New fusidane-type nortriterpenoids from the Arctic marine-derived fungus Simplicillium lamellicola culture medium with their inhibitory effect on benign prostatic hyperplasia

Three new fusidane-type nortriterpenoids, simplifusinolide A, 24-epi simplifusinolide A, and simplifusidic acid L (1-3), were isolated from the EtOAc extract of the Arctic marine-derived fungus Simplicillium lamellicola culture medium, together with fusidic acid (4) and 16-O-deacetylfusicid acid (5). The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by NMR and MS analyses. The absolute configurations of compounds 1-3 were established by the quantum mechanical calculations of electronic circular dichroism and gauge-including atomic orbital NMR chemical shifts, followed by DP4 + analysis. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a major urological disorder in men worldwide. The anti-BPH potentials of the isolated compounds were evaluated using BPH-1 and WPMY-1 cells. Treatment with simplifusidic acid L (3) and fusidic acid (4) significantly downregulated the mRNA levels of the androgen receptor (AR) and its downstream effectors, inhibiting the proliferation of BPH-1 cells. Specifically, treatment with 24-epi simplifusinolide A (2) significantly suppressed the cell proliferation of both BPH-1 and DHT-stimulated WPMY-1 cells by inhibiting AR signaling. These results suggest the potential of 24-epi simplifusinolide A (2), simplifusidic acid L (3) and fusidic acid (4) as alternative agents for BPH treatment by targeting AR signaling.

Cadmium-treatment efficiency and membrane fouling during electrodialysis of wastewater discharged from zinc smelting

Zinc smelting wastewater contains high concentrations of Cd. Here, the treatment efficiency of Cd using electrodialysis was evaluated. In addition, scale accumulation of ion-exchange membrane (IEM) was analyzed, and fouling control was studied. The results showed that spacers effectively improved the limiting current density but accelerated foulant accumulation. The Cd-treatment efficiency improved to 85.4% without a spacer. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and hydrophobic DOC levels in diluted water decreased by 0.65 mg L^-1 and 2.1 mg L^-1, respectively; in contrast, hydrophilic DOC level increased by 1.45 mg L^-1. Some of the hydrophobic DOC in the diluted water was converted to hydrophilic DOC and subsequently to low-molecular-weight (LMW) DOC. DOC level in the concentrated water did not change substantially, but the LMW fraction of the hydrophilic DOC increased. In the cation-exchange membrane, a material composed of calcium sulfate accumulated in the bottom layer, and hydroxides of divalent and trivalent ions accumulated on top of it. In contrast, the anion-exchange membrane was fouled by humic substances. In terms of fouling control, physical and acid cleaning of IEMs was more effective than the reversal operation.

[Diagnostic value of FCGR1B gene transcription level in active tuberculosis]

Objective: To investigate the diagnostic potential of Fc fragment of IgG receptor 1b gene (FCGR1B) transcription level in active tuberculosis. Methods: From February to September of 2018, we collected peripheral blood from patients with active tuberculosis, latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), cured patients with tuberculosis, healthy people and patients with pneumonia in the Eighth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated for total RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis. The expression of FCGR1B mRNA in PBMCs was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (QPCR). Nonparametric test was used to compare the differential expression of FCGR1B mRNA between patients with active tuberculosis and control groups, and the relationships between FCGR1B mRNA expression and patient's illness condition and inflammatory indexes were analyzed by Correlation analysis. The potential of FCGR1B mRNA as a diagnostic marker for active tuberculosis was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. Results: The expression of FCGR1B mRNA in PBMCs from patients with active tuberculosis was significantly increased when compared with non-tuberculosis controls, including individuals with LTBI, healthy people, cured patients with tuberculosis and patients with pneumonia (u=2 081, P<0.001). The expression of FCGR1B mRNA was higher in patients with tuberculosis who had more bacteria(H=12.35, P=0.015), and was correlated with the C-reactive protein (CRP) (r=0.30, P=0.008). ROC analysis showed that FCGR1B mRNA could distinguish active tuberculosis from non-tuberculosis with area under curve (AUC) of 0.849. The sensitivity and specificity were 71.43% and 84.17% respectively. The AUC of FCGR1B mRNA in distinguishing extra-pulmonary tuberculosis from controls was 0.906. The sensitivity and specificity were 84.62% and 91.89%, respectively. Conclusion: FCGR1B mRNA is a potential molecular marker for diagnosis of active tuberculosis.

Induction and Maintenance Treatment of Lupus Nephritis: A Comprehensive Review of Meta-Analyses

BACKGROUND

Lupus nephritis (LN) is present in over 50% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) which is managed with immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory therapies. However, several novel therapeutic approaches for LN are under investigation due to the adverse effects spectrum of conventional therapy; Methods: We performed a comprehensive review of meta-analyses aggregating the comparative efficacies of various pharmacotherapies for LN. We conducted a literature search and retrieved a total of 23 meta-analyses and network meta-analyses for summarization. Pharmacotherapies were evaluated across six major outcomes: remission, relapse, mortality, end stage kidney disease (ESKD) progression, infection, and malignancy.

RESULT

Calcineurin inhibitors (CNI), particularly tacrolimus (TAC), in combination with glucocorticoids (GC) outperformed cyclophosphamide (CPA) with GC in the rate of remission, either complete or partial remission, and in terms of infectious complications. In maintenance therapy, MMF was superior to azathioprine (AZA) as the MMF-treated patients had lower relapse rate.

INTERPRETATION

This review aggregates evidence of therapy for clinicians and sheds light on comparative efficacies of alternative LN treatments. As more promising agents are entering the market, such as voclosporin, belimumab, and obinutuzumab, LN management might undergo significant changes during the next years.

Sarcopenia in Autoimmune and Rheumatic Diseases: A Comprehensive Review

Sarcopenia refers to a decrease in skeletal muscle mass and function. Because sarcopenia affects mortality, and causes significant disability, the clinical importance of sarcopenia is emerging. At first, sarcopenia was recognized as an age-related disease but, recently, it has been reported to be prevalent also in younger patients with autoimmune diseases. Specifically, the association of sarcopenia and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis has been studied in detail. Although the pathogenesis of sarcopenia in autoimmune diseases has not been elucidated, chronic inflammation is believed to contribute to sarcopenia, and moreover the pathogenesis seems to be different depending on the respective underlying disease. The definition of sarcopenia differs among studies, which limits direct comparisons. Therefore, in this review, we cover various definitions of sarcopenia used in previous studies and highlight the prevalence of sarcopenia in diverse autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, systemic sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and autoimmune diabetes. In addition, we cover the pathogenesis and treatment of sarcopenia in autoimmune and rheumatic diseases. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of sarcopenia in various autoimmune diseases and highlights the need for a consistent definition of sarcopenia.

Comparative toxicity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and silver nanowires (AgNWs) on saltwater microcrustacean, Artemia salina

This study evaluated the potential toxic effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and silver nanowires (AgNWs) on saltwater microcrustacean Artemia salina nauplii under ISO TS 20787 guideline. To investigate the acute toxicity of these nanomaterials, the nauplii were exposed to different concentrations of 0 (control), 0.39, 1.56, 6.25, 25 and 100 mg/L AgNPs and concentrations of 0 (control), 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, 50 and 100 mg/L AgNWs for 72 h. Immobilization rate of A. salina exposed to both AgNPs and AgNWs for 72 h increased significantly in a concentration-dependent manner (P < 0.05). The 72 h EC₁₀ and EC₅₀ were found to be 1.48 ± 0.6 and 10.70 ± 1.3 mg/L for AgNPs, respectively, and 0.03 ± 0.02 and 0.43 ± 0.04 mg/L for AgNWs, respectively. Based on the EC₁₀ and EC₅₀ values, the toxicity of AgNWs was significantly higher than AgNPs (P < 0.05). Oxidative stress resulted from 48 h exposure to both AgNPs and AgNWs in A. salina was assessed by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. The results revealed that both AgNPs and AgNWs could induce ROS production. The SOD activity decreased significantly with the increase of exposure concentration (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the present results show that both nanomaterials have toxic effects on A. salina nauplii and thus, more effort should be made to prevent their release into saltwater ecosystems and trophic transfer in the aquatic food chain.

Methyl jasmonate inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory cytokine production via mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-κB pathways in RAW 264.7 cells

Methyl jasmonate is an important signaling molecule involved in plant defense as well as in the regulation of plant growth and development. Despite its various functions in plants, its effects on animal cells have not been widely studied and no report has been issued on the molecular aspects of its anti-inflammatory effect. In the present study, we investigated the in vitro anti-inflammatory properties of methyl jasmonate in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Methyl jasmonate treatment effectively inhibited LPS-induced production of pro-inflammatory mediators (nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2) and cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6) in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, it attenuated the LPS-induced activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) by suppressing the degradation of the inhibitor of κB-α (IκB-α). Additionally, methyl jasmonate dose-dependently blocked the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), i.e., p38 kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), in these cells. These results suggest that methyl jasmonate attenuated the LPS-induced release of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines by suppressing the activation of MAPK (JNK, ERK and p38) and NF-κB signaling. This study not only demonstrated that methyl jasmonate exerts anti-inflammatory activities in macrophages but also revealed its potential as a candidate for the treatment of various inflammation-associated diseases.

Short-term inhalation study of graphene oxide nanoplates

Graphene oxides possess unique physicochemical properties with important potential applications in electronics, pharmaceuticals, and medicine. However, the toxicity following inhalation exposure to graphene oxide has not yet been clarified. Therefore, this study conducted a short-term graphene oxide inhalation toxicity analysis using a nose-only inhalation exposure system and male Sprague-Dawley rats. A total of four groups (15 rats per group) were exposed: (1) control (fresh air), (2) low concentration (0.76 ± 0.16 mg/m³), (3) moderate concentration (2.60 ± 0.19 mg/m³), and (4) high concentration (9.78 ± 0.29 mg/m³). The rats were exposed to graphene oxide for 6 h/day for 5 days, followed by recovery for 1, 3, and 21 days. No significant body or organ weight changes were noted after the short-term exposure or during the recovery period. Similarly, no significant systemic effects of toxicological importance were noted in the hematological assays, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) inflammatory markers, BAL fluid cytokines, or blood biochemical assays following the graphene oxide exposure or during the post-exposure observation period. Moreover, no significant differences were observed in the BAL cell differentials, such as lymphocytes, macrophages, or polymorphonuclear cells. Graphene oxide-ingested alveolar macrophages as a spontaneous clearance reaction were observed in the lungs of all the concentration groups from post 1 day to post 21 days. Histopathological examination of the liver and kidneys did not reveal any significant test-article-relevant histopathological lesions. Importantly, similar to previously reported graphene inhalation data, this short-term nose-only inhalation study found only minimal or unnoticeable graphene oxide toxicity in the lungs and other organs.

Acute toxicity, uptake, and elimination of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using saltwater microcrustacean, Artemia franciscana

This study aims to evaluate the potential toxic effects of ZnO nanoparticles on Artemia franciscana nauplii. The ZnO NPs suspension was characterized by TEM, EDS and DLS techniques. Acute toxicity was investigated by exposure of nauplii to concentrations of 1, 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 mg/L of ZnO NPs for 48 h and 96 h. The 96-h EC₁₀ and EC₅₀ values of ZnO NPs were found to be 1.39 mg/L and 4.86 mg/L respectively. The ZnO NPs suspensions did not cause any significant acute toxicity after 48 h of exposure, but the immobilization rate increase significantly compare to control group after 96 h (P < 0.05). The results showed that the uptake, accumulation, and elimination of NPs in nauplii depends on the concentration of NPs and time. The elimination rates of 46.66% and 83.85% were recorded at 1 and 10 mg/L of NPs after 24 h of depuration period, respectively.

Fabrication of enzyme-based coatings on intact multi-walled carbon nanotubes as highly effective electrodes in biofuel cells

CNTs need to be dispersed in aqueous solution for their successful use, and most methods to disperse CNTs rely on tedious and time-consuming acid-based oxidation. Here, we report the simple dispersion of intact multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by adding them directly into an aqueous solution of glucose oxidase (GOx), resulting in simultaneous CNT dispersion and facile enzyme immobilization through sequential enzyme adsorption, precipitation, and crosslinking (EAPC). The EAPC achieved high enzyme loading and stability because of crosslinked enzyme coatings on intact CNTs, while obviating the chemical pretreatment that can seriously damage the electron conductivity of CNTs. EAPC-driven GOx activity was 4.5- and 11-times higher than those of covalently-attached GOx (CA) on acid-treated CNTs and simply-adsorbed GOx (ADS) on intact CNTs, respectively. EAPC showed no decrease of GOx activity for 270 days. EAPC was employed to prepare the enzyme anodes for biofuel cells, and the EAPC anode produced 7.5-times higher power output than the CA anode. Even with a higher amount of bound non-conductive enzymes, the EAPC anode showed 1.7-fold higher electron transfer rate than the CA anode. The EAPC on intact CNTs can improve enzyme loading and stability with key routes of improved electron transfer in various biosensing and bioelectronics devices.

Gluconacetobacter sp. gel_SEA623-2, bacterial cellulose producing bacterium isolated from citrus fruit juice

Cellulose producing bacterial strain was isolated from citrus fruit juice fungus. The isolated strain was identified as Gluconacetobacter sp. gel_SEA623-2 based on several morphological characteristics, biochemical tests, and 16S rRNA conducted. Culture conditions for bacterial cellulose production by SEA623-2 were screened in static trays. Conditions were extensively optimized by varying the kind of fruit juice, pH, sugar concentration, and temperature for maximum cellulose production. SEA623-2 has a high productive capacity in citrus processing medium, but not in other fruits. The optimal combination of the media constituents for bacterial cellulose production is as follows: 10% citrus juice, 10% sucrose, 1% acetic acid, and 1% ethanol at 30 °C, pH 3.5. Bacterial cellulose produced by SEA623-2 has soft physical properties, high tensile strength, and high water retention value. The cellulose produced by the selected bacteria is suitable as a cosmetic and medical material.

INCB018424 induces apoptotic cell death through the suppression of pJAK1 in human colon cancer cells

Janus kinase (JAK) is one of the main upstream activators of signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) that are constitutively activated in various malignancies and are associated with cell growth, survival, and carcinogenesis. Here, we investigated the role of JAKs in colorectal cancer in order to develop effective therapeutic targets for INCB018424, which is the first JAK1/2 inhibitor to be approved by FDA. After examining the basal expression levels of phospho-JAK1 and phospho-JAK2, we measured the effects of INCB018424 on the phosphorylation of JAK1/2 using western blot analysis. Cell viability was determined using the trypan blue exclusion assay. The cell death mechanism was identified by the activation of caspase 3 using western blot and annexin V staining. The basal levels of phospho-JAK1 and phospho-JAK2 were cancer cell type dependent. Colorectal cancer cell lines that phosphorylate both JAK1 and JAK2 include DLD-1 and RKO. INCB018424 inactivates both JAK1 and JAK2 in DLD-1 cells but inactivates only JAK1 in RKO cells. Cell death was proportional to the inactivation of JAK1 but not JAK2. INCB018424 causes caspase-dependent cell death, which is prevented by treatment with z-VAD. The inhibition of JAK1 phosphorylation seemed sufficient to allow INCB018424-mediated apoptosis. JAK1 is a key molecule that is involved in colon cancer cell survival and the inhibition of JAK1 by INCB01424 results in caspase-dependent apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells. The use of selective JAK1 inhibitors could be an attractive therapy against colorectal cancer, but further clinical investigations are needed to test this possibility.

Dysregulation of miR-106a and miR-591 confers paclitaxel resistance to ovarian cancer

Background:

MicroRNAs are noncoding regulatory RNAs strongly implicated in carcinogenesis, cell survival, and chemosensitivity. Here, microRNAs associated with chemoresistance in ovarian carcinoma, the most lethal of gynaecological malignancies, were identified and their functional effects in chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells were assessed.

Methods:

MicroRNA expression in paclitaxel (PTX)-resistant SKpac sublines was compared with that of the PTX-sensitive, parental SKOV3 ovarian cancer cell line using microarray and qRT–PCR. The function of differentially expressed microRNAs in chemoresistant ovarian cancer was further evaluated by apoptosis, cell proliferation, and migration assays.

Results:

Upregulation of miR-106a and downregulation of miR-591 were associated with PTX resistance in ovarian cancer cells and human tumour samples. Transfection with anti-miR-106a or pre-miR-591 resensitized PTX-resistant SKpac cells to PTX by enhancing apoptosis (23 and 42% increase), and inhibited their cell migration (43 and 56% decrease) and proliferation (64 and 65% decrease). Furthermore, ZEB1 was identified as a novel target gene of miR-591, and BCL10 and caspase-7 were target genes of miR-106a, as identified by immunoblotting and luciferase assay.

Conclusion:

MiR-106a and miR-591 have important roles in conferring PTX resistance to ovarian cancer cells. Modulation of these microRNAs resensitizes PTX-resistant cancer cells by targeting BCL10, caspase-7, and ZEB1.

Single step isolation and activation of primary CD3+ T lymphocytes using alcohol-dispersed electrospun magnetic nanofibers

Electrospun polymer nanofibers with entrapped magnetic nanoparticles (magnetic NP-NF) represent a novel scaffold substrate that can be functionalized for single-step isolation and activation of specific lymphocyte subsets. Using a surface-embedded T cell receptor ligand/trigger (anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody), we demonstrate, as proof of principle, the use of magnetic NP-NF to specifically isolate, enrich, and activate CD3(+) T cells from a heterogeneous cell mixture, leading to preferential expansion of CD8(+)CD3(+) T cells. The large surface area, adjustable antibody density, and embedded paramagnetic properties of the NP-NF permitted enhanced activation and expansion; its use represents a strategy that is amenable to an efficient selection process for adoptive cellular therapy as well as for the isolation of other cellular subsets for downstream translational applications.

Ethanol-dispersed polymer nanofiber net for highly-selective capture of lymph node CD4+ T cells (65.21)

The hydrophobic polymer NFs could be dispersed in the aqueous solution easily by simple ethanol treatment, which increases the loading of enzyme or antibody effectively. The degree of dispersion of nanofibers was somewhat proportional to the concentration of ethanol, the loading and activity of immobilized enzymes were proportional increased to the degree of dispersion of nanofibers. Next, the feasibility of anti CD4 monoclonal antibodies conjugated on ethanol dispersed nanofibers (anti CD4 mAbs/EtOH-NF) are developed as a useful vehicle for biomedical application such as specific cell capture and separation. The anti CD4 mAbs/EtOH-NF were examined for their ability to bind CD4+ T cells, bound to anti-CD4 mAbs, isolated from the mixture of lymphocytes. The results show that the anti CD4 mAbs/EtOH-NF successfully isolated CD4+ T cells from the mixture of lymphocytes with high specificity. Therefore, biocompatible of alcohol treated nanofibers provide an efficient tool for the cell separation process and further present the potential to be applied to other areas of biomedical application.

Trypsin coatings on electrospun and alcohol-dispersed polymer nanofibers for a trypsin digestion column

The construction of a trypsin column for rapid and efficient protein digestion in proteomics is described. Electrospun and alcohol-dispersed polymer nanofibers were used for the fabrication of highly stable trypsin coatings, which were prepared by a two-step process of covalent attachment and enzyme cross-linking. In a comparative study with the trypsin coatings on as-spun and nondispersed nanofibers, it has been observed that a simple step of alcohol dispersion improved not only the enzyme loading but also the performance of protein digestion. In-column digestion of enolase was successfully performed in less than 20 min. By applying the alcohol dispersion of polymer nanofibers, the bypass of samples was reduced by filling up the column with well-dispersed nanofibers, and subsequently, interactions between the protein and the trypsin coatings were improved, yielding more complete and reproducible digestions. Regardless of alcohol dispersion or not, trypsin coatings showed better digestion performance and improved performance stability under recycled uses than covalently attached trypsin, in-solution digestion, and commercial trypsin beads. The combination of highly stable trypsin coatings and alcohol dispersion of polymer nanofibers has opened up a new potential to develop a trypsin column for online and automated protein digestion.

Down-regulation of claudin-2 in breast carcinomas is associated with advanced disease

AIMS

Claudin 2 (CLDN2) is a family of integral membrane tight junctions. The aim was to determine the influence of CLDN2 expression on tumour behaviour and its role in breast carcinogenesis.

METHOD AND RESULTS

Thirty-seven invasive breast carcinomas and corresponding normal breast tissues were examined for CLDN2 protein and mRNA expression using Western blotting and semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The expression of CLDN2 protein in 118 cases of breast carcinoma was further studied with immunohistochemistry and related to various clinicopathological parameters. CLDN2 protein expression was significantly down-regulated (0.4-fold) in tumours compared with corresponding normal breast tissue (P < 0.0001). Down-regulation of CLDN2 was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis (P = 0.047) by Western blot analysis, and with high clinical stage (P = 0.040) by immunohistochemistry. The expression levels of CLDN2 mRNA in high clinical stages (stages II and III) were lower than those in low clinical stage (stage I) and normal tissue, but not statistically significantly so.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that CLDN2 is implicated in the progression as well as the development of breast carcinoma, indicating that CLDN2 is a possible tumour suppressor gene product.

Inhibitory effects of Saururus chinensis (LOUR.) BAILL on the development of atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice

The present study was performed to examine whether the leaves of Saururus chinensis (LOUR.) BAILL (SC), an herb used for the management of various skin diseases including atopic dermatitis (AD) in Eastern countries, inhibited the development of AD-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice which was induced by repeated application of picryl chloride (PiCl). The efficacy of SC was judged by measurement of skin severity, itching behavior, histological study, serum IgE levels, IL-4 and IFN-gamma in lymph nodes. Oral administration of SC extract to the PiCl-treated NC/Nga mice for 8 weeks (5 d per week) inhibited significantly the development of AD-like skin lesions macroscopically. Histologically, SC inhibited dermatitis changes like hypertrophy, hyperkeratosis, and infiltration of inflammatory cells into epidermis and dermis. The itching behavior and serum IgE level decreased significantly after SC administration. SC administration enhanced IFN-gamma mRNA expression but did not have an effect on IL-4 mRNA expression. These results suggest that SC could inhibit the development of AD-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice possibly through modulating the Th1/Th2 imbalance by the promoting of Th1 cell response. Thus, SC may be an alternative substance for the management of AD patients.

Glycomics analysis of serum: a potential new biomarker for ovarian cancer?

We recently reported the use of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) Fourier transformation mass spectrometry (FTMS) techniques to identify unique glycan markers in ovarian cancer cell lines which may be biomarkers for diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Glycan markers and CA125 levels are compared in a series of ovarian cancer patients and normal control subjects. Oligosaccharides (OS) were cleaved from the serum glycoproteins and isolated using solid phase extraction. MALDI-FTMS was then used to identify unique mass spectrometry (MS) peaks. Sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were calculated to measure the test performance of glycan markers. Sixteen unique OS MS signals were identified in ovarian cancer patient sera. Their additive mass/charge intensities were used to determine their presence or absence. The ovarian cancer patients varied in their disease status, with initial cancer stages ranging from IC to IV. Forty-four of 48 patients had detectable OS signals, with CA125 values between 2 and 17,044. Four patients had undetectable signals and their CA125 ranged between 7 and 10. Twenty-three of 24 control subjects had no detectable glycan markers, with CA125 levels between 10 and 64. Sensitivity and specificity values were determined to be 91.6% and 95.8%, respectively. The area under the ROC curve for all 72 samples was 0.954 (95% CI: 0.896, 1.0) using the glycomics assay, which was superior to CA125 in discriminating between cases and controls. This preliminary study suggests that glycomics profiling may be useful for the detection of ovarian cancer.

Targeted RNA interference of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase p110-beta induces apoptosis and proliferation arrest in endometrial carcinoma cells

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signalling plays a pivotal role in intracellular signal transduction pathways involved in cell growth, cellular transformation, and tumourigenesis. PI3K is overexpressed in many human cancers, including endometrial carcinomas, one of the most common female genital tract malignancies. Here, we used small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeted to PI3K p110-beta to determine whether inhibition of the beta isoform could be a potential therapeutic target for endometrial carcinoma. In this study, treatment of HEC-1B endometrial cancer cells with PI3K p110-beta-specific siRNA resulted in increased apoptosis and decreased tumour cell proliferation. Depletion of PI3K p110-beta decreased the protein levels of AKT1, AKT2, pAKT, and mTOR-downstream targets of PI3K. Knock-down of PI3K p110-beta by siRNA also induced decreased expression of cyclin E and Bcl-2, suggesting that PI3K p110-beta stimulates tumour growth, at least in part by regulating cyclin E and Bcl-2. Thus, our results indicate that siRNA-mediated gene silencing of PI3K p110-beta may be a useful therapeutic strategy for endometrial cancers overexpressing PI3K p110-beta.

Sonographic findings of metastatic disease to the thyroid

The goal of this study was to evaluate the sonographic findings of thyroid metastases arising from non-thyroid primaries. The study over a 5-year period comprised nine patients who had histopathologically proven metastatic disease to the thyroid. Ultrasonography was available in all cases. Ultrasound-guided needle aspiration was performed on 10 suspected nodules as determined by ultrasound. The Ultrasonographic findings were analyzed in two different ways. The first analysis included only those nodules biopsed, and the second analysis included all the nodules, biopsed and non-biopsed. The primary neoplasms were breast carcinoma (n=6), uterine leiomyosarcoma (n=1), cervical carcinoma (n=1), and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (n=1). Excluding 2 nodules, the 8 remaining metastatic nodules exhibited ill-defined hypoechoic character with heterogeneous texture. The other two nodules showed relatively circumscribed iso- or hypo-echoic character with cystic portion. From the analysis of ultrasonographic findings including all thyroid nodules irrespective of pathologic proof, 7 cases - excluding the 2 cases from the 9 cases - showed unilateral or bilateral multiple nodules suspected of metastasis. There was no evidence of microcalcification in any thyroid nodules. In conclusion, the sonographic findings of the thyroid metastatic nodules were not specific, but unilateral or bilateral multiple suspected thyroid nodules without evidence of microcalcification may be suggestive of metastatic nodules among patients with a known primary non-thyroidal tumor.

Gene amplification and expression of the DNA repair enzyme, N-methylpurine-DNA glycosylase (MPG) in HPV-infected cervical neoplasias

BACKGROUND

Lethal and mutagenic damages of DNA is caused by a variety of agents including viruses. It is known that HPV is one of the major causes of cervical carcinogenesis and that cells eliminate DNA lesions with DNA repair enzymes. However, the role of N-methylpurine-DNA glycosylase (MPG) is not known in the development of cervical cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for the detection and typing of HPV in the biopsy. Gene amplification of MPG was measured by a PCR-based assay. The mRNA levels of MPG were determined by reverse transcription-PCR using hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase as the reference gene. An immunohistochemical technique was used to examine the distribution of MPG in the tissues.

RESULTS

Of 68 Korean cervical neoplasia patients, 86.8% showed HPV infection. High-risk HPV 16/18 were the most prevalent but positive only in 47.3% of the invasive cancer patients. Gene amplification of MPG was significantly increased in high-risk HPV-infected tissues as compared to low-risk HPV-infected and normal tissues (p < 0.05). The mRNA levels of MPG were higher in HPV-infected invasive carcinoma than normal cervical tissues. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that the intracellular expression and distribution (localization) of MPG altered in the cervical neoplasia. Interestingly, MPG expression in CIN III and invasive carcinoma (IC) was much higher than normal and CIN I. Granular positivity of MPG was notable in the perinuclear regions of the cytoplasm in HPV-infected invasive cancer.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report on MPG expression in cervical neoplasia. Our results indicate that the gene amplification and expression of MPG were increased in high-risk HPV-infected cervical neoplasias and the intracellular distribution of MPG protein was altered, suggesting a role of MPG in carcinogenesis.

Reduced IL-2 but elevated IL-4, IL-6, and IgE serum levels in patients with cerebral infarction during the acute stage

Cytokines in the central nervous system (CNS) may play an important role in functioning as intercellular signals that orchestrate the response to injury. Whether this is a cause or result of the brain disease process is uncertain. We investigated IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IgE in the sera of 38 patients with cerebral infarction during the acute stage and 10 normal controls using an originally devised sensitive sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We found that serum levels of IL-2 derived from T helper 1 (Th1) cells were slightly reduced in patients with cerebral infarction, whereas serum levels of IL-4 and IL-6 derived from Th2 cells were elevated significantly. IL-4 induces synthesis of IgE in human B cells. Endogenous IL-6 plays an obligatory role in IL-4-dependent human IgE synthesis. We observed that serum IgE levels were elevated significantly in patients with cerebral infarction. However, serum IFN-gamma levels were not elevated significantly in cerebral infarction patients. These findings suggest that elevated IL-4, IL-6, and IgE levels in the human serum may be an important factor in cerebral infarction during the acute stage. Decrease of IL-2 levels in the serum of patients with cerebral infarction may be a regulatory mechanism.

The genome sequence of Drosophila melanogaster

The fly Drosophila melanogaster is one of the most intensively studied organisms in biology and serves as a model system for the investigation of many developmental and cellular processes common to higher eukaryotes, including humans. We have determined the nucleotide sequence of nearly all of the approximately 120-megabase euchromatic portion of the Drosophila genome using a whole-genome shotgun sequencing strategy supported by extensive clone-based sequence and a high-quality bacterial artificial chromosome physical map. Efforts are under way to close the remaining gaps; however, the sequence is of sufficient accuracy and contiguity to be declared substantially complete and to support an initial analysis of genome structure and preliminary gene annotation and interpretation. The genome encodes approximately 13,600 genes, somewhat fewer than the smaller Caenorhabditis elegans genome, but with comparable functional diversity.

Cloning of the Zymomonas mobilis structural gene encoding alcohol dehydrogenase I (adhA): sequence comparison and expression in Escherichia coli

Zymomonas mobilis ferments sugars to produce ethanol with two biochemically distinct isoenzymes of alcohol dehydrogenase. The adhA gene encoding alcohol dehydrogenase I has now been sequenced and compared with the adhB gene, which encodes the second isoenzyme. The deduced amino acid sequences for these gene products exhibited no apparent homology. Alcohol dehydrogenase I contained 337 amino acids, with a subunit molecular weight of 36,096. Based on comparisons of primary amino acid sequences, this enzyme belongs to the family of zinc alcohol dehydrogenases which have been described primarily in eucaryotes. Nearly all of the 22 strictly conserved amino acids in this group were also conserved in Z. mobilis alcohol dehydrogenase I. Alcohol dehydrogenase I is an abundant protein, although adhA lacked many of the features previously reported in four other highly expressed genes from Z. mobilis. Codon usage in adhA is not highly biased and includes many codons which were unused by pdc, adhB, gap, and pgk. The ribosomal binding region of adhA lacked the canonical Shine-Dalgarno sequence found in the other highly expressed genes from Z. mobilis. Although these features may facilitate the expression of high enzyme levels, they do not appear to be essential for the expression of Z. mobilis adhA.

Intravesical instillation therapy with adriamycin for bladder cancer in the Korean study group

Eighteen cases of bladder cancer were treated with intravesical instillation therapy with 60 mg Adriamycin daily. Overall, the treatment was markedly effective in two cases, effective in nine cases, and ineffective in seven cases. Bladder irritation was noted in four cases. Postinstillation therapy was required in most cases.