I, stage II, and stage III (P < 0.001, P = 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively), whereas the increased levels of CRP could only find a difference in OS for stage II cancers. After a multivariate analysis, preoperative elevated level of SAA was found to be an independently and significant prognostic factor (P < 0.001). Our study indicates that the preoperative levels of SAA and CRP can act as prognostic factors, and that elevated levels of these proteins are associated with negative effects on the survival of patients with ESCC. SAA showed a higher prognostic value than CRP in both cohort and subgroup analysis.

Design, synthesis and anticonvulsant activity evaluation of novel 4-(4-substitutedphenyl)-3-methyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5(4H)-ones

A series of novel 4-(4-substitutedphenyl)-3-methyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5(4H)-one derivatives were synthesized and screened for their anticonvulsant activities by the maximal electroshock test (MES) and their neurotoxicity was evaluated by the rotarod neurotoxicity test (TOX). In the MES test, compound 4-{4-[(3-fluorobenzyl)oxy]phenyl}-3-methyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5(4H)-one (4n) was found to possess better anticonvulsant activity and higher safety than marketed drugs Carbamazepine with an ED50 value of 25.5 mg/kg and protective index (PI) value>48.8. In addition, the potency of compound 4n against seizures induced by Pentylenetetrazole, 3-Mercaptopropionic acid, and Bicuculline suggested its broad spectrum activity, and the mechanisms of action including inhibition of voltage-gated ion channels and modulation of GABAergic activity might involve in its anticonvulsant activity.

The difference in the attitude of Chinese and Japanese college students regarding deceased organ donation

BACKGROUND

Under the influence of traditional oriental culture, the lack of organ donation is especially serious in China and Japan. The aim of this study was to compare Chinese and Japanese college students' attitudes and analyze contributing factors toward deceased donation.

METHODS

An anonymous, self-administered questionnaire comprising 15 questions was distributed to approximately 400 college students at Liaoning University, China, and Kyushu University, Japan. Statistical analysis used SPSS software.

RESULTS

Japanese students' attitude towards deceased organ donation was more favorable than that of Chinese students (43.6% versus 35.9%, P = .001). Several factors contributed to positive responses by students from both countries: family perspective on organ donation and transplantation; decision to donate to family members; prior blood donation; living liver or kidney donation; possibility of needing a transplant; and willingness to receive a deceased or a living donor organ.

CONCLUSIONS

More efforts must emphasize awareness and up-to-date knowledge regarding organ donation among citizens and should be undertaken by the Chinese and Japanese governments.

Effect of hyperoxia on pulmonary SIgA and its components, IgA and SC

Purpose

Oxygen therapy (hyperoxia) is essential for the treatment of some neonatal critical care conditions. The lung is the primary target for the changes induced by hyperoxia. Secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA), IgA and secretory component (SC) reflect the local immunity in the respiratory tract induced by hyperoxia.

Methods

The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunohistochemistry staining, Western blot and Real-time PCR were used to detect the levels of cytokines, IgA and SIgA in bronchoalveolar lavage as well as IgA and SC/pIgR in pulmonary tissue.

Results

The levels of IgA and SIgA in BAL fluid were gradually increased following neonatal rat development. Compared with air-inhaling group, in the hyperoxia group IgA, SIgA and other cytokines except IL-1 in BAL fluid were significantly elevated on the 3rd, 5th and 7th days, but on the 10th day TNF-α, SIgA and IgA rapidly decreased. In the hyperoxia group, both the protein expression of SC/pIgR and the mRNA expression of SC/pIgR were remarkably increased on the 3rd, 5th and 7th days, but were significantly decreased on the 10th day, respectively. Conclusion: The large amount of SIgA, IgA and SC in the early period of hyperoxia might protect the lungs of the neonatal rats against acute pulmonary injury, however, in the late period of hyperoxia, the abruptly drop of SIgA and its component might lead to pulmonary immunity abnormality. In hyperoxia, the increased expression of cytokines might contribute to the expression of IgA and SC.

Pharmacokinetics of a new immediate-release compound omeprazole capsule and its comparison with the enteric-coated formulation under fasting and fed conditions

The present study was conducted to describe the pharmacokinetic profile of immediate-release compound omeprazole capsule and compare it with the enteric-coated formulation under fasting and fed condition.This study was designed to phase I, open-label, randomized, 3-part clinical trial. 12 subjects in part one received single doses (20 mg and 40 mg) and repeated doses (20 mg). Different 30 subjects in part 2 (fasting condition) and part 3 (fed condition) received either compound omeprazole capsule (40 mg) or delayed-release omeprazole (40 mg) separated by 7 days.Compound omeprazole capsule showed dose non-proportionality in the range from 20 mg to 40 mg. The AUC0-t of 20 mg omeprazole is 78% higher after repeated doses. The C max was higher and T max was lower for compound omeprazole capsule than delayed-release omeprazole. 90% CIs for AUC0-t of the 2 periods (test/reference) under fasting and fed conditions were 106.3% (102.2%~109.2%) and 104.1% (93.4%~109.6%), respectively. Presence of food reduced the rate (C max) and extent (AUC0-t) of systemic exposure of the test and reference formulations from 1 462 to 777 ng · mL-1, 1 055 to 602 ng · mL-1, 2 597 to 1 852 ng · h · mL-1 and 2 454 to 1 873 ng · h · mL-1, respectively.Exposed dose of omeprazole in subjects with compound omeprazole capsule was time- and dose-dependent. Compared with delayed-release omeprazole, compound omeprazole capsule had rapid but similar degree of absorption of omeprazole.

Synthesis and anticonvulsant activity evaluation of 4-(2-alkoxy-phenyl)-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-ones in various experimental seizure models in mice

A new series of 4-(2-alkoxy-phenyl)-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-ones was synthesized using appropriate synthetic route. Their anticonvulsant activities were evaluated experimentally against maximal electroshock test and their neurotoxicities were evaluated under the rotarod neurotoxicity test with intraperitoneally injected mice. The results showed that all target compounds exhibited anticonvulsant activity in varying degrees against maximal electroshock test. Among them, 4-(2-octyloxy-phenyl)-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one (5 g) was the most promising compound with the median effective dose (ED50) of 23.7 mg/kg, the median toxicity dose (TD50) of 611.0 mg/kg, and the protective index (PI) of 25.8. Compound 5 g showed the higher safety than the standard carbamazepine (PI=6.5). As well as demonstrating the anti-MES efficacy of compound 5 g, its potency against seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole, 3-mercaptopropionic acid, and bicuculline were also established, with the results suggesting that GABA-mediated mechanisms might be involved in its anticonvulsant activity.

Effect of FK506 in reducing scar formation by inducing fibroblast apoptosis after sciatic nerve injury in rats

We previously demonstrated that FK506, a generally applied immunosuppressant in organ transplantation, could promote peripheral nerve regeneration through reducing scar formation. However, little is known about how FK506 reduces scar formation. Herein we investigated the influence of FK506 on fibroblast proliferation and its correlation with scar formation after sciatic nerve injury in rats, and further explored the effect of FK506 on fibroblast proliferation and apoptosis in vitro. Masson staining and immunohistochemistry revealed that scar area and fibroblast number in the nerve anastomosis of sciatic nerve-injured rats were significantly reduced after FK506 administration. The scar area had a significant positive correlation with the fibroblast number, as detected by linear correlation analysis. CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry indicated that FK506 also inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of fibroblasts in vitro. It was primarily phosphorylation of JNK and ERK that were activated during the apoptosis of fibroblast. Pretreatment of cells with JNK inhibitor, SP600125, or ERK inhibitor, PD98059, could inhibit FK506-induced fibroblast apoptosis, respectively. Moreover, simultaneous application of both inhibitors had additive roles in cell protection from apoptosis. These results suggest that FK506-induced fibroblast apoptosis contributes to the suppression of fibroblast proliferation and then results in the reduction of scar formation in sciatic nerve-injured rat, and that JNK and ERK are involved in FK506-induced fibroblast apoptosis.

The lymph index: a potential hematological parameter for viral infection

OBJECTIVE

An LH750 hematology analyzer with VCS (volume, conductivity, and light scatter) technology can determine morphologic properties of peripheral leukocytes, known as cell population data (CPD). We have previously demonstrated that the lymphocyte CPD exhibit significant changes in acute hepatitis B virus infection. A simplified lymphocyte CPD, the lymph index, was proposed. We conducted the current study to further evaluate the clinical usefulness of the lymph index, and included patients with various viral infections, as well as those with acute bacterial infections.

METHODS

Peripheral blood was collected from 72 patients with viral infections, 46 patients with acute bacterial infections, and 204 controls. The lymphocyte CPD included the mean volume (LV) with its standard deviation (LV-SD) and the conductivity (LC). The lymph index was calculated as LV × LV-SD ÷ LC.

RESULTS

The lymph index was significantly increased in viral infections and only mildly increased in acute bacterial infections compared to controls. Using a lymph index cutoff value of ≥ 12.92, we achieved 91.67% sensitivity and 97.2% specificity for diagnosing viral infection.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings may be clinically useful since these morphological parameters are readily obtained by hematology analyzer during automated leukocyte differentials. They are quantitative, objective, and fast. The lymph index could be a potential hematological parameter for viral infection.

Correlation of subclinical HPV infection with genital warts and cervical erosion

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the correlation of subclinical human papillomavirus (HPV) infection (SPI) with genital warts and cervical erosion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The questionnaire was firstly conducted in experimental groups (genital warts + cervical erosion), and then cervical liquid-based cytology was performed, followed by colposcopy and pathological diagnosis. In the control group, cervical liquid-based cytology and pathological diagnosis were performed. Hybrid Capture 2 assay (HC2) was conducted to detect the cervical high-risk HPV DNA.

RESULTS

The positive rate of cervical SPI in experimental groups were significantly higher than control group (p < 0.01), and in the genital warts group it was significantly higher than cervical erosion group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference of SPI positive rate for cervical erosion with different area and degree (p > 0.05). Compared to control group, the detection rates of cervical high-risk HPV DNA in the experimental groups significantly increased (p < 0.01), and the difference between vulvar condyloma and cervical erosion groups was not statistically significant (p < 0.05). The detection rate of high-risk HPV DNA in positive SPI cases was significantly higher than negative SPI cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with genital warts and cervical erosion are high-risk individuals for cervical cancer, and deserve a focused initial and follow-up management.

Expression of regulatory T and helper T cells in peripheral blood of patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the expression of regulatory T cells and helper T cells in peripheral blood of patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-seven patients hospitalized with PIH were consecutively collected for detection of regulatory T cells (CD4+ CD25+ Treg and CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+Treg) and helper T (CD+3, CD+4, CD+8, CD+4/CD+8) cells in peripheral blood. Meanwhile, 20 normal hospitalized pregnant women served as the control group.

RESULTS

In the comparison of regulatory T cells, the level of serum CD4+ CD25+ Treg and CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+Treg in PIH group was significantly lower than control group (all p < 0.05). In the comparison of help T cells, the expression level of serum CD+4/CD+8 in PIH group was obviously higher than control group, while the expression level of CD+8 was significantly lower than control group (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

There were obvious abnormal expressions of regulatory T cell and helper T cells in peripheral blood of patients with PIH.

Abstract PD09-08: The potential role of TLK2 as a therapeutic target in breast cancer

Invasive breast cancer (IBC) is a heterogeneous disease with distinct molecular and histological features as well as diverse biological behaviors. It is thus critical to find specific gene aberrations that can drive breast cancer initiation and progression as potential therapeutic targets. Our lab has established bioinformatics workflows to identify therapeutic oncogene targets. We have nominated Tousled-Like Kinase 2 (TLK2) as a candidate therapeutic target from 44,932 human genes based on integrative copy number data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). TLK2 is a nuclear serine/threonine kinase that serves as a cell cycle checkpoint regulating chromosome assembly, and is inactivated by phosphorylation through the ATM dependent manner in the response to the double strand breaks during the S-phase. Interestingly, we observed 12–14% of focal TLK2 gene amplifications and translocations in invasive breast cancers, which are more frequent in luminal B tumors. Chromosomal aberrations may leads the deregulation of TLK2 kinase activity and results in overcoming the cell cycle checkpoint upon DNA damage such as IR or chemotherapeutic drugs treatments in breast cancer, thus destabilizing the cancer genome. Indeed, our preliminary data show that TLK2 knockdown substantially inhibits cell proliferation in breast cancer cells overexpressing TLK2. Further, this response is sustained in their derivative strains resistant to hormone or anti-Her2 therapies, suggesting the potential of TLK2 inhibition to sensitize these therapies as well. Overall, I expect that this study will provide compelling evidence regarding the role of TLK2 in breast cancer tumorigenesis and genomic instability, and establish its potential as a therapeutic target. The possibility of developing specific TLK2 inhibitors can be well demonstrated by the previous success of drugs against other cell cycle checkpoint kinases that are currently under clinical trials. In addition, molecular assays detecting TLK2 derangements may be applied in the clinics to identify patients who might benefit from future TLK2 inhibitor. If TLK2 endows resistance or sensitivity to other therapies, assays detecting TLK2 aberrations may also have important predictive value for personalization of these treatments.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr PD09-08.

Icariin stimulates the proliferation of rat Sertoli cells in an ERK1/2-dependent manner in vitro

Icariin (ICA), a major constituent of flavonoids from the Chinese medical herb Epimedium brevicornum Maxim, is found to be protective for male reproductive ability, with the underlying mechanism largely unknown. Our study here investigated the effects of ICA on Sertoli cells, which act as nurse cells for the germ cells developing. Icariin was found to stimulate Sertoli cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Further study revealed that Icariin induced an obvious phosphorylation of ERK in Sertoli cells. Inhibition of activation of ERK by the ERK inhibitor U0126 nearly blocked the Icariin-induced proliferation of Sertoli cells. Taken together, our results suggest that Icariin promotes the proliferation of Sertoli cells in vitro by activating the ERK1/2 signal pathway, which might at least partially, explain the protective role of Icariin on male reproductive ability.

Effectiveness of fast-track rehabilitation vs conventional care in laparoscopic colorectal resection for elderly patients: a randomized trial

AIM

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fast-track rehabilitation in elderly patients over 65 years of age, following laparoscopic surgery to remove colorectal cancer.

METHOD

A total of 78 elderly patients with colorectal cancer who underwent laparoscopic colorectal resection were randomly assigned to receive either the fast-track care programme (n = 40) or the conventional perioperative care protocol (control group, n = 38). Medical personnel conducting the study were blinded to patients' clinical outcomes prior to statistical analysis. The fast-track protocol included no preoperative mechanical bowel irrigation, immediate oral alimentation and earlier postoperative ambulation exercise. The length of postoperative hospital stay, the length of time to regain bowel function and the rate of postoperative complications were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The length of time to regain bowel function, including the passage of flatus[31 (26-40) h vs 38 (32-51) h, P = 0.001], to the first bowel movement [55 (48-63) h vs 64 (48-71) h, P = 0.009] and to start a liquid diet (12 [11-16] h vs 47 [35-50] h, P = 0.000) were significantly shorter in patients receiving the fast-track care protocol compared with those receiving the conventional care protocol. A shorter duration of postoperative hospital stay was recorded in patients receiving the fast-track program than in those receiving conventional care (P = 0.0001). A reduced percentage of patients who developed general complications was also observed in the fast-track group (5.0%vs 21.1%, P = 0.045).

CONCLUSION

This randomized controlled trial has shown that in the elderly undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery, the fast-track recovery programme resulted in a more rapid postoperative recovery, earlier discharge from hospital and fewer general complications compared with a conventional postoperative protocol.

Photosynthesis, water use efficiency and stable carbon isotope composition are associated with anatomical properties of leaf and xylem in six poplar species

Although fast-growing Populus species consume a large amount of water for biomass production, there are considerable variations in water use efficiency (WUE) across different poplar species. To compare differences in growth, WUE and anatomical properties of leaf and xylem and to examine the relationship between photosynthesis/WUE and anatomical properties of leaf and xylem, cuttings of six poplar species were grown in a botanical garden. The growth performance, photosynthesis, intrinsic WUE (WUE(i) ), stable carbon isotope composition (δ(13) C) and anatomical properties of leaf and xylem were analysed in these poplar plants. Significant differences were found in growth, photosynthesis, WUE(i) and anatomical properties among the examined species. Populus cathayana was the clone with the fastest growth and the lowest WUE(i) /δ(13) C, whereas P. × euramericana had a considerable growth increment and the highest WUE(i) /δ(13) C. Among the analysed poplar species, the highest total stomatal density in P. cathayana was correlated with its highest stomatal conductance (g(s) ) and lowest WUE(i) /δ(13) C. Moreover, significant correlations were observed between WUE(i) and abaxial stomatal density and stem vessel lumen area. These data suggest that photosynthesis, WUE(i) and δ(13) C are associated with leaf and xylem anatomy and there are tradeoffs between growth and WUE(i) . It is anticipated that some poplar species, e.g. P. × euramericana, are better candidates for water-limited regions and others, e.g. P. cathayana, may be better for water-abundant areas.

Blocking p55PIK signaling inhibits proliferation and induces differentiation of leukemia cells

p55PIK, a regulatory subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases, promotes cell cycle progression by interacting with cell cycle modulators such as retinoblastoma protein (Rb) via its unique amino-terminal 24 amino-acid residue (N24). Overexpression of N24 specifically inhibits these interactions and leads to cell cycle arrest. Herein, we describe the generation of a fusion protein (Tat transactivator protein (TAT)-N24) that contains the protein transduction domain and N24, and examined its effects on the proliferation and differentiation of leukemia cells. TAT-N24 not only blocks cell proliferation but remarkably induces differentiation of leukemia cells in vitro and in vivo. Systemically administered TAT-N24 also significantly decreases growth of leukemia cell tumors in animal models. Furthermore, overexpression of p55PIK in leukemia cells leads to increased proliferation; however, TAT-N24 blocks this effect and concomitantly induces differentiation. There is significant upregulation of p55PIK mRNA and protein expression in leukemia cells from patients. TAT-N24 inhibits cell cycle progression and induces differentiation of bone marrow cells derived from patients with several different types of leukemia. These results show that cell-permeable N24 peptide induces leukemia cell differentiation and suggest that p55PIK may be a novel drug target for the treatment of hematopoetic malignancies.

Promoting adult hippocampal neurogenesis: a novel strategy for antidepressant drug screening

Major depression is a common mood disorder that affects overall health; currently, almost all of the available antidepressants have the same core mechanisms of action through promotion of serotonin or noradrenaline function in the brain. The major limitation of today's antidepressants is that chronic treatment (3 - 6 weeks) is required before a therapeutic benefit is achieved. More effective and faster treatments for depression are needed. Adult neurogenesis is the birth of new neurons, which continues postnatally and into adulthood in the brains of multiple species, including humans. Recently, a large body of evidence gives rise to the hypothesis that the antidepressant effect and increases in adult hippocampal neurogenesis may be causally related. Multiple classes of antidepressants increase hippocampal neurogenesis in a chronic, but not acute, time course. This effect corresponds to the therapeutic time lag associated with current antidepressants. In addition, antidepressants are not effective in behavioral models of depression when hippocampal neurogenesis is prevented. This review examines the current understanding of adult neurogenesis and the evidence of the causal relationship between antidepressant effects and adult hippocampal neurogenesis. We also present our recent research findings, which support a promising strategy for enhancing adult hippocampal neurogenesis that might be a new approach for the development of novel antidepressants.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolated from canine pyoderma in North China

AIMS

To determine the prevalence of carriage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) among dogs with pyoderma from two small animal hospitals in North China during a 21-month period and to characterize these isolates.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Swabs were taken from 260 dogs with pyoderma, and the staphylococcal species isolated and methicillin resistance were confirmed phenotypically and genotypically. The identified MRSP isolates were characterized by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), spa typing, staphylococcal cassette chromosome (SCC) mec typing, testing for susceptibility to nine antimicrobial agents and SmaI-digested pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Thirty-three (12·7%) dogs were positive for MRSP. The most prevalent genotypes detected among MRSP were ST71(MLST)-t06(spa)-II-III(SCCmec) (n = 22, 66·7%), followed by ST5-t19 (n = 8, 24·2%), ST126-III(n = 2, 6·1%) and ST6-t02-V (3·0%). All MRSP isolates showed extended resistance to tested antimicrobial agents. Eight different SmaI patterns were observed in 21 typeable MRSP isolates.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical isolates of MSRP isolated from dogs in North China belonged to two major clonal lineages ST71 and ST5.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study is the first report on MRSP from canine pyoderma in China. Further surveillance study is needed to gain more detailed data concerning this major clinical challenge in veterinary medicine.

Probing loop quantum gravity with evaporating black holes

This Letter aims at showing that the observation of evaporating black holes should allow the usual Hawking behavior to be distinguished from loop quantum gravity (LQG) expectations. We present a full Monte Carlo simulation of the evaporation in LQG and statistical tests that discriminate between competing models. We conclude that contrarily to what was commonly thought, the discreteness of the area in LQG leads to characteristic features that qualify evaporating black holes as objects that could reveal quantum gravity footprints.

Potential autophagy enhancers attenuate rotenone-induced toxicity in SH-SY5Y

Recent studies have shown that autophagy upregulation may be a tractable therapeutic intervention for clearing the disease-causing proteins, including α-synuclein, ubiquitin, and other misfolded or aggregated proteins in Parkinson's disease (PD). In this study, we explored a novel pharmacotherapeutic approach to treating PD by utilizing potential autophagy enhancers valproic acid (VPA) and carbamazepine (CBZ). Pretreatment with VPA (3 mM) and CBZ (50 μM) along with positive control rapamycin (Rap, 0.2 μM) or lithium (LiCl, 10 mM) significantly enhanced cell viability, decreased rotenone-induced nuclear fragmentation and apoptosis, ameliorated the decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, reduced reactive oxygen species generation in the human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Specifically, the numbers of lysosomes and autophagic vacuolar organelles were increased and the microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-II (LC3-II) expression was up-regulated by VPA, CBZ, Rap, and LiCl (53%, 31%, 72%, and 63%), suggesting that these agents activated autophagic pathways. Moreover, pretreatment with the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (Chl, 10 μM) remarkably strengthened rotenone toxicity in these cells. Our results suggest that VPA and CBZ, the most commonly used anti-epilepsy and mood-stabilizing medications with low-risk and easy administration might be potential therapeutics for PD.

Inhibition of β-catenin signaling by nongenomic action of orphan nuclear receptor Nur77

Dysregulation of β-catenin turnover due to mutations of its regulatory proteins including adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) and p53 is implicated in the pathogenesis of cancer. Thus, intensive effort is being made to search for alternative approaches to reduce abnormally activated β-catenin in cancer cells. Nur77, an orphan member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, has a role in the growth and apoptosis of cancer cells. Here, we reported that Nur77 could inhibit transcriptional activity of β-catenin by inducing β-catenin degradation via proteasomal degradation pathway that is glycogen synthase kinase 3β and Siah-1 independent. Nur77 induction of β-catenin degradation required both the N-terminal region of Nur77, which was involved in Nur77 ubiquitination, and the C-terminal region, which was responsible for β-catenin binding. Nur77/ΔDBD, a Nur77 mutant lacking its DNA-binding domain, resided in the cytoplasm, interacted with β-catenin, and induced β-catenin degradation, demonstrating that Nur77-mediated β-catenin degradation was independent of its DNA binding and transactivation, and might occur in the cytoplasm. In addition, we reported our identification of two digitalis-like compounds (DLCs), H-9 and ATE-i2-b4, which potently induced Nur77 expression and β-catenin degradation in SW620 colon cancer cells expressing mutant APC protein in vitro and in animals. DLC-induced Nur77 protein was mainly found in the cytoplasm, and inhibition of Nur77 nuclear export by the CRM1-dependent nuclear export inhibitor leptomycin B or Jun N-terminal kinase inhibitor prevented the effect of DLC on inducing β-catenin degradation. Together, our results demonstrate that β-catenin can be degraded by cytoplasmic Nur77 through their interaction and identify H-9 and ATE-i2-b4 as potent activators of the Nur77-mediated pathway for β-catenin degradation.

Gene-viro-therapy targeting liver cancer by a dual-regulated oncolytic adenoviral vector harboring IL-24 and TRAIL

Cancer-targeting gene-viro-therapy is a promising cancer therapeutic strategy that strengthens the antitumor effect of oncolytic viruses by expressing an inserted foreign antitumor gene. To achieve liver cancer targeting and to improve the safety of the ZD55 vector (a widely-used E1B55KD gene-deleted oncolytic adenoviral vector (OV), we previously constructed), we designed a novel OV named Ad·AFP·D55 that selectively replicates in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells by replacing the E1A promoter with the liver-cancer specific α-Fetoprotein (AFP) promoter based on the ZD55 vector. We found that the oncolytic adenoviruses Ad·AFP·D55-IL-24 and Ad·AFP·D55-TRAIL express tumor-suppressor gene interleukin-24 (IL-24) and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), respectively, significantly suppressed the HCC cell growth in vitro by inducing apoptosis by the caspase-8 and mitochondria-dependent caspase-9 signaling pathways. Furthermore, the combined treatment of Ad·AFP·D55-IL-24 and Ad·AFP·D55-TRAIL showed strong antitumor effects in vivo by significantly inhibiting the tumor growth in HCC HuH-7 cell xenograft mice, and markedly increasing animal survival rate. Therefore, this novel HCC cell-targeting OV carrying tumor-suppressor genes may provide a promising approach for liver cancer gene therapy.

A stromal cell-derived factor-1 releasing matrix enhances the progenitor cell response and blood vessel growth in ischaemic skeletal muscle

Although many regenerative cell therapies are being developed to replace or regenerate ischaemic muscle, the lack of vasculature and poor persistence of the therapeutic cells represent major limiting factors to successful tissue restoration. In response to ischaemia, stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) is up-regulated by the affected tissue to stimulate stem cell-mediated regenerative responses. Therefore, we encapsulated SDF-1 into alginate microspheres and further incorporated these into an injectable collagen-based matrix in order to improve local delivery. Microsphere-matrix impregnation reduced the time for matrix thermogelation, and also increased the viscosity reached. This double-incorporation prolonged the release of SDF-1, which maintained adhesive and migratory bioactivity, attributed to chemotaxis in response to SDF-1. In vivo, treatment of ischaemic hindlimb muscle with microsphere-matrix led to increased mobilisation of bone marrow-derived progenitor cells, and also improved recruitment of angiogenic cells expressing the SDF-1 receptor (CXCR4) from bone marrow and local tissues. Both matrix and SDF-1-releasing matrix were successful at restoring perfusion, but SDF-1 treatment appeared to play an earlier role, as evidenced by arterioles that are phenotypically older and by increased angiogenic cytokine production, stimulating the generation of a qualitative microenvironment for a rapid and therefore more efficient regeneration. These results support the release of implanted SDF-1 as a promising method for enhancing progenitor cell responses and restoring perfusion to ischaemic tissues via neovascularisation.

Con A-binding protein Zn-α2-glycoprotein on human sperm membrane is related to acrosome reaction and sperm fertility

Fertilization, the recognition and fusion between spermatozoa and oocyte, involves various molecules on the spermatozoa and oocyte membranes. Concanavalin A (ConA)-binding proteins may be one of the molecules involved in mammal spermatozoa fertilization; however, their structure and function remain largely unknown. Here, we initially identified a ConA-binding protein, Zn-α2-glycoprotein (ZAG), involved in regulating the acrosome reaction (AR) of human spermatozoa. ZAG is localized on the pre-equatorial region covering the acrosome, neck and tail (some parts of middle piece and principal piece respectively) regions of the acrosome intact human spermatozoa, and disappears in the acrosomal region of the acrosome-reacted spermatozoa. Polyclonal antibodies against human recombinant ZAG significantly reduced the AR and sperm capability binding to human zona pellucida or penetration into zona-free hamster oocytes. Furthermore, assessment of the signaling pathways regulated by ZAG revealed that ZAG affects sperm AR through both the cAMP/PKA and PKC pathways. These results indicate that ZAG, which is present on the human sperm membrane, plays a critical role in the AR and subsequently, may be involved in sperm fertility.

Enhanced antitumor effects of tumor antigen-pulsed dendritic cells by their transfection with GM-CSF gene

To investigate the biological characterization and antitumor activities of GM-CSF gene-transfected dendritic cells, the splenic dendritic cells were infected with GM-CSF recombinant replication-deficient adenovirusesin vitro. Their enhanced expression of B7 was demonstrated by FACS analysis, and more potent stimulatory activity was confirmed by allogeneic MLR. Immunization of dendritic cells pulsed with irradiated B16 melanoma cells induced significant CTL and enabled host to resist the challenge of wild-type B16 cells. When they were transfected with GM-CSF gene subsequently, the induced CTL activity was higher, and the produced protection against B16 cell challenge and therapeutic effect on the mice with preestablished pulmonary metastases more effective. These data suggest that the dendritic cells pulsed with tumor antigen then transfected with GM-CSF gene can be used as an effective vaccine in tumor immunotherapy.

Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase: activity inhibition and protein overexpression in rotenone models for Parkinson's disease

Rotenone, a widely used pesticide and an environmental risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD), induces nigrostriatal injury, Lewy body-like inclusions, and Parkinsonian symptoms in rat models for PD. Our previous data indicated that glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) overexpression and glycolytic inhibition were co-current in rotenone-induced PC12 (rat adrenal pheochromocytoma cells) cell death. However, whether GAPDH overexpression plays any role in dopaminergic neurodegeneration in vivo remains unknown. In this study, we have found that GAPDH overexpression and GAPDH-positive Lewy body-like aggregates in nigral dopaminergic neurons while nigral GAPDH glycolytic activity decreases in rotenone-based PD animal models. Furthermore, GAPDH knockdown reduces rotenone toxicity significantly in PC12. These in vitro and in vivo data suggest that GAPDH contributes to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease, possibly representing a new molecular target for neuroprotective strategies and alternative therapies for PD.

Upregulation of VEGF-A and CD24 gene expression by the tGLI1 transcription factor contributes to the aggressive behavior of breast cancer cells

The Hedgehog signaling pathway is one of the most dysregulated pathways in human cancers. The glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (GLI1) transcription factor is the terminal effector of the Hedgehog pathway, frequently activated in human breast cancers and an emerging target of breast cancer therapy. While somatic mutations in the human GLI1 gene have never been reported in any cell or tumor type, we recently uncovered the existence of a novel alternatively spliced, truncated GLI1 (tGLI1) that has an in-frame deletion of 41 codons spanning the entire exon 3 and part of exon 4 of the GLI1 gene. Using glioblastoma models, we showed that tGLI1 has gained the ability to promote glioblastoma migration and invasion via its gain-of-function transcriptional activity. However, the pathological impact of tGLI1 on breast cancer remains undefined. Here, we report that tGLI1 is frequently expressed in human breast cancer cell lines and primary specimens we have examined to date, but is undetectable in normal breast tissues. We found for the first time that tGLI1, but not GLI1, binds to and enhances the human vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) gene promoter, leading to its upregulation. Consequently, tGLI1-expressing MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells secret higher levels of VEGF-A and contain a higher propensity, than the isogenic cells with control vector and GLI1, to stimulate in vitro angiogenesis of human vascular endothelial cells. We further showed that tGLI1 has gained the ability to enhance the motility and invasiveness of breast cancer cells in a proliferation-independent fashion and that this functional gain is associated with increased expression of migration/invasion-associated genes, CD24, MMP-2 and MMP-9. tGLI1 has also acquired the property to facilitate anchorage-independent growth of breast cancer cells. Collectively, our results define tGLI1 as a gain-of-function GLI1 transcription factor and a novel mediator of the behavior of clinically more aggressive breast cancer.