Glucose supplementation has minimal effects on blood neutrophil function and gene expression in vitro

During early lactation, glucose availability is low and the effect of glucose supply on bovine polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) function is poorly understood. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of glucose supplementation on the function and transcriptomic inflammatory response of PMNL from cows in early and mid-lactation in vitro. Twenty Holstein cows in early (n=10; days in milk=17±3.1) and mid-lactation (n=10; days in milk=168±14.8) were used for this study. Jugular blood was analyzed for serum concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate, and glucose. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes were isolated and diluted using RPMI (basal glucose concentration was 7.2 mM) to different concentrations of PMNL/mL for phagocytosis, chemotaxis, gene expression, and medium analyses. Working solutions of glucose (0 or 4 mM of d-glucose) and lipopolysaccharide (0 or 50μg/mL) were added and tubes were incubated for 120 min at 37°C. Media were analyzed for concentrations of glucose and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Data were analyzed in a randomized block (stage of lactation) design. Challenge with lipopolysaccharide increased the expression of the genes encoding for nuclear factor kappa B (NFKB1), IL-10 (IL10), IL1B, IL6, IL8, TNF-α (TNFA), glucose transporter 3 (SLC2A3), and the concentration of TNF-α in medium (147.3 vs. 72.5 pg/mL for lipopolysaccharide and control, respectively). Main effect of stage of lactation was minimal where the expression of IL10 increased for cows in early compared with cows in mid-lactation. After lipopolysaccharide challenge, cows in early lactation experienced more marked increases in the expression of IL6, TNFA, and IL8 when compared with cows in mid-lactation. Glucose supplementation had minimal effects on gene expression where glucose supplementation increased the expression of lysozyme (LYZ). Glucose supplementation increased PMNL phagocytosis but did not alter chemotaxis, morphology, or concentration of TNF-α in the medium. Under the conditions of the experiment, stage of lactation had minimal effects on PMNL response to glucose supply where only the expression of NFKB1 and the production of TNF-α were greater for cows in mid-lactation when compared with early lactation. Metabolic profiles for cows in early lactation did not parallel those for cows during the early postpartum period and may partly explain results for this study. Future studies investigating the effect of glucose supply on bovine PMNL function in vivo and how this may be altered by stage of lactation are warranted.

The comparison of the rejuvenation effects on the skin of Wistar rats between 10600 nm CO2 fractional laser and retinoic acid

OBJECTIVE

The fractional laser and topical retinoic acid treatment have been applied for skin rejuvenation; however, the possible molecular mechanism of promoting remodeling of dermis is not clearly. Here we aimed to compare the effects of 10600 nm CO2 fractional laser and topical retinoic acid formulation on the skin collagen proliferation of Wistar rats, and to further explore the possible molecular mechanism of promoting remodeling of dermis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The hair on the back of Wistar rats was removed, and the back was divided equally into four regions with the cross-streaking method: A (the control group), B (the retinoic acid group), C (retinoic acid and fractional laser combination treatment group), and D (the fractional laser group). Specimens were collected at 3rd day and in 1-8 weeks after CO2 fractional laser irradiation; then they were used for detection of the changes of dermis thickness and content of hydroxyproline in the four regions of the rats' back. Real-time PCR method was used to detect the dynamic changes of the expression level of type III procollagen mRNA and the expression levels of miR-29a, Akt and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) mRNA at 3rd week in the skin tissue of Wistar rats.

RESULTS

The thickness of dermis, content of hydroxyproline and expression level of type III procollagen mRNA in the treatment groups (B, C, and D) were found all significantly increased compared with those in the control group (A) (p<0.05); at 3rd week, up-regulation of Akt and TGF-β mRNA expression and down-regulation of miR-29a mRNA expression were observed in the treatment groups (B, C, and D). The difference in the combination treatment group (C) was the most significant (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that retinoic acid formulation and CO2 fractional laser both can promote collagen proliferation and reconstruction, with the skin rejuvenation efficacy in group C > group D > group B. miR-29a/Akt/TGF-β signal pathways may play a certain role in the promotion of collagen synthesis and proliferation.

FOXC1: an emerging marker and therapeutic target for cancer

The Forkhead box C1 (FOXC1) transcription factor is involved in normal embryonic development and regulates the development and function of many organs. Most recently, a large body of literature has shown that FOXC1 plays a critical role in tumor development and metastasis. Clinical studies have demonstrated that elevated FOXC1 expression is associated with poor prognosis in many cancer subtypes, such as basal-like breast cancer (BLBC). FOXC1 is highly and specifically expressed in BLBC as opposed to other breast cancer subtypes. Its functions in breast cancer have been extensively explored. This review will summarize current knowledge on the function and regulation of FOXC1 in tumor development and progression with a focus on BLBC as well as the implications of these new findings in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Arachidonic acid attenuates brain damage in a rat model of ischemia/reperfusion by inhibiting inflammatory response and oxidative stress

The aim of the present study was to study the effects of arachidonic acid (ARA) in a rat brain ischemia/reperfusion model induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). A total of 50 rats were randomly divided into five groups: control group, MCAO group, MCAO + ARA 0.3 g/kg group, MCAO + ARA 1 g/kg group, and MCAO + ARA 3 g/kg group. The MCAO + ARA groups received ARA by intraperitoneal injection daily for 14 consecutive days, while the rats in the control and MCAO groups were given equivalent volume of saline. We detected the Morris water maze test and pathological changes to investigate the ischemia/reperfusion injury. The protein levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 in the hippocampus were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. In addition, the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde were assayed in hippocampus homogenates to evaluate the oxidative stress after ischemia/reperfusion. The results indicated that ARA administration decreased biochemical parameters of inflammation and oxidative stress. Morris water maze test and histopathological examination further verified the protective effects of ARA on ischemia/reperfusion injury rats. These findings demonstrated that ARA could protect MCAO-induced brain injury rats by inhibition of inflammation and oxidative stress, suggesting that it may have potential as a therapy for cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Chemoradiation combined with regional hyperthermia for advanced oesophageal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

Hyperthermia is an effective treatment modality that augments the anticancer effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Hyperthermia-chemo-radiotherapy (HCRT) is a combination therapy that can strengthen anticancer effects through a synergistic interaction between heat, chemotherapy and radiation. Here, we carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of chemoradiation combined with regional hyperthermia (HCRT) for oesophageal carcinoma.

METHODS

We conducted computer searches of foreign databases, including Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Chinese databases, including CBM, CNKI and WanFang; we also retrieved other sources as supplement. All relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were collected to compare HCRT and other therapies, including chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy (CRT) and radiotherapy alone (RT). After literature screening, data extraction and quality evaluation performed by appropriate criteria, the meta-analyses were conducted using RevMan 5.1 software (The Nordic Cochrane Centre, The Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen, Denmark).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Nineteen RCTs were included, comprising 1519 patients. Meta-analysis showed that the 1-, 3-, 5- and 7-year survival, complete response and total effective rates of the HCRT group were higher than those of the CRT group; the rates of gastrointestinal reaction, leucocytopenia and radiation oesophagitis in the HCRT group were lower than those of the CRT group, indicating significant differences (P < 0·05). The 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-year survival, complete response and total effective rates of the HCRT group were higher than those of the RT group, the recurrence and distant metastasis rates of the HCRT group were lower than those of the RT group, and there were significant differences in all of the indicators (P < 0·05).

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSIONS

This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate HCRT for oesophageal carcinoma. Compared with CRT or RT, HCRT can improve long-term and short-term curative effects; it is also safe and feasible. Additional high-quality and large sample size RCTs will be necessary to further demonstrate the long-term survival benefits and comprehensive safety profile of HCRT.

Two novel polymorphisms in PLCE1 are associated with the susceptibility to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in Chinese population

Esophageal cancer is the sixth leading cause of cancer-associated death worldwide. Phospholipase C epsilon 1 (PLCE1) gene was found to be associated with the risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) by three large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in Chinese populations. To evaluate the association between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in PLCE1 gene and ESCC risk, a case-control study including 550 patients with ESCC and 550 age, gender-matched controls was carried out to investigate the genetic susceptibility of three SNPs (rs3765524 C/T and two unreported potentially functional SNPs rs10882379 G/A and rs829232 G/A) as well as the interactions of gene-gene and gene-environment in the development of ESCC. And the results showed that GA genotype of rs10882379 was significantly associated with reduced ESCC risk compared with GG genotype (adjusted OR [95% CI]: 0.66 [0.51, 0.86]), while AA genotype of rs829232 was significantly associated with increased ESCC risk compared with GG genotype (adjusted OR [95% CI]: 1.37 [1.12, 1.67]). The haplotype analysis showed increased ESCC risk in Grs10882379Crs3765524Ars829232 and Grs10882379Trs3765524Ars829232 haplotypes with OR (95% CI) of 1.40 (1.13, 1.73) and 1.66 (1.18, 2.34), respectively and inversely reduced ESCC risk in Ars10882379Crs3765524Grs829232 haplotype with OR (95% CI) of 0.74 (0.61, 0.91). The gene-environment interaction analysis emerged a best model consisted of four factors (rs10882379, rs3765524, rs829232 and family history of ESCC) that could increase the ESCC risk in the 'high risk group' with 4.45-fold (OR [95% CI]: 5.45 [4.13, 7.19]), compared to the 'low risk group.' Our results further validate that the SNPs in PLCE1 gene may contribute to the ESCC susceptibility in Chinese Han population. Also the gene-gene and gene-environment interactions play a certain crucial role in the ESCC progression.

HDAC2 regulates cell proliferation, cell cycle progression and cell apoptosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma EC9706 cells

Increasing evidence has demonstrated that histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) participates in the regulation of a variety of biological processes in numerous tumors. However, the potential role of HDAC2 in the development and progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains elusive. Immunohistochemistry was utilized to detect the expression of HDAC2, Cell Counting Kit-8 was used to determine the cell proliferation, and flow cytometry was employed to investigate cell cycle and cell apoptosis. Finally, western blotting was employed to detect the protein expression of cyclin D1, p21, B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax). The present study found that expression of HDAC2 protein in ESCC tissues was significantly increased compared with atypical hyperplasia tissues and normal esophageal mucosa (P<0.001). The expression of HDAC2 was not associated with the age or gender of patients (P>0.05), but was closely associated with the histological grade, invasion depth, tumor-node-metastasis stage and lymph node metastasis, respectively (all P<0.001). HDAC2 small interfering RNA effectively downregulated the expression of HDAC2 protein in ESCC EC9706 cells. Downregulation of HDAC2 expression evidently inhibited cell proliferation, arrested cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase and induced cell apoptosis in ESCC EC9706 cells, coupled with increased expression of p21 and Bax proteins and decreased expression of cyclin D1 and Bcl-2 proteins. Overall, the present findings suggest that HDAC2 may play an important role in the development and progression of ESCC and be considered as a novel molecular target for the treatment of ESCC.

Glucodynamics of long-acting basal insulin peglispro compared with insulin glargine at steady state in patients with type 1 diabetes: substudy of a randomized crossover trial

AIMS

To compare, in an open-label, randomized, crossover phase II substudy, the glucodynamics of insulin glargine and those of basal insulin peglispro (BIL) in patients with type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

Patients (n = 23) underwent 24-h euglycaemic clamps after 8 weeks of treatment with glargine or with BIL. Clinically-titrated basal insulin doses (BIL group 16-64 U; glargine group 19-60 U) were administered on the morning of the clamp.

RESULTS

At baseline, the patients' mean ± standard deviation (s.d.) body mass index was 26.78 ± 4.20 kg/m² and glycated haemoglobin was 7.69 ± 0.99%. The mean ± s.d. endpoint dose for the BIL group was 0.42 ± 0.13 U/kg and for the glargine group was 0.42 ± 0.10. The daily mean ± s.d. blood glucose concentration was 7.7 ± 1.2 in the BIL group and 7.9 ± 1.2 mmol/l in the glargine group (p = 0.641). The mean ± s.d. total and nocturnal hypoglycaemia rates/30 days were 2.7 ± 2.3 and 0.5 ± 0.8, respectively, for the BIL group, and 3.0 ± 2.4 and 0.7 ± 1.1, respectively, for the glargine group (p = 0.112 and 0.428). The mean glucose infusion rate (GIR) normalized to insulin unit was lower for BIL than for glargine. One patient in the glargine group and eight patients in the BIL group had minimal (<0.8 g/kg) GIRs over 24 h. The mean ± s.d. total glucose infused over 24 h (G_TOT(0-24) ) was 1.22 ± 0.82 g/kg in the BIL group and 1.90 ± 1.01 g/kg in the glargine group (p = 0.002). The mean ± s.d. total glucose infused during hours 0-6 (G_TOT(0-6) ) was 0.21 ± 0.22 in the BIL group and 0.41 ± 0.22 g/kg in the glargine group (p < 0.001), while the mean total glucose infused during hours 18-24 (G_TOT(18-24) ) in the BIL group was 0.28 ± 0.18 g/kg and in the glargine group was 0.35 ± 0.23 g/kg (p = 0.198). The peak-to-trough ratio was 1.41 for BIL versus 2.22 for glargine.

CONCLUSIONS

BIL has a flatter profile than glargine, with potentially more stable metabolic control. The lower G_TOT(0-24) observed in the BIL group is consistent with BIL's reduced peripheral action.

Randomized, double-blind clinical trial comparing basal insulin peglispro and insulin glargine, in combination with prandial insulin lispro, in patients with type 1 diabetes: IMAGINE 3

AIMS

To compare the efficacy and safety of basal insulin peglispro (BIL), which has a flat pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile and a long duration of action, with insulin glargine (GL) in patients with type 1 diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this phase III, 52-week, blinded study, we randomized 1114 adults with type 1 diabetes in a 3 : 2 distribution to receive either BIL (n = 664) or GL (n = 450) at bedtime, with preprandial insulin lispro, using intensive insulin management. The primary objective was to compare glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in the groups at 52 weeks, with a non-inferiority margin of 0.4%.

RESULTS

At 52 weeks, mean (standard error) HbA1c was 7.38 (0.03)% with BIL and 7.61 (0.04)% with GL {difference -0.22% [95% confidence interval (CI) -0.32, -0.12]; p < 0.001}. At 52 weeks more BIL-treated patients reached HbA1c <7% (35% vs 26%; p < 0.001), the nocturnal hypoglycaemia rate was 47% lower (p < 0.001) and the total hypoglycaemia rate was 11% higher (p = 0.002) than in GL-treated patients, and there was no difference in severe hypoglycaemia rate. Patients receiving BIL lost weight, while those receiving GL gained weight [difference -1.8 kg (95% CI -2.3, -1.3); p < 0.001]. Treatment with BIL compared with GL at 52 weeks was associated with greater increases from baseline in levels of serum triglyceride [difference 0.19 mmol/l (95% CI 0.11, 0.26); p < 0.001] and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels [difference 6.5 IU/l (95% CI 4.1, 8.9), p < 0.001], and more frequent injection site reactions.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with type 1 diabetes, treatment with BIL compared with GL for 52 weeks resulted in a lower HbA1c, more patients with HbA1c levels <7%, and reduced nocturnal hypoglycaemia, but more total hypoglycaemia and injection site reactions and higher triglyceride and ALT levels.

Synergism between RIZ1 gene therapy and paclitaxel in SiHa cervical cancer cells

RIZ1 is a tumor suppressor gene. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of RIZ1 gene therapy on the growth of SiHa cervical cancer cells and its synergism with paclitaxel. The expression levels of RIZ1 were examined by real-time PCR and western blotting before and after transfection of RIZ1. The effects of paclitaxel or pcDNA3.1(+)-RIZ1 alone or in combination, on the proliferation of SiHa cells were evaluated by MTT method. The inhibitory effect on the proliferation of SiHa cells was more significant in the pcDNA3.1(+)-RIZ1 combined with paclitaxel group than in the pcDNA3.1(+)-RIZ1 or paclitaxel groups (P<0.05). The expression level of RIZ1 in SiHa cells increased after treatment with paclitaxel, which indicated a synergism between them. RIZ1 gene therapy combined with paclitaxel showed stronger cell inhibition than paclitaxel alone, which indicated a synergism between them.

Enhancement of the physicochemical properties of [Pt(dien)(nucleobase)]2+ for HIVNCp7 targeting

Physicochemical properties of coordination compounds can be exploited for molecular recognition of biomolecules. The inherent π-π stacking properties of [Pt(chelate)(N-donor)]²⁺ ([PtN₄]) complexes were modulated by systematic variation of the chelate (diethylenetriamine and substituted derivatives) and N-donor (nucleobase or nucleoside) in the formally substitution-inert PtN₄ coordination sphere. Approaches to target the HIV nucleocapsid protein HIVNCp7 are summarized building on (i) assessment of stacking interactions with simple tryptophan or tryptophan derivatives to (ii) the tryptophan-containing C-terminal zinc finger and (iii) to the full two-zinc finger peptide and its interactions with RNA and DNA. The xanthosine nucleoside was identified as having significantly enhanced stacking capability over guanosine. Correlation of the LUMO energies of the modified nucleobases with the DFT π-stacking energies shows that frontier orbital energies of the individual monomers can be used as a first estimate of the π-stacking strength to Trp. Cellular accumulation studies showed no significant correlation with lipophilicity of the compounds, but all compounds had very low cytotoxicity suggesting the potential for antiviral selectivity. The conceptual similarities between nucleobase alkylation and platination validates the design of formally substitution-inert coordination complexes as weak Lewis acid electrophiles for selective peptide targeting.

Basal insulin peglispro: Overview of a novel long-acting insulin with reduced peripheral effect resulting in a hepato-preferential action

Basal insulin peglispro (BIL) is a novel basal insulin with a flat, prolonged activity profile. BIL has been demonstrated in a dog model, in healthy men and in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) to have significant hepato-preferential action resulting from reduced peripheral activity. In the IMAGINE-Phase 3 clinical trial program, more than 6000 patients were included, of whom ~3900 received BIL. Of the 7 pivotal IMAGINE trials, 3 studies were double-blinded and 3 were in T1D patients. BIL consistently demonstrated a greater HbA1c reduction, less glycaemic variability and a clinically relevant reduction in the rates of nocturnal hypoglycaemia across comparator [glargine and isophane insulin (NPH)] studies. Trials using basal/bolus regimens had higher rates of total hypoglycaemia with BIL due to higher rates of daytime hypoglycaemia. Severe hypoglycaemia rates were similar to comparator among both patients with T1D or type 2 diabetes (T2D). T1D patients lost weight compared with glargine (GL). Patients with T2D tended to gain less weight with BIL than with glargine. Compared to glargine, BIL was associated with higher liver fat, triglycerides and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, including a higher frequency of elevation of ALT ≥3 times the upper limit of normal, but without severe, acute drug-induced liver injury. Injection site reactions, primarily lipohypertrophy, were more frequent with BIL. In conclusion, BIL demonstrated better glycaemic control with reduced glucose variability and nocturnal hypoglycaemia but higher triglycerides, ALT and liver fat relative to conventional comparator insulin. The hepato-preferential action of BIL with reduced peripheral activity may account for these findings.

A randomized clinical trial comparing basal insulin peglispro and insulin glargine, in combination with prandial insulin lispro, in patients with type 1 diabetes: IMAGINE 1

AIMS

The primary objective was to demonstrate that basal insulin peglispro (BIL) was non-inferior compared with insulin glargine (GL) for haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) at 26 weeks with a non-inferiority margin of 0.4%.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

IMAGINE 1 was a Phase 3, open-label, parallel-arm study conducted in nine countries. Adults with type 1 diabetes (n = 455) were randomized (2:1) to bedtime BIL or GL in combination with prandial insulin lispro for 78 weeks, with a primary endpoint of 26 weeks. An electronic diary facilitated data capture and insulin dosing calculations for intensive insulin management.

RESULTS

At 26 weeks, mean HbA1c was 7.06% ± 0.04% and 7.43% ± 0.06% for patients assigned to BIL (N = 295) and GL (N = 160), respectively (difference -0.37% [95% CI: -0.50 to -0.23], P < .001); more patients on BIL achieved HbA1c <7% (44.9% vs 27.5%, P < .001). Compared with GL, patients using BIL lost weight, with lower fasting serum glucose and between-day fasting blood glucose variability, and 36% less nocturnal hypoglycemia, 29% more total hypoglycemia and more severe hypoglycemia. Total and prandial insulin doses were lower with BIL; basal insulin doses were higher. Alanine aminotransferase increased with BIL, with more patients having elevations ≥3 × ULN. BIL treatment was associated with more frequent injection site reactions and an increase from baseline in serum triglycerides.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with type 1 diabetes, treatment with BIL compared to GL for 26 weeks was associated with lower HbA1c, less nocturnal hypoglycemia, lower glucose variability and weight loss. Increases in total and severe hypoglycemia, triglycerides, aminotransferases and injection site reactions were also noted.

Myofibroblastic transformation of rat hepatic stellate cells: the role of Notch signaling and epithelial-mesenchymal transition regulation

OBJECTIVE

The development of liver fibrosis has been shown to be associated with the transition of quiescent hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) into myofibroblastic HSCs, and the Notch signaling system has been shown to be activated in this process. The Notch signaling pathway is also known to regulate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the current study, quiescent HSCs were examined for expression of EMT markers, and experiments were performed to determine whether these markers change as quiescent HSCs transition into myofibroblastic HSCs and whether the process is modulated by Notch signaling. To promote myofibroblastic transition under experimental conditions, enzymatic perfusion and density gradient centrifugation were used to isolate rat HSCs, which were then cultured. A γ-secretase inhibitor was used to inhibit Notch signaling pathway activity in primary rat HSCs.

RESULTS

Upregulated expression of myofibroblastic markers was observed, but expression of quiescent HSC markers and epithelial markers was downregulated during the transition of HSC in vitro. Data indicate that expression of the classical EMT marker; i.e., E-cadherin, was decreased and that of N-cadherin and snail 1 increased. Notch 2 and Notch 3 receptors and Hey2 and HeyL target genes expression increased significantly as quiescent HSCs transitioned into myofibroblastic HSCs. When Notch signaling was blocked, however, the myofibroblastic transition of HSCs reverted, and epithelial marker expression was restored.

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, targeting Notch signaling may provide new insights into the mechanism of HSC transition and may offer a possible therapeutic target for the treatment of hepatic injury.