Blockade of C5a receptor unleashes tumor-associated macrophage antitumor response and enhances CXCL9-dependent CD8+ T cell activity

Macrophages play a crucial role in shaping the immune state within the tumor microenvironment (TME) and are often influenced by tumors to hinder antitumor immunity. However, the underlying mechanisms are still elusive. Here, we observed abnormal expression of complement 5a receptor (C5aR) in human ovarian cancer (OC), and identified high levels of C5aR expression on tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which led to the polarization of TAMs toward an immunosuppressive phenotype. C5aR knockout or inhibitor treatment restored TAM antitumor response and attenuated tumor progression. Mechanistically, C5aR deficiency reprogrammed macrophages from a protumor state to an antitumor state, associating with the upregulation of immune response and stimulation pathways, which in turn resulted in the enhanced antitumor response of cytotoxic T cells in a manner dependent on chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 9 (CXCL9). The pharmacological inhibition of C5aR also improved the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade therapy. In patients, C5aR expression associated with CXCL9 production and infiltration of CD8+ T cells, and a high C5aR level predicted poor clinical outcomes and worse benefits from anti-PD-1 therapy. Thus, our study sheds light on the mechanisms underlying the modulation of TAM antitumor immune response by the C5a-C5aR axis and highlights the potential of targeting C5aR for clinical applications.

Altered distribution of fatty acid exerting lipid metabolism and transport at the maternal-fetal interface in fetal growth restriction

INTRODUCTION

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a common complication of pregnancy. Lipid metabolism and distribution may contribute to the progression of FGR. However, the metabolism-related mechanisms of FGR remain unclear. The aim of this study was to identify metabolic profiles associated with FGR, as well as probable genes and signaling pathways.

METHODS

Metabolomic profiles at the maternal-fetal interface (including the placenta, maternal and fetal serum) from pregnant women with (n = 35) and without (n = 35) FGR were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Combined with differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from the GSE35574 dataset, analysis was performed for differential metabolites, and identified by the Metabo Analyst dataset. Finally, the pathology and screened DEGs were further identified.

RESULTS

The results showed that fatty acids (FAs) accumulated in the placenta and decreased in fetal blood in FGR cases compared to controls. The linoleic acid metabolism was the focus of placental differential metabolites and genes enrichment analysis. In this pathway, phosphatidylcholine can interact with PLA2G2A and PLA2G4C, and 12(13)-EpOME can interact with CYP2J2. PLA2G2A and CYP2J2 were elevated, and PLA2G4C was decreased in the FGR placenta.

DISCUSSION

In conclusion, accumulation of FAs in the placental ischemic environments, may involve linoleic acid metabolism, which may be regulated by PLA2G2A, CYP2J2, and PLA2G4C. This study may contribute to understanding the underlying metabolic and molecular mechanisms of FGR.

Feasibility of an ultra-low dose contrast media protocol for coronary CT angiography

AIM

To evaluate the feasibility of an ultra-low volume contrast media (CM) protocol for coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In total, 214 patients receiving coronary CTA were enrolled prospectively and divided into group A (n=107) receiving a conventional dose of CM and group B (n=107) receiving an ultra-low dose. CT values of the right coronary artery (RCA), left anterior descending artery (LAD), and left circumflex artery (LCX) were measured and radiation doses recorded. The image quality was compared between the groups. Changes in renal function indices and proteinuria before, 24, and 72 hours after coronary CTA among those with chronic kidney disease (CKD) were also assessed.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in CT values and radiation doses between groups A and B. In group A, the average RCA, LAD, and LCX CT values were 412.5 ± 79.2, 423.5 ± 73.7, and 422.0 ± 88.1 HU, respectively. In group B, the average RCA, LAD, and LCX CT values were 275.2 ± 16.2, 277.8 ± 16.4, and 278.9 ± 16.5 HU, respectively. The radiation dose in the ultra-low protocol recipients (118.70 ± 18.52 mGy·cm) was significantly lower than that used in conventional coronary CTA (131.75 ± 20.96 mGy·cm). The image quality of group B was comparable to that of group A, satisfying the diagnostic requirement. In patients with mild CKD, there were no significant differences in renal functions after coronary CTA.

CONCLUSION

An ultra-low CM protocol was established for coronary CTA, providing comparable image quality and diagnostic yields but significantly lower radiation dose compared with a conventional protocol. This new protocol might be applicable to patients with mild CKD.

Successful Application of a Galanin-Coated Scaffold for Periodontal Regeneration

The nervous system exerts finely tuned control over all aspects of the life of an organism, including pain, sensation, growth, and development. Recent developments in tissue regeneration research have increasingly turned to small molecule peptides to tailor and augment the biological response following tissue loss or injury. In the present study, we have introduced the small molecule peptide galanin (GAL) as a novel scaffold-coating agent for the healing and regeneration of craniofacial tissues. Using immunohistochemistry, we detected GAL and GAL receptors in healthy periodontal tissues and in the proximity of blood vessels, while exposure to our periodontal disease regimen resulted in a downregulation of GAL. In a 3-dimensional bioreactor culture, GAL coating of collagen scaffolds promoted cell proliferation and matrix synthesis. Following subcutaneous implantation, GAL-coated scaffolds were associated with mineralized bone-like tissue deposits, which reacted positively for alizarin red and von Kossa, and demonstrated increased expression and protein levels of RUNX2, OCN, OSX, and iBSP. In contrast, the GAL receptor antagonist galantide blocked the effect of GAL on Runx2 expression and inhibited mineralization in our subcutaneous implantation model. Moreover, GAL coating promoted periodontal regeneration and a rescue of the periodontal defect generated in our periodontitis model mice. Together, these data demonstrate the efficacy of the neuropeptide GAL as a coating material for tissue regeneration. They are also suggestive of a novel role for neurogenic signaling pathways in craniofacial and periodontal regeneration.

[Predictive value of combination of MRI tumor regression grade and apparent diffusion coefficient for pathological complete remission after neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer]

Objective: Pelvic high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has now become a standard method for evaluating the efficacy of neoadjuvant treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). However, this traditional morphological qualitative assessment method based on T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) is not effective in predicting pathological complete remission (pCR). The purpose of this study is to investigate whether combining the magnetic resonance tumor regression grade (mrTRG) with apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) can improve diagnostic value for pCR after preoperative neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) of LARC. Methods: This was a diagnostic study. Clinicopathological data of 134 LARC patients who received nCRT and radical surgery in the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from January 2017 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients underwent MRI which included T2WI and DWI sequences before and 8 weeks after nCRT. Two radiologists independently drew ROIs on T2WI and DWI to estimate mrTRG stage and calculate the mean ADC value. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) method was applied to evaluate the predict value of mrTRG combined with mean ADC value for pCR. Results: Of 134 LARC patients, 85 were male and 49 were female with median age of 58 (28-82) years. After nCRT, MRI suggested 21 patients (15.7%) had clinical complete remission (cCR), e.g. mrTRG stage 1-2. Postoperative pathology revealed 31 (23.1%) patients had pCR. The evaluations of mrTRG and ADC value by the two readers were highly consistent, and the intra-group correlation coefficients were 0.83 (95% CI: 0.703-0.881) and 0.96 (95% CI: 0.989-0.996), respectively. There was a negative correlation between mrTRG and pCR (r(s)=-0.505, P<0.01), and a positive correlation between mean ADC value and pCR (r(s)=0.693, P<0.01). The ROC curve showed that mrTRG alone had a medium predictive value for pCR, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.832 (95% CI: 0.743-0.921); the mean ADC value had a higher predictive value for pCR, with AUC of 0.906 (95% CI: 0.869-0.962). The predictive value of the combined model of mrTRG and ADC value for pCR was significantly better than that of mrTRG alone (P=0.015), and the AUC was 0.908 (95% CI: 0.849-0.968). Conclusion: Both mrTRG and mean ADC value can be non-invasive methods to predict the efficacy of nCRT for LARC. Combining the mean ADC value with mrTRG can result in better pCR prediction.

Somatic CG6015 mediates cyst stem cell maintenance and germline stem cell differentiation via EGFR signaling in Drosophila testes

Stem cell niche is regulated by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. In the Drosophila testis, cyst stem cells (CySCs) support the differentiation of germline stem cells (GSCs). However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we found that somatic CG6015 is required for CySC maintenance and GSC differentiation in a Drosophila model. Knockdown of CG6015 in CySCs caused aberrant activation of dpERK in undifferentiated germ cells in the Drosophila testis, and disruption of key downstream targets of EGFR signaling (Dsor1 and rl) in CySCs results in a phenotype resembling that of CG6015 knockdown. CG6015, Dsor1, and rl are essential for the survival of Drosophila cell line Schneider 2 (S2) cells. Our data showed that somatic CG6015 regulates CySC maintenance and GSC differentiation via EGFR signaling, and inhibits aberrant activation of germline dpERK signals. These findings indicate regulatory mechanisms of stem cell niche homeostasis in the Drosophila testis.

SETD1 and NF-κB Regulate Periodontal Inflammation through H3K4 Trimethylation

The inflammatory response to periodontal pathogens is dynamically controlled by the chromatin state on inflammatory gene promoters. In the present study, we have focused on the effect of the methyltransferase SETD1B on histone H3 lysine K4 (H3K4) histone trimethylation on inflammatory gene promoters. Experiments were based on 3 model systems: 1) an in vitro periodontal ligament (PDL) cell culture model for the study of SETD1 function as it relates to histone methylation and inflammatory gene expression using Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as a pathogen, 2) a subcutaneous implantation model to determine the relationship between SETD1 and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) through its activation inhibitor BOT-64, and 3) a mouse periodontitis model to test whether the NF-κB activation inhibitor BOT-64 reverses the inflammatory tissue destruction associated with periodontal disease. In our PDL progenitor cell culture model, P. gingivalis LPS increased H3K4me3 histone methylation on IL-1β, IL-6, and MMP2 gene promoters, while SETD1B inhibition decreased H3K4me3 enrichment and inflammatory gene expression in LPS-treated PDL cells. LPS also increased SETD1 nuclear localization in a p65-dependent fashion and the nuclear translocation of p65 as mediated through SETD1, suggestive of a synergistic effect between SETD1 and p65 in the modulation of inflammation. Confirming the role of SETD1 in p65-mediated periodontal inflammation, BOT-64 reduced the number of SETD1-positive cells in inflamed periodontal tissues, restored periodontal tissue integrity, and enhanced osteogenesis in a periodontal inflammation model in vivo. Together, these results have established the histone lysine methyltransferase SETD1 as a key factor in the opening of the chromatin on inflammatory gene promoters through histone H3K4 trimethylation. Our studies also confirmed the role of BOT-64 as a potent molecular therapeutic for the restoration of periodontal health through the inhibition of NF-κB activity and the amelioration of SETD1-induced chromatin relaxation.

Effects of the FABP4 gene on steroid hormone secretion in goose ovarian granulosa cells

1. To investigate the physiological role of FABP4 in the goose ovary, this study determined the effects of overexpressing and siRNA interfering FABP4 on progesterone (P₄) and oestradiol (E₂) production in granulosa cells. Measurements were made by ELISA, real-time qRT-PCR and western blotting. 2. The concentrations of P₄ and E₂ in the FABP4 overexpression granulosa cells were increased compared to the control group (P > 0.05 for P₄; P < 0.05 for E₂). Likewise, the mRNA and protein expression levels of CYP11A1 and CYP19A1 were significantly higher than in the control group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.001). Conversely, the concentrations of P₄ and E₂ in the FABP4 silencing granulosa cells were significantly decreased compared with the control group (P < 0.001). Likewise, the mRNA and protein expression levels of CYP11A1 and CYP19A1 were significantly lower than in the control group (P < 0.001, or P < 0.01). 3. The study indicated that the FABP4 gene may regulate steroid hormone secretion and the expression of the steroidogenic genes in geese ovarian granulosa cells. These results support the possibility that the FABP4 gene mediates ovarian steroid hormone biosynthesis function and reproduction in geese.

Histone Methylation: Achilles Heel and Powerful Mediator of Periodontal Homeostasis

The packaging of DNA around nucleosomes exerts dynamic control over eukaryotic gene expression either by granting access to the transcriptional machinery in an open chromatin state or by silencing transcription via chromatin compaction. Histone methylation modification affects chromatin through the addition of methyl groups to lysine or arginine residues of histones H3 and H4 by means of histone methyl transferases or histone demethylases. Changes in histone methylation state modulate periodontal gene expression and have profound effects on periodontal development, health, and therapy. At the onset of periodontal development, progenitor cell populations such as dental follicle cells are characterized by an open H3K4me3 chromatin mark on RUNX2, MSX2, and DLX5 gene promoters. During further development, periodontal progenitor differentiation undergoes a global switch from the H3K4me3 active methyl mark to the H3K27me3 repressive mark. When compared with dental pulp cells, periodontal neural crest lineage differentiation is characterized by repressive H3K9me3 and H3K27me3 marks on typical dentinogenesis-related genes. Inflammatory conditions as they occur during periodontal disease result in unique histone methylation signatures in affected cell populations, including repressive H3K9me3 and H3K27me3 histone marks on extracellular matrix gene promoters and active H3K4me3 marks on interleukin, defensin, and chemokine gene promoters, facilitating a rapid inflammatory response to microbial pathogens. The inflammation-induced repression of chromatin on extracellular matrix gene promoters presents a therapeutic opportunity for the application of histone methylation inhibitors capable of inhibiting suppressive trimethylation marks. Furthermore, inhibition of chromatin coregulators through interference with key inflammatory mediators such as NF-kB by means of methyltransferase inhibitors provides another avenue to halt the exacerbation of the inflammatory response in periodontal tissues. In conclusion, histone methylation dynamics play an intricate role in the fine-tuning of chromatin states during periodontal development and harbor yet-to-be-realized potential for the treatment of periodontal disease.

RpS13 controls the homeostasis of germline stem cell niche through Rho1-mediated signals in the Drosophila testis

Objectives

Stem cell niche regulated the renewal and differentiation of germline stem cells (GSCs) in Drosophila. Previously, we and others identified a series of genes encoding ribosomal proteins that may contribute to the self‐renewal and differentiation of GSCs. However, the mechanisms that maintain and differentiate GSCs in their niches were not well understood.

Materials and Methods

Flies were used to generate tissue‐specific gene knockdown. Small interfering RNAs were used to knockdown genes in S2 cells. qRT‐PCR was used to examine the relative mRNA expression level. TUNEL staining or flow cytometry assays were used to detect cell survival. Immunofluorescence was used to determine protein localization and expression pattern.

Results

Herein, using a genetic manipulation approach, we investigated the role of ribosomal protein S13 (RpS13) in testes and S2 cells. We reported that RpS13 was required for the self‐renewal and differentiation of GSCs. We also demonstrated that RpS13 regulated cell proliferation and apoptosis. Mechanistically, we showed that RpS13 regulated the expression of ribosome subunits and could moderate the expression of the Rho1, DE‐cad and Arm proteins. Notably, Rho1 imitated the phenotype of RpS13 in both Drosophila testes and S2 cells, and recruited cell adhesions, which was mediated by the DE‐cad and Arm proteins.

Conclusion

These findings uncover a novel mechanism of RpS13 that mediates Rho1 signals in the stem cell niche of the Drosophila testis.

Excessive reactive oxygen species induce apoptosis via the APPL1-Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant signalling pathway in trophoblasts with missed abortion

AIMS

Previous evidence has demonstrated that oxidative stress is related to the pathogenesis of missed abortion (MA), but the specific mechanism remains obscure. The adaptor protein APPL1 is one of the differential proteins in chorionic trophoblasts. Thus, this study aimed to assess the potential influence of APPL1 on oxidative stress responses as well the possible molecular mechanisms involving in MA.

MAIN METHODS

In the present study, the chorionic trophoblasts and the HTR-8/SVneo cell line were researched in vitro. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to suppress the expression of APPL1. The fluorescent probes DHE and DCFH-DA were used to assess the intracellular reactive oxidative species (ROS). The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was determined. Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL and flow cytometry. Cell viability was determined using Cell Counting Kit-8. Protein expression was detected by immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR.

KEY FINDINGS

The application of oxidant in normal chorionic trophoblasts induced cell death and overproduction of ROS, which was consistent with MA. In addition, knockdown of APPL1 in HTR-8/SVneo cells resulted in increased ROS and apoptosis, which could be rescued by pretreatment with antioxidants. Mechanistically, we report that overproduction of ROS in trophoblasts and disturbed SOD, APPL1 and Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant responses constitute important contributors to apoptosis.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our results suggest that APPL1 has antioxidant properties that suppress oxidative stress and apoptosis via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Moreover, antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) effectively restored the impaired antioxidative defense system elicited by excess ROS, as a potential therapeutic reagent for MA.

Systematic re-analysis strategy of serum indices identifies alkaline phosphatase as a potential predictive factor for cervical cancer

The aim of the present study was to identify predictive factors for cervical cancer (CC) progression using a multistage approach. The present study obtained data from 390 healthy women and 259 patients with cervical cancer between June 2012 and June 2017, and used a multiple stage re-analysis strategy for clinical detection of CC. A total of seven types of serum indices were used in the present study, including sugar chain antigen 125 (CA-125), sugar chain antigen 199 (CA-199), α fetoprotein (AFP), carcino- embryonic antigen, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), cholesterol and triglyceride (TG). The expression levels of CA-125, CA-199, AFP, ALP, cholesterol and TG were significantly different between healthy women and patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Furthermore, ALP, cholesterol and TG expression levels were significantly different in healthy women compared with patients with cervical adenocarcinoma (AC). Further comparisons based on age and pathological staging demonstrated that the variability in the ALP level was not significant between the <40 years old age group and the 40-50 years old age group within healthy individuals (P>0.05); however, was significant in patients with SCC (P<0.05). Staging analysis identified significant differences in ALP between healthy women and patients with SCC (Stage I-IV), and significant differences between healthy women and patients with Stage I AC. The results of the present study indicated that the expression of ALP was significantly increased in patients with CC compared with healthy women. Therefore, ALP may be a potential predictive factor for the development of CC.

Srlp is crucial for the self-renewal and differentiation of germline stem cells via RpL6 signals in Drosophila testes

Self-renewal and differentiation in germline stem cells (GSCs) are tightly regulated by the stem cell niche and via multiple approaches. In our previous study, we screened the novel GSC regulatory gene Srlp in Drosophila testes. However, the underlying mechanistic links between Srlp and the stem cell niche remain largely undetermined. Here, using genetic manipulation of the Drosophila model, we systematically analyze the function and mechanism of Srlp in vivo and in vitro. In Drosophila, Srlp is an essential gene that regulates the self-renewal and differentiation of GSCs in the testis. In the in vitro assay, Srlp is found to control the proliferation ability and cell death in S2 cells, which is consistent with the phenotype observed in Drosophila testis. Furthermore, results of the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) reveal that RpL6 binds to Srlp. Srlp also regulates the expression of spliceosome and ribosome subunits and controls spliceosome and ribosome function via RpL6 signals. Collectively, our findings uncover the genetic causes and molecular mechanisms underlying the stem cell niche. This study provides new insights for elucidating the pathogenic mechanism of male sterility and the formation of testicular germ cell tumor.

Small ribonucleoprotein particle protein SmD3 governs the homeostasis of germline stem cells and the crosstalk between the spliceosome and ribosome signals in Drosophila

The ribonucleoprotein (RNP) spliceosome machinery triggers the precursor RNA splicing process in eukaryotes. Major spliceosome defects are implicated in male infertility; however, the underlying mechanistic links between the spliceosome and the ribosome in Drosophila testes remains largely unresolved. Small ribonucleoprotein particle protein SmD3 (SmD3) is a novel germline stem cell (GSC) regulatory gene identified in our previous screen of Drosophila testes. In the present study, using genetic manipulation in a Drosophila model, we demonstrated that SmD3 is required for the GSC niche and controls the self-renewal and differentiation of GSCs in the testis. Using in vitro assays in Schneider 2 cells, we showed that SmD3 also regulates the homeostasis of proliferation and apoptosis in Drosophila. Furthermore, using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry methods, SmD3 was identified as binding with ribosomal protein (Rp)L18, which is a key regulator of the large subunit in the ribosome. Moreover, SmD3 was observed to regulate spliceosome and ribosome subunit expression levels and controlled spliceosome and ribosome function via RpL18. Significantly, our findings revealed the genetic causes and molecular mechanisms underlying the stem cell niche and the crosstalk between the spliceosome and the ribosome.-Yu, J., Luan, X., Yan, Y., Qiao, C., Liu, Y., Zhao, D., Xie, B., Zheng, Q., Wang, M., Chen, W., Shen, C., He, Z., Hu, X., Huang, X., Li, H., Chen, B., Zheng, B., Chen, X., Fang, J. Small ribonucleoprotein particle protein SmD3 governs the homeostasis of germline stem cells and the crosstalk between the spliceosome and ribosome signals in Drosophila.

Biochemical clinical factors associated with missed abortion independent of maternal age: A retrospective study of 795 cases with missed abortion and 694 cases with normal pregnancy

The incidence of fertile women with missed abortion dramatically increased in recent years, while very few serum indices have been identified for the diagnosis of missed abortion. The aim of this study was to identify related factors for missed abortion through a retrospective study of serum indices.A total of 795 cases of women with missed abortion and 694 cases of women with normal pregnancy between March 2014 and March 2017 were included in the present study. The diagnosis of missed abortion was based on clinical history, clinical examination, and transvaginal ultrasound findings. The final diagnosis of missed abortion was based on assessment of pregnancy structures (i.e., a gestational sac without fetal heart rate) via transvaginal ultrasound. We evaluated the clinical values of 4 serum indices and their relationship to missed abortion: gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), adenosine deaminase (ADA), and fibrinogen (FIB).The serum levels of GGT, ADA, and FIB showed statistically significant differences comparing women who experienced missed abortion with women who had normal pregnancies (controls). Among women with missed abortion, the levels of GGT and ADA were dramatically increased (GGT: P < .0001; ADA: P = .0459), while FIB levels were slightly lower (P = .0084) compared to controls. The LDH levels exhibited a non-significant trend toward lower levels in the missed abortion group (P = .3951). Interestingly, the observed significant increase in serum GTT levels among women with missed abortion was not affected by maternal age.This study found that GTT may be a useful marker which was associated with missed abortion, indicating its potential clinical roles in missed abortion.

Activation of β-catenin causes defects in embryonic development during maternal-to-zygotic transition in mice

The early stage of embryogenesis is an important and complex cell-remodeling event in reproductive biology. To develop into a normal zygote, maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT) is especially important for both zygotic genome activation (ZGA) and degradation of maternal products during the early stage of embryonic development. β-Catenin has been identified as an important regulator of embryonic development and adult stem cell division via the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. However, the role of activated β-catenin during MZT remains elusive. In the present study, we found that β-catenin is mainly expressed during embryogenesis in the cell membrane from the zygote- to morula-stage embryos but not in MII oocytes. To analyze the function of activated β-catenin during MZT, we conducted a β-catenin activation assay during embryogenesis. Our results indicated that development beyond the two-cell stage was inhibited in zygotes with β-catenin activation. Further analysis showed that activated form of β-catenin protein was increased and the phosphorylated form of β-catenin protein was decreased in culture embryos. Taken together, our study reveals that activation of β-catenin may play a vital role in zygotic development, determining the developmental potential of mouse embryos.

Correlation between NM23 protein overexpression and prognostic value and clinicopathologic features of ovarian cancer: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The prognostic value and clinicopathological features of NM23 (non-metastasis 23) have previously been assessed, but the results are controversial. Here, we attempted to clarify the correlation between NM23 expression and its prognostic value and the clinicopathological features in ovarian cancer (OC).

METHODS

The relevant studies were identified using PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. We calculated the pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and clinicopathological features. We used OS to evaluate the prognostic value of NM23 expression in patients with OC. Subgroup analyses were used to explore the source of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

We included 10 studies involving 894 patients in our assessment of the association between NM23 expression and OS for OC. Our data indicated that NM23 expression was not associated with improved OS (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.41-1.68, P = 0.61) or PFS (OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.39-1.24, P = 0.22). Elevated NM23 expression was associated with differentiation grade (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.2-0.6, P = 0.0002) and N status (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.14-0.78, P = 0.01), whereas there was no significant difference between NM23 expression and tumor stage (OR 1.1, 95% CI 0.45-2.66, P = 0.84). Subgroup analysis did not reveal any potential source of heterogeneity. No obvious publication bias was found.

CONCLUSIONS

In OC, there is poor statistical significance between NM23 expression and OS and PFS, but NM23 expression is related to differentiation grade and N status. This meta-analysis reveals that NM23 expression is a potential factor of poor prognosis in OC. The prognostic role of NM23 in different OC stages in combination with the clinical characteristics suggests a novel approach for developing future therapeutic targets.

Neurokinin-1 receptor blocker CP-99 994 improved emesis induced by cisplatin via regulating the activity of gastric distention responsive neurons in the dorsal motor nucleus of vagus and enhancing gastric motility in rats

BACKGROUND

Nowadays, chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is still common in patients with cancer. It was reported that substance P mediated CINV via neurokinin-1 (NK₁ ) receptor and antagonists of NK₁ receptor has been proved useful for treating CINV but the mechanism are not fully understood. This study aimed to examine the role of NK₁ receptor blocker, CP-99 994, when administrated into dorsal motor nucleus of vagus (DMNV), on the cisplatin-induced emesis in rats and the possible mechanism.

METHODS

Rats' kaolin intake, food intake, and bodyweight were recorded every day; gastric contraction activity was recorded in conscious rats through a force transducer implanted into the stomach; gastric emptying was monitored using the phenol red method; single unit extracellular firing in the DMNV were recorded.

KEY RESULTS

DMNV microinjection of CP-99 994 reduced the changes of increased kaolin consumption and suppressed food intake in cisplatin-treated rats; enhanced the gastric contraction activity dose-dependently in control and cisplatin-treated rats but enhanced gastric emptying only in cisplatin-treated rats; reduced the firing rate of gastric distention inhibited (GD-I) neurons but increased the firing rate of GD excited (GD-E) neurons in the DMNV. The effects of CP-99 994 on gastric motility and neuronal activity were stronger in cisplatin-treated rats than those of control rats.

CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES

Our results suggested that CP-99 994 could improve emesis induced by cisplatin by regulating gastric motility and gastric related neuronal activity in the DMNV.

Effects of processing techniques on oxidative stability of

This paper investigated the effects of Prunus pedunculatus (P. pedunculatus) seed pre-treatment, including microwaving (M), roasting (R), steaming (S) and roasting plus steaming (RS) on crude oil quality in terms of yield, color change, fatty acid composition, and oxidative stability. The results showed an increase in monounsaturated fatty acid content and oxidative stability of the oils obtained from different processing treatments compared to the oil obtained from raw seeds (RW) without processing. The oils, obtained from pretreated seeds, had higher conjugated diene (CD) and 2-thiobarbituric acid (2-TBA) values, compared to that obtained from RW when stored in a Schaal oven at 65 °C for 168 h. However, polyphenol and tocopherol contents decreased in all oil samples, processed or unprocessed. The effect of pre-treating the seeds was more prominent in the oil sample obtained through the RS technique, and showed higher oxidative stability than the other processed oils and the oil from RW.

MicroRNAs and Periodontal Homeostasis

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small RNAs that control gene expression in all aspects of eukaryotic life, primarily through RNA silencing mechanisms. The purpose of the present review is to introduce key miRNAs involved in periodontal homeostasis, summarize the mechanisms by which they affect downstream genes and tissues, and provide an introduction into the therapeutic potential of periodontal miRNAs. In general, miRNAs function synergistically to fine-tune the regulation of biological processes and to remove expression noise rather than by causing drastic changes in expression levels. In the periodontium, miRNAs play key roles in development and periodontal homeostasis and during the loss of periodontal tissue integrity as a result of periodontal disease. As part of the anabolic phase of periodontal homeostasis and periodontal development, miRNAs direct periodontal fibroblasts toward alveolar bone lineage differentiation and new bone formation through WNT, bone morphogenetic protein, and Notch signaling pathways. miRNAs contribute equally to the catabolic aspect of periodontal homeostasis as they affect osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast function, either by directly promoting osteoclast activity or by inhibiting osteoclast signaling intermediaries or through negative feedback loops. Their small size and ability to target multiple regulatory networks of related sets of genes have predisposed miRNAs to become ideal candidates for drug delivery and tissue regeneration. To address the immense therapeutic potential of miRNAs and their antagomirs, an ever growing number of delivery approaches toward clinical applications have been developed, including nanoparticle carriers and secondary structure interference inhibitor systems. However, only a fraction of the miRNAs involved in periodontal health and disease are known today. It is anticipated that continued research will lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the periodontal miRNA world, and a systematic effort toward harnessing the enormous therapeutic potential of these small molecules will greatly benefit the future of periodontal patient care.

BMIT facility at the Canadian Light Source: Advances in X-ray phase-sensitive imaging

The BioMedical Imaging and Therapy (BMIT) facility [1,2] located at the Canadian Light Source, provides synchrotron-specific imaging and radiation therapy capabilities. There are two separate beamlines used for experiments: the bending magnet (05B1-1) and the insertion device (05ID-2) beamline. The bending magnet beamline provides access to monochromatic beam spanning a spectral range of 15-40keV, and the beam is 240mm wide in the POE-2 experimental hutch. Users can also perform experiments with polychromatic (pink) beam. The insertion device beamline was officially opened for general user program in 2015. The source for the ID beamline is a multi-pole, superconducting 4.3T wiggler. The high field gives a critical energy over 20keV. The optics hutches prepare a beam that is 220mm wide in the last experimental hutch SOE-1. The monochromatic spectral range spans 25-150+keV. Several different X-ray detectors are available for both beamlines, with resolutions ranging from 2μm to 200μm. BMIT provides a number of imaging techniques including standard absorption X-ray imaging, K-edge subtraction imaging (KES), in-line phase contrast imaging (also known as propagation based imaging, PBI) and Diffraction Enhanced Imaging/Analyzer Based Imaging (DEI/ABI), all in either projection or CT mode. PBI and DEI/ABI are particularly important tools for BMIT users since these techniques enable visualization of soft tissue and allow for low dose imaging.

Relationship between the expression of Notch1 and EZH2 and the prognosis of breast invasive ductal carcinoma

We determined whether the coexpression of Notch1 and EZH2 influences the progression and prognosis of breast invasive ductal carcinoma. Using the χ(2) test, a significant difference was found between high and low expression of Notch1 in terms of lymph node, hormone receptor, and p53 expression (P < 0.05). Moreover, a significant difference was found between high and low expression of EZH2 in terms of tumor size, histologic grade, hormone receptor, and expression of Ki67 (P < 0.05). Using Pearson correlation analysis, we found a significant positive correlation between Notch1 and EZH2 expression in the tissue samples of breast invasive ductal carcinoma (P = 0.038). High Notch1 and EZH2 expression was associated with poor progression-free survival compared with low expression (PNotch1 = 0.000, 40.3 vs 48.9 months; PEZH2 = 0.000, 40.2 vs 49.9 months). Moreover, we found that high Notch1 and EZH2 expression was associated with poor overall survival compared with low expression (PNotch1 = 0.000, 51.2 vs 56.2 months; PEZH2 = 0.002, 51.7 vs 56.4 months). In conclusion, Notch1 and EZH2 coexpression contributes to the progression and prognosis of breast invasive ductal carcinoma.

MicroRNA-138 Inhibits Periodontal Progenitor Differentiation under Inflammatory Conditions

Inflammatory conditions as they occur during periodontal disease often result in decreased alveolar bone levels and a loss of connective tissue homeostasis. Here we have focused on the effect of microRNA-138 (miR-138) as a potential regulator of periodontal stem cells as they affect homeostasis during inflammatory conditions. Our data indicate that miR-138 was significantly upregulated in our periodontal disease animal model. Interaction of miR-138 with a predicted targeting site on the osteocalcin (OC) promoter resulted in a 3.7-fold reduction of luciferase activity in promoter assays compared with controls; and miR-138 overexpression in periodontal progenitors significantly inhibited OC (3.4-fold), Runx2 (2.8-fold), and collagen I (2.6-fold). Moreover, treatment with inflammatory modulators such as interleukin (IL)-6 and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) resulted in a significant 2.2-fold (IL-6) or 1.9-fold (LPS) increase in miR-138 expression, while OC and Runx2 expression was significantly decreased as a result of treatment with each inflammatory mediator. Further defining the role of miR-138 in the OC-mediated control of mineralization, we demonstrated that the LPS-induced downregulation of OC expression was partially reversed after miR-138 knockdown. LPS, miR-138 mimic, and OC small interfering RNA inhibited osteoblast differentiation marker alkaline phosphatase activity, while miR-138 inhibitor and OC protein addition enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity. Supporting the role of OC as an essential modulator of osteoblast differentiation, knockdown of miR-138 or addition of OC protein partially rescued alkaline phosphatase activity in periodontal ligament (PDL) cells subjected to LPS treatment. Our data establish miR-138 inhibitor as a potential therapeutic agent for the prevention of the bone loss associated with advanced periodontal disease.

Efficacy and safety of short-term administration of recombinant human atrial natriuretic peptide (rhANP) for congestive heart failure: a phase II, multicentre randomized controlled dose-finding study

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

Although the long-term infusion of ANP has proved effective to treat heart failure, no published randomized controlled study has been reported to confirm the efficacy of the short-term ANP infusion in congestive heart failure (CHF) patients. This study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of short-term infusion of recombinant human atrial natriuretic peptide (rhANP) in CHF patients.

METHODS

A total of 48 patients with CHF were enrolled and randomized into four groups, treated with standard therapy or rhANP (0·05, 0·1 or 0·2 μg/kg/min) for 1-hour infusion in addition to standard therapy. The hemodynamics were assessed for 12 h by Swan-Ganz catheter.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The effect of the 0·05 μg/kg/min rhANP dose group on CO was modest and transient. The 0·2 μg/kg/min rhANP dose group tended to be associated with better effect on SV, CO and dyspnoea improvement, but modest effect on PCWP and more adverse events probably attributed to the study drug. However, the 0·1 μg/kg/min rhANP infusion was well tolerated and effective both on PCWP decrease (maximum:-9·46 ± 5·81 mmHg compared with baseline (P = 0·0002) and -6·75 mmHg compared with standard therapy, the 95% confidential interval [-13·43, -0·06 mmHg] at 1 h) and CO increase (maximum: 1·02 ± 1·43 L/min [P = 0·0308] at 1 h).

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

In this small-sample study, 1-hour infusion of rhANP produced beneficial hemodynamic effects in CHF patients compared with standard therapy, and it was well tolerated. 0·1 μg/kg/min may be the optimum dose for short-term rhANP infusion to treat CHF for the further large sample trial before clinical application.

Expression and function of enamel-related gene products in calvarial development

Enamel-related gene products (ERPs) are detected in non-enamel tissues such as bone. We hypothesized that, if functional, ERP expression corresponds with distinct events during osteoblast differentiation and affects bone development and mineralization. In mouse calvariae and MC3T3 cells, expression profiles of enamel-related gene products (ERPs) correlated with key events in post-natal calvarial development and MC3T3 cell mineralization. Developing skulls from both Amel- and Ambn-deficient animals were approximately 15% shorter when compared with those of wild-type controls, and their sutures remained patent for a longer period of time. Analysis of Amel- and Ambn-deficient calvariae and calvarial osteoblast cultures revealed a dramatic reduction in mineralized nodules, a significant reduction in Runx2, Sp7, Ibsp, and Msx2 expression, and a reduction in Alx4 in Amel-deficient calvariae vs. an increase in Alx4 in Ambn-deficient calvariae. Analysis of these data indicates that ERP expression follows defined developmental profiles and affects osteoblast differentiation, mineralization, and calvarial bone development. We propose that, in parallel to their role in the developing enamel matrix, ERPs have retained an evolutionary conserved function related to the biomineralization of bones.

The role of invariant NKT cells in liver transplant tolerance in rats

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells in liver transplant tolerance in rats.

METHODS

Animals were randomly divided into 3 groups. The α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) group underwent injection through the caudal vein; the saline group received the same dose of saline and the control group received no treatment. Ten rats in each group were examined for survival the others were humanely killed on the seventh day posttransplantation. Liver tissues were used to assess histopathologic changes. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to determine the relative expressions of messanger RNAs of Th1/Th2-related cytokine (mRNAs) in the liver allograft. The serum levels of related cytokines were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

Allograft survival was significantly higher among the α-galactosylceramide α-GalCer group than the saline or control groups. The histopathology showed mild changes in the α-galactosylceramide α-GalCer compared with the other 2 groups. Real-time PCR showed the relative expression of Th1-related cytokine interferen (IFN)-γ mRNA to be significantly lower in the α-galactosylceramide α-GalCer compared with the other 2 groups, while the Th2-related cytokine interleukin (IL)-10 mRNA was much higher. The ELISA results confirmed these differential expressions.

CONCLUSION

The iNKT cells may play a pivotal role in liver transplant tolerance due to their regulatory functions on the Th1/Th2 imbalance. iNKT cells should be considered to be significant targets because of their attractive specificity and induction of liver allograft tolerance.

Inhibition of the Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (STAT) 3 Signalling Pathway by AG490 in Laryngeal Carcinoma Cells

Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) are important in the development of laryngeal carcinomas and are potential novel molecular targets for therapy to improve survival of patients with this cancer. This study was designed to investigate the influence of the janus activated kinase (JAK)/STAT inhibitor AG490 on proliferation and apoptosis of Hep-2 human laryngeal cancer cells and whether there was any inhibition by AG490 of the JAK/STAT3 signalling pathway. AG490 inhibited cell proliferation in dose-and time-dependent manners and induced apoptosis in Hep-2 cells, with the number of apoptotic cells increasing with time. AG490 inhibited G1 to S cell cycle transition and induced G1 cell cycle arrest as well as significantly down-regulating STAT3, phosphorylated STAT3 and survivin in Hep-2 cells. This study showed that AG490 significantly inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of laryngeal carcinoma cells through down-regulation of STAT3 and survivin, suggesting a potential target for laryngeal carcinoma treatment.

Neural crest lineage segregation: a blueprint for periodontal regeneration

During the recent decade, the periodontal attachment apparatus has become one of the premier areas of the body for the development of novel tissue-engineering strategies. In the present review, we describe a developmental biology approach to characterize current concepts in periodontal regeneration and to discuss strategies for future applications in periodontal therapies. To decipher the developmental make-up of the periodontal region, we have followed the path of the migratory neural crest, since it gives rise to periodontal progenitor tissues, which in turn are subjected to the influence of diverse craniofacial extracellular matrices and peptide growth factors. Based on this developmental perspective, we have conducted a systematic analysis of the factors, progenitor cells, and matrices used in current periodontal tissue-engineering approaches. We propose that the developmental history of a tissue is a highly instructive design template for the discovery of novel bioengineering tools and approaches.

Visual assessment of jaundice in term and late preterm infants

OBJECTIVE

To determine the accuracy of predischarge visual assessment of jaundice for estimating bilirubin concentration and predicting risk of significant neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Well Baby Nursery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

PATIENTS

522 term and late preterm newborns.

INTERVENTIONS

Nurses used a 5-point scale to grade the maximum cephalocaudal extent of jaundice prior to discharge.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

(1) Correlation between jaundice grade and bilirubin concentration. (2) Predictive accuracy of jaundice grade for identifying infants who developed significant hyperbilirubinaemia, defined as a bilirubin level that at any time after birth exceeded or was within 1 mg/dl (17 micromol/l) of the American Academy of Pediatrics-recommended hour-specific phototherapy treatment threshold.

RESULTS

Nurses' assessment of jaundice extent was only moderately correlated with bilirubin concentration and was similar in black and non-black infants (Spearman's rho = 0.45 and 0.55, respectively (p = 0.13)). The correlation was particularly weak among infants <38 weeks' gestational age (rho = 0.29) compared with infants > or = 38 weeks' gestation (rho = 0.53, p = 0.05). Jaundice extent had poor overall accuracy for predicting risk of significant hyperbilirubinaemia (c-statistic = 0.65) but complete absence of jaundice had high sensitivity (95%) and excellent negative predictive value (99%) for ruling out the development of significant hyperbilirubinaemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians should not use extent of cephalocaudal jaundice progression to estimate bilirubin levels during the birth hospitalisation, especially in late preterm infants. However, the complete absence of jaundice can be used to predict with very high accuracy which infants will not develop significant hyperbilirubinaemia.

Relationship between TH1/TH2 cytokines and immune tolerance in liver transplantation in rats

OBJECTIVE

To explore the relationship between Th1/Th2 cytokine expressions and immune tolerance in rat liver transplantation.

METHODS

Recipients were divided into three groups (each group = 12 rats). The allograft group underwent orthotopic liver transplantation from male Wistar-to-Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. The isograft group of SD-to-SD liver transplantation was complemented with a control group of normal male SD rats that had sham operations. We evaluated the 2-week survival rates histological changes, as well as serum and mRNA expression levels of Th1/Th2 cytokines: interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin-10 (IL-10).

RESULTS

The 1-week survival in the isograft and allograft groups were 100% and 41.67%, respectively. The 2-week survival rates were 75% and 8.33% (P < .05). Light microscopic inspection revealed severe acute rejection in the allograft but not the isograft group in the first week postoperation. This observation was verified by the cellular morphology under transmission electron microscopy. Serum IFN-gamma (Th1 cytokine) levels (pg/mL) determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the allograft, isograft, and control groups were 386.67 +/- 14.36, 159.83 +/- 16.53, and 87.83 +/- 8.67, respectively; for IL-10 (Th2 cytokine), they were 126.33 +/- 13.10, 288.33 +/- 17.10, and 70.50 +/- 7.23, respectively (P < .05, allograft vs isograft). The semiquantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assay showed that expression of IFN-gamma and IL-10 mRNA was similar to that of serum levels. IFN-gamma mRNA was more highly expressed in the allograft group and IL-10 mRNA, in the isograft group (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

The dynamic equilibrium of Th1/Th2 cytokines is critically involved in immune tolerance. The deviation of Th1 to Th2 may be one mechanism of immune tolerance.

GPR54 polymorphisms in Chinese girls with central precocious puberty

AIMS

The GPR54 gene has been proved to be important in the process of puberty onset, yet no association study has been performed to evaluate the effect of polymorphisms in the gene on central precocious puberty (CPP). This study was designed to scan for polymorphisms in the GPR54 gene and to investigate the relationships between the genotypes of GPR54 and the disease.

METHODS

272 Chinese Han girls diagnosed to be CPP patients were recruited as the case group and 288 unrelated normal Chinese Han girls as the control group. The whole GPR54 gene was directly sequenced in randomly selected case samples, and the polymorphisms identified were genotyped by ligase detection reaction in both groups. Distributions of the polymorphisms and haplotypes were calculated for statistical evaluation.

RESULTS

Totally 6 polymorphisms were found in sequencing, one of which is a nonsynonymous mutation, while genotyping declared that another SNP located in the promoter region was statistically related to the disease (p = 0.037).

CONCLUSION

One polymorphism in GPR54 gene might be correlated with some cases of CPP, likely by changes in expression of the receptor, but the moderate p value and the lack of functional data make it hard to confirm the correlation. Further studies on the polymorphisms are needed for the exact mechanism.

Expression and characterization of a Rana pipiens amelogenin protein

Amelogenin, the major protein of developing enamel matrix, controls enamel crystal growth via unique supermolecular features. While much has been contributed to our understanding of mammalian amelogenin function, little is known about how amelogenin and its unique physico-chemical features have evolved among vertebrates. Here we report, for the first time, amphibian amelogenin recombinant protein expression and characterization in Rana pipiens. In order to characterize R. pipiens amelogenin, the newly discovered amelogenin coding sequence was amplified, subcloned, and expressed in Eshcerichia coli. Our newly generated R. pipiens amelogenin-specific antisera resolved a major 19-kDa band on western blots of frog tooth extracts and revealed an enamel organ tissue-specific localization pattern using immunohistochemistry. Using mass spectroscopy, a single major compound with a molecular weight of 21.6 kDa was detected, which corresponded to the amino acid sequence-based molecular weight prediction of the His fusion recombinant protein. Dynamic light scattering studies resolved 41-nm radius subunits compared with 14-nm radius subunits from mouse recombinant amelogenin controls. Transmission electron microscopy revealed defined spherical subunits in R. pipiens matrix self-assembly in contrast with a homogeneous 'stippled' matrix in mouse amelogenin matrix self-assembly. Our data suggest that R. pipiens amelogenin is distinguished from mammalian amelogenins by a number of unique physico-chemical properties which may be related to specific modes of crystal formation in frog enamel.

Identifying newborns at risk of significant hyperbilirubinaemia: a comparison of two recommended approaches

AIMS

To compare the predictive performance of clinical risk factor assessment and pre-discharge bilirubin measurement as screening tools for identifying infants at risk of developing significant neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia (post-discharge total serum bilirubin (TSB) >95th centile).

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of term and near term infants born in an urban community teaching hospital in Pennsylvania (1993-97). A clinical risk factor scoring system was developed and its predictive performance compared to a pre-discharge TSB expressed as a risk zone on a bilirubin nomogram. Main outcome measures were prediction model discrimination, range of predicted probabilities, and sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and likelihood ratios for various positivity criteria.

RESULTS

The clinical risk factor scoring system developed included birth weight, gestational age <38 weeks, oxytocin use during delivery, vacuum extraction, breast feeding, and combination breast and bottle feeding. The pre-discharge bilirubin risk zone had better discrimination (c = 0.83; 95% CI 0.80 to 0.86) than the clinical risk factor score (c = 0.71; 95% CI 0.66 to 0.76) and predicted risk of significant hyperbilirubinaemia as high as 59% compared with a maximum of 44% for the clinical risk factor score. Neither the risk score nor the pre-discharge TSB risk zone predicted the outcome with > or =0.98 sensitivity without significantly compromising specificity (0.13 and 0.21, respectively). Multi-level clinical risk factor scores and TSB risk zones produced likelihood ratios of 0.15-3.25 and 0.05-9.43, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The pre-discharge bilirubin expressed as a risk zone on an hour specific bilirubin nomogram is more accurate and generates wider risk stratification than a clinical risk factor score.

Exercise pre-conditioning reduces brain damage in ischemic rats that may be associated with regional angiogenesis and cellular overexpression of neurotrophin

There is increasing evidence that physical activity is associated with a decreased stroke risk. The purpose of this study was to determine if exercise could also reduce brain damage in rats subjected to transient middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion, and if the reduced brain injury is associated with angiogenesis as well as cellular expression of the nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in regions supplied by the MCA. Adult male Sprague Dawley rats (n=36) exercised 30 min each day for 3 weeks on a treadmill on which repetitive locomotor movement was required. Then, stroke was induced by a 2-h MCA occlusion using an intraluminal filament, followed by 48 h of reperfusion. In addition to the two exercised groups of animals with or without MCA occlusion, there were two other groups of animals, with or without MCA occlusion, housed for the same duration and used as non-exercised controls. Brain damage in ischemic rats was evaluated by neurologic deficits and infarct volume. Exercise preconditioned and non-exercised brains were processed for immunocytochemistry to quantify the number of microvessels or NGF- and BDNF-labeled cells. Pre-ischemic motor activity significantly (P<0.01) reduced neurologic deficits and infarct volume in the frontoparietal cortex and dorsolateral striatum. Cellular expressions of NGF and BDNF were significantly (P<0.01) increased in cortex (neuron) and striatum (glia) of rats under the exercise condition. Significant (P<0.01) increases in microvessel density were found in striatum. Physical activity reduced stroke damage. The reduced brain damage may be attributable to angiogenesis and neurotrophin overexpression in brain regions supplied by the MCA following exercise.

Motor balance and coordination training enhances functional outcome in rat with transient middle cerebral artery occlusion

The goal of this study was to determine if relatively complex motor training on Rota-rod involving balance and coordination plays an essential role in improving motor function in ischemic rats, as compared with simple locomotor exercise on treadmill. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats with (n=40) or without (n=40) ischemia were trained under each of three conditions: (1) motor balance and coordination training on Rota-rod; (2) simple exercise on treadmill; and (3) non-trained controls. Motor function was evaluated by a series of tests (foot fault placing, parallel bar crossing, rope and ladder climbing) before and at 14 or 28 days after training procedures in both ischemic and normal animals. Infarct volume in ischemic animals was determined with Nissl staining. Compared with both treadmill exercised and non-trained animals, Rota-rod-trained animals with or without ischemia significantly (P<0.01) improved motor performance of all tasks except for foot fault placing after 14 days of training, with normal rats having better performance. Animals trained for up to 28 days on the treadmill did not show significantly improved function. With regard to foot fault placing task, performance on foot placing was improved in ischemic rats across the three measurements at 0, 14 and 28 days regardless of training condition, while the normal group reached their best performance at the beginning of measurement. No significant differences in infarct volume were found in rats trained either with Rota-rod (47+/-4%; mean+/-S.E.), treadmill (45+/-5%) or non-exercised control (45+/-3%). In addition, no obvious difference could be detected in the location of the damage which included the dorso-lateral portion of the neostriatum and the frontoparietal cortex, the main regions supplied by the middle cerebral artery. The data suggest that complex motor training rather than simple exercise effectively improves functional outcome.

Analysis of polymorphisms affecting immune complex handling in systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVES

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a polygenic disorder of dysregulated inflammation. Numerous specific candidate genes have been identified and most relate to the handling of immune complexes or antigen presentation. This is consistent with the classic finding of immune complex deposition in affected end organs. We wished to examine combinatorial effects of polymorphic variants of genes involved in immune complex clearance in susceptibility to lupus.

METHODS

This study examined the occurrence of polymorphisms in genes which encode proteins known to be involved in immune complex handling and clearance. Each polymorphic variant of a complement protein (C2, mannose binding protein and C4), complement receptor (CR1) or Fc receptor (FcgammaRIIA and FcgammaRIIIA) gene is known to affect function adversely. One hundred and sixty SLE patients and 212 control subjects were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction methods.

RESULTS

We found an increasing association of SLE with increasing numbers of gene defects. Combinations of severe defects in FcgammaRIIA and FcgammaRIIIA were particularly deleterious for both African American and Caucasian patients, even though only one defective variant was individually statistically significantly associated with SLE.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the study suggest that genes may interact in ways that either synergize or modify the effect of a single genetic effect and imply that association studies must be interpreted within the genetic background of the populations.

CP27 affects viability, proliferation, attachment and gene expression in embryonic fibroblasts

CP27 is a gene that has been cloned from an E11 early embryonic library and has been suggested to mediate early organogenesis (Diekwisch et al., 1999, Gene 235, 19). We have hypothesized that CP27 exhibits its effects on organogenesis by affecting individual cell function. Based on the CP27 expression pattern we have selected the CP27 expressing embryonic fibroblast cell line BALB/c 3T3 to determine the effects of CP27 on cell function. CP27 loss of function strategies were performed by adding 5, 12.5 or 25 micro g/ml anti-CP27 antibody to cultured BALB/c 3T3 cells and comparing the results to controls in which identical concentrations of rabbit serum were added to the culture medium. Other controls included an antibody against another extracellular matrix protein amelogenin (negative control) and anti-CP27 antibodies directed against other areas of the CP27 molecule (positive control). Following cell culture, cell viability, apoptosis, cell proliferation, cell shape, cellular attachment and fibronectin matrix production were assayed using MTT colourimetric assay, BrdU staining, morphometry, immunostaining and western blot analysis. Block of CP27 function using an antibody strategy resulted in the following significant changes: (i) reduced viability, (ii) increased number of apoptotic cells, (iii) reduced proliferation, (iv) alterations in cell shape, (v) loss of attachment, and (vi) reduction in fibronectin matrix production. There was also a redistribution in fibronectin matrix organization demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. We conclude that CP27 plays an important role in the maintance of normal cell function and that CP27 block leads to significant changes in cellular behaviour.