Mechanisms of OGT2115 inhibition of invasion and migration in KB oral cancer cells. Retracted

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the heparanase inhibitor OGT2115 on the tumorigenic properties of KB oral cancer cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We treated KB cells with different concentrations of OGT2115. Then proliferation, invasion, and migration were detected using different assays. Cell cycle was explored using flow cytometry.

RESULTS

We found that the treatment inhibited proliferation, invasion, and migration in a dose-dependent manner. OGT2115 also increased the apoptosis of KB cells and blocked cell cycle in S-phase.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results support the use of the heparanase inhibitor OGT2115 to inhibit several tumorigenic activities of KB oral cancer cells.

miR-19a promotes colitis-associated colorectal cancer by regulating tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 3-NF-κB feedback loops

Chronic inflammation is believed to have a crucial role in colon cancer development. MicroRNA (miRNA) deregulation is common in human colorectal cancers, but little is known regarding whether miRNA drives tumor progression by regulating inflammation. Here, we showed that miR-19a can promote colitis and colitis-associated colon cancer (CAC) development using a CAC mouse model and an acute colitis mouse model. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) stimulation can increase miR-19a expression, and upregulated miR-19a can in turn activate nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling and TNF-α production by targeting TNF alpha-induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3). miR-19a inhibition can also alleviate CAC in vivo. Moreover, the regulatory effects of miR-19a on TNFAIP3 and NF-κB signaling were confirmed using tumor samples from patients with colon cancer. These new findings demonstrate that miR-19a has a direct role in upregulating NF-κB signaling and that miR-19a has roles in inflammation and CAC.

GaN nano-pyramid arrays as an efficient photoelectrode for solar water splitting

A prototype photoelectrode has been fabricated using a GaN nano-pyramid array structure grown on a cost-effective Si (111) substrate, demonstrating a significant improvement in performance of solar-powered water splitting compared with any planar GaN photoelectrode. Such a nano-pyramid structure leads to enhanced optical absorption as a result of a multi-scattering process which can effectively produce a reduction in reflectance. A simulation based on a finite-difference time-domain approach indicates that the nano-pyramid architecture enables incident light to be concentrated within the nano-pyramids as a result of micro-cavity effects, further enhancing optical absorption. Furthermore, the shape of the nano-pyramid further facilitates the photo-generated carrier transportation by enhancing a hole-transfer efficiency. All these features as a result of the nano-pyramid configuration lead to a large photocurrent of 1 mA cm^-2 under an illumination density of 200 mW cm^-2, with a peak incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency of 46.5% at ∼365 nm, around the band edge emission wavelength of GaN. The results presented are expected to pave the way for the fabrication of GaN based photoelectrodes with a high energy conversion efficiency of solar powered water splitting.

Low nanomolar concentrations of Cucurbitacin-I induces G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis by perturbing redox homeostasis in gastric cancer cells in vitro and in vivo

Cucurbitacin-I (Cu-I, also known as Elatericin B or JSI-124) is developed to inhibit constitutive and abnormal activation of STAT3 in many cancers, demonstrating a potent anticancer activity by targeting disruption of STAT3 function. Here, we for the first time systematically studied the underlying molecular mechanisms of Cu-I-induced gastric cancer cell death both in vitro and in vivo. In our study, we show that Cu-I markedly inhibits gastric cancer cell growth by inducing G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis at low nanomolar concentrations via a STAT3-independent mechanism. Notably, Cu-I significantly decreases intracellular GSH/GSSG ratio by inhibiting NRF2 pathway to break cellular redox homeostasis, and subsequently induces the expression of GADD45α in a p53-independent manner, and activates JNK/p38 MAPK signaling. Interestingly, Cu-I-induced GADD45α and JNK/p38 MAPK signaling form a positive feedback loop and can be reciprocally regulated by each other. Therefore, the present study provides new insights into the mechanisms of antitumor effects of Cu-I, supporting Cu-I as an attractive therapeutic drug in gastric cancer by modulating the redox balance.

Abstract P6-05-12: Prognosis of subtypes of the mucinous breast carcinoma in Chinese women: A population-based study of 32-year experience (1983-2014)

Background: The heterogeneous nature of the mucinous breast cancer (MBC), with its subtypes of pure (PMBC) and mixed carcinoma (MMBC), calls for more precise individualized prognosis assessment. PMBC showed favorable prognosis in both Chinese and Caucasian women, with nodal status and TNM stage as the prognostic predictors [PMID: 18026874, 22451233]. However, few studies had investigated tumor biology and prognosis of MMBC in Chinese population, especially with respect to the different co-existing cancer components.

Methods: From January 1983 to December 2014, 197 consecutive MBC patients, including 117 PMBC and 80 MMBC, received breast cancer surgery in Peking Union Medical College Hospital. The clinicopathological characteristics, treatment choice, disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared both between PMBC vs MMBC, and among subgroups of MMBC according to the mixed entities, including 24 women with ductal caricinoma in situ (DCIS) and 45 with IDC. Univariate and Cox multivariate analyses were performed to identify the prognostic factors.

Results: The 197 MBC comprised 1.9% of contemporary 10,192 breast cancer (BC). Compared to PMBC, MMBC had significantly more lymph node metastasis (p=0.038), Her2 positivity (p=0.036), high Ki-67 index (defined as >20%, p=0.026) and anti-Her2 targeted therapy (p=0.006). All these differences remained significant when the comparison were performed among PMBC, MBC+DCIS and MBC+IDC, and additional significant difference were identified in tumor size (p=0.036), pTNM stage (p=0.003) and chemotherapy (p=0.003). However, no significant difference was found in DFS or OS between any two subtypes/subgroups of MBC, including PMBC, MMBC, MBC+DCIS and MBC+IDC.

Table 1. Comparison of survival outcomes among PMBC, MBC+DCIS and MBC+IDC§SurvivalPMBC (N=117, Median, range, and Mean±SD)MBC+DCIS (N=24, Median, range, and Mean±SD)MBC+IDC (N=45, Median, range, and Mean±SD)P-ValueDFS (months)43 (1-233), 52.7±45.227 (1-84), 34.3±25.326 (1-113), 33.1±26.60.187OS (months)46 (1-312), 56.9±51.827 (1-84), 34.4±25.326 (1-113), 34.8±28.70.628§ Kaplan-Meier survival curves would be displayed in the poster

High Ki-67 index (p=0.046) appeared to be the significant DFS related prognostic factor for PMBC, whereas estrogen receptor (ER) status (univariate p=0.000, multivariate p=0.062) and immunophenotype (luminal, her2, or triple-negative, univariate p=0.000, multivariate p=0.079) might be the potential DFS predictors for MMBC. None of the above-mentioned clinicopathological factors could serve as OS predictors for MBC.

Conclusion: This population-based study showed that there were significant difference in nodal status, Ki-67, Her2 positivity and targeted therapy between PMBC and MMBC, and furthermore in tumor size, stage and chemotherapy among PMBC and subgroups of MMBC such as MBC+DCIS and MBC+IDC. However, survival outcomes were similar between these clinical entities and subgroups, suggesting the intra-tumoral heterogeneity might not interfere with survival outcomes of MBC in Chinese woman. High Ki-67 index was identified as the significant DFS related prognostic factor for PMBC, whereas ER status and immunophenotype as the potential DFS predictors for MMBC.

Citation Format: Yao R, Pan B, Sun Q, Zhou Y, Mao F, Lin Y, Guan J, Wang X, Zhang Y, Zhang X, Shen S, Zhong Y, Xu Y, Shi J, Zhu Q, Cai F, Liang Z. Prognosis of subtypes of the mucinous breast carcinoma in Chinese women: A population-based study of 32-year experience (1983-2014). [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-05-12.

Repression of p53-target gene Bbc3/PUMA by MYSM1 is essential for the survival of hematopoietic multipotent progenitors and contributes to stem cell maintenance

p53 is a central mediator of cellular stress responses, and its precise regulation is essential for the normal progression of hematopoiesis. MYSM1 is an epigenetic regulator essential for the maintenance of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) function, hematopoietic progenitor survival, and lymphocyte development. We recently demonstrated that all developmental and hematopoietic phenotypes of Mysm1 deficiency are p53-mediated and rescued in the Mysm1(-/-)p53(-/-) mouse model. However, the mechanisms triggering p53 activation in Mysm1(-/-) HSPCs, and the pathways downstream of p53 driving different aspects of the Mysm1(-/-) phenotype remain unknown. Here we show the transcriptional activation of p53 stress responses in Mysm1(-/-) HSPCs. Mechanistically, we find that the MYSM1 protein associates with p53 and colocalizes to promoters of classical p53-target genes Bbc3/PUMA (p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis) and Cdkn1a/p21. Furthermore, it antagonizes their p53-driven expression by modulating local histone modifications (H3K27ac and H3K4me3) and p53 recruitment. Using double-knockout mouse models, we establish that PUMA, but not p21, is an important mediator of p53-driven Mysm1(-/-) hematopoietic dysfunction. Specifically, Mysm1(-/-)Puma(-/-) mice show full rescue of multipotent progenitor (MPP) viability, partial rescue of HSC quiescence and function, but persistent lymphopenia. Through transcriptome analysis of Mysm1(-/-)Puma(-/-) MPPs, we demonstrate strong upregulation of other p53-induced mediators of apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest. The full viability of Mysm1(-/-)Puma(-/-) MPPs, despite strong upregulation of many other pro-apoptotic mediators, establishes PUMA as the essential non-redundant effector of p53-induced MPP apoptosis. Furthermore, we identify potential mediators of p53-dependent but PUMA-independent Mysm1(-/-)hematopoietic deficiency phenotypes. Overall, our study provides novel insight into the cell-type-specific roles of p53 and its downstream effectors in hematopoiesis using unique models of p53 hyperactivity induced by endogenous stress. We conclude that MYSM1 is a critical negative regulator of p53 transcriptional programs in hematopoiesis, and that its repression of Bbc3/PUMA expression is essential for MPP survival, and partly contributes to maintaining HSC function.

Inflammation and activity augment brain-derived neurotrophic factor peripheral release

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) release to nerve terminals in the central nervous system is crucial in synaptic transmission and neuronal plasticity. However, BDNF release peripherally from primary afferent neurons has not been investigated. In the present study, we show that BDNF is synthesized by primary afferent neurons located in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) in rat, and releases to spinal nerve terminals in response to depolarization or visceral inflammation. In two-compartmented culture that separates DRG neuronal cell bodies and spinal nerve terminals, application of 50mM K(+) to either the nerve terminal or the cell body evokes BDNF release to the terminal compartment. Inflammatory stimulation of the visceral organ (e.g. the urinary bladder) also facilitates an increase in spontaneous BDNF release from the primary afferent neurons to the axonal terminals. In the inflamed viscera, we show that BDNF immunoreactivity is increased in nerve fibers that are immuno-positive to the neuronal marker PGP9.5. Both BDNF and pro-BDNF levels are increased, however, pro-BDNF immunoreactivity is not expressed in PGP9.5-positive nerve-fiber-like structures. Determination of receptor profiles in the inflamed bladder demonstrates that BDNF high affinity receptor TrkB and general receptor p75 expression levels are elevated, with an increased level of TrkB tyrosine phosphorylation/activity. These results suggest a possibility of pro-proliferative effect in the inflamed bladder. Consistently we show that the proliferation marker Ki67 expression levels are enhanced in the inflamed organ. Our results imply that in vivo BDNF release to the peripheral organ is an important event in neurogenic inflammatory state.

Incidence, Risk Factors, and the Protective Effect of High Body Mass Index against Sarcopenia in Suburb-Dwelling Elderly Chinese Populations

BACKGROUND

Few studies have explored the risk factors of sarcopenia in certain cohorts. The objective of this study was to examine the incidence of sarcopenia and associated factors over a 1-year period in an elderly Chinese suburban population.

METHODS

This study was conducted on 356 Chinese suburb-dwelling participants aged ≥60 years, for whom detailed information regarding sociodemographics, behavioral characteristics, and medical conditions had been documented. Sarcopenia was defined according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) criteria. Sarcopenia incidence was documented after one year of follow-up, and correlated with several possible factors.

RESULTS

At baseline, 64 (9.7%) of the initial 657 participants had sarcopenia. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 10.4% after one year. Between baseline and 1-year follow-up, 13 of the participants without sarcopenia at baseline had developed sarcopenia. After multivariate adjustments, it was found that the incidence of sarcopenia increased with age and high body mass index (BMI) is associated with less incidence of sarcopenia. Incidence was also higher among women.

CONCLUSIONS

We found sarcopenia incidence increased with age, and women were more likely to have sarcopenia. A higher BMI is also associated with a lower incidence of sarcopenia. Maintaining a healthy weight could be beneficial in the prevention of sarcopenia.

Anti-platelet and anti-thrombosis characteristics of Z4A5, a novel selective platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor, compared with eptifibatide under long-term infusion

Platelet Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors are approved for the treatment of acute coronary syndromes and percutaneous coronary interventions due to their effects on the final common pathway of platelet aggregation. Z4A5 is a new hexapeptide IIb/IIIa inhibitor with antiplatelet and antithrombotic effects. This study was performed to assess the characteristics of Z4A5 compared with another IIb/IIIa inhibitor eptifibatide. Light-transmission aggregometry was used to measure platelet aggregation to assess the antiplatelet efficacy of Z4A5 in vitro and ex vivo in beagles. The time course of platelet inhibition and bleeding time prolongation during i.v. bolus plus infusion and after infusion of the Z4A5 were evaluated in beagles following two 2 x 2 Latin square designs. We also compared the antithrombotic activity of Z4A5 with eptifibatide in arterial thrombosis and arteriovenous shunt thrombosis model in beagles. Our data showed that Z4A5 completely inhibited adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-, thrombin- and arachidonic acid-induced in vitro platelet aggregation with values of IC50 of 260 nM, 128.6 and 56.4 n respectively. Z4A5 also markedly and stably prevented ADP-induced ex vivo platelet aggregation and prolonged the bleeding time throughout the 8-hour infusion. Both platelet function and bleeding time returned to normal sooner after cessation of Z4A5 infusion than after eptifibatide. Z4A5 inhibited thrombosis and had the same potent antithrombotic activity as eptifibatide. In conclusion, Z4A5 has the same potent antiplatelet effect and antithrombotic activity with the advantage of a faster on and off time compared to eptifibatide.

Predictors of intestinal pseudo-obstruction in systemic lupus erythematosus complicated by digestive manifestations: data from a Southern China lupus cohort

Objective

To determine factors that may predict intestinal pseudo-obstruction (IpsO) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients complicated by digestive manifestations.

Methods

SLE patients with digestive manifestations ( n = 135) were followed at Southern Medical University affiliated Nanfang Hospital from 2000 until 2013. Demographic variables, clinical features, and laboratory data were compared between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to establish factors that predispose to IpsO in these patients.

Results

At the end of the study period, 32 (23.7%) patients had developed IpsO. Mortality (9 patients) was infrequent and the cause of death was unrelated to IpsO. Independent predictors of IpsO in SLE were ureterectasia, anti-U1 RNP+, peritonitis, and low C3 levels.

Conclusions

Regular abdominal X-ray examinations are recommended in SLE patients with ureterectasia, anti-U1 RNP+, peritonitis, or low C3 levels, as early diagnosis and therapy may prevent unnecessary surgical intervention and improve the disease course.