A new method of anterior talofibular ligament reconstruction: Arthroscopically artificial ligament reconstruction with tensional remnant-repair

PURPOSE

To investigate the clinical effects of arthroscopically artificial ligament reconstruction with tensional remnant-repair in patients who are obese, and/or with demand for highly intensive sports, and/or with poor-quality ligament remnants.

METHODS

A retrospective case series study was performed on patients treated by arthroscopically anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) reconstruction with tensional remnant repair technique from January 2019 to August 2021. General data, including demographics, surgical time, and postoperative adverse events, were recorded. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score (AOFAS), foot and ankle ability measure (FAAM), visual analog scale (VAS), and anterior talar translation were measured preoperatively and at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 2 years postoperatively. Ultrasonography examination was performed preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively to evaluate the ATFL. Data were analyzed using SPSS 19.0. F test was used to analyze the pre- and postoperative VAS, FAAM, and AOFAS scores. The significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

There were 20 males and 10 females among the patients with a mean age of (30.71 ± 5.81) years. The average surgical time was (40.21 ± 8.59) min. No adverse events were observed after surgery. At 2 years postoperatively, the anterior talar translation test showed grade 0 laxity in all patients. VAS score significantly decreased from preoperatively to 6 weeks, 3 months, and 2 years postoperatively (p < 0.001). Improvement of FAAM score and the AOFAS score from preoperatively to 6 weeks, 3 months, and 2 years postoperatively was statistically significant (p < 0.001). At 3 months postoperatively, most patients (23/30) could return to their pre-injured activities of daily living status. At 2 years postoperatively, all patients were able to return to their pre-injured activities of daily living status, and almost every patient (18/19) who expected highly intensive sports returned to sports with only 1 obese patient failing to achieve the goal. The ultrasonography examination at 2 years postoperatively showed that there was a linear band structure of soft tissue on the tension-rich fiber tape image from the fibular to the talar attachment sits of ATFL.

CONCLUSION

The novel arthroscopically artificial ligament reconstruction with tensional remnant-repair technique for ATFL achieved satisfactory clinical outcomes in the short and medium term after operation, and allowed early return to pre-injured activities, which could be a reliable option for patients with chronic lateral ankle instability.

Anti-inflammatory therapeutic biomarkers identified of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell therapy on aging mice by serum proteomics and peptidomics study

Aging is accompanied by deterioration in physical condition, and creates high risks of diseases. Stem cell therapy exhibited promising potential in delaying aging. However, the unelucidated therapeutic mechanism limits future clinical application. Herein, to systematically understand the response to stem cell transfusion at the molecular level, we performed quantitative serum proteomic and peptidomics analyses in the 24-month-old aging mice model with or without mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) treatment. As a result, a total of 560 proteins and 2131 endogenous peptides were identified, among which, 6 proteins and 9 endogenous peptides derived from 6 precursor proteins were finally identified as therapeutic biomarkers after MSC transfusion on aging mice both by untargeted label-free quantification and targeted parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) quantification. Amazingly, the biological function of these differential proteins was mainly related to inflammation, which is not only the important hallmark of aging, but also the main cause of inducing aging. The reduction of these inflammatory protein content after MSC treatment further suggests the anti-inflammatory effect of MSC therapy reported elsewhere. Therefore, our study provides new evidence for the anti-inflammatory effect of MSC therapy for anti-aging and offers abundant data to support deeper investigations of the therapeutic mechanism of MSC in delaying aging.

Identifying the risk factors and developing a predictive model for postoperative pelvic floor dysfunction in cervical cancer patients

Background

Pelvic floor dysfunction is a common complication after cervical cancer surgery, and the key to early prevention and treatment is the timely identification of risk factors and high-risk patients. The present study explored the risk factors of pelvic floor dysfunction in cervical cancer patients after surgery and established a predictive model.

Methods

A total of 282 cervical cancer patients admitted to Wuhan No.7 Hospital from January 2020 to June 2022 was retrospectively enrolled in this study. All patients underwent surgery and were followed up after surgery. The patients were divided into a pelvic floor dysfunction group (n=92) and a control group (n=190) according to whether they developed pelvic floor dysfunction or not at 6 months post-surgery. The differences in clinical features between the two groups were observed to identify the risk factors of pelvic floor dysfunction after cervical cancer, and a prediction model was established.

Results

There were significant differences in age, surgical method, surgical resection range, and radiotherapy between the two groups (P<0.05). Age greater than 65 years, open surgery, total hysterectomy, and radiotherapy were identified as the risk factors of postoperative pelvic floor dysfunction in patients with cervical cancer (P<0.05). The R4.0.3 statistical software was used to randomly divide the dataset into a training dataset (n=141) and a validation dataset (n=141). The area under the curve was 0.755 (95% confidence interval: 0.673-0.837) in the training set and 0.604 (95% confidence interval: 0.502-0.705) in the verification set. In the validation set, the model was tested with a Hosmer-Lemeshow Goodness-of-Fit test, with a chi-square value of 9.017 and a P value of 0.341.

Conclusions

Patients with cervical cancer have a high incidence of postoperative pelvic floor dysfunction. Age greater than 65 years, open surgery, total hysterectomy, and radiotherapy are risk factors of postoperative pelvic floor dysfunction in cervical cancer patients, and the present model helps to identify patients at high-risk of pelvic floor dysfunction.

Research Progress on Accumulated Degree Days for PMI Estimation

Abstract

Among many factors that affect postmortem interval （PMI）, temperature is undoubtedly the most important factor, but simply considering temperature in estimation of PMI has limitations. Accumulated degree days （ADD） is an important indicator related to biological growth and development, which considers two major variables, environmental temperature and elapsed time. Therefore, the establishment of mathematical model of ADD and some evaluation indicators to estimate PMI, is obviously better than single temperature variable. This article briefly describes the research history of ADD, its application in PMI estimation, and the problems it faces, to provide reference for the further development of ADD to improve the accuracy of PMI estimation.

Sequential Changes of Total Adenine Nucleotide and Adenylic-Acid Energy Charge in Muscles of Rats after Death

Abstract

Objective To determine the purine adenylate [adenosine triphosphate （ATP）, adenosine diphosphate （ADP）, adenosine monophosphate （AMP）] content in the muscles of both hind limbs of rats at different postmortem interval （PMI）, calculate the changes in the total adenine nucleotide （TAN） content and the adenylic-acid energy charge （AEC）, and explore their relationship with PMI. Methods Healthy rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and kept at 20 ℃. The muscles of their hind limbs were extracted at 0, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, and 168 h after death. Reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography was used to determine the content of purine adenylates, the TAN and AEC of the muscles of the both hind limbs were calculated, and the related regression equations of their relationship with PMI were established. Results Within 168 h of death of rats, the trend of ATP change was different from ADP, and the content of AMP continuously increased. The TAN value gradually increased with the extension of PMI, and the AEC showed a downward trend within 168 h after death. Among them, the patterns of AEC changes with PMI were obvious, the correlation coefficient was high （ R²=0.903）, and the curve fitting relationship was good; the fitting relationship between ATP, ADP, AMP, TAN and PMI was poor （ R²=0.198-0.754）. Conclusion The postmortem change patterns of AEC provide new research ideas for PMI estimation in the forensic field.

Taxonomic notes on Leptonetidae (Arachnida, Araneae) from China, with descriptions of one new genus and eight new species

Species of the spider family Leptonetidae Simon, 1890 from China are revised based on molecular and morphological data analyses. A new genus, Jingneta Wang & Li gen. nov., is erected, with Leptoneta cornea Tong & Li, 2008 as the type species. Twenty-two Chinese species previously assigned to the genus Leptoneta Simon, 1872 are revised, with eight transferred to Falcileptoneta Komatsu, 1970, seven transferred to Jingneta gen. nov., five transferred to Leptonetela Kratochvíl, 1978, and one species each transferred to Longileptoneta Seo, 2015 and Masirana Kishida, 1942. Eight new species are described: i.e., Falcileptoneta shuanglong Wang & Li sp. nov. (♂), Jingneta caoxian Wang & Li sp. nov. (♂♀), J. jingdong Wang & Li sp. nov. (♂♀), Longileptoneta gutan Wang & Li sp. nov. (♂♀), L. huangshan Wang & Li sp. nov. (♂♀), L. shenxian Wang & Li sp. nov. (♂♀), L. yeren Wang & Li sp. nov. (♂), and L. zhuxian Wang & Li sp. nov. (♂♀). In total, 127 leptonetid species from six genera are documented from China: nine species of Falcileptoneta, nine species of Jingneta gen. nov., 101 species of Leptonetela, six species of Longileptoneta, one species of Masirana, and one species of Rhyssoleptoneta Tong & Li, 2007.

[Association between the accumulation of metabolic syndrome abnormal components and arterial pulse wave velocity among adult individuals undergoing routine health examination]

Objective: To explore the association between the accumulation of metabolic syndrome (MS) components and abnormal brachial ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), and to investigate the effect of accumulation of abnormal metabolic components on abnormal baPWV among adult individuals undergoing routine health examination. Methods: It's a cross-sectional study. Data from 9 201 stratified sampled subjects, aged between 25 to 75 years old, who took part in the annual health checkups in 11 cities of Zhejiang Province from January to December 2016, were analyzed. Blood pressure(BP), fasting plasma glucose(FPG), waist circumference(WC), triglyceride(TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterols(HDL-C) were defined as MS components. The baPWV was measured by VP-1000 (BP-203RPE Ⅲ) and ΔbaPWV (measured baPWV-reference baPWV/reference baPWV) ×100 (%)> 10% was defined as abnormal. The relationship between MS components and ΔbaPWV was analyzed by linear regression, and impact of accumulation of MS components on ΔbaPWV was analyzed by logistic regression, and the ΔbaPWV in subjects with different levels of MS components were analyzed by analysis of variance. Results: (1) The linear regression analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between ΔbaPWV and MS components including systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, WC, FPG, TG, while ΔbaPWV was negatively correlated with HDL-C. The β values were 0.518, 0.616, 0.208, 2.778, 1.862, -1.339, respectively (all P<0.001), indicating a strong association between ΔbaPWV and systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and FPG. (2) The logistic regression analysis showed that the proportion of abnormal ΔbaPWV was 2.595 times higher in MS individuals than in non-MS individuals (P<0.001). Abnormal ΔbaPWV increased in proportion with increase in numbers of the metabolic components (OR=1.913, 2.884, 3.833, 6.161, 11.176 in individuals with 1,2,3,4,5 metabolic components, respectively, all P<0.001). (3) The logistic analysis suggested that each component of MS could affect baPWV,and OR was 4.68, 2.45 for systolic blood pressure and/or diastolic blood pressure and FPG. All combinations of 2 components of MS also significantly affected baPWV,and OR value was the highest (5.104(95%CI 4.281-6.085), P<0.001) for FPG+BP. All combinations of 3 components of MS significantly affected baPWV,and OR value was the highest(5.385(95%CI 4.245-6.831), P<0.001) for BP+FPG+TG. All combinations of 4 components of MS affected baPWV,and OR value was the highest (6.519(95%CI 4.731-8.984), P<0.001) for BP+FPG+WC+TG. (4) Finally, every component of MS was divided into 3 levels, their impact on abnormal ΔbaPWV was analyzed. Prevalence of abnormal ΔbaPWV significantly increased with the increasing levels of the metabolic components expect for HDL-C, the F values were 1 224.66, 832.89, 192.72, 112.79 and 56.22, respectively (all P<0.001), indicating that higher levels of metabolic components significantly affected the ΔbaPWV. Conclusions: MS and accumulation of abnormal MS components are closely related with abnormal ΔbaPWV, and the combination of BP and FPG have the greatest impact on the abnormal ΔbaPWV. Analysis on the accumulation of MS components might serve as an early indicator of arteriosclerosis.

Effects of diabetes mellitus and Metformin administration on prostate cancer detection at biopsy among Chinese men: a case-control study

PURPOSE

To determine the associations among diabetes status, Metformin administration and prostate cancer (PCa) detection at biopsy in Chinese population.

METHODS

A case-control study was conducted among a prospectively enrolled prostate biopsy cohort of 518 patients from Jan 2013 to Dec 2014 at our institute. Diabetes status and Metformin administration were determined through medical records and self-report. Different clinical characteristics were registered and compared among different groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the effects of diabetes status and Metformin administration on the detection of overall as well as high-grade PCa at biopsy.

RESULTS

PCa was detected in 229 (44.2%) men, and high-grade PCa (Gleason score ≥8) was detected in 65 (12.5%) men. Diabetes was observed in 96 men, and 28 of them were administered with Metformin. Both overall and high-grade cancer detection rates were significantly higher in diabetic patients (p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, diabetes status was a risk factor for high-grade cancer detection (OR 7.699, 95%CI 3.483-17.020, p<0.001), but not for total PCa detection (OR 1.774, 95%CI 0.831-3.787, p=0.138). Meanwhile, Metformin administration was proved to be a protective factor for high-grade disease (OR 0.420, 95%CI 0.201-0.879, p=0.021) in multivariate analysis, while no correlation was detected with overall cancer detection (OR 0.786, 95%CI 0.172-3.593, p=0.756).

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes status was positively associated with biopsy-mediated high-grade PCa detection in Chinese population, while the positive association would be partly compromised by Metformin administration.

Differential expressions of integrin-linked kinase, β-parvin and cofilin 1 in high-fat diet induced prostate cancer progression in a transgenic mouse model

High-fat diet induced obesity was associated with more aggressive prostate cancer. Recent research has demonstrated that integrin-linked kinase (ILK), β-parvin and downstream cofilin 1 jointly affected cancer progression. Meanwhile, these proteins were also involved in energy metabolism. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the potential function of ILK, β-parvin and cofilin 1 in the high-fat diet-induced progression of prostate cancer. Transgenic mice with prostate cancer were employed, fed with different diets and sacrificed at 20 and 28 weeks. Tumor differentiation, extracapsular extension and metastasis were compared between the groups. Expression levels of ILK, β-parvin and cofilin 1 in prostate were evaluated by immunohistochemical analysis and determined by an immunoreactivity score. Public databases were applied for analysis and validation. It was detected that high-fat diet feeding promoted cancer progression in transgenic mice with prostate cancer, with increased expressions of β-parvin (P=0.038) and cofilin 1 (P=0.018). Higher expressions of ILK, β-parvin and cofilin 1 were also associated with poorer cancer differentiation. Additionally, higher mRNA levels of CFL1 were correlated with a worse disease-free survival in patients of certain subgroups from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Further studies were warranted in discussing the potential roles of ILK, β-parvin and cofilin 1 in high-fat diet feeding induced progression of prostate cancer.

[Technical specification for clinical application of critical ultrasonography]

Critical ultrasonography(CUS) is different from the traditional diagnostic ultrasound, the examiner and interpreter of the image are critical care medicine physicians. The core content of CUS is to evaluate the pathophysiological changes of organs and systems and etiology changes. With the idea of critical care medicine as the soul, it can integrate the above information and clinical information, bedside real-time diagnosis and titration treatment, and evaluate the therapeutic effect so as to improve the outcome. CUS is a traditional technique which is applied as a new application method. The consensus of experts on critical ultrasonography in China released in 2016 put forward consensus suggestions on the concept, implementation and application of CUS. It should be further emphasized that the accurate and objective assessment and implementation of CUS requires the standardization of ultrasound image acquisition and the need to establish a CUS procedure. At the same time, the standardized training for CUS accepted by critical care medicine physicians requires the application of technical specifications, and the establishment of technical specifications is the basis for the quality control and continuous improvement of CUS. Chinese Critical Ultrasound Study Group and Critical Hemodynamic Therapy Collabration Group, based on the rich experience of clinical practice in critical care and research, combined with the essence of CUS, to learn the traditional ultrasonic essence, established the clinical application technical specifications of CUS, including in five parts: basic view and relevant indicators to obtain in CUS; basic norms for viscera organ assessment and special assessment; standardized processes and systematic inspection programs; examples of CUS applications; CUS training and the application of qualification certification. The establishment of applied technology standard is helpful for standardized training and clinical correct implementation. It is helpful for clinical evaluation and correct guidance treatment, and is also helpful for quality control and continuous improvement of CUS application.

Genetic polymorphisms in leptin, adiponectin and their receptors affect risk and aggressiveness of prostate cancer: evidence from a meta-analysis and pooled-review

Leptin and adiponectin signaling was associated with development and progression of various cancers. The present study aimed to clarify the role of genetic variants in leptin, adiponectin and their receptors in prostate cancer. After comprehensive search and manuscript scanning, a total of 49 genetic variants were enrolled and examined for their relations to cancer risk and aggressiveness. In the meta-analysis, LEP rs7799039 (allele contrast: OR 1.133, 95%CI 1.024-1.254), ADIPOQ rs2241766 (allele contrast: OR 1.201, 95%CI 1.015-1.422) and ADIPOR1 rs10920531 (allele contrast: OR 1.184, 95%CI 1.075-1.305) variants were identified to be correlated with increased risk of prostate cancer. On the contrary, LEPR rs1137101 (allele contrast: OR 0.843, 95%CI 0.730-0.973) and ADIPOR1 rs2232853 (allele contrast: OR 0.638, 95%CI 0.535-0.760) variants were associated with decreased risk of prostate cancer. From the pooled-review, we additionally recognized eight variants associated with cancer risk and another eight variants associated with cancer aggressiveness, respectively. These observations indicated important roles of leptin, adiponectin and their receptors in the development and progression of prostate cancer. The identified polymorphisms might assist in developing better risk-assessment tools, as well as generating novel targeted therapies, especially for obese cancer patients with impaired leptin and adiponectin signaling.

Prognostic factors in Chinese patients with prostate cancer receiving primary androgen deprivation therapy: validation of Japan Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment (J-CAPRA) score and impacts of pre-existing obesity and diabetes mellitus

PURPOSE

Our aim was to determine the prognostic factors in Chinese patients with prostate cancer receiving primary androgen deprivation therapy (PADT), validate the Japan Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment (J-CAPRA) score, and investigate the impacts of pre-existing obesity and diabetes mellitus (DM).

METHODS

The study enrolled Chinese patients diagnosed with prostatic adenocarcinoma and treated with bilateral orchiectomy as PADT at Huashan Hospital, Fudan University (Shanghai, China), from January 2003 to December 2015. The overall survival (OS) and prognostic value of J-CAPRA score, pre-existing obesity, DM, and various clinicopathological variables were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 435 patients enrolled, 174 (40.0%) deaths occurred during follow-up; 3- and 5-year OS were 74.0 and 58.9%, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified that higher Gleason score and metastasis were both correlated with worse OS and that higher J-CAPRA score was correlated with worse OS [hazard ratio (HR) 1.110, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.035-1.190, P = 0.003). Different risk categories based on J-CAPRA score showed good stratification in OS (log-rank P = 0.015). In subgroup analysis, pre-existing obesity as a protective factor in younger patients (age ≤ 65, HR 0.271, 95% CI 0.075-0.980, P = 0.046) and pre-existing DM as a risk factor in older patients (> 75, HR 1.854, 95% CI 1.026-3.351, P = 0.041) for OS were recognized, and the prediction accuracy of J-CAPRA was elevated after incorporating pre-existing obesity and DM.

CONCLUSIONS

The J-CAPRA score presented with good OS differentiation among Chinese patients under PADT. Younger patients (age ≤ 65) had better OS with pre-existing obesity, while older patients (age > 75) had worse OS with pre-existing DM.

High-fat diet-induced adipokine and cytokine alterations promote the progression of prostate cancer in vivo and in vitro

High-fat diet (HFD) -induced obesity is associated with more aggressive and lethal prostate cancer (PCa) in males, although the exact underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, transgenic adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate (TRAMP) models fed on an HFD (40% fat) or a control diet (CD; 16% fat) were generated, and cancer differentiation, local invasion and metastasis were compared at 20, 24 and 28 weeks. Mouse sera from each group were collected, and adipokines and cytokines were measured using multiplex immunoassays. HFD-sera and CD-sera were additionally processed into conditioned media (2.5% mixed sera), and in vitro studies were conducted to determine the proliferation, migration and invasion of cancer cells when conditioned media were used for culture. In TRAMP mice, HFD feeding increased body weight and adipose tissue deposition, and promoted the progression of PCa, specifically with regard to poorer differentiation, increased local invasion and metastasis rate. Sera from HFD-fed TRAMP mice contained increased levels of leptin, and a time-dependent increasing trend in the levels of CC chemokine ligand (CCL)3, CCL4, CCL5 and CXC chemokine ligand (CXCL)10 was observed. However, no alterations were detected in the levels of adiponectin, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-12p70, interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, CCL2, CCL7, CCL11, CXCL1 and CXCL2. In vitro studies determined that HFD-sera-conditioned medium promoted proliferation, migration and invasion of DU145 cells, as compared with CD-sera-conditioned medium and serum-free medium. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggested that the circulating adipokine and cytokine alterations in response to excess adipose tissue deposition induced by HFD feeding contributed to PCa progression.

Optically pumped lasing with a Q-factor exceeding 6000 from wet-etched GaN micro-pyramids

We report the observation of room-temperature optically pumped lasing modes from a single GaN pyramid microcavity on a metallic mirror. The mode at 367.2 nm exhibits a low threshold (0.4-0.5  MW/cm²) and a narrow linewidth (0.054 nm), by which the quality factor can be estimated to be >6000. These lasing behaviors can be attributed to the specific wet-etching approach by selectively etching away defects and pyramid geometry with bottom Ag reflectors for better light confinement. Optical resonances in these pyramids are further investigated in combination with three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain simulations.

A putative mechanism on remission of multiple sclerosis during pregnancy: estrogen-induced indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase by dendritic cells

The basis for the reduced relapse rate of multiple sclerosis (MS) during pregnancy remains unexplained but, if defined, could create novel treatment options. Estrogen constitutes one candidate molecule, but the mechanism by which estrogen may affect MS during pregnancy is unclear. In this study, we used monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) from MS patients to explore the estrogen (17-b-estradiol)-related pathway of immune modulation. Estrogen induced the expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) on DCs, limiting T-cell proliferation and both Th1 and Th2 cytokine production. The suppression of T-cell proliferation mediated by estrogenexposed DCs was partly abolished by the IDO-inhibitor, 1-methyl-dl-tryptophan, indicating that estrogen-exposed DCs induced IDO-dependent T-cell suppression. Our data support the hypothesis that the change in the clinical course of MS observed in pregnancy may be related to the estrogen DC-IDO axis, which could represent a novel target for MS therapy.

Body mass index is associated with higher Gleason score and biochemical recurrence risk following radical prostatectomy in Chinese men: a retrospective cohort study and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study is to investigate whether body mass index (BMI) affected pathological characteristics and biochemical recurrence (BCR) of prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy in Chinese men.

METHODS

Medical records of 211 Chinese patients who underwent radical prostatectomy between 2006 and 2014 were retrospectively reviewed, with follow-up time of 24.5 ± 27.0 months. Multivariate logistic and Cox regression analyses were applied to address the impact of BMI on adverse pathological outcomes and BCR following prostatectomy. A meta-analysis of published studies from MEDLINE or EMBASE was conducted to determine the relationship between BMI and BCR following prostatectomy among Asian populations.

RESULTS

Higher BMI was positively correlated with higher biopsy Gleason score (odds ratios (OR) 1.163, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.023-1.322, P = 0.021) and pathological Gleason score (OR 1.220, 95 % CI 1.056-1.410, P = 0.007) in multivariate analysis. BCR was detected in 48 patients (22.7 %). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis revealed that higher BMI (hazard ratio (HR) 1.145, 95 % CI 1.029-1.273, P = 0.013) and prostate-specific antigen (HR 1.659, 95 % CI 1.102-2.497, P = 0.015) levels were independent predictors of BCR. The meta-analysis enrolled eight Asian studies of 4145 patients treated by radical prostatectomy. Based on random-effects approach, a 5 kg/m(2) increase in BMI was correlated with 28 % higher risk of BCR (HR 1.22, 95 % CI 0.86-1.72) without statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggested that higher BMI was an independent risk factor for a higher Gleason score, as well as an independent predictor of BCR after radical prostatectomy in Chinese patients. Meta-analysis of Asian studies also indicated that obese patients, although without statistical significance, might be more likely to suffer from BCR.

Will metformin postpone high-fat diet promotion of TRAMP mouse prostate cancer development and progression?

PURPOSE

We aimed to examine the effect of high-fat diet (HFD) on prostate cancer (PCa) development and progression and to investigate whether metformin would postpone PCa development and progression promoted by HFD.

METHODS

TRAMP mice were randomly divided into three groups: normal diet group, HFD group and metformin-HFD (Met-HFD) group. Mortality rate and tumor formation rate were examined. TRAMP mice were sacrificed and sampled on the 20th, 24(th), and 28th week, respectively. Serum levels of insulin and IGF-1 were tested by ELISA. Prostate tissue of TRAMP mice was used for HE staining.

RESULTS

A total of 17 deaths of TRAMP mice were observed, including 3 (10 %) from the normal diet group, 10 (33.33 %) from the HFD group, and 4 (13.33 %) from Met-HFD group. The mortality rate of TRAMP mice from HFD group was significantly higher than that of normal diet group (P = 0.028), and metformin could moderately decrease the mortality rate by 60.01 % (P = 0.067). Tumor formation rates were not significantly different among the three groups. Levels of glucose, insulin, and IGF-1 tended to increase with TRAMP mice's age in HFD group. TRAMP mice from HFD group had higher serum insulin and IGF-1 levels. A moderate decrease in IGF-1 was also seen in Met-HFD group.

CONCLUSIONS

HFD could promote TRAMP mouse PCa development and progression and metformin had moderate effect of reducing PCa mortality rate with a decrease in serum IGF-1 level.

Effects of canine myoblasts expressing human cartilage‑derived morphogenetic protein‑2 on the repair of meniscal fibrocartilage injury

The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of human cartilage-derived morphogenetic protein-2 (hCDMP-2)-expressing canine myoblasts on the repair of meniscal fibrocartilage injury. Purified canine myoblasts were infected with lentiviruses carrying an empty vector or the hCDMP-2 gene. The following four experimental groups were established to study the in vivo meniscal repair in a canine model of meniscal injury: Group A, suture only; group B, suture with the addition of the recombinant hCDMP-2 on a polylactic acid/polyglycolic acid (PLA/PGA) scaffold; group C, a PLA/PGA scaffold with canine myoblasts carrying the empty vector; and group D, a PLA/PGA scaffold with canine myoblasts expressing hCDMP-2. Samples of the regenerated tissue were extracted at weeks 3, 8 and 12 post-repair and analyzed by morphological observation, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and quantitative analysis. At week 12 post-repair, the scaffold material had completely dissolved in the control groups and no changes were observed at the injured area, while regenerated tissue was observed in group D only. Hematoxylin and eosin and Safranin-O staining techniques further revealed cartilage lacunae and fibers present at the red-red zone of the repaired tissue, while cartilage lacunae without fibers were observed at the white-white zone in group D. In addition, IHC studies demonstrated that collagen I and II, and the S-100 protein were expressed at the red‑red and the white-white zones of the repaired tissue in group D. It was concluded that purified canine myoblasts expressing the hCDMP-2 gene were able to promote meniscal fibrocartilage healing by regenerating fibrocartilage-like tissue. The tissue in the red-red zone was regenerated more rapidly than that in the white-white zone. Further studies are required to identify the best way to combine hCDMP-2 growth factor with myoblasts for use in the clinic due to the limitations regarding the clinical use of lentiviral infections.

[Experimental study on the remediation of chromium contaminated groundwater with PRB media]

Due to the surface reaction between zero-valent iron and Cr(VI), iron cannot be fully utilized in the Fe(0)-Permeable Reactive Barrier(PRB), and the PRB is prone to compaction and blockage. In order to resolve these problems, iron powder coated with different polymer was tested in the treatment of chromium-polluted groundwater. Experimental results demonstrated that sodium alginate (SA) was the best package materials. According to analysis with FEI and EDX, pore structures were created by cross-linking of SA with Ca2+, in which a lot of attaching points exist, and through which Cr(VI) could react with interior iron powder. SA coating cast iron (SAC) and reduced iron (SAR) were tested in the treatment of chromium-polluted groundwater individually; the results showed that the removal efficiency of Cr( VI) by SAC was double that by SAR. After optimization of technology parameters of SAC, the Cr(VI) removal process follows the pseudo first-order kinetics. Based on dynamic experiments with SAC, Cr(VI)/Fe(0) was up to 32.25 mg x g(-1) and the PRB maintained high permeability coefficient (2.38 cm x s(-1)) after complete reaction. Compared with cast iron media is feasible in the remediation of chromium contaminated groundwater.

Evaluation of the Clinical Significance of Classification of Traumatic Anterior Shoulder Instability Using Double-Contrast Computed Tomography Arthrography

This study evaluated the clinical significance of traumatic anterior shoulder instability (TASI) classification using double-contrast computed tomography (CT) arthrography. Patient were randomly assigned to two groups: group 1 ( n = 62); and group 2 ( n = 63). TASI symptom severity in group 1 was assessed using physical signs of shoulder trauma and conventional X-ray, CT and magnetic resonance imaging; these patients received either conservative management (with physical rehabilitation) or standard surgery. Group 2 underwent double-contrast CT arthrography to classify TASI; its findings formed the basis of subsequent management. At 24 months post-therapy, significant improvements in clinical outcomes were observed in group 2: Constant scores were higher and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index scores were lower. At 24 months, recurrence rates were 21.0% (13/62) in group 1 and 7.9% (5/63) in group 2. Findings suggested that TASI classification using double-contrast CT arthrography provided meaningful information thereby improving treatment efficacy.

Evaluation of hepatocellular carcinoma using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography: correlation with microvessel morphology

BACKGROUND

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) is an important technique for depiction and assessment of tumor vascularity. This study aimed to explore the relationship between the morphological characteristics of tumor microvessels and enhancement patterns on CEUS in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

Eighty patients with HCC underwent CEUS using SonoVue before hepatectomy. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonographic enhancement patterns and quantitative parameters were recorded. The tumor tissue sections were immunostained with human CD34 monoclonal antibody. The patients were classified into a point-line type group (n = 36) and a loop-strip type group (n = 44) according to microvessel morphology. The microvascular density (MVD) in the different types of microvessels was calculated. The relationship between enhancement patterns of HCC lesions and morphological characteristics of tumor microvessels was analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean MVD in HCC was 22.4+/-3.5 per 0.2 mm2 in the point-line group, and 19.6+/-6.7 per 0.2 mm2 in the loop-strip group, and there was no significant difference between them (t = 0.948, P = 0.354). In the portal vein phase, hypoenhancement was significantly more frequent in HCC (X2 = 4.789, P = 0.029) in the loop-strip group (40/44, 90.9%) than in the point-line group (26/36, 72.2%). The time to hypo-enhancement in the loop-strip group (mean 64.84+/-26.16 seconds) was shorter than that in the point-line group (mean 78.39+/-28.72 seconds) (t = 2.247, P = 0.022). The time to hypo-enhancement was correlated with MVD in the loop-strip group (r = -0.648, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The enhancement patterns on CEUS are related to tumor microvascular morphology, and the type of microvascular morphology influences CEUS characterization. CEUS, an important noninvasive imaging technique, is used to evaluate microvascular morphology and angiogenesis, providing valuable information for antiangiogenic therapy in HCC.

Vascular regression and survival are differentially regulated by MT1-MMP and TIMPs in the aortic ring model of angiogenesis

This study was designed to investigate the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) in the reabsorption of neovessels in collagen gel cultures of rat and mouse aortic rings. Aortic angiogenesis was associated with collagen lysis and production of the matrix-degrading enzymes MMP-2, MMP-9, and membrane-type MMP (MT1-MMP, or MMP-14). Vascular growth and regression were not affected by disruption of MMP-2 or MMP-9. In addition, no effect on vascular regression was observed by blocking plasmin, a protease implicated in the activation of MMPs, with epsilon-aminocaproic acid or by adding plasminogen, which caused a modest increase in vascular proliferation. Conversely, angiogenesis was blocked and vessels stabilized by inhibiting MT1-MMP with neutralizing antibodies, TIMP-2, TIMP-3, or TIMP-4. TIMP-1, which blocks MMP-2 and MMP-9 but is a poor inhibitor of MT1-MMP, had no antiangiogenic effect. However, TIMP-1 prolonged the survival of neovessels following angiogenesis. Vascular regression was accelerated in aortic cultures from TIMP-1- and TIMP-2-deficient mice. The vascular survival effect of anti-MT1-MMP antibodies and TIMPs with MT1-MMP inhibitory activity was associated with complete inhibition of collagen lysis. In contrast, TIMP-1 had no anticollagenolytic effect. These results indicate that MT1-MMP plays a critical role not only in angiogenesis but also in vascular regression and demonstrate that TIMPs with anti-MT1-MMP activity have opposite effects on angiogenic outcomes depending on the stage of the angiogenic process. This study also suggests the existence of a TIMP-1-mediated alternate pathway of vascular survival that is unrelated to MT1-MMP inhibitory activity.

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for progressive multiple sclerosis: report of efficacy and safety at three yr of follow up in 21 patients

OBJECTIVE

To observe the efficacy and toxicity of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS).

METHODOLOGY

Twenty-one patients with PMS were treated with autologous HSCT. Stem cells were mobilized with cyclophosphamide (CY) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. After conditioning regimen of CY and total body irradiation or BEAM, stem cells were reinfused. CD34+ cell selection of the graft was performed and anti-thymocyte globulin was given for T-cell depletion. The probabilities of confirmed progression-free survival and disease activity-free survival were used to assess the efficacy and the adverse experiences were recorded to detect the toxicities.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time was 42 (6-65) months. The probabilities of confirmed progression-free survival and the disease activity-free survival were 75% and 33.3%, respectively. The principal adverse events included allergy, infection, elevation of liver enzymes, transient neurologic deterioration and depression. Two patients died of severe pneumonia and varicella-zoster virus hepatitis, at 4.5 and 15 months post-transplant, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Autologous HSCT seems beneficial to PMS. However, more patients and longer follow up would be required to assess the risk/benefit ratio.

Regulation of Postangiogenic Neovessel Survival by β1 and β3 Integrins in Collagen and Fibrin Matrices

We used the aortic ring model of angiogenesis to investigate the role of beta(1) and beta(3) integrins in postangiogenic vascular survival in collagen and fibrin matrices. Confocal microscopy studies showed that both beta(1) and beta(3) integrins were expressed in endothelial cells and pericytes of sprouting neovessels. Antibody blocking experiments demonstrated that beta(1) integrins but not beta(3) integrins were required for angiogenic sprouting in collagen. Conversely, in fibrin, blockade of both integrins was needed to inhibit angiogenesis whereas treatment with either antibody alone was ineffective. Antibody-mediated blockade of beta(1) but not beta(3) integrins accelerated vascular regression in collagen. In contrast, both anti-beta(1) and -beta(3) integrin antibodies were required to promote neovessel breakdown in fibrin. These results demonstrate that angiogenic sprouting and postangiogenic neovessel survival in collagen are critically dependent on beta(1) integrins. They also indicate that these processes involve a redundant repertoire of beta(1) and beta(3) integrins when angiogenesis occurs in fibrin. Thus, pharmacologic targeting of integrin receptors aimed at blocking neovessel formation and survival must be tailored to the specific extracellular matrix environment in which angiogenesis takes place.

A New ex vivo Model to Study Venous Angiogenesis and Arterio-Venous Anastomosis Formation

Explants of rat inferior vena cava embedded in collagen gel and cultured under serum-free conditions produced microvascular outgrowths composed of endothelial cells and pericytes. Exogenous vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) dose-dependently stimulated angiogenesis and induced the formation of complex networks of highly branched microvessels. VEGF and the VEGF/bFGF combination also promoted pericyte recruitment. Medium conditioned by untreated vena cava cultures contained endogenous VEGF, and a blocking antibody against VEGF significantly reduced the spontaneous angiogenic response of the explants. Vena cava explants exhibited a greater capacity to form neovessels than aortic rings when tested in parallel cultures from the same animal. When compared with aorta-derived microvessels, neovessels of vena cava origin were longer and had fewer pericytes. Vena cava-aorta cocultures produced extensive anastomosing networks of microvessels, which were primarily contributed by the venous explants. Because of its florid angiogenesis and exquisite sensitivity to angiogenic factor stimulation, the vena cava model may provide novel insights into the regulation of the angiogenic process, which typically initiates from the venous side of the vascular bed. Combined with the aortic ring model, this new assay may also enhance our understanding of the mechanisms of anastomosis formation between the arterial and the venous circulations.

The mouse aorta model: influence of genetic background and aging on bFGF- and VEGF-induced angiogenic sprouting

Angiogenesis can be studied ex vivo by culturing rat or mouse aortic rings in collagen gels. Unlike rat aorta explants, unstimulated mouse aortic rings were unable to spontaneously produce an angiogenic response under serum-free conditions. They, however, responded to bFGF and VEGF, generating networks of branching neovessels. Aortic rings from GFP-Tie2-transgenic mice generated GFP-labeled neovessels that could be easily identified by their distinctly green fluorescence. Aortic rings from 1- to 2-month-old mice produced microvessels faster, more uniformly and in greater number than aortic rings from 6- to 10-month-old mice, particularly in VEGF-treated cultures. Aortic rings from 129/SVJ mice were capable of a much stronger and sustained angiogenic response to bFGF than those of C57BL/6 or BALB/c mice, which were in turn more angiogenic than aortic rings from FVB mice. The same strains of mice responded differently to VEGF, as C57BL/6 mouse aortic rings produced more microvessels than those of BALB/c, FVB, and 129/SVJ mice, which were capable of only a limited response. The significant impact that aging and genetic background have on mouse aortic angiogenesis should be taken into account when the aortic-ring assay is used to evaluate function of genes that have been deleted or overexpressed in genetically modified mice.

Rat aorta-derived mural precursor cells express the Tie2 receptor and respond directly to stimulation by angiopoietins

Recent studies have implicated the Tie2 tyrosine-kinase receptor and its main ligands--angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) and angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2)--as crucial regulators of mural cell recruitment during angiogenesis. Angiopoietin-mediated activation of Tie2 promotes perivascular mural cell assembly, but the mechanisms regulating this process are poorly understood because differentiated mural cells do not have the Tie2 receptor, which is reportedly expressed only in endothelial cells. There is also no direct evidence that Tie2 activation results in production of mural cell chemoattractants by the endothelium. In the rat aorta model of angiogenesis, developing microvessels recruit mural cells from the intimal/subintimal layers of the aortic wall. Ang-1 and Ang-2 promote angiogenesis in this system, stimulating branching morphogenesis and mural cell assembly. Mural precursor cells (MPCs) isolated with a nonenzymatic method from the intimal aspect of the rat aorta were positive for smooth muscle cell markers (alpha-smooth muscle actin and calponin) and negative for endothelial markers (factor-VIII-related antigen and CD31). These cells responded chemotactically to Ang-1 and Ang-2, and secreted MMP-2 when treated with these factors. Western-blot analysis, immunocytochemistry and RT-PCR demonstrated that MPCs express the Tie2 receptor. Immunoprecipitation showed phosphorylation of MPC Tie2 on tyrosine residues upon stimulation with Ang-1 or Ang-2. Surface expression of Tie2 was further demonstrated by isolating Tie2+/alpha-smooth muscle actin+ MPCs from primary aortic outgrowths with anti-Tie2-IgG-coated magnetic beads. Immunostaining of the rat aorta confirmed expression of Tie2 not only in endothelial cells but also in nonendothelial mesenchymal cells located in the aortic intimal/subintimal layers, which are the source of MPCs. These data indicate that the aortic wall contains Tie2+ nonendothelial mesenchymal cells and suggest that Tie2-related recruitment of mural cells during angiogenesis may occur through angiopoietin-mediated direct stimulation of these cells.

The thin prep rat aortic ring assay: a modified method for the characterization of angiogenesis in whole mounts

The rat aortic ring model has gained broad acceptance as an angiogenic assay. This system can be used to study the activity of angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors, and investigate the molecular mechanisms of the angiogenic process. We describe here a thin prep modification of the aortic ring model, which significantly simplifies the procedure and allows staining of aortic outgrowths as whole mounts. Using this procedure, intact preparations of angiogenic outgrowths are successfully and reproducibly stained with endothelial cell (anti-CD-31 and -Tie2 antibodies, Griffonia Simplicifolia isolectin-B4) and smooth muscle cell (anti-alpha-smooth muscle actin antibody) markers. Combined use of double immunostaining and confocal microscopy allows concurrent visualization of endothelial and mural cells in the same cultures. Whole mount immunostains of rat aorta cultures are an effective way to rapidly characterize the cellular composition of the angiogenic outgrowths, and localize proteins implicated in the regulation of angiogenesis. This method should facilitate the work of the many vascular biologists that have adopted the rat aorta model as a tool to study angiogenesis and its mechanisms.

Requisite role of p38 MAPK in mural cell recruitment during angiogenesis in the rat aorta model

During the early stage of angiogenesis, neovascular sprouts are composed primarily of endothelial cells. As they mature, microvessels acquire a coating of mural cells, which are critical for the development and maintenance of a functional vasculature. Though growth factor regulation of mural cell recruitment has been extensively investigated, the intracellular signaling events involved in this process remain poorly understood. Among the intracellular kinases implicated in angiogenesis, the p38 MAPK has been shown to transduce signals critical for vascular remodeling and maturation. The rat aorta model of angiogenesis was used to further investigate the role of this signaling pathway in the recruitment of mural cells during angiogenesis. The p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 selectively blocked mural cell recruitment, resulting in the formation of naked endothelial tubes without mural cells. SB203580 inhibited angiopoietin-1-induced mural cell recruitment without influencing angiopoietin-1-stimulated endothelial sprouting. Adenoviral vector-mediated expression of a dominant negative form of p38 MAPK significantly reduced mural cell recruitment, whereas overexpression of a constitutively activated form of MKK6, an upstream activator of p38 MAPK, increased mural cell number. These results indicate that the p38 MAPK signaling pathway plays a critical role in mural cell recruitment during neovascularization and may represent a therapeutic target in angiogenesis-related disorders.

Use of vascular explants for ex vivo neovascularization of biomaterials

Biomaterial polymers have been proposed as scaffolds for cell assembly in vascular bioengineering. We describe here a new method for the neovascularization of polyurethane meshes from explants of rat aorta. Aortic rings embedded in collagen-permeated polyurethane meshes and cultured in medium supplemented with fetal bovine serum and vascular endothelial growth factor generated florid microvascular outgrowths that efficiently vascularized the available spaces between polyurethane fibers. The neovessels could be identified in the live cultures by phase-contrast microscopy, and in formalin-fixed preparations by the ABC peroxidase procedure, using the endothelial-specific Griffonia isolectin B4. The aortic outgrowths were successfully labeled with the intravital fluorescent dyes Calcein AM or SPDiOC(18), which are nontoxic and can be used for tracking studies. This study shows that artificial biomaterial meshes can be colonized ex vivo with histotypic microvascular networks, and provides the proof of concept for the future development of stably vascularized devices for in vivo implantation.

Regulation of angiogenesis by vascular endothelial growth factor and angiopoietin-1 in the rat aorta model: distinct temporal patterns of intracellular signaling correlate with induction of angiogenic sprouting

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) promote the spontaneous angiogenic response of freshly cut rat aortic rings. When VEGF and Ang-1 were tested in cultures of 14-day-old rings, which are quiescent and unable to spontaneously produce neovessels, only VEGF was capable of inducing an angiogenic response. Ang-1 failed to initiate angiogenesis in this system, but significantly potentiated VEGF-induced neovessel sprouting. Potential differences in cell signaling triggered by VEGF and Ang-1 were evaluated in cultures of quiescent rings. VEGF induced biphasic and prolonged (15 minutes and 4 to 24 hours) phosphorylation of p44/42 MAPK and Akt, while the effect of Ang-1 was transient and monophasic (15 minutes). Both VEGF and Ang-1 induced rapid, monophasic (15 minutes) phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. When VEGF and Ang-1 were administered together, the second peak of VEGF-induced p44/42 MAPK phosphorylation was markedly reduced. The effect of the VEGF/Ang-1 combination on AKT phosphorylation was, instead, additive over time, and sustained over a 24-hour period. The VEGF/Ang-1 combination caused an additive effect also on p38 MAPK phosphorylation at 1 hour. Confocal microscopy of VEGF-, Ang-1, or VEGF/Ang-1-stimulated aortic rings double stained at time points of maximal phosphorylation for cell markers and signal transduction proteins demonstrated phosphorylated p44/42 MAPK, p38 MAPK, and Akt predominantly in endothelial cells. Experiments with specific inhibitors demonstrated that p44/42 MAPK and Akt, but not p38 MAPK, are necessary for neovessel sprouting. These results identify p44/42 MAPK and Akt as critical intracellular mediators of angiogenesis, whose transient phosphorylation is, however, not sufficient for the initiation of this process. The observation that sustained phosphorylation of these signaling pathways, particularly of Akt, correlates with induction of angiogenesis suggests that the duration of phosphorylation signals influences critical cellular events required for the induction of angiogenic sprouting.

Production and characterization of a Tie2 agonist monoclonal antibody

The Tie2 receptor and its known ligands, the angiopoietins, play a critical role in endothelial cell differentiation during the process of angiogenesis. Recent experimental observations indicate that the agonistic ligand, angiopoietin-1, can stimulate endothelial cell sprouting and act as a chemo-attractant in vitro and induce increased and enhanced angiogenesis both alone and in conjunction with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in vivo. Here, we present a monoclonal antibody (MAb), which binds to the extracellular portion of the Tie2 receptor and elicits similar agonist effects. Upon MAb binding to the native Tie2 receptor of cultured human umblical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), there is a rapid increase in receptor autophosphorylation with a concomitant enhancement in the recruitment and association of the signalling intermediates Grb2 and SH-PTP2. The antibody further demonstrates functional activity in vascular tissues. In vitro, the antibody promotes the survival of cultured HUVEC and elicits a dose dependent outgrowth and branching of microvessels from cultured explants of rat aorta. When administered in vivo, the antibody enhances the vascularization of subcutaneous Matrigel implants in mice. Together these data suggest that the antibody is capable of acting as a surrogate ligand for Tie2 and further confirms the role of Tie2 in the differentiation of endothelial cells during angiogenesis.

Effects of stress factors, bioregulators, and synthetic precursors on indole alkaloid production in compact callus clusters cultures of Catharanthus roseus

Compact callus cluster (CCC) cultures established from Catharanthus roseus consist of cohesive callus aggregates displaying certain levels of cellular or tissue differentiation. CCC cultures synthesize about two-fold more indole alkaloids than normal dispersed-cell cultures. Our studies here show that additions of KCl, mannitol, and a variety of synthetic precursors and bioregulators to the CCC cultures markedly improved indole alkaloid production and release of these alkaloids into the medium. Treatment with 250 mM mannitol and 4 g/l KCl yielded 42.3 mg l(-1) and 33.6 mg l(-1)of ajmalicine, respectively; these amounts were about four-fold higher than the control. Succinic acid, tryptamine, and tryptophan feedings also significantly increased ajmalicine (41.5 mg l(-1), 36.9 mg l(-1), and 31.8 mg l(-1), respectively) and catharanthine (21.1 mg l(-1), 17.2 mg l(-1), and 18 mg l(-1), respectively) production by the CCC cultures, while geraniol feeding inhibited biomass and alkaloid accumulation. We also found that tetramethyl ammonium bromide could significantly improve ajmalicine production (49.3 mg l(-1)) and catharanthine production (18.3 mg l(-1)) in C. roseus CCC cultures. The mechanisms responsible for these treatment effects are discussed herein.

[Studies on single cell cloning of Ginkgo biloba L]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relations of the productivity stability of to the homogenization of Ginkgo biloba cells by single cell clones.

METHOD

Using plant single cell plate culture technique.

RESULTS

Adding 500 ml.L-1L-glutamine in the medium increased greatly the cell plating efficiency (PE), and within the range 0.5-5.0 x 10(4) Cell.ml-1 of the initial cell density, the PE increased with the increment of the cell density. Of the 48 cell clones obtained, the GKB content in G-22 clone reached 0.099%; and most of the clones remain stable in growth and GKB production during subcultures.

CONCLUSION

During the cell and tissue culture of G. biloba, the application of plant single cell cloning technique helps to a certain extent solve the problem of productivity instability of ginkgolide.

[Effects of culture conditions on callus growth and taxol formation of Taxus yunnanensis Cheng et L.K.Fu]

OBJECTIVE

To seek culture conditions suitable for the callus growth and taxol formation of Taxus yunnanensis.

METHOD

Determining the growth index and taxol content in the callus cultured under different illumination conditions or on different media.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Darkness, the combination of 0.1 mg.L-1BAP and 2,4-D 1.0 mg.L-1, and B5, DCR or 6,7-V basal medium were favorable for the callus growth and taxol formation of Taxus yunnanensis; high NO3- concentration in the medium promoted callus growth, and high NH4+ concentration greatly inhibited callus growth, but dramatically increased taxol content.

Regulation of vascular growth and regression by matrix metalloproteinases in the rat aorta model of angiogenesis

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated in the formation of microvessels during angiogenesis, but their role in vascular regression is poorly understood. The rat aorta model of angiogenesis was used to study the function of MMPs at different stages of the angiogenic process. Gelatin zymography and Western analysis demonstrated production of MMP-2 and MMP-9 by aortic outgrowths in serum-free collagen gel culture. MMP-2 was found in both culture medium and collagen gel, whereas MMP-9 was predominantly associated with the gel. MMP expression increased gradually during the angiogenic growth phase and stayed high when vessels regressed and collagen lysed around the aortic rings. The MMP inhibitors, batimastat and marimastat, blocked formation of microvessels when added to the culture medium at the beginning of the experiment. They, however, stabilized the microvessels and prevented vascular regression after the angiogenic growth phase. This effect was observed also under conditions of angiogenic stimulation by basic fibroblast growth factor. MMP inhibitor-mediated stabilization of microvessels was associated with inhibition of collagen lysis and accumulation of collagen fibrils in the subendothelial space. This study demonstrates that MMPs promote microvessel formation during the early stages of angiogenesis, but also contribute to the reabsorption of the neovasculature in the later stages of this process. The time-dependent divergent effects of MMPs on microvessel growth and survival may influence the in vivo activity of MMP inhibitors used to treat angiogenesis-dependent disorders.

Role of the D2 dopamine receptor in molecular adaptation to chronic hypoxia in PC12 cells

We have previously shown that pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells rapidly depolarize and undergo Ca2+ influx through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels in response to moderate hypoxia and that intracellular free Ca2+ is modulated by activation of dopamine D2 receptors in this cell type. The present study shows that D2 (quinpirole-mediated) inhibition of a voltage-dependent Ca2+ current (ICa) in PC12 cells is dramatically attenuated after chronic exposure to moderate hypoxia (24 h at 10% O2). Pretreatment of cells with pertussis toxin abolished D2-mediated inhibition of ICa. The D2-induced inhibition of ICa did not depend on protein kinase A (PKA), as it persisted both in the presence of a specific PKA inhibitor (PKI) and in PKA-deficient PC12 cells. Prolonged exposure to hypoxia (24 h) significantly reduced the level of Gi/o alpha immunoreactivity, but did not alter G beta levels. Furthermore, dialysis of recombinant G(o) alpha protein through the patch pipette restored the inhibitory effect of quinpirole in cells chronically exposed to hypoxia. We conclude that the attenuation of the D2-mediated inhibition of ICa by chronic hypoxia is caused by impaired receptor-G protein coupling, due to reduced levels of G(o) alpha protein. This attenuated feedback modulation of ICa by dopamine may allow for a more sustained Ca2+ influx and enhanced cellular excitation during prolonged hypoxia.

Cyclic AMP-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor rolipram and RO-20-1724 promoted apoptosis in HL60 promyelocytic leukemic cells via cyclic AMP-independent mechanism

Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are responsible for the hydrolysis of cAMP and cGMP which act as intracellular second messengers in a variety of cellular functions. In this paper we report that PDE3 and PDE4 were two dominant classes of PDEs expressed in HL60 cells. The influence of specific PDE inhibitors on apoptosis in HL60 cells was studied. The non-specific inhibitor IBMX and PDE3 specific inhibitors (milrinone and trequinsin) did not promote apoptosis. They inhibited apoptosis induced by paclitaxel or thapsigargin. However, PDE4 specific inhibitors (rolipram and RO-20-1724) promoted apoptosis within 5 h. In HL60 cells, other cAMP-eliciting reagents (8-bromo-cAMP, Sp-cAMP and forskolin) also inhibited apoptosis, while cell-permeable cGMP analogs did not affect apoptosis. Therefore, IBMX and PDE3 specific inhibitors may prevent HL60 cells from apoptosis by increasing intracellular cAMP. However, apoptosis induced by PDE4 specific inhibitors is not likely due to increased cAMP level. These results suggest that rolipram and RO-20-1724 promoted apoptosis in HL60 cells through cAMP-independent mechanism.

Expression of dopamine D2 receptor in PC-12 cells and regulation of membrane conductances by dopamine

PC-12 cells depolarize during hypoxia and release dopamine. The hypoxia-induced depolarization is due to inhibition of an O2-sensitive K+ current. The role of dopamine released during hypoxia is uncertain, but it could act as an autocrine to modulate membrane conductance during hypoxia. The current study was undertaken to investigate this possibility. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and sequence analysis revealed that the D2 isoform of the dopamine receptor is expressed in rat PC-12 cells. Exogenously applied dopamine and the D2 agonist quinpirole elicited inhibition of a voltage-dependent K+ current (I(K)) that was prevented by sulpiride, a D2 receptor antagonist. Dopamine and quinpirole applied during hypoxia potentiated the inhibitory effect of hypoxia on I(K). We also found that quinpirole caused reversible inhibition of a voltage-dependent Ca2+ current (I(Ca)) and attenuation of the increase in intracellular free Ca2+ during hypoxia. Our results indicate that dopamine released from PC-12 cells during hypoxia acts via a D2 receptor to "autoregulate" I(K) and I(Ca).

Membrane depolarization in PC-12 cells during hypoxia is regulated by an O2-sensitive K+ current

The effects of hypoxia on K+ current (IK), resting membrane potential, and cytosolic free Ca2+ in rat pheochromocytoma (PC-12) cells were studied. Whole cell voltage- and current-clamp experiments were performed to measure IK and membrane potential, respectively. Cytosolic free Ca2+ level was measured using the Ca(2+)-sensitive fluorescent dye fura 2. Depolarizing voltage steps to +50 mV from a holding potential of -90 mV elicited a slowly inactivating, tetraethylammonium chloride-sensitive, and Ca(2+)-insensitive IK that was reversibly inhibited by reduced O2 tension. Graded reduction in PO2 (from 150 to 0 mmHg) induced a graded inhibition of O2-sensitive IK [IK(O2)] up to 46% at 0 mmHg. Moreover, hypoxia induced a 19-mV membrane depolarization and a twofold increase in cytosolic free Ca2+. In Ca(2+)-free condition, inhibition of IK(O2) induced an 8-mV depolarization, suggesting that inhibition of IK(O2) was responsible for initiating depolarization. The effect of reduced PO2 on the current-voltage relationship showed a reduction of outward current and a 14-mV shift in the reversal potential comparable with the amount of depolarization measured in current clamp experiments. Neither Ca(2+)-activated IK nor inwardly rectifying IK are responsible for the hypoxia-induced depolarization. In conclusion, PC-12 cells express an IK(O2), inhibition of which leads to membrane depolarization and increased intracellular Ca2+, making the PC-12 clonal cell line a useful model for studying the molecular and biophysical mechanisms that mediate O2 chemosensitivity.

Differential effects of phorbol ester on apoptosis in HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cells

The role of the protein kinase C (PKC) activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) in apoptosis of HL-60 cells was investigated. PMA inhibited DNA fragmentation induced by thapsigargin (TG) and 4-bromo-calcium ionophore (Br-A23187). The inhibitory effect of PMA was concentration-related and was abolished by a specific PKC inhibitor, bisindolylmaleimide (GF109203X. In addition TG-induced apoptosis was decreased in cells in which PKC activity was down-regulated by long-term pretreatment with PMA. These results indicate that PKC activation by PMA inhibits HL-60 cell apoptosis induced by TG and Br-A23187, and that this inhibition is not influenced by the down-regulation of PKC. However, PMA did not inhibit DNA fragmentation induced by 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine (Ara-C) and cycloheximide. PMA suppressed TG- or Br-A23187. Our results indicate that PKC participates in the regulation of apoptosis only by some pathways. Down-regulation of PKC is not responsible for the diverse effects of PKC activators on apoptosis. The effect of a PKC modulator on apoptosis is dependent upon interaction with individual apoptotic stimulus.

Effects of Na+/H+ antiport and intracellular pH in the regulation of HL-60 cell apoptosis

The roles of Na+/H+ antiport and intracellular pH in apoptosis of HL-60 cells were investigated here. We found that dimethyl amiloride, a specific Na+/H+ antiport inhibitor, induced intracellular acidification but not apoptosis; while sodium ionophore, monensin caused intracellular alkalinization as well as apoptosis in HL-60 cells. Br-A23187 and thapsigargin could induce a various degree of intracellular alkalinization through the stimulation of Na+/H+ antiport. Dimethyl amiloride blocked the intracellular alkalinization and inhibited apoptosis induced by Br-A23187 and thapsigargin. PMA also stimulated Na+/H+ antiport and induced intracellular alkalinization which was completely blocked by dimethyl amiloride and partially attenuated by PKC inhibitors. PMA could inhibit apoptosis in HL-60 cells. PMA-induced suppression of apoptosis was, however, not interfered by dimethyl amiloride, but could be abolished by PKC inhibitors. These results indicate that pHi alkalinization and/or the stimulation of Na+/H+ antiport, instead of intracellular acidification, are contributory to the induction of apoptosis. PMA-induced inhibition of apoptosis is not necessarily associated with intracellular alkalinization, but primarily due to activation of PKC. We suggest that stimulation of Na+/H+ antiport and pHi alkalinization act as facilitating factors in the induction of apoptosis.

Roles of calcium in the regulation of apoptosis in HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cells

Increase in intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i) is critical for the initiation of apoptosis in cells such as thymocytes and in other cells, calcium chelators may promote apoptosis. However, calcium modulators, such as calcium ionophore 4-bromo-calcium ionophore (Br-A23187) and thapsigargin (TG), induce apoptosis in different cells, including HL-60 cells in which the induction of apoptosis seems a calcium-independent process. These observations imply that the disturbance of calcium homeostasis is probably the most important factor in the regulation of apoptosis. In this article, reagents with different potencies of modulating calcium homeostasis were used to study the possible role of [Ca2+]i and the status of intracellular calcium stores in the causation of HL-60 cell apoptosis. We found that an increase in [Ca2+]i alone did not result in apoptosis, while the depletion of TG-sensitive calcium stores in the endoplasmic reticulum was closely related with the induction of apoptosis. In HL-60 cells, extracellular and intracellular calcium chelators promoted apoptosis. Calmodulin antagonist did not attenuate apoptosis induced by other reagents. Our results suggest that the depletion of Ca2+ stores is an important mean to modulate calcium homeostasis and that the mobilization of calcium (Ca2+) from intracellular stores, rather than an increase in [Ca2+]i, provides the signal for the induction of apoptosis in HL-60 cells.

Apotransferrin can elevate intracellular free calcium ion and stimulate mitogenesis in human leukemic HL60 cells

In order to resolve the question whether or not transferrin could have a growth-promoting effect on cells independent of its action in iron transport, we investigated the effect of the iron-free form of transferrin, apotransferrin on cell activation and proliferation in the human leukemic HL60 cell line. Within a minute of its addition to HL60 cells, apotransferrin caused a rise in intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in a dose-dependent manner and the higher the apotransferrin, the quicker it was to attain the calcium peak, showing the physiological characteristics of an agonist-induced [Ca2+]i elevation. The source of calcium appears to be extracellular since this signal could be abolished by nickel or when the reaction was carried out in calcium-free medium. Addition of apotransferrin in the serum-free medium could markedly promote DNA synthesis whereas addition of iron citrate could not. However, apotransferrin could not sustain cell proliferation and hypertrophism without other growth or nutritional factors. Antitransferrin receptor antibody inhibited the growth of HL60 cells cultured in serum-free medium supplemented with transferrin and insulin in a dose-dependent manner, whereas addition of ferric citrate could not reverse cell growth. Generation of the calcium signal probably reflects the initiation of the cell activation processes which could culminate into mitogenesis. Hence, our results suggest that apotransferrin, not iron, is bioactive in HL60 cells.

Three-dimensional cell cultures mimic tissues

Three-dimensional cell culture using gels of type I collagen is a flexible method for studying cell behavior in a tissuelike environment. With only small changes in the basic protocol, we were able to encapsulate neutrophils, hepatocytes, and PC12 cells. As demonstrated by cell-specific assays for migration, protein secretion, and growth factor induction, the encapsulated cells were viable and functional. In future studies, we will focus on using these cell cultures to study cell movement, cell growth, and cell function in carefully controlled tissuelike environments.