CCR7 Mediates Cell Invasion and Migration in Extrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma by Inducing Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition

The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) contributes to the metastatic cascade in various tumors. C-C chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) interacts with its ligand, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 19 (CCL19), to promote EMT. However, the association between EMT and CCR7 in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (EHCC) remains unknown. This study aimed to elucidate the prognostic impact of CCR7 expression and its association with clinicopathological features and EMT in EHCC. The association between CCR7 expression and clinicopathological features and EMT status was examined via the immunohistochemical staining of tumor sections from 181 patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. This association was then investigated in TFK-1 and EGI-1 EHCC cell lines. High-grade CCR7 expression was significantly associated with a large number of tumor buds, low E-cadherin expression, and poor overall survival. TFK-1 showed CCR7 expression, and Western blotting revealed E-cadherin downregulation and vimentin upregulation in response to CCL19 treatment. The wound healing and Transwell invasion assays revealed that the activation of CCR7 by CCL19 enhanced the migration and invasion of TFK-1 cells, which were abrogated by a CCR7 antagonist. These results suggest that a high CCR7 expression is associated with an adverse postoperative prognosis via EMT induction and that CCR7 may be a potential target for adjuvant therapy in EHCC.

Predictors of the usefulness of mirogabalin for neuropathic pain: a single-institution retrospective study

Mirogabalin is a novel, preferentially selective α2δ-1 ligand to treat neuropathic pain. However, this agent is not always effective for patients with neuropathic pain. We therefore attempted to identify factors that could predict the efficacy of mirogabalin. The study comprised 133 patients given mirogabalin for alleviation of neuropathic pain between April and November 2019 at our hospital. Variables were extracted from medical records for regression analysis of factors associated to alleviation of neuropathic pain. We evaluated the effect of mirogabalin at two weeks after administration. Groups were categorized according to degree of improvement: poor, effective, or very effective. Multivariate ordered logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify predictors for the usefulness of mirogabalin. Threshold measures were analysed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Maintenance dose [odds ratio (OR) = 0.90; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.84-0.98; P = 0.01], concomitant use of opioids (OR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.08-0.83; P = 0.023) and Neurotropin^® (NTP) (OR = 4.78, 95% CI =1.04-21.93; P = 0.044) were factors significantly correlated to the effect of mirogabalin. ROC curve analysis of the effective group indicated a threshold maintenance dose of≤ 20 mg/day (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.53). In conclusion, maintenance dose (≤ 20 mg), concomitant use of opioids and NTP were identified as predictors for the utility of mirogabalin.

The natural course of the paravertebral muscles after the onset of osteoporotic vertebral fracture

This study revealed the change in the paravertebral muscles in patients with osteoporotic vertebral fracture. Increased pain is likely to be the driver for reduced activity, reduced activities of daily living, and consequent increase in fat infiltration of the paravertebral muscles, assumed to be secondary to reduced activity level or, conversely, partial immobilization.

INTRODUCTION

To reveal the time courses and impact of the paravertebral muscles (PVMs) on the healing process of osteoporotic vertebral fractures and risk factors for PVM decrease.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with symptomatic osteoporotic vertebral fractures were enrolled in 11 hospitals. At enrollment and 3- and 6-month follow-up, PVMs, including the multifidus and erector spinae, were examined using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The PVM cross-sectional area (CSA) and fat signal fraction (FSF) were measured at L3. Low back pain (LBP), activities of daily living (ADLs), and risk factors for PVM decrease at the 6-month follow-up were investigated. PVM decrease was defined as > 1 standard deviation decrease of the CSA or > 1 standard deviation increase of the FSF.

RESULTS

Among 153 patients who completed the 6-month follow-up, 117 (92 women, 79%) had MRI of L3 at enrollment and 3- and 6-month follow-up (mean age at enrollment, 78.5 years). The CSA did not change 6 months from onset (p for trend = 0.634), whereas the FSF significantly increased (p for trend = 0.033). PVM decrease was observed in 30 patients (26%). LBP was more severe, and delayed union was more frequent in patients with PVM decrease (p = 0.021 mixed-effect model and p = 0.029 chi-square test, respectively). The risk factors for PVM decrease were ADL decline at the 3-month follow-up (adjusted odds ratio = 5.35, p = 0.026).

CONCLUSION

PVM decrease was significantly related to LBP and delayed union after osteoporotic vertebral fracture onset. ADL decline at the 3-month follow-up was a risk factor for PVM decrease. Therefore, restoring ADLs within 3 months after onset is important.

P3827Low dose of quinidine is effective to normalize the slow inactivation in mutant Kv4.3 channel identified in an early repolarization syndrome patient

Background

Early repolarization syndrome (ERS) is characterized by J-point elevation in the ECG and ventricular fibrillation (VF). Several mutations in genes encoding cardiac ion channels have been reported as the causes for ERS. For the treatment of ERS, clinical studies have shown that quinidine is effective for the suppression of electrical storm. However, the mechanism or the optimal concentration for quinidine to suppress the electrical storm has not been elucidated yet.

Purpose

The aim of the present study is to clarify pharmacological effect of quinidine on mutant Kv4.3 channel by electrophysiological analysis and to establish theoretically effective treatment for ERS.

Methods

A KCND3 mutation, p.G306A, identified heterozygously in a 12-year-old boy was examined by whole-cell patch-clamp methods using CHO cells. We performed functional analysis of the Kv4.3 channels encoded by KCND3 of wild-type (WT), heterozygous (WT/G306A), or homozygous (G306A) mutants. Pharmacological normalizing effects of quinidine to the WT and mutant channels were investigated by loading test in various concentration. The sensitivity of quinidine was evaluated in terms of the concentration of the clinical course and the loading test.

Results

The patient suffered VF while sleeping or under sedation. Significant J-point elevations in multiple leads were recorded and he was diagnosed as ERS. Quinidine administration in the serum concentration of 1.2 to 3.1 μM was effective to stop his VF storm. Mutant Kv4.3 currents showed significantly slow inactivation time course (Fig 1), which meant that the mutation caused the gain-of-function channel. Quinidine loading to the mutant Kv4.3 normalized the inactivation time course in concentration-dependent manner (Fig 2, 3). In the loading concentration of 1 μM, the peak currents were not changed regardless of the voltage (Fig 4). The optimal serum concentration of quinidine in clinical use as multi-ion-channels blocker is 6 to 15 μM and the concentration was higher than that of the patient to stop the VF storm. The electrophysiological analysis showed that the low dose loading of quinidine was effective to prevent the gain-of function change of mutant Kv4.3 channels.

Electrophysiological analysis

Conclusions

We showed the pharmacological mechanism of quinidine against the mutant Kv4.3 channels identified in an ERS patient. Even the low concentration of quinidine was effective to normalize the slow inactivation, gain-of-function, in mutant Kv4.3 channels. Our data would be helpful to confirm the optimal concentration of quinidine for ERS patients to avoid adverse effect.

Safety and efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in patients with preexisting antinuclear antibodies

PURPOSE

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) show promising clinical activity in advanced cancers. However, the safety and efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in patients with preexisting antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are unclear.

METHODS

191 patients treated with nivolumab, pembrolizumab, atezolizumab, or durvalumab for unresectable advanced cancers between September 2014 and December 2018 were identified retrospectively. Patients were divided into positive (ANA titers ≥ 1:160) and negative ANA groups (ANA titers < 1:160). Development of immune-related adverse events (irAEs), the overall response rate (ORR), and disease control rate (DCR) were monitored.

RESULTS

Positive ANA titers were seen in 9 out of 191 patients. Four patients in the positive ANA group and 69 patients in the negative group developed irAEs of any grade without a significant difference between the groups. The development of endocrine, pulmonary, and cutaneous irAEs was not significant, whereas positive ANA was significantly higher in patients who developed colitis (2/9) than in patients who did not (3/182, P = 0.0002). DCR in the positive and negative ANA group was 37.5% and 67.5%, respectively, and was not statistically significant, but had better efficacy in patients without ANA (P = 0.08). ANA-related autoimmune diseases such as SLE, Sjögren's syndrome, MCTD, scleroderma, dermatomyositis, and polymyositis was not induced in either group. However, one patient with preexisting dermatomyositis had a flare up after initiation of atezolizumab.

CONCLUSION

Further studies to identify predictive factors for the development of irAEs are required to provide relevant patient care and maximize the therapeutic benefits of ICIs.

Intraperitoneal injection of the SIRT1 activator SRT1720 attenuates the progression of experimental osteoarthritis in mice

Objectives

This study aimed to examine the effects of SRT1720, a potent SIRT1 activator, on osteoarthritis (OA) progression using an experimental OA model.

Methods

Osteoarthritis was surgically induced by destabilization of the medial meniscus in eight-week-old C57BL/6 male mice. SRT1720 was administered intraperitoneally twice a week after surgery. Osteoarthritis progression was evaluated histologically using the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) score at four, eight, 12 and 16 weeks. The expression of SIRT1, matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13), a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs-5 (ADAMTS-5), cleaved caspase-3, PARP p85, and acetylated nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65 in cartilage was examined by immunohistochemistry. Synovitis was also evaluated histologically. Primary mouse epiphyseal chondrocytes were treated with SRT1720 in the presence or absence of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), and gene expression changes were examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results

The OARSI score was significantly lower in mice treated with SRT1720 than in control mice at eight and 12 weeks associated with the decreased size of osteophytes at four and eight weeks. The delayed OA progression in the mice treated with SRT1720 was also associated with increased SIRT1-positive chondrocytes and decreased MMP-13-, ADAMTS-5-, cleaved caspase-3-, PARP p85-, and acetylated NF-κB p65-positive chondrocytes and decreased synovitis at four and eight weeks. SRT1720 treatment partially rescued the decreases in collagen type II alpha 1 (COL2A1) and aggrecan caused by IL-1β, while also reducing the induction of MMP-13 by IL-1β in vitro.

Conclusion

The intraperitoneal injection of SRT1720 attenuated experimental OA progression in mice, indicating that SRT1720 could be a new therapeutic approach for OA.Cite this article: K. Nishida, T. Matsushita, K. Takayama, T. Tanaka, N. Miyaji, K. Ibaraki, D. Araki, N. Kanzaki, T. Matsumoto, R. Kuroda. Intraperitoneal injection of the SIRT1 activator SRT1720 attenuates the progression of experimental osteoarthritis in mice. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:252-262. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.73.BJR-2017-0227.R1.

Radiological and clinical comparison of kinematically versus mechanically aligned total knee arthroplasty

AIMS

The aim of this study was to compare the post-operative radiographic and clinical outcomes between kinematically and mechanically aligned total knee arthroplasties (TKAs).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 60 TKAs (30 kinematically and 30 mechanically aligned) were performed in 60 patients with varus osteoarthritis of the knee using a navigation system. The angles of orientation of the joint line in relation to the floor, the conventional and true mechanical axis (tMA) (the line from the centre of the hip to the lowest point of the calcaneus) were compared, one year post-operatively, on single-leg and double-leg standing long leg radiographs between the groups. The range of movement and 2011 Knee Society Scores were also compared between the groups at that time.

RESULTS

The angles of orientation of the joint line in the kinematic group changed from slight varus on double-leg standing to slight valgus with single-leg standing. The mechanical axes in the kinematic group passed through a neutral position of the knee in the true condition when the calcaneus was considered. The post-operative angles of flexion and functional activity scores were significantly better in the kinematic than in the mechanical group (p < 0.003 and 0.03, respectively).

CONCLUSION

A kinematically aligned TKA results in a joint line which has a more parallel orientation in relation to the floor during single- and double-leg standing, and more neutral weight-bearing in tMA than a mechanically aligned TKA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:640-6.

Time course of osteoporotic vertebral fractures by magnetic resonance imaging using a simple classification: a multicenter prospective cohort study

This study revealed the time course of osteoporotic vertebral fracture by magnetic resonance imaging using a simple classification. Signal changes were associated with the compression degree and mobility of the fractured vertebral body. This classification showed sufficient reliability in categorizing magnetic resonance imaging findings of osteoporotic vertebral fractures.

INTRODUCTION

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful in diagnosing osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs). This study investigated the time course of OVFs by MRI using a simple classification.

METHODS

This multicenter cohort study was performed from 2012 to 2015. Consecutive patients with ≤2-week-old OVFs were enrolled in 11 institutions. MRI was performed at enrollment and at 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up. Signal changes on T1-weighted imaging (T1WI), T2WI, and short τ inversion recovery (STIR) were classified according to signal intensity. Height and angular motion of vertebral bodies were also measured.

RESULTS

The 6-month follow-up was completed by 153 patients. At enrollment, fractured vertebrae signal changes were 43 % diffuse and 57 % confined low on T1WI; on T2WI, 56, 24, and 5 % were confined low, high, and diffuse low, respectively; on STIR, 100 % were high. On T1WI, diffuse low remained most common (90 % at 1 month and 60 % at 3 months) until 6 and 12 months, when most were confined low (54 and 52 %, respectively). On T2WI, confined low remained most common (decreasing to 41 % at 12 months). On STIR, high signal change was shown in 98, 87, and 64 % at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. At 3, 6, and 12 months, diffuse low signal change was associated with significantly lower vertebral height, and high signal change was associated with significantly greater angular motion.

CONCLUSIONS

MRI signal changes were associated with the compression degree and angular motion of fractured vertebrae. This classification showed sufficient reliability in categorizing MRI findings of OVFs.

Comparison of indocyanine green angiography and optical coherence tomographic angiography in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

PurposeTo compare optical coherence tomographic angiography (OCTA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) images for detecting polypoidal lesions (PLs) and branching vascular networks (BVNs), and to measure the polypoidal areas (PAs) in patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).MethodsAll patients underwent ICGA, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and OCTA. We compared the detection sensitivity for PL and BVN, as evaluated by the ICGA and OCTA images. Furthermore, PA measured by ICGA was divided into two groups: one in which the area could be measured by OCTA (ICGA+OCTA+) and the other in which the area could not be measured by OCTA (ICGA+OCTA-).ResultsTwenty-one consecutive eyes of 21 patients (mean age, 73.8±9.8 years) were included. ICGA detected PL in all eyes (100%), whereas OCTA detected PL in 16 eyes (75.2%); ICGA detected BVN in 15 eyes (71.4%), whereas OCTA detected BVN in 20 eyes (95.2%). The mean PA in ICGA+OCTA+ and ICGA+OCTA- was 0.24±0.04 and 0.14±0.01 mm2, respectively; a significant difference was observed between ICGA+OCTA+ PA and ICGA+OCTA- PA (P<0.0001). In addition, the mean PA in the ICGA+OCTA+ group measured by ICGA and OCTA was 0.24±0.04 was 0.19±0.04 mm2, respectively; these values were significantly different (P=0.0046).ConclusionsOCTA might detect more BVNs and fewer PLs compared with ICGA, and PL detected by OCTA might be smaller than those detected by ICGA.

Predicting delayed union in osteoporotic vertebral fractures with consecutive magnetic resonance imaging in the acute phase: a multicenter cohort study

This study demonstrated the predictive values of radiological findings for delayed union after osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs). High-signal changes on T2WI were useful findings.

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of the present study is to determine predictive radiological findings for delayed union by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and plain X-rays at two time points in the acute phase of OVFs.

METHODS

This multicenter cohort study was performed from 2012 to 2015. A total of 218 consecutive patients with OVFs ≤2 weeks old were enrolled. MRIs and plain X-rays were performed at the time of enrollment and at 1- and 6-month follow-ups. Signal changes on T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) were classified as diffuse low-, confined low-, or no-signal change; those on T2WI were classified as high (similar to the intensity of cerebrospinal fluid), confined low-, diffuse low-, or no-signal change. The angular motion of the fractured vertebral body was measured with X-rays.

RESULTS

A total of 153 patients completed the 6-month follow-up. A high-signal change on T2WI was most useful in predicting delayed union. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive values were 53.3, 87.8, and 51.6 % at enrollment and 65.5, 84.8, and 51.4 % at the 1-month follow-up, respectively. The positive predictive value increased to 62.5 % with observation of high- or diffuse low-signal changes at both enrollment and the 1-month follow-up. The cutoff value of vertebral motion was 5 degrees. Sensitivity and specificity at enrollment were 52.4 and 74.1 %, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated the radiological factors predicting delayed union after an OVF. T2 high-signal changes showed the strongest association with delayed union. Consecutive MRIs were particularly useful as a differential tool to predict delayed union following OVFs.

Structural analysis of the lipid A derived from the lipopolysaccharide of Brucella abortus

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Brucella abortus strain 45/20 was purified using a novel method. Monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) was prepared from this LPS, methylated, and purified by high performance liquid chromatography. Chemical, mass spectral, and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses showed that MPLA consists of heptaacyl lipid As with molecular weights of 2095, 2123, 2151 and 2179. They contained the β-1,6-linked 2,3-diamino-2,3,-dideoxy-glucose disaccharide backbone and a phosphate group at the 4' position. Bisphosphoryl lipid A was also prepared and completely O-deacylated. It contained an additional phosphate group, and either 2 hydroxyhexadecanoic, 1 hydroxytetradecanoic, 1 hydroxydodecanoic acids or 2 hydroxyhexadecanoic and 2 hydroxydodecanoic acids, all in amide linkage. The predominant ester-linked fatty acyl group in acyloxyacyl linkage was hexadecanoate.

The purified LPS, bisphosphoryl lipid A, and MPLA from B. abortus showed about 14%, 3% and 1%, respectively, of the B cell mitogen activity of ReLPS from Escherichia coli at 1.0 μg/ml.

Diagnosis and treatment of bone metastasis: comprehensive guideline of the Japanese Society of Medical Oncology, Japanese Orthopedic Association, Japanese Urological Association, and Japanese Society for Radiation Oncology

Diagnosis and treatment of bone metastasis requires various types of measures, specialists and caregivers. To provide better diagnosis and treatment, a multidisciplinary team approach is required. The members of this multidisciplinary team include doctors of primary cancers, radiologists, pathologists, orthopaedists, radiotherapists, clinical oncologists, palliative caregivers, rehabilitation doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, medical social workers, etc. Medical evidence was extracted from published articles describing meta-analyses or randomised controlled trials concerning patients with bone metastases mainly from 2003 to 2013, and a guideline was developed according to the Medical Information Network Distribution Service Handbook for Clinical Practice Guideline Development 2014. Multidisciplinary team meetings are helpful in diagnosis and treatment. Clinical benefits such as physical or psychological palliation obtained using the multidisciplinary team approaches are apparent. We established a guideline describing each specialty field, to improve understanding of the different fields among the specialists, who can further provide appropriate treatment, and to improve patients’ outcomes.

The Piccolo Intronic Single Nucleotide Polymorphism rs13438494 Regulates Dopamine and Serotonin Uptake and Shows Associations with Dependence-Like Behavior in Genomic Association Study

Piccolo (PCLO) inhibits methamphetamine-induced neuropharmacological effects via modulation of dopamine (DA) uptake and regulation of the transport of synaptic vesicles in neuronal cells. Clinical studies have recently suggested that the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs13438494 in the intron 24 of the PCLO gene is associated with psychiatric disorder, in the meta-analysis of GWAS. Therefore, in this study, we attempted to evaluate the possible role of the PCLO SNP in the mechanisms of uptake of monoamines. To characterize rs13438494 in the PCLO gene, we constructed plasmids carrying either the C or A allele of the SNP and transiently transfected them into SH-SY5Y cells to analyze genetic effects on the splicing of PCLO mRNA. The C and A allele constructs produced different composition of the transcripts, indicating that the intronic SNP does affect the splicing pattern. We also transfected DA and serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5- HT) transporters into cells and analyzed their uptakes to elucidate the association to psychiatric disorders. In the cells transfected with the C allele, both the DA and 5-HT uptake were enhanced compared to the A allele. We also conducted a clinical study, in order to clarify the genetic associations. PCLO rs13438494 exhibits a relationship with the symptoms of drug dependence or related parameters, such as the age of first exposure to methamphetamine, eating disorders, tobacco dependence and fentanyl requirement. Our findings suggest that rs13438494 is associated with drug abuse and contributes to the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders via modulation of neurotransmitter turnover.

Analysis of sebum lipid composition and the development of acneiform rash before and after administration of egfr inhibitor

Treatment with an epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor (egfri) in patients having non-small-cell lung cancer can cause frequent and diverse skin toxicities, an acneiform rash being one of the commonest. Although the exact pathophysiology of this rash and its development mechanisms remain unknown, investigators have noted that egfri-induced skin toxicity might be partly associated with sebaceous gland function. Sebum is composed mainly of the lipids squalene (sq), wax ester (we), triglyceride, free fatty acid, and cholesterol, which are secreted mostly from the sebaceous glands and by keratinocytes. We therefore investigated the lipid composition of sebum before and after administration of egfri and whether sebum composition was associated with the development of acneiform rash. To investigate any associated changes in sebum gland activity, we focused especially on alterations in the amounts of sq and we, which are secreted solely from the sebaceous glands. In contrast to our expectations, we observed no substantial changes in the lipid composition of sebum before and after administration of egfri. Composition varies with the individual; however, the proportion of sq and we derived from the sebaceous glands was significantly lower in regions that did not develop acneiform rash than in regions that did. Our results suggest that development of an acneiform rash after administration of egfri could be related to sebaceous gland activity. Measurement of the lipid composition of sebum before therapy with egfri might predict which patients will be prone to acneiform rash.