Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on cancer has yet to be fully elucidated.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on cancer.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov databases up to July 15, 2023, to identify eligible randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials that lasted at least ≥24 weeks. The primary outcome was the overall cancer incidence, and the secondary outcomes were the incidences of various types of cancer. We used the Mantel-Haenszel method, fixed effects model, risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) to analyze dichotomous variables. Subgroup analysis was performed based on the SGLT2 inhibitor type, baseline conditions, and follow-up duration. All meta-analyses were performed using RevMan5.4.1 and Stata MP 16.0.

RESULTS

A total of 58 publications (59 trials) were included, comprising 113,909 participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or chronic kidney disease and/or high cardiovascular risk and/or heart failure (SGLT2 inhibitor group, 63864; placebo group, 50045). Compared to the placebo SGLT2 inhibitors did not significantly increase the overall incidence of cancer (RR 1.01; 95% CI 0.94-1.08; p = 0.82). However, ertugliflozin did significantly increase the overall incidence of cancer (RR 1.29; 95% CI 1.01-1.64; p = 0.04). SGLT2 inhibitors did not increase the risks of bladder or breast cancer. However, dapagliflozin did significantly reduce the risk of bladder cancer by 47% (RR 0.53; 95% CI 0.35-0.81; p = 0.003). SGLT2 inhibitors had no significant effect on the risks of gastrointestinal, thyroid, skin, respiratory, prostate, uterine/endometrial, hepatic and pancreatic cancers. Dapagliflozin reduced the risk of respiratory cancer by 26% (RR 0.74; 95% CI 0.55-1.00; p = 0.05). SGLT2 inhibitors (particularly mediated by dapagliflozin and ertugliflozin but not statistically significant) were associated with a greater risk of renal cancer than the placebo (RR 1.39; 95% CI 1.04-1.87; p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

SGLT2 inhibitors did not significantly increase the overall risk of cancer or the risks of bladder and breast cancers. However, the higher risk of renal cancer associated with SGLT2 inhibitors warrants concern.

Effects of ferritin heavy chain on oxidative stress, cell proliferation and apoptosis in geese follicular granulosa cells

1. The ferritin heavy chain (FHC) has a vital impact on follicular development in geese, due to its ability to regulate apoptosis of granulosa cells (GCs) and follicular atresia. However, its specific regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. The present study characterised how FHC regulates oxidative stress, cell proliferation and apoptosis in goose GCs by interfering with and overexpressing the FHC gene.2. After 72 h of interference with FHC expression, the activity of GCs decreased remarkably (p < 0.05), reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and the expression levels of antioxidant enzyme genes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) increased significantly (p < 0.05). The overexpression of FHC for 72 h was found to significantly reduce the expression of CAT and SOD genes (p < 0.05).3. Interfering with FHC expression revealed that the expression levels of the cell proliferation gene Aurora kinase A (AURORA-A) were significantly decreased (p < 0.05), while the expression levels of the apoptosis genes B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) and cysteine aspartate-specific protease 8 (CASPASE 8) increased (p < 0.05). Further research has shown that, when interfering with FHC expression for 72 h, apoptosis rate increased by 1.19-fold (p < 0.05), but the current data showed a lower apoptosis rate after FHC overexpression by 59.41%, 63.39%, and 52.31% at three different treatment times (p < 0.05).4. In conclusion, FHC improved the antioxidant capacity of GCs, promotes GCs proliferation, and inhibits GCs apoptosis of ovarian follicles in Sichuan white geese.

Compound bioengineering protein supplementation improves intestinal health and growth performance of broilers

Currently, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are of growing interest as potential substitutes for antibiotic growth promoters in animal production. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of bioengineering artificial Parasin I protein (API) and artificial plectasin protein (APL) (named as compound bioengineering protein, CBP) on growth performance and intestinal health of broilers. A total of 450 one-day-old Arbor Acres male healthy broilers were randomly allotted to 5 dietary groups with 10 replicates of 9 individuals in each replicate and supplemented with 0, 250, 500, 750, and 1,000 mg/kg CBP for 6 wk. Dietary CBP supplementation increased (P < 0.01) body weight (6 wk), average daily gain (0-6 wk), and average daily feed intake (3-6 wk and 0-6 wk). CBP addition enhanced antioxidant capacity, which was accompanied by the higher (P < 0.05) activity of serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) (750 mg/kg), jejunal glutathione peroxidase (750 mg/kg), and T-AOC (500 and 1,000 mg/kg). Dietary CBP addition improved intestinal health, reflecting by the increased (P < 0.05) villus height to crypt depth ratio in the duodenum, the upregulated (P < 0.01) mRNA levels of claudin-1 (500 and 750 mg/kg) in the ileum, the downregulated (P < 0.01) mRNA expression of occludin (500 mg/kg) in the duodenum and claudin-1 (500 mg/kg) and occludin (500 and 750 mg/kg) in the jejunum, and the upregulated mRNA expression of (P < 0.01) mucin2 (MUC2) (1,000 mg/kg) in the duodenum. In addition, CBP upregulated (P < 0.01) IL-10 (1,000 mg/kg) in duodenum and ileum, and downregulated (P < 0.05) the mRNA expression of IL-6 (750 and 1,000 mg/kg), interferon-γ (1,000 mg/kg) in the jejunum and TNF-α (250 mg/kg) in the ileum. Furthermore, dietary CBP increased (P < 0.01) the abundance of total bacteria and Lactobacillus (500 and 750 mg/kg), and reduced (P < 0.05) the abundance of Escherichia coli (750 mg/kg) in the cecum. In conclusion, CBP supplementation enhances the antioxidant capacity, intestinal health, immune function, and ameliorates the gut microflora population, thus improving the growth performance of broilers. Dietary supplementation of 750 mg/kg CBP exhibits a better beneficial effect.

Curcumin nanoparticles and the therapeutic potential of curcumin for musculoskeletal disorders

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are a collection of degenerative conditions impacting the body's bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. MSDs affect approximately 1.71 billion individuals worldwide and are a significant cause of disability. Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor properties. In this review, we will discuss the research progress of structural analogs, derivatives, and nanomaterials that can improve the bioavailability of this natural drug. Curcumin may potentially retard the progression of osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. These effects may be related to curcumin's targeting of multiple signalling pathways.

Risk factors for delirium among patients with advanced cancer in palliative care: a multicenter, patient-based registry cohort in South Korea

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies have comprehensively investigated the prevalence and various potential risk factors for delirium among patients with advanced cancer admitted to the acute palliative care unit (APCU). Our objective was to evaluate the comprehensive association between delirium and various risk factors among patients with advanced cancer in an acute palliative care setting using a patient-based multicenter registry cohort.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a multicenter, patient-based registry cohort study collected in South Korea between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020. Delirium was identified using a medical record review based on the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition.

RESULTS

In total, 2,124 eligible patients with advanced cancer in the APCU met the inclusion criteria. There were 127 out of 2,124 patients (prevalence, 6.0%; 95% CI, 5.0 to 7.1) with delirium during admission. Delirium in patients with advanced cancer was associated with age >70 years (OR, 1.793; 95% CI, 1.246 to 2.581), male sex (OR, 1.675; 95% CI, 1.131 to 2.479), no chemotherapy during hospitalization (OR, 2.019; 95% CI, 1.236 to 3.298), hearing impairment (OR, 3.566; 95% CI, 1.176 to 10.810), underweight (OR, 1.826; 95% CI, 1.067 to 3.124), current use of opioid medication (OR, 1.942; 95% CI, 1.264 to 2.982), previous history of delirium (OR, 12.497; 95% CI, 6.920 to 22.568), and mental illness (OR, 2.333; 95% CI, 1.251 to 4.352).

CONCLUSIONS

In a large-scale multicenter patient-based registry cohort, delirium was associated with old age, male sex, no chemotherapy during hospitalization, hearing impairment, underweight, current use of opioid medication, and a history of delirium and mental illness. Our findings suggest physicians should pay attention to delirium in patients with advanced cancer admitted to the APCU with the above risk factors.

Abstract B016: Aberrant age-related methylation leads to tumor predisposition in colorectal organoids

Aging is one of the greatest risk factors for cancers, and epigenetic changes involving DNA methylation show close similarities during age-related cellular processes and tumor development. We have shown orthogonal relationships between the accrual of aberrant DNA methylation changes associated with cell division cycles during senescence and transformation. Consequently, we have hypothesized that while both senescent and proliferative aging cells coexist in the same tissues, the risk for cancer most likely comes from, and due to, epigenetic changes occurring in the latter, long-term, self-renewing cells. Using colon organoid models, we have studied the importance of genes undergoing DNA methylation mediated silencing during aging and their role in predisposing to tumorigenesis. Analyses of the in vivo and ex vivo aging-associated epigenetic/expression changes indicate the importance of age-related aberrant methylation in tumor promoting states.

Citation Format: Daniel A. Petkovich, Rachael Powers, Yong Tao, Byunghak Kang Nibedita Patel, Kathy Gabrielson, Rafael de Cabo, Stephen B. Baylin, Hariharan P. Easwaran. Aberrant age-related methylation leads to tumor predisposition in colorectal organoids [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Aging and Cancer; 2022 Nov 17-20; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;83(2 Suppl_1):Abstract nr B016.

Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab versus lenvatinib or sorafenib in non-viral unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: an international propensity score matching analysis

BACKGROUND

A growing body of evidence suggests that non-viral hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) might benefit less from immunotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We carried out a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from consecutive patients with non-viral advanced HCC, treated with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab, lenvatinib, or sorafenib, in 36 centers in 4 countries (Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, and UK). The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS) with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab versus lenvatinib. Secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab versus lenvatinib, and OS and PFS with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab versus sorafenib. For the primary and secondary endpoints, we carried out the analysis on the whole population first, and then we divided the cohort into two groups: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) population and non-NAFLD/NASH population.

RESULTS

One hundred and ninety patients received atezolizumab plus bevacizumab, 569 patients received lenvatinib, and 210 patients received sorafenib. In the whole population, multivariate analysis showed that treatment with lenvatinib was associated with a longer OS [hazard ratio (HR) 0.65; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.44-0.95; P = 0.0268] and PFS (HR 0.67; 95% CI 0.51-0.86; P = 0.002) compared to atezolizumab plus bevacizumab. In the NAFLD/NASH population, multivariate analysis confirmed that lenvatinib treatment was associated with a longer OS (HR 0.46; 95% CI 0.26-0.84; P = 0.0110) and PFS (HR 0.55; 95% CI 0.38-0.82; P = 0.031) compared to atezolizumab plus bevacizumab. In the subgroup of non-NAFLD/NASH patients, no difference in OS or PFS was observed between patients treated with lenvatinib and those treated with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab. All these results were confirmed following propensity score matching analysis. By comparing patients receiving atezolizumab plus bevacizumab versus sorafenib, no statistically significant difference in survival was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The present analysis conducted on a large number of advanced non-viral HCC patients showed for the first time that treatment with lenvatinib is associated with a significant survival benefit compared to atezolizumab plus bevacizumab, in particular in patients with NAFLD/NASH-related HCC.

New management unit for conservation of the Endangered green turtle Chelonia mydas at the Xisha (Paracel) Islands, South China Sea

The Qilianyu cluster of the Xisha (Paracel) Islands has one of the few remaining green turtle Chelonia mydas rookeries in the China region. Genetic samples were obtained from dead green turtle embryos and hatchlings salvaged from post-hatched nests at Middle Island (n = 3), North Island (n = 9) and South Sand (n = 1) of the Qilianyu cluster in 2017-2019. The ~800 bp mitochondrial DNA control region was sequenced from the samples, and 5 haplotypes were identified belonging to 2 documented clades (clades III and VIII), including 2 new haplotypes (CmP243.1 and CmP244.1) and 3 previously reported haplotypes (CmP18.1, CmP19.1, CmP20.1). These results were combined with previously published mtDNA data for the Qilianyu cluster and nearby (~93 km) Yongle Islands indicating a lack of differentiation based on truncated 384 bp control region sequences (exact test, p = 0.0997; FST = 0.015, p = 0.2760), to represent a single Xisha Islands rookery. The rookery at the Xisha Islands was significantly differentiated (p < 0.01) from all 19 management units (MUs) documented in the Indo-Pacific and Japan regions, supporting recognition of the Xisha Islands rookery as a new independent MU. The results will help inform national and international conservation action plans by China and the countries around the South China Sea to protect green turtles in the West Pacific Ocean.

Effect of supplementing hydroxy selenomethionine on meat quality of yellow feather broiler

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementing hydroxy selenomethionine (OH-SeMet) on performance, selenium (Se) deposition in the breast muscle, quality and oxidative stability, and expression of selenoprotein encoding genes of breast meat of the native slow-growing yellow-feathered broiler birds. A total of 375 one-day-old local yellow male birds were randomly assigned into 5 dietary treatments, supplemented with Se 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 mg/kg in the form of OH-SeMet. Each treatment consisted of 5 replicates and each replicate had 15 birds, the birds were fed on basal diet containing corn and soybean meal, and the experiment lasted for 63 d. The results showed that dietary Se supplementation linearly increased (P < 0.001) Se contents in both serum and muscle, no significant changes (P > 0.05) were observed on growth performance, yield of breast, meat color, and intramuscular fat deposition of the breast muscle. Dietary Se addition improved water-holding capacity, the pH_24h value, and tenderness of breast muscle, evidenced by a linear decreases of shear force (P < 0.05), accompanied by lower thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and higher glutathione reductase activity. The mRNA abundance of selenoprotein encoding genes also responded to dietary Se levels. It is concluded that, dietary supplementation with OH-SeMet improved muscular Se deposition and meat quality of the native yellow birds, with enhanced antioxidant capability and regulation in selenogenome.

Effect of different types of sugar on gut physiology and microbiota in overfed goose

To explored the difference of goose fatty liver formation induced-by different types of sugar from the intestinal physiology and the gut microflora, an integrated analysis of intestinal physiology and gut microbiota metagenomes was performed using samples collected from the geese including the normal-feeding geese and the overfed geese which were overfed with maize flour or overfeeding dietary supplementation with 10% sugar (glucose, fructose or sucrose, respectively), respectively. The results showed that the foie gras weight of the fructose group and the sucrose group was heavier (P < 0.05) than other groups. Compared with the control group, the ileum weight was significantly higher (P < 0.01), and the cecum weight was significantly lower in the sugar treatment groups (P < 0.001). Compared with the control group, the ratio of villi height to crypt depth in the fructose group was the highest in jejunum (P < 0.05); the trypsin activity of the ileum was higher in the fructose group and the sucrose group (P < 0.05). At the phylum level, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were the main intestinal flora of geese; and the abundance of Firmicutes in the jejunum was higher in the sugar treatment groups than that of the maize flour group. At the genus level, the abundance of Lactobacillus in the jejunum was higher (P < 0.05) in the sugar treatment groups than that of the maize flour group. In conclusion, forced-feeding diet supplementation with sugar induced stronger digestion and absorption capacity, increased the abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes and the abundance of Lactobacillus (especially fructose and sucrose) in the gut. So, the fructose and sucrose had higher induction on hepatic steatosis in goose fatty liver formation.

Systemic deletion of Atp7b modifies the hepatocytes' response to copper overload in the mouse models of Wilson disease

Wilson disease (WD) is caused by inactivation of the copper transporter Atp7b and copper overload in tissues. Mice with Atp7b deleted either globally (systemic inactivation) or only in hepatocyte recapitulate various aspects of human disease. However, their phenotypes vary, and neither the common response to copper overload nor factors contributing to variability are well defined. Using metabolic, histologic, and proteome analyses in three Atp7b-deficient mouse strains, we show that global inactivation of Atp7b enhances and specifically modifies the hepatocyte response to Cu overload. The loss of Atp7b only in hepatocytes dysregulates lipid and nucleic acid metabolisms and increases the abundance of respiratory chain components and redox balancing enzymes. In global knockouts, independently of their background, the metabolism of lipid, nucleic acid, and amino acids is inhibited, respiratory chain components are down-regulated, inflammatory response and regulation of chromosomal replication are enhanced. Decrease in glucokinase and lathosterol oxidase and elevation of mucin-13 and S100A10 are observed in all Atp7b mutant strains and reflect the extent of liver injury. The magnitude of proteomic changes in Atp7b-/- animals inversely correlates with the metallothioneins levels rather than liver Cu content. These findings facilitate identification of WD-specific metabolic and proteomic changes for diagnostic and treatment.

Liposomal irinotecan plus fluorouracil/leucovorin versus FOLFIRINOX as the second-line chemotherapy for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer: a multicenter retrospective study of the Korean Cancer Study Group (KCSG)

Background

There is no clear consensus on the recommended second-line treatment for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer who have disease progression following gemcitabine-based therapy. We retrospectively evaluated the clinical outcomes of liposomal irinotecan (nal-IRI) plus fluorouracil/leucovorin (FL) and FOLFIRINOX (fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin) in patients who had failed on the first-line gemcitabine-based therapy.

Patients and methods

From January 2015 to August 2019, 378 patients with MPC who had received nal-IRI/FL (n = 104) or FOLFIRINOX (n = 274) as second-line treatment across 11 institutions were included in this retrospective study.

Results

There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between groups, except age and first-line regimens. With a median follow-up of 6 months, the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 3.7 months with nal-IRI/FL versus 4.6 months with FOLFIRINOX (P = 0.44). Median overall survival (OS) was 7.7 months with nal-IRI/FL versus 9.7 months with FOLFRINOX (P = 0.13). There was no significant difference in PFS and OS between the two regimens in the univariate and multivariate analyses. The subgroup analysis revealed that younger age (<70 years) was associated with better OS with FOLFIRINOX. In contrast, older age (≥70 years) was associated with better survival outcomes with nal-IRI/FL. Adverse events were manageable with both regimens; however, the incidence of grade 3 or higher neutropenia and peripheral neuropathy was higher in patients treated with FOLFIRINOX than with nal-IRI/FL.

Conclusions

Second-line nal-IRI/FL and FOLFIRINOX showed similar effectiveness outcomes after progression following first-line gemcitabine-based therapy. Age could be the determining factor for choosing the appropriate second-line therapy.

•

This multicenter retrospective study investigated nal-IRI/FL and FOLFIRINOX outcomes after gemcitabine-based therapy.

•

We found no significant differences in outcome between nal-IRI/FL and FOLFIRINOX treatment.

•

Both regimens were well tolerated; however, neutropenia and peripheral neuropathy were more frequent with FOLFIRINOX.

•

Age (cut-off, 70 years) showed differential efficacy between chemotherapy regimens.

Comparison of overfeeding effects on gut physiology and microbiota in two goose breeds

To have a better understanding of how the “gut–liver axis” mediates the lipid deposition in the liver, a comparison of overfeeding influence on intestine physiology and microbiota between Gang Goose and Tianfu Meat Goose was performed in this study. After force-feeding, compared with Gang Goose, Tianfu Meat Goose had better fat storage capacity in liver (397.94 vs. 166.54 for foie gras weight (g), P < 0.05; 6.37 vs. 2.92% for the ratio of liver to body, P < 0.05; 60.01 vs. 46.64% for fat content, P < 0.05) and the less subcutaneous adipose tissue weight (1240.96 g vs. 1440.46 g, P < 0.05). After force-feeding, the digestion–absorption capacity of Tianfu Meat Goose was higher than that of Gang Goose (5.56 vs. 3.64 and 4.63 vs. 3.68 for the ratio of villus height to crypt depth in duodenum and ileum, respectively, P < 0.05; 1394.96 vs. 782.59 and 1314.76 vs. 766.17 for the invertase activity (U/mg-prot), in duodenum and ileum, respectively, P < 0.05; 6038.36 vs. 3088.29 and 4645.29 vs. 3927.61 for the activity of maltase (U/mg-prot), in duodenum and ileum, respectively, P < 0.05). Force-feeding decreased the gene expression of Escherichia coli in the ileum of Tianfu Meat Goose; force-feeding increased the number of gut microbiota Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus-Polymerase Chain Reaction band in Tianfu Meat Goose and decreased the number in Gang Goose. In conclusion, compared with Gang Goose, the lipid deposition in the liver and the intestine digestion–absorption capacity and stability were higher in Tianfu Meat Goose. Thereby, Tianfu Meat Goose is the better breed for foie gras production for prolonged force-feeding; Gang Goose possesses better fat storage capacity in subcutaneous adipose tissue. However, Gang Goose has lower gut stability responding to force-feeding, so Gang Goose is suited to force-feeding in a short time to gain the body weight and subcutaneous fat as an overfed duck for roast duck.

Strong correlation between flux pinning and epitaxial strain in the GdBa2Cu3O7-x /La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 nanocrystalline heterostructure

The effect of magnetic flux pinning is investigated in GdBa₂Cu₃O₇ (GdBCO) thin films with two different types of ferromagnetic La_0.7Sr_0.3MnO₃ (LSMO) buffers (nanoparticles and a layer) deposited on an STO substrate. Magnetization analyses reveal the presence of multiple flux pinning mechanisms responsible for the improvement in the critical current density of GdBCO films. While core pinning becomes a dominant pinning mechanism in GdBCO films with LSMO nanoparticles, a hybrid effect of magnetic-volume and core-point pinning is observed in GdBCO films with LSMO layers. Examinations of local structures for both LSMO and GdBCO using extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (EXAFS) exhibit a close relation between the parameters in the pinning force scaling and the length ratio of the Mn–O bond to the Cu–O bond. This result implies that the origin of core pinning is probably attributed to epitaxial strain induced by lattice mismatch between LSMO and GdBCO. Therefore, an appropriate strain state of LSMO is required for an effective operation of magnetic pinning.

The effect of magnetic flux pinning is investigated in GdBa₂Cu₃O₇ (GdBCO) thin films with two different types of ferromagnetic La_0.7Sr_0.3MnO₃ (LSMO) buffers (nanoparticles and a layer) deposited on an STO substrate.

Characterization of an Unusual Mesenchymal Tumor in the Proventriculus of a Free-ranging Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)

An adult, female red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) was presented for examination after being found unable to fly on a private citizen's property. Further diagnostic testing revealed a vascular, soft tissue mass arising from the serosal surface of the proximal proventriculus. Postmortem histological and immunohistochemical examination of the mass revealed an unusual mesenchymal tumor with features consistent with a leiomyoma or low-grade gastrointestinal stromal tumor.

Association Between the Use of Benzodiazepines and the Occurrence of Acute Angle-closure Glaucoma in the Elderly: A Population-based Study

Introduction

Acute angle-closure glaucoma (AACG) is an ophthalmic emergency, accompanied with severe eye pain, headache, and visual changes because of acute intraocular pressure elevation. Among psychotropic drugs, several antidepressants, typical antipsychotics with strong anticholinergic effects, and topiramate have been known to increase a possibility of AACG. Benzodiazepines have been used widely in the treatment of mental and physical illnesses regardless of age or indication. Since benzodiazepines have some anticholinergic properties and affect pupillae muscles, their use could be theoretically a risk factor for AACG. However, it is unclear whether benzodiazepines actually increase the risk of AACG. To our knowledge, there was no population-based study on the risk of benzodiazepines to the occurrence of AACG.

Objectives/aims

To know whether benzodiazepines increase the risk of AACG in a geriatric population.

Methods

We will perform a case-control study using a geriatric cohort from the National Health Insurance database. Case subjects will be defined as cases diagnosed with AACG confirmed by the claim data of laser iridotomy, which is the definitive treatment of AACG. The controls, which were not diagnosed with AACG, will be matched with case subjects according to similar age, sex, and the scores of the Charlson comorbidity index.

Results

The data handling and statistical analyses will be executed in autumn and winter 2016.

Conclusions

Any preliminary findings of this study will be presented at the EPA 2017. We will discuss the importance of a pharmaco-epidemiological study in the geriatric research.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

ZCCHC8, the nuclear exosome targeting component, is mutated in familial pulmonary fibrosis and is required for telomerase RNA maturation

In this study, Gable et al. follow a family with early onset pulmonary fibrosis and report the discovery of a new genetic cause of pulmonary fibrosis. They use multidimensional analysis methods, involving molecular studies, mouse model, and transcriptome-wide studies to show that heterozygous loss-of-function of the exosomal targeting protein ZCCHC8 to identify a novel cause of telomerase insufficiency in human disease.

Short telomere syndromes manifest as familial idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; they are the most common premature aging disorders. We used genome-wide linkage to identify heterozygous loss of function of ZCCHC8, a zinc-knuckle containing protein, as a cause of autosomal dominant pulmonary fibrosis. ZCCHC8 associated with TR and was required for telomerase function. In ZCCHC8 knockout cells and in mutation carriers, genomically extended telomerase RNA (TR) accumulated at the expense of mature TR, consistent with a role for ZCCHC8 in mediating TR 3′ end targeting to the nuclear RNA exosome. We generated Zcchc8-null mice and found that heterozygotes, similar to human mutation carriers, had TR insufficiency but an otherwise preserved transcriptome. In contrast, Zcchc8^−/− mice developed progressive and fatal neurodevelopmental pathology with features of a ciliopathy. The Zcchc8^−/− brain transcriptome was highly dysregulated, showing accumulation and 3′ end misprocessing of other low-abundance RNAs, including those encoding cilia components as well as the intronless replication-dependent histones. Our data identify a novel cause of human short telomere syndromes-familial pulmonary fibrosis and uncover nuclear exosome targeting as an essential 3′ end maturation mechanism that vertebrate TR shares with replication-dependent histones.

Aging-like Spontaneous Epigenetic Silencing Facilitates Wnt Activation, Stemness, and BrafV600E-Induced Tumorigenesis

We addressed the precursor role of aging-like spontaneous promoter DNA hypermethylation in initiating tumorigenesis. Using mouse colon-derived organoids, we show that promoter hypermethylation spontaneously arises in cells mimicking the human aging-like phenotype. The silenced genes activate the Wnt pathway, causing a stem-like state and differentiation defects. These changes render aged organoids profoundly more sensitive than young ones to transformation by BrafV600E, producing the typical human proximal BRAFV600E-driven colon adenocarcinomas characterized by extensive, abnormal gene-promoter CpG-island methylation, or the methylator phenotype (CIMP). Conversely, CRISPR-mediated simultaneous inactivation of a panel of the silenced genes markedly sensitizes to BrafV600E-induced transformation. Our studies tightly link aging-like epigenetic abnormalities to intestinal cell fate changes and predisposition to oncogene-driven colon tumorigenesis.

Pathogenic and phylogenetic characteristics of non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli isolates from retail meats in South Korea

Herein, we report the pathogenic and phylogenetic characteristics of seven Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) isolates from 434 retail meats collected in Korea during 2006 to 2012. The experimental analyses revealed that all isolates (i) were identified as non-O157 STEC, including O91:H14 (3 isolates), O121:H10 (2 isolates), O91:H21 (1 isolate), and O18:H20 (1 isolate), (ii) carried diverse Stx subtype genes (stx₁, stx_2c, stx_2e, or stx₁ + stx_2b) whose expression levels varied strain by strain, and (iii) lacked the locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE) pathogenicity island, a major virulence factor of STEC, but they possessed one or more alternative virulence genes encoding cytotoxins (Cdt and SubAB) and/or adhesins (Saa, Iha, and EcpA). Notably, a significant heterogeneity in glutamate-induced acid resistance was observed among the STEC isolates (p < 0.05). In addition, phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that all three STEC O91:H14 isolates were categorized into sequence type (ST) 33, of which two beef isolates were identical in their pulsotypes. Similar results were observed with two O121:H10 pork isolates (ST641; 88.2% similarity). Interestingly, 96.0% of the 100 human STEC isolates collected in Korea during 2003 to 2014 were serotyped as O91:H14, and the ST33 lineage was confirmed in approximately 72.2% (13/18 isolates) of human STEC O91:H14 isolates from diarrheal patients.

DNA Methylation Patterns Separate Senescence from Transformation Potential and Indicate Cancer Risk

Overall shared DNA methylation patterns between senescence (Sen) and cancers have led to the model that tumor-promoting epigenetic patterns arise through senescence. We show that transformation-associated methylation changes arise stochastically and independently of programmatic changes during senescence. Promoter hypermethylation events in transformation involve primarily pro-survival and developmental genes, similarly modified in primary tumors. Senescence-associated hypermethylation mainly involves metabolic regulators and appears early in proliferating "near-senescent" cells, which can be immortalized but are refractory to transformation. Importantly, a subset of transformation-associated hypermethylated developmental genes exhibits highest methylation gains at all age-associated cancer risk states across tissue types. These epigenetic changes favoring cell self-renewal and survival, arising during tissue aging, are fundamentally important for stratifying cancer risk and concepts for cancer prevention.

The Use of Clinician-Performed Ultrasonography to Determine the Treatment Method for Suspected Paediatric Appendicitis

Objective

To investigate whether the clinician-performed ultrasonography based on the specific criteria for paediatric appendicitis could decrease the negative appendectomy rate without treatment failure.

Methods

The study was a retrospective review of paediatric patients with suspected appendicitis who presented at the emergency department of a teaching hospital over a period of 18 months. The clinicians performed the ultrasound and decided whether the patients with suspected appendicitis should be referred to surgery or managed conservatively. The determinative ultrasound criteria were the presence of periappendiceal fat infiltration and/or an obstructing appendicolith.

Results

The 166 paediatric patients with suspected appendicitis underwent ultrasonography performed by clinicians on weekdays; forty (24.1%) cases with an obstructing appendicolith and/or periappendiceal fat infiltration were treated surgically, and none had a pathologically negative appendectomy, which was significantly lower than the number in the computed tomography scan group (10.4%, 11/106) on weeknights or weekends. The remaining 126 (75.8%) patients without obstructing appendicolith or periappendiceal fat infiltration were treated conservatively, regardless of their appendiceal diameter, and no patients experienced a treatment failure.

Conclusions

The clinician-performed ultrasonography bases on the strict use of above specific ultrasound criteria to determine treatment strategies for suspected paediatric appendicitis can reduce the negative appendectomies without treatment failure. (Hong Kong j.emerg.med. 2015;22:31-40)

Effect of an obesity prevention program focused on motivating environments in childhood: a school-based prospective study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

There has been an increasing global recognition of the need for effective strategies to prevent and control childhood obesity. In this study, we aimed to identify the effectiveness of an obesity prevention program focused on motivating environments in school.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

In this school-based, prospective, quasi-experimental study, we enrolled three elementary (fourth graders) and two middle (seventh graders) schools located in Chungju, Korea. We assigned three of the schools to the intervention group and two schools to the control group. The intervention group received 1 year of environmental intervention. Diet- and exercise-related educational video content was provided by internet protocol television services during rest time, and various design materials were painted along the school staircase and hallway to encourage physical activities. Overweight and obese students were recommended to join the summer vacation obesity care program.

RESULTS

The final number of total participants was 768 (control 350 and intervention 418). After 1 year of follow-up, there was no significant difference in the overweight/obesity incidence rates and remission rates between the two groups. However, the intervention group showed a greater decrease in the body mass index (BMI) z-score (-0.11 (95% confidence interval (CI) -0.16 to -0.06), P<0.001), increase in height (1.1 cm (95% CI 0.8 to 1.4), P<0.001), reduction of body fat, and increase in muscle mass compared with the control group. In addition, blood pressure (BP) was significantly reduced, and significant improvement in physical fitness followed. In subgroup analysis, students of normal weight, boys and younger participants showed the most beneficial results in weight-related outcomes. In addition, the BP reduction was more pronounced in the higher BMI group, boys and older children.

CONCLUSIONS

A simple environmental intervention could effectively influence children. By adding to previously studied strategies, we can develop a more effective obesity prevention program for children.

Epidemiology and virologic investigation of human enterovirus 71 infection in the Republic of Korea from 2007 to 2012: a nationwide cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Enterovirus (EV) 71 is the main pathogen associated with hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) or herpangina. Outbreaks of HFMD caused by EV71 infection are associated severe neurological disease and high mortality rates in children. Several sporadic cases of EV71 infection occurred in the Republic of Korea (ROK) in 2000, and EV71 infections were not reported thereafter until 2006. In this prospective study, we report the epidemic and virologic characteristics of the EV71 endemic from 2007 to 2012 in the Republic of Korea.

METHODS

We analyzed characteristics of the EV71 infection-associated epidemic from collected specimens and clinical information from 9987 patients with suspected EV infection from the National EV Surveillance System in ROK. To identify the EV71 subgenotype, the homology of viral protein 1 sequences obtained using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was compared with the sequences on other countries available from GenBank database.

RESULTS

EV71 was detected in 585 (16.7 %) specimens (cerebrospinal fluid, stool or rectal swabs, throat swabs and blood) during study period and was most frequently observed during epidemic seasons in 2009-2012. Major manifestations due to EV71 infection were HFMD (62.2 %) and HFMD with severe neurological complications (28.4 %). Five deaths (0.9 %) due to EV71 infection occurred, with an increased mortality rate during the period after 2009. Most patients (476; 81.4 %) were less than 5 years of age. Analysis of the monthly distribution showed that there was an obvious seasonal pattern to the epidemics, with infections appearing from June to August. The major subgenotype of EV71 isolates circulating in ROK was the C4a strain, which has also appeared in China, Japan and Vietnam.

CONCLUSIONS

This surveillance provided valuable data on the epidemic characteristics of EV71 infections in ROK during a 6-year period. Our findings provide data to assist during future outbreaks of EV71 and associated acute neurologic disease.

Abstract 4273: Oncogenic BRAFV600E drives stem cell niche factors-independent growth and tumorigenic transformation in colon organoids

Herein, we report a model for how BRAF mutations, in contrast to KRAS mutations, specifically associate with and induce, in mouse colon organoids without a microenvironment, the phenotype of human sporadic right-sided colon adenocarcinomas (COAD). The human BRAF mutant COAD are particularly distinguished by having an increased incidence of promoter CpG island methylation, termed CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP)-High. This latter phenotype contrasts with the majority of the COAD which are classified in the CIMP-low to intermediate groups and have mostly KRAS mutations. To understand how these mutations influence tumor evolution and the methylation landscape, we modeled the early carcinogenesis of colorectal cancer by inducing BRAFV600E and KRASG12D mutations individually in 3D organoids prepared from mouse proximal colon. The induction of BRAFV600E mutation, but not KRASG12D mutation, showed various features of progressive transformation. In vitro induction of BRAFV600E drove the organoids to derive cystic changes in morphology and promoted adoption of a stem cell niche independency characterized by growth in the absence of added stem cell niche factors including Wnt3a, R-Spondin, and Noggin. This independency is not due to increased secretion of niche factors by the Paneth-like cells in BRAFV600E mutant organoids. In addition, BRAFV600E organoids showed dysplastic changes such as high nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio and abnormal budding. The most exciting finding is that induction of BRAFV600E mutation, but not KRASG12D mutation, induced complete transformation of the organoids forming xenograft tumors in NOD/SCID mice. The tumors exhibit histological characteristics of human mucinous adenocarcinoma, which is the tumor type highly associated with BRAFV600E mutation in human COAD. Gene expression analyses revealed up-regulation of intestinal stem cell signature genes and down-regulation of genes related to intestinal differentiation in BRAFV600E organoids. In addition, BRAFV600E organoids showed increased expression levels of Wnt pathway target genes indicating an enhanced and sustained Wnt-signaling. Analyses of CpG-island methylation in a panel of genes showed increased CpG-island methylation only in the BRAFV600E mutant organoids. In conclusion, in mouse colon organoids, BRAFV600E drives a human right-sided COAD phenotype with adoption of a stem cell niche independency, activation of the Wnt pathway, and induction of CpG island methylation.

Citation Format: Byunghak Kang, Julie In, Nicholas Zachos, David Huso, Shinji Maegawa, Jean-Pierre Issa, Hariharan Easwaran, Stephen B. Baylin. Oncogenic BRAFV600E drives stem cell niche factors-independent growth and tumorigenic transformation in colon organoids. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 4273.

Primary male development of two sequentially hermaphroditic groupers, Epinephelus akaara and Epinephelus awoara (Perciformes: Epinephelidae)

Gonad ontogeny of the Hong Kong grouper Epinephelus akaara (a bi-directional sex changer) and the yellow grouper Epinephelus awoara (a protogynous hermaphrodite) was examined for the first time from post-larval phase until first sexual maturation, by histology. Approximately 20 specimens of each species were collected randomly every 2-7 weeks from rearing tanks with natural sea water and temperature between June 2013 and June 2014. The paired gonadal primordia (GP) were observed at 6 weeks after hatching (wah) for both species; however, gonia were first observed in GP at 16 wah for E. akaara and at 8 wah for E. awoara. The timings for the appearance of primary-growth stage oocytes (O1) and the completion of ovarian lumen (OL) varied; both at 27 wah for E. akaara, and at 18 and 23 wah for E. awoara respectively. A bisexual-phase gonad with an OL, O1 and scattered spermatogenic cysts (SC) was observed at 27-29 wah for both E. akaara and E. awoara. Sexual differentiation was subsequently observed from the bisexual-phase gonad at 34 wah for E. akaara, and 41 wah for E. awoara, with the appearance of cortical-alveolus stage oocytes (O2) for developing female and the proliferation of SC for developing primary male (i.e. from juvenile directly). Ovaries of mature females contained the vitellogenic stage oocytes (O3) and scattered SC; testes of mature primary males had sperm in sperm sinuses within the gonadal wall and remained O1. Minimum age of first sexual maturation for both female and primary male of E. akaara was at 41 wah; minimum total length (LT ) of female (143 mm) was larger than that of primary male (137 mm L(T)). Minimum age and size of first sexual maturation for female of E. awoara (47 wah and 149 mm L(T), respectively) were larger than those of E. akaara. Developing primary males of E. awoara were found at 41-58 wah, however, mature males were not observed, indicating inconsistency in first sexual maturation for E. awoara. This study provided strong evidences of primary male pathway in E. akaara and E. awoara; the latter is confirmed to be diandric.

Abstract P4-14-01: Trastuzumab emtansine improves overall survival versus capecitabine plus lapatinib in patients with previously treated HER2-positive advanced breast cancer: Final results from the phase 3 EMILIA study

Introduction

T-DM1 is indicated for the treatment of advanced HER2-positive MBC in patients who previously received trastuzumab and a taxane (separately or in combination) based on data from the phase 3 EMILIA study (BO21977/TDM4370g; NCT00829166). In the primary PFS and second interim OS analyses, respectively, T-DM1 significantly improved PFS (median 9.6 vs 6.4 months; HR=0.65; 95% CI, 0.55–0.77; p&lt;0.0001) and OS (median 30.9 vs 25.1 months; HR=0.68; 95% CI, 0.55–0.85; p&lt;0.0006) compared with capecitabine (X) plus lapatinib (L). T-DM1 treatment was associated with fewer grade ≥3 AEs (41% vs 57%) vs XL. Here we present the final OS analysis from EMILIA.

Methods

EMILIA was a randomized, open-label study of patients with centrally confirmed HER2-positive (IHC3+ and/or FISH amplification ratio ≥2.0), unresectable, locally advanced or MBC, previously treated with trastuzumab and a taxane. Patients were randomized 1:1 to T-DM1 (3.6 mg/kg IV every 3 weeks) or X (1000 mg/m2 PO twice daily, days 1–14 every 3 weeks) plus L (1250 mg PO daily). The final OS analysis was to be conducted following 632 events, and these results are descriptive only. Since the OS efficacy boundary (HR&lt;0.71, p=0.0025) was crossed in the second interim analysis, a protocol amendment allowed crossover from XL to T-DM1.

Results

From Feb 2009 to Oct 2011, 991 patients were randomized to T-DM1 (n=495) or XL (n=496). Patient disposition by the data cutoff (31 Dec 2014) is shown in Table 1. OS was longer with T-DM1 vs XL (median OS 29.9 vs 25.9 months; HR=0.75; 95% CI, 0.64–0.88; p=0.0003). In a sensitivity analysis, which censored crossover patients at the time of switching from XL to T-DM1, the HR was 0.69 (95% CI, 0.59–0.82; p&lt;0.0001). The overall safety profile was similar to previous analyses (Table 2). More grade ≥3 thrombocytopenia occurred with T-DM1 vs XL (14.3% vs 0.4%). Cardiac dysfunction occurred in 2.7% of T-DM1 patients vs 3.5% of XL patients.

Table 1. Patient disposition. T-DM1 (n=495)XL (n=496)Median treatment duration, months7.6X: 5.3  L: 5.5Median duration of follow-up, months47.841.9Discontinued study, n (%)364 (74)404 (82)Crossover, n (%)  Per protocolaNot applicable136 (27)Non-protocol therapybX: 252 (54)X: 53 (11) L: 224 (48)L: 74 (15)aMedian duration of follow-up among per-protocol crossover patients was 24.1 months.bBy investigator choice after study treatment discontinuation; X or L could be given in combination with each other or other agents after progression.

Table 2. Safety summary in patients who received ≥1 dose of study treatment.n (%)T-DM1 (n=490)XL (n=488)Grade ≥3 AEs233 (47.6)291 (59.6)Serious AEs91 (18.6)99 (20.3)AEs leading to dose reduction91 (18.6)X: 205 (42.0)  L: 98 (20.1)

Conclusions

This final analysis of EMILIA shows an OS benefit of T-DM1 compared with XL. While median drug exposure was longer with T-DM1 than XL, T-DM1 was associated with fewer grade ≥3 AEs and AEs leading to dose reduction compared with XL. These final OS results confirm that T-DM1 treatment improved survival, even in the presence of treatment crossover, and reaffirm T-DM1 as the standard of care in patients with previously treated HER2-positive MBC.

Citation Format: Diéras V, Miles D, Verma S, Pegram M, Welslau M, Baselga J, Krop I, Blackwell K, Kang B, Xu J, Green M, Gianni L. Trastuzumab emtansine improves overall survival versus capecitabine plus lapatinib in patients with previously treated HER2-positive advanced breast cancer: Final results from the phase 3 EMILIA study. [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 P4-14-01.

The Introduction of Human Heme Oxygenase-1 and Soluble Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Receptor Type I With Human IgG1 Fc in Porcine Islets Prolongs Islet Xenograft Survival in Humanized Mice

Apoptosis during engraftment and inflammation induce poor islet xenograft survival. We aimed to determine whether overexpression of human heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) or soluble tumor necrosis factor-α receptor type I with human IgG1 Fc (sTNF-αR-Fc) in porcine islets could improve islet xenograft survival. Adult porcine islets were transduced with adenovirus containing human HO-1, sTNF-αR-Fc, sTNF-αR-Fc/HO-1 or green fluorescent protein (control). Humanized mice were generated by injecting human cord blood-derived CD34(+) stem cells into NOD-scid-IL-2Rγ(null) mice. Both HO-1 and sTNF-αR-Fc reduced islet apoptosis under in vitro hypoxia or cytokine stimuli and suppressed RANTES induction without compromising insulin secretion. Introduction of either gene into islets prolonged islet xenograft survival in pig-to-humanized mice transplantation. The sTNF-αR-Fc/HO-1 group showed the best glucose tolerance. Target genes were successfully expressed in islet xenografts. Perigraft infiltration of macrophages and T cells was suppressed with decreased expression of RANTES, tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-6 in treatment groups; however, frequency of pig-specific interferon-γ-producing T cells was not decreased, and humoral response was not significant in any group. Early apoptosis of islet cells was suppressed in the treatment groups. In conclusion, overexpression of HO-1 or sTNF-αR-Fc in porcine islets improved islet xenograft survival by suppressing both apoptosis and inflammation. HO-1 or sTNF-αR-Fc transgenic pigs have potential for islet xenotransplantation.

Lower serum zinc levels are associated with unhealthy metabolic status in normal-weight adults: The 2010 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

AIM

This study investigated whether serum zinc concentration is associated with glucose tolerance, insulin resistance and metabolic health status in Korean adults.

METHODS

Subjects with available serum zinc levels were recruited from the fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANESV) cohort. Those in the highest quartile on homoeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and with a body mass index (BMI) of 18.5-25kg/m(2) were classified as metabolically obese and normal weight (MONW).

RESULTS

A total of 1813 subjects with a mean age of 45.2±0.5 years and a mean BMI of 24.01±0.11kg/m(2) were enrolled. Those in the lower serum zinc quartiles exhibited higher levels of fasting blood glucose and insulin resistance indices compared with those in the higher quartiles. However, these associations were positive only in normal-weight subjects. Those categorized as MONW exhibited significantly lower serum zinc levels than the metabolically healthy and normal weight (MHNW) subjects (131.6±3.0μg/dL vs 141.7±2.8μg/dL, respectively; P=0.0026), whereas serum zinc levels did not differ according to metabolic health in obese subjects. The odds ratio for being categorized as MONW was 4.12 (95% CI: 1.75, 9.72) among those in the lowest serum zinc quartile compared with those in the highest quartile even after adjusting for possible confounding factors.

CONCLUSION

Lower serum zinc levels were associated with unhealthy metabolic status in normal-weight adults. Further prospective studies are required to define the role of zinc in metabolic health.

Comparison of the genexpert enterovirus assay (GXEA) with real-time one step RT-PCR for the detection of enteroviral RNA in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with meningitis

Background

Enteroviruses (EVs) are the leading cause of aseptic meningitis worldwide. Detection of enteroviral RNA in clinical specimens has been demonstrated to improve the management of patient care, especially that of neonates and young children.

Findings

To establish a sensitive and reliable assay for routine laboratory diagnosis, we compared the sensitivity and specificity of the GeneXpert Enterovirus Assay (GXEA) with that of the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) based assay referred to as real-time one step RT-PCR (RTo-PCR). The sensitivity/specificity produced by GXEA and RTo-PCR were 100%/100% and 65%/100%, respectively.

Conclusions

Both methods evaluated in this article can be used for detection of enterovirus in clinical specimens and these nucleic acid amplification methods are useful assays for the diagnosis of enteroviral infection.

Accuracy of diagnostic methods and surveillance sensitivity for human enterovirus, South Korea, 1999-2011

The epidemiology of enteroviral infection in South Korea during 1999-2011 chronicles nationwide outbreaks and changing detection and subtyping methods used over the 13-year period. Of 14,657 patients whose samples were tested, 4,762 (32.5%) samples were positive for human enterovirus (human EV); as diagnostic methods improved, the rate of positive results increased. A seasonal trend of outbreaks was documented. Genotypes enterovirus 71, echovirus 30, coxsackievirus B5, enterovirus 6, and coxsackievirus B2 were the most common genotypes identified. Accurate test results correlated clinical syndromes to enterovirus genotypes: aseptic meningitis to echovirus 30, enterovirus 6, and coxsackievirus B5; hand, foot and mouth disease to coxsackievirus A16; and hand, foot and mouth disease with neurologic complications to enterovirus 71. There are currently no treatments specific to human EV infections; surveillance of enterovirus infections such as this study provides may assist with evaluating the need to research and develop treatments for infections caused by virulent human EV genotypes.