The bioequivalence study design recommendations for immediate-release solid oral dosage forms in the international pharmaceutical regulators programme participating regulators and organisations: differences and commonalities

Bioequivalence (BE) studies are considered the standard for demonstrating that the performance of a generic drug product in the human body is sufficiently similar to that of its comparator product. The objective of this article is to describe the recommendations from participating Bioequivalence Working Group for Generics (BEWGG) members of the International Pharmaceutical Regulators Programme (IPRP) regarding the conduct and acceptance criteria for BE studies of immediate release solid oral dosage forms. A survey was conducted among BEWGG members regarding their BE recommendations and requirements related to study subjects, study design, sample size, single or multiple dose administration, study conditions (fasting or fed), analyte to be measured, selection of product strength, drug content, handling of endogenous substances, BE acceptance criteria, and additional design aspects. All members prefer conducting single dose cross-over designed studies in healthy subjects with a minimum of 12 subjects and utilizing the parent drug data to assess BE. However, differences emerged among the members when the drug's pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics become more complex, such that the study design (e.g., fasting versus fed conditions) and BE acceptance criteria (e.g., highly variable drugs, narrow therapeutic index drugs) may be affected. The survey results and discussions were shared with the ICH M13 Expert Working Group (EWG) and played an important role in identifying and analyzing gaps during the harmonization process. The draft ICH M13A guideline developed by the M13 EWG was endorsed by ICH on 20 December 2022, under Step 2.

Multi-Institutional Phase II Trial Using Dose Escalated Five Fraction Stereotactic Partial Breast Irradiation (S-PBI) with GammaPodTM for Early-Stage Breast Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

We report on our early experience of a multi-institutional phase II study of dose escalated five fraction stereotactic partial breast irradiation (S-PBI) for early-stage breast cancer after partial mastectomy using the GammaPodTM stereotactic radiation system.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Patient eligibility included DCIS or invasive epithelial histologies, AJCC clinical stage 0, I, or II with tumor size < 3 cm, and negative margins. Prior safety of Phase I dose escalation has been reported. Dose was 40 Gy delivered in 5 fractions to the CTV, and minimum dose 30 Gy in 5 fractions to the PTV. CTV margin was 1 cm and PTV margin 3 mm. For PTV cavities larger than 100cc, dose was reduced to 35Gy in 5 fractions to the CTV and 30 Gy in 5 fractions to the PTV. Primary endpoint of the study is to determine the 3-year patient global cosmesis score (4-point scale excellent, good, fair, or poor) and adverse cosmesis using a dose escalated approach with smaller PTV margins than conventional methods. Both patients and physicians completed baseline and subsequent cosmesis outcome questionnaires. Treatment related toxicity was graded using the NCI version 4.0 and RTOG/EORTC late radiation scale.

RESULTS

From 3/2019-10/2021, 74 patients were treated respectively. Of these, 38 were treated to 40Gy and 36 were treated to 35 Gy. Median follow up (f/u) was 24 months (mo), range (r) 3-39mo. Median age was 63 years (r 43-77). Histology included 28 DCIS, and 46 invasive carcinomas. 45/46 invasive tumors were ER+. 60/74 (81%) patients received endocrine therapy, and 7/74 patient received chemotherapy. There were 221 acute grade 1 toxicities, and 28 Grade 2 toxicities. No grade 3 or higher acute toxicities were reported (< 90 days). The most common Grade 2 toxicities were radiation dermatitis (10), breast pain (8), blister (4), skin infection (2), nipple discharge (2), and fatigue (2). In the late period, there were 54 Grade 1 late toxicities, 4 Grade 2 late toxicities, and no Grade 3 or higher late toxicities. Grade 2 toxicities included fibrosis (2), and pain (2). Two patients developed grade 1 asymptomatic nonpalpable fat necrosis both diagnosed at 12 months after radiation treatments. The most common grade 1 late toxicities were breast pain (14), hyperpigmentation (8), fibrosis (10), and fatigue (5). Physicians scored cosmesis excellent or good 70/73 (95.8%), 58/60 (96.7%), 36/36 (100%),17/17(100%) respectively at baseline, 12 months, 24 months, and 36months post SBRT, while patients scored the same periods 62/71 (83.7%), 53/59 (89.8%), 33/36 (91.6%), 17/18 (94.4%). There have been no reports of disease recurrences.

CONCLUSION

Results at 24-month median follow-up, of our dose escalated stereotactic partial breast 5 fraction regimen, has low acute and late toxicity, while maintaining high proportion of excellent/good cosmetic outcomes. Continued analysis of all cohorts is in progress.

CLINICAL TRIALS

gov identifier is NCT03581136.

Financial Toxicity and Patient Experience Outcomes on a Multi-Institutional Phase I Single Fraction Stereotactic Partial Breast Irradiation Protocol for Early-Stage Breast Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Given the demonstrated financial toxicity (FT) of radiation treatment on breast cancer patients shown in both conventional and our recent 5 fraction stereotactic APBI (S-PBI) study, we assessed the FT, as well as patient-reported utility, quality-of-life and patient experience measures, on patients treated in our phase I single fraction S-PBI trial.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A phase I single fraction dose escalation trial of S-PBI for early-stage breast cancer was conducted. Women with in-situ or stage I-II (AJCC 6) invasive breast cancer following breast conserving surgery were treated with S-PBI in 1 fraction to a total dose of 22.5, 26.5 or 30 Gy (Clinical trials.gov ID NCT02685332). At one month follow-up, patients were asked to complete our novel "Patient Perspective Cost and Convenience of Care Questionnaire". Patients also completed the EQ-5D-5L, including the visual analogue scale of overall health (VAS), at enrollment, 6, 12-, 24-, 36-, and 48-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Of 29 patients enrolled and treated, questionnaire data was available for all patients. Our trial encompassed a wide range of annual household incomes, education, and employment status. Overall, 44.8% (n = 13/29) of patients reported that radiation treatment presented a financial burden. Interestingly, no demographic information, such as patient race, marital status, education, household income, or employment during treatment predicted perceived FT. Patients reporting FT trended towards younger age (median 64 vs 70.5) and having a cancer related co-pay similar to our 5 fraction S-PBI FT trial; however, due to the small size of this study, this did not reach significance (p = 0.24 and 0.10, respectively). VAS and utility scores were calculated per the EQ-5D-5L and remained unchanged from baseline through 4-year follow-up. Likewise, there was no difference in the utility or VAS between patients who reported FT and those who did not. Interestingly, while patient reported cosmesis was similar for all patients at enrollment, patients who reported FT noted significantly worse cosmesis scores (fair/poor vs good/excellent) at 6 month and 2-year follow-ups (p = 0.01 and 0.04, respectively). Finally, patients were surveyed on treatment related disruption to their daily activities and enjoyment of life. The median values were 0 (scale 0-10, with 0 being no disruption) regardless of perceived FT. Patients were also uniformly satisfied with treatment time with a median score of 10 (scale 0-10, 10 being most satisfied).

CONCLUSION

Here, we show that despite using SPBI in a single fraction, nearly half of the patients treated still reported FT of treatment. Importantly, single fraction S-PBI has no negative impact on patient VAS or utility scores, and all patients were uniformly satisfied with treatment time without significant disruption to their life.

Phase I Trial of 'Re-Priming' Radiation Therapy for Relapsed/Refractory Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Patients in Incomplete Response after Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell (CAR-T) Therapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Inpatients with relapsed/refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma (R/R NHL) treated with CD19-directed CAR-T, only ∼40% achieve complete response (CR) by day 30 PET/CT evaluation. Of those who do not, the large majority (∼70%) ultimately fail, providing an ideal target for early therapeutic intervention to 're-prime' CAR-T. Preclinical and early clinical studies suggest potential synergy and immune augmentation when combining RT with CAR-T. Here we report the phase I results of a prospective phase I/II clinical trial hypothesizing that early salvage focal RT to poor responding sites of disease after CAR-T in R/R NHL patients is safe (phase I) and will improve conversion to CR by day 90 post-CAR-T PET/CT from 29% (historical control) to 58% (phase II).

MATERIALS/METHODS

Weopened a single-arm open-label phase I/II prospective clinical trial at our institution for R/R NHL patients treated with CD19-directed CAR-T with incomplete response on day 30 post-CAR-T PET/CT scan (defined as Lugano > = 4). The phase I component used a 'Rolling 6' design with 6 patients enrolled concurrently at the "definitive" dose level (40-50 Gy EQD2 [i.e., 30 Gy in 5 fractions], with de-escalation to "palliative" dose level (20-32.5 Gy EQD2 [i.e., 20 Gy in 5 fractions]) if >2 dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) observed. Hypofractionated regimens (i.e., 5 fractions) directed only to residual FDG-avid disease were recommended to minimize lymphopenia and potentially result in a more favorable immune microenvironment. DLT rate was defined within 60 days of RT by CTCAE v5.0 grade 4+ hematologic, grade 3+ dermatitis/burn, pneumonitis, enteritis, or other toxicity attributable to RT, as well as new grade 3+ cytokine release syndrome (CRS) per ASTCT consensus guidelines or grade 3+ neurotoxicity per ASTCT ICANS consensus guidelines for adults.

RESULTS

BetweenApril 2021 and July 2022, 6 patients were enrolled. All 6 patients had diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), with 3/6 (50%) transformed from low-grade follicular lymphoma. 2/6 had primary refractory DLBL, while the other 4/6 had median 2.5 lines of treatment prior to CAR-T. No patient had prior RT to a site of residual FDG-avid disease on day 30 post-CAR-T PET/CT. 5/6 patients were treated to 30 Gy in 5 fractions, with the remainder patient treated to 36 Gy in 10 fractions. No grade 3+ DLTs related to RT were observed in the 60-day post-RT period. RT related toxicities included grad 1 alopecia, grade 1 radiation pneumonitis, grade 1 nausea & vomiting, and grade 2 skin infection.

CONCLUSION

Early salvage focal "definitive" dose RT to sites of incomplete response on day 30 post-CAR-T PET/CT for R/R/ NHL patients was safe with no de-escalation of dose needed. This dose will used in the subsequent phase II component of the trial.

Initial phase establishment of an in vitro method for developmental neurotoxicity test using Ki-67 in human neural progenitor cells

Building a precise alternative neurotoxicological test is of great importance to respond to societal and ethical requirements. In this study, a new developmental neurotoxicity test (DNT) was established with the human neural progenitor cell line. ReNcell CX cells were exposed to neurotoxic chemicals (aphidicolin, hydroxyurea, cytosine arabinoside, 5-fluorouracil, and ochratoxin A) or non-neurotoxic chemicals (sodium gluconate, sodium bicarbonate, penicillin G, and saccharin). Propidium iodide (PI) was used to evaluate cell viability. BrdU and Ki-76 were employed to determine cell proliferation. Based on the cell viability and proliferation, mathematical models were built by linear discriminant analysis. Furthermore, the neurotoxic-considered chemicals inhibited cell cycle progression at the protein level, supporting the biomolecular rationale for the predictive model. Overall, these results show that the new test method can be used to determine the potential developmental neurotoxicants or new drug candidates.

A Survey of the Criteria Used for the Selection of Alternative Comparator Products by Participating Regulators and Organizations of the International Pharmaceutical Regulators Programme

The safety and efficacy of a generic product are partly based on demonstrating bioequivalence to the innovator product; however, when the innovator product is no longer available as a comparator product, a survey conducted within the Bioequivalence Working Group for Generics (BEWGG) of the International Pharmaceutical Regulators Programme (IPRP) indicated that the criteria for selecting an alternative comparator product varies. For most members of the BEWGG, an existing marketed generic that was approved based on a comparison with the locally registered innovator product can be used, contingent on criteria that ranges from allowing any generic to be used, to allowing only specific criteria-defined generics to be used. Notwithstanding the acceptability of a generic as an alternative comparator, it is not always the preferred comparator for several jurisdictions. Some jurisdictions require the use of a locally sourced alternative innovator comparator (e.g., the same medicinal ingredient manufactured by a different company) or a foreign innovator comparator. Unlike the other members of the BEWGG, the European Union (EU) has no such options available, rather mechanisms are in place to allow manufacturers to develop a new comparator. The criteria described herein regarding the use of an alternative comparator product can also be applied to scenarios where a specific strength of a series of strengths or an innovative fixed dose combination are discontinued. The results of the survey demonstrate that while criteria for selecting alternative comparator products are not harmonized among the BEWGG participants, the common concern for all jurisdictions is to select a comparator product that meets the safety and efficacy standards of the original innovator product.

Inflammation and metabolism gene sets in subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue are altered 1 hour after exercise in adults with obesity

Although the health benefits of exercise in adults with obesity are well described, the direct effects of exercise on adipose tissue that may lead to improved metabolic health are poorly understood. The primary aims of this study were to perform an unbiased analysis of the subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue transcriptomic response to acute exercise in adults with obesity, and to compare the effects of moderate-intensity continuous exercise versus high-intensity interval exercise on this response. Twenty-nine adults with obesity performed a session of either high-intensity interval exercise (HI; 10 × 1 min at 90%HRpeak, 1 min recovery between intervals; n = 14) or moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MI; 45 min at 70%HRpeak; n = 15). Groups were well matched for BMI (HI 33 ± 3 vs. MI 33 ± 4 kg/m²), sex (HI: 9 women vs. MI: 10 women), and age (HI: 32 ± 6 vs. MI: 29 ± 5). Subcutaneous adipose tissue was collected before and 1 h after the session of HI or MI, and samples were processed for RNA sequencing. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed 7 of 21 gene sets enriched postexercise overlapped between HI and MI. Interestingly, both HI and MI upregulated gene sets involved in inflammation (IL6-JAK-STAT3 signaling, allograft rejection, TNFα signaling via NFκB, and inflammatory response; FDR q value < 0.25). Exercise also downregulated adipogenic and oxidative metabolism gene sets in both groups. Overall, these data suggest genes involved in subcutaneous adipose tissue metabolism and inflammation may be an important part of the initial response after a session of exercise.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study compared the effects of a single session of high-intensity interval exercise versus moderate-intensity continuous exercise on transcriptional changes in subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue collected from adults with obesity. Our novel findings indicate exercise upregulated inflammation-related gene sets, while it downregulated metabolism-related gene sets - after both high-intensity and moderate-intensity exercise. These data suggest exercise can alter the adipose tissue transcriptome 1 h after exercise in ways that may impact inflammation and metabolism.

Risk factors and renal outcomes of low bone mineral density in patients with non-dialysis chronic kidney disease

Bone disorder is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The clinical usefulness of bone mineral density (BMD) in CKD is not well known. Our study shows that low BMD is associated with physical activity and dietary Na/K intake ratio and can predict poor renal outcome in non-dialysis CKD.

PURPOSE

Despite evidence of a link between bone mineral disorders and chronic kidney disease (CKD), the clinical implications of bone mineral density (BMD) in CKD are not well established. We investigated risk factors and renal outcomes of low BMD in CKD.

METHODS

We analyzed data from the KNOW-CKD. BMD measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry was classified by T score: normal (T score ≥ - 1.0), osteopenia (- 1.0 > T score > - 2.5), and osteoporosis (T score ≤ - 2.5) of the lumbar spine, hip, or femoral neck. Logistic regression analysis to assess risk factors of low BMD (T score < - 1.0) and Cox proportional hazards models to estimate risk of incident end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

RESULTS

Low BMD was prevalent (osteopenia 33%; osteoporosis 8%) in 2128 adults with CKD (age 54 ± 12 years; male 61%). Over a median follow-up of 4.3 years, there were 521 cases of incident ESRD. Lower BMD was associated with female sex, older age, low eGFR, low BMI, and lifestyle factors of physical activity (odds ratio (OR) = 0.62, 95% confidence interval (0.49-0.77)) and spot urine Na/K ratio (1.07 (1.00-1.15)). In adjusted Cox models, low BMD was associated with increased incident ESRD (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.14 (0.92-1.41) for osteopenia; 1.43 (1.01-2.04) for osteoporosis, P for trend < 0.05) compared with the reference of normal BMD. The association between low BMD and ESRD was similar according to T score discordance classification.

CONCLUSIONS

Low BMD was associated with modifiable lifestyle factors including low physical activity and high dietary Na/K intake ratio. The presence of low BMD is associated with poor renal outcomes in non-dialysis CKD.

Second-phase validation study of an alternative developmental toxicity test using mouse embryonic stem cell-derived embryoid bodies

The embryoid body test (EBT) is a developmental toxicity test method that measures the size of embryoid bodies (EBs) and the viability of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) and fibroblasts (3T3 cells). The previous pre-validation study confirmed the high accuracy (above 80%) of EBT using 26 coded test chemicals. This second-phase validation study assessed the inter-laboratory reproducibility (5 chemicals in common) and predictive capacity (10 chemicals in each laboratory) test using the coded test chemicals at three laboratories. For the prediction model, the accuracy is increased when more data is accumulated. Therefore, we updated the prediction model and analyzed the results of the second year with the newly created-prediction model. Statistical analysis of the inter-laboratory reproducibility test results indicated that accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 87%, 78%, and 100%, respectively. The results of the statistical analysis of the predictive capacity test showed an accuracy of 80%, sensitivity of 78%, and specificity of 81%. In conclusion, the EBT can accurately classify various embryotoxicants within a short period and with relatively little effort. Therefore, EBT can be used as a good way to test developmental toxicity.

Quantitative Analysis of Spinal Canal Areas in the Lumbar Spine: An Imaging Informatics and Machine Learning Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Quantitative imaging biomarkers have not been established for the diagnosis of spinal canal stenosis. This work aimed to lay the groundwork to establish such biomarkers by leveraging the developments in machine learning and medical imaging informatics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Machine learning algorithms were trained to segment lumbar spinal canal areas on axial views and intervertebral discs on sagittal views of lumbar MRIs. These were used to measure spinal canal areas at each lumbar level (L1 through L5). Machine-generated delineations were compared with 2 sets of human-generated delineations to validate the proposed techniques. Then, we use these machine learning methods to delineate and measure lumbar spinal canal areas in a normative cohort and to analyze their variation with respect to age, sex, and height using a variable-intercept mixed model.

RESULTS

We established that machine-generated delineations are comparable with human-generated segmentations. Spinal canal areas as measured by machine are statistically significantly correlated with height (P < .05) but not with age or sex.

CONCLUSIONS

Our machine learning methodology demonstrates that this important anatomic structure can be accurately detected and quantitatively measured without human input in a manner comparable with that of human raters. Anatomic deviations measured against the normative model established here could be used to flag spinal stenosis in the future.

Regulatory effect of dexamethasone on tracheal calcium processing proteins and mucosal secretion

Dexamethasone inhibits mucin secretion considering the primary option for treating acute asthma exacerbation. However, the mechanism underlying dexamethasone-induced decreased in mucosecretion is unclear. Recent studies have reported that dexamethasone exerts an inhibitory effect on mucosecretion in the lung by modulating the expression of calcium processing genes. However, the expression of the calcium processing genes in the trachea is not examined yet. Thus, the present study is the first to report the localization of calcium processing proteins such as transient receptor potential vanilloid-4 (Trpv4), transient receptor potential vanilloid-6 (Trpv6), calbindin-D_9k (CaBP-9k) and plasma membrane Ca²⁺-ATPase 1 (Pmca1) in the mouse trachea and their glucocorticoid-induced response. In this study, mice were subcutaneously injected with dexamethasone for 5 days, and their tracheal samples were collected by dividing the trachea into the cervical, and thoracic sections based on its anatomical structure. The localization of TRPV4, TRPV6, CaBP-9k, and PMCA1 proteins was detected in the tracheal epithelium, submucosal glands, cartilages and muscles. Dexamethasone treatment downregulated the mRNA expression of the four calcium processing genes and mucin producing genes. The dexamethasone-induced decrease in the secretion of mucosubstances in the trachea was determined by performing Alcian blue-periodic acid-Schiff staining. Thus, the findings of the present study suggest that glucocorticoids simultaneously can regulate the expression of calcium processing genes and tracheal mucosecretion.

Anti-asthmatic effects of volatile organic compounds from Chamaecyparis obtusa, Pinus densiflora, Pinus koraiensis, or Larix kaempferi wood panels

Asthma is a common chronic inflammatory disease in which lung airways narrow and produce extra mucus. Numerous medications, such as steroids, are used to prevent or control asthmatic symptoms, but side effects are associated with those medications. There are reports of anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiparasitic effects of terpene, a volatile organic compound (VOC) in conifers. VOCs easily enter a gaseous form, and wood products are good sources of VOCs. However, only a few studies have been conducted on the effect on asthma of VOCs emitted by wood. In this study, we examined the effects of VOCs diffused from wood panels on ovoalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma in a mouse model. The mice were intraperitoneally sensitized with 10 μg of OVA with aluminum hydroxide on days 0, 7, and 14. From day 21 to day 26, the mice were challenged with 2% OVA intranasally for 30 min. For VOC treatment, asthma model mice were placed in polyacrylamide chambers containing wood panels of Chamaecyparis obtusa, Pinus densiflora, Pinus koraiensis, or Larix kaempferi. On day 27, serum, lung tissue, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluids were prepared for H&E staining, qRT-PCR, ELISA, and Diff-Quik staining, as appropriate. OVA treatment induced hypertrophy of the bronchiolar wall. The budesonide group and all four of the wood panel-exposed groups showed less thickening of the bronchiolar wall and downregulated transcriptional expressions of cytokines such as interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13). The serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) mRNA expression level was significantly decreased only in the C. obtusa group, but the serum IL-4 levels were decreased in all wood panel treatment groups. Diff-Quik staining of bronchoalveolar lavage fluids revealed a decrease in the number of granulocytes in all wood panel treatment groups. The results suggest that VOCs from C. obtusa, P. densiflora, P. koraiensis and L. kaempferi produce antiasthmatic effects by regulating the production of IL-4, IL-9, IL-13, TNF-α.

53 Pre-implantation exposure to bisphenol A and 4-tert-octylphenol result in disruption of calcium channels

Miscarriage due to blastocyst implantation failure occurs in up to two-thirds of all miscarriage cases in humans. Calcium (Ca2+) has been shown to involve many cellular signal transduction pathways as well as regulation of cell adhesion, which is necessary for the physiology process of endometrial epithelial cell transformation and stromal cell decidualization during embryo implantation. Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (ED) can regulate the expression of genes associated with calcium transport in during pregnancy such as TRPV5, TRPV6, PMCA, and NCX1. Additionally, exposure to ED during early gestation results in disrupted intrauterine implantation, uterine receptive, leading to implantation failure. In this study, oestrogen (E2), bisphenol A (BPA), octylphenol (OP), and/or ICI 182,780 (oestrogen receptor antagonist, ICI) were injected subcutaneously from gestation Day 1 to gestation Day 3 post coitus. The number of implantation sites was significantly lower in the OP group, and no implantation site was observed in the E2 and ED+ICI groups. There were differences in the expression of calcium transient transport channel between maternal uterine and implantation. The level of TRPV6 and TRPV5 mRNA and protein was significantly increased by ED and/or ICI treatment in the uterus. The levels of TRPV5 and TRPV6 gene expression were significantly increased by ED with/without ICI treatment in the uterus. However, TRPV5 and TRPV6 gene expression was significantly lower in implantation site samples. The NCX1 and PMCA1 mRNA levels were significantly decreased by OP and BPA in the implantation site samples. Both mRNA and protein levels of MUC1 were markedly higher in all groups, except the BPA group when compared with the vehicle group in the uterus. The LIF and HOXA-10 mRNA were significantly low in E2; BPA+ICI; OP; and/or ICI in both the uterus and implantation site. Expression of the oestrogen receptor (ERa) and progesterone receptor (PR) was significantly lower in all groups except the BPA group when compared with the vehicle group. Taken together, E2, BPA, and OP disrupt the success of implantation through altered expression of calcium transport genes.

190 Effects of endocrine-disrupting chemical on calcium signalling in cardiomyocyte differentiation from mouse embryonic stem cells

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC) are substances similar to steroid hormones that can disturb normal physiological functions of male and female reproductive organs. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals tend to bind to steroid hormone receptors. Sex steroid hormones modulate calcium signalling in the cardiac muscle in early embryo development. Among the steroid hormones, progesterone (P4) has been reported to affect blood pressure and other aspects of the cardiovascular system. The EDC that have similar structure to P4, such as octyl-phenol (OP) and bisphenol A (BPA), are potentially harmful to development of the heart. To confirm the effect of OP and BPA on early differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (mES) into cardiomyocytes, the hanging-drop method with mESC cell line (ES-E14TG2a) was used for forming embryoid bodies. Pluripotent mESC were cultured in basal medium with leukemia inhibitory factor and grown on mitomycin C-treated mouse embryonic fibroblasts in a 60-mm plate at 37°C in a 5% CO2 humidified tissue culture incubator with basal medium consisting of DMEM/F-12 supplemented with nonessential amino acids, 10% heat-inactivated and certified fetal bovine serum (FBS), 2-mercaptoethanol, penicillin, and streptomycin. The mouse embryoid bodies (mEB) were suspended onto 6-well plates and cultured with differentiation medium containing steroid-free FBS without leukemia inhibitory factor. Progesterone, OP, and BPA were added on Day 2 from mEB attachment. In addition, mifepristone (RU486), an antagonist for progesterone receptor (PR), was used to confirm the effect of P4 through PR. To determine whether RU486 is capable of attenuating the inhibition effect of P4, RU486 was added for 1 day starting on Day 11. Assessment of cardiomyocyte differentiation was determined by checking the number of beating cell populations divided by the total number of attached mEB. Total RNA was extracted using Trizol reagent and synthesised to cDNA using Moloney murine leukemia virus (MMLV) reverse transcriptase. Messenger RNA level was assessed using quantitative real-time PCR. To investigate calcium signalling, the mRNA levels of calcium channel gene Trpv2 and contraction-related genes Ryr2, Cam2, and Mylk3 were analysed. Beating ratio was decreased in P4, OP, and BPA treatments. Data were analysed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s multiple comparison tests, and P&lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant in least 3 different replicates. The mRNA level of Pgr was significantly increased in P4, OP, and BPA-treated group. However, the mRNA level of calcium channel gene Trpv2 was significantly decreased in the P4, OP, and BPA-treated group. Expression of contraction-related genes such as Ryr2, Cam2, and Mlck3 were significantly decreased in the P4, OP, and BPA-treated group. In addition, treatment with RU486 rescues altered calcium channel gene and contraction-related genes. Taken together, these results suggest that OP and BPA may affect the differentiation of mESC into cardiomyocyte and disrupts differentiation of cardiomyocytes.

119 Combined exposure to phthalates and 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide accelerate the loss of ovarian follicles, leading to premature ovarian failure in rat model

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is observed in women under 40 years with primary or secondary amenorrhea. The causes for POF are idiopathic, genetic, iatrogenic incidence, autoimmunity, and adverse effects from toxic chemical exposures. Several classes of chemicals have been shown to alter follicle development and reduce fertility, leading to POF in mammals. We investigated the synergistic effects of 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD) and phthalates, including di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), and di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), on POF. Both VCD and these phthalates have been reported to disrupt the folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis in many species. In the vehicle group, female Sprague-Dawley rats (8 weeks of age) received an IP injection of corn oil daily for 2 weeks. The 7 other groups received VCD+corn oil, DEHP, DEHP+VCD, BBP, BBP+VCD, DBP, or DBP+VCD. After receiving the VCD or vehicle injection IP for 2 weeks, corn oil or a phthalate were orally administered once a day for the entire 6-week study period. The mRNA expressions of Amh and Sohlh2 were significantly decreased in the combination groups compared to the control and individual groups. Serum Amh levels were significantly lower in the combination groups. Additionally, serum levels of FSH were markedly higher in combination groups. Our findings suggest that the combination of VCD and phthalates can accelerate the POF by disturbance in folliculogenesis and hormone regulation.

VDJ Gene Usage of B Cell Receptors in Peripheral Blood of ABO-incompatible Kidney Transplantation Patients

INTRODUCTION

B cell subtypes and immunoglobulin variable (V), diversity (D), joining (J) gene segment usage of B cell receptors in ABO-incompatible (ABOi) kidney transplantation (KT) in comparison to ABO-compatible KT have not been studied. The aims of this study were to analyze the VDJ gene segment usages of B cell receptors in peripheral blood of ABOi KT recipients.

METHODS

Eighteen ABOi KT patients with accommodation (ABOiA), 10 ABO-compatible stable KT patients (ABOcS), and 10 ABOi KT patients with biopsy-proven acute antibody-mediated rejection (ABOiR) at day 10 after transplantation were selected. Complete transcriptomes of their peripheral blood samples were sequenced and analyzed through RNA sequencing.

RESULTS

By family, immunoglobulin heavy chain variable 3 (IGHV3), immunoglobulin light kappa chain variable 1 (IGKV1), immunoglobulin light lambda chain variable 2 (IGLV2), and immunoglobulin light lambda chain joining 3 (IGLJ3) gene segments were most frequently used in all groups, and their usage was not statistically different among the three groups except for IGHV3 and IGKV1. IGKV1 was more frequently used in the ABOiA group than in the ABOcS group. According to individual gene segments, IGHV3-7, IGHV3-15, IGHV4-59, IGKV3-11, IGLV1-44, IGLV2-14, IGLV4-69, and IGLV7-46 were more frequently used in the ABOcS group than other groups, and IGKV3-7 was more frequently used in the ABOiR group than other groups. IGLV5-52 and IGLV7-43 were more frequently used in the ABOiA group than in ABOcS group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that RNA sequencing transcriptomic analyses of peripheral blood can provide information on the VDJ gene usage of B cell receptors and the mechanisms of accommodation and immune reaction in ABOi KT.

Effect of Changes in Body Mass Index on Cardiovascular Outcomes in Kidney Transplant Recipients

BACKGROUND

A higher body mass index (BMI) before kidney transplantation (KT) is associated with increased mortality and allograft loss in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). However, the effect of changes in BMI after KT on these outcomes remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of baseline BMI and changes in BMI on clinical outcomes in KTRs.

METHODS

A total of 869 KTRs were enrolled from a multicenter observational cohort study from 2012 to 2015. Patients were divided into low and high BMI groups before KT based on a BMI cutoff point of 23 kg/m². Differences in acute rejection and cardiovascular disease (CVD) between the 2 groups were analyzed. In addition, clinical outcomes across the 4 BMI groups divided by BMI change 1 year after KT were compared. Associations between BMI change and laboratory findings were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Patients with a higher BMI before KT showed significantly increased CVD after KT (P = .027) compared with patients with a lower BMI. However, among the KTRs with a higher baseline BMI, only persistently higher BMI was associated with increased CVD during the follow-up period (P = .003). Patients with persistently higher BMI had significantly decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and increased hemoglobin, triglyceride, and hemoglobin A1c levels. Baseline BMI and post-transplantation change in BMI were not related to acute rejection in KTRs.

CONCLUSIONS

BMI in the 1st year after KT as well as baseline BMI were associated with CVD in KTRs. More careful monitoring of obese KTRs who do not undergo a reduction in BMI after KT is required.

Assessment of neurotoxicity of pharmacological compounds during early neural development of human embryonic stem cells

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), with the potential for differentiation, have been used to evaluate the embryotoxicity of various compounds. The effects of pharmacological compounds (cytosine arabinoside, 5-fluorouracil, hydroxyurea, indomethacin, and dexamethasone) on neurogenesis of hESCs over 28 days were examined based on cytotoxicity (half-maximal inhibitory concentration of viability, IC₅₀) and expression of neural markers. Cytosine arabinoside, 5-fluorouracil, and hydroxyurea showed strong cytotoxicity (IC₅₀ < 10 μM), whereas indomethacin and dexamethasone had weaker cytotoxic effects. Dose-dependent expression profiles of neural markers in the compound-treated groups are presented in triangular charts to allow comparison with the standard expression levels in the control group. Differences in compound-specific reductions in expression patterns of GAD1, OLIG2, FABP, and NES were similar to the differences in cytotoxic strength. Cytosine arabinoside diminished nestin and β3-tubulin in neural differentiated hESCs. The results of this study extend the understanding of how differentiated hESCs may be useful for assessment of cell viability or neurogenesis impairment by chemicals that could have effects during the embryonic stage, particularly during neurogenesis.

Health-Related Quality of Life of Kidney Transplantation Patients: Results from the KoreaN Cohort Study for Outcome in Patients With Kidney Transplantation (KNOW-KT) Study

BACKGROUND

As patient and graft survival rates have been improving after kidney transplantation, health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) has become an important indicator of effective treatment. This study aimed to evaluate changes in HR-QOL after kidney transplantation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The KoreaN cohort study for Outcome in patients With Kidney Transplantation (KNOW-KT) is a multicenter, observational, 9-year, cohort study. The HR-QOL of patients in the KNOW-KT study was assessed before transplantation and 2 years after transplantation using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form (KDQOL-SF) including chronic kidney disease targeted area and the Medical Outcome Study 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Multivariate linear regression was used to identify significant factors associated with follow-up QOL scores.

RESULTS

A total of 175 patients from 8 centers were analyzed. All QOL scores including the total QOL score, chronic kidney disease targeted score, and SF-36 at the 2-year follow-up were significantly increased compared to baseline values. Both physical and mental scale scores were improved after transplantation.

CONCLUSION

The QOL scores for both the mental and physical scales were improved at 2 years after kidney transplantation. High glomerular filtration rate at 2 years, high baseline QOL score, and low body mass index were associated with good follow-up QOL scores. Kidney transplantation for an Asian population with end-stage renal disease can result in better QOL as well as better patient and graft survival.

28 IMPROVED HATCH RATE AFTER PARTIAL DISSECTION OF ZONA PELLUCIDA IN CLONED PIG EMBRYO

For last 20 years, the efficiency of animal cloning has remained extremely low, despite many attempts to improve it. Although nuclear transfer experiments have been almost optimized, artificial holes are inevitably made in the zona pellucida (ZP) during nuclear transfer experiments, such as enucleation of maternal genome or injection of nuclear donor. Hatching from the ZP is a prerequisite for mammalian embryo implantation, and the condition of the ZP has a lot of influence on hatching. The present studies were performed to investigate the effects of artificial holes in the ZP, because of the nuclear transfer procedure, on hatching of clone embryos in pigs. All experiments were done in triplicate. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). First, we made a slit in the ZP of porcine parthenote that was identical to the artificial holes of nuclear transfer experiment and compared in vitro development of Day 7 embryos with control group with intact ZP. Of slit blastocysts, 89.9% (80/89) were trapped at a slit, which looked like typical figure-eight shape, and did not complete the hatching process until Day 8, though 68.8% (64/93) of control blastocysts completed the hatching at Day 7. Then, to solve these abnormal hatchings caused by a slit in the ZP, we applied partial zona dissection (PZD) to porcine clone embryos and compared the hatching process with that of conventional clone embryos. Contrary to conventional clone blastocysts that were trapped at slit in the ZP (91.4%; 43/47), 89.5% (60/67) of clone blastocysts in PZD group were preferentially hatched through dissected hole at Day 7. These results suggest that trapping of conventional clone blastocyst in a slit of the ZP could be avoided by PZD. Through this study, we demonstrated that a slit in the ZP would hinder a blastocyst from hatching from the ZP and that partial dissection at the ZP could help clone blastocyst to hatch without trapping at a slit in the ZP. This assisted hatching in clone embryos would be useful for the successful hatching of clone blastocysts with a capacity of full-term development, so that the efficiency of animal cloning might be improved.

27 OXIDATIVE STRESS OF LIVER IN TRANSGENIC PIGLETS WITH MULTIPLE COPIES OF TRANSGENES SOLUBLE HUMAN TUMOUR NECROSIS FACTOR RECEPTOR TYPE Ig-Fc AND HUMAN HEME OXYGENASE-1

It has been demonstrated that transgene expression is associated with copy number in transgenic animals. Here in, we generated 7 genetically modified pigs expressing both soluble human tumour necrosis factor receptor type Ig-Fc (shTNFRI-Fc) and human heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). 1 day after Caesarean section, all transgenic cloned piglets showed postnatal death. In the present study, the transgene copy number, H2O2 and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in cloned piglet liver were examined to identify the relationship between transgene copy number and oxidative stress of postnatal liver. In this study, 2,209 cloned embryos using somatic cells with 15 copies of shTNFRI-Fc and HO-1 were produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer, and transferred into 6 synchronized recipient sows. Among them, pregnancies were identified in 4 recipients using ultrasonography and only 1 recipient was maintained until full term. In total, 7 cloned piglets were delivered by the Caesarean section. On the next day, they showed postnatal death with clinical symptoms such as dyspnea (Group A). As control group, 292 cloned embryos produced from the cells with at least 4 copies of 2 transgenes shTNFRI-Fc and HO-1 were transferred into a synchronized recipient and pregnancy was identified. Two cloned piglets were delivered normally and maintained healthy. The liver of a live cloned piglet with at least 4 copies (Group B) at 2 days after the Caesarean section was isolated and compared with those of dead 7 cloned piglets (Group A) for HO-1, shTNFRI-Fc, H2O2, and SOD by ELISA analysis. The transgene copy number and expression of shTNFRI-Fc and HO-1 were confirmed by genomic DNA PCR, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and ELISA with appropriate antibodies. Statistical analysis was performed using Graphpad Prism. Level of HO-1, shTNFRI-Fc, H2O2, and SOD ELISA results of each piglets were analysed by unpaired t-test with Welch’s correction. While a transgenic piglet (Group B) had at least 4 copy numbers, all dead cloned piglets (Group A) showed 15 copy numbers. A high level of transgene HO-1 and shTNFRI-Fc expression of liver-derived cells in cloned piglets (Group A) was significantly identified compared with those of a transgenic piglet (Group B) by qRT-PCR and ELISA. While the H2O2 level in cloned piglet liver with 15 copy numbers (Group A) was significantly higher (P < 0.05), the SOD level was lower than those of a cloned pig (Group B; P < 0.05). These results demonstrated that multiple copy numbers could affect the level of oxidative stress in cloned piglet liver. It also affected the transgene expression levels and mortality of cloned piglets. This study was supported by National Research Foundation (#2015R1C1A2A01054373. 2016M3A9B6903410), Ministry of Trade, Industry & Energy (#10048948), Korea Institute of Planning and Evaluation for Technology in food, agriculture, forestry and fisheries (#114059–03–2-SB010), Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Natural Balance and the BK21 plus program.

114 ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM (ER) STRESS IN HYPOXIA-INDUCED DIABETES MELLITUS MODEL

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) regulates calcium ion concentration as a reservoir in the cell. ER stress is a cellular stress response related to the endoplasmic reticulum. At the initial stage of ER stress, ER tries to restore normal function by halting protein translation, degrading misfolded proteins, and increasing production of chaperones involved in protein folding. If ER fails to restore ER stress, ER stress can lead cells to apoptosis. To study the signaling between ER stress and calcium channels under ER-stressed circumstances, we designed a hypoxia-induced diabetic model. Nine-week-old male mice were chosen, maintained under hypoxic condition under 10% O2, 5% CO2 for 10 days, and the expression of ER stress markers and calcium channel gene expression were examined by real-time PCR. By maintaining hypoxic condition, the mice showed high glucose levels. Under this diabetic condition, in pancreatic beta cells, ER stress markers were elevated. This tendency showed an increase in calbindin-D9k KO mice. Chaperones such as calreticulin and calnexin were decreased, but in calbindin-D9k KO mice chaperone calnexin was not decreased. Interestingly, the calbindin-D9k KO normoxia mice showed increased glucose level compared with wild-type normoxia mice. Also, calnexin expression of pancreas was decreased in calbindin-D9k KO normoxia mice. This result indicates that pancreas cells were under endoplasmic reticulum stress. Taken together, calbindin may play an important role in endoplasmic reticulum stress in pancreas. This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant of Korean government (MEST) (No. 2013-010514).

156 EFFECT OF 2-METHOXYESTRADIOL (2-ME) ON HUMAN UTERINE LEIOMYOSARCOMA

2-Methoxyestradiol (2-ME) is an endogenous metabolite of 17β-oestradiol (E2) and has affinity for oestrogen receptors. It was reported as a promising antitumour drug due to antiproliferative activity in many tumour cell types. It has also been used in several preclinical and clinical studies for treatment of solid tumours. Thus, several studies have been conducted to investigate the cytotoxic effect of 2-ME on tumour cell lines in which it induced G2/M cell cycle arrest and subsequent apoptosis. Uterine leiomyosarcoma is a rare form of malignant smooth muscle cell tumour in the uterus muscle layer. This tumour is also influenced by oestrogen, which acts as a promoter. The purpose of this study was to examine the antiproliferative effect of 2-ME in vitro and in vivo. To perform in vitro experiments, we evaluated the antiproliferative effect of 2-ME on SK-LMS-1 cells using MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay and Western blot. In vivo experiment also investigated the effect of 2-ME on uterine leiomyoma by measuring tumour size and Western blotting. Employing the mouse xenograft model using human leiomyosarcoma SK-LMS-1 cell line compared with the positive control flavopiridol for 2 weeks, mice were divided into 4 groups (6 mice per each group); VE, 2-ME (75 or 150 mg kg–1), or flavopiridol (7.5 mg kg–1). All experimental procedures were performed in triplicate. P-values were calculated using one-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey’s test for multiple comparisons of columns. Data were considered statistically significant at P < 0.05. In vitro, we confirmed that 2-ME at 10–5 M and flavopiridol have an antiproliferative influence on SK-LMS-1 cells, but the same effect at 10–7 M or 10–6 M dose of 2-ME were not detected. These 2 doses showed little proliferative response in the MTT assay. Also, BAX/BCL-2 and LC3 expression were increased by 2-ME (10–5 M) treatment in Western blot analysis. In the in vivo xenograft study, application of 2-ME (75 mg kg–1) resulted in an increased tumour size but 150 mg kg–1 of 2-ME and flavopiridol decreased the size. In a previous study, we found that 2-ME has 2 types of action in an in vitro and an in vivo model. The 2-ME, which is used as a therapeutic agent for solid cancers, has not only apoptotic but also a proliferative effect, depending on the dose. We expect that 2-ME may be a potential therapeutic reagent for human uterine leiomyoma, but the appropriate dose of 2-ME should be used for oestrogen-response tumour treatment.

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.

Hepatic differentiation of porcine embryonic stem cells for translational research of hepatocyte transplantation

Porcine embryonic stem cells (ES) are considered attractive preclinical research tools for human liver diseases. Although several studies previously reported generation of porcine ES, none of these studies has described hepatic differentiation from porcine ES. The aim of this study was to generate hepatocytes from porcine ES and analyze their characteristics. We optimized conditions for definitive endoderm induction and developed a 4-step hepatic differentiation protocol. A brief serum-free condition with activin A efficiently induced definitive endoderm differentiation from porcine ES. The porcine ES-derived hepatocyte-like cells highly expressed hepatic markers including albumin and α-fetoprotein, and displayed liver characteristics such as glycogen storage, lipid production, and low-density lipoprotein uptake. For the first time, we describe a highly efficient protocol for hepatic differentiation from porcine ES. Our findings provide valuable information for translational liver research using porcine models, including hepatic regeneration and transplant studies, drug screening, and toxicology.

216 HORMONAL REGULATION OF CLAUDIN-4 TIGHT JUNCTION MOLECULE IN MOUSE PLACENTA

Tight junctions (TJ) are composed of a branching network of sealing strands. TJ regulate paracellular conductance and ionic selectivity. TJ components include the peripheral protein ZO-1, junctional adhesion molecules (JAM) and the integral proteins such as occludin and claudin. Claudins are a family of proteins that are the most important components in the tight junctions. The established paracellular transport barriers that control transportation of molecules within intercellular space. The present study focused on the expression of claudin, suggesting as major working molecules in the paracellular transport system. To study the regulation and roles of claudin family, we examined expression of mouse placental claudin family. Fifteen pregnant C57/BL6 mice were used in this study and TJ proteins including Claudin-1 to Claudin-24 expressions by real-time RT–PCR and Western blotting. The mice were divided into 3 groups depending on the gestational day (on Days 12, 16, and 20 of gestation).The localization of TJ proteins were examined by immunohistochemistry. After we identified the fluctuation of claudin expression during pregnancy, we assumed that the hormones are one regulator for claudin family. Therefore, we performed an in vivo study with hormone receptor antagonists (ICI 182, 780, and RU-486) for examining hormonal effect on claudin expression in the placenta. Forty-nine mice were divided into 7 groups. The changes of claudin expression were examined with real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting. In the transcription levels, Claudin-1, claudin-2, claudin-4, and Claudin-5 expression levels were relatively high compared to others in the claudin family in all periods of the pregnancy. The claudin-4 expression, which reduces permeability of ions, increased over a period of time. However, caludin-5 expression that is the responsive protein for a decrease in paracellular conductance, were decreased. Claudin-1 and -4 have been known as responsive genes for a decrease in paracellular conductance. On the other hand, claudin 2 and 5 have been known as increasing paracellular conductance. In addition, immunohistochemistry was performed to identify their localization for inferring permeability in placenta. In summary, we analysed the claudin expressions and presented possible important claudins among its family. Furthermore, their localization was also examined in the mouse placenta. In addition, the regulation of critically expressed claudins by pregnancy-associated hormones, E2 and P4, was examined. These results may provide functional and structural roles of claudins and their involvement in the maternal-fetal interaction and in the transportation of placental materials.