Down-Regulating HAUS6 Suppresses Cell Proliferation by Activating the p53/p21 Pathway in Colorectal Cancer

Background: HAUS6 participates in microtubule-dependent microtubule amplification, but its role in malignancies including colorectal cancer (CRC) has not been explored. We therefore assessed the potential oncogenic activities of HAUS6 in CRC. Results: HAUS6 mRNA and protein expression is higher in CRC tissues, and high HAUS6 expression is correlated with shorter overall survival in CRC patients. HAUS6 knockdown in CRC cell lines suppressed cell growth in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting cell viability, survival and arresting cell cycle progression at G0/G1, while HAUS6 over-expression increased cell viability. We showed that these effects are dependent on activation of the p53/p21 signalling pathway by reducing p53 and p21 degradation. Moreover, combination of HAUS6 knockdown and 5-FU treatment further enhanced the suppression of cell proliferation of CRC cells by increasing activation of the p53/p21 pathway. Conclusion: Our study highlights a potential oncogenic role for HAUS6 in CRC. Targeting HAUS6 may be a promising novel prognostic marker and chemotherapeutic target for treating CRC patients.

Improved Constraints on Global Methane Emissions and Sinks Using δ 13C-CH4

We study the drivers behind the global atmospheric methane (CH4) increase observed after 2006. Candidate emission and sink scenarios are constructed based on proposed hypotheses in the literature. These scenarios are simulated in the TM5 tracer transport model for 1984-2016 to produce three-dimensional fields of CH4 and δ 13C-CH4, which are compared with observations to test the competing hypotheses in the literature in one common model framework. We find that the fossil fuel (FF) CH4 emission trend from the Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research 4.3.2 inventory does not agree with observed δ 13C-CH4. Increased FF CH4 emissions are unlikely to be the dominant driver for the post-2006 global CH4 increase despite the possibility for a small FF emission increase. We also find that a significant decrease in the abundance of hydroxyl radicals (OH) cannot explain the post-2006 global CH4 increase since it does not track the observed decrease in global mean δ 13C-CH4. Different CH4 sinks have different fractionation factors for δ 13C-CH4, thus we can investigate the uncertainty introduced by the reaction of CH4 with tropospheric chlorine (Cl), a CH4 sink whose abundance, spatial distribution, and temporal changes remain uncertain. Our results show that including or excluding tropospheric Cl as a 13 Tg/year CH4 sink in our model changes the magnitude of estimated fossil emissions by ∼20%. We also found that by using different wetland emissions based on a static versus a dynamic wetland area map, the partitioning between FF and microbial sources differs by 20 Tg/year, ∼12% of estimated fossil emissions.

Prognostic and immunological roles of Fc fragment of IgG binding protein in colorectal cancer

Valuable diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers are urgently needed for colorectal cancer (CRC), which is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Previous studies have reported altered expression of a mucin-like protein Fc fragment of IgG binding protein (FCGBP) in various types of cancer, but its potential diagnostic, prognostic and immunological roles in CRC remain to be determined. Therefore, the aim of current study was to investigate the potential roles of FCGBP in CRC. The present study investigated FCGBP mutations and changes in its expression levels using a combination of microarray and public dataset analyses, as well as immunohistochemistry. The results demonstrated a 10.5% mutation frequency in the FCGBP coding sequence in CRC tissues, and identified decreased FCGBP mRNA or protein expression levels in colorectal adenoma and CRC (compared with those in normal colorectal tissues from healthy control subjects), including pathologically advanced CRC (stage III+IV vs. I+II). Survival analysis using the GEPIA and Kaplan-Meier Plotter databases revealed that low FCGBP expression levels were associated with short overall, disease-free, relapse-free and event-free survival times in patients with CRC. Notably, analysis using the online Tumor IMmune Estimation Resource database revealed a positive correlation between FCGBP expression levels and the extent of infiltrating immune cells, such as B cells and dendritic cells. Consistently, the expression levels of most markers (51/57) for various types of immune cells were significantly correlated with FCGBP expression levels in CRC tissues. These findings suggested that FCGBP may serve as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker, and that FCGBP may be associated with immune infiltration in CRC.

Genetic investigation of nodal melanocytic nevi in cases of giant congenital melanocytic nevus

Nodal melanocytic nevi are common incidental findings in lymph nodes that have been removed during sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma. They can also occur in the local lymph nodes of the giant congenital nevus (GCN), but very little is known regarding nodal melanocytic nevi in the giant congenital nevus, especially at the genetic level. There are two theories that explain the possible pathogenesis of nodal melanocytic nevi, mechanical transport and arrested migration during embryogenesis. However, there have been few tests of these two theories at the molecular biology level until now. We used whole-exon sequencing to test these two theories at the gene level for the first time. In clonal evolution analysis of patient 1, whose tumor mutation burden (TMB) value was relatively stable, showed that the GCN and nodal nevus had the same initial origin and then diverged into two branches as a result of gene mutations. In contrast, analysis indicated that in the other patient, whose TMB value declined from 68.02/Mb in a GCN to 17.55/Mb in associated nodal nevi, these two samples were from different origins at the beginning, each with its own gene mutation. These results are consistent with the two respective theories at the molecular biological level. We provided the first tests of the two theories of pathogenesis of nodal melanocytic nevi at the gene level, and these findings may provide some clues for further study. In addition, not all nodal nevi should be treated as lymph node metastasis in clinical diagnosis, and we should make a comprehensive assessment and judgment of nodal melanocytic nevi based on morphology, immunological characteristics and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) tests.

[Genetic changes and biological potential of proliferative nodule in congenital pigmented nevus]

Objective: To study the genetic changes and biological potential of proliferative nodule in congenital melanocytic nevus. Methods: Whole-exome sequencing was carried out using the technique of next-generation sequencing (NGS) in order to detect the genomic alterations of two cases of proliferative nodules (PN) in congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN). Twelve cases of CMN and ten cases of malignant melanoma were used as benign and malignant controls, respectively. Mutated genes that possessed statistically significant difference between benign and malignant controls were listed, according to what benign and malignant statuses were classified and clustered. The heatmaps of clustering analyses were depicted using heatmap package. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was also used to validate the above results. Results: Eighty-six common somatic gene mutations were detected in two samples of PN. Compared with CMN, PN had 52 more mutated genes. Furthermore, 22 of these 52 mutated genes were also detected in malignant melanoma samples. Two cases of PN fell between benign CMN and malignant melanoma in germline mutation clustering. Both cases of PN were positive in the FISH tests. Conclusions: The genetic changes of PN partially overlap with those of CMN and malignant melanoma. Therefore, although most of the PN manifest as a benign lesion clinically, it may have certain malignant potential at the genetic level, and warrant long-term monitoring and follow-up.

Anti-angiogenic effect of Livistona chinensis seed extract in vitro and in vivo

The present study aimed to detect the impact of the ethanol extract of the Livistona chinensis seed (EELC) on angiogenesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). A chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay was used to detect the anti-angiogenic activity of EELC in vivo. In vitro, the effect of EELC on the proliferation, migration and angiogenesis of HUVECs was determined by an MTT assay, a wound healing assay and a tube formation assay, respectively. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A and VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-2 protein and mRNA level were measured with ELISA and reverse transcription-semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. It was observed that EELC significantly decreased the formation of new vessels in the CAM assay. EELC inhibited the proliferation and migration of HUVECs. The extent of tube formation by HUVECs was also reduced by EELC. In addition, EELC treatment reduced the level of VEGF-A and VEGFR-2 mRNA and protein. The results suggest that EELC inhibits tumor angiogenesis through inhibiting the proliferation and migration of HUVECs, and by downregulating VEGF and VEGFR.

The further exploration of hidden blood loss in posterior lumbar fusion surgery

PURPOSE

Hidden blood loss (HBL) plays an important role in lumbar fusion surgery. However, there was huge computation error when calculating hidden loss in previous studies because they regarded the volume of drainage as postoperative blood loss. We should not ignore the fact that the composition of drainage varies from person to person and also with time-lapse after operation. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate a more accurate HBL calculation formula by comparing it with previous formula and to address the importance of HBL in patients undergoing posterior lumbar fusion surgeries.

METHODS

For each patient, the HBL was calculated by previous formula and our recommendable formula. We compared the result of HBL calculated by two different methods. At the same time, we explored the HBL in patients undergoing posterior lumbar fusion surgeries with various levels.

RESULTS

In our study, the average total blood loss was 771ml. The mean intraoperative blood loss was 268ml, and the total volume of post-operative drainage is 276ml. The mean hidden loss of 90 patients calculated with previous method was 227ml and 29.4% of total loss. When taking change of drainage HCT into account, the mean hidden loss calculated with our recommendable method was 362.8ml and 47% of total loss. The results were significantly different (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the percentage of the HBL between patients with single or multiple surgical levels.

CONCLUSIONS

There is often a substantial unmeasured blood loss in lumbar fusion surgeries. However, the component of drainage changed radically with time, we should take the true blood contained in drainage into considerations when calculating the HBL.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Our research is a case-control study and the level of proof is III.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress eIF2α-ATF4 pathway-mediated cyclooxygenase-2 induction regulates cadmium-induced autophagy in kidney

The heavy metal cadmium (Cd) is nephrotoxic. Recent studies show that autophagy plays an essential role in Cd-induced kidney injury. However, the mechanisms of Cd-induced kidney injury accompanied by autophagy are still obscure. In the present study, we first confirmed that Cd induced kidney damage and dysfunction, along with autophagy, both in vivo and in vitro. Then, we observed that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and the eIF2α-ATF4 pathway of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress were induced by Cd in both kidney tissues and cultured cells. Further studies showed that inhibition of COX-2 with celecoxib or RNA interference (RNAi) inhibited the Cd-induced autophagy in kidney cells. In addition, blocking ER stress with 4-phenylbutyrate or RNAi partially counteracted COX-2 overexpression and autophagy induced by Cd, which suggested that ER stress was required for Cd-induced kidney autophagy. Significantly, our results showed that Cd activated ATF4 and induced its translocation to the nucleus. Knockdown of ATF4 inhibited Cd-induced COX-2 overexpression. While COX-2 overexpression is involved in renal dysfunction, there is no prior report on the role of COX-2 in autophagy regulation. The results of the current study suggest a novel molecular mechanism that the ER stress eIF2α-ATF4 pathway-mediated COX-2 overexpression contributes to Cd-induced kidney autophagy and injury. The present study implies that COX-2 may be a potential target for therapy against Cd-induced nephrotoxicity.

Ethyl acetate extract of Hypericum japonicum induces apoptosis via the mitochondria-dependent pathway in vivo and in vitro

The widely-used Chinese medicinal herb Hypericum japonicum, also known as Hypericum japonicum Thunb or Tianjihuang, displays potent anti-carcinogenic effects against liver cancer. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the therapeutic effects of Hypericum japonicum remains to be elucidated. The present study investigated the in vivo efficacy of ethyl acetate extract of Hypericum japonicum (EAEHJ) against tumor growth in an H22 cell-bearing liver cancer mouse model. Treatment with EAEHJ significantly reduced tumor weight, but had no effect on murine body weight. The results of the present study also showed that EAEHJ induced H22 cell apoptosis in vivo. In addition, the anti-carcinogenic effects of EAEHJ were investigated in vitro. The results of the present study demonstrate that both phospholipid asymmetry in the plasma membrane and mitochondrial membrane potential were deregulated in HepG2 human hepatoma cells, following treatment with EAEHJ. Treatment with EAEHJ also increased the ratio of pro-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-associated X protein (Bax) to anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, and activated the caspase-9 signaling pathway. These results suggest that EAEHJ is able to trigger the apoptosis of liver cancer cells via the mitochondria-dependent pathway.

Realization of Vertically Aligned, Ultrahigh Aspect Ratio InAsSb Nanowires on Graphite

The monolithic integration of InAs(1-x)Sb(x) semiconductor nanowires on graphitic substrates holds enormous promise for cost-effective, high-performance, and flexible devices in optoelectronics and high-speed electronics. However, the growth of InAs(1-x)Sb(x) nanowires with high aspect ratio essential for device applications is extremely challenging due to Sb-induced suppression of axial growth and enhancement in radial growth. We report the realization of high quality, vertically aligned, nontapered and ultrahigh aspect ratio InAs(1-x)Sb(x) nanowires with Sb composition (xSb(%)) up to ∼12% grown by indium-droplet assisted molecular beam epitaxy on graphite substrate. Low temperature photoluminescence measurements show that the InAs(1-x)Sb(x) nanowires exhibit bright band-to-band related emission with a distinct redshift as a function of Sb composition providing further confirmation of successful Sb incorporation in as-grown nanowires. This study reveals that the graphite substrate is a more favorable platform for InAs(1-x)Sb(x) nanowires that could lead to hybrid heterostructures possessing potential device applications in optoelectronics.

Inhibition of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Total Alkaloids of Rubus alceifolius Poir Involves Suppression of Hedgehog Signaling

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the effects of total alkaloids of Rubus alceifolius Poir (TARAP) on the migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and furthermore investigated the possible molecular mechanisms mediating its anticancer activity.

METHODS

We implanted nude mice with human HCC HepG2 cells and fed them with vehicle (physiological saline) or 3 g/kg/day dose of TARAP 5 days per week for 21 days. We determined the in vitro effect of TARAP on the migration and invasion of HepG2 cells by transwell assay. We evaluated SHH signaling components' (SHH, PTCH, SMO, and Gli1) expression levels by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Activity of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in supernatants was analyzed by zymography. The expression of the MMPs and their specific tissue inhibitor (tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases, TIMP-1, 2) in HCC tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

We discovered that TARAP inhibited hepatocellular migration and invasion in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. In addition, TARAP decreased the expression of SHH, PTCH, SMO, and Gli1 in HCC mouse tumors at both transcriptional and translational levels. Moreover, TARAP inhibited the activity of MMP2 and MMP9. We found that TARAP reduced the expression of MMP2 and MMP9, as well as the tissue inhibitor of MMPs.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that TARAP inhibits HCC migration and invasion likely through suppression of the hedgehog pathway. This may, in part, explain its anticancer properties. These results suggest that total alkaloids in Rubus alceifolius may have potential as a novel antimetastasis drug in the treatment of HCC.

Pien Tze Huang inhibits liver metastasis by targeting TGF-β signaling in an orthotopic model of colorectal cancer

Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in almost all types of cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical process during the metastatic cascade. This process may be a potential target for the diagnosis and treatment of CRC. Pien Tze Huang (PZH), a well-known traditional Chinese formula, has been demonstrated to be clinically effective in treating various types of human malignancies, including CRC. Our published data suggest that PZH can induce apoptosis, as well as inhibit cell proliferation and tumor angiogenesis, thus suppressing CRC growth in vitro and in vivo. We evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of PZH against CRC metastasis using a CRC liver metastasis mouse model to further explore the mechanisms underlying the antitumor action of PZH. MTT, migration, and Matrigel invasion assays were used to assess the effect of PZH on cell viability, migration and invasion. We then established an orthotopic liver metastasis model of colon cancer using microsurgical techniques. Mice were intragastrically administered 234 mg/kg/day dose of either PZH or saline for 14 days. The body and tumor weights of the mice were measured after they were sacrificed. Moreover, we examined the effect of PZH inhibition on liver metastasis. Finally, EMT-related proteins and the TGF-β signaling pathway were assessed using immunohistochemical staining (IHS). The present data revealed that PZH significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of CT-26 cells in a dose-dependent manner, which affirmed the inhibitory effect of PZH on CRC cell metastasis. No significant change was observed between the in vivo primary tumor growth and body weight. However, the control group had five cases of liver metastasis (5/6), whereas one case was found in the PZH group (1/6). Thus, PZH exhibited therapeutic efficacy against CRC metastasis without apparent toxicity. The inhibitory effect of PZH on EMT resulted in an increase in E-cadherin expression, as well as a decrease in N-cadherin expression. In addition, PZH significantly inhibited TGF-β, as well as the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and Smad4 in the tumor tissues, indicating its suppressive action on TGF-β signaling. These molecular effects ultimately resulted in the inhibition of cancer cell EMT and tumor metastasis.

Pien Tze Huang inhibits metastasis of human colorectal carcinoma cells via modulation of TGF-β1/ZEB/miR-200 signaling network

Tumor metastasis, a complex process involving the spread of malignant tumor cells from a primary tumor site to a distant organ, is a major cause of failure of cancer chemotherapy. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical step for the initiation of cancer metastasis. The processes of EMT and metastasis are highly regulated by a double-negative feedback loop consisting of TGF-β1/ZEB pathway and miR-200 family, which therefore has become a promising target for cancer chemotherapy. Pien Tze Huang (PZH), a well-known traditional Chinese formula first prescribed in the Ming Dynasty, has been demonstrated to be clinically effective in the treatment of various types of human malignancy including colorectal cancer (CRC). Our published data proposed that PZH was able to induce apoptosis, inhibit cell proliferation and tumor angiogenesis, leading to the suppression of CRC growth in vitro and in vivo. To further elucidate the mode of action of PZH, in the present study we evaluated its effects on the metastatic capacities of human colorectal carcinoma HCT-8 cells and investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms. We found that PZH significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of HCT-8 cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, PZH treatment inhibited the expression of key mediators of TGF-β1 signaling, such as TGF-β1, Smad2/3 and Smad4. Moreover, PZH treatment suppressed the expression of ZEB1 and ZEB2, two critical target genes of TGF-β1 pathway, leading to a decrease in the expression of mesenchymal marker N-cadherin and an increased expression of epithelial marker E-cadherin. Furthermore, PZH treatment upregulated the expression of miR-200a, miR-200b and miR-200c. Collectively, our findings in this study suggest that PZH can inhibit metastasis of colorectal cancer cells via modulating TGF-β1/ZEB/miR-200 signaling network, which might be one of the mechanisms whereby PZH exerts its anticancer function.

Total alkaloids of Rubus alceifolius Poir inhibit tumor angiogenesis through suppression of the Notch signaling pathway in a mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma

Angiogenesis, which has a critical role in human tumor growth and development, is tightly regulated by the Notch signaling pathway. Total alkaloids are active components of the plant Rubus alceifolius Poir, which is used for the treatment of various types of cancer. A previous study by our group showed that the total alkaloids of Rubus alceifolius Poir (TARAP) induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell apoptosis through the activation of the mitochondria-dependent pathway in vitro and in vivo, as well as inhibited angiogenesis in a chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane model. In the present study, to further analyze the specific mechanisms underlying the antitumor activity of TARAP, a HCC xenograft mouse model was used to assess the effect of TARAP on angiogenesis in vivo. TARAP was found to suppress the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) A and VEGF receptor-2 in tumor tissues, which resulted in the inhibition of tumor angiogenesis. In addition, TARAP treatment was observed to inhibit the expression of Notch1, delta-like ligand 4 and jagged 1, which are key mediators of the Notch signaling pathway. The present study identified that the inhibition of tumor angiogenesis through the suppression of the Notch signaling pathway may be one of the mechanisms through which TARAP may be effective in the treatment of cancer.

Total alkaloids of Rubus alceifolius Poir shows anti-angiogenic activity in vivo and in vitro

Total alkaloids is an active ingredient of the natural plant Rubus alceifolius Poir, commonly used for the treatment of various cancers. Antitumor effects may be mediated through anti-angiogenic mechanisms. As such, the goal of the present study was to investigate and evaluate the effect of total alkaloids in Rubus alceifolius Poir (TARAP) on tumor angiogenesis and investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms of TARAP action in vivo and in vitro. A chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay was used to assess angiogenesis in vivo. An MTT assay was performed to determine the viability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with and without treatment. Cell cycle progression of HUVECs was examined by FACS analysis with propidium iodide staining. HUVEC migration was determined using a scratch wound method. Tube formation of HUVECs was assessed with an ECMatrix gel system, and mRNA and protein expression of VEGF-A in both HUVECs and HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells were examined by RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. Our results showed that TARAP inhibited angiogenesis in the CAM model in vivo and inhibited HUVEC proliferation via blocking cell cycle G1 to S progression in a dose- and time-dependent manners in vitro. Moreover, TARAP inhibited HUVEC migration and tube formation and downregulated mRNA and protein expression of VEGF-A in both HepG2 cells and HUVECs. Our findings suggest that the anti-angiogenic activity of TARAP may partly contribute to its antitumor properties and may be valuable for the treatment of diseases involving pathologic angiogenesis such as cancer.

Livistona chinensis seeds inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma angiogenesis in vivo via suppression of the Notch pathway

Livistona chinensis seeds have been used for centuries to clinically treat various types of cancer. Our published data suggest that Livistona chinensis seeds are able to inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) growth in vitro and in vivo via promotion of mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis. To further elucidate the molecular mechanisms of its antitumor activity, in the present study, we used an HCC xenograft mouse model to evaluate the effect of an ethanol extract of Livistona chinensis seeds (EELC) on tumor angiogenesis and on the activation of the Notch pathway. Intratumoral microvessel density (MVD) in HCC xenograft mouse tumors was evaluated via immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for CD31. The mRNA and protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), VEGFR-2, Notch, Dll4 and Jagged1 was evaluated using RT-PCR and IHC, respectively. We found that EELC profoundly reduced MVD in the HCC mouse tumors, demonstrating the in vivo inhibitory effect of EELC on tumor angiogenesis. In addition, EELC treatment reduced the expression of VEGF-A and VEGFR-2 in tumor tissues. Furthermore, EELC treatment inhibited the expression of Notch, Dll4 and Jagged1. Our findings suggest that Livistona chinensis seeds inhibit tumor angiogenesis through suppression of the Notch pathway.

Spica Prunellae extract inhibits the proliferation of human colon carcinoma cells via the regulation of the cell cycle

Spica Prunellae has long been used as a significant component in numerous traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulas to clinically treat cancers. Previously, Spica Prunellae was shown to promote cancer cell apoptosis and inhibit angiogenesis in vivo and in vitro. To further elucidate the precise mechanism of its tumoricidal activity, the effect of the ethanol extract of Spica Prunellae (EESP) on the proliferation of human colon carcinoma HT-29 cells was elucidated and the underlying molecular mechanisms were investigated. The proliferation of HT-29 cells was evaluated using 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and colony formation analyses. The cell cycle was determined using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) with propidium iodide (PI) staining. The mRNA and protein expression of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) and cyclin D1 was examined using RT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. EESP was observed to inhibit HT-29 viability and survival in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, EESP treatment blocked G₁/S cell cycle progression and reduced the expression of pro-proliferative cyclin D1 and CDK4 at the transcriptional and translational levels. Altogether, these data suggest that the inhibition of cell proliferation via G₁/S cell cycle arrest may be one of the mechanisms through which Spica Prunellae treats cancer.

Spica prunellae promotes cancer cell apoptosis, inhibits cell proliferation and tumor angiogenesis in a mouse model of colorectal cancer via suppression of stat3 pathway

Background

Constitutive activation of STAT3 is one of the major oncogenic pathways involved in the development of various types of malignancies including colorectal cancer (CRC); and thus becomes a promising therapeutic target. Spica Prunellae has long been used as an important component in many traditional Chinese medicine formulas to clinically treat CRC. Previously, we found that Spica Prunellae inhibits CRC cell growth through mitochondrion-mediated apoptosis. Furthermore, we demonstrated its anti-angiogenic activities in vivo and in vitro. To further elucidate the precise mechanism of the potential tumoricidal activity of Spica Prunellae, using a CRC mouse xenograft model, in this study we evaluated its therapeutic efficacy against CRC and investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods

CRC mouse xenograft model was generated by subcutaneous injection of human colon carcinoma HT-29 cells into nude mice. Animals were given intra-gastric administration with 6 g/kg of the ethanol extract of Spica Prunellae (EESP) daily, 5 days a week for 16 days. Body weight and tumor growth were measured every two days. Tumor growth in vivo was determined by measuring the tumor volume and weight. HT-29 cell viability was examined by MTT assay. Cell apoptosis and proliferation in tumors from CRC xenograft mice was evaluated via immunohistochemical staining (IHS) for TUNEL and PCNA, and the intratumoral microvessel density (MVD) was examined by using IHS for the endothelial cell-specific marker CD31. The activation of STAT3 was evaluated by determining its phosphorylation level using IHS. The mRNA and protein expression of Bcl-2, Bax, Cyclin D1, VEGF-A and VEGFR2 was measured by RT-PCR and IHS, respectively.

Results

EESP treatment reduced tumor volume and tumor weight but had no effect on body weight change in CRC mice; decreased HT-29 cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting that EESP displays therapeutic efficacy against colon cancer growth in vivo and in vitro, without apparent toxicity. In addition, EESP significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT3 in tumor tissues, indicating its suppressive action on the activation of STAT3 signaling. Consequently, the inhibitory effect of EESP on STAT3 activation resulted in an increase in the pro-apoptotic Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, decrease in the expression of the pro-proliferative Cyclin D1 and CDK4, as well as down-regulation of pro-angiogenic VEGF-A and VEGFR-2 expression. Finally, these molecular effects led to the induction of apoptosis, the inhibition of cell proliferation and tumor angiogenesis.

Conclusions

Spica Prunellae possesses a broad range of anti-cancer activities due to its ability to affect STAT3 pathway, suggesting that Spica Prunellae could be a novel potent therapeutic agent for the treatment of CRC.

Livistona chinensis seed suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma growth through promotion of mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis

The Livistona chinensis seed has been used for centuries to clinically treat various types of cancer. However, the precise mechanism of its anticancer activity remains to be elucidated. In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of the ethanol extract of Livistona chinensis seed (EELC) against tumor growth using a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mouse xenograft model and an HCC cell line, HepG2, and investigated the molecular mechanisms mediating its biological activities. We found that EELC inhibited HCC growth both in vivo and in vitro, without apparent signs of toxicity. In addition, EELC treatment resulted in the induction of HCC cell apoptosis. Moreover, EELC-induced apoptosis was accompanied by the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3, and increase in the pro-apoptotic Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Our findings suggest that promotion of mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis in cancer cells may be one of the mechanisms by which the Livistona chinensis seed is effective in cancer treatment.

Pien Tze Huang inhibits tumor cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis via suppressing the STAT3 pathway in a colorectal cancer mouse model

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) plays a critical role in cell survival and proliferation. Constitutive activation of STAT3 is strongly correlated with pathogenesis of various types of malignant tumors including colorectal cancer (CRC), and therefore is a major focus in the development of anti-cancer agents. Pien Tze Huang (PZH), a well-known traditional Chinese formula prescribed already in the Ming Dynasty, has been demonstrated to be clinically effective in the treatment of CRC. However, the precise mechanism of its anti-cancer activity remains largely unknown. In the present study we evaluated the efficacy of PZH against tumor growth in vivo in the CRC mouse xenograft model, and investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms. We found that administration of PZH reduced tumor volume and tumor weight but had no effect on body weight gain in CRC mice, demonstrating that PZH can inhibit colon cancer growth in vivo without apparent adverse effect. We also observed that PZH treatment inhibited the phosphorylation level of STAT3 in tumor tissues. Consequently, the inhibitory effect of PZH on STAT3 activation resulted in the up-regulation of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio as well as down-regulation of Cyclin D1 and CDK4 expression, leading to the induction of apoptosis as well as the inhibition of cell proliferation. These results suggest that promotion of cancer cell apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation via suppression of STAT3 pathway might be one of the mechanisms by which PZH treats colorectal cancer.

Does bladder urothelial cancer behave differently in young patients?

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Background: From 2000 to 2008, the incidence of bladder urothelial cancer in the young adults was diagnosed at an increasing trend at the Tongji Hospital, China. To investigate whether bladder urothelial cancer in patients under the age of 40 years behaves significantly differently from the bladder urothelial cancer in elder patients.

Methods: From 1994 to 2008, the records of 4,568 patients with pathological diagnosis of bladder urothelial cancer presented to the Tongji Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. 82 patients were younger than 40 at the time of diagnosis. The clinicopathologic parameters were compared between this group and a serial of 164 older patients during the same time period. The Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were performed for the survival analysis.

Results: 2.05% of patients with pathological diagnosis of bladder urothelial cancer presented to the Tongji Hospital were younger than 40 years (median age 32.93). Compared to the older group, young adults group had a lower sex ratio (male-to-female ratio, 3.4:1vs.6.5:1, p<0.05); much less likely with advanced stages (the percentage of invasive tumor, i.e., T1 or above, 28.1% vs. 52.4%, p<0.01); less with a high grade (the percentage of high grade tumor, 14.6% vs. 22.6%, p<0.05); lower recurrence rate (23.2% vs. 39.6%, p<0.05); less with big tumor size (the percent of tumor size greater than 3 cm, 18.3% vs. 22.0%, p<0.05); and less with multifocal (12.2% vs. 50.6%, p<0.01). Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test showed a significantly better cancer specific and overall survival for the group of young patients (p<0.01). The multivariate Cox regression analyses showed the following criteria were independent prognostic factors of overall survival: bladder tumor multiplicity, size greater than 3 cm, T2 or above stage, and high grade.

Conclusions: Despite an increasing trend of diagnosis, both the pathologic features and clinical outcomes were significantly better in the young patients with bladder urothelial cancer when compared to their elderly counterparts. These findings suggested that more consevertive management approaches may be warranted for this group of patients even under the circumstances of extensive bladder involvement.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Patrinia scabiosaefolia extract suppresses proliferation and promotes apoptosis by inhibiting the STAT3 pathway in human multiple myeloma cells

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) plays an important role in tumor cell survival and proliferation and thus has become a major focus in the development of anti-cancer therapies. Patrinia scabiosaefolia has been used for the treatment of various types of cancer. However, the precise mechanism of the anti-cancer activity of Patrinia scabiosaefolia remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the effect of the ethanol extract of Patrinia scabiosaefolia (EEPS) on proliferation and apoptosis in human multiple myeloma U266 cells that persistently express phosphorylated STAT3, and investigated the possible molecular mechanisms mediating its biological effects. We found that EEPS inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT3 in U266 cells. Consequently, the inhibitory effect of EEPS on STAT3 activation resulted in the suppression of cell proliferation and the induction of cell apoptosis. Moreover, EEPS treatment inhibited the expression of cyclin D1 (a promoter of cell proliferation) and Bcl-2 (an inhibitor of apoptosis), two important target genes of the STAT3 signaling pathway. Our findings for the first time demonstrate that Patrinia scabiosaefolia inhibits proliferation and promotes the apoptosis of cancer cells via inhibition of the STAT3 pathway, which may in part explain its anti-cancer activity.

Risk factors for Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 2 infection in Danish genetic specific pathogen-free pig herds

Between 1994 and 1998, 297 genetic specific pathogen-free (spf) pig herds participated in a monthly clinical and serological monitoring programme for infection with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 2 (ap-2). The average annual herd-level incidence was 3.4 per cent but there was a significant decreasing trend. A risk index, summing up the exposure from ap-2-infected neighbouring pigs within a 3 km radius, was derived from a geographical information system. A survival analysis indicates that the risk of ap-2 infection increased in proportion to the risk index, suggesting that local spread of ap-2 from infected neighbours was a significant factor. However, herd-specific purchase policies were not apparently associated with the risk of ap-2 infection.

Net emissions of CH4 and CO2 in Alaska: implications for the region's greenhouse gas budget

We used a biogeochemistry model, the Terrestrial Ecosystem Model (TEM), to study the net methane (CH4) fluxes between Alaskan ecosystems and the atmosphere. We estimated that the current net emissions of CH4 (emissions minus consumption) from Alaskan soils are approximately 3 Tg CH4/yr. Wet tundra ecosystems are responsible for 75% of the region's net emissions, while dry tundra and upland boreal forests are responsible for 50% and 45% of total consumption over the region, respectively. In response to climate change over the 21st century, our simulations indicated that CH4 emissions from wet soils would be enhanced more than consumption by dry soils of tundra and boreal forests. As a consequence, we projected that net CH4 emissions will almost double by the end of the century in response to high-latitude warming and associated climate changes. When we placed these CH4 emissions in the context of the projected carbon budget (carbon dioxide [CO2] and CH4) for Alaska at the end of the 21st century, we estimated that Alaska will be a net source of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere of 69 Tg CO2 equivalents/yr, that is, a balance between net methane emissions of 131 Tg CO2 equivalents/yr and carbon sequestration of 17 Tg C/yr (62 Tg CO2 equivalents/yr).

[Use of microsatellites in zygosity diagnosis of twins]

OBJECTIVE

To diagnose zygosity of twins by microsatellite polymorphism.

METHODS

One hundred and eighty-four samples, including 69 pairs of twins with the same gender and 6 pairs of twins with different gender were recruited. Seventeen sib pairs were also collected for controls. Nine highly polymorphic microsatellite loci were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using fluorescence-labeled primers and the products were sized by automated fragment analysis after electrophoresis and laser detection. Zygosity was diagnosed by comparing the concordance of the genotype of the 9 markers.

RESULTS

Sixty-three pairs of monozygotic (MZ) and 12 pairs of dizygotic (DZ) twins were assigned their zygosity by comparison of polymorphism of 9 microsatellite loci. Within each of the 63 monozygotic (MZ) pairs there was complete concordance. However, within each of the 12 dizygotic pairs and other 17 sib pairs, discordant loci were found. With five or six markers, the probability that any twin pair was MZ if all markers were concordant was 99% or 99.6%, respectively. With all the nine markers, the probability that any twin pair was MZ if all markers were concordant was 99.95%.

CONCLUSION

The technology of gene scan and genotyping provides a rapid and reliable approach to zygosity detection.

[Postliposuction histologic alteration of adipose tissue in mini-pig models]

OBJECTIVE

To study the postliposuction histologic alterations of adipose tissue in Mini-pigs.

METHODS

Five Wuzhishan adult Mini-pigs were suctioned with syringe-assisted liposuction using a suction needle of 2 mm in diameter. The subcutaneous adipose tissues on both operated and controlled non-operated areas were collected from one week to eight months after operation and all samples were measured and observed macroscopically and microscopically.

RESULTS

The thickness of subcutaneous adipose tissues at the operated sites is thinner than the controlled sites. There was no significant difference in adipocyte morphology between the two kinds of samples. The structure of fat tissue recovered normally during 6-8 months after liposuction.

CONCLUSION

Liposuction is an effective operation to eliminate the subcutaneous adipose tissue and the structure of subcutaneous adipose tissue is completely normal in 6-8 months after the operation.

Inhibition of IgE production in vitro by intact and fragmented intravenous immunoglobulin

BACKGROUND

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has been shown to suppress Ig production both in vivo and in vitro. We have previously found that IVIG inhibits IgE synthesis in human tonsillar B cells stimulated with IL-4 and anti-CD40 antibody.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to further clarify the mechanism behind the inhibition of IgE production by IVIG through comparing the effects of intact whole molecular IVIG and the F(ab')(2) or Fc fragments of IVIG.

METHODS

Human B lymphocytes were purified from tonsils. Cell proliferation was measured by means of tritiated thymidine incorporation. IgE was determined by means of ELISA. Cell-cycle analysis was performed by using flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Both intact and fractionated IVIG inhibited anti-CD40- and IL-4--stimulated IgE production in a dose-dependent manner. The maximal inhibition was achieved at 67 micromol/L (eg, 10, 6, and 4 mg/mL for intact IVIG, F[ab'](2), and Fc, respectively). The effect of F(ab')(2) was more pronounced than that of Fc at equimolar concentrations. Similarly, both intact and fragmented IVIG dose-dependently decreased tritiated thymidine incorporation. F(ab')(2) was also more potent than Fc in this effect. Heat-aggregated IVIG exhibited similar potency to regular IVIG in inhibiting B-cell proliferation. The inhibitory effects of IVIG were unlikely to have been caused by the induction of apoptosis because neither intact nor fractionated IVIG had a significant effect on cell-cycle parameters at the concentrations used.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that both F(ab')(2) and Fc portions contribute to the inhibition of in vitro IgE production by IVIG. The role of the F(ab')(2) portion is more important than that of the Fc portion.