Higher prevalence of LAP+ (Latency TGFβ-Associated Peptide) T cells at the tissue level in patients with early gastric cancer

The presence of cells with regulatory functions in patients with cancer is one of the mechanisms whereby the immune system cannot confront tumor growth. We sought to determine the prevalence of immunoregulatory T-cell subpopulations, expressing the latency TGFβ-associated peptide (LAP), in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma. T cells were enriched from blood or gastric tissue (tumoral, TT or tumor-free, TF) samples from 22 patients, 6 with early (EGC) and 16 with advanced gastric cancer (AGC). CD4, CD8, LAP, FoxP3 and IFN-γ were measured by cytometry. CD8 + LAP + cells were increased at tumoral sites, especially in early stages of the disease, as compared to tumor-free explants (EGC 5.28 % [4.67-6.64]*; AGC 2.90 % [1.37-4.44]; TF 3.14 % [2.33-4.16]; *p < 0.05 vs TF). Likewise, the LAP+/CD8 + LAP- ratio is increased in gastric samples from patients with early disease (EGC 0.38 [0.30-0.45]*, AGC 0.12 [0.07-0.14]; TF 0.12 [0.09-0.31]; *p < 0.05 vs AGC).Disease progression is accompanied by decreased LAP membrane expression and, probably, increased LAP secretion, therefore limiting the response to the tumor.

Amoebicidal activity of cationic carbosilane dendrons derived with 4-phenylbutyric acid against Acanthamoeba griffini and Acanthamoeba polyphaga trophozoites and cysts

Amoebae from the genus Acanthamoeba are important pathogens responsible for severe illnesses in humans such as Acanthamoeba keratitis and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis. In the last few decades, AK diagnoses have steadily increased. Most patients suffering from AK were contact lens users and the infection was related to poor hygiene. However, therapy is not yet well established, and treatments may last for several months due to resistance. Moreover, these treatments have been described to generate cytotoxicity. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new therapeutic strategies against AK. In this study, the amoebicidal activity of different generation cationic carbosilane dendrons derived with 4-phenylbutyric acid was demonstrated against Acanthamoeba polyphaga and Acanthamoeba griffini trophozoites and cysts. In addition, the combination of chlorhexidine digluconate and the most effective dendron (ArCO2G2(SNMe3I)4) showed an in vitro effect against Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts, reducing the minimal trophozoite amoebicidal concentration as well as concentrations with cysticidal activity.

Haspin participates in AURKB recruitment to centromeres and contributes to chromosome congression in male mouse meiosis

Chromosome segregation requires that centromeres properly attach to spindle microtubules. This essential step regulates the accuracy of cell division and therefore must be precisely regulated. One of the main centromeric regulatory signaling pathways is the Haspin-H3T3ph-chromosomal passenger complex (CPC) cascade, which is responsible for the recruitment of the CPC to the centromeres. In mitosis, Haspin kinase phosphorylates histone H3 at threonine 3 (H3T3ph), an essential epigenetic mark that recruits the CPC, whose catalytic component is Aurora B kinase. However, the centromeric Haspin-H3T3ph-CPC pathway remains largely uncharacterized in mammalian male meiosis. We have analyzed Haspin functions by either its chemical inhibition in cultured spermatocytes using LDN-192960, or the ablation of Haspin gene in Haspin-/-. Our studies suggest that Haspin kinase activity is required for proper chromosome congression during both meiotic divisions and for the recruitment of Aurora B and kinesin MCAK to meiotic centromeres. However, the absence of H3T3ph histone mark does not alter Borealin and SGO2 centromeric localization. These results add new and relevant information regarding the regulation of the Haspin-H3T3ph-CPC pathway and centromere function during meiosis.

AB0054 NEW THERAPEUTICAL TOOLS FOR HETEROTOPIC OSSIFICATION TREATMENT AND PREVENTION

Background

Heterotopic ossification (HO) consists in abnormal bone growth in soft tissues, in a non-porrostoeblastogenic environment. This pathology origin can be congenital (progressive osseus heteroplasia, progressive osseous fibrodysplasia, …) or acquired (burnt, big traumas, electrocutions, articular replacement surgeries, …). Currently, the available therapies (radiotherapy and removal surgery) are aggressive, associated to multiple adverse effects, and not suitable for every populations. Therefore, new therapeutic tools are needed to HO.

Osteoblast is the cell type in charge of bone growth. These cells share a mesenchymal origin with adipocytes. Interestingly, osteoblastogenesis and adipogenesis are opposed and mutually controlled processes.

Objectives

The aim of this work is to study osteoblastogenesis inhibition through adipogenesis promotion using a new therapy (Tri-therapy) composed by a PPARG agonist, a NSAID, and a corticoid.

Methods

Mice mesenchymal stem cells (C3H10T1/2) were differentiated towards adipogenesis and osteoblastogenesis for 7 days, in the presence of the Tri-therapy compounds alone and combined. Simultaneously, human preosteoblast cells (SaOS2) were differentiated to osteoblast for 14 days, being treated with the Tri-therapy. Human HO cells (acquired HO and congenital HO independently), obtained from HO explants, were exposed to an adipogenic environment in the presence of the Tri-therapy for 7 days.

Osteoblastogenic (ALPL, SPP1, GPNMB, RUNX2) and adipogenic (FABP4, PLIN2, ADIPOQ, PPARG) marker genes mRNA expression measured by RT-PCR was used to evaluate differentiation processes. All the results were expressed as the media± SEM of, at least, 3 independent replicates.

Results

In C3H10T1/2 differentiations Tri-therapy synergically induced FABP4, PLIN2, ADIPOQ expression in both cell fates, demonstrating therefore its ability to promote adipogenesis. In SaOS2, the proposed therapy diminished osteoblastogenic marker genes expression (SPP1, GPNMB, RUNX2), being this effect greater than PPARG agonists’ themselves. In HO cells, Tri-therapy augmented adipogenesis markers expression, showing a partial effect in osteoblastogenic marker genes expression.

Conclusion

Pro-adipogenic switch in differentiation marker genes expression induced by the Tri-therapy suggested the clinical use of this drugs combination to treat and prevent HO and abnormal bone growth.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

A systematic review of the literature on the impact of the Seguro Popular

BACKGROUND

The Seguro Popular (SP) was launched in 2004 to increase access to healthcare and reduce catastrophic expenditures among the Mexican population. To document the evidence on its effectiveness, we conducted a systematic review of impact evaluations of the SP.

METHODS

We included papers using rigorous quasi-experimental designs to assess the effectiveness of the SP. We evaluated the quality of each study and presented the statistical significance of the effects by outcome category.

RESULTS

We identified 26 papers that met the inclusion criteria. Sixteen studies that evaluated the impact of SP on financial protection found consistent and statistically significant positive effects in 55% of the 65 outcomes analyzed. Nine studies evaluating utilization of health services for the general and infant populations found effectiveness on 40% of 30 outcomes analyzed. Concerning screening services for hypertension, diabetes, and cervical and prostate cancer, we found three studies evaluating 14 outcomes and finding significant effects on 50% of them. Studies looking at the impact of SP on diabetes, hypertension, and general health care and treatment evaluated 19 outcomes and found effects on 21% of them. One study assessed five diabetes monitoring services and found positive effects on four of them. The only study on morbidity and mortality found positive results on three of the four outcomes of interest.

CONCLUSION

We found mixed evidence on the impact of SP on financial protection, healthcare utilization, morbidity and mortality. In the 26 studies included in this review, researchers found positive effects in roughly half of the outcomes and null results on the rest.

Case Report: Everolimus reduced bone turnover markers but showed no clinical benefit in a patient with severe progressive osseous heteroplasia

BACKGROUND

Progressive osseous heteroplasia (POH) is an ultrarare genetic disorder characterized by an inactivating mutation in the GNAS gene that causes heterotopic ossification. Inhibition of the mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway has been proposed as a therapy for progressive bone fibrodysplasia and non-genetic forms of bone heteroplasia. Herein, we describe the impact of using Everolimus as a rescue therapy for an identical twin girl exhibiting an aggressive clinical phenotype of POH.

METHODS

Clinical evaluation of the progression of the disease during Everolimus treatment was performed periodically. Cytokine markers involved in bone metabolism and protein markers related to bone activity were analyzed to explore bone turnover activity.

RESULTS

The patient received Everolimus therapy for 36 weeks. During treatment, no clinical improvement of the disease was perceived. Analysis of biochemical parameters, namely, β-CTX (r ² = -0.576, P-value = 0.016) and PNIP (r ² = -0.598, P-value = 0.011), indicated that bone turnover activity was significantly reduced. Additionally, bone metabolism-related biomarkers showed only a significant positive correlation with PTH levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Everolimus treatment did not modify the clinical progression of the disease in an aggressive form of POH, although an impact on the protein markers studied was observed.

HLA-G 3'UTR Polymorphisms Are Linked to Susceptibility and Survival in Spanish Gastric Adenocarcinoma Patients

HLA-G is a non-classical class I HLA molecule that induces tolerance by acting on receptors of both innate and adaptive immune cells. When overexpressed in tumors, limits surveillance by the immune system. The HLA-G gene shows several polymorphisms involved in mRNA and protein levels. We decided to study the implication of two polymorphisms (rs371194629; 14bp INS/DEL and rs1063320; +3142 C/G) in paired tissue samples (tumoral and non-tumoral) from 107 Spanish patients with gastric adenocarcinoma and 58 healthy control individuals, to assess the possible association of the HLA-G gene with gastric adenocarcinoma susceptibility, disease progression and survival. The presence of somatic mutations involving these polymorphisms was also analyzed. The frequency of the 14bp DEL allele was increased in patients (70.0%) compared to controls (57.0%, p=0.025). In addition, the haplotype formed by the combination of the 14bp DEL/+3142 C variants is also increased in patients (54.1% vs 44.4%, p=0.034, OR=1.74 CI95% 1.05-2.89). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that 14bp DEL/DEL patients showed lower 5-year life-expectancy than INS/DEL or INS/INS (p=0.041). Adjusting for TNM staging (Cox regression analysis) disclosed a significant difference in death risk (p=0.03) with an expected hazard 2.6 times higher. Finally, no somatic mutations were found when comparing these polymorphisms in tumoral vs non-tumoral tissues, which indicates that this is a preexisting condition in patients and not a de novo, tumor-restricted, event. In conclusion, the variants predominant in patients were those increasing HLA-G mRNA stability and HLA-G expression, clearly involving this molecule in gastric adenocarcinoma susceptibility, disease progression and survival and making it a potential target for immunotherapeutic approaches.

AB0030 BETA BOSWELLIC ACID BLOCKS INNATE IMMUNE RESPONSES IN MULTIPLE OA JOINT CELLS

Background:

Osteoarthritis (OA) incidence has skyrocketed in the last decade and yet a definitive treatment has still to be found. This worldwide disease is depriving our society from their life quality and has become a grave economic burden. Research on anti-inflammatory tools has been done on traditional Asian medicine. Boswellic acid is a plant-derived molecule from the Boswellia species that has shown to prevent cartilage loss in an OA mouse model[1]. However, the specific mechanism of action is still unclear. The activation of innate immune receptors, such Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) has been involved in chondrocyte-mediated inflammatory responses and OA development. Although, boswellic acid has shown an inhibitory effect on TLR4-mediated inflammatory responses little is known about its role on TLR4-mediated chondrocyte inflammatory and catabolic responses.

Objectives:

Determine the ability of beta boswellic acid (BBA) to block TLR4-mediated innate immune responses in chondrocytes and synoviocytes.

Methods:

In silico

The binding affinity of beta boswellic acid (BBA) to TLR4 complex signalling was determined by optimized docking algorithm in the BIO-HPC Research Group facilities.

In vitro

Cellular proteome and secretome profiling (LC-MALDI/TOFF) was used to study inflammatory pathways induced by the agonist of TLR4 (LPS [100ng/ml]) and IL1R (IL1β [0.1ng/ml]). The effect of BBA on TLR4-mediated innate immune responses was determined by RT-PCR, Western Blot and ELISA in primary human OA chondrocytes (hOC), murine ATDC5 chondrocytes, human synoviocytes (SW982) and primary human osteoblasts (hOB). Cell viability was tested using the methyl-thiazolyl-tetrazolium (MTT) reagent. Nitric oxide production in cell culture media was assessed by Griess reaction. Green Malachite Assay was used to semi-quantify the whole phosphoproteome.

Ethics

This study was approved by the CEIC (CAEIG 2014/310).

Results:

Cellular proteome and secretome profiling validated the activation of TLR4 and IL1R signalling by LPS and IL1β ligands and revealed an enrichment in innate immune responses (NF-Kβ, NLRP3, MMPs, Interleukins, etc).

Non-toxic doses of BBA [0.5-1000nM] prevented the activation of TLR4 in multiple articular joint cells and inhibited TLR4 & IL1R-dependant innate immune responses at the mRNA and protein level such as inflammatory factors IL6, NOS2, COX2, LCN2, MMP1, -3, -9, -13 and ADAMTS4, among others. Furthermore, NF-Kβ/IKBα and NLRP3/PYCARD/IL1β axis were also severely inhibited after BBA treatment. Moreover, these results were validated by in silico docking analysis that showed BBA interacted with TLR4/NF-Kβ.

Conclusion:

We prove that BBA inhibit TLR4 & IL1R -dependent innate immune responses in multiple human joint cells (Figure 1). We show that NF-Kβ & NLRP3 signalling, both associated to OA, are blocked (mRNA and protein) after BBA treatment (Figure 1).

Our data support previous studies showing the prevention of cartilage loss in an OA animal models by BBA might come from its ability to inhibit TLR4 signalling. In the clinical practice of rheumatologists, Boswellia Serrata could be a useful nutraceutical to manage OA inflammation due to its content in BBA.

Figure 1.

References:

[1]Wang, Q.; Pan, X.; Wong, H.H.; Wagner, C.A.; Lahey, L.J.; Robinson, W.H.; Sokolove, J. Oral and topical boswellic acid attenuates mouse osteoarthritis. Osteoarthr. Cartil.2014, 22, 128–132, doi:10.1016/j.joca.2013.10.012.

Acknowledgements:

Eloi Franco-Trepat and Ana Lois-Iglesias contributed equally to this work.

This research has been funded by the non-profit FER (Fundación Española de Reumatologia /Spanish Foundation of Rheumatology) through the project “Búsqueda de nuevos fármacos bloqueantes de la inflamación asociada a TLR4 en condrocitos humanos artrósicos”.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Promising PEGylated cationic dendrimers for delivery of miRNAs as a possible therapy against HIV-1 infection

BACKGROUND

The appearance of resistance against new treatments and the fact that HIV-1 can infect various cell types and develop reservoirs and sanctuaries makes it necessary to develop new therapeutic approaches to overcome those failures.

RESULTS

Studies of cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, complexes formation, stability, resistance, release and particle size distribution confirmed that G2-SN15-PEG, G3-SN31-PEG, G2-SN15-PEG-FITC and G3-SN31-PEG-FITC dendrimers can form complexes with miRNAs being biocompatible, stable and conferring protection to these nucleic acids. Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry showed effective delivery of these four dendrimers into the target cells, confirming their applicability as delivery systems. Dendriplexes formed with the dendrimers and miRNAs significantly inhibited HIV-1 infection in PBMCs.

CONCLUSIONS

These dendrimers are efficient delivery systems for miRNAs and they specifically and significantly improved the anti-R5-HIV-1 activity of these RNA molecules.

TGFB1 polymorphisms and TGF-β1 plasma levels identify gastric adenocarcinoma patients with lower survival rate and disseminated disease

TGF‐β1 is involved in tumour growth. Four TGFB1 SNPs and TGF‐β1 production by stimulated PBMC were determined in seventy‐eight gastric adenocarcinoma patients. In addition, TGF‐β1 levels were measured in the plasma of further thirty patients. rs1800471‐G/C genotype was prevalent in patients (20.7%) compared to controls (8.4%), as it also was the rs1800468 SNP‐G/A genotype in stage IV patients (20.7%) compared to stage I, II and III patients, combined (10.3%). Conversely, the T/T rs1800469 SNP‐T/T genotype was absent in the former group and present in 19.0% in the latter. Furthermore, the rs1800469‐C/rs1800470‐T (CT) haplotype was found in 15.0% of stage IV patients as compared to 3.0% of the remaining patients (3.0%) and also identifies patients with worse five‐year life expectancy (P = .03). TGF‐β1 synthesis by stimulated PBMCs was significantly lower in patients with the risk SNPs or haplotype, compared to the alternative genotype. Finally, TGF‐β1 plasma levels were lower in patients with worse life expectancy. Analysis of TGFB1 SNPs and measurement of plasma TGF‐β1 levels serves to identify patients at risk of developing a more aggressive disease.

Global CO2 emissions from dry inland waters share common drivers across ecosystems

Many inland waters exhibit complete or partial desiccation, or have vanished due to global change, exposing sediments to the atmosphere. Yet, data on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from these sediments are too scarce to upscale emissions for global estimates or to understand their fundamental drivers. Here, we present the results of a global survey covering 196 dry inland waters across diverse ecosystem types and climate zones. We show that their CO2 emissions share fundamental drivers and constitute a substantial fraction of the carbon cycled by inland waters. CO2 emissions were consistent across ecosystem types and climate zones, with local characteristics explaining much of the variability. Accounting for such emissions increases global estimates of carbon emissions from inland waters by 6% (~0.12 Pg C y-1). Our results indicate that emissions from dry inland waters represent a significant and likely increasing component of the inland waters carbon cycle.

Synthesis and in vitro activity of new biguanide-containing dendrimers on pathogenic isolates of Acanthamoeba polyphaga and Acanthamoeba griffini

The genus Acanthamoeba can cause Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE). The treatment of these illnesses is hampered by the existence of a resistance stage that many times causes infection relapses. In an attempt to add new agents to our chemotherapeutic arsenal against acanthamebiasis, two Acanthamoeba isolates were treated in vitro with newly synthesized biguanide dendrimers. Trophozoite viability analysis and ultrastructural studies showed that dendrimers prevent encystment by lysing the cellular membrane of the amoeba. Moreover, one of the dendrimers showed low toxicity when tested on mammalian cell cultures, which suggest that it might be eventually used as an amoebicidal drug or as a disinfection compound in contact lens solutions.

Dysregulated genes and their functional pathways in luteinized granulosa cells from PCOS patients after cabergoline treatment

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive disorder frequently associated with a substantial risk factor for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Dopamine receptor 2 (D2) agonists, like cabergoline (Cb2), have been used to reduce the OHSS risk. However, lutein granulosa cells (LGCs) from PCOS patients treated with Cb2 still show a deregulated dopaminergic tone (decreased D2 expression and low dopamine production) and increased vascularization compared to non-PCOS LGCs. Therefore, to understand the PCOS ovarian physiology, it is important to explore the mechanisms that underlie syndrome based on the therapeutic effects of Cb2. Here, LGCs from non-PCOS and PCOS patients were cultured with hCG in the absence/presence of Cb2 (n = 12). Subsequently, a transcriptomic-paired design that compared untreated vs treated LGCs within each patient was performed. After transcriptomic analysis, functions and genes were prioritized by systems biology approaches and validated by RT-qPCR. We identified that similar functions were altered in both PCOS and non-PCOS LGCs treated with Cb2; however, PCOS-treated LGCs exhibited more significant changes than non-PCOS. Among the prioritized functions, dopaminergic synapse, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling, apoptosis and ovarian steroidogenesis were highlighted. Finally, network modeling showed CASP9, VEGFA, AKT1, CREB, AIF, MAOA, MAPK14 and BMAL1 as key genes implicated in these pathways in Cb2 response, which might be potential biomarkers for further studies in PCOS.

Carbosilane dendrons with fatty acids at the core as a new potential microbicide against HSV-2/HIV-1 co-infection

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) represent the two most frequent sexually transmitted infections (STI) worldwide. Epidemiological studies suggest that HSV-2 increases the risk of HIV-1 acquisition approximately 3-fold mainly due to the clinical and immunological manifestations. In the absence of vaccines against both STI, the development of new preventive strategies has become essential for further studies. We performed the screening of six novel polyanionic carbosilane dendrons to elucidate their potential activity against HSV-2/HIV-1 co-infection and their mechanism of action. These new nanoparticles are carbosilane branched dendrons from first to third generation, with palmitic or hexanoic fatty acids as the core and capped with sulfonate groups, named G1_d-STE2Hx, G2_d-STE4Hx, G3_d-STE8Hx, G1_d-STE2Pm, G2_d-STE4Pm and G3_d-STE8Pm. G3_d-STE8Hx and G3_d-STE8Pm carbosilane branched dendrons showed high viability. These dendrons also showed a great broad-spectrum antiviral activity, as well as a suitable efficacy against HIV-1 even if the mucosal disruption occurs as a consequence of HSV-2 infection. Our results exert high inhibition against HSV-2 and HIV-1 by blocking the entry of both viruses with the median effective concentration EC₅₀ values in the nanomolar range. Additionally, G3_d-STE8Hx and G3_d-STE8Pm retained their anti-HSV-2/HIV-1 activity at different pH values. G3_d-STE8Hx and G3_d-STE8Pm dendrons may be potential candidates as dual-acting microbicides against HSV-2/HIV-1 co-infection.

Origin of the myotonic dystrophy type 1 mutation in Mexican population and influence of Amerindian ancestry on CTG repeat allelic distribution

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 is caused by expansion of a CTG trinucleotide repeat situated in the DMPK gene. Worldwide genetic studies suggest a single or limited number of mutational events cause the disease. However, distribution of CTG alleles and disease incidence varies among ethnicities. Due to the great ethnic diversity of the Mexican population, the present study was aimed at analyzing the impact of different lineages in shaping the CTG-repeat allelic distribution in the contemporary Mexican-Mestizo population as well as to shed light on the DM1 ancestral origin. Distribution of CTG-repeat alleles was similar among Mestizo and Amerindian subpopulations with (CTG)_11-13 being the most frequent alleles in both groups, which implies that Mexican-Mestizo allelic distribution has been modeled by Amerindian ancestry. We diagnosed a relatively high number of cases, consistent with the high frequency of large-normal alleles found in Mexican subpopulations. Haplotype analysis using various polymorphic-markers in proximity to DMPK gene indicates that a single founder mutation originates myotonic dystrophy type 1 in Mexico; however, Y-STR haplogroups data and the presence of pre-mutated and large normal alleles in Amerindians support the hypothesis that both European and Amerindian ancestral chromosomes might have introduced the disease to the Mexican population, which was further disseminated through mestizaje.

Corticoids synergize with IL-1 in the induction of LCN2

OBJECTIVE

Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) is an adipokine that was first identified in neutrophil granules. In the last years it was recognized as a factor that could impair chondrocyte phenotype, cartilage homeostasis as well as growth plate development. Both pro-inflammatory cytokines and glucocorticoids (GCs) modulate LCN2 expression. Actually, GCs were found to be LCN2 inducers, suggesting that part of the negative actions exerted by these anti-inflammatory drugs at cartilage level could be mediated by this adipokine. So, in this study we wanted to investigate whether corticoids were able to act in synergy with IL-1 in the induction of LCN2 and the signaling pathway involved in this process.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For the realization of this work, ATDC5 mouse chondrogenic cell line was used. We determined the mRNA and protein expression of LCN2 by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot respectively, after GC or mineralcorticoid treatment. Different signaling pathways inhibitors were also used.

RESULTS

GC and mineralcorticoid were able to induce the expression of LCN2 in ATDC5 cells. Interestingly, both corticoids synergized with IL-1 in the induction of LCN2. The effect of these corticoids on the expression of LCN2 occurred through GC or mineralcorticoid receptors and the kinases PI3K, ERK1/2 and JAK2.

CONCLUSIONS

Prolonged use of corticoids may have detrimental effects on cartilage homeostasis. Based on our results, we conclude that corticoids could increase the negative actions exerted by IL-1 by increasing the expression of LCN2.

Regeneration of three pine species in a Mediterranean forest: A study to test predictions from species distribution models under changing climates

The study tested the hypothesis that future changes in the composition of tree communities, as predicted by species distribution models, could already be apparent in the current regeneration patterns of three pine species (Pinus pinaster, P. nigra and P. sylvestris)inhabiting the central-eastern mountains of Spain. We carried out both an observational study and a seed-sowing experiment to analyze, along an altitudinal and latitudinal gradient, whether recent recruitment patterns indicate an expansion of P. pinaster forests to the detriment of P. nigra ones in the low-altitude southern sites of these mountains; or whether P. sylvestris is being replaced by P. nigra in the high-altitude sites from the same area. The observational study gathered data from 561 plots of the Spanish National Forest Inventory. The seed-sowing experiment tested the effects of irrigation and stand basal area on seedling emergence and survival. Data were analyzed by means of Generalized Linear Models and Generalized Linear Mixed Models. Regeneration of the three pine species responded similarly to the explicative factors studied, but the density of tree seedlings and saplings exhibited a wide spatial heterogeneity. This result suggested that a mosaic of site- and species-specific responses to climate change might mislead model projections on the future forest occupancy of tree species. Yet, we found no indications of neither an expansion nor a contraction of the near future forest occupancy of the tree species studied.

[Randomised clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new pediculicide made with saponified olive oil in the eradication of Pediculus humanus capitis]

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new pediculicide in the eradication of Pediculus humanus capitis infestation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A randomised clinical trial was designed, in which children aged between 5 and 15 years diagnosed with pediculosis were selected. Treatment was administered on days 1 and 7 after selection, and they were evaluated in 4 visits (day 2, 7, 9, and 14). The product under evaluation with saponified olive oil was Inex Pediculicide Soap^®, which was compared with Paranix^®, with a similar mechanism of action. The primary efficacy endpoint was the eradication of the parasite by day 14 (louse-free rate), using an intention to treat analysis.

RESULTS

Six paediatricians from 5 Primary Health Care centres in the Community of Madrid (Spain) and one private clinic participated in the study. A total of 45 children were included, of which 75.6% were girls (n=34). The mean age was 7.1 years (95% CI 6.3-7.9). The large majority (80%) were middle class, and 82.2% had a history of previous pediculosis. The efficacy at 14 days was 76.2% (95% CI 52.8-91.8) in the group treated with Inex Pediculicide Soap^® group, and 79.2% (95% CI 57.9-92.9) in Paranix^® group (NNT=33.3). No adverse effects were observed with treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The 2 products were effective and safe in the eradication therapy Pediculus humanus capitis, with no statistical differences.

Novel Water-Soluble Mucoadhesive Carbosilane Dendrimers for Ocular Administration

The purpose of this research was to determine the potential use of water-soluble anionic and cationic carbosilane dendrimers (generations 1-3) as mucoadhesive polymers in eyedrop formulations. Cationic carbosilane dendrimers decorated with ammonium -NH3(+) groups were prepared by hydrosylilation of Boc-protected allylamine and followed by deprotection with HCl. Anionic carbosilane dendrimers with terminal carboxylate groups were also employed in this study. In vitro and in vivo tolerance studies were performed in human ocular epithelial cell lines and rabbit eyes respectively. The interaction of dendrimers with transmembrane ocular mucins was evaluated with a surface biosensor. As proof of concept, the hypotensive effect of a carbosilane dendrimer eyedrop formulation containing acetazolamide (ACZ), a poorly water-soluble drug with limited ocular penetration, was tested after instillation in normotensive rabbits. The methodology used to synthesize cationic dendrimers avoids the difficulty of obtaining neutral -NH2 dendrimers that require harsher reaction conditions and also present high aggregation tendency. Tolerance studies demonstrated that both prototypes of water-soluble anionic and cationic carbosilane dendrimers were well tolerated in a range of concentrations between 5 and 10 μM. Permanent interactions between cationic carbosilane dendrimers and ocular mucins were observed using biosensor assays, predominantly for the generation-three (G3) dendrimer. An eyedrop formulation containing G3 cationic carbosilane dendrimers (5 μM) and ACZ (0.07%) (289.4 mOsm; 5.6 pH; 41.7 mN/m) induced a rapid (onset time 1 h) and extended (up to 7 h) hypotensive effect, and led to a significant increment in the efficacy determined by AUC0(8h) and maximal intraocular pressure reduction. This work takes advantage of the high-affinity interaction between cationic carbosilane dendrimers and ocular transmembrane mucins, as well as the tensioactive behavior observed for these polymers. Our results indicate that low amounts of cationic carbosilane dendrimers are well tolerated and able to improve the hypotensive effect of an acetazolamide solution. Our results suggest that carbosilane dendrimers can be used in a safe range of concentrations to enhance the bioavailability of drugs topically administered in the eye.

In vitro anti-Acanthamoeba synergistic effect of chlorhexidine and cationic carbosilane dendrimers against both trophozoite and cyst forms

Acanthamoeba sp. are the causative agents of severe illnesses in humans such as Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE). Medical therapy is not yet well established. Treatments of AK last for several months and generate toxicity, resistances appear due to the cysts stage and recurrences can occur. In this study has been demonstrated that the combination of chlorhexidine digluconate (CLX) and carbosilane dendrimers containing ammonium or guanidine moieties has in vitro synergistic effect against Acanthamoeba polyphaga. This synergy provokes an important reduction in the minimal trophozoite amoebicidal concentration (MTAC) of CLX, which means a reduction of their toxic effects on human cells. Moreover, some CLX/dendrimer combinations show important activity against the cyst resistance stage.

Photocatalytic Degradation of Phenol Using Al2O3-SnO2 Mixed Oxide

Al2O3 and SnO2 mixed oxide were obtained by the coprecipitation method at different Sn4+ contents, from the urea hydrolysis at 95 degrees C using nitrate salt as metal precursor. The studies of X-ray diffraction and reflectance diffuse UV-Vis spectroscopies and N2 adsorption-desorption show important changes. The photocatalytic efficiency test for the mineralization of phenol was determined from UV-Vis spectroscopy. The Al2O3-SnO2 mixed oxide with 10% mol of Sn4+ improved the photocatalytic activity in the elimination of phenol under UV light irradiation, where the photodegradation rate was 2 times more active than Al2O3 unmodified and 1.4 times more active than the reference photocatalyst TiO2-P25. The high activity observed was discussed as a function of the small particle size of SnO2.

Ultrasound-assisted selective hydrogenation of C-5 acetylene alcohols with Lindlar catalysts

The selective hydrogenation of 2-methyl-3-butyn-2-ol (MBY) was performed in the presence of Lindlar catalyst, comparing conventional stirring with sonication at different frequencies of 40, 380 and 850 kHz. Under conventional stirring, the reaction rates were limited by intrinsic kinetics, while in the case of sonication, the reaction rates were 50-90% slower. However, the apparent reaction rates were found to be significantly frequency dependent with the highest rate observed at 40 kHz. The original and the recovered catalysts after the hydrogenation reaction were compared using bulk elemental analysis, powder X-ray diffraction and scanning and transmission electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. The studies showed that sonication led to the frequency-dependent fracturing of polycrystalline support particles with the highest impact caused by 40 kHz sonication, while monocrystals were undamaged. In contrast, the leaching of Pd/Pb particles did not depend on the frequency, which suggests that sonication removed only loosely-bound catalyst particles.

Optimizing CIGB-300 intralesional delivery in locally advanced cervical cancer

BACKGROUND

We conducted a phase 1 trial in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer by injecting 0.5 ml of the CK2-antagonist CIGB-300 in two different sites on tumours to assess tumour uptake, safety, pharmacodynamic activity and identify the recommended dose.

METHODS

Fourteen patients were treated with intralesional injections containing 35 or 70 mg of CIGB-300 in three alternate cycles of three consecutive days each before standard chemoradiotherapy. Tumour uptake was determined using (99)Tc-radiolabelled peptide. In situ B23/nucleophosmin was determined by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Maximum tumour uptake for CIGB-300 70-mg dose was significantly higher than the one observed for 35 mg: 16.1 ± 8.9 vs 31.3 ± 12.9 mg (P = 0.01). Both, AUC24h and biological half-life were also significantly higher using 70 mg of CIGB-300 (P < 0.001). Unincorporated CIGB-300 diffused rapidly to blood and was mainly distributed towards kidneys, and marginally in liver, lungs, heart and spleen. There was no DLT and moderate allergic-like reactions were the most common systemic side effect with strong correlation between unincorporated CIGB-300 and histamine levels in blood. CIGB-300, 70 mg, downregulated B23/nucleophosmin (P = 0.03) in tumour specimens.

CONCLUSION

Intralesional injections of 70 mg CIGB-300 in two sites (0.5 ml per injection) and this treatment plan are recommended to be evaluated in phase 2 studies.

Interethnic variation of the MMP-9 microsatellite in Amerindian and Mexican Mestizo populations: considerations for genetic association studies

We studied the interethnic variation of the MMP-9 microsatellite in the Mestizo and Amerindian populations using blood samples collected from 435 healthy unrelated individuals from the Central Valley of Mexico. DNA samples were genotyped using the -90 (CA)12-27 repeat near the MMP transcriptional start site using capillary electrophoresis. Our data were compared with those from African, Asian, and European populations (N = 729). Both Mestizo and Amerindian populations were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P ≥ 0.05). However, strong genetic heterogeneity was found within the Mestizo population (94%, P ≤ 0.0001), which exhibited the highest frequency of Amerindian, African, and European alleles. Likewise, Amerindians showed 6.7% variation among populations (P ≤ 0.0001), suggesting a genetic substructure potentially associated with linguistic affiliations. These findings were corroborated with principal component and population differentiation analyses, which showed relative proximity among the Mestizos and their historical parental populations: Asian (FST ≥ 0.05), European (FST ≥ 0.09), and African (FST ≥ 0.02). Nevertheless, important differences were found between Mestizo and Nahuas (P ≤ 0.0001), and between Mestizo and Me'Phaas (P ≤ 0.0001). These findings highlight the importance of determining local-specific patterns to establish the population variability of MMP-9 and other polymorphic markers. Validation of candidate markers is critical to identifying risk factors; however, this depends on knowledge of population genetic variation, which increases the possibility of finding true causative variants. We also show that dissimilar ethnic backgrounds might lead to spurious associations. Our study provides useful considerations for greater accuracy and robustness in future genetic association studies.

Expression of NAT2 in immune system cells and the relation of NAT2 gene polymorphisms in the anti-tuberculosis therapy in Mexican mestizo population

Arylamine N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) metabolizes isoniazid (INH) and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP) responsible for its activity has been reported. The aim of this study in the Mexican mestizo population was to evaluate NAT2 expression at the protein level in immune cells, as well as the distribution and frequency of six NAT2 SNPs and their association with anti-TB therapy, by measuring the plasma levels of INH and Acetyl-INH (AcINH). We performed genotyping assays of NAT2 SNPs in 40 TB patients and 121 healthy volunteers by real-time PCR. A method for detecting NAT2 in immune cells using flow cytometry was developed. Plasma concentrations of INH and AcINH were obtained by HPLC in TB patients and the Metabolic Ratio (MR) was calculated. The phenotypes obtained in the healthy volunteers were as follows; 18.87 % of subjects had the rapid acetylator phenotype, 45.45 % had the intermediate phenotype and 39.66 % exhibited the slow acetylator phenotype. In the TB patient group, 35 % of patients had the rapid acetylator phenotype, 32.5 % were intermediate and 32.5 % showed the slow acetylator phenotype. A higher expression level of NAT2 in innate immune cells from TB patients compared to those from healthy volunteers was detected (P < 0.013). In TB patients the MR showed a bimodal distribution with an antimode of 0.7, which was used as a threshold value for acetylator classification. A high correspondence between the rapid and slow acetylator phenotype with MR was demonstrated. In conclusion, the 282C>T, 341T>C, 481C>T, 590G>A, 803A>G, 857G>A SNPs of NAT2 gene provides accurate for prediction of the acetylator phenotype in Mexican mestizo population. A statistical difference was found in frequency of rapid metabolizer phenotype, which was higher in TB patients. In addition, the expression of NAT2 protein in immune cells can lead to further studies related to its functional role in the innate immune response against M. tuberculosis and other xenobiotics metabolized by this enzyme.

Inhibition of Delta-like 4 mediated signaling induces abortion in mice due to deregulation of decidual angiogenesis

OBJECTIVE

To explore whether the Dll4/Notch1 pathway plays a key role in regulating the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) driven decidual angiogenesis and related pregnancy through induction of a tip/stalk phenotype.

METHODS

Progesterone-replaced ovariectomized pregnant mice received a single injection of YW152F (Dll4 blocking antibody, BAb) or placebo at embryonic day (E) 4.5. Animals were sacrificed at different time points; blood and uterus were collected for further analysis. Number of embryos and implantation site, uteri weight, and serum progesterone levels were assessed. Alterations in the tip/stalk phenotype were determined by quantitative immunofluorescent analysis of vascularization, Dll4 expression, cellular proliferation and apoptosis in uterine sections.

RESULTS

Abrogation of Dll4 signaling leads to a promiscuous expression of Dll4, increased cell proliferation, apoptosis and vascularization at E 6.5. Such an abrogation was associated with a dramatic disruption of embryo growth and development starting at E 9.5.

DISCUSSION

The observed promiscuous expression of Dll4 and the increase in cell proliferation, apoptosis and vascularization are events compatible with loss of the tip/stalk phenotype. Excessive (although very likely defective) decidual angiogenesis due to such vascular alterations is the most likely cause of subsequent interruption of embryo development and related pregnancy in Dll4 treated mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Dll4 plays a key role in regulating decidual angiogenesis and related pregnancy through induction of a tip/stalk phenotype.