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Voller C, Brouwer A, Upton PA, Waller E, Duncan D, Harris KA, Marriott E, Avigad R. Bovine TB infection status in cattle in Great Britain in 2021. Vet Rec 2023; 193:e3288. [PMID: 37477314 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.3288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- C Voller
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences, APHA, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB
| | - A Brouwer
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences, APHA, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB
| | - P A Upton
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences, APHA, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB
| | - Esl Waller
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences, APHA, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB
| | - D Duncan
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences, APHA, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB
| | - K A Harris
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences, APHA, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB
| | - E Marriott
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences, APHA, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB
| | - R Avigad
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences, APHA, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB
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Waller ESL, Brouwer A, Upton PA, Harris KA, Lawes JR, Duncan D, Avigad R, Dale J. Bovine TB infection status in cattle in Great Britain in 2020. Vet Rec 2022; 191:e2513. [DOI: 10.1002/vetr.2513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- ESL Waller
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences APHA Woodham Lane, New Haw Addlestone Surrey KT15 3NB
| | - A Brouwer
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences APHA Woodham Lane, New Haw Addlestone Surrey KT15 3NB
| | - PA Upton
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences APHA Woodham Lane, New Haw Addlestone Surrey KT15 3NB
| | - KA Harris
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences APHA Woodham Lane, New Haw Addlestone Surrey KT15 3NB
| | - JR Lawes
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences APHA Woodham Lane, New Haw Addlestone Surrey KT15 3NB
| | - D Duncan
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences APHA Woodham Lane, New Haw Addlestone Surrey KT15 3NB
| | - R Avigad
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences APHA Woodham Lane, New Haw Addlestone Surrey KT15 3NB
| | - J Dale
- Department of Bacteriology APHA Woodham Lane, New Haw Addlestone Surrey KT15 3NB
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Rimdap E, Duncan D, Harris KA, Brouwer A, Avigad R, Upton PA, Dale J. Bovine TB infection status in cattle in Great Britain in 2019. Vet Rec 2021; 189:e750. [PMID: 34297396 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E Rimdap
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences, APHA, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB
| | - D Duncan
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences, APHA, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB
| | - K A Harris
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences, APHA, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB
| | - A Brouwer
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences, APHA, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB
| | - R Avigad
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences, APHA, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB
| | - P A Upton
- Data Systems Workgroup, APHA, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB
| | - J Dale
- Bacteriology, APHA, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB
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Brown IH, Cassar CA, Slomka MJ, McElhinney LM, Brouwer A. The role of national and international veterinary laboratories. REV SCI TECH OIE 2021; 40:159-172. [PMID: 34140733 DOI: 10.20506/rst.40.1.3215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In the field of diagnostic test validation, World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Reference Laboratories (RLs) have a pivotal role and provide the international community with impartial advice and support in the selection, development and validation of diagnostic tests, which can be applied to the specialist diseases for which they are designated. National RLs provide an invaluable function in supporting the introduction, ongoing validation and application of validated diagnostic tests in line with international standards. Experienced staff with extensive knowledge of such systems and access to specialist facilities for conducting work are available to monitor changes or advancements in technology. They consider their relevance and value to evolving diagnostic test requirements. Reference Laboratories often have a broad mandate of activity linking research or development programmes and surveillance activities to benefit the continual assessment and, if necessary, improvement of diagnostic tools. Reference Laboratories maintain or have access to unique biological archives (known positive and negative sample populations) and produce international reference standards, both of which are vital in establishing the necessary and detailed validation of any diagnostic test. Reference Laboratories act either singularly or in collaborative partnerships with other RLs or science institutes, but also, when required, and with impartiality, with the commercial sector, to ensure new tests are validated according to OIE standards. They promote and apply formal programmes of quality assurance (including proficiency testing programmes) for newly validated tests, ensuring ongoing monitoring and compliance with standards, or as required set out any limitations or uncertainties. Reference Laboratories publish information on test validation in the scientific literature and on relevant websites, as well as disseminating information at workshops and international conferences. Furthermore, they can offer training in the processes and systems underpinning test validation.
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Duncan D, Brouwer A, Harris KA, Lawes JR, Avigad R, Dale J, Upton PA. Bovine TB infection status in cattle inGreat Britain in 2018. Vet Rec 2020; 186:373-380. [PMID: 32220998 DOI: 10.1136/vr.m1242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D Duncan
- APHA, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB
| | - A Brouwer
- APHA, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB
| | - K A Harris
- APHA, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB
| | - J R Lawes
- APHA, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB
| | - R Avigad
- APHA, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB
| | - J Dale
- APHA, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB
| | - P A Upton
- APHA, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB
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Perrin LD, Harris KA, Reynolds M, Lawes JR, Frost S, Brouwer A, Dale J, Palkopoulou E, Upton PA. Bovine TB infection status in cattle in Great Britain in 2017. Vet Rec 2020; 184:371-378. [PMID: 30902945 DOI: 10.1136/vr.l1321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - J R Lawes
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences
| | - S Frost
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences
| | - A Brouwer
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences
| | | | | | - P A Upton
- Data Systems Workgroup, APHA, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB
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Durward-Akhurst SA, Schultz NE, Norton EM, Rendahl AK, Besselink H, Behnisch PA, Brouwer A, Geor RJ, Mickelson JR, McCue ME. Associations between endocrine disrupting chemicals and equine metabolic syndrome phenotypes. Chemosphere 2019; 218:652-661. [PMID: 30502704 PMCID: PMC6347404 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.11.136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) is characterized by abnormalities in insulin regulation, increased adiposity and laminitis, and has several similarities to human metabolic syndrome. A large amount of environmental variability in the EMS phenotype is not explained by commonly measured factors (diet, exercise, and season), suggesting that other environmental factors play a role in EMS development. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are associated with metabolic syndrome and other endocrine abnormalities in humans. This led us to hypothesize that EDCs are detectable in horse plasma and play a role in the pathophysiology of EMS. EDCs acting through the aryl hydrocarbon and estrogen receptors, were measured in plasma of 301 horses from 32 farms. The median (range) TEQ (2,3,7,8-TCDD equivalent) and EEQ (17β-estradiol equivalent) were 19.29 pg/g (0.59-536.36) and 10.50 pg/ml (4.35-15000.00), respectively. TEQ was negatively associated with plasma fat extracted and batch analyzed. EEQ was positively associated with pregnancy and batch analyzed, and negatively associated with being male and superfund score ≤100 miles of the farm. Of particular interest, serum glucose and insulin, glucose and insulin post oral sugar challenge, and leptin concentrations were associated with EEQ, and serum triglyceride concentration was associated with TEQ. Overall, we demonstrated that EDCs are present in the plasma of horses and may explain some of the environmental variability in measured EMS phenotypes. This is the first example of EDCs being associated with clinical disease phenotype components in domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Durward-Akhurst
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, 225 Veterinary Medical Center, 1365 Gortner Avenue, St. Paul, MN, 55108, United States.
| | - N E Schultz
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, 225 Veterinary Medical Center, 1365 Gortner Avenue, St. Paul, MN, 55108, United States
| | - E M Norton
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, 225 Veterinary Medical Center, 1365 Gortner Avenue, St. Paul, MN, 55108, United States
| | - A K Rendahl
- College of Veterinary Medicine, 1988 Fitch Avenue, St. Paul, 55108, United States
| | - H Besselink
- BioDetection Systems b.v., Science Park 406, 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - P A Behnisch
- BioDetection Systems b.v., Science Park 406, 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - A Brouwer
- BioDetection Systems b.v., Science Park 406, 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - R J Geor
- College of Sciences, B2.13, Science Tower B, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - J R Mickelson
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, 301 Veterinary Science Building, 1971 Commonwealth Avenue, St. Paul, 55108, United States
| | - M E McCue
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, 225 Veterinary Medical Center, 1365 Gortner Avenue, St. Paul, MN, 55108, United States
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Emeis JJ, Brouwer A, Barelds RJ, Horan MA, Durham SK, Kooistra T. On the Fibrinolytic System in Aged Rats, and Its Reactivity to Endotoxin and Cytokines. Thromb Haemost 2018. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1648525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
SummaryAged rats are more susceptible to endotoxin-induced effects, including microthrombosis and platelet aggregation, than are young rats. To investigate whether changes in the fibrinolytic system might be involved, we investigated the fibrinolytic activity in plasma euglobulin fractions and tissues (lung and heart) of young (6-months old) and aged (24-months old) rats under baseline conditions and after challenge with endotoxin. Aged rats had lower plasma levels of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and of urokinase-type PA (u-PA) activity. PA inhibitor (PAI) activity was higher in the plasma of aged rats, as was t-PA activity in lung and heart.Rats were treated with either a low dose (1 μg/kg) or a high dose (10 mg/kg) of endotoxin. Both treatments induced a transient phase of increased blood fibrinolytic activity, as evidenced by higher levels of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) activity and decreased levels of PA inhibitor (PAI) activity. Over time, the fibrinolytic activity decreased, probably due to increased levels of PA inhibitor.Both the early increase in t-PA activity, and the subsequent increase in PAI activity, were more pronounced in the aged rats, as compared with the younger rats, after the high dose of endotoxin. The aged rats also responded to an injection of interleukin-1β or tumor necrosis factor-α with a larger increase of PAI activity than did the younger rats.Together the data suggest that, compared to young rats, aged rats have a decreased base-line plasma fibrinolytic activity, while their fibrinolytic system is more responsive to challenge by endotoxin and cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Emeis
- The Gaubius Laboratory IVVO-TNO, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - A Brouwer
- The Gaubius Laboratory IVVO-TNO, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - R J Barelds
- The Gaubius Laboratory IVVO-TNO, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - M A Horan
- The Gaubius Laboratory IVVO-TNO, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - S K Durham
- The Gaubius Laboratory IVVO-TNO, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - T Kooistra
- The Gaubius Laboratory IVVO-TNO, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Affiliation(s)
- K. A. Harris
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences; APHA; Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone Surrey KT15 3NB
| | - A. Brouwer
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences; APHA; Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone Surrey KT15 3NB
| | - P. A. Upton
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences; APHA; Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone Surrey KT15 3NB
| | - M. P. Romero Garcia
- Epidemiology Assessment Centre, APHA; Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone Surrey KT15 3NB
| | - J. C. Gibbens
- Epidemiology Assessment Centre, APHA; Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone Surrey KT15 3NB
| | - J. Dale
- Bacteriology; APHA; Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone Surrey KT15 3NB
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Light therapy has become an increasingly popular treatment for depression and a range of other neuropsychiatric conditions. Yet, concerns have been raised about the ocular safety of light therapy. METHOD We conducted the first systematic review into the ocular safety of light therapy. A PubMed search on January 4, 2017, identified 6708 articles, of which 161 were full-text reviewed. In total, 43 articles reporting on ocular complaints and ocular examinations were included in the analyses. RESULTS Ocular complaints, including ocular discomfort and vision problems, were reported in about 0% to 45% of the participants of studies involving light therapy. Based on individual studies, no evident relationship between the occurrence of complaints and light therapy dose was found. There was no evidence for ocular damage due to light therapy, with the exception of one case report that documented the development of a maculopathy in a person treated with the photosensitizing antidepressant clomipramine. CONCLUSION Results suggest that light therapy is safe for the eyes in physically healthy, unmedicated persons. The ocular safety of light therapy in persons with preexisting ocular abnormalities or increased photosensitivity warrants further study. However, theoretical considerations do not substantiate stringent ocular safety-related contraindications for light therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Brouwer
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, VU University Medical Center and GGZ inGeest, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - H-T Nguyen
- Department of Ophthalmology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - F J Snoek
- Departments of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, VU University Medical Center and Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - D H van Raalte
- Diabetes Center, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A T F Beekman
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, VU University Medical Center and GGZ inGeest, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A C Moll
- Department of Ophthalmology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M A Bremmer
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, VU University Medical Center and GGZ inGeest, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Lager D, Brouwer A, de Kam G, Kibele E. OLDER HOME OWNERS’ AWARENESS AND APPRAISAL OF RESIDENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL MODIFICATIONS. Innov Aging 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igx004.2353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- D. Lager
- Economic Geography, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - A. Brouwer
- Economic Geography, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - G. de Kam
- Economic Geography, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - E. Kibele
- Economic Geography, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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Harris KA, Brunton L, Brouwer A, Garcia MPR, Gibbens JC, Smith NH, Upton PA. Bovine TB infection status in cattle in Great Britain in 2015. Vet Rec 2017; 180:170-175. [DOI: 10.1136/vr.j759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K. A. Harris
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences; Epidemiology Assessment Centre
| | - L. Brunton
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences; Epidemiology Assessment Centre
| | - A. Brouwer
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences; Epidemiology Assessment Centre
| | | | | | | | - P. A. Upton
- Data Systems Workgroup; APHA; Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone Surrey KT15 3NB
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Brouwer A, van Dam PJ, Rutten A, Prové A, Peeters M, Van Laere S, Dirix L. Abstract P1-06-01: Evaluation of subclonality in the CTC and DTC compartment of patients with metastatic breast cancer using low pass whole genome and AmpliSeq panel sequencing. Cancer Res 2017. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.sabcs16-p1-06-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
A growing understanding of the molecular biology of cancer and the identification of specific aberrations driving cancer evolution have led to the development of various targeted agents. Tumors can exhibit significant heterogeneity and this may change over time, also as the result of selective pressure. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs), shed from multiple tumor sites, have demonstrated to represent of the overall tumor burden. We report the results of an ongoing comparative study on mutation and copy number profiles of primary and metastatic tissue, CTCs, and synchronously isolated DTCs from metastatic effusions of patients with clinically progressive MBC.
Materials & Methods
CTCs and DTCs were enriched from 7.5 ml blood or effusion using the CellSearch system and were further purified and sorted with the DEPArray system. For this study we isolated both 70 single and 70 pools of 10-200 CTCs or DTCs, in order have enough power to detect 5% subclones and analyse heterogeneity. Single and pooled WBCs were isolated as technical controls. DNA was isolated and amplified using the Ampli1-kit and subjected to Illumina WGS and Ion Torrent AmpliSeq panel sequencing. Fresh frozen tissue from solid metastases and the primary tumor, and bulk CTC (CellSearch Profile) were sequenced as comparators for mutation and copy number profiles. DNA of buffy coat was sequenced to enable germline variant detection. For mutational analysis, only somatic variants with good quality metrics, >20x coverage, variant allele frequencies >10%, and being non-synonymous or splice site variants, were taken into account.
Results
AmpliSeq panel sequencing was performed on 153 unique samples of three patients with a mean coverage depth of 1000x. In patient 1, a PIK3CA hotspot mutation was found clonally in all tumor samples at heterozygous level. Furthermore, various private mutations were found in both CTCs and DTCs, however not in WBC, including several TP53 hotspot mutations. In patient 2, another PIK3CA hotspot was present in all CTCs at heterozygous frequencies. In patient 3, an enormous heterogeneity was observed between all CTC and DTC samples. For patient 3, disease evolution was detected during multiple events of progressive disease over 2 years. At the moment, low pass WGS for CN detection for all samples is being performed and results will be present prior to the SABCS.
Conclusion
Based on the mutational status we conclude that both clonal mutations as well as various private variants are present in single and pools of CTCs and DTCs. In addition to the detection of targetable aberrations, the evaluation of heterogeneity is of clinical importance, as the effect of targeting subclones is currently being explored in clinical trials.
Citation Format: Brouwer A, van Dam P-J, Rutten A, Prové A, Peeters M, Van Laere S, Dirix L. Evaluation of subclonality in the CTC and DTC compartment of patients with metastatic breast cancer using low pass whole genome and AmpliSeq panel sequencing [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-06-01.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Brouwer
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Oncological Center, GZA Hospitals Sint Augustinus, Antwerp, Belgium; Oncological Center, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - P-J van Dam
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Oncological Center, GZA Hospitals Sint Augustinus, Antwerp, Belgium; Oncological Center, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - A Rutten
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Oncological Center, GZA Hospitals Sint Augustinus, Antwerp, Belgium; Oncological Center, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - A Prové
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Oncological Center, GZA Hospitals Sint Augustinus, Antwerp, Belgium; Oncological Center, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - M Peeters
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Oncological Center, GZA Hospitals Sint Augustinus, Antwerp, Belgium; Oncological Center, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - S Van Laere
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Oncological Center, GZA Hospitals Sint Augustinus, Antwerp, Belgium; Oncological Center, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - L Dirix
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Oncological Center, GZA Hospitals Sint Augustinus, Antwerp, Belgium; Oncological Center, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium
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Brouwer A, Verhoest F, Vermeulen P, Rutten A, Prové A, Van Laere S, Peeters M, Dirix L. Abstract P3-05-10: Evaluation of HER2 expression and amplification on CTCs using DEPArray analysis and sorting followed by FISH. Cancer Res 2017. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.sabcs16-p3-05-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
In metastatic breast cancer (MBC), discordant expression levels of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) have been noted between primary tumors (PT) and matched metastatic lesions. Reassessment of HER2 status during treatment decisions in patients with advanced disease might help to optimize outcome. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) offer the potential to provide a repeatedly accessible source of tumor cells for the real-time assessment of actual tumor characteristics. However, little is known on the concordance of HER2 expression on CTCs measured by immunofluorescence and the amplification status.
Here we report on a preclinical study, using five spiked breast cancer cell lines, comparing semi-quantitative HER2 scoring on CellSearch (Riethdorf 2010) with objective DEPArray analysis, and subsequent FISH analysis on DEPArray-sorted tumor cells. At the moment these data are also being generated for 10 patient CTC samples. Expression and amplification status of CTCs will be compared with primary tumor tissue.
Materials and methods
MDA-MB-436, MCF-7, BT-20, KPL-4, and SKBR3 cells (increasing HER2 status) were spiked into donor blood and subjected to CellSearch enrichment. HER2/FITC intensity was scored manually on the CellSearch analyzer. All cell lines were injected into the DEPArray and exposure settings were optimized (FITC: exposure time 800 ms, gain 5%). These settings are further used for all preclinical and clinical samples. HER2 scoring was based on relative fluorescent units (rfu) of the HER2/FITC signal with background subtraction. Cells were sorted into pure batches of HER2 positive (DAPI+/CK+/HER2+/CD45-) and negative (DAPI+/CK+/HER2-/CD45-) tumor cells. Cytospins were formalin fixed and subjected to DAKO IQFISH.
Results
HER2 expression on CellSearch turned out to be very heterogeneous within the same cell line. DEPArray data was highly reproducible for all cell lines (p<0.001) and also showed a broad range of FITC rfu within the HER2 positive cell lines. Significant differences were observed between every cell line (p<0.001). The SKBR3 cell line sample also harbored a minor population of HER2- cells while this was the most positive cell line. However with FISH analysis, both HER2- and HER2+ SKBR3 cells were highly amplified (absolute HER2 count of 12-20 and HER2/CEN17 ratio of >4). MDA-MB-436 and MCF-7 cells showed no gene amplification on FISH, while in KPL-4 there was a HER2/CEN17 ratio of >2.
Four patient samples with HER2 positive status on CellSearch have been run on the DEPArray. For patient 1, 1005 CTC were analyzed, 32.4% were HER2+. This was 53 (69.8% HER2+), 352 (5.7% HER2+), and 622 (6.7% HER2+) for patient 2-4 respectively. These numbers are comparable with CellSearch analysis.
Discussion
HER2 expression analysis by immunofluorescence is comparable between CellSearch and DEPArray, however DEPArray has the advantage that it is user-independent and highly reproducible. Furthermore, CTCs can be sorted into pure batches for downstream analysis. The FISH technique on DEPArray sorted cells is now optimized and will be used to determine the correlation between the immunofluorescent HER2 scoring and the actual amplification status of the CTCs. These data will be incorporated prior to upcoming SABCS.
Citation Format: Brouwer A, Verhoest F, Vermeulen P, Rutten A, Prové A, Van Laere S, Peeters M, Dirix L. Evaluation of HER2 expression and amplification on CTCs using DEPArray analysis and sorting followed by FISH [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-05-10.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Brouwer
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Antwerp University, Antwerp, Belgium; Oncological Center, GZA Hospitals Sint Augustinus, Antwerp, Belgium; GZA Hospitals Sint Augustinus, Antwerp, Belgium; Oncological Center, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - F Verhoest
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Antwerp University, Antwerp, Belgium; Oncological Center, GZA Hospitals Sint Augustinus, Antwerp, Belgium; GZA Hospitals Sint Augustinus, Antwerp, Belgium; Oncological Center, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - P Vermeulen
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Antwerp University, Antwerp, Belgium; Oncological Center, GZA Hospitals Sint Augustinus, Antwerp, Belgium; GZA Hospitals Sint Augustinus, Antwerp, Belgium; Oncological Center, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - A Rutten
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Antwerp University, Antwerp, Belgium; Oncological Center, GZA Hospitals Sint Augustinus, Antwerp, Belgium; GZA Hospitals Sint Augustinus, Antwerp, Belgium; Oncological Center, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - A Prové
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Antwerp University, Antwerp, Belgium; Oncological Center, GZA Hospitals Sint Augustinus, Antwerp, Belgium; GZA Hospitals Sint Augustinus, Antwerp, Belgium; Oncological Center, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - S Van Laere
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Antwerp University, Antwerp, Belgium; Oncological Center, GZA Hospitals Sint Augustinus, Antwerp, Belgium; GZA Hospitals Sint Augustinus, Antwerp, Belgium; Oncological Center, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - M Peeters
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Antwerp University, Antwerp, Belgium; Oncological Center, GZA Hospitals Sint Augustinus, Antwerp, Belgium; GZA Hospitals Sint Augustinus, Antwerp, Belgium; Oncological Center, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - L Dirix
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Antwerp University, Antwerp, Belgium; Oncological Center, GZA Hospitals Sint Augustinus, Antwerp, Belgium; GZA Hospitals Sint Augustinus, Antwerp, Belgium; Oncological Center, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
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15
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Lambton SL, Brouwer A, Knowles TG, Richards G, Statham PTE, Walton J, Weeks CA. Factors affecting the ability of sheep to rest during time in markets in Great Britain. Anim Welf 2017. [DOI: 10.7120/09627286.26.1.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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16
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More S, Bicout D, Bøtner A, Butterworth A, Calistri P, Depner K, Edwards S, Garin-Bastuji B, Good M, Gortázar Schmidt C, Michel V, Miranda MA, Saxmose Nielsen S, Raj M, Sihvonen L, Spoolder H, Thulke HH, Velarde A, Willeberg P, Winckler C, Adlhoch C, Baldinelli F, Breed A, Brouwer A, Guillemain M, Harder T, Monne I, Roberts H, Cortinas Abrahantes J, Mosbach-Schulz O, Verdonck F, Morgado J, Stegeman A. Urgent request on avian influenza. EFSA J 2017; 15:e04687. [PMID: 32625275 PMCID: PMC7009852 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2016.4687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N8 is currently causing an epizootic in Europe, infecting many poultry holdings as well as captive and wild bird species in more than 10 countries. Given the clear clinical manifestation, passive surveillance is considered the most effective means of detecting infected wild and domestic birds. Testing samples from new species and non‐previously reported areas is key to determine the geographic spread of HPAIV H5N8 2016 in wild birds. Testing limited numbers of dead wild birds in previously reported areas is useful when it is relevant to know whether the virus is still present in the area or not, e.g. before restrictive measures in poultry are to be lifted. To prevent introduction of HPAIV from wild birds into poultry, strict biosecurity implemented and maintained by the poultry farmers is the most important measure. Providing holding‐specific biosecurity guidance is strongly recommended as it is expected to have a high impact on the achieved biosecurity level of the holding. This is preferably done during peace time to increase preparedness for future outbreaks. The location and size of control and in particular monitoring areas for poultry associated with positive wild bird findings are best based on knowledge of the wider habitat and flight distance of the affected wild bird species. It is recommended to increase awareness among poultry farmers in these established areas in order to enhance passive surveillance and to implement enhanced biosecurity measures including poultry confinement. There is no scientific evidence suggesting a different effectiveness of the protection measures on the introduction into poultry holdings and subsequent spread of HPAIV when applied to H5N8, H5N1 or other notifiable HPAI viruses. This publication is linked to the following EFSA Supporting Publications article: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/sp.efsa.2016.EN-1142/full
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Abstract
This report, provided by the APHA, summarises the key descriptive epidemiological parameters of bovine TB in cattle in Great Britain from January 1 to December 31, 2014. It summarises some of the temporal trends observed over a longer period and highlights some differences and similarities between Scotland, Wales and the three bovine TB risk areas of England. It updates the previous annual summaries for 2012 and 2013, also published inVeterinary Record(VR, June 14, 2014, vol 174, pp 600-604; March 28, 2015, vol 176, pp 326-330).
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Lawes
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences
| | | | - A Brouwer
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences
| | | | | | - P A Upton
- Data Systems Workgroup, APHA, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB
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18
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Botta M, Bozzetta E, Pitardi D, Brouwer A, Behnisch P, Loprevite D, Cavarretta M, Olivo F, Meloni D. Screening the hormonal activity of endocrine disruptors chemicals in food contact materials with Reporter Gene Assays: A first screening step. Toxicol Lett 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2016.06.1576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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19
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Brouwer A, van de Wiel M, Peeters B, van Dam PJ, Vermeulen P, Peeters M, Van Laere S, Peeters D, Dirix L. Abstract P3-04-01: Manual and digital detection of HER2 status of 2721 circulating tumour cells in patients with metastatic breast cancer. Cancer Res 2016. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.sabcs15-p3-04-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction:
In metastatic breast cancer (MBC), discordant expression levels of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) have been noted between primary tumours (PT) and matched metastatic lesions (Meta). Therefore reassessment of this predictive marker at time of metastatic disease might help to optimize treatment. Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) offer the potential to provide a repeatedly accessible source of tumour cells for the real-time assessment of actual tumour characteristics.
Here we report on a retrospective study analysing over two and a half thousand CTCs in order to evaluate the inter-observer variability when using the semi-quantitative scale (0-3+) described by Riethdorf in 2010. Furthermore we designed a digital scoring system using 13 parameters selected by ImageJ. HER2 status in CTCs was compared to PT and/or Meta of patients with MBC.
Materials and methods:
65 patients starting first or second line systemic therapy for MBC and harbouring more than 5 CTC/7.5 mL blood were selected. HER2 status of 2721 CTCs was determined by immunofluorescence using the CellSearch system. HER2 status of the solid lesions was determined by IHC or FISH. Inter-observer variability was calculated using the Kendalls tau tests. 284 CTCs were analysed with the digital scoring system using ImageJ 'plot profile' and 'analyse particles'. Selected parameters comprise cell size, mean and maximum intensity of the cell and its surrounding, and both ratio's and differences of the aforementioned. Dissimilarity matrix was calculated using Pearson Correlation-Distance.
Results:
Of 2721 CTCs, 1485 cells (55%) were scored 0+ and 2263 cells (83%) were found to be HER2- (0+ or 1+) by both observers. 458 cells (17%) were scored HER2+ (2+ or 3+) by at least one of the observers, however only 175 (6%) by both observers. Inter-observer variability was 0.703, but when omitting the usually undebatable 0+ cells, this variability showed to be 0.278.
HER2 scoring of CTC by two observers. HER2- (0+/1+)HER2+ (2+/3+)HER2- (0+/1+)2263 (83%)131 (4.8%)HER2+ (2+/3+)152 (5.6%)175 (6.4%)
24 of 65 patients had at least 80% 0+ CTCs (≥96% HER2- cells). Of these patients, 5 were HER2+ based on their PT. Oppositely, 10 and 20 patients harboured at least 40% and 10% HER2+ CTCs respectively. From these 20 patients only 10 were diagnosed with HER2+ disease on PT or Meta and 1 was shifted form HER2- PT to HER2+ Meta.
The digital scoring system was able to identify four groups with different HER2 expression levels. When comparing the identified clusters with the manually scored cells the two moderately related clusters showed to contain almost only 2+ and 3+ CTCs. A very isolated cluster contained almost solely 0+ CTCs.
Discussion:
The manual scoring system showed to be feasible, however we noticed that there are some discrepancies regarding the scoring of 1+ to 3+ cells. The digital scoring is able to predict the outcome and can by itself cluster CTCs into 4 groups. It strongly distinguishes between the HER2+ and HER2- cells. HER2+ status can change during disease progression, both with gain and loss of HER2 positivity. This can be monitored using CTCs.
Citation Format: Brouwer A, van de Wiel M, Peeters B, van Dam P-J, Vermeulen P, Peeters M, Van Laere S, Peeters D, Dirix L. Manual and digital detection of HER2 status of 2721 circulating tumour cells in patients with metastatic breast cancer. [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 P3-04-01.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Brouwer
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; GZA Hospitals Sint-Augustinus, Antwerp, Belgium; Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - M van de Wiel
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; GZA Hospitals Sint-Augustinus, Antwerp, Belgium; Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - B Peeters
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; GZA Hospitals Sint-Augustinus, Antwerp, Belgium; Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - P-J van Dam
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; GZA Hospitals Sint-Augustinus, Antwerp, Belgium; Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - P Vermeulen
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; GZA Hospitals Sint-Augustinus, Antwerp, Belgium; Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - M Peeters
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; GZA Hospitals Sint-Augustinus, Antwerp, Belgium; Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - S Van Laere
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; GZA Hospitals Sint-Augustinus, Antwerp, Belgium; Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - D Peeters
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; GZA Hospitals Sint-Augustinus, Antwerp, Belgium; Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - L Dirix
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; GZA Hospitals Sint-Augustinus, Antwerp, Belgium; Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
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20
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Adkin A, Brouwer A, Downs SH, Kelly L. Assessing the impact of a cattle risk-based trading scheme on the movement of bovine tuberculosis infected animals in England and Wales. Prev Vet Med 2015; 123:23-31. [PMID: 26687761 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2015.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Revised: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The adoption of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) risk-based trading (RBT) schemes has the potential to reduce the risk of bTB spread. However, any scheme will have cost implications that need to be balanced against its likely success in reducing bTB. This paper describes the first stochastic quantitative model assessing the impact of the implementation of a cattle risk-based trading scheme to inform policy makers and contribute to cost-benefit analyses. A risk assessment for England and Wales was developed to estimate the number of infected cattle traded using historic movement data recorded between July 2010 and June 2011. Three scenarios were implemented: cattle traded with no RBT scheme in place, voluntary provision of the score and a compulsory, statutory scheme applying a bTB risk score to each farm. For each scenario, changes in trade were estimated due to provision of the risk score to potential purchasers. An estimated mean of 3981 bTB infected animals were sold to purchasers with no RBT scheme in place in one year, with 90% confidence the true value was between 2775 and 5288. This result is dependent on the estimated between herd prevalence used in the risk assessment which is uncertain. With the voluntary provision of the risk score by farmers, on average, 17% of movements was affected (purchaser did not wish to buy once the risk score was available), with a reduction of 23% in infected animals being purchased initially. The compulsory provision of the risk score in a statutory scheme resulted in an estimated mean change to 26% of movements, with a reduction of 37% in infected animals being purchased initially, increasing to a 53% reduction in infected movements from higher risk sellers (score 4 and 5). The estimated mean reduction in infected animals being purchased could be improved to 45% given a 10% reduction in risky purchase behaviour by farmers which may be achieved through education programmes, or to an estimated mean of 49% if a rule was implemented preventing farmers from the purchase of animals of higher risk than their own herd. Given voluntary trials currently taking place of a trading scheme, recommendations for future work include the monitoring of initial uptake and changes in the purchase patterns of farmers. Such data could be used to update the risk assessment to reduce uncertainty associated with model estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Adkin
- Department for Epidemiological Sciences, Animal & Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Weybridge, UK.
| | - A Brouwer
- Department for Epidemiological Sciences, Animal & Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Weybridge, UK.
| | - S H Downs
- Department for Epidemiological Sciences, Animal & Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Weybridge, UK.
| | - L Kelly
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Strathclyde, Richmond Street, Glasgow G1 1XH, UK.
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21
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Peeters D, Brouwer A, Op de Beeck K, Van de Weyer G, Pauwels P, Peeters M, Vermeulen P, Van Laere S, Van Camp G, Dirix L. Whole exome sequencing of circulating and disseminated tumour cells in patients with metastatic breast cancer. Ann Oncol 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdv116.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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22
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Broughan JM, Harris KA, Brouwer A, Downs SH, Goodchild AV, Upton PA, Smith NH. Bovine TB infection status in cattle in Great Britain in 2013. Vet Rec 2015; 176:326-30. [DOI: 10.1136/vr.h1145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. M. Broughan
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences; APHA, Woodham Lane, New Haw Addlestone Surrey KT15 3NB
| | - K. A. Harris
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences; APHA, Woodham Lane, New Haw Addlestone Surrey KT15 3NB
| | - A. Brouwer
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences; APHA, Woodham Lane, New Haw Addlestone Surrey KT15 3NB
| | - S. H. Downs
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences; APHA, Woodham Lane, New Haw Addlestone Surrey KT15 3NB
| | - A. V. Goodchild
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences; APHA, Woodham Lane, New Haw Addlestone Surrey KT15 3NB
| | - P. A. Upton
- Data Systems Workgroup; APHA, Woodham Lane, New Haw Addlestone Surrey KT15 3NB
| | - N. H. Smith
- Bacteriology; APHA, Woodham Lane, New Haw Addlestone Surrey KT15 3NB
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23
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Brouwer A, Degrieck N, Rasschaert M, Lockefeer F, Huizing M, Tjalma W. Tuberculous mastitis presenting as a lump: a mimicking disease in a pregnant woman case report and review of literature. Acta Clin Belg 2014; 69:389-94. [PMID: 25056489 DOI: 10.1179/2295333714y.0000000048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) of the breast is a rare entity, and can be confused with many other breast disorders, like mamma carcinoma or inflammatory breast cancer. When finding granulomatous mastitis (GM) on histology, it is important to make a differential diagnosis and seek actively for clues on the presence of tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, Wegener's granulomatosis, or idiopathic granulomatous mastitis, since treatment strategies differ and maltreatment has major implications on morbidity and mortality. An extensive clinical evaluation, laboratory work up, and imaging will lead in most cases to the right diagnosis. Anti-tuberculous therapy is the core treatment for breast TB, and surgery is indicated for extensive or persistent residual disease. Here we present a case of tuberculous mastitis and a review of literature on GM.
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24
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Pieterse B, Felzel E, Winter R, van der Burg B, Brouwer A. PAH-CALUX, an optimized bioassay for AhR-mediated hazard identification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as individual compounds and in complex mixtures. Environ Sci Technol 2013; 47:11651-11659. [PMID: 23987121 DOI: 10.1021/es403810w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) represent a class of ubiquitously occurring environmental compounds that are implicated in a wide range of toxicological effects. Routine measurement of PAH contamination generally involves chemical analytical analysis of a selected group of representatives, for example, EPA-16, which may result in underestimation of the PAH-related toxicity of a sample. Many high molecular weight PAHs are known ligands of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a nuclear receptor that mediates toxic effects related to these compounds. Making use of this property we developed a PAH CALUX assay, a mammalian, H4IIe- cell-based reporter assay for the hazard identification of total PAH mixtures. The PAH CALUX reporter cell line allows for specific, rapid (4 h exposure time) and reliable quantification of AhR-induced luciferase induction relative to benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), which is used as a positive reference PAH congener. Full dose response relationships with inductions over 100-fold were reached within only 2 h of exposure to BaP. The PAH CALUX is highly sensitive, that is, using a 4 h exposure time, a limit of detection (LOD) of 5.2 × 10(-11) M BaP was achieved, and highly accurate, that is, a repeatability of 5.9% and a reproducibility of 6.6% were established. Screening of a selection of PAHs that were prioritized by the European Union and/or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency showed that the PAH CALUX bioassay has a high predictability, particularly for carcinogenic PAHs. Experiments with synthetic mixtures and reference materials containing complex PAH mixtures show the suitability of the assay for these types of applications. Moreover, the presented results suggest that application of the PAH CALUX will result in a lower risk of underestimation of the toxicity of a sample than chemical analytical approaches that focus on a limited set of prioritized compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Pieterse
- BioDetection Systems BV. , Science Park 406. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Abstract
In recent years, several animal disease epidemics have occurred within the European Union (EU). At the 4th Annual Meeting of the EPIZONE network (7-10 June 2010, St. Malo, France), an interactive session was run to elicit the opinions of delegates on a pre-defined list of epidemic threats to the EU. Responses from over 190 delegates, to questions relating to impact and likelihood, were used to rank six virus groups with respect to their perceived threat now (2010) and in 2020. The combined opinions of all delegates suggested that, from the pre-selected list of virus groups, foot-and-mouth disease and influenza are currently of most concern. Delegates thought that influenza would be less of a threat and zoonotic arboviruses would be more of a threat in 2020. Although the virus group rankings should not be taken as definitive, the results could be used in conjunction with experimental and field data, by scientists, policy-makers and stakeholders when assessing and managing risks associated with these virus groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Kelly
- Centre for Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, UK.
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26
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Meijer L, Martijn A, Melessen J, Brouwer A, Weiss J, de Jong FH, Sauer PJJ. Influence of prenatal organohalogen levels on infant male sexual development: sex hormone levels, testes volume and penile length. Hum Reprod 2012; 27:867-72. [PMID: 22215630 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/der426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal exposure to endocrine disruptors, like organohalogen compounds (OHCs), might be responsible for the increased aberrations in human male sexual development (hypospadias, cryptorchidism, testicular cancer and fall in sperm count) observed over the past decades. This development is established during fetal life, and reflected in sex hormone levels, testes volume and penile length post-partum. The present study investigates the correlation between prenatal OHC levels and male sexual development outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS Levels of eight neutral [2,2'-bis-(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1'-dichloroethene (4,4'-DDE), 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl, 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE)-47, -99, -100, -153, -154 and 1,2,5,6,9,10-hexabromocyclododecane, HBCDD] and four phenolic [(pentachlorophenol (PCP), 4OH-CB-107 (4-hydroxy-2,3,3',4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl), -146 and -187)] OHCs were determined in 55 maternal serum samples taken at 35 weeks of pregnancy. Eight sex development-related hormones [testosterone, free testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG); LH, FSH, estradiol (E(2)), free E(2) (FE(2)) and inhibin B (InhB)] were determined in their sons at 3 months of age, and testes volume and penile length at 3 and 18 months of age. The following prenatal OHC levels correlated significantly with sex hormone levels: PCP with SHBG and InhB (ρ = 0.30 and -0.43, respectively), 4OH-CB-107 with testosterone (ρ = 0.31) and BDE-154 with FE(2), E(2) and InhB (ρ = 0.49, 0.54 and 0.34, respectively). BDE-154 levels correlated positively with testes volume at 18 months of age (ρ = 0.34). CONCLUSIONS Prenatal OHC exposure is correlated with aspects of sexual development outcome in boys up to 18 months of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Meijer
- Beatrix Children' s Hospital, University Medical Centre Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, PO Box 30001, Groningen 9700 RB, The Netherlands.
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27
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Gale P, Stephenson B, Brouwer A, Martinez M, de la Torre A, Bosch J, Foley-Fisher M, Bonilauri P, Lindström A, Ulrich RG, de Vos CJ, Scremin M, Liu Z, Kelly L, Muñoz MJ. Impact of climate change on risk of incursion of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus in livestock in Europe through migratory birds. J Appl Microbiol 2011; 112:246-57. [PMID: 22118269 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2011.05203.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To predict the risk of incursion of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) in livestock in Europe introduced through immature Hyalomma marginatum ticks on migratory birds under current conditions and in the decade 2075-2084 under a climate-change scenario. METHODS AND RESULTS A spatial risk map of Europe comprising 14 282 grid cells (25 × 25 km) was constructed using three data sources: (i) ranges and abundances of four species of bird which migrate from sub-Saharan Africa to Europe each spring, namely Willow warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus), Northern wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe), Tree pipit (Anthus trivialis) and Common quail (Coturnix coturnix); (ii) UK Met Office HadRM3 spring temperatures for prediction of moulting success of immature H. marginatum ticks and (iii) livestock densities. On average, the number of grid cells in Europe predicted to have at least one CCHFV incursion in livestock in spring was 1·04 per year for the decade 2005-2014 and 1·03 per year for the decade 2075-2084. In general with the assumed climate-change scenario, the risk increased in northern Europe but decreased in central and southern Europe, although there is considerable local variation in the trends. CONCLUSIONS The absolute risk of incursion of CCHFV in livestock through ticks introduced by four abundant species of migratory bird (totalling 120 million individual birds) is very low. Climate change has opposing effects, increasing the success of the moult of the nymphal ticks into adults but decreasing the projected abundance of birds by 34% in this model. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY For Europe, climate change is not predicted to increase the overall risk of incursion of CCHFV in livestock through infected ticks introduced by these four migratory bird species.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Gale
- Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency, Weybridge, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, UK.
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28
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Brouwer
- Centre for Epidemiology and Risk Analysis; Veterinary Laboratories Agency - Weybridge; Woodham Lane Addlestone Surrey KT15 3NB
| | - A. Hill
- Centre for Epidemiology and Risk Analysis; Veterinary Laboratories Agency - Weybridge; Woodham Lane Addlestone Surrey KT15 3NB
| | - M. J. Woodward
- Department of Food and Environmental Safety; Veterinary Laboratories Agency - Weybridge; Woodham Lane Addlestone Surrey KT15 3NB
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29
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Brouwer A. Mentoring for farmers in Wales. Vet Rec 2008; 163:759-760. [PMID: 19103622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
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Besselink H, Nixon E, McHugh B, Rimkus G, Klungsøyr J, Leonards P, De Boer J, Brouwer A. Evaluation of tumour promoting potency of fish borne toxaphene residues, as compared to technical toxaphene and UV-irradiated toxaphene. Food Chem Toxicol 2008; 46:2629-38. [PMID: 18558458 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2008.04.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2007] [Revised: 03/27/2008] [Accepted: 04/21/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
In this study the potential impact of food chain-based biotransformation and physico-chemical weathering of toxaphene on its tumour promoting potential was investigated in vitro and in vivo. Human exposure to toxaphene is mainly through consumption of contaminated fish, therefore fish-borne residues of toxaphene (cod liver extract, CLE) were prepared by exposing cod to technical toxaphene (TT) for 63 days. UV-irradiated toxaphene (uvT) was included to represent a physico-chemical weathered toxaphene mixture. In vitro, TT, uvT and CLE all showed a dose- and time-dependent inhibition of gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) with a relative potency of CLE>TT=uvT. Tumour promoting potency was further studied in vivo in a medium term two-stage initiation/promotion bioassay in female Sprague-Dawley rats, using an increase in altered hepatic foci positive for glutathione-S-transferase-P (AHF-GST-P) as read out. No increase in AHF-GST-P occurred following exposure to either TT, uvT, or CLE, except for the positive control group (2,3,7,8-TCDD). Based on this study the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for tumour promoting potency is at least 12.5mg/kg/week, or higher for CLE. Considering current human exposure levels in Europe it is doubtful that consumption of fish at current levels of toxaphene contamination give rise to human health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Besselink
- BioDetection Systems BV, Kruislaan 406, 1098 SM, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Borrell A, Aguilar A, Zeljkovic S, Brouwer A, Besselink HT, Koopman H, Read A, Reijnders PJH. Post-mortem stability of blubber DLCs, PCB and tDDT in by-caught harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena). Mar Pollut Bull 2007; 54:1663-6. [PMID: 17719610 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2007.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2007] [Revised: 05/08/2007] [Accepted: 05/18/2007] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A Borrell
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 645, Barcelona E-08071, Spain.
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Brouwer A. [Icterus prolongatus is a reason for laboratory investigation, also in breastfed neonates]. Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd 2005; 149:1541; author reply 1541-2. [PMID: 16033004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
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Abstract
The combinatorial bio/chemical investigation of sediments (six surface samples and one core sample) from Osaka Bay, Japan was conducted to clarify the horizontal and vertical distribution profiles of persistent organic pollutants in the sediments. Concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs), and polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) were determined by chemical analysis and compared to bioassay results using H4IIE-luc/Dioxin Responsive-Chemical Activated LUciferase eXpression (DR-CALUX). For surface sediments, World Health Organization-toxicity equivalent (WHO-TEQ) values ranged from 1.8 to 92 pg g(-1) dry weight and the bioassay-TEQ (CALUX-TEQ) values (3.7-140 pg g(-1) dry weight) yielded significant correlation with them (r2 = 0.96). On the other hand, correlation between both TEQs (for WHO-TEQ, 5.5-47 and for CALUX-TEQ, 27-76 pg g(-1) dry weight) for core samples was not so good (r2 = 0.46). Comparing the vertical profiles of CALUX-TEQ and WHO-TEQ, they were different in that WHO-TEQ reached the maximum in the 1957 core section, while CALUX-TEQ reached in the 1984 core section. CALUX-TEQ values were 1-5-fold more than WHO-TEQ values in all the surface and core samples. CALUX-TEQ values were calculated for PBDE and PBDD/F concentrations, employing their CALUX toxicity equivalent factors (CALUX-TEFs). The estimated CALUX-TEQ values obtained for the brominated compounds could explain for 11% on average (range 4.7-31%) of the experimentally obtained CALUX-TEQ values in the investigated surface sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Takigami
- Research Center for Material Cycles and Waste Management, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8506, Japan
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Waskowsky WM, Brouwer A, Verheugt FWA. [Antithrombotic therapy after myocardial infarction: arguments for the use of acetylsalicylic acid and coumarin derivatives]. Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd 2005; 149:65-71. [PMID: 15688836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Patients who survived myocardial infarction and who are being treated with the current optimal therapy (antithrombotics, statins and beta-blockers), have a 10-20% chance of death, re-infarction and stroke within in the first year. A possible explanation for this could be an increased activation and generation ofthrombin for at least 6 months following the cardiovascular event preceding preventative therapy. Acetylsalicylic acid and clopidogrel do not affect activation by thrombin of the platelet aggregation and the clotting cascade. The additional use of cumarin derivatives could therefore reduce the chance of recurring thrombotic events, and subsequently improve prognosis. Since the nineteen-nineties several randomised trials have been conducted to study the clinical relevance ofcumarin derivatives both with and without acetylsalicylic acid, in patients who had had a myocardial infarction. The conclusions of these studies were not unambiguous. If the international normalized ratio (INR) was kept > 2 for a long period, by means of frequent check-ups and effective dosage adjustment, the chance of death, recurrent myocardial infarction or stroke was 30-50% lower than when acetylsalicylic acid only was used. The risk of bleeding was raised by 2-4 times, but there were no life-threatening episodes of bleeding. In view of the recent development of anticoagulant agents, for which monitoring seems to be becoming unnecessary, identification of patients who would benefit most from a combined antithrombotic strategy is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- W M Waskowsky
- Universitair Medisch Centrum St Radboud, Hartcentrum, afd. Cardiologie, huispost 540, Postbus 91o1, 6500 HB Nijmegen
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Gutleb A, Buitenhuis C, Cenijn P, Legler J, Lilienthal H, Bergman Å, Brouwer A. 668 Effects of 4-OH-CB 107 and 4-OH-CB 187 on development and endocrine status of the rat. Toxicol Lett 2003. [DOI: 10.1016/s0378-4274(03)90667-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Soechitram SD, Chan SM, Nelson EAS, Brouwer A, Sauer PJJ. Comparison of dioxin and PCB concentrations in human breast milk samples from Hong Kong and the Netherlands. Food Addit Contam 2003; 20:65-9. [PMID: 12519720 DOI: 10.1080/0265203021000031528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The adverse effects of dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on human health are of increasing concern. These lipophilic compounds are concentrated through the food chain and are present in human milk. This study compares PCB levels in human milk samples from Hong Kong and Dutch mothers. Ten breast milk samples from Hong Kong and 10 from the Netherlands were collected during home visits between 2 and 6 weeks postpartum. Total toxic equivalence (TEQ) of dioxin and PCBs were determined using the DR-CALUX(R) bioassay. The total dioxin and PCB levels in breast milk samples for Hong Kong ranged from 3.1 to 29.9 pg TEQ g(-1) lipid and for the Netherlands from 8.9 to 89.5 pg TEQ g(-1) lipid. Despite Hong Kong's high degree of industrialization, the levels of dioxin and PCBs were fourfold lower in the Hong Kong than in the Dutch samples. This may be due to a lower dietary intake of dioxins and PCBs in Hong Kong because of lower background levels of these contaminants or to different food habits.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D Soechitram
- Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Mekenya O, Kamenska V, Serafimova R, Poellinger L, Brouwer A, Walker J. Development and validation of an average mammalian estrogen receptor-based QSAR model. SAR QSAR Environ Res 2002; 13:579-595. [PMID: 12479373 DOI: 10.1080/1062936021000020044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Development and evaluation of quantitative structure activity relationships (QSARs) for predicting estrogen receptor binding from chemical structure requires reliable algorithms for three-dimensional (3D) QSAR analysis and establishment of structurally diverse training sets of chemicals whose modes of action and measures of potency are well defined. One approach to selecting an appropriate training set is to minimize the biological variability in the model development, by using structurally restricted data sets. A second approach is to extend the structural diversity of chemicals at the cost of increased variability of biological assays. In this study, the second approach was used by organizing a training set of 151 chemicals with measured human alpha Estrogen Receptor (ERalpha), mouse uterine, rat uterine, and MCF7 cell Relative Binding Affinities (RBAs). The structurally augmented training set was submitted to a 3D pattern recognition analysis to derive a model for average mammalian ER binding affinity by employing the COmmon REactivity PAttern (COREPA) approach. Elucidation of this pattern required examination of the conformational flexibility of the compounds in an attempt to reveal areas in the multidimensional descriptor space, which are most populated by the conformers of the biologically active molecules and least populated by the inactive ones. The approach is not dependent upon a predetermined and specified toxicophore or an alignment of conformers to a lead compound. Reactivity patterns associated with mammalian ER binding affinity were obtained in terms of global nucleophilicity (E(HOMO)), interatomic distances between nucleophilic sites, and local nucleophilicity (charges or delocalizabilities) of those sites. Based on derived patterns, descriptor profiles were established for identifying and ranking compounds with RBA of > 150, 150-10, 10-1 and 1-0.1% relative to 17beta-estradiol. Specificity of reactivity profiles was found to increase gradually with increasing affinities associated with RBAs ranges under study. Using the results of this analysis, an exploratory expert system was developed for use in ranking relative mammalian ER binding affinity potential for large chemical data sets. The validity of the RBA predictions were confirmed by independent development and comparison with measured RBA values.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Mekenya
- Laboratory of Mathematical Chemistry, University As. Zlatarov, 8010 Bourgas, Bulgaria.
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Schets FM, Nobel PJ, Strating S, Mooijman KA, Engels GB, Brouwer A. EU Drinking Water Directive reference methods for enumeration of total coliforms and Escherichia coli compared with alternative methods. Lett Appl Microbiol 2002; 34:227-31. [PMID: 11874547 DOI: 10.1046/j.1472-765x.2002.01075.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The reference methods for enumeration of total coliforms and Escherichia coli as stated in the European Drinking Water Directive were compared with alternative methods. METHODS AND RESULTS Laboratories used the reference method on Lactose TTC agar (LTTC), the Colilert/18 system, Laurysulphate Agar (LSA), Chromocult Coliform Agar and the E. coli Direct Plating (DP) method. They enumerated more total coliforms on LTTC than on LSA. CONCLUSIONS LTTC is suitable for analysis of very clean water samples only, due to heavy background growth. Colilert/18 is a good alternative but it enumerates a broader group of total coliforms, resulting in higher counts. The DP method appeared to be the best choice for enumeration of E. coli because Colilert/18 produces lower counts and false-negative results. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY This study shows the limitations of the EU reference method on LTTC due to lack of selectivity and suggests alternative methods for the enumeration of total coliforms and E. coli.
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Affiliation(s)
- F M Schets
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Microbiological Laboratory for Health Protection, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
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De Guise S, Shaw SD, Barclay JS, Brock J, Brouwer A, Dewailly E, Fair PA, Fournier M, Grandjean P, Guillette LJ, Hahn ME, Koopman-Esseboom C, Letcher RJ, Matz A, Norstrom RJ, Perkins CR, Schwacke L, Skaare JU, Sowles J, St Aubin DJ, Stegeman J, Whaley JE. Consensus statement: Atlantic Coast Contaminants Workshop 2000. Environ Health Perspect 2001; 109:1301-2. [PMID: 11748039 PMCID: PMC1240514 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.011091301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- S De Guise
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-1712, USA.
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Abstract
A group of mouse aristaless-related genes has been implicated in functions in the development of the craniofacial skeleton. We have generated an Alx3 mutant allele in which the lacZ coding sequence is inserted in-frame in the Alx3 gene and the sequences encoding the conserved protein domains are deleted. Mice homozygous for this null allele are indistinguishable from wild-type mice. Compound mutants of Alx3 and Alx4, however, show severe craniofacial abnormalities that are absent in Alx4 single mutants. Alx3/Alx4 double mutant newborn mice have cleft nasal regions. Most facial bones and many other neural crest derived skull elements are malformed, truncated or even absent. The craniofacial defects in Alx3/Alx4 double mutant embryos become anatomically manifest around embryonic day 10.5, when the nasal processes appear to be abnormally positioned. This most probably leads to a failure of the medial nasal processes to fuse in the facial midline and subsequently to the split face phenotype. We detected a significant increase in apoptosis localised in the outgrowing frontonasal process in embryonic day 10.0 double mutant embryos, which we propose to be the underlying cause of the subsequent malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Beverdam
- Hubrecht Laboratory, Netherlands Institute for Developmental Biology, PO Box 85164, 3508AD Utrecht, The Netherlands
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41
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Pauwels A, Schepens PJ, D'Hooghe T, Delbeke L, Dhont M, Brouwer A, Weyler J. The risk of endometriosis and exposure to dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls: a case-control study of infertile women. Hum Reprod 2001; 16:2050-5. [PMID: 11574490 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/16.10.2050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A case-control study was designed to determine the possible association between chronic exposure to dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and the occurrence of endometriosis. The study group consisted of 42 infertile endometriosis cases and 27 mechanical infertile controls, both groups attending one of the collaborating Centres for Reproductive Medicine, enrolled between 1996-1998. METHODS Exposure assessment to dioxin-like compounds was determined through CALUX (chemical-activated luciferase gene expression)-bioassay to measure dioxin-like total toxic equivalents (dioxins and co-planar PCBs), whereas non-co-planar PCBs were determined through chemical analysis. RESULTS No association was found between median dioxin-like total toxic equivalents (TEQ) and the occurrence of endometriosis in infertile women [cases (n = 34): 29; controls (n = 27): 24; NS]. When patients were subdivided based on an arbitrary cut-off value of 100 pg TEQ/g serum lipids, no statistically significant association between very high exposure to dioxin-like compounds and endometriosis was found [crude odds ratio (OR) = 4.33; confidence interval (CI) 0.49-38.19; NS]. After adjusting for body mass index, and alcohol consumption, the risk increased slightly to OR = 4.6 (CI 0.48-43.62; NS). There was no confounding by age, ovulatory dysfunction, caffeine intake, smoking or exposure to non-co-planar PCBs. CONCLUSIONS The study results showed no statistically significant association between exposure to dioxin-like compounds and the occurrence of endometriosis in infertile women.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Pauwels
- Antwerp University, Toxicological Centre, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
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Harks EG, de Roos AD, Peters PH, de Haan LH, Brouwer A, Ypey DL, van Zoelen EJ, Theuvenet AP. Fenamates: a novel class of reversible gap junction blockers. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2001; 298:1033-41. [PMID: 11504800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The effect of fenamates on gap junctional intercellular communication was investigated in monolayers of normal rat kidney (NRK) fibroblasts and of SKHep1 cells overexpressing the gap junction protein connexin43 (Cx43). Using two different methods to study gap junctional intercellular communication, single electrode voltage-clamp step response measurements and dye microinjection, we show that fenamates are reversible blockers of Cx43-mediated intercellular communication. After adding fenamates to a confluent monolayer of electrically coupled NRK fibroblasts, the voltage step-induced capacitive current transient changed from a transient characteristic for charging multiple coupled cell capacitances to one characteristic for a single cell in isolation. The capacitance of completely uncoupled cells was 19.7 +/- 1.0 pF (mean +/- S.E.M.; n = 11). Junctional conductance between the patched cell and the surrounding cells in the monolayer changed from >140.7 +/- 9.6 nS (mean +/- S.E.M.; n = 14) to <1.4 +/- 0.4 nS (mean +/- S.E.M.; n = 11) after uncoupling. Electrical coupling could be restored to >51.8 +/- 4.2 nS (mean +/- S.E.M.; n = 11) by washout of the fenamates. Voltage-clamp step response measurements showed that the potency of fenamates in inhibiting electrical coupling decreases in the order meclofenamic acid > niflumic acid > flufenamic acid. The half-maximal concentration determined by dye-coupling experiments was 25 and 40 microM for meclofenamic acid and flufenamic acid, respectively. Inhibition of gap junctional communication by fenamates did not involve changes in intracellular calcium or pH, and was unrelated to protein kinase C activity or an inhibition of cyclooxygenase activity. Voltage-clamp step response measurements in confluent monolayers of SKHep1 cells that had been stably transfected with Cx43 revealed that fenamates are potent blockers of Cx43-mediated intercellular communication. In conclusion, fenamates represent a novel class of reversible gap junction blockers that can be used to study the role of Cx43-mediated gap junctional intercellular communication in biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- E G Harks
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Cellular Signaling, University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Cell proliferation is often studied using the incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU). Immunohistochemical staining is then used to detect BrdU in the nucleus. To circumvent the observer bias and labor-intensive nature of manually counting BrdU-labeled nuclei, an automated topographical cell proliferation analysis method is developed. METHODS Sections stained with fluorescein-labeled anti-BrdU and counterstained with To-Pro-3 are scanned using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). For every point in the image, the nucleus density of BrdU-labeled nuclei and the total nucleus density of the neighborhood of that point are calculated from the BrdU and the To-Pro-3 signal, respectively. The ratio of these densities gives an indication of the amount of cell proliferation at that point. The automated measure is validated by comparing it with the ratio of BrdU-stained nuclei to the total number of nuclei obtained from a manual count. RESULTS A positive correlation is found between the automated measure and the ratios calculated from the manual counting (r = 0.86, P < 0.001). Calculating the topographical cell proliferation using the automated method is faster and does not suffer from interobserver variability. CONCLUSIONS Automated topographical cell proliferation analysis is a fast method to objectively find differences in cell proliferation within a tissue. This can be visualized by a topographical map that corresponds to the tissue under study.
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Affiliation(s)
- E J van Raaij
- Hubrecht Laboratory, Netherlands Institute for Developmental Biology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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ten Berge D, Brouwer A, Korving J, Reijnen MJ, van Raaij EJ, Verbeek F, Gaffield W, Meijlink F. Prx1andPrx2are upstream regulators of sonic hedgehog and control cell proliferation during mandibular arch morphogenesis. Development 2001; 128:2929-38. [PMID: 11532916 DOI: 10.1242/dev.128.15.2929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The aristaless-related homeobox genes Prx1 and Prx2 are required for correct skeletogenesis in many structures. Mice that lack both Prx1 and Prx2 functions display reduction or absence of skeletal elements in the skull, face, limbs and vertebral column. A striking phenotype is found in the lower jaw, which shows loss of midline structures, and the presence of a single, medially located incisor. We investigated development of the mandibular arch of Prx1−/−Prx2−/− mutants to obtain insight into the molecular basis of the lower jaw abnormalities. We observed in mutant embryos a local decrease in proliferation of mandibular arch mesenchyme in a medial area. Interestingly, in the oral epithelium adjacent to this mesenchyme, sonic hedgehog (Shh) expression was strongly reduced, indicative of a function for Prx genes in indirect regulation of Shh. Wild-type embryos that were exposed to the hedgehog-pathway inhibitor, jervine, partially phenocopied the lower jaw defects of Prx1−/−Prx2−/− mutants. In addition, this treatment led to loss of the mandibular incisors. We present a model that describes how loss of Shh expression in Prx1−/−Prx2−/− mutants leads to abnormal morphogenesis of the mandibular arch.
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Affiliation(s)
- D ten Berge
- Hubrecht Laboratorium, Netherlands Institute for Developmental Biology, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Meerts IA, Letcher RJ, Hoving S, Marsh G, Bergman A, Lemmen JG, van der Burg B, Brouwer A. In vitro estrogenicity of polybrominated diphenyl ethers, hydroxylated PDBEs, and polybrominated bisphenol A compounds. Environ Health Perspect 2001; 109:399-407. [PMID: 11335189 PMCID: PMC1240281 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.01109399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 262] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are used in large quantities as additive flame retardants in plastics and textile materials. PBDEs are persistent compounds and have been detected in wildlife and in human adipose tissue and plasma samples. In this study, we investigated the (anti)estrogenic potencies of several PBDE congeners, three hydroxylated PBDEs (HO-PBDEs), and differently brominated bisphenol A compounds in three different cell line assays based on estrogen receptor (ER)-dependent luciferase reporter gene expression. In human T47D breast cancer cells stably transfected with an estrogen-responsive luciferase reporter gene construct (pEREtata-Luc), 11 PBDEs showed estrogenic potencies, with concentrations leading to 50% induction (EC(50)) varying from 2.5 to 7.3 microM. The luciferase induction of the most potent HO-PBDE [2-bromo-4-(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)phenol] exceeded that of estradiol (E(2)), though at concentrations 50,000 times higher. As expected, brominated bisphenol A compounds with the lowest degree of bromination showed highest estrogenic potencies (EC(50) values of 0.5 microM for 3-monobromobisphenol A). In an ER alpha-specific, stably transfected human embryonic kidney cell line (293-ER alpha-Luc), the HO-PBDE 4-(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)phenol was a highly potent estrogen with an EC(50) < 0.1 microM and a maximum 35- to 40-fold induction, which was similar to E(2). In an analogous ER beta-specific 293-ER betas-Luc cell line, the agonistic potency of the 4-(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)phenol was much lower (maximum 50% induction compared to E(2)), but EC(50) values were comparable. These results indicate that several pure PBDE congeners, but especially HO-PBDEs and brominated bisphenol A-analogs, are agonists of both ER alpha and ER beta receptors, thus stimulating ER-mediated luciferase induction in vitro. These data also suggest that in vivo metabolism of PBDEs may produce more potent pseudoestrogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- I A Meerts
- Toxicology Group, Wageningen University and Research Center, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
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de Haan L, Hooijerink D, Bor G, Murk AJ, Brouwer A. Estrogenic activity of estradiol and its metabolites in the ER-CALUX assay with human T47D breast cells. APMIS 2001; 109:101-7. [PMID: 11398990 DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0463.2001.d01-110.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
A number of metabolites of 17beta-estradiol were tested for their estrogenic activity using the ER-CA-LUX assay based on the increased expression of luciferase in exposed T47D breast cancer cells. E2beta and estrone showed similar potencies in the test, whereas E2alpha was 100 times less active. Incubation of cells with estrone (0.35 microM) resulted in the formation of E2beta, whereas the reverse reaction was observed for E2beta. The resulting equilibrium may explain the similar estrogenic potency of estrone in the test. The synthetic 17-hydroxy benzoate ester of E2beta was 3 times less active than the parent compound. The 17-hydroxy palmitate and oleate esters of E2beta, were respectively 25 and 200 times less active than the parent compound. The 2-hydroxy metabolites of E2beta and estrone showed a 5,000 to 10,000 fold lower activity. The 4-hydroxy metabolites were more potent than the 2-hydroxy metabolites, showing only a 20-200 times lower activity. The 2- and 4-methoxyesters of estrone were 700 times less active. It is concluded that the estrogenic potency of metabolites formed in cattle after treatment with E2beta, like estrone, E2alpha and especially the esters of E2beta, may be significant with respect to the potential risk of the use of estradiol for growth promotion in domestic animals in certain countries.
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van der Plas SA, Lutkeschipholt I, Spenkelink B, Brouwer A. Effects of subchronic exposure to complex mixtures of dioxin-like and non-dioxin-like polyhalogenated aromatic compounds on thyroid hormone and vitamin A levels in female Sprague-Dawley rats. Toxicol Sci 2001; 59:92-100. [PMID: 11134548 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/59.1.92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the effects of subchronic exposure to complex mixtures of polyhalogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (PHAHs) on the thyroid hormone and retinoid status in female Sprague-Dawley rats and to investigate the predictability of these effects by the toxic equivalency factor (TEF) concept. In the first experiment, the focus was on a complex dioxin-like PHAH mixture, which covered > 90% of the total toxic equivalents (TEQ) present in Baltic herring. In the second experiment, the contribution of non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) was investigated by testing the commercial PCB mixture Aroclor 1260, its 0-1 ortho and 2-4 ortho fractions and the reconstituted 0-4 ortho fraction. Hepatic retinoid levels were severely decreased ( approximately 70%) after treatment with the dioxin-like PHAH mixture, similar to the effect of a TEQ equivalent dose of 1 microg 2,3,7,8-TCDD/kg bw/week. However, the TEF concept failed to predict the effect on plasma retinol; a decrease (21%) was observed after treatment with the PHAH mixture, whereas an increase (21%) was found after treatment with TCDD. A more severe decrease of total thyroid hormone in plasma was observed after exposure to the PHAH mixture compared to treatment with TCDD ( approximately 60% vs. 38%). The discrepancy found between the predicted and observed effects for plasma retinol and thyroid hormone is possibly due to an additional effect of hydroxylated PCBs, formed from metabolizable PCBs present in the PHAH mixture. Aroclor 1260 and its fractions did not significantly alter the retinoid and thyroid hormone status at the dose levels tested, indicating that in case of exposure to complex PCB mixtures at environmental levels, no effects, or at best, only marginal effects can be expected on the retinoid and thyroid hormone status.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A van der Plas
- Department of Food Technology & Nutritional Sciences, Toxicology Group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 8000, 6700 EA Wageningen, The Netherlands
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van der Plas SA, Sundberg H, van den Berg H, Scheu G, Wester P, Jensen S, Bergman A, de Boer J, Koeman JH, Brouwer A. Contribution of planar (0-1 ortho) and nonplanar (2-4 ortho) fractions of Aroclor 1260 to the induction of altered hepatic foci in female Sprague-Dawley rats. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2000; 169:255-68. [PMID: 11133348 DOI: 10.1006/taap.2000.9058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The hepatic tumor promoting activity of the planar 0-1 ortho ( approximately 9.7% w/w) and the nonplanar 2-4 ortho ( approximately 90.3% w/w) fraction of the commercial PCB mixture Aroclor 1260 was studied using a medium-term two-stage initiation/promotion bioassay in female Sprague-Dawley rats. Fractionation was carried out on an activated charcoal column. The composition of the effluent from the column was tested by GC-ECD. The absence of planar compounds in the 2-4 ortho fraction was confirmed by GC-MS analysis. The dioxin-like toxic potency of the fractions was determined with the DR-CALUX assay. The animal experiment was started with the initiation procedure (diethylnitrosamine injection, 30 mg/kg body wt ip, 24 h after (2)/(3) hepatectomy), followed 6 weeks later by the promotion treatment, which consisted of a weekly subcutaneous injection during 20 weeks. Exposure groups (n = 10) received the following treatments (dose/kg body wt/week): Aroclor 1260 (10 mg), 0-1 ortho fraction (0.97 mg), 2-4 ortho fraction (1, 3, or 9 mg), a reconstituted 0-4 ortho fraction (9.97 mg), 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 153; 1 or 9 mg), 2,3,7,8-TCDD (1 microg; positive control) or corn oil (1 ml; vehicle control). One group did not receive a promotion treatment. All exposure groups exhibited a significantly increased volume fraction of the liver occupied by hepatic foci positive for the placental form of glutathione-S-transferase-p compared to the corn oil control, except for the groups treated with 0-1 ortho fraction and 1 mg PCB 153/kg body wt/week. Approximately 80% of the total tumor promoting capacity of the reconstituted 0-4 ortho fraction could be explained by the 2-4 ortho PCB fraction while the 0-1 ortho fraction had only a negligible contribution. These results suggest that the majority of the tumor promotion potential of PCB mixtures resides in the non-dioxin-like fraction, which is not taken into account in the toxic equivalency factor (TEF) approach for risk assessment of PCBs. This may result in an underestimation of the tumor promotion potential of environmental PCB mixtures.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A van der Plas
- Department of Food Technology and Nutritional Sciences, Agricultural University Wageningen, 6700 EA Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Trnovec T, Kocan A, Langer P, Sovcikova E, Tajtakova M, Bergman A, Berg MV, Brouwer A, Machala M, Winneke G, Sampson B, Brunekreef B, Bencko V. Project proposal. Evaluating human health risk from low-dose and long-term exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls. Endocr Regul 2000; 34:167-8. [PMID: 11074667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- T Trnovec
- Institute of Preventive and Clinical Medicine, Bratislava, Slovakia
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Ghosh M, Meerts IA, Cook A, Bergman A, Brouwer A, Johnson LN. Structure of human transthyretin complexed with bromophenols: a new mode of binding. Acta Crystallogr D Biol Crystallogr 2000; 56:1085-95. [PMID: 10957627 DOI: 10.1107/s0907444900008568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2000] [Accepted: 06/16/2000] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The binding of two organohalogen substances, pentabromophenol (PBP) and 2,4,6-tribromophenol (TBP), to human transthyretin (TTR), a thyroid hormone transport protein, has been studied by in vitro competitive binding assays and by X-ray crystallography. Both compounds bind to TTR with high affinity, in competition with the natural ligand thyroxine (T(4)). The crystal structures of the TTR-PBP and TTR-TBP complexes show some unusual binding patterns for the ligands. They bind exclusively in the 'reversed' mode, with their hydroxyl group pointing towards the mouth of the binding channel and in planes approximately perpendicular to that adopted by the T(4) phenolic ring in a TTR-T(4) complex, a feature not observed before. The hydroxyl group in the ligands, which was previously thought to be a key ingredient for a strong binding to TTR, does not seem to play an important role in the binding of these compounds to TTR. In the TTR-PBP complex, it is primarily the halogens which interact with the TTR molecule and therefore must account for the strong affinity of binding. The interactions with the halogens are smaller in number in TTR-TBP and there is a decrease in affinity, even though the interaction with the hydroxyl group is stronger than that in the TTR-PBP complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ghosh
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, Department of Biochemistry, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, England.
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