Selective removal of sulfamethoxazole by a novel double Z-scheme photocatalyst: Preferential recognition and degradation mechanism

Sulfamethoxazole (SMX) is a significant environmental concern due to its adverse effects and ecological risks. SMX elimination in aquatic environments via photocatalysis presents a viable solution, given its high oxidation potential. However, such a solution remains controversial, primarily due to a lack of selectivity. Here we introduce a molecularly imprinted TiO2@Fe2O3@g-C3N4 (MFTC) photocatalyst designed for the selective degradation of SMX. To assess MFTC's selectivity, we applied it to degrade synthetic wastewater containing SMX alongside interfering species sulfadiazine (SDZ), ibuprofen (IBU), and bisphenol A (BPA). The results demonstrated a selective degradation efficiency rate of 96.8%, nearly twice that of competing pollutants. The molecularly imprinted sites within the catalyst played a crucial role by selectively capturing SMX and enhancing its adsorption, thereby improving catalytic efficiency. The degradation process involved •OH and •O2- free radicals, with a newly proposed double Z-scheme mechanism and potential pathway for SMX degradation by the MFTC photocatalytic system. This study enriches the application of photocatalysis using molecularly imprinted nanocomposite materials for treating complex pollutant mixtures in water.

[Effects of in vivo targeted carboxylesterase 1f gene knockdown on the Kupffer cells polarization activity in mice with acute liver failure]

Objective: To investigate the effect of targeted carboxylesterase 1f (Ces1f) gene knockdown on the polarization activity of Kupffer cells (KC) induced by lipopolysaccharide/D-galactosamine (LPS/D-GalN) in mice with acute liver failure. Methods: The complex siRNA-EndoPorter formed by combining the small RNA (siRNA) carrying the Ces1f-targeting interference sequence and the polypeptide transport carrier (Endoporter) was wrapped in β-1, 3-D glucan shell to form complex particles (GeRPs). Thirty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a normal control group, a model group (LPS/D-GalN), a pretreatment group (GeRPs), a pretreatment model group (GeRPs+LPS/D-GalN), and an empty vector group (EndoPorter). Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and western blot were used to detect Ces1f mRNA and protein expression levels in the liver tissues of each mouse group. Real-time PCR was used to detect the expression levels of KC M1 polarization phenotypic differentiation cluster 86(CD86) mRNA and KC M2 polarization phenotypic differentiation cluster 163 (CD163) mRNA in each group. Immunofluorescence double staining technique was used to detect the expression of Ces1f protein and M1/M2 polarization phenotype CD86/CD163 protein in KC. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the pathological damage to liver tissue. A one-way analysis of variance was used to compare the means among multiple groups, or an independent sample nonparametric rank sum test was used when the variances were uneven. Results: The relative expression levels of Ces1f mRNA/protein in liver tissue of the normal control group, model group, pretreatment group, and pretreatment model group were 1.00 ± 0.00, 0.80 ± 0.03/0.80 ± 0.14, 0.56 ± 0.08/0.52 ± 0.13, and 0.26 ± 0.05/0.29 ± 0.13, respectively, and the differences among the groups were statistically significant (F = 9.171/3.957, 20.740/9.315, 34.530/13.830, P < 0.01). The percentages of Ces1f-positive Kupffer cells in the normal control group, model group, pretreatment group, and pretreatment model group were 91.42%, ± 3.79%, 73.85% ± 7.03%, 48.70% ± 5.30%, and 25.68% ± 4.55%, respectively, and the differences between the groups were statistically significant (F = 6.333, 15.400, 23.700, P < 0.01). The relative expression levels of CD86 mRNA in the normal control group, model group, and pretreatment model group were 1.00 ± 0.00, 2.01 ± 0.04, and 4.17 ± 0.14, respectively, and the differences between the groups were statistically significant (F = 33.800, 106.500, P < 0.01). The relative expression levels of CD163 mRNA in the normal control group, the model group, and the pretreatment model group were 1.00 ± 0.00, 0.85 ± 0.01, and 0.65 ± 0.01, respectively, and the differences between the groups were statistically significant (F = 23.360, 55.350, P < 0.01). The percentages of (F4/80(+)CD86(+)) and (F4/80(+)CD163(+)) in the normal control group and model group and pretreatment model group were 10.67% ± 0.91% and 12.60% ± 1.67%, 20.02% ± 1.29% and 8.04% ± 0.76%, and 43.67% ± 2.71% and 5.43% ± 0.47%, respectively, and the differences among the groups were statistically significant (F = 11.130/8.379, 39.250/13.190, P < 0.01). The liver injury scores of the normal control group, the model group, and the pretreatment model group were 0.22 ± 0.08, 1.32 ± 0.36, and 2.17 ± 0.26, respectively, and the differences among the groups were statistically significant (F = 12.520 and 22.190, P < 0.01). Conclusion: Ces1f may be a hepatic inflammatory inhibitory molecule, and its inhibitory effect production may come from the molecule's maintenance of KC polarization phenotypic homeostasis.

Enhanced anaerobic degradation of azo dyes by biofilms supported by novel functionalized carriers

Azo dyes are significant organic pollutants known for their adverse effects on humans and aquatic life. In this study, anthraquinone-2-sulfonate (AQS) immobilized on biochar (BC) was employed as a novel carrier in up-flow anaerobic fixed-bed reactors to induce specific biofilm formation and promote the biotransformation efficiency of azo dyes. Novel carrier-packed reactor 1 (R1) and BC-packed reactor 2 (R2) were used to treat red reactive 2 (RR2) under continuous operation for 175 days. The decolorization rates of R1 and R2 were 96-83% and 91-73%, respectively. The physicochemical characteristics and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) of the biofilm revealed a more stable structure in R1. Furthermore, the microbial community in R1 interacted more closely with each other and contained more keystone genera. Overall, this study provides a feasible method for improving the biotransformation of azo dyes, thus providing support for practical applications in wastewater treatment projects.

Qingyihuaji Formula promotes apoptosis and autophagy through inhibition of MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway on pancreatic cancer in vivo and in vitro

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Qingyihuaji Formula (QYHJ), a widely used traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been used to treat patients with cancer in China. However, the effect and mechanism of QYHJ on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to explore the roles and evaluate the possible underlying molecular mechanisms of QYHJ and its core component in PDAC using label-free quantitative proteomics in conjunction with network pharmacology-based analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

By screening differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in proteomics and QYHJ-predicted gene sets, we identified QYHJ-related PDAC targets annotated with bioinformatic analysis. A subcutaneous tumor model was established to assess the role of QYHJ in vivo. The effects of quercetin (Que), a core component of QYHJ, on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and autophagy in SW1990 and PANC-1 cells were investigated in vitro. Immunohistochemistry, western blotting, mRFP-GFP-LC3 adenovirus, and kinase analysis were used to determine the underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS

Bioinformatics analysis revealed that 41 QYHJ-related PDAC targets were closely related to the cellular response to nitrogen compounds, positive regulation of cell death, regulation of epithelial cell apoptotic processes, and chemokine signaling pathways. CASP3, SRC, STAT1, PTPN11, PKM, and PAK1 with high expression were identified as hub DEPs in the PPI network, and these DEPs were associated with poor overall survival and STAT 1, MAPK/ERK, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways in PDAC patients. QYHJ significantly promoted tumor death in nude mice. Moreover, quercetin inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of PDAC cells. Additionally, Que induced apoptosis and autophagy in PDAC cells. Mechanistically, QYHJ and Que significantly activated STAT 1 and remarkably inhibited the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways in vivo and in vitro, respectively. Importantly, ERK1/2 inactivation contributes to que-induced apoptosis in SW1990 and PANC-1 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that QYHJ and Que are promising anti-PDAC avenues that benefit from their multiform mechanisms.

M2 macrophage-derived exosomal miR-193b-3p promotes progression and glutamine uptake of pancreatic cancer by targeting TRIM62

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly lethal malignancy that requires effective novel therapies. M2 macrophages are abundant in the PC microenvironment and promote cancer progression. Exosomes are emerging mediators of the crosstalk between cancer cells and the microenvironment. This study was conducted to explore the role of M2 macrophage-derived exosomes in PC.

METHODS

Exosomes derived from M2 macrophages were extracted. miR-193b-3p and TRIM62 were overexpressed or silenced to examine their function in PC. Luminescence assays were used to investigate the interaction between miR-193b-3p and TRIM62. Cell proliferation was examined by EdU staining. Would healing and transwell assays were applied to evaluate cell migration and invasion. Co-immunoprecipitation was used to assess the interaction between TRIM62 and c-Myc. Gene and protein expressions were analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR and immunoblotting, respectively.

RESULTS

M2 macrophage-derived exosomal miR-193b-3p promoted the proliferation, migration, invasion, and glutamine uptake of SW1990 cells. Mechanism study revealed that TRIM62 is a target of miR-193b-3p. TRIM62 inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion, and glutamine uptake of SW1990 cells by promoting c-Myc ubiquitination. Our data also suggested that TRIM62 expression negatively correlated with miR-193b-3p and c-Myc expression. High-expression of miR-193b-3p and c-Myc predicts poor prognosis, whereas low-expression of TRIM62 predicts poor prognosis in patients with PC.

CONCLUSION

M2 macrophage-derived exosomal miR-193b-3p enhances the proliferation, migration, invasion, and glutamine uptake of PC cells by targeting TRIM62, resulting in the decrease of c-Myc ubiquitination. This study not only reveals the mechanism underlying the crosstalk between M2 macrophages and PC cells but also suggests a promising therapeutic target for PC.

[Immunogenicity and influencing factors of hepatitis B vaccination based on different vaccination schedules among chronic kidney disease patients]

Objective: To explore the immunogenicity and influencing factors of hepatitis B vaccination based on different vaccination schedules among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Methods: CKD patients who participated in randomized controlled trials in four hospitals in Shanxi province and completed three doses of 20 µg vaccination (at months 0, 1 and 6) and four doses of 20 µg or 60 µg vaccination (at months 0, 1, 2, and 6) were surveyed from May 2019 to July 2020.According to the ratio of 1∶1∶1, 273 CKD patients were divided into 3 groups randomly. Quantification of the anti-hepatitis B surface antigen-antibody (anti-HBs) in serum samples was performed using chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay at months 1 and 6 after the entire course of the vaccinations. The positive rate, high-level positive rate, geometric mean concentration (GMC) of anti-HBs, and the influencing factors were analyzed by χ² tests, analysis of variance, unconditional logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 273 CKD patitents were participants.The positive rates in the CKD patients with four doses of 20 µg vaccination (92.96%,66/71) or 60 µg vaccination (93.15%, 68/73) were higher than that in the CKD patients with three doses of 20 µg vaccination (81.69%, 58/71) at month one after the full course of the vaccinations (P<0.05). The GMCs of anti-HBs showed similar results (2 091.11 mIU/ml and 2 441.50 mIU/ml vs. 1 675.21 mIU/ml) (P<0.05). The positive rate was higher in the CKD patients with four doses of 60 µg vaccination (94.83%,55/58) than in those with three doses of 20 µg vaccination (78.79%,52/66) (P<0.05) at month six after the full course of the vaccinations. And the GMC of anti-HBs in the patients with four doses of 60 µg vaccination (824.28 mIU/ml) was significantly higher than those in the patients with 3 or 4 doses of 20 µg vaccination (639.74 mIU/ml and 755.53 mIU/ml) (P<0.05). After controlling the confounding factors, the positive rate in the CKD patients with four doses of 60 µg vaccination were 3.19 (95%CI: 1.02-9.96) and 5.32 (95%CI: 1.27-22.19) times higher than those in the patients with three doses of 20 µg vaccination at months 1 and 6 after the full course of the vaccinations, respectively. The positive rate in CKD patients without immune suppression or hormone therapy was 3.33 (95%CI: 1.26-8.80) and 4.78 (95%CI: 1.47-15.57) times higher than those in the patients with such therapy, respectively. Conclusions: Four doses of 20 µg or 60 µg hepatitis B vaccination could improve the immunogenicity in patients with CKD. And four doses of 60 µg vaccination might play a positive role in maintaining anti-HBs in this population. The immunogenicity in the CKD patients with immune suppression or hormone therapy was poor.

NUCB1 Suppresses Growth and Shows Additive Effects With Gemcitabine in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma via the Unfolded Protein Response

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive cancer with poor patient prognosis. A cellular stress response mechanism called the unfolded protein response (UPR) has been implicated in PDAC progression. More recently, nucleobindin 1 (NUCB1), a calcium-binding protein, has been shown to control the UPR but its precise role in PDAC has not been explored. Here, we found that downregulation of NUCB1 was associated with poor prognosis in patients with PDAC. Functionally, NUCB1 overexpression suppressed pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and showed additive effects with gemcitabine (GEM) in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, by controlling ATF6 activity, NUCB1 overexpression suppressed GEM-induced UPR and autophagy. Last but not least, we uncovered METTL3-mediated m⁶A modification on NUCB1 5'UTR via the reader YTHDF2 as a mechanism for NUCB1 downregulation in PDAC. Taken together, our study revealed crucial functions of NUCB1 in suppressing proliferation and enhancing the effects of gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer cells and identified METTL3-mediated m⁶A modification as a mechanism for NUCB1 downregulation in PDAC.

Fam83D promotes tumorigenesis and gemcitabine resistance of pancreatic adenocarcinoma through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway

BACKGROUND

Elevated expression of family with sequence similarity 83 member D (Fam83D) has been found in various cancers; however, its role in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains unclear. The current study was designed to elucidate the roles of Fam83D in pancreatic cancer.

METHOD

The level of Fam83D was detected in PDAC tissues and adjacent no-tumorous tissues. Effects of Fam83D on proliferation, glycolysis and gemcitabine (GEM) sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells were examined.

RESULTS

Fam83D was overexpressed in PDAC and associated with clinical stage, metastatic status and survival rates of PDAC patients. Function study showed that Fam83D knockdown (KD) caused inhibited proliferation, suppressed mitochondrial respiration capacity, reduced aerobic glycolysis, and down-regulation of nuclear β-catenin, proto-oncogene C-Myc, and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA). Fam83D KD enhanced the sensitivity of PDAC cells to GEM in vitro and in vivo. On the contrary, Fam83D overexpression displayed reverse effects on PDAC cells. Moreover, the Wnt/β-catenin inhibitor abolished the effects of Fam83D overexpression in PDAC cells.

CONCLUSIONS

the current data suggest that enhanced Fam83D expression contributes to PDAC progression and the development of chemoresistance through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

[Visualization analysis of liver fibrosis diagnosis based on Citespace software]

Objective: To explore the research hotspots and development trends in the field of liver fibrosis diagnosis by using visualization methods. Methods: The relevant literatures on liver fibrosis diagnosis were downloaded from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure database. CiteSpace 5.3.R6 software was used to analyze the authors, institutions and key node information to explore the main research groups, institutions and research hotspots and development trends of this field. Results: The analysis showed that the main research authors were Cai Weimin, Guo Qiyong, etc. The main research institutions included were Shengjing Hospital affiliated to China Medical University, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, etc. The current diagnosis of liver fibrosis was mainly focused on invasive (liver biopsy) and non-invasive (serology, imaging) diagnosis. The non-invasive diagnosis may be the research hotspot and direction of liver fibrosis in the future. Conclusion: The visualization analysis of liver fibrosis diagnosis by CiteSpace software can quickly and intuitively understand the basic knowledge and evolution of this field, as well as the main research directions, hot spots and future development trends.

[Clinical characteristics of cardiomyopathies complicated with ventricular thrombosis]

Objective: To summarize the clinical characteristics of cardiomyopathy complicated with ventricular thrombosis. Methods: The clinical data of inpatients suffered from cardiomyopathy complicated with ventricular thrombosis in Fuwai Hospital between January 2015 and May 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. Results: A total of 125 cases were reviewed, and 24.8% were female. Dilated cardiomyopathy was the most common disease (62.4%), followed by arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) (13.6%) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (11.2%). There were 74.4% thrombosis in left ventricle, 12.8% in right ventricle and 12.8% in biventricle. The proportions of right ventricle thrombosis were higher in ARVC than in other cardiomyopathies (52.9% vs 6.5%, P<0.01). The majority suffered from cardiac function New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class Ⅲ (45.6%) and class Ⅳ (39.2%). The ratio of NYHA Class Ⅳ was higher in female patients than in male ones (25.8% vs 10.6%, P<0.05). In lab detection, positive results of D-Dimer and N terminal-pro B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) accounted for 72.8% and 97.6%, respectively. There were 2.5% patients died in the hospital or discharged because of the worsening of illness, the chances were higher in female than male patients (9.7% vs 0, P<0.01). Among these patients, one succumbed to massive ischemic stroke caused by ventricular thrombus detachment under standard anticoagulation therapy. Conclusions: Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most common cardiomyopathy complicated with ventricular thrombosis. The most common location of thrombosis is left ventricle. Right ventricle thrombosis is more common in ARVC. The majority suffer from moderate or severe cardiac dysfunction. Higer proportion of female patients suffer from anemia, severe condition and poor prognosis.

Long non-coding SBF2-AS1 acting as a competing endogenous RNA to sponge microRNA-142-3p to participate in gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer via upregulating TWF1

OBJECTIVE

This study is implemented to probe into the function of lncRNA SBF2-AS1 as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to sponge microRNA-142-3p (miR-142-3p) in modulating TWF1 expression in the gemcitabine resistance of pancreatic cancer.

RESULTS

LncRNA SBF2-AS1 was highly expressed in pancreatic cancer tissues and cells. SBF2-AS1 was found to be associated with gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer. Knock-down of SBF2-AS1 inhibited proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, while promoting apoptosis of gemcitabine resistant pancreatic cancer cells. SBF2-AS1 inhibited the expression of TWF1 by competitively binding with miR-142-3p in pancreatic cancer.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates that knock-down of SBF2-AS1 inhibits the expression of TWF1 by competitively binding with miR-142-3p to induce gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

Expression of SBF2-AS1 was tested in pancreatic cancer tissues and cells. Construction of AsPC-1/GEM and PANC-1/GEM cells with low expression of SBF2-AS1 was performed to determine the biological behaviors of drug-resistant cells. AsPC-1 and PANC-1 cells expressing SBF2-AS1 and/or miR-142-3p were constructed and treated with different concentrations of gemcitabine to detect the sensitivity of the cells to gemcitabine. The binding relationship between SBF2-AS1 and miR-142-3p and between miR-142-3p and TWF1 were determined.

[Efficacy and peripheral immunity analysis of allogeneic natural killer cells therapy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of allogeneic natural killer (NK) cells in the treatment of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to elucidate the mechanism of NK cells therapy.

METHODS

Twenty-one patients with primary HCC treated with allogeneic NK cells at the Fifth Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital were followed up for 1 year. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from patient-related donors and cultured in vitro for 15 days and infused to the patients in two consecutive days. Clinical data and laboratory data were collected and analyzed, including survival, clinical features, imaging changes, hematology, immunology, and biochemical indicators to evaluate the safety and efficacy of allogeneic NK cell therapy. The changes of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets after treatment were also analyzed to explore the possible anti-tumor mechanisms.

RESULTS

(1) Of the 21 patients with primary HCC, 11 patients were treated once, 5 patients were treated twice, and 5 patients were treated 3 times. After allogeneic NK cells infusion, 10 patients had fever, 1 patient had slight hepatalgia and 1 patient had slight headache, no other adverse events occurred including acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). They resolved spontaneously within 8 hours without other treatment. (2) The total disease control rate was 76.2% during one-year follow-up. Among them, the patients with Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) stage A had a disease control rate of 100%, stable disease (SD) in 10 cases; BCLC stage B patients had a disease control rate of 60%, partial response (PR) in 1 case, and SD 2 in cases; BCLC stage C patients had a disease control rate of 50%, complete response (CR) in 1 case, and 2 cases of PR. (3) The frequencies of NK cells and CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood were significantly lower than that before at 24 hours after treatment, and the frequencies of CD4+ T cells and CD4/CD8 were significantly higher than the baseline.

CONCLUSION

Allogeneic NK cells have good safety and efficacy in the treatment of primary HCC. The anti-tumor effect of the allogeneic NK cells may play an important role in the activation of the patient's natural immune system and delay disease progression, suggesting that allogeneic NK cells combined with sorafenib may be a very effective treatment for advanced HCC, and further large-sample multicenter randomized controlled clinical trials are needed to validate this result.

[Research on quality standards of standard decoction of Fructus Corni piece]

This study aims to develop the quality standards of Fructus Corni piece standard decoction. Morroniside and loganin were considered as index components. The content determination method of morroniside and loganin were developed. The fingerprint analysis method was also established. The standard decoctions of 15 batches of Fructus Corni pieces from Henan, Zhejiang, and Shaanxi were analyzed. The similarity values of fingerprint were all above 0.99. The transfer rates of morroniside were all higher than 100%. The quality evaluation indices of standard decoction were discussed. The transfer rate of an index component was not easy to be measured accurately and its concept was not rigorous. Therefore, index component yield was suggested as an evaluation index of standard decoction. Two methods for setting quality standards of standard decoctions, which were the ■ method and the ■ method, were compared. It was found that the standard range of ■ method was wider and more suitable for smaller sample size of standard decoction. The quality standards of Fructus Corni standard decoction were as follows, dry matter extraction ratio 37.48%-69.60%; morroniside yield 8.719-16.19 mg·g~(-1) piece; loganin yield 4.342-8.064 mg·g~(-1) piece.

[The role of abnormal mitochondrial fusion and fission in PBDE-47-induced change in mitochondrial mass in PC12 cells]

Objective: To investigate the effect of 2, 2', 4, 4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE-47) on the mitochondrial mass in rat adrenal pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells and the potential mechanisms. Methods: Highly differentiated PC12 cells were divided into control, 1, 10 or 20 μmol/L PBDE-47-treated groups and cultured for 24 h. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe the changes in mitochondrial morphology and quantity in PC12 cells. Flow cytometry was used to measure the fluorescence intensity of Nonyl Acridine Orange (NAO) , a fluorescent indicator of mitochondrial membrane cardiolipin, to reflect mitochondria mass. Western blotting was used to determine the expression levels of Mitofusion 1 (Mfn1) and Fission 1 (Fis1) proteins. To further explore the role of abnormal mitochondrial fusion and fission in PBDE-47-induced mitochondrial mass changes, PC12 cells were divided into control group, 5 μmol/L M1 treatment group, 20 μmol/L PBDE-47 treatment group and 5 μmol/L M1+20 μmol/L PBDE-47 combined treatment group and cultured for 24 h, then the fluorescence intensity of NAO and expression levels of Mfn1 and Fis1 proteins were detected. Results: The control group showed numerous mitochondria with normal morphology, while the number of mitochondria decreased after PBDE-47 treatment. Especially, the disappeared cristae, swelling and vacuoles of mitochondria and decreased fluorescence intensity of NAO (P<0.05) were observed in 10 and 20 μmol/L PBDE-47-treated groups. Meanwhile, the expression levels of Mfn1 and Fis1 proteins in the 10 and 20 μmol/L PBDE-47-treated groups were significantly decreased compared with control group (P<0.05) . However, 5 μmol/L M1 co-treatment with 20 μmol/L PBDE-47 significantly increased the levels of Mfn1 and Fis1 proteins and fluorescence intensity of NAO compared with the 20 μmol/L PBDE-47 group (P<0.05) . Conclusion: PBDE-47 can inhibit the mitochondrial fusion and fission process, thus leading to damage of mitochondria mass in PC12 cells.

[Outcome of combination of HLA-haploidentical hematopoietic SCT with an unrelated cord blood unit for 127 patients with acquired severe aplastic anemia]

目的

评价单倍型造血干细胞移植（haplo-HSCT）联合第三方脐血干细胞移植治疗重型再生障碍性贫血（SAA）的疗效及安全性。

方法

对2011年9月至2017年4月间接受haplo-HSCT联合第三方脐血干细胞移植的127例SAA患者进行回顾性研究。

结果

全部127例SAA患者中，男74例，女53例，中位年龄23.5（3~54）岁，其中极重型再生障碍性贫血65例。诊断至移植中位时间2（0.5~180）个月。单倍型造血干细胞来源为骨髓+外周血。脐血均选用单份，HLA配型≥4/6相合。127例患者均接受改良Bu/Cy+ATG/ALG预处理方案（白消安+环磷酰胺+抗胸腺细胞球蛋白/抗淋巴细胞球蛋白）。以环孢素A、霉酚酸酯联合短程甲氨蝶呤预防GVHD。回输单倍型供者单个核细胞10.87（3.61~24.00）×10⁸/kg，CD34⁺细胞3.49（1.02~8.89）×10⁶/kg；回输脐血单个核细胞2.22（1.10~7.30）×10⁷/kg，CD34⁺细胞0.56（0.16~2.27）×10⁵/kg。127例患者中5例发生早期死亡。在可评估的122例患者中，1例发生原发植入失败，其余121例患者成功植入（均为单倍型造血干细胞植入）。中性粒细胞、血小板植入时间分别为11（9~28）d、15（9~330）d，5例患者发生血小板植入不良。移植过程中74例（58.27%）发生感染。存活患者中位随访20.5（4.0~60.0）个月，Ⅱ~Ⅳ度急性GVHD发生率为24.79%（30/121），中/重度慢性GVHD发生率为14.15%（15/106），预期4年总生存率为（78.5±4.3）%，无失败生存率为（77.4±4.3）%。

结论

haplo-HSCT联合第三方脐血干细胞移植治疗SAA疗效确切且安全性较好，在无全相合供者情况下可作为有价值的治疗选择。

Systemic immune-inflammation index predicts prognosis of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Systemic inflammation and immune dysfunction have been proved to be associated with cancer progression and metastasis in various malignancies. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of pre-treatment systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

In total, 419 patients diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer, between January 2011 and December 2015, were retrospectively enrolled. The SII was developed based on a training set of 197 patients from 2011 to 2013 and validated in an independent cohort of 222 patients from 2014 to 2015. Data on baseline clinicopathologic characteristics; pre-treatment laboratory variables such as absolute neutrophil, lymphocyte, and platelet counts; and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), total bilirubin (TBIL), albumin (ALB), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels were collected. The association between clinicopathologic characteristics and SII was assessed. The overall survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier survival curves and compared using the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to analyze the prognostic value of the SII.

RESULT

An optimal cutoff point for the SII of 440 stratified the patients with advanced pancreatic cancer into high (> 440) and low (≤ 440) SII groups in the training cohort. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that the SII was an independent predictor for overall survival. The prognostic significance of the SII was confirmed in both normal and elevated CA19-9 levels.

CONCLUSION

The baseline SII serves as an independent prognostic marker for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer and can be used in patients with both normal and elevated CA19-9 levels.

TAM Infiltration Differences in "Tumor-First" and " ZHENG-First" Models and the Underlying Inflammatory Molecular Mechanism in Pancreatic Cancer

Background: Syndrome (ZHENG in Chinese) in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) refers to the intrinsic characteristics of a pathological process at a certain stage; these characteristics are influenced by internal and external environments and reveal the nature of a disease. Proper syndrome differentiation is the basic principle that guides clinical treatment. Objective: To have a good understanding of tumor progression and the different mechanisms related to ZHENG that have occurred before and after tumor development and to explore the valid evaluation criteria of different pancreatic cancer syndromes to improve the guiding role of TCM syndrome differentiation in pancreatic cancer treatment. Methods: In this study, we established mouse subcutaneous pancreatic cancer models, namely, Con (control), Pi-Xu (Spleen-Deficiency), Shi-Re (Dampness-Heat), and Xue-Yu (Blood-Stasis). Then, for the first time, we compared the different effects of “ZHENG-first” (referring to a different disease status that occurred before tumor occurrence) and “Tumor-first” (referring to the change in the tumor microenvironment and the resulting changes in the state of the body) conditions on tumor progression and evaluated the associated molecular mechanisms. Results: We found that tumor growth in the “ZHENG-first” and “Tumor-first” conditions was different. In the “Tumor-first” model, the tumor growth in the Pi-Xu group was faster than that in the other groups. However, in the “ZHENG-first” model, the tumor growth trend was most obvious in the Shi-Re group. There was a difference in tumor-associated macrophage infiltration between the 2 models. The expression levels of the inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-10, and P-STAT3 were also differentially altered. Conclusion: The emergence of ZHENG conditions before or after tumor occurrence had different impacts on pancreatic cancer development, and these impacts may be related to differences in tumor-associated macrophage infiltration and the involved inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-10, and P-STAT3. The study results uncovered the molecular basis of syndrome differentiation in pancreatic cancer progression, which might provide more specific guidance for TCM treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Cilia loss sensitizes cells to transformation by activating the mevalonate pathway

Although cilia loss and cell transformation are frequently observed in the early stage of tumorigenesis, the roles of cilia in cell transformation are unknown. In this study, disrupted ciliogenesis was observed in cancer cells and pancreatic cancer tissues, which facilitated oncogene-induced transformation of normal pancreatic cells (HPDE6C7) and NIH3T3 cells through activating the mevalonate (MVA) pathway. Disruption of ciliogenesis up-regulated MVA enzymes through β catenin-T cell factor (TCF) signaling, which synchronized with sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 2 (SREBP2), and the regulation of MVA by β-catenin-TCF signaling was recapitulated in a mouse model of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and human PDAC samples. Moreover, disruption of ciliogenesis by depleting Tg737 dramatically promoted tumorigenesis in the PDAC mouse model, driven by KrasG12D , which was inhibited by statin, an inhibitor of the MVA pathway. Collectively, this study emphasizes the crucial roles of cilia in governing the early steps of the transformation by activating the MVA pathway, suggesting that statin has therapeutic potential for pancreatic cancer treatment.

Negative pressure wound therapy inhibits inflammation and upregulates activating transcription factor-3 and downregulates nuclear factor-κB in diabetic patients with foot ulcerations

BACKGROUND

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is one of the most important treatments for diabetic foot, but the underlying mechanisms of its benefits still remain elusive. This study aims to evaluate the inflammatory signals involved in the effects of negative pressure therapy on diabetic foot ulcers.

METHODS

We enrolled 22 patients with diabetic foot ulceration, 11 treated with NPWT and the other 11 treated with traditional debridement. All patients were treated and observed for 1 week. Granulation tissues were harvested and analyzed in both groups, and then were histologically and immunohistochemically analyzed. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blot analysis, and real-time PCR were performed to evaluate the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65, I_k B-α, and activating transcription factor-3 (ATF-3).

RESULTS

After 7 days of treatment, NPWT could obviously promote diabetic wound healing because of the mild inflammation and the dense cell-deposited matrix. Meanwhile, NPWT significantly decreased the expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and iNOS (all P < .05). The result of Western blotting and real-time PCR indicated that NPWT obviously decreased the level of I_k B-α and NF-κB p65, and increased the level of ATF-3 (all P < .05).

CONCLUSION

NPWT exerts an anti-inflammatory effect, possibly through the suppression of proinflammatory enzymes and cytokines resulting from I_k B-α inhibition and ATF-3 activation, which may prevent the activation of the NF-κB pathway in human diabetic foot wounds.

[Effects of prenatal maternal seizure on hippocampal damage and cognitive deficits in offspring rats]

Objective: To observe hippocampal damage and cognitive impairment of offspring exposed to prenatal maternal seizure induced by amygdala kindling, and to explore the underlying mechanism by the detection of pathological changes of placenta. Method: Adult female SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: control group(8 rats), kindling group(12 rats) and sham group(8 rats). All the rats were allowed to mate after one week's fully kindling. The pregnant rats in kindling group received electric stimulation every 48 h. Dams were allowed to deliver naturally. Effects of maternal seizure on the number of offspring, the survival rate and body weight of pups were observed. HE staining was used to visualize histopathological changes of placenta. Morris water maze test was used to assess the cognitive function and Nissal's staining to detect hippocampal morphology of the offspring. One-way ANOVA analysis and χ² test were used. Result: Compared with the sham group (95%(78/82)) and the control group (95%(82/86)), the survival rate of pups in kindling group(81%(66/82))was much lower (χ²=13.817, P=0.001). There were no significant differences in the number of pups per litter and pups birth-weight between kindling group and sham group or control group(F=0.312 and 0.257, P=0.736 and 0.776). HE staining showed that placental tissues from control and sham groups were normal whereas the histologic abnormalities of placentas from kindling group were characterized by thickening of the villus vascular walls, luminal stenosis, trophoblasts hyperplasia, abnormalities of trophoblasts with nuclear pyknosis and karyorrhexis and accumulation of inflammatory lymphocytes in labyrinthine zone. Nissl staining showed that neurons in hippocampus of P₀(0 d after birth) and P₈₄(84 d after birth) offspring from control and sham groups were normal, but neuronal damages were obvious in hippocampus of P₀ and P₈₄ offspring from kindling groups, and the damages in P₀ pups were severe with a marked loss of neuron, shrinkage of cells and nuclear pyknosis and karyorrhexis. In the Morris water maze, compared with the sham group ((29±8), (19±9), (10±4)s) and the control group ((25±6), (17±5), (14±4)s) rats in the kindling group ((36±8), (29±8), (30±11)s) exhibited significantly longer escape latency from the 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th days (F=6.276, 7.518, 18.422, P=0.030, 0.003, 0.000), significant less time in the target quadrant ((27±8) vs.(58±11)and(68±13)s, F=35.993, P=0.000) and reduced number of crossing the platform ((4.4±1.7) vs. (7.2±1.6) and (8.5±1.3)times, F=18.377, P=0.000). In addition, there was no significant difference between control and sham groups(P all >0.05). Conclusion: The prenatal maternal seizures induced significant pathological damages to hippocampus and cognitive impairment of offspring. Hypoxia-ischemia of placenta might play an important role in this process.

[Analysis of early failure of the PHILOS in proximal humerus fractures]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the reasons of early failure of the PHILOS in proximal humerus fractures.

METHODS

From Nov. 2010 to Nov. 2014, there were 117 patients with humerus fractures treated with PHILOS locking plate in Department of Orthopaedics, Xuanwu Hospital. All of the patients were treated with the plate by open reduction internal fixation, and we analyzed these cases retrospectively. After the operation, we removed the drainage tube within 48 h, and the patients were allowed to do the passive motion 3 days after the surgery if the X-Ray showed the plate and screws were reliable. Eight cases failed within 4 weeks after the operation. We analyzed the reasons of the failure.

RESULTS

The rate of the failed cases was 6.83%(8/117). The average age was 72.4(66-82) years. In the 8 failed cases, 3 were on the right side, and the other 5 on the left side. As for the reason of the fractures, 2 cases were because of car accidents, and the other 6 because of daily life injury. According to the Neer classification, 3 cases were 2-part fractures, and the other 5 3-part fractures. Three cases were total failure, and the other 5 partial failure. All the 8 failed cases failed within 4 weeks after the operation, of which 1 was on the sixth day after surgery, the other 7 2 to 4 weeks after the surgery.The 3 totally failed cases were treated by removing the screws and plates, the other 5 by conservative methods. All of the cases were malunion at the end.

CONCLUSION

The early failure of the PHILOS locking plate in proximal humerus fractures is related to the bad reduction during the operation, the loss of medial cortex support, the limitation of screw length, the osteoporosis and the improper rehabilitation after operation.It is very important to do good preoperative plan for a surgeon. During the operation, we should try our best in the fracture reduction, use the appropriate plate and screws, and then pay attention to the rehabilitation after the operation. After all of this, the rate of failure may be decreased.

[Analysis of early failure of the PHILOS in proximal humerus fractures]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the reasons of early failure of the PHILOS in proximal humerus fractures.

METHODS

From Nov. 2010 to Nov. 2014, there were 117 patients with humerus fractures treated with PHILOS locking plate in Department of Orthopaedics, Xuanwu Hospital. All of the patients were treated with the plate by open reduction internal fixation, and we analyzed these cases retrospectively. After the operation, we removed the drainage tube within 48 h, and the patients were allowed to do the passive motion 3 days after the surgery if the X-Ray showed the plate and screws were reliable. Eight cases failed within 4 weeks after the operation. We analyzed the reasons of the failure.

RESULTS

The rate of the failed cases was 6.83%(8/117). The average age was 72.4(66-82) years. In the 8 failed cases, 3 were on the right side, and the other 5 on the left side. As for the reason of the fractures, 2 cases were because of car accidents, and the other 6 because of daily life injury. According to the Neer classification, 3 cases were 2-part fractures, and the other 5 3-part fractures. Three cases were total failure, and the other 5 partial failure. All the 8 failed cases failed within 4 weeks after the operation, of which 1 was on the sixth day after surgery, the other 7 2 to 4 weeks after the surgery.The 3 totally failed cases were treated by removing the screws and plates, the other 5 by conservative methods. All of the cases were malunion at the end.

CONCLUSION

The early failure of the PHILOS locking plate in proximal humerus fractures is related to the bad reduction during the operation, the loss of medial cortex support, the limitation of screw length, the osteoporosis and the improper rehabilitation after operation.It is very important to do good preoperative plan for a surgeon. During the operation, we should try our best in the fracture reduction, use the appropriate plate and screws, and then pay attention to the rehabilitation after the operation. After all of this, the rate of failure may be decreased.

Hepatitis B virus basal core promoter/precore mutants and association with liver cirrhosis in children with chronic hepatitis B virus infection

We investigated 168 children and analysed the virological characterization and association with disease progression in children with hepatitis B virus (HBV) basal core promoter/precore (BCP/PC) mutants. Among 168 patients with HBV infection (aged 0.5-18 years old, mean 10.1), 86 of them had HBV-related liver cirrhosis (LC) and 82 had HBV-related chronic hepatitis B (CHB). A direct sequencing method was employed to determine the HBV genotypes and the mutations in BCP/PC regions. In all, 133 of them were infected with genotype C viruses (79.17%); only 35 patients (20.83%) were infected with genotype B viruses. Both LC patients and CHB patients had significantly higher ratios of genotype C when compared with the ratios of genotype B (83.7%-16.3% versus 74.4%-25.6%). For patients with CHB, the prevalence of BCP/PC wild-type viruses was 52.4%; but this was only 4.7% in patients with LC. The C1653T, T1753C, A1762T/G1764A and G1896A mutations had a significantly higher prevalence in patients with LC. Among all the patients with genotype B viruses, those with LC had lower HBV DNA levels and higher G1899A mutation frequency than patients with CHB. Among all the patients with genotype C viruses, the patients with LC had higher prevalence of C1653T, A1762T/G1764A and G1896A mutation frequency, higher hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) -negative rates, lower viral load, lower elevated alanine aminotransferase and lower anti-HBe positive rates than CHB patients. The HBV BCP/PC variants were more common in HBeAg-negative LC patients than in the CHB group (BCP, 53.4% versus 15.6%; PC, 18.6% versus 3.7%, respectively, p < 0.001). Patients with HBV genotype C viruses, high viral load and C1653T, A1762T/G1764A, G1896A mutant viruses, were more susceptible to developing LC.

Huachansu injection inhibits metastasis of pancreatic cancer in mice model of human tumor xenograft

Background

Huachansu injection (HCS) is a water-soluble preparation made from Bufo gargarizans’s skin, which has been widely used in clinics for tumor therapy in China. Though the anti-cancer activity of HCS has been verified through studies in vitro and in vivo, there is little research about its potential anti-metastasis effect. The primary objective of this study was to assess the effects of HCS on both the invasion of pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and on the progression of liver metastasis in vivo in this study.

Methods

HCS anti-metastasis potential was accessed using both assay of Cell viability and invasion in vitro, and then further Establishing xenograft model in nude mice. In the cell-based assay, mRNA and protein expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF was detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and western blotting. In animal experiment, liver metastasis nodules and change of liver-body ratio was observed. Meanwhile, correlation of the CA19-9 and CEA content in serum with the progression of liver metastasis was analyzed.

Result

We observed that HCS prevented the invasion of cancer cells, with inhibiting the expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9, and reduced not only the number of metastasis nodules but the ratio of liver-body weight as well. Furthermore, HCS decreased the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF in liver metastasis, while also reducing CA19-9 contents in serum. In addition, correlation analysis indicated that the level of CA19-9 in serum was closely related to the number of liver metastasis nodules.

Conclusion

Our experimental results suggest that HCS has some anti-metastasis potential to suppress the growth of liver metastasis by decreasing the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 as well as VEGF.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1472-6882-14-483) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Relationship between the angle of vertebral screws and spinal lateral angulation after fixation of thoracolumbar fractures via an anterior approach

This study investigated possible contributors to lateral spinal angulation after surgical fixation of thoracolumbar fractures via an anterior approach. We retrospectively examined lateral angulation in 172 cases of thoracolumbar fractures treated in this manner. The coronal Cobb angle and angles of the screws relative to the endplates were determined from radiographs. The patients completed the Short Form 36, Oswestry Disability Index, Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire, and Visual Analogue Scale at the final follow-up visit. The mean coronal Cobb angle was 0.75° ± 3.91° (-14.25° to 14.55°) preoperatively, 3.17° ± 4.07° (-8.18° to 14.01°) immediately postoperatively, and 3.46° ± 4.21° (-1.05° to 17.27°) at the final follow-up visit. The superior posterior and inferior anterior screws were more parallel to their respective endplates when the approach was made ≥2 vs ≤1 vertebral levels above the fracture (P < 0.001). Lateral angulation was more likely when the approach was made ≤1 vs ≥2 levels above the fracture (P < 0.001). The coronal Cobb angle differed significantly (P < 0.01) between patients with lumbar and thoracic fractures. The immediate postoperative coronal Cobb angle correlated tightly with the sum of the screw angles (superior plus inferior posterior and/or inferior plus superior anterior). Lateral angulation may occur after surgical fixation of thoracic and lumbar fractures via an anterior approach. Non-parallelism between the vertebral screws and their corresponding endplates may predict postoperative lateral spinal angulation. Postoperative lateral angulation does not correlate with low back pain, quality of life, or preoperative lateral angulation.

High expression of erythropoietin-producing hepatoma cell line-B2 (EphB2) predicts the efficiency of the Qingyihuaji formula treatment in pancreatic cancer CFPAC-1 cells through the EphrinB1-EphB2 pathway

Our previous study demonstrated that inhibition of erythropoietin-producing hepatoma cell line-B2 (EphB2) expression resulted in the promotion of cancer growth, with EphB2 acting as a tumor suppressor in pancreatic cancer. Qingyihuaji formula (QYHJ), a traditional Chinese medicine, acts as an independent protective factor for pancreatic cancer patient survival and different patients have shown various responses to QYHJ treatment. In the current study, the different effects on tumor growth inhibition following QYHJ treatment in cells with different levels of EphB2 expression were investigated to reveal the mechanism. A subcutaneously transplanted tumor model using cancer cells with different levels of EphB2 expression were established in vivo and received a four-week QYHJ intervention. Tumor weight inhibitory rate and tumor volume deflation were evaluated. The cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis were used to assess mRNA and protein levels. The results showed that the tumor weight inhibitory rate was 31.40, 31.33 and 18.36% in CFPAC-1, CFPAC-1 control RNAi and CFPAC-1 EphB2 RNAi cells following QYHJ treatment, respectively. A statistically significant difference was identified in CFPAC-1 (P<0.05) and CFPAC-1 control RNAi (P<0.01) cells. In addition, a statistically significant increase was identified in the G0/G1 phase population (P<0.05) and a statistically significant decrease was identified in the S phase population (P<0.05) in CFPAC-1 and CFPAC-1 control RNAi cells; however, no significant difference was identified in the CFPAC-1 EphB2 RNAi cells following QYHJ treatment. QYHJ upregulated the mRNA and protein level of Eph receptor-interacting B1 (EphrinB1) in the cells that were expressing different levels of EphB2, however, QYHJ did not regulate EphB2 expression. In CFPAC-1 and CFPAC-1 control RNAi cells, the QYHJ treatment resulted in a statistically significant decrease in cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (CDK6) mRNA (P<0.05) and protein (P<0.05) levels. The high expression of EphB2 predicted the superior response rate to the QYHJ treatment through a mechanism of inhibiting the cell cycle by an EphrinB1-EphB2-induced CDK6 decrease in CFPAC-1 cells. Therefore, EphB2 acts as a predictive factor for QYHJ treatment in pancreatic cancer CFPAC-1 cells.

First Report of Leaf Blight of Rice Caused by Cochliobolus lunatus in China

Leaf-streak symptoms were observed on rice (Oryza sativa L.) starting at the booting stage through harvest in Zhejiang Province, China, in 2012. Based on Fuyang County, only 15% of the rice fields were estimated to show these symptoms. However, incidence could be 40 to 80% when the rice got infected. Typical symptoms started as green water-soaked streaks from the tip or edge of leaf blades, similar to bacterial leaf blight caused by Xanthomonas oryzae. Infected leaves turned yellow, then eventually became wilted and dry. No bacterial streaming was observed and no bacteria were isolated. Pieces of infected leaf tissue were surface sterilized using 0.1% (v/v) mercuric chloride, rinsed with sterilized water, then placed on water agar (WA). After 2 or 3 days on WA at 28°C, only fungal growth was observed from surface sterilized tissues. Fungi were isolated, purified by single spore separation process, and subcultured to potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates. Growing on PDA, the surface of the colony was circular, fluffy, and shiny velvety-black, whereas the under surface was dark Prussian blue. Conidiophores were single or fascicled, brown to dark brown, rarely branched, multiseptate, and straight or often geniculate near the apex. Conidia were brown, smooth, fusiform, geniculate or hook-shaped, 17.5 to 28.5 × 8.5 to 14.0 μm, and 3-septate, with the third cell from the base larger and darker than the others. Molecular identification was performed by analysis of the rDNA internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2). The rDNA-ITS region was amplified with primer pair ITS1 and ITS4 (5), sequenced, and deposited in GenBank (Accession No. KC462186). The sequence of rDNA-ITS (KC462186) showed 100% identity with Cochliobolus lunatus R.R. Nelson & Haasis (JN943422) after BLAST. Based on the results of morphological and molecular analyses, the fungus isolated from infected leaves was identified as C. lunatus (anamorph: Curvularia lunata (Wakk.) Boedijn) (3). Pathogenicity tests were conducted three times by spraying a conidial suspension (1 × 10⁵ spores/ml) with 0.1% (v/v) Tween 20 on 12 healthy rice plants at late tillering stage. The same number of the healthy rice plants sprayed with sterilized water with 0.1% (v/v) Tween 20 were used as control. All plants were kept at 30°C and 75 to 85% relative humidity (RH) under a 12-h light/dark rotation. About 5 to 7 days after inoculation, green water-soaked streaks began to appear on inoculated plants. From 7 to 14 days after inoculation, the lesions developed quickly and the leaves began to wilt. After 14 days, inoculated plants showed symptoms similar to those originally observed in the field, while control plants (sprayed with sterilized water) remained healthy. C. lunatus was re-isolated from all inoculated plants, and re-identified by the same methods (morphological and molecular methods) as described above, thereby satisfying Koch's postulates, and confirming C. lunatus as the cause of the disease. C. lunatus is a pathogen of a wide range of plants and is common in paddy environments. It was reported as one of the causal agents of black kernel of rice (4) and rice spikelet rot disease (SRD) (1,2). The level of incidence observed in the affected fields suggest that this disease could potentially cause major losses under favorable weather conditions if susceptible cultivars are grown. To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. lunatus causing leaf blight of rice in China. References: (1) S. W. Huang et al. Crop Prot. 30:1, 2011. (2) S. W. Huang et al. Crop Prot. 30:10, 2011. (3) D. S. Manamgoda et al. Fungal Divers. 51:3. (4) S. H. Ou. Rice diseases [M]. CABI, 1985. (5) T. J. White et al. PCR Protocols: a Guide to Methods and Application. Academic Press, San Diego, CA, 1990.

Electroacupuncture treatment for pancreatic cancer pain: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer is often accompanied by severe abdominal or back pain. It's the first study to evaluate the analgesic effect of electroacupuncture on pancreatic cancer pain. A randomized controlled trial compared electroacupuncture with control acupuncture using the placebo needle.

METHODS

Sixty patients with pancreatic cancer pain were randomly assigned to the electroacupuncture group (n = 30) and the placebo control group (n = 30). Patients were treated on Jiaji (Ex-B2) points T8-T12 bilaterally for 30 min once a day for 3 days. Pain intensity was assessed with numerical rated scales (NRS) before the treatment (Baseline), after 3 treatments, and 2 days follow-up.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics were similar in the two groups. After 3 treatment, pain intensity on NRS decreased compared with Baseline (-1.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.46 to -1.87) in the electroacupuncture group; there was little change (-0.13, 95% CI 0.08 to -0.35) in control group; the difference between two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Follow-up also found a significant reduction in pain intensity in the electroacupuncture group compared with the control group (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Electroacupuncture was an effective treatment for relieving pancreatic cancer pain.

Arsenic trioxide inhibits viability of pancreatic cancer stem cells in culture and in a xenograft model via binding to SHH-Gli

OBJECTIVE

Overexpression of the sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway is an essential characteristic of pancreatic cancer stem cells (PCSCs) and arsenic trioxide (ATO) is described as a SHH inhibitor. This study evaluates whether ATO has the potential to inhibit viability of PCSCs via binding to SHH-Gli proteins.

METHODS

Cell counting kit-8 and flow cytometry were used for analyzing apoptosis in cells in vitro. The animal model was an athymic nude mouse model bearing subcutaneous xenografts of SW1990 pancreatic cancer cells. The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay and immunohistochemistry were used for tumor tissue analysis. The interaction between Gli1 and ATO was examined by a confocal system and an ultraviolet absorption spectrum assay.

RESULTS

ATO induced apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells, especially CD24(+)CD44(+) cells in vitro. Combination treatment of ATO and low dose gemcitabine inhibited tumor growth by 60.9% (P = 0.004), and decreased the expression of CD24, CD44, and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family, member A1 significantly in vivo. ATO changed the structure of the recombinant Gli1 zinc finger peptides in a cell-free condition and the binding action of ATO to recombinant Gli1 was observed in cultured pancreatic cancer cells.

CONCLUSION

ATO may have the potential to inhibit viability of PCSCs via binding to SHH-Gli proteins in vitro and in vivo.

Arsenic trioxide inhibits viability of pancreatic cancer stem cells in culture and in a xenograft model via binding to SHH-Gli

Objective

Overexpression of the sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway is an essential characteristic of pancreatic cancer stem cells (PCSCs) and arsenic trioxide (ATO) is described as a SHH inhibitor. This study evaluates whether ATO has the potential to inhibit viability of PCSCs via binding to SHH-Gli proteins.

Methods

Cell counting kit-8 and flow cytometry were used for analyzing apoptosis in cells in vitro. The animal model was an athymic nude mouse model bearing subcutaneous xenografts of SW1990 pancreatic cancer cells. The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay and immunohistochemistry were used for tumor tissue analysis. The interaction between Gli1 and ATO was examined by a confocal system and an ultraviolet absorption spectrum assay.

Results

ATO induced apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells, especially CD24⁺CD44⁺ cells in vitro. Combination treatment of ATO and low dose gemcitabine inhibited tumor growth by 60.9% (P = 0.004), and decreased the expression of CD24, CD44, and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family, member A1 significantly in vivo. ATO changed the structure of the recombinant Gli1 zinc finger peptides in a cell-free condition and the binding action of ATO to recombinant Gli1 was observed in cultured pancreatic cancer cells.

Conclusion

ATO may have the potential to inhibit viability of PCSCs via binding to SHH-Gli proteins in vitro and in vivo.

Efficacy of capecitabine and oxaliplatin regimen for extrahepatic metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma following local treatments

AIM: To investigate the efficacy and safety of capecitabine and oxaliplatin (CapeOx) for extrahepatic metastasis after local treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS: Thirty-two patients with extrahepatic metastasis of HCC after local treatment were prospectively enrolled. The CapeOx regimen consisted of capecitabine 1000 mg/m² taken orally twice daily on days 1-14, and oxaliplatin was administered at a total dose of 100 mg/m² on day 1. The treatment was repeated every 3 wk until disease progression or unaccetablle toxicity. Efficacy and safety were assessable for all enrolled patients. The primary objective of this study was to assess the overall response rate. The secondary objectives were to evaluate the overall survival (OS), the time to tumor progression (TTP) and the toxicity profile of the combined strategy. TTP and OS were assessed by the Kaplan-Meier method and differences between the curves were analyzed using the log-rank test. The statistical software SPSS version 15.0 for Windows (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, United States) was used for statistical analysis. All P values were 2-tailed, with statistical significance defined by P≤ 0.05.

RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were assessable for efficacy and toxicity. The median follow-up duration was 15 mo (range, 12-20 mo). At the cut-off date of March 31, 2012, 27 patients died due to tumor progression and one patient died of myocardial infarction. Four patients were still alive (three patients with disease progression). OR was 21.9% (n = 7), the stabilization rate was 40.6% (n = 13), and the disease control rate was 62.5%. The responses lasted from 4 to 19 mo (median, 6 mo). Median TTP was 4.2 mo (95%CI: 2.5-7.4), and the median OS time was 9.2 mo (95%CI: 6.5-17.8). The 1-year survival rate was 43.6% (95%CI: 29.0-66.0). In a multivariate analysis, OS was significantly longer in patients with a Child-Pugh class A compared with class B patients (P = 0.014), with a median OS of 10.1 mo vs 5.4 mo, and there were trends towards longer OS (P = 0.065) in patients without portal vein tumor thrombosis. There were no significant effects of age, gender, performance status, cirrhosis, metastatic sites, and level of alpha fetoprotein (AFP) or hepatitis B virus-DNA on OS. Among the 22 patients with elevated AFP levels at baseline (≥ 400 ng/mL), the level fell by more than 50% during treatment in 6 patients (27.3%). The most frequent treatment-related grade 3 to 4 toxicities included leucopenia/neutropenia, transient elevation of aminotransferases, hand-foot syndrome and fatigue.

CONCLUSION: CapeOx showed modest anti-tumor activity in metastatic HCC. However, the manageable toxicity profile and the encouraging disease control rate deserve further study for these patients.

[Exploration on the function and clinical significance of meridians and collaterals in tumor metastasis based on Quepen (ST 12)]

The relationship among Quepen (ST 12), meridians that run through Quepen(ST 12) and primary lesion of tumor that metastasized to supraclavicular lymph node [the location of Quepen (ST 12)] are analyzed on the basis of the meridians-collaterals theory, investigation on literature and clinical practice and the clinical feature that varies primary tumor are always bound to supraclavicular lymph node metastasis. Integrated with clinical practice, the function and clinical significance of meridians and collaterals in treating cancer are preliminarily put for ward. The tumor and it's metastasis that locate in the regions where the meridians run through are taken into consideration in acknowledging and treating disease.

Development and comparison of a new personalized warfarin stable dose prediction algorithm in Chinese patients undergoing heart valve replacement

BACKGROUND

Pharmacogenetics-based algorithms would be especially desirable for patients undergoing heart valve replacement (HVR), who are particularly sensitive to warfarin during the initial treatment phase following surgery. We aimed to derive a warfarin dosing algorithm from data of Chinese patients undergoing HVR, and to compare it with previously published dosing algorithms as applied to our HVR patients.

METHODS

641 Chinese HVR patients on stable maintenance dose of warfarin were enrolled from a single clinic site. Data of 321 patients were used to derive a warfarin dosing algorithm using stepwise multiple linear regression analysis. Previously published algorithms were selected from Pubmed database for comparison. The performance of all the algorithms was characterized according to mean absolute error (MAE) and percentage of predicted doses falling within +/- 20% of clinically observed doses (percentage of ideal prediction) in the other 320 patients.

RESULTS

The newly developed algorithm included eight factors: VKORC1-1639G > A, CYP2C9*3, BSA, age, number of increasing INR drugs, smoking habit, preoperative stroke history and hypertension. Our algorithm accounted for 56.4% of variations in the inter-patient warfarin stable doses. All the algorithms showed better performance in a medium-dose (1.88-4.38 mg/day) and high-dose (> or = 4.38 mg/day) groupings than in a low-dose (< or = 1.88 mg/day) grouping. Compared with the 14 previously published algorithms, our algorithm had the lowest MAE (-0.07 mg/day) and the highest percentage of ideal prediction (62.8%) in the total validation cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Our warfarin dosing algorithm is potentially useful for patients whose population profiles are similar to those of our patients.

[Effects on the pancreatic orthotopic transplantation tumor in nude mice by different Chinese medicine therapeutic methods]

OBJECTIVE

To compare different Chinese medicine (CM) therapeutic methods on the pancreatic orthotopic transplantation tumors in nude mice, and to explore their features.

METHODS

The pancreatic orthotopic transplantation tumor model was established. Sixty nude mice were randomly divided into four group, i. e., the blood circulation activating and stasis resolving group, the heat clearing and dampness removing group, the Pi-strengthening and qi-regulating group, the phlegm reducing and mass resolving group, the normal control 1 group, and the normal control 2 group, 10 in each group. 0.2 mL corresponding CM decoction or normal saline was respectively administered to each group by gastrogavage, once daily, for totally 28 days. The body weight, the tumor weight, and the tumor inhibition ratio were observed.

RESULTS

The tumor inhibition ratio was 42.69% in the heat clearing and dampness removing group, 31.24% in the blood circulation activating and stasis resolving group, 2.11% in the Pi-strengthening and qi-regulating group, and -12.95% in the phlegm reducing and mass resolving group. There was statistical difference in the tumor weight between the heat clearing and dampness removing group and the normal control 1 group (g, 0.51 +/- 0.28 vs 0.90 +/- 0.25, P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in the body weight change between the two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The CM pathogenesis of pancreatic carcinoma may possibly due to the accumulation of dampness and heat, or the accumulation of dampness, heat, and toxicity. Clearing heat and removing dampness may be the basic principle for its treatment.

Rosuvastatin improves endothelial function in db/db mice: role of angiotensin II type 1 receptors and oxidative stress

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, statins, with lipid-reducing properties combat against atherosclerosis and diabetes. The favourable modulation of endothelial function may play a significant role in this effect. The present study aimed to investigate the cellular mechanisms responsible for the therapeutic benefits of rosuvastatin in ameliorating diabetes-associated endothelial dysfunction.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Twelve-week-old db/db diabetic mice were treated with rosuvastatin at 20 mg·kg⁻¹ ·day⁻¹ p.o.for 6 weeks. Isometric force was measured in isolated aortae and renal arteries. Protein expressions including angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT₁R), NOX4, p22(phox) , p67(phox) , Rac-1, nitrotyrosine, phospho-ERK1/2 and phospho-p38 were determined by Western blotting, while reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in the vascular wall was evaluated by dihydroethidium fluorescence and lucigenin assay.

KEY RESULTS

Rosuvastatin treatment of db/db mice reversed the impaired ACh-induced endothelium-dependent dilatations in both renal arteries and aortae and prevented the exaggerated contractions to angiotensin II and phenylephrine in db/db mouse renal arteries and aortae. Rosuvastatin reduced the elevated expressions of AT₁R, p22(phox) and p67(phox) , NOX4, Rac1, nitrotyrosine and phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK and inhibited ROS production in aortae from db/db mice.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The vasoprotective effects of rosuvastatin are attributed to an increase in NO bioavailability, which is probably achieved by its inhibition of ROS production from the AT₁R-NAD(P)H oxidase cascade.

Effects of Qingyi Huaji decoction on serum levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in nude mice bearing pancreatic tumors

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of Qingyi Huaji (QYHJ) decoction, a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine, on tumor inhibition rate and serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in nude mice with transplanted tumors of human pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

The tumor-bearing mice model was established by subcutaneously inoculating with xenografts of pancreatic cancer into the right armpit of 40 BALB/c nude mice. After successful modeling, the mice were randomly divided into untreated group (Arabic gum), capecitabine group, low-dose QYHJ decoction group (36 g/kg) and high-dose QYHJ decoction group (72 g/kg), with 10 mice in each group. Citrate buffer solution (containing 5% Arabic gum), capecitabine suspension and QYHJ decoction were administered to four groups by gavage respectively. After 5-week treatment, the concentrations of serum IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-alpha were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using blood sample from eye socket. Then the mice were euthanized by cervical dislocation. Tumor weight and the tumor inhibition rate were calculated.

RESULTS

Tumor weight in the low-dose QYHJ decoction group decreased significantly as compared with the untreated group (P<0.05). Serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha in low- and high-dose QYHJ groups were extremely significantly lower than those in the untreated group (P<0.01). Serum level of IL-8 in the low-dose QYHJ group was significantly lower than that in the untreated group (P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that transplanted tumor weight of the mice was linearly positively correlated with serum levels of IL-6, IL-8 or TNF-alpha (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Conventional dose of QYHJ decoction is effective in suppressing pancreatic carcinoma in nude mice. The mechanism may be related to down-regulation of serum cytokines such as IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-alpha.

[Preliminary discussion on the phylogenetic and taxonomic relationship of Pomatorhinus ruficollis]

The phylogenetic relationships among subspecies of Pomatorhinus ruficollis are not clear. In this paper we sequenced two mitochondrial genes (Cyt b and ND2, in total 2 184 bp) and examined twenty individuals representing ten of the eleven subspecies of P. ruficollis in China. Molecular phylogenetic trees were reconstructed using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods, with P. ruficollis and P. schisticeps as in-groups, P. montanus, P. ochraceiceps, P. ferruginosus and Xiphirhynchus superciliaris as out-groups. Results indicated that P. ruficollis was paraphyletic, in which P. schisticeps was embedded, and was divided into three phylogeographic groups: southwestern China group, southeastern China group and central China group. Our results also suggested discordances between phylogenetic relationships and morphological characteristics, and clarified some intraspecific taxonomic debates.

Qingyihuaji formula inhibits progress of liver metastases from advanced pancreatic cancer xenograft by targeting to decrease expression of Cyr61 and VEGF

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effects of Qingyihuaji formula (QYHJ) on the progression of liver metastases from human pancreatic cancer and to detect the expression changes of some biological factors associated with angiogenesis and metastasis during the development of advanced pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

Nude mice were inoculated intrasplenically with human pancreatic cancer cell line SW1990 and then randomly assigned into 4 groups: a control group and groups QYHJ-A, QYHJ-B, and QYHJ-C. Following this, the mice were treated with or without QYHJ formula for 4 weeks and were sacrificed at the end of the sixth week. The changes in body weight were observed, followed by the livers being excised and weighed. Then, both the numbers and the volume of metastatic nodules per liver were evaluated. Subsequently, the expressions of MMPs, VEGF, and Cyr61 in the tissue of liver metastases were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, or Western blot. Finally, the correlation was evaluated between the expressions of the factors associated with metastasis and the growth of liver metastasis.

RESULTS

Liver metastases were identified in 11 of 15 mice (73%) in the control group, 9 of 15 mice (60%) in group QYHJ-A, 6 of 14 mice (43%) in group QYHJ-B, and 8 of 14 mice (57%) in group QYHJ-C both the number and the volume of metastatic nodules per liver same as the ratio of liver-body weight in QYHJ groups were significantly less than the controlled group (P < 0.05). The expressions of Cyr61, MMP-2, and VEGF at the levels of mRNA and protein were decreased in the QYHJ groups when compared with the control, as confirmed by immunohistochemistry detection (P < .05). However, no significant difference was observed in the mRNA expression of MMP-1 and MMP-9 between the QYHJ groups and the control group (P > .05). Regression analysis indicated that QYHJ possessed an evident inhibition against the progression of liver metastasis by downregulating the expression of VEGF and Cyr61 rather than MMP-2.

CONCLUSIONS

The QYHJ formula exerted an inhibitory effect on the growth of liver metastasis from pancreatic cancer, perhaps by targeting VEGF and Cyr61 to some extent.

Protective effect of Gö6976, a PKD inhibitor, on LPS/D: -GalN-induced acute liver injury in mice

OBJECTIVE

Protein kinase D (PKD) is a newly described serine/threonine protein kinase that plays a pivotal role in inflammatory response. In the present study, we examined the protective effect of Gö6976, a PKD inhibitor, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and D: -galactosamine (D: -GalN)-induced acute liver injury in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mice were pretreated intraperitoneally with Gö6976 30 min before LPS/D: -GalN administration . The mortality and degree of hepatic injury was subsequently assessed.

RESULTS

The results indicated that LPS/D: -GalN administration markedly induced hepatic PKD activation, lethality and liver injury, while pretreatment of the PKD inhibitor Gö6976 significantly inhibited LPS-induced PKD activation, improved the survival of LPS/D: -GalN-administered mice and attenuated LPS/D: -GalN-induced liver injury, as evidenced by reduced levels of serum aminotransferases as well as reduced histopathological changes. In addition, the protective effects of Gö6976 were paralleled by suppressed activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), decreased expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and adhesion molecules, and reduced apoptosis and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in liver.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experimental data indicated that Gö6976, a PKD inhibitor, could effectively prevent LPS/D: -GalN-induced acute liver injury by inhibition of MAPKs activation to reduce TNF-α production. This suggests the potential pharmacological value of PKD inhibitors in the intervention of inflammation-based liver diseases.

[Effect of Qingyi Huaji formula for inhibition of pancreatic cancer cell growth through down-regulating Ski expression]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the action mechanism of action of Qingyi Huaji Formula (QYHJ), whether its inhibition on the growth of the tumor is by way of down-regulating Ski expression.

METHODS

SW1990 tumor cell with low Ski expression was created by lenti-virus mediated RNA interfering technique. Tumor cells with different levels of Ski expression were subcutaneously transplanted to nude mice, and the response of cancer cells to QYHJ treatment was detected.

RESULTS

After QYHJ treatment, the tumor growth slowed-down significantly, with the Ski mRNA and protein expressions in tumor reduced by 39.6% and 41.3% of that in untreated tumor respectively (P < 0.05). Ski mRNA and protein expressions in the created high and low Ski expression tumor cells were 105%, 123% and 46%, 30% respectively of that in parental cells (P < 0.05). The tumor weight inhibitory rates of QYHJ on high Ski expression cells were 29.6% and 32.2%, while on low Ski expression cells, it was 16.0% to 17.8% (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Ski acts as an important therapeutic target of QYHJ in treating SW1990 pancreatic cancer, and its expression status mediates different response of tumor cells to QYHJ treatment.

The molecular mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine ZHENG syndromes on pancreatic tumor growth

BACKGROUND

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes (ZHENG in Chinese) are the abstraction from the comprehensive analysis of clinical information gained by the four main diagnostic TCM methods: observation, listening, questioning, and pulse analyses. Proper TCM diagnosis is the most important principle to guide the prescribing of Chinese herbs.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the specific effect of TCM ZHENG on tumor growth and to examine the molecular mechanisms underlying ZHENG and tumor growth.

METHODS

The authors established subcutaneous tumor models of pancreatic cancer ZHENG syndromes of Damp heat (Shi-Re) and Spleen deficiency (Pi-Xu). Tissue samples of the subcutaneous transplanted tumors from each model were studied versus control tumors. CCR5 and CXCR4 proteins in these tissues were assayed by immunohistochemical staining. The expression of CCR5/CCL5/CCL4/CCL3 and CXCR4/SDF-1 mRNA was investigated by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). SDF-1, CCL4, CCL5, and CCL3, which are ligands of CXCR4 and CCR5, were examined by ELISA.

RESULTS

The study found that tumor models with different ZHENG were successfully established in each group; the tumor growth of Shi-Re group was slower than that of the control group. It was found that there was a significant difference in CCR5 mRNA expression levels among the Pi-Xu, Shi-Re, and control groups. The results of immunohistochemistry staining revealed that the positive rate of CCR5 protein in Shi-Re group, Pi-Xu group, and control group was 25.00%, 53.33%, 83.33%, respectively. The Shi-Re group expressed the lowest levels of CCL5 and CCL4.

CONCLUSION

The results of the study suggest that the existence of TCM ZHENG may influence the tumor growth in pancreatic cancer, which might be mediated by the expression of CCR5/CCL5/CCL4. This finding may lead to the development of TCM ZHENG as a prognostic indicator in pancreatic tumor growth.

Ski acts as therapeutic target of qingyihuaji formula in the treatment of SW1990 pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Qingyihuaji formula (QYHJ) is a widely used herbal formula that has shown promising antitumor effect in the treatment of pancreatic cancer in the Cancer Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.

OBJECTIVE

This research was conducted to study whether Ski acts as a therapeutic target of QYHJ formula in the treatment of SW1990 pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

The expression changes of Ski mRNA and protein in SW1990 pancreatic cancer subcutaneously transplanted tumor treated with QYHJ were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Then, we established a stable transfection SW1990 cell with low expression of Ski through lentivirus-mediated RNA interference (RNAi) technique. The responses to QYHJ treatment on a subcutaneously transplanted tumor with different Ski expression statuses were evaluated. Finally, the effect of Ski downregulation on SW1990 cell biological behavior was also evaluated.

RESULTS

Expression of Ski mRNA and protein in SW1990 subcutaneously transplanted tumor decreased dramatically after the treatment with QYHJ. Stable transfection cells with low expression of Ski (SW1990/Ski RNAi) were created, and negative vector-transfected cells (SW1990/con RNAi) were used as controls. The tumor weight inhibitory rates of QYHJ on subcutaneously transplanted tumors formed by SW1990 or SW1990/con RNAi were 29.6% and 32.2%, respectively, whereas they were 16.0% to 17.8% when the tumors were formed by SW1990/Ski RNAi. Ski downregulation sensitized the response of SW1990 cells to TGF-beta1-induced growth inhibition in vitro. Flow cytometric analyses revealed that the percentage of cells in the G1 phase increased from 40.4% to 62.9% when Ski was downregulated. The subcutaneously transplanted tumors formed by SW1990/Ski RNAi grew much more slowly than those formed by parental and control vector-transfected cells.

CONCLUSION

Ski acts as therapeutic target of QYHJ in the treatment of SW1990 pancreatic cancer cells, and its expression status mediates different responses to QYHJ treatment.

Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy and intensity-modulated radiation therapy combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: an irradiation dose escalation study

PURPOSE

To determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT)/intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Patients were assigned to two subgroups based on tumor diameter: Group 1 had tumors <10 cm; Group II had tumors ≥10 cm. Escalation was achieved by increments of 4.0 Gy for each cohort in both groups. Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was defined as a grade of ≥3 acute liver or gastrointestinal toxicity or any grade 5 acute toxicity in other organs at risk or radiation-induced liver disease. The dose escalation would be terminated when ≥2 of 8 patients in a cohort experienced DLT.

RESULTS

From April 2005 to May 2008, 40 patients were enrolled. In Group I, 11 patients had grade ≤2 acute treatment-related toxicities, and no patient experienced DLT; and in Group II, 10 patients had grade ≤2 acute toxicity, and 1 patient in the group receiving 52 Gy developed radiation-induced liver disease. MTD was 62 Gy for Group I and 52 Gy for Group II. In-field progression-free and local progression-free rates were 100% and 69% at 1 year, and 93% and 44% at 2 years, respectively. Distant metastasis rates were 6% at 1 year and 15% at 2 years. Overall survival rates for 1-year and 2-years were 72% and 62%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The irradiation dose was safely escalated in hepatocellular carcinoma patients by using 3DCRT/IMRT with an active breathing coordinator. MTD was 62 Gy and 52 Gy for patients with tumor diameters of <10 cm and ≥10 cm, respectively.

Maintenance of Sorafenib following combined therapy of three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy/intensity-modulated radiation therapy and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in patients with locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a phase I/II study

BACKGROUND

Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT)/intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) combined with or without transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has shown favorable outcomes in local control and survival of locally advanced HCC. However, intra-hepatic spreading and metastasis are still the predominant treatment failure patterns. Sorafenib is a multikinase inhibitor with effects against tumor proliferation and angiogenesis. Maintenance Sorafenib would probably prevent or delay the intrahepatic and extrahepatic spread of HCC after radiotherapy, which provides the rationale for the combination of these treatment modalities.

METHODS AND DESIGN

Patients with solitary lesion (bigger than 5 cm in diameter) histologically or cytologically confirmed HCC receive TACE (1-3 cycles) plus 3DCRT/IMRT 4-6 weeks later. Maintenance Sorafenib will be administered only for the patients with non-progression disease 4 to 6 weeks after the completion of radiotherapy. The dose will be 400 mg, p.o., twice a day. Sorafenib will be continuously given for 12 months unless intolerable toxicities and/or tumor progression. If no more than 3 patients discontinue Sorafenib treatment who experience dose-limiting toxicity after necessary dose modification and delay and/or radiation-induced liver disease in the first 15 enrolled patients, the study will recruit second fifteen patients for further evaluating safety and efficacy of treatment. Hypothesis of the current study is that Sorafenib as a maintenance therapy after combined therapy of 3DCRT/IMRT and TACE is safe and superior to radiotherapy combined with TACE alone in terms of time to progression (TTP), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in comparison to historical data.

DISCUSSION

A recent meta-analysis showed TACE in combination with radiotherapy, improved the survival and the tumor response of patients, and was thus more therapeutically beneficial. In this study, local therapy for HCC is the combination of TACE and radiotherapy. Radiation exposure as a kind of stress might induce the compensatory activations of multiple intracellular signaling pathway mediators, such as PI3K, MAPK, JNK and NF-kB. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was identified as one factor that was increased in a time- and dose-dependent manner after sublethal irradiation of HCC cells in vitro, translating to enhanced intratumor angiogenesis in vivo. Therefore, Sorafenib-mediated blockade of the Raf/MAPK and VEGFR pathways might enhance the efficacy of radiation, when Sorafenib is followed sequentially as a maintenance modality. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00999843.).