Intermediate molecular phenotypes to identify genetic markers of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity risk

Cardiotoxicity due to anthracyclines (CDA) affects cancer patients, but we cannot predict who may suffer from this complication. CDA is a complex disease whose polygenic component is mainly unidentified. We propose that levels of intermediate molecular phenotypes in the myocardium associated with histopathological damage could explain CDA susceptibility; so that variants of genes encoding these intermediate molecular phenotypes could identify patients susceptible to this complication. A genetically heterogeneous cohort of mice generated by backcrossing (N = 165) was treated with doxorubicin and docetaxel. Cardiac histopathological damage was measured by fibrosis and cardiomyocyte size by an Ariol slide scanner. We determine intramyocardial levels of intermediate molecular phenotypes of CDA associated with histopathological damage and quantitative trait loci (ipQTLs) linked to them. These ipQTLs seem to contribute to the missing heritability of CDA because they improve the heritability explained by QTL directly linked to CDA (cda-QTLs) through genetic models. Genes encoding these molecular subphenotypes were evaluated as genetic markers of CDA in three cancer patient cohorts (N = 517) whose cardiac damage was quantified by echocardiography or Cardiac Magnetic Resonance. Many SNPs associated with CDA were found using genetic models. LASSO multivariate regression identified two risk score models, one for pediatric cancer patients and the other for women with breast cancer. Molecular intermediate phenotypes associated with heart damage can identify genetic markers of CDA risk, thereby allowing a more personalized patient management. A similar strategy could be applied to identify genetic markers of other complex trait diseases.

Long-Read Sequencing Identifies the First Retrotransposon Insertion and Resolves Structural Variants Causing Antithrombin Deficiency

The identification of inherited antithrombin deficiency (ATD) is critical to prevent potentially life-threatening thrombotic events. Causal variants in SERPINC1 are identified for up to 70% of cases, the majority being single-nucleotide variants and indels. The detection and characterization of structural variants (SVs) in ATD remain challenging due to the high number of repetitive elements in SERPINC1. Here, we performed long-read whole-genome sequencing on 10 familial and 9 singleton cases with type I ATD proven by functional and antigen assays, who were selected from a cohort of 340 patients with this rare disorder because genetic analyses were either negative, ambiguous, or not fully characterized. We developed an analysis workflow to identify disease-associated SVs. This approach resolved, independently of its size or type, all eight SVs detected by multiple ligation-dependent probe amplification, and identified for the first time a complex rearrangement previously misclassified as a deletion. Remarkably, we identified the mechanism explaining ATD in 2 out of 11 cases with previous unknown defect: the insertion of a novel 2.4 kb SINE-VNTR-Alu retroelement, which was characterized by de novo assembly and verified by specific polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing in the probands and affected relatives. The nucleotide-level resolution achieved for all SVs allowed breakpoint analysis, which revealed repetitive elements and microhomologies supporting a common replication-based mechanism for all the SVs. Our study underscores the utility of long-read sequencing technology as a complementary method to identify, characterize, and unveil the molecular mechanism of disease-causing SVs involved in ATD, and enlarges the catalogue of genetic disorders caused by retrotransposon insertions.

Cytogenetic and genomic analysis of a patient with turner syndrome and t(2;12): a case report

Background

Turner syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects women. It is caused by an absent or incomplete X chromosome, which can be presented in mosaicism or not. There are 12 cases of Turner syndrome patients who present structural alterations in autosomal chromosomes.

Case presentation

The present case report describes a patient with a reciprocal, maternally inherited translocation between chromosomes 2 and 12 with a mosaicism of X monosomy 45,X,t(2;12)(p13;q24)[95]/46,XX,t(2;12)(p13;q24)[5]. Through genetic mapping arrays, altered genes in the patient were determined within the 23 chromosome pairs. These genes were associated with the patient’s clinical features using a bioinformatics tool.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first case in which a translocation (2;12) is reported in a patient with Turner syndrome and confirmed by conventional cytogenetics, FISH and molecular genetics. Clinical features of our patient are closely related with the loss of one X chromosome, however mild intellectual disability can be likely explained by autosomal genes. The presence of familial translocations was a common finding, thus emphasizing the need for familiar testing for further genetic counselling.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13039-020-00515-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

De Novo Duplication of Chromosome 9p in a Female Infant: Phenotype and Genotype Correlation

Trisomy 9p syndrome is the fourth most frequent chromosome aberration seen in infants. Duplication of the critical region 9p22p24 leads to mental retardation, psychomotor delay, and craniofacial and digital anomalies. We report a 2-year-old Ecuadorian girl with Trisomy 9p syndrome. Although her phenotype shares characteristics of Noonan syndrome, Giemsa trypsin banding technique shows there is an extra chromosomal segment on chromosome 14, and array analysis shows that it belongs to a duplication of 38 Mb of 9p13.1p24.3. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis detected three signals from 9p chromosome. The duplication is de novo, being another unique case of the few reported in the literature.

Clinical, cytogenetic, and molecular findings in a patient with ring chromosome 4: case report and literature review

Background

Since 1969, 49 cases have been presented on ring chromosome 4. All of these cases have been characterized for the loss of genetic material. The genes located in these chromosomal regions are related to the phenotype.

Case presentation

A 10-year-old Ecuadorian Mestizo girl with ring chromosome 4 was clinically, cytogenetically and molecularly analysed. Clinical examination revealed congenital anomalies, including microcephaly, prominent nose, micrognathia, low set ears, bilateral clinodactyly of the fifth finger, small sacrococcygeal dimple, short stature and mental retardation. Cytogenetic studies showed a mosaic karyotype, mos 46,XX,r(4)(p16.3q35.2)/46,XX, with a ring chromosome 4 from 75 to 79% in three studies conducted over ten years. These results were confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Loss of 1.7 Mb and gain of 342 kb in 4p16.3 and loss of 3 Mb in 4q35.2 were identified by high-resolution mapping array.

Conclusion

Most cases with ring chromosome 4 have deletion of genetic material in terminal regions; however, our case has inv dup del rearrangement in the ring chromosome formation. Heterogeneous clinical features in all cases reviewed are related to the amount of genetic material lost or gained. The application of several techniques can increase our knowledge of ring chromosome 4 and its deviations from typical “ring syndrome.”

Combination of KIR2DS4 and FcγRIIa polymorphisms predicts the response to cetuximab in KRAS mutant metastatic colorectal cancer

Cetuximab is a standard-of-care treatment for RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) but not for those harbor a KRAS mutation since MAPK pathway is constitutively activated. Nevertheless, cetuximab also exerts its effect by its immunomodulatory activity despite the presence of RAS mutation. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of polymorphism FcγRIIIa V158F and killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) genes on the outcome of mCRC patients with KRAS mutations treated with cetuximab. This multicenter Phase II clinical trial included 70 mCRC patients with KRAS mutated. We found KIR2DS4 gene was significantly associated with OS (HR 2.27; 95% CI, 1.08–4.77; P = 0.03). In non-functional receptor homozygotes the median OS was 2.6 months longer than in carriers of one copy of full receptor. Multivariate analysis confirmed KIR2DS4 as a favorable prognostic marker for OS (HR 6.71) in mCRC patients with KRAS mutation treated with cetuximab. These data support the potential therapeutic of cetuximab in KRAS mutated mCRC carrying non-functional receptor KIR2DS4 since these patients significantly prolong their OS even after heavily treatment. KIR2DS4 typing could be used as predictive marker for identifying RAS mutated patients that could benefit from combination approaches of anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies and other immunotherapies to overcome the resistance mediated by mutation in RAS.

Ring chromosome 15 - cytogenetics and mapping arrays: a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Ring chromosome 15 has been associated in previous studies with different clinical characteristic such as cardiac problems, digit and musculoskeletal abnormalities, and mental and motor problems among others. Only 97 clinical cases of ring chromosome 15 syndrome have been reported since 1966 and a common phenotype for these patients has not been established.

CASE PRESENTATION

The present case report describes a 15-month-old girl from the Amazon region of Ecuador, of Mestizo ancestry, who after cytogenetic tests showed a 46,XX,r(15) karyotype in more than 70% of metaphases observed. Her parents were healthy and non-related. The pregnancy was complicated and was positive for intrauterine growth retardation. Her birth weight was 1950 g, her length was 43.5 cm, and she had a head circumference of 29.3. In addition to postnatal growth delay, she had scant frontal hair, small eyes, hypertelorism, low-set of ears, flattened nasal bridge, anteverted nostrils, down-turned mouth, three café au lait spots, and delayed dentition.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the frequency of some phenotypes expressed in the different clinical cases reviewed and the present case, a common phenotype for patients with ring 15 could not be determined and it is restricted to the region of the chromosome lost during the ring formation.

NOMO-1 gene is deleted in early-onset colorectal cancer

To characterize clinical features of a recurrent alteration in 16p13.12-p13.11 in Colorectal Cancer (CRC), mainly in Early-onset subgroup (EOCRC), and to assess the status of NOMO1, a gene located in that region, we analyzed differential clinicopathological, familial and molecular features of CRC subsets with and without alterations in the 16p13.12-p13.11, in global and EOCRC groups. We confirmed the region by fluorescence in-situ hybridization, and Quantitative Real-Time PCR analyzed the status of NOMO1 in different age-of-onset and Microsatellite Instability (MSI)-status CRC subsets. Both age-of-onset subsets were subsequently extended to further confirm NOMO1 gene changes. 16p13.12-p13.11 alterations were observed in 23.3% of CRCs, and was detected more frequently in EOCRC (33.3%) than in late-onset CRC (16.3%). The group with deletion in 16p showed a higher frequency of females and left-colon locations; a better prognosis; and higher Chromosomal Instability. Within the primary EOCRC population, 34 out of 34 of tumours showed a homozygous deletion in NOMO1, while in the late-onset population only 2 of the 17 tumours (11.7%) showed it. In the extended group, we found 61 out of 75 EOCRC patients (81.3%) with homozygous deletion and 7 patients (9.3%) with heterozygous deletion of NOMO1; moreover, in the new 50 late-onset patients, the proportions of deletions decreased. Microsatellite-Stable (MSS) EOCRC showed a very high proportion of homozygous loss of NOMO1 (54 of 59 cases, 91.5%), while the deletion was observed in only 7 out of 16 MSI cases. Deletion of NOMO1 is a molecular marker predominantly associated with EOCRC, particularly MSS subtypes.

Differential clinicopathological and molecular features within late-onset colorectal cancer according to tumor location

Background

Since there is a predilection of some clinical and molecular features for a given tumor location, we assessed whether this can be confirmed in late-onset colorectal cancer (LOCRC).

Results

Right colon cancers showed features associated with sporadic Microsatellite Instability: predominance of female cases and BRAF mutations, and an important mucinous component. Left colon cancers developed a higher number of polyps and multiple primary CRCs, showed the strongest familial component, and had better prognosis. Rectal cancers showed a predominantly sporadic phenotype, with worse prognosis and a CpG Island Methylator Phenotype (CIMP)-High. No copy number alterations (CNAs) greater than or equal to 50% were observed in this LOCRC group, and the most recurrent alterations were losses at 5q13 and 14q11, and gains at 7q11, 7q21-q22, 19p13-p12, 19q13 and 20p11-q11. KRAS and PIK3CA were the only mutated genes showing differences according to the tumor location, mainly for right colon cancers.

Materials and Methods

We analyzed clinical and molecular characteristics of LOCRC at different tumor locations in order to determine if there are differential phenotypes related with the location in the colon.

Conclusions

Categorizing LOCRC according to tumor location appears to be an adequate first step to resolving the heterogeneity of this subset of CRC.

Metabolic and process engineering for biodesulfurization in Gram-negative bacteria

Microbial desulfurization or biodesulfurization (BDS) is an attractive low-cost and environmentally friendly complementary technology to the hydrotreating chemical process based on the potential of certain bacteria to specifically remove sulfur from S-heterocyclic compounds of crude fuels that are recalcitrant to the chemical treatments. The 4S or Dsz sulfur specific pathway for dibenzothiophene (DBT) and alkyl-substituted DBTs, widely used as model S-heterocyclic compounds, has been extensively studied at the physiological, biochemical and genetic levels mainly in Gram-positive bacteria. Nevertheless, several Gram-negative bacteria have been also used in BDS because they are endowed with some properties, e.g., broad metabolic versatility and easy genetic and genomic manipulation, that make them suitable chassis for systems metabolic engineering strategies. A high number of recombinant bacteria, many of which are Pseudomonas strains, have been constructed to overcome the major bottlenecks of the desulfurization process, i.e., expression of the dsz operon, activity of the Dsz enzymes, retro-inhibition of the Dsz pathway, availability of reducing power, uptake-secretion of substrate and intermediates, tolerance to organic solvents and metals, and other host-specific limitations. However, to attain a BDS process with industrial applicability, it is necessary to apply all the knowledge and advances achieved at the genetic and metabolic levels to the process engineering level, i.e., kinetic modelling, scale-up of biphasic systems, enhancing mass transfer rates, biocatalyst separation, etc. The production of high-added value products derived from the organosulfur material present in oil can be regarded also as an economically viable process that has barely begun to be explored.

Epidermal growth factor receptor expression is associated with poor outcome in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is the second most frequent cancer in humans after basal cell carcinoma, and its incidence is dramatically rising. CSCC is rarely problematic, but given its high frequency, the absolute number of complicated cases is also high. It is necessary to identify molecular markers in order to recognize those CSCCs with poor prognosis. There is controversy concerning the role of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) as a marker of prognosis in CSCC. In addition, EGFR-targeted therapies have emerged in recent years and a better understanding of the role of EGFR in CSCC may be of help for some patients in predicting prognosis and guiding curative management.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the role of EGFR as a prognostic factor in CSCC.

METHODS

We evaluated clinical and histopathological features, including events of poor clinical evolution, in a series of 94 cases of CSCC. We also analysed EGFR expression by immunohistochemistry, fluorescent in situ hybridization and quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

We detected EGFR in 85 cases (90%), with overexpression in 33 cases (35%), and aberrant EGFR expression in the cytoplasm in 50 cases (53%). EGFR overexpression in the primary tumours was associated with lymph node progression, tumour-nodes-metastasis stage progression and proliferation (Ki-67 staining) in CSCC. EGFR overexpression and poor grade of differentiation were the strongest independent variables defining lymph node metastasis and progression in CSCC in a logistic regression model.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate that EGFR overexpression has prognostic implications associated with lymph node metastasis and progression in CSCC.

High Incidence of Respiratory Involvement in a Cluster of Brucella suis-Infected Workers from a Pork Processing Plant in Argentina

Epidemiological and clinical aspects of Brucella suis infection in 17 workers from a pork processing plant in Argentina occurring between January 2014 and July 2015 are presented. All patients reported working 9 h daily without adequate personal protection garment. Blood cultures were positive for Brucella spp. in 14 of the 17 patients (82.3%). All isolates were identified as B. suis biovar 1. Although fever, sweats, asthenia, myalgia and hepatic involvement were the most frequent clinical manifestations, an unusually high incidence of respiratory involvement was found. From 13 patients in which chest radiography was performed, four (30%) had radiological abnormalities, including lobar pneumonia in two cases (one with pleural effusion) and interstitial involvement in other two. The high frequency of respiratory involvement in our series makes necessary to consider brucellosis in the differential diagnosis of respiratory diseases in pork processing plant employees.

Genome-Wide DNA Copy Number Analysis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Identifies New Genetic Markers Associated with Clinical Outcome

Identifying additional genetic alterations associated with poor prognosis in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is still a challenge. Aims: To characterize the presence of additional DNA copy number alterations (CNAs) in children and adults with ALL by whole-genome oligonucleotide array (aCGH) analysis, and to identify their associations with clinical features and outcome. Array-CGH was carried out in 265 newly diagnosed ALLs (142 children and 123 adults). The NimbleGen CGH 12x135K array (Roche) was used to analyze genetic gains and losses. CNAs were analyzed with GISTIC and aCGHweb software. Clinical and biological variables were analyzed. Three of the patients showed chromothripsis (cth6, cth14q and cth15q). CNAs were associated with age, phenotype, genetic subtype and overall survival (OS). In the whole cohort of children, the losses on 14q32.33 (p = 0.019) and 15q13.2 (p = 0.04) were related to shorter OS. In the group of children without good- or poor-risk cytogenetics, the gain on 1p36.11 was a prognostic marker independently associated with shorter OS. In adults, the gains on 19q13.2 (p = 0.001) and Xp21.1 (p = 0.029), and the loss of 17p (p = 0.014) were independent markers of poor prognosis with respect to OS. In summary, CNAs are frequent in ALL and are associated with clinical parameters and survival. Genome-wide DNA copy number analysis allows the identification of genetic markers that predict clinical outcome, suggesting that detection of these genetic lesions will be useful in the management of patients newly diagnosed with ALL.

Carbon roadmap from syngas to polyhydroxyalkanoates in Rhodospirillum rubrum

The gasification of organic waste materials to synthesis gas (syngas), followed by microbial fermentation, provides a significant resource for generating bioproducts such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). The anaerobic photosynthetic bacterium, Rhodospirillum rubrum, is an organism particularly attractive for the bioconversion of syngas into PHAs. In this study, a quantitative physiological analysis of R. rubrum was carried out by implementing GC-MS and HPLC techniques to unravel the metabolic pathway operating during syngas fermentation that leads to PHA production. Further, detailed investigations of the central carbon metabolites using (13) C-labelled substrate showed significant CO2 assimilation (of 40%) into cell material and PHA from syngas carbon fraction. By a combination of quantitative gene expression and enzyme activity analyses, the main role of carboxylases from the central carbon metabolism in CO2 assimilation was shown, where the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle (CBB) played a minor role. This knowledge sheds light about the biochemical pathways that contribute to synthesis of PHA during syngas fermentation being valuable information to further optimize the fermentation process.

Post-transcriptional Modifications Contribute to the Upregulation of Cyclin D2 in Multiple Myeloma

PURPOSE

Dysregulation of one of the three D-cyclin genes has been observed in virtually all multiple myeloma tumors. The mechanisms by which CCND2 is upregulated in a set of multiple myeloma are not completely deciphered. We investigated the role of post-transcriptional regulation through the interaction between miRNAs and their binding sites at 3'UTR in CCND2 overexpression in multiple myeloma.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Eleven myeloma cell lines and 45 primary myeloma samples were included in the study. Interactions between miRNAs deregulated in multiple myeloma and mRNA targets were analyzed by 3'UTR-luciferase plasmid assay. The presence of CCND2 mRNA isoforms different in length was explored using qRT-PCR, Northern blot, mRNA FISH, and 3' rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE)-PCR.

RESULTS

We detected the presence of short CCND2 mRNA, both in the multiple myeloma cell lines and primary cells. The results obtained by 3'RACE experiments revealed that changes in CCND2 3'UTR length are explained by alternative polyadenylation. The luciferase assays using plasmids harboring the truncated CCND2 mRNA strongly confirmed the loss of miRNA sites in the shorter CCND2 mRNA isoform. Those multiple myelomas with greater abundance of the shorter 3'UTR isoform were associated with significant higher level of total CCND2 mRNA expression. Furthermore, functional analysis showed significant CCND2 mRNA shortening after CCND1 silencing and an increased relative expression of longer isoform after CCND1 and CCND3 overexpression, suggesting that cyclin D1 and D3 could regulate CCND2 levels through modifications in polyadenylation-cleavage reaction.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, these results highlight the impact of CCND2 3'UTR shortening on miRNA-dependent regulation of CCND2 in multiple myeloma.

MicroRNA-223 is a novel negative regulator of HSP90B1 in CLL

Background

MicroRNAs are known to inhibit gene expression by binding to the 3′UTR of the target transcript. Downregulation of miR-223 has been recently reported to have prognostic significance in CLL. However, there is no evidence of the pathogenetic mechanism of this miRNA in CLL patients.

Methods

By applying next-generation sequencing techniques we have detected a common polymorphism (rs2307842), in 24% of CLL patients, which disrupts the binding site for miR-223 in HSP90B1 3′UTR. We investigated whether miR-223 directly targets HSP90B1 through luciferase assays and ectopic expression of miR-223. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot were used to determine HSP90B1 expression in CLL patients. The relationship between rs2307842 status, HSP90B1 expression and clinico-biological data were assessed.

Results

HSP90B1 is a direct target for miR-223 by interaction with the putative miR-223 binding site. The analysis in paired samples (CD19+ fraction cell and non-CD19+ fraction cell) showed that the presence of rs2307842 and IGHV unmutated genes determined HSP90B1 overexpression in B lymphocytes from CLL patients. These results were confirmed at the protein level by western blot. Of note, HSP90B1 overexpression was independently predictive of shorter time to the first therapy in CLL patients. By contrast, the presence of rs2307842 was not related to the outcome.

Conclusions

HSP90B1 is a direct target gene of miR-223. Our results provide a plausible explanation of why CLL patients harboring miR-223 downregulation are associated with a poor outcome, pointing out HSP90B1 as a new pathogenic mechanism in CLL and a promising therapeutic target.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-015-1212-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Evaluating wild grapevine tolerance to copper toxicity

We evaluate copper tolerance and accumulation in Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris in populations from a copper contaminated site and an uncontaminated site, and in the grapevine rootstock "41B", investigating the effects of copper (0-23 mM) on growth, photosynthetic performance and mineral nutrient content. The highest Cu treatment induced nutrient imbalances and inhibited photosynthetic function, causing a drastic reduction in growth in the three study plants. Effective concentration was higher than 23 mM Cu in the wild grapevines and around 9 mM in the "41B" plants. The wild grapevine accessions studied controlled root Cu concentration more efficiently than is the case with the "41B" rootstock and must be considered Cu-tolerant. Wild grapevines from the Cu-contaminated site present certain physiological characteristics that make them relatively more suitable for exploitation in the genetic improvement of vines against conditions of excess Cu, compared to wild grapevine populations from uncontaminated sites.

Genomic analysis of clonal eosinophils by CGH arrays reveals new genetic regions involved in chronic eosinophilia

To assess the presence of genetic imbalances in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), 38 patients with chronic eosinophilia were studied by array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH): seven had chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML), BCR-ABL1 positive, nine patients had myeloproliferative neoplasia Ph- (MPN-Ph-), three had a myeloid neoplasm associated with a PDGFRA rearrangement, and the remaining two cases were Lymphoproliferative T neoplasms associated with eosinophilia. In addition, 17 patients had a secondary eosinophilia and were used as controls. Eosinophilic enrichment was carried out in all cases. Genomic imbalances were found in 76% of all MPN patients. Losses on 20q were the most frequent genetic abnormality in MPNs (32%), affected the three types of MPN studied. This study also found losses at 11q13.3 in 26% of patients with MPN-Ph- and in 19p13.11 in two of the three patients with an MPN associated with a PDGFRA rearrangement. In addition, 29% of patients with CML had losses on 8q24. In summary, aCGH revealed clonality in eosinophils in most MPNs, suggesting that it could be a useful technique for defining clonality in these diseases. The presence of genetic losses in new regions could provide new insights into the knowledge of these MPN associated with eosinophilia.

Lipid accumulation inRhodotorula glutinis on sugar cane molasses in single-stage continuous culture

Microbial lipids produced byRhodotorula glutinis grown in continuous culture with molasses under nitrogen-limiting conditions were evaluated and the effects of growth rate on fatty acid composition were studied. As the growth rate decreased, cell biomass, lipid content and lipid yield gradually increased. The maximum lipid content recorded was 39% (w/w) of dry cell biomass at a dilution rate of 0.04 h(-1). The growth rate also affected fatty acid composition: oleic acid decreased with decreasing growth rate while stearic acid increased.

Growth and photosynthetic responses to copper in wild grapevine

The present study evaluates the tolerance and accumulation potential of Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris under moderate and high external Cu levels. A greenhouse experiment was conducted in order to investigate the effects of a range of external Cu concentrations (0-23mmolL(-1)) on growth and photosynthetic performance by measuring gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and photosynthetic pigments. We also measured the total copper, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur, calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium and sodium concentrations in the plant tissues. All the experimental plants survived even with external Cu concentrations as high as 23mmolL(-1) (1500mg Cu L(-1)), although the excess of metal resulted in a biomass reduction of 35%. The effects of Cu on growth were linked to a reduction in net photosynthesis, which may be related to the effect of the high concentration of the metal on photosynthetic electron transport. V. vinifera ssp. sylvestris survived with leaf Cu concentrations as high as 80mgkg(-1) DW and growth parameters were unaffected by leaf tissue concentrations of 35mg Cu kg(-1) DW. The results of our study indicate that plants of V. vinifera ssp. sylvestris from the studied population are more tolerant to Cu than the commercial varieties of grapevine that have been studied in the literature, and could constitute a basis for the genetic improvement of Cu tolerance in grapevine.

Knowledge, attitude and adherence of Spanish healthcare professionals to asthma management recommendations during pregnancy

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and adherence to asthma management recommendations during pregnancy of Spanish health care professionals.

METHODS

A multiple choice survey with 14 questions was designed. Items assessed opinion about asthma guidelines and attitudes towards treatment, spirometry, specific immunotherapy and labour in pregnant asthmatic patients. Test completion was voluntary, individual, and anonymous.

RESULTS

A total of 1000 questionnaires were fulfilled: respiratory medicine specialists (19.8%); allergy specialists (17.2%); primary care physicians (46.1%); and gynaecologists/obstetricians (16.9%). Guidelines were considered useful by 96.5% although 64% admitted that they followed them seldom or never. Most physicians (55.9%) answered that they would maintain asthma therapy in clinically stable patients. Almost 30% of physicians would not perform spirometry in pregnant asthma patients. 19% declared they would interrupt specific immunotherapy which had proven safe and effective. Univariate analysis revealed low adherence to be associated with the following variables: age, primary care or gynaecology/obstetrician specialisation, number of asthmatics attended per month, and declared use of guidelines for pregnant asthmatic patients. Multivariate analysis showed that being a primary care physician and a gynaecologist/obstetrician, attending a low number of asthma patients per month, and poor use of spirometry during pregnancy are associated to low adherence to asthma guidelines.

CONCLUSION

Even though the majority of Spanish physicians surveyed seem to consider guidelines useful, their adherence to those is very low if translated to managing pregnant asthmatic patients. Educational strategies seem unavoidable and should be targetted mainly to primary care and gynaecology/obstetrician physicians.

Clinical applications of BAC array-CGH to the study of diffuse large B-cell lymphomas

BAC array-CGH is a powerful method to identify DNA copy number changes (gains, amplifications and deletions) on a genome-wide scale, and to map these changes to genomic sequence. It is based on the analysis of genomic DNA isolated from test and reference cell populations, the differential labelling with fluorescent dyes and the co-hybridization with a genomic array. BAC array-CGH has proven to be a specific, sensitive, and reliable technique, with considerable advantages compared to other methods used for the analysis of DNA copy number changes. The application of genome scanning technologies and the recent advances in bioinformatics tools that enable us to perform a robust and highly sensitive analysis of array-CGH data, useful not only for genome scanning of tumor cells but also in the identification of novel cancer related genes, oncogenes and suppressor genes. Cytogenetic analysis provides essential information for diagnosis and prognosis in patients with hematologic malignancies such as lymphomas. However, the chromosomal interpretation in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is sometimes inconclusive. Copy number aberrations identified by BAC array-CGH analyses could be a complementary methodology to chromosomal analysis. In NHL the genomic imbalances might have a prognostic rather than a diagnostic value. In fact, the diagnosis of NHL is based on pathological and molecular cytogenetics data. Furthermore genetic variations and their association with specific types of lymphoma development, and elucidation of the variable genetic pathways leading to lymphoma development, are important directions for future cancer research. Array-CGH, along with FISH and PCR, will be used for routine diagnostic purposes in near future.

Molecular characterization of chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients with a high number of losses in 13q14

Background

Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and 13q deletion as their only FISH abnormality could have a different outcome depending on the number of cells displaying this aberration. Thus, cases with a high number of 13q- cells (13q-H) had both shorter overall survival and time to first therapy. The goal of the study was to analyze the genetic profile of 13q-H patients.

Design and Methods:

A total of 102 samples were studied, 32 of which served as a validation cohort and five were healthy donors.

Results

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients with higher percentages of 13q- cells (>80%) showed a different level of gene expression as compared to patients with lower percentages (<80%, 13q-L). This deregulation affected genes involved in apoptosis and proliferation (BCR and NFkB signaling), leading to increased proliferation and decreased apoptosis in 13q-H patients. Deregulation of several microRNAs, such as miR-15a, miR-155, miR-29a and miR-223, was also observed in these patients. In addition, our study also suggests that the gene expression pattern of 13q-H cases could be similar to the patients with 11q- or 17p-.

Conclusions

This study provides new evidence regarding the heterogeneity of 13q deletion in chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients, showing that apoptosis, proliferation as well as miRNA regulation are involved in cases with higher percentages of 13q- cells.

Genome-wide profiling of methylation identifies novel targets with aberrant hypermethylation and reduced expression in low-risk myelodysplastic syndromes

Gene expression profiling signatures may be used to classify the subtypes of Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients. However, there are few reports on the global methylation status in MDS. The integration of genome-wide epigenetic regulatory marks with gene expression levels would provide additional information regarding the biological differences between MDS and healthy controls. Gene expression and methylation status were measured using high-density microarrays. A total of 552 differentially methylated CpG loci were identified as being present in low-risk MDS; hypermethylated genes were more frequent than hypomethylated genes. In addition, mRNA expression profiling identified 1005 genes that significantly differed between low-risk MDS and the control group. Integrative analysis of the epigenetic and expression profiles revealed that 66.7% of the hypermethylated genes were underexpressed in low-risk MDS cases. Gene network analysis revealed molecular mechanisms associated with the low-risk MDS group, including altered apoptosis pathways. The two key apoptotic genes BCL2 and ETS1 were identified as silenced genes. In addition, the immune response and micro RNA biogenesis were affected by the hypermethylation and underexpression of IL27RA and DICER1. Our integrative analysis revealed that aberrant epigenetic regulation is a hallmark of low-risk MDS patients and could have a central role in these diseases.

Identification of a novel recurrent gain on 20q13 in chronic lymphocytic leukemia by array CGH and gene expression profiling

BACKGROUND

The presence of genetic changes is a hallmark of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The most common cytogenetic abnormalities with independent prognostic significance in CLL are 13q14, ATM and TP53 deletions and trisomy 12. However, CLL displays a great genetic and biological heterogeneity. The aim of this study was to analyze the genomic imbalances in CLL cytogenetic subsets from both genomic and gene expression perspectives to identify new recurrent alterations.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The genomic imbalances and expression levels of 67 patients were analyzed. The novel recurrent abnormalities detected with bacterial artificial chromosome array were confirmed by FISH and oligonucleotide microarrays. In all cases, gene expression profiling was assessed.

RESULTS

Copy number alterations were identified in 75% of cases. Overall, the results confirmed FISH studies for the regions frequently involved in CLL and also defined a new recurrent gain on chromosome 20q13.12, in 19% (13/67) of the CLL patients. Oligonucleotide expression correlated with the regions of loss or gain of genomic material, suggesting that the changes in gene expression are related to alterations in copy number.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates the presence of a recurrent gain in 20q13.12 associated with overexpression of the genes located in this region, in CLL cytogenetic subgroups.

Clinical, molecular and biochemical characterization of nine Spanish families with Conradi-Hünermann-Happle syndrome: new insights into X-linked dominant chondrodysplasia punctata with a comprehensive review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Conradi-Hünermann-Happle syndrome (CDPX2, OMIM 302960) is an inherited X-linked dominant variant of chondrodysplasia punctata which primarily affects the skin, bones and eyes. CDPX2 results from mutations in EBP (emopamil binding protein), and presents with increased levels of sterol precursors 8(9)-cholesterol and 8-dehydrocholesterol.

OBJECTIVES

To expand the understanding of CDPX2, clinically, biochemically and genetically.

METHODS

We present one of the largest series reported to date, including 13 female patients belonging to nine Spanish families. Patients were studied biochemically using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, genetically using polymerase chain reaction and in their methylation status using the HUMARA assay.

RESULTS

In our cases, there was a clear relationship between abnormal sterol profile and the EBP gene mutation. We describe three novel mutations in the EBP gene. EBP mutations were inherited in three out of nine families and were sporadic in the remaining cases.

CONCLUSIONS

No clear genotype-phenotype correlation was found. Patients' biochemical profiles did not reveal a relationship between sterol profiles and severity of disease. A skewed X-chromosome inactivation may explain the clinical phenotype in CDPX2 in some familial cases.

Catabolism and biotechnological applications of cholesterol degrading bacteria

Cholesterol is a steroid commonly found in nature with a great relevance in biology, medicine and chemistry, playing an essential role as a structural component of animal cell membranes. The ubiquity of cholesterol in the environment has made it a reference biomarker for environmental pollution analysis and a common carbon source for different microorganisms, some of them being important pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This work revises the accumulated biochemical and genetic knowledge on the bacterial pathways that degrade or transform this molecule, given that the characterization of cholesterol metabolism would contribute not only to understand its role in tuberculosis but also to develop new biotechnological processes that use this and other related molecules as starting or target materials.

The polyhydroxyalkanoate metabolism controls carbon and energy spillage in Pseudomonas putida

The synthesis and degradation of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), the storage polymer of many bacteria, is linked to the operation of central carbon metabolism. To rationalize the impact of PHA accumulation on central carbon metabolism of the prototype bacterium Pseudomonas putida, we have revisited PHA production in quantitative physiology experiments in the wild-type strain vs. a PHA negative mutant growing under low nitrogen conditions. When octanoic acid was used as PHA precursor and as carbon and energy source, we have detected higher intracellular flux via acetyl-CoA in the mutant strain than in the wild type, which correlates with the stimulation of the TCA cycle and glyoxylate shunt observed on the transcriptional level. The mutant defective in carbon and energy storage spills the additional resources, releasing CO(2) instead of generating biomass. Hence, P. putida operates the metabolic network to optimally exploit available resources and channels excess carbon and energy to storage via PHA, without compromising growth. These findings demonstrate that the PHA metabolism plays a critical role in synchronizing global metabolism to availability of resources in PHA-producing microorganisms.

Response of Rabbit Ear and Femoral Arteries to 5-Hydroxytryptamine During Cooling

The effects of cooling on the response of cutaneous and non-cutaneous arteries to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were analysed.

Segments 2-mm long from rabbit central ear (cutaneous) and femoral (non-cutaneous) arteries were prepared for isometric tension recording in an organ bath at 37 and 24°C (cooling). 5-HT (10−9-3 times 10−4 M) induced concentration-dependent contraction of the arteries. The sensitivity and maximal contraction of ear arteries and only the maximal contraction of femoral arteries to this amine were reduced at 24°C.

Endothelium removal or pretreatment with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME, 10−5  m) did not affect the response at 37°C but reversed the decreased sensitivity at 24°C in ear arteries, and neither procedure modified the reactivity at 24 or 37°C in femoral arteries to 5-HT. At both temperatures, the response of ear arteries to 5-HT was shifted to the right by phentolamine (10−6M) more than by the 5-HT antagonist, ketanserin (3 times 10−7M), and that of femoral arteries was shifted to the right by ketanserin or the 5-HT1/5-HT2 antagonist methysergide (3 times 10−7 M) more than by phentolamine, in arteries with and without endothelium.

These data concur with the proposition that the contraction to 5-HT is mediated mainly by α-adrenergic receptors in ear arteries and mainly by 5-HT-ergic receptors in femoral arteries, and suggest that cooling reduces the sensitivity of cutaneous, but not of deep arteries to 5-HT, probably by endothelium-nitric oxide-dependent mechanisms.

Nucleoid-associated PhaF phasin drives intracellular location and segregation of polyhydroxyalkanoate granules in Pseudomonas putida KT2442

The PhaF is a nucleoid-associated like protein of Pseudomonas putida KT2442 involved in the polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) metabolism. Its primary structure shows two modular domains; the N-terminal PHA granule-binding domain (phasin domain) and the C-terminal half containing AAKP-like tandem repeats characteristic of the histone H1 family. Although the PhaF binding to PHA granules and its role as transcriptional regulator have been previously demonstrated, the cell physiology meaning of these properties remains unknown. This work demonstrates that PhaF plays a crucial role in granule localization within the cell. TEM and flow cytometry studies of cells producing granules at early growth stage demonstrated that PhaF directs the PHA granules to the centre of the cells, forming a characteristic needle array. Our studies demonstrated the existence of two markedly different cell populations in the strain lacking PhaF protein, i.e. cells with and without PHA. Complementation studies definitively demonstrated a key role of PhaF in granule segregation during the cell division ensuring the equal distribution of granules between daughter cells. In vitro studies showed that PhaF binds DNA through its C-terminal domain in a non-specific manner. All these findings suggested a main role of PhaF in PHA apparatus through interactions with the segregating chromosome.

Escherichia coli mhpR gene expression is regulated by catabolite repression mediated by the cAMP-CRP complex

The expression of the mhp genes involved in the degradation of the aromatic compound 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid (3HPP) in Escherichia coli is dependent on the MhpR transcriptional activator at the Pa promoter. This catabolic promoter is also subject to catabolic repression in the presence of glucose mediated by the cAMP-CRP complex. The Pr promoter drives the MhpR-independent expression of the regulatory gene. In vivo and in vitro experiments have shown that transcription from the Pr promoter is downregulated by the addition of glucose and this catabolic repression is also mediated by the cAMP-CRP complex. The activation role of the cAMP-CRP regulatory system was further investigated by DNase I footprinting assays, which showed that the cAMP-CRP complex binds to the Pr promoter sequence, protecting a region centred at position -40.5, which allowed the classification of Pr as a class II CRP-dependent promoter. Open complex formation at the Pr promoter is observed only when RNA polymerase and cAMP-CRP are present. Finally, by in vitro transcription assays we have demonstrated the absolute requirement of the cAMP-CRP complex for the activation of the Pr promoter.

Onychomatricoma: genome-wide analyses of a rare nail matrix tumor

BACKGROUND

Onychomatricoma (OM) is a rare benign tumor of the nail matrix in which genome-wide analyses have never been performed. It is clinically characterized by an increased transversal curvature of the nail plate, a longitudinal yellowish discoloration, and splinter hemorrhages. Once the nail plate has been removed, fingerlike fibrokeratogenous projections appear through the proximal nailfold. Histologically, it is a fibroepithelial tumor with well-established features. In this article, a comprehensive review of this tumor is made.

OBJECTIVE

We performed a genome-wide analysis of an OM, in an attempt to shed light on the mechanisms underlying its development.

METHODS

We report a 36-year-old man who was given a diagnosis of OM involving his fourth right toenail. To investigate molecular genetic alterations, we carried out two approaches, fluorescent in situ hybridization and array-based comparative genomic hybridization, in our patient.

RESULTS

Genomic testing of OM showed 34 genomic alterations, with most of the genomic losses being on chromosome 11. Array-based comparative genomic hybridization showed the deletion of 11p15.4, which harbors STIM-1, 11q14.2 (RP-11 292E14), which harbors the Cathepsin C gene, 11q14 (RP11-281F10-RP11-265F24), and 11q21 (RP11-203F8 and RP11 183A22).

LIMITATIONS

This work is an initial approach to a genome-wide study of this tumor. Further studies (with more cases) must be conducted to pinpoint possible candidate genes for the development of OM.

CONCLUSIONS

Array-based comparative genomic hybridization showed important genomic alterations in OM, especially genomic losses. Most genomic losses affected the chromosome 11 in our patient. The STIM-1 and the Cathepsin C genes might play a role in the development of OM.

A high number of losses in 13q14 chromosome band is associated with a worse outcome and biological differences in patients with B-cell chronic lymphoid leukemia

BACKGROUND

Among patients with B-cell chronic lymphoid leukemia, those with 13q14 deletion have a favorable outcome. However, whether the percentage of cells with 13q- influences the prognosis or the biological characteristics of this disease is unknown. We analyzed the clinico-biological characteristics and outcome of patients with B-cell chronic lymphoid leukemia with loss of 13q as the sole cytogenetic aberration.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Three hundred and fifty patients with B-cell chronic lymphoid leukemia were studied. Clinical data were collected and fluorescence in situ hybridization and molecular studies were carried out. In addition, a gene expression profile was obtained by microarray-based analysis.

RESULTS

In 109 out of the 350 cases (31.1%) loss of 13q was the sole cytogenetic aberration at diagnosis. In the subgroup of patients with 80% or more of cells with loss of 13q (18 cases), the overall survival was 56 months compared with not reached in the 91 cases in whom less than 80% of cells had loss of 13q (p< 0.0001). The variables included in the multivariate analysis for overall survival were the percentage of losses of 13q14 (p=0.001) and B symptoms (p=0.007). The time to first therapy in the group with 80% or more vs. less than 80% of losses was 38 months vs. 87 months, respectively (p=0.05). In the multivariate analysis the variables selected were unmutated status of IgV(H) (p=0.001) and a high level of beta(2)microglobulin (p=0.003). Interestingly, these differences regarding overall survival and time to first therapy were also present when other cut-offs were considered. The gene expression profile of patients with a high number of losses in 13q14 showed a high proliferation rate, downregulation of apoptosis-related genes, and dysregulation of genes related to mitochondrial functions.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with B-cell chronic lymphoid leukemia with a high number of losses in 13q14 as the sole cytogenetic aberration at diagnosis display different clinical and biological features: short overall survival and time to first therapy as well as more proliferation and less apoptosis. A quantification of the number of cells showing a genetic abnormality should, therefore, be included in the study of the prognostic factors of B-cell chronic lymphoid leukemia.

Pseudomesotheliomatous carcinoma of the lung with a distinct morphology, immunohistochemistry, and comparative genomic hybridization profile

We report 4 cases of pseudomesotheliomatous carcinoma of the lung, which has clinical and microscopic features similar to malignant mesothelioma, but with ultrastructural, immunohistochemical, and molecular characteristics suggestive of a histogenesis from type II pneumocytes. Neoplasm grows as a diffuse or solid pattern of large polygonal cells with sharply defined borders. Hale's colloidal iron is positive in the cytoplasm of small groups of cells and, focally, in some intercellular spaces. Ultrastructure showed short microvilli in the surface. Immunohistochemically, tumor cells were positive for thyroid transcription factor-1, podoplanin, mesothelin, pan-cytokeratin, CK-7, CK-19, Ber-EP4, epithelial membrane antigen, apoprotein surfactant A, epidermal growth factor receptor, Leu-M1, carcinoembryonic antigen, E-cadherin, and CD-44 and negative for mesothelioma markers thrombomodulin and calretinin. In some areas, there were small cysts which contained a concentric fibrilar basophilic material apoprotein surfactant A positive. Chromosomal imbalances with comparative genomic hybridization technique were identified with a median of 15 abnormalities per case (range, 1-26): 51 gains, 6 losses, and 1 high-level amplification. The most frequent aberrations among the cases were gains on chromosomes regions 1q, 3q, 5p, 8q, 16p, and 18q and losses in 17p11-13 and 17q 22-q25. High-level amplifications were detected on 7p13-p21. In all cases, there was a characteristic association between the gains on 16p and those on 18q. The 4 cases resulted in death in less than 14 months, in spite of complete surgery and chemotherapy in 2 cases. Our aim is to complement the current understanding of this pseudomesotheliomatous "pneumocytic" carcinoma and alert pathologists to this rare entity to avoid misdiagnosis.

SLUG (SNAI2) overexpression in embryonic development

The Snail-related zinc-finger transcription factor, SLUG (SNAI2), is critical for the normal development of neural crest-derived cells and loss-of-function SLUG mutations have been proven to cause piebaldism and Waardenburg syndrome type 2 in a dose-dependent fashion. However, little is known about the consequences of SLUG overexpression in embryonic development. We report SLUG duplication in a child with a unique de novo 8q11.2-->q13.3 duplication associated with tetralogy of Fallot, submucous cleft palate, renal anomalies, hypotonia and developmental delay. To investigate the effects of Slug overexpression on development, we analyzed mice carrying a Slug transgene. These mice were morphologically normal at birth, inferring that Slug overexpression is not sufficient to cause overt morphogenetic defects. In the adult mice, there was a 20% incidence of sudden death, cardiomegaly and cardiac failure associated with incipient mesenchymal tumorigenesis. These findings, while not directly implicating Slug in congenital and acquired heart disease, raise the possibility that Slug overexpression may contribute to specific cardiac phenotypes and cancer development.

Compatibility and stability of the novel anticancer agent ES-285 x HCl formulated with 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin in infusion devices

ES-285 x HCl is a novel marine-derived anticancer agent isolated from the clam Spisula polynyma. The compound is pharmaceutically formulated as a lyophilised product containing 25 or 50 mg ES-285 x HCl and 500 or 1000 mg 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin per dosage unit and requires reconstitution with sterile water for injection before intravenous administration. The aim of this study was to determine the stability and compatibility of ES-285 x HCl in infusion devices. ES-285 x HCl was shown to be stable at concentrations of 10-1400 microg/ml after dilution in 5% dextrose in water and compatible with PE infusion containers and PE and silicone tubing. No sorption on- or into the administration set was observed at concentrations equal to or above 20 microg/ml. In conclusion, ES-285 x HCl infusion solutions can be administered without stability or sorption problems using a PE infusion container and PE or silicone tubing in concentrations equal or above 20 microg/ml in 3-hour or 24-hour infusion administration schedules.

Analysis of chromosomal imbalances in an elderly woman with a giant cell tumour

Giant cell tumour (GCT) remains one of the most obscure and intensely studied bone tumours. In an effort to resolve questions regarding the genesis and clinical outcome of GCT, advances have been made recently in the identification of chromosomal abnormalities implicated in the tumour. Fusion of telomeres is very frequent in GCT, and this process may be associated with chromosome instability and tumour development. However, little emphasis has been placed on chromosomal imbalances in the molecular characterization of this disease. Here, we report the case of an 83-year-old woman diagnosed with GCT where local recurrence was observed after 11 months of the resection. Cytogenetic studies of the GCT showed a modal number of 46 chromosomes with telomeric associations on 11p and dicentric chromosomes. Moreover, clonal abnormalities, such as del(17p) and losses of chromosomes 4, 13 and 18 and gains on chromosome 7, were also detected. Interestingly, comparative genomic hybridisation (CGH) analysis revealed chromosomal imbalances with gains on chromosomes 1p31-q44, 6q12-q23 and 12q15-q22. Thus, the use of CGH expanded the information obtained by conventional cytogenetics and demonstrated that chromosomal imbalances were associated with the recurrence of the GCT.

Gene expression profile reveals deregulation of genes with relevant functions in the different subclasses of acute myeloid leukemia

Bone marrow samples from 43 adult patients with de novo diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML)--10 acute promyelocytic leukemias (APL) with t(15;17), four AML with inv(16), seven monocytic leukemias and 22 nonmonocytic leukemias--were analyzed using high-density oligonucleotide microarrays. Hierarchical clustering analysis segregated APL, AML with inv(16), monocytic leukemias and the remaining AML into separate groups. A set of only 21 genes was able to assign AML to one of these three classes: APL, inv(16) and other AML subtype without a specific translocation. Quantitative RT-PCR performed for 18 out of these predictor genes confirmed microarray results. APL expressed high levels of FGF13 and FGFR1 as well as two potent angiogenic factors, HGF and VEGF. AML with inv(16) showed an upregulation of MYH11 and a downregulation of a gene encoding a core-binding factor protein, RUNX3. Genes involved in cell adhesion represented the most altered functional category in monocytic leukemias. Two major groups emerged from the remaining 22 AML: cluster A with 10 samples and cluster B with 12. All the eight leukemias that were either refractory to treatment or that relapsed afterwards were assigned to cluster B. In the latter cluster, CD34 upregulation and serine proteases downregulation is consistent with a maturation arrest and lack of granulocytic differentiation.

Abnormalities on 1q and 7q are associated with poor outcome in sporadic Burkitt's lymphoma. A cytogenetic and comparative genomic hybridization study

Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) studies have demonstrated a high incidence of chromosomal imbalances in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. However, the information on the genomic imbalances in Burkitt's Lymphoma (BL) is scanty. Conventional cytogenetics was performed in 34 cases, and long-distance PCR for t(8;14) was performed in 18 cases. A total of 170 changes were present with a median of four changes per case (range 1-22). Gains of chromosomal material (143) were more frequent than amplifications (5) or losses (22). The most frequent aberrations were gains on chromosomes 12q (26%), Xq (22%), 22q (20%), 20q (17%) and 9q (15%). Losses predominantly involved chromosomes 13q (17%) and 4q (9%). High-level amplifications were present in the regions 1q23-31 (three cases), 6p12-p25 and 8p22-p23. Upon comparing BL vs Burkitt's cell leukemia (BCL), the latter had more changes (mean 4.3 +/- 2.2) than BL (mean 2.7 +/- 3.2). In addition, BCL cases showed more frequently gains on 8q, 9q, 14q, 20q, and 20q, 9q, 8q and 14q, as well as losses on 13q and 4q. Concerning outcome, the presence of abnormalities on 1q (ascertained either by cytogenetics or by CGH), and imbalances on 7q (P=0.01) were associated with a short survival.

Effect of clotrimazole on microsomal metabolism and pharmacokinetics of albendazole

Albendazole is a broad spectrum anthelmintic drug widely used in human and veterinary medicine. Intestinal and hepatic albendazole metabolism leads to albendazole sulfoxide (active metabolite) and albendazole sulfone (inactive metabolite) formation. Microsomal sulfonase activity can be abolished by in-vitro interaction with clotrimazole and pharmacokinetic studies confirm this interaction. After albendazole incubation, albendazole sulfone formation was completely inhibited by 50 microM clotrimazole in intestinal incubations and a 50% inhibition was observed in hepatic incubations. The lower inhibition constant (K(i)) value observed in the intestinal incubations (9.4 +/- 1.0 microM) compared with the hepatic counterparts (23.3 +/- 15.8 microM) pointed to a greater affinity of the enzymatic systems in the intestine. Regarding the formation of albendazole sulfoxide, an inhibition close to 50% was observed in liver and intestine at 10 microM clotrimazole. The pharmacokinetic parameters obtained following the oral co-administration of albendazole sulfoxide and clotrimazole corroborated the in-vitro inhibition of albendazole sulfone formation, since the ratio of the area under the plasma concentration-time curves for the sulfoxide/sulfone (AUC(ABZSO)/AUC(ABZSO2)) was significantly higher (38.1%). In addition, the AUC and C(max) for albendazole sulfone were significantly lower. The effect of clotrimazole was also studied after prolonged treatment. Hepatic microsomal metabolism of albendazole was induced after 10 days of clotrimazole administration, with significant increases in formation of albendazole sulfoxide (40%) and sulfone (27%). These results offer further insight into the metabolism of benzimidazole drugs and highlight the difficulty involved in human therapy with these anthelmintics, since after prolonged treatment the drug interactions are affected differentially.