Technical note: a novel method for routine genotyping of horse coat color gene polymorphisms

The aim of this note is to describe a reliable, fast, and cost-effective real-time PCR method for routine genotyping of mutations responsible for most coat color variation in horses. The melanocortin-1 receptor, Agouti-signaling peptide, and membrane-associated transporter protein alleles were simultaneously determined using 2 PCR protocols. The assay described here is an alternative method for routine genotyping of a defined number of polymorphisms. Allelic variants are detected in real time and no post-PCR manipulations are required, therefore limiting costs and possible carryover contamination. Data can be copied to a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet for semiautomatic determination of the genotype using a macro freely available at http://www.igijon.com/personales/fgoyache/software_i.htm (last accessed February 26, 2007). The performance of the method is demonstrated on 156 Spanish Purebred horses.

[Guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and management of mastocytosis]

Mastocytosis consists of a group of disorders characterized by a pathologicincrease in mast cells in tissues including skin, bone marrow, liver, spleen, andlymph nodes. Mastocytosis is a rare disease and general practitioners have limited exposure to its clinical manifestations, diagnosis, classification, and management. Moreover a complete and clear review in this field is not easy founded. Diagnosis of mastocytosis is suspected on clinical grounds and is established by histopathologic examination of involved tissues such as skin and bone marrow. The most common clinical sign of mastocytosis is the presence of typical skin lesions of urticaria pigmentosa. Most patients experience symptoms related to mast cell mediator release, and prevention of the effects of these mediators on tissues constitutes the major therapeutic goal in the management of mastocytosis. Despite recent advances in knowledge about the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and classification of mastocytosis, a curative treatment for mastocytosis does not now exist; furthermore mastocytosis is a chronic diseases with different severity grades but in all of them with an important negative impact on quality of live of patients. Management of patients within all categories of mastocytosis includes: 1. A careful counselling of patients (parents in paediatric cases) and care providers. 2. Avoidance of factors triggering acute mediator release. 3. Treatment of acute mast cell mediator release. 4. Treatment of chronic mast cell mediator release, and if indicated. 5. An attempt to treat organ infiltration by mast cells. The goal of this review is to provide a practical guide focus on diagnostic criteria for the different treatment options currently available and their management.

Endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the ovary and endometriosis

OBJECTIVE

We present a retrospective analysis of 22 cases of endometrioid ovarian carcinoma, reviewed to identify endometriosis and its malignant transformation.

STUDY DESIGN

Twenty-two patients with endometrioid ovarian cancer were included in the review. Their clinical and histological data were retrospectively reviewed. The origin of the tumours was considered endometriosis-related when the presence of malignant changes in endometriosis glands leading to endometrioid carcinoma were found.

RESULTS

Endometriosis was detected in three cases (3/22=14%). One of them presented a clearly benign to malignant transformation area. In another patient, the transition zone was abrupt and present in both ovaries. In the third, a pre-menopausal woman, ovarian endometriosis with only focal endometrioid carcinoma was observed. The three of them had a clear-cell carcinoma component. The presence of a clear-cell component was significantly greater in patients with endometriosis than in patients without endometriosis Each patient had a different clinical presentation: increase in abdominal perimeter, post-menopausal vaginal haemorrhage and hypermenorrhea. Preoperative CA 125 levels were avalaible in 15 of the patients (15/22=68%). Endometriosis was found in two of these 15 patients, both with the highest CA 125 measured levels, exceeding 1700 U/ml. In the remaining of the patients, CA 125 value did not exceed 35 U/ml.

CONCLUSION

Although this association is not very frequent, patients with ovarian endometriosis and a high CA 125 serum level should be managed with special care, regardless of their pre-menopausal or post-menopausal status.

Amphetamine effects on brain protein structure and oxidative stress as revealed by FTIR microspectroscopy

Amphetamines are psychostimulants abused by man, that eventually leads to drug dependence. Amphetamine administration to rodents has been shown to provoke significant neurotoxicity involving dopaminergic nerve terminal degeneration. However, little information related to the effect of amphetamines on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and neurotoxicity in brain is currently available. Herein we report the biochemical alterations of lipids and proteins in brain sections from amphetamine-treated rodents using infrared microspectroscopy, immunohistochemistry, and immunoblotting. The spectroscopic changes reveal for the first time the formation of beta-sheet-rich proteins in the cortex, but no significant protein alterations are visible in hippocampus region where hydroperoxide concentration is found to be lower relative to cortex. These result suggest that ROS generated by amphetamine-mediated oxidative stress induce formation beta-sheet-rich proteins which can be of amyloid beta-like character.

A multicenter pilot study of adjuvant docetaxel, epirubicin and cyclophosphamide (TEC) in patients (p) with stage II/III and node-positive breast cancer (BC)

11029

Background: Based on wide experience with docetaxel, adriamicin and cyclophosphamide (TAC regimen) for adjuvant therapy of node-positive BC but taking into account the high incidence of febrile neutropenia and mucositis, we performed the present study with TEC aiming for a better toxicity profile at doses equipotent to TAC. Methods: 300 p with histological diagnosis of stage II-III BC, positive axillary lymph nodes, age 18 year old, ECOG PS 0–2 and adequate bone marrow, renal, hepatic and cardiac function were accrued after surgery. Prior chemotherapy, hormone therapy and radiotherapy for BC were not allowed. Treatment: T 75 mg/m2 iv d1, E 75 mg/m2 iv d1 and C 500 mg/m2 iv d1 every 21 days for 6 cycles. G-CSF 5 mcg/Kg /day s.c. was given on days 5 to 9. Results: Two hundred and one p having completed adjuvant therapy have been evaluated in this interim analysis. Median age: 53 years (range 25–77), ECOG PS 0/1 89%/11%, infiltrating ductal carcinoma 77%. Hormone receptor status was ER+ 79% and PR+ 60%. Surgery was mastectomy in 49% and conservative surgery in 51% of pts. Median number of positive axillary lymph nodes was 3. To date, 1,085 cycles were administered (median 6). Median relative dose intensity was 99% for T and 98% for E and C. There were 11 dose reductions for non- hematological toxicity and 4 for hematological toxicity. Toxicity: grade 3–4 neutropenia occurred in 15 p (7.5%), 8 of them were episodes of febrile neutropenia (4.0%). Other grade 3–4 toxicities per p were: leukopenia (7.0%), thrombocytopenia (0.5%), asthenia (6.5%), vomiting (4.5%), nausea (3.5%) and diarrhoea (3.0%). Four p (2.0%) discontinued therapy due to toxicity: 1 p with toxicodermic reaction, 1 p with hematological toxicity, 1 p with febrile neutropenia and 1 p with an allergic reaction to T. After study treatment, radiotherapy was administered to 63% of p and hormonotherapy to 66% of p. Conclusions: These preliminary results show that adjuvant TEC in p with stage II/III BC and positive axillary lymph nodes is feasible and well tolerated.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Biweekly nonpegylated liposomal doxorubicin (M) and docetaxel (T) as neoadjuvant treatment in patients with stage II-III breast cancer

11049

Background: We have previously reported (ASCO 2006) the efficacy and toxicity of 4 courses of M (75mg/m2) and T (75mg/m2) with G-CSF support in a 21 day schedule as neoadjuvant treatment in patients with resectable breast cancer. Aim: To evaluate the clinical and pathological response rate (RR) and toxicity of biweekly M and T given prior to surgery in patients with breast cancer. Methods: Patients with histological confirmation of breast cancer (stage II-III and inflammatory), age >18 years, left ventricular ejection fraction > 45% and adequate bone marrow, renal and hepatic function were included in the study. Prior systemic therapy, radiotherapy or surgery for breast cancer were not allowed. The treatment was: M (60 mg/m2) and T (60mg/m2) each in 1 hour infusion, with subcutaneous G-CSF (5 mcg/kg) support on days 4–9. Courses were repeated every 14 days. Patients received 6 courses prior to surgery. Results: To date 45 patients have been enrolled; 20 who have completed therapy and underwent surgery (except for patients with progression) were included in this interim analysis. Median age: 48 years (38–63), ECOG PS 0: 90%, ECOG PS1: 10%, postmenopausal: 35%. Histology was infiltrating ductal carcinoma in 80%. Patients received a total of 110 courses (median 6, range 2–6). Efficacy: Of 19 evaluable patients, 4 achieved a clinical complete response (cCR) (21%), 12 partial response (cPR) (63%), 1 stable disease (cSD) (5%) and 2 progressive disease (cPD) (10%), resulting in a clinical response rate (cRR) of 84%. Surgery was performed in 17 (85%) patients, 4 (23%) of them had pathological complete response (pCR), 12 (70%) partial response (pPR), 1 (6%) stable disease (pSD), resulting in a pathological RR of 93%. Median time to progression and overall survival have not been reached. Toxicity: Hematological grade III/IV toxicities per patient were neutropenia (10%), febrile neutropenia (10%) and thrombocytopenia (5%). Non-hematological grade III/IV toxicities per patient were mucositis (10%), nausea/vomiting (10%) and epigastralgia (10%) Conclusions: Six courses of T and M every 14 days with G- CSF support as induction treatment in stage II and III breast cancer are active and well tolerated.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

14th International HLA and Immunogenetics Workshop: Report on the Prospective Chronic Rejection Project

An international collaborative study of 45 transplant centers was undertaken at the 14th International HLA (human leukocyte antigen) and Immunogenetics Workshop to see if HLA antibodies detected posttransplant are predictive of chronic graft failure. With the newly developed assay, MICA (major histocompatibility complex class I-related chain A) antibodies were also measured and their effect analyzed. Total of 5219 sera from patients who were more than 6 months posttransplant with functioning graft were tested for HLA antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, flow cytometry, or Luminex. HLA antibodies were found in 27.2% of kidney patients, 23.6% in the liver, 52.7% in the heart, and 21.7% in the lung. The method of antibody testing did not have a marked influence on the frequency of antibodies detected. MICA antibodies were detected in 15% of kidney patients, 30% of heart patients, and 31% of liver patients. Among 948 kidney patients who had HLA antibodies, 7.3% had rejected their graft within 1 year of testing, compared with 1.7% in 2615 patients without HLA antibodies (P= 0.8 x 10(-17)). Death occurred in 1.4% of total kidney patients and did not correlate to the presence of antibodies. We conclude that patients with posttransplant HLA antibodies indeed have a higher rate of chronic graft failure and that posttransplant antibodies are predictive of chronic rejection.

Organ Donation in Latin America

Recently in Latin America, there has been a strong influence of the "Spanish model" of organ procurement. In 2001, The "Punta Cana Group" was created by Latin American transplantation coordinators with the objective of registering and improving the system of donation and procurement. In many countries there is no universal financial support from the government for medical treatment, including dialysis and transplantation. In other countries there is complete financial support for all of the population, including immunosuppressive drugs. Practically all countries have transplantation laws that follow ethical concepts, such as brain death diagnosis criteria, forms of consent, criteria of allocation, and inhibition of commerce. The rate of potential donors notified in countries that perform transplantations with deceased donors varied from 6 to 47 per million population yearly (pmp/y); The rate of effective donors varied from 1 to 20 pmp. In 2004, the mean rate of effective donors in Latin America was 5.4 pmp. The family refusal rate for the donation of organs varied from 28% in Uruguay to 70% in Peru. In some countries, such as Puerto Rico, Uruguay, and Cuba, it was more than 15 pmp, whereas in others countries deceased donors were practically not used. The number of patients on the waiting list for solid organ transplants in 12 Latin American countries is 55,000. Although the donation rate has increased by 100% during the last 10 years, it is lower than that in Europe (15 pmm/y) or the United States (20 pmp/y).

Activity of Transplant Coordination in Uruguay

The purpose of this study was to analyze the evolution of donation and organ transplantation in Uruguay, after the initiation of a program of transplant coordination, which began in 2000. The total number of effective donors increased from 28.7 per million people (pmp) in 2000 to 48.1 pmp in 2005, which constituted an increase of 75%. The number of real donors also increased from 10 pmp in 2000 to 20.6 pmp in 2005, more than a 100% increase, with a cadaveric renal transplantation rate of 36 pmp (2005). The conversion of effective to real donors (RD/ED) increased from 0.125 to 0.42. Familial refusal decreased from 62.1% in 2000 to 19% in 2005, which constituted a decrease of 70%. We concluded that implementation of transplant coordinators and involvement of intensive care medical doctors in coordination have had a strong impact on these results.

Survival and safety of exemestane versus tamoxifen after 2-3 years' tamoxifen treatment (Intergroup Exemestane Study): a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Early improvements in disease-free survival have been noted when an aromatase inhibitor is given either instead of or sequentially after tamoxifen in postmenopausal women with oestrogen-receptor-positive early breast cancer. However, little information exists on the long-term effects of aromatase inhibitors after treatment, and whether these early improvements lead to real gains in survival.

METHODS

4724 postmenopausal patients with unilateral invasive, oestrogen-receptor-positive or oestrogen-receptor-unknown breast cancer who were disease-free on 2-3 years of tamoxifen, were randomly assigned to switch to exemestane (n=2352) or to continue tamoxifen (n=2372) for the remainder of a 5-year endocrine treatment period. The primary endpoint was disease-free survival; overall survival was a secondary endpoint. Efficacy analyses were intention-to-treat. This study is registered as an International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial, number ISRCTN11883920.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 55.7 months (range 0-89.7), 809 events contributing to the analysis of disease-free survival had been reported (354 exemestane, 455 tamoxifen); unadjusted hazard ratio 0.76 (95% CI 0.66-0.88, p=0.0001) in favour of exemestane, absolute benefit 3.3% (95% CI 1.6-4.9) by end of treatment (ie, 2.5 years after randomisation). 222 deaths occurred in the exemestane group compared with 261 deaths in the tamoxifen group; unadjusted hazard ratio 0.85 (95% CI 0.71-1.02, p=0.08), 0.83 (0.69-1.00, p=0.05) when 122 patients with oestrogen-receptor-negative disease were excluded.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that early improvements in disease-free survival noted in patients who switch to exemestane after 2-3 years on tamoxifen persist after treatment, and translate into a modest improvement in overall survival.

Cryografts implantation in human circulation would ensure a physiological transition in the arterial wall energetics, damping and wave reflection

Each artery conduces blood (conduit function, CF) and smoothes out the pulsatility (buffering function, BF), while keeping its wall protected against the high oscillations of the pulse waves (damping function, xi). These functions depend on each segment viscoelasticity and capability to store and dissipate energy. When a graft/prosthesis is implanted, the physiological gradual transition in the viscoelasticity and functionality of adjacent arterial segments is disrupted. It remains to be elucidated if the cryografts would allow keeping the physiological biomechanical transition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cryografts capability to reproduce the functional, energetic and reflection properties of patients' arteries and fresh homografts. Common carotid's pressure, diameter and wall-thickness were recorded in vivo (15 patients) and in vitro (15 cryografts and 15 fresh homografts from donors). Calculus: elastic (Epd) and viscous (Vpd) indexes, CF, BF, dissipated (WD) and stored (WPS) energy and xi. The graft-patient's artery matching was evaluated using the reflection coefficient (Gamma) and reflected power (WGamma). Cryografts did not show differences in Epd, Vpd, BF, CF, WD, WPS, and xi, in respect to fresh homografts and patients' arteries, ensuring a reduced Gamma and WGamma. Cryografts could be considered as alternatives in arterial reconstructions since they ensure the gradual transition of patients' arteries biomechanical and functional behavior.

Standardization and validation of an agar gel immunodiffusion test for the diagnosis of equine infectious anemia using a recombinant p26 antigen

We developed and validated an agar gel immunodiffusion test (AGID) test for the diagnosis of equine infectious anemia (EIA) using as antigen the p26 protein of equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) produced in the Escherichia coli expression system. The developed rp26-AGID test showed an excellent diagnostic relative sensitivity (100%) and specificity (100%) compared to a commercial AGID assay when 1855 field serum samples were analyzed. In addition, the rp26-AGID demonstrated to be a precise assay with excellent repeatability and reproducibility. In the analytical sensitivity trial, positive sera showed nearly the same endpoint dilutions for both compared tests. No positive-reactions were observed with 35 serum samples with antibodies related to other endemic agents and also with severely hemolysed samples, demonstrating that the rp26-AGID has an excellent analytical specificity. Complete concordance with blind previous results from five proficiency test panels confirmed the capability of the assay of accurate detection of EIAV antibodies. This is the first time that a recombinant AGID assay able to identify EIAV infections has been standardized and validated in Argentina according to international guidelines. Taking into account the results obtained, the p26-AGID could be adopted as an official test method for the diagnosis and control of EIA in this country.

14th International HLA and Immunogenetics Workshop Prospective Chronic Rejection Project: a three-year follow-up analysis

The three-year follow-up of 4,144 patients of the 14th International Workshop Prospective Chronic Rejection study has reinforced the evidence that post-transplant HLA antibodies are predictive of long-term graft loss. Three years after a single testing for HLA antibodies, 10% of kidney recipients who were antibody-positive had lost their grafts, in contrast to only 5% of antibody-negative patients (p<0.0001). The adverse effect of post-transplant antibodies on graft survival was also observed in lung, heart, and liver transplants. Donor-specific antibodies and 'strong' non-DSA had stronger association with graft loss than 'moderate' non-DSA. Periodic antibody monitoring, combined with specificity and strength analysis, would help in the early identification of allograft recipients who are at high risk of graft failure.

Genetic relationships among calving ease, calving interval, birth weight, and weaning weight in the Asturiana de los Valles beef cattle breed1

The aim of this paper was to estimate direct and maternal genetic parameters for calving ease (CE), birth weight (BrW), weaning weight (WW), and calving interval (CI) to assess the possibility of including this information in beef cattle improvement programs. Field data, including a total of 59,813 animals (1,390 sires and 1,147 maternal grand sires) from the Asturiana de los Valles beef cattle breed, were analyzed with a multivariate linear model. Estimates of heritability for direct genetic effects (CED, CID, BrWD, and WWD) were 0.191 +/- 0.019, 0.121 +/- 0.013, 0.390 +/- 0.030, and 0.453 +/- 0.035, respectively, whereas those for maternal genetic effects (CEM, BrWM, and WWM) were 0.140 +/- 0.015, 0.208 +/- 0.020, and 0.138 +/- 0.022, respectively. Genetic correlations between direct or maternal genetic effects across traits were, in general, positive and moderate to low. However, genetic correlation for the pair CED-BrWD was positive and high (0.604 +/- 0.064). Genetic correlations between the direct and maternal genetic effects within a trait were negative and moderate (-0.219 +/- 0.097 for CE, -0.337 +/- 0.080 for BrW, and -0.440 +/- 0.102 for WW). Genetic correlations for CED-BrWM and CED-WWM were -0.121 +/- 0.090 and -0.097 +/- 0.113, respectively. The genetic correlation for CEM-CID was unfavorable (0.485 +/- 0.078), and those for CEM-BrWD (-0.094 +/- 0.079) and CEM-WWD (-0.125 +/- 0.082) were low and negative. The genetic correlation between CID and WWM was favorable (-0.148 +/- 0.106). Overall, the data presented here support the hypothesis that maternal effects for CE and BrW are not the same and that the genetic relationships between CI and maternal effects for WW in beef cattle follow a similar pattern to that reported between CI and milk yield in dairy cattle. Moreover, the need to include direct and maternal breeding values in beef cattle selection programs is suggested.

Determination of cocaine and heroin with their respective metabolites in meconium by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

The analysis of meconium specimens is a relatively accurate method for the detection of fetal exposure to drugs. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a method for meconium sample preparation for a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) confirmation of meconium extracts for cocaine, benzoylecgonine, codeine, morphine and 6-monoacetylmorphine. The analytes were initially extracted from the matrix by methanol. Subsequently a solid-phase extraction with Waters Oasis HLB cartridges was applied. Analytes were determined in GC-MS single monitoring mode. The method was validated in the range 40-2000 ng g(-1) using 0.5 g of meconium per assay. The detector response was linear over the studied range, and limits of quantitation and detection were found to be acceptable. Intra- and inter-batch coefficients of variation oscillated between 2.54% and 20.5%, and mean relative errors were in the range 0.79%-19.9%. The recoveries were higher than 42.1% in all cases. Finally the method was applied to analysis of meconium in newborns to assess fetal exposure to cocaine and opiates.

Multicenter phase II study of liposomal doxorubicin (M) and docetaxel (T) as neoadjuvant treatment in patients with stage II - III breast cancer

10662

Background: T and M is a very active chemotherapy regimen for breast cancer. M has been shown to be as effective as doxorubicin at same doses while reducing the cardiotoxicity and causing less myelosuppression. This study was designed to evaluate clinical and pathological response rate (RR) and toxicity after induction chemotherapy in patient with breast cancer. Methods: Patients with histological confirmation of breast cancer (stage II-III and inflammatory), age > 18 years, left ventricular eject fraction > 45% and adequate bone marrow, renal and hepatic function were included in the study. Prior systemic therapy or radiotherapy and surgery for breast cancer were not allowed. Treatment: T (75 mg/m2) iv and M (75 mg/m2) iv, every 21 days during 4 cycles, followed by surgery. Results: To date 59 patients have been enrolled; 50 were included in this interim analysis, with a median age of 52 years old (28–76), ECOG PS 0, 88.0%; ECOG PS 1, 12.0%; breast location: right, 52.0%; peri-postmenopausal status, 44.9%. Positive hormonal receptor status was 63.3%. Histology was ductal carcinoma in 84.0%. Patients received a total of 188 cycles (median 4, range 2–4). Median relative dose intensity was 99% for T and for M. Efficacy: Nine patients were non-evaluable (7 on treatment, 1 consent withdrawal and 1 lost of follow-up). Of 41 evaluable patients, 5 achieved complete response (CR) (12.2%), 26 partial response (PR)(63.4%), 9 stable disease (SD) (22.0%) and 1 progressive disease (PD) (2.4%), resulting in a clinical response rate (RR) of 75.6% (95% CI: 62.5–88.7%). Surgery was performed in 40 patients: six (15.0%) of them had pathological (p) CR, 25 (62.5%) pPR, 9 (22.5%) pSD resulting in a pathological RR of 77.5% (95% CI: 64.6–90.4%). Median of time to progression and overall survival has not been achieved yet. Hematological toxicities grades III/IV per patient were neutropenia (14%), thrombocytopenia (4%), leukopenia (2%), anemia (2%) and febrile neutropenia (12%). Non-hematological grade III/IV toxicities per patient were asthenia (6%), nausea / vomiting (4%) and infection (4%). Conclusions: T and M every 21 days during 4 cycles as induction chemotherapy in stage II and III breast cancer is an active and well tolerated treatment.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Promising targets in renal cell cancer: Met and ron-beta

20119

Background: The activation of Tyrosin Kinase Receptors (RTKs) produces several effects about cellular response. These are membrane receptors that bind differentiation signals, grow factors and cellular mediators. The interaction with their ligand causes the phosphorilation and internalization in the endosome. By a metabolic way, these receptors are degradated into the proteasome to small peptides that are expressed over the cellular surface joined to MHC class I mollecules, getting a better immunogenic recognition of the tumor cells. It is known that the bigger expression of the tyrosin kinase receptors in tumors is associated with an aggressive phenotype. For example overexpression of ephA2 or EGFR. Our study is based in the demostration of the overexpression of other receptors in renal cell cancer, a tumour with a disappointing response with treatment in advanced stages. On this way we can use them as targets for monoclonal antibodies and for citotoxic lymphocites CD8 stimulated that will join to peptides presented in MHC class I after the proteasomic degradation. Methods: We use Western-Blot for identifying the overexpressed RTKs in relation to normal tissue and as a reference the expression of beta-actin, that is present in every cells. The cells are from 5 murine renal cell cancer lines, (thanks to Hillman Cancer Center Institute, University of Pittsburgh. Pennsylvania. USA). The control is a murine cell line that is very similar to normal renal tissue (HK). We calculate the ratio of expression compared with the expression of normal tissue with an statistical analysis. Results: HER-2, VEGFR-2, Met, Ron-beta are overexpresed in renal cell cancer in a murine model, as EGFR (epidermic growing factor receptor). Conclusions: Met may be excellent therapeutic and inmunologic target and in selected cases of renal cell cancer. It’s known that EGFR and VEGFR are also good targets. Future research about these targets will get new options of combined immunotherapy (vaccines and monoclonal antibodies).

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Short-term dietary administration of celecoxib enhances the efficacy of tumor lysate-pulsed dendritic cell vaccines in treating murine breast cancer

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is a rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of prostaglandins. It is over-expressed in multiple cancers and has been associated with diminished tumor immunity. Dendritic cells (DCs) are considered candidates for cancer immunotherapy due to their ability to process and present antigens to T cells and stimulate immune responses. However, DC-based vaccines have exhibited minimal effectiveness against established tumors. In this study, we evaluated the effect of short-term administration of the selective COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib on the efficacy of DC-based vaccines in preventing and treating established 4T1 murine mammary tumors. We show that dietary celecoxib alone significantly suppresses the growth of primary tumors and the incidence of lung metastases in the prophylactic setting but is less effective against pre-established tumors. However, we demonstrate that celecoxib administered after primary tumor establishment synergizes with tumor lysate-pulsed DC and the adjuvant, GM-CSF, to improve the antitumor immune response by suppressing primary tumor growth and markedly reducing the occurrence of lung metastases. This triple combination therapy elicits a tumor-specific immune response evidenced by elevated IFN-gamma and IL-4 secretion by CD4+ T cells and results in increased infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to the tumor site. In addition, dietary celecoxib inhibits angiogenesis evidenced by decreased vascular proliferation within the tumor and serum vascular endothelial growth factor levels. These studies suggest that short-term celecoxib therapy in combination with DC vaccines may be safely used for treating metastatic breast cancer.

Retinoids during the in vitro transition from bovine morula to blastocyst

BACKGROUND

The conversion of retinol (ROH) to retinoic acid (RA) is crucial during development but has been not studied during blastocyst formation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In vitro-produced bovine morulae were treated for 24 h with citral (which inhibits the synthesis of RA from ROH), citral + all trans retinoic acid (ATRA), ATRA or no additives. Citral interfered with blastocyst development, whereas exogenous RA had no effect. RA, however, reversed the effect of citral on development and stimulated cell proliferation. Neither citral nor RA changed the apoptotic index, but RA triggered an increase in the apoptotic frequency of the inner cell mass. Citral and RA reduced the necrotic index. Na/K-ATPase alpha1-subunit mRNA concentrations (analysed by real-time PCR) increased after hatching and showed dependence on retinoid activity, but no evidence was found of any retinoid effect on p53 expression. Nevertheless, the p53 mRNA concentration increased in response to proliferation in hatched blastocysts.

CONCLUSION

The preimplantation bovine embryo metabolizes endogenous ROH to RA, which participates in important cell processes. The true extent of the influence of RA is unknown, although the modulation of retinoid metabolism seems to be a means of increasing cell proliferation. This knowledge might be used to improve embryo quality and the efficiency of stem cell derivation.

Inactivation of Salmonella Senftenberg 775W by ultrasonic waves under pressure at different water activities

The inactivation of Salmonella Senftenberg 775W by ultrasonic waves (20 kHz, 117 microm) under pressure (175 kPa) treatments at sublethal (manosonication; MS) and lethal temperatures (manothermosonication; MTS) in media of different water activities has been investigated. Heat decimal reduction time values increased up to eighteen fold when the water activity was decreased from >0.99 to 0.93 at 65 degrees C, but hardly increased the MS resistance. In reduced water activity media (a(w) of 0.96 and 0.93) a synergistic lethal effect was observed between heat and ultrasound under pressure, being the inactivation rate of Salmonella Senftenberg 775W three times faster than the expected additive rate considering an effect of both bacterial lethal processes. An empirical mathematical equation enabled to predict the D(MS) and D(MTS) values obtained at different temperatures and a(w) in the ranges investigated of Salmonella serovars and also the microbial level of inactivation due to the synergistic lethal effect of MTS treatments in media of reduced a(w). This work could be useful for improving sanitation and preservation treatments of foods, especially those in which components protect microorganisms to heat.

The coding sequence of the ASIP gene is identical in nine wild-type coloured cattle breeds

The aim of this study was to ascertain the role of the Agouti signaling peptide (ASIP) gene coding region in the Agouti locus variation within wild-type coat colour in cattle. We determined the Extension genotype in 241 individuals from six Spanish and three French brown cattle breeds representative of wild-type coat variation. Polymerase chain reaction-single-strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) analysis was carried out in individuals of each Extension genotypes within the same breed in an attempt to identify variants in the three coding exons of the ASIP gene. No SSCP variants were found. Results were confirmed by sequencing the coding exons of the ASIP gene in 20 individuals. Our results suggest that the ASIP coding region does not play a central role in coat colour variation in cattle.