The Boy:Girl Ratio of Children Diagnosed with Growth Hormone Deficiency-Induced Short Stature Is Associated with the Boy:Girl Ratio of Children Visiting Short Stature Clinics

BACKGROUND

About twice as many boys as girls undergo growth hormone (GH) therapy in GH deficiency (GHD). However, this sex difference may not correctly reflect a real incidence.

OBJECTIVES

We analyzed the evidence of a selection bias whereby more boys seek treatment at short stature clinics.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The present study included 3,902 children who visited 17 short stature clinics with a height SD score of -2 SD or less. The percentage of children who underwent the GH stimulation test was compared between boys and girls, as was the percentage of children ultimately diagnosed with GHD.

RESULTS

The children comprised 2,390 boys (61.3%) and 1,512 girls (38.7%), with a boy:girl ratio of 1.58:1. The percentage of children who underwent the GH stimulation test did not differ between boys (45.7%) and girls (49.8%). Among the children who underwent the GH stimulation test, the percentage diagnosed with GHD did not differ significantly between boys (22.0%) and girls (20.1%). The boy:girl ratio of children diagnosed with GHD was 1.59:1.

CONCLUSIONS

The boy:girl ratio of children with short stature (1.58:1) did not differ significantly from that of children diagnosed with GHD (1.59:1). These results indicate that the predominance of boys in GHD does not reflect a real incidence, but rather a selection bias whereby a higher proportion of boys with short stature seek treatment at clinics. This difference arises because parents are more concerned about boys' height, and because boys reach adult height at an older age.

Autologous skeletal myoblast sheet prevents cardiomyocyte ischemia and right heart dysfunction in pressure-overloaded right heart porcine model

Introduction

Severe heart failure (HF) with congenital heart disease (CHD) have demonstrated life threatening disorder despite of remarkable progress in medical therapies. Autologous skeletal myoblast sheet transplantation therapy showed clinical efficacy for left ventricular dysfunction by cytokine paracrine effects, which are expected to be sufficiently effective against right ventricular (RV) dysfunction which is often seen in end-stage of CHD patients with severe HF.

Hypothesis

An autologous skeletal myoblast sheet transplantation alleviates RV dysfunction in a pressure-overloaded right heart in a porcine model.

Methods

Five-to-six-month-old Göttingen mini-pigs underwent pulmonary artery banding with vascular occluding system. To create the porcine model of chronic pressure-overloaded right heart, vascular occluding system was gradually inflated, over a month, to make pulmonary stenosis to banding velocity >3.0 m/s measured by echocardiography (UCG), and then fixed for another month. Two months after banding, autologous skeletal myoblast sheet was placed on the epicardium of the RV free wall and followed for 2 months. Groups were as follows: control (C, n=5), sheet implantation (S, n=5). Cardiac function was measured using UCG, cardiac computed tomography (CT), and cardiac catheterization (Cath). Two months after sheet implantation, hearts were dissected for histologic analysis.

Results

Before sheet implantation, RV dysfunction was equal in groups; however, 2 months after sheet implantation, RV dysfunction and myocardial ischemia was significantly ameliorated in group S than group C. On CT, RV ejection fraction exacerbation were well controlled in Group S compared to Group C (S 44.9±2.2 vs C 31.9±2.1% [p=0.0042]). UCG and Cath revealed well maintained systolic and diastolic function in Group S compared to Group C (Tei index: S 0.42±0.06 vs C 0.70±0.07 [p=0.0240], Fraction Area Change: S 45.8±7.8 vs C 19.5±1.3% [p=0.0240], Isovolumic Relaxation Time; S 44.3±9.2 vs C 97.3±9.5 ms [p=0.0304]). On C11-Acetate Positron Emission Tomography, myocardial ischemia was more prominent in Group C compared to Group S (K mono-Rest/Stress: S 3.17±0.69 vs C 2.03±0.65 min-1 [p=0.0421], Myocardial Blood Flow-Rest/Stress: S 3.22±0.39 vs C 2.13±0.92 min-1 [p=0.0421]). In histologic analysis, Group S presented less progressed hypertrophic change in periodic acid-Schiff stain (S 13.5±0.9 vs C 18.0±3.0 μg [p=0.0240]), anti-fibrotic changes in picrosirius red stain (S 3.0±0.3 vs C 4.2±0.2% [p=0.0421]), more angiogenesis in CD31 expression (S 18.3±1.5 vs C 10.7±2.8 / 104 μm2 [p=0.0240]), and less production of reactive oxygen species in fluorescent immunostaining (S 5.9±1.7 vs C 18.4±1.7% [p=0.0304]).

Conclusion

Autologous skeletal myoblast sheet transplantation alleviates cardiomyocyte Ischemia and RV dysfunction in a porcine model of pressure-overloaded right heart.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Functional engineered heart tissue cultured in a rotating wall vessel bioreactor improve cardiac function in the distressed rat heart

Introduction

How to construct massive cardiac tissue and culture it with functional improvement may be crucial as cardiomyogenesis in failed heart. We previously presented that dynamic culture in a rotating wall vessel (RWV) bioreactor could provide a better culture environment for maintenance of the engineered 3D cardiac tissue. However, it is unknown about the effect of the tissue cultured in a RWV bioreactor on engraftment and improvement of function in the distressed rat heart.

Hypothesis

We hypothesized that the engineered 3D cardiac tissue cultured in a RWV bioreactor could improve its engraftment and lead recovery of cardiac function in rat infarction model.

Methods

We made engineered cardiac tissue by seeding 2.0 × 106 human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes on the PLGA fiber sheet. It was cultured in the RWV bioreactor for seven days (RWV group). For the control, static culture has been done. After in vitro assessment, these tissues were transplanted to myocardial infarction model nude rats (sham, control, and RWV group, n=10, respectively) and cardiac performance was evaluated by ultrasonography. Four weeks after transplantation, we evaluated their hearts by histological analysis.

Results

The RWV group demonstrated maturation of cardiomyocytes evidenced by significantly higher expression of Troponin T (TnT), sarcomeric α actinin (SAA), connexin 43 (Cx43) and myosin heavy chain 7 (MYH7) than the control by Western blots (TnT; 2.7±1.0 vs. 1.0±0.4, p<0.01, SAA; 2.1±0.7 vs. 1.0±0.2, p<0.01, Cx 43; 2.0±0.6 vs. 1.0±0.1, p<0.05, MYH7; 10.9±2.7 vs. 1.0±0.1, p<0.01). In the culture supernatant, the concentration of cytokines related to angiogenesis was significantly higher in the RWV group than in the control (VEGF; 29.6±7.4 vs. 12.2±4.3pg/ml, p<0.01, HGF; 72.7±9.9 vs. 42.6±5.9pg/ml, p<0.01). Four weeks after transplantation, the left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly improved in the RWV group than in the control (RWV vs. control; 47±4.9 vs. 38±6.9%, p<0.01). On histological analysis, more engineered cardiac tissue survived in the RWV group than in the control (RWV vs. control; 7/10 vs. 3/10, p=0.18). A vascular-like structure double-stained with isolectin B4 and smooth muscle actin was partially observed in the transplanted tissue. LV remodeling exhibiting extracellular collagen deposition (fibrotic area, RWV vs. control; 17±4.3 vs. 24±5.2%, p<0.05) and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy (RWV vs. control; 16±1.7 vs. 18±2.1μm, p<0.05) was significantly attenuated in RWV group than in the control. Neovascularization was significantly noted in the RWV group compared with the control (capillary density, RWV vs. control; 545±113 vs. 356±92, p<0.01).

Conclusion

Functional engineered 3D cardiac tissue cultured in a RWV bioreactor could induce angiogenesis and improved its engraftment, leading significant improvement of cardiac function in rat infarction model.

Dynamic culture in a RWV bioreactor

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Japan Society for the Promotion of Science

P315In-vivo and vitro mitochondrial transfer from adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell to ischemic cardiomyocyte

Background

Although transplantation of human Adipose-derived Mesenchymal stem cell (hADSC) shows efficacy in the treatment of ischemic cardiomyopathy, its therapeutic mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. It has been already reported that mitochondria transfer to recipient cells have impact on resistance to injury and tissue regeneration, however this phenomenon has not been elucidated in the damaged heart. Therefore, we hypothesized that ADSC transfer own mitochondria to cardiomyocytes in-vivo and in-vitro under ischemic condition, resulting in the functional recovery of cardiomyocyte.

Method and result

Transplantation of hADSC (group A) to the heart surface or sham operation (group C) was performed in rats that were subjected to LAD ligation 2 weeks prior to the treatment (n=10 each). The number of transplant cell was 1x106/body. Three days after transplantation, transferred hADSCs' mitochondria were observed in recipient cardiomyocytes histologically (Figure). Quantitative PCR analysis revealed that mitochondrial genome of recipient myocytes increased over time. The cardiac function assessed with echocardiography was significantly better in group A. Furthermore, live-imaging of hADSC transplantation revealed the suspected transfer of mitochondria to beating heart.

In-vitro, the co-culture of rat cardiomyocytes (rCM) and hADSC was observed with time-lapse photography and demonstrated mitochondrial transfer under the hypoxic condition. The measuring the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) of these cells showed that OCR of rCM was reinforced by co-culture with hADSC conspicuously.

Figure 1

Conclusion

Mitochondrial transfer from hADSC to rCM was suggested in-vivo and in-vitro ischemic condition and suspected to be related to functional recovery of ischemic cardiomyocyte.

P5391Systemic administration of high-mobility group box 1 can suppress adverse post-infarction ventricular remodeling in a rat infarction model by enhancing self-regeneration

Background

High-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) reportedly enhances CXCR4-positive bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BM-MSC) recruitment to damaged tissue to promote tissue regeneration.

Purpose

Our aim of this study is to evaluate whether systemic administration of HMGB1 might promote tissue repair in a rat myocardial infarction (MI) model.

Methods

We prepared 26 MI model rats with high ligation of the left coronary artery. Two weeks later, HMGB1 (3 mg/kg/day) or phosphate-buffered saline (control: 3 mL/kg/day) was administered for 4 days via femoral vein. Cardiac performance was evaluated by ultrasonography, left ventricular (LV) remodeling via immunostaining. We then used immunostaining to examine MSC recruitment to damaged tissue in green fluorescent protein bone marrow transplantation (GFP-BMT) model rats, and also performed intravital imaging using two-photon microscopy to visualize BM-cells recruitment in real time.

Results

Compared with control rats, there was a significant improvement in the left ventricular ejection fraction of the HMGB1 group (HMGB1 vs. control: 48.6% ± 5.5% vs. 33.6% ± 5.4%; p<0.01) at 4 weeks after each administration. LV remodeling, characterized by interstitial fibrosis, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, and a decrease of capillary density, was significantly attenuated in the HMGB1 group compared with control rats. On QT-PCR analysis, VEGF mRNA expression was significantly higher in the HMGB1 group than in the control (border zone; 1.6±0.6 vs. 1.1±0.2; p=0.02, septal zone; 1.1±0.1 vs. 0.9±0.1; p<0.01). In GFP-BMT rats, GFP+/PDGFR+ cells were significantly mobilized to the border zone in the HMGB1 group compared with the control (1331±197 vs. 615±45 /mm2; p<0.01), leading to formation of newly developed vasculature (Figure 1). In intravital imaging, more GFP+ cells were mobilized to the infarction area in the HMGB1 group than in the control, which was further enhanced at 12h later. Additionally, SDF-1 expression in the peri-infarction area increased significantly in MI rats compared with normal rats (MI vs. normal; 2.1±0.4 vs. 0.9±0.1; p<0.01), in where some cell-adhesions of vascular endothelial cells were destroyed.

Conclusions

Systemic administration of HMGB1 mobilized BM-MSCs to the damaged myocardium via the SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling complex. Those BM-MSCs might migrate to extracellular matrix in the border zone via the gap of each endothelial cell, leading to induction of angiogenesis and reduced fibrosis.

Acknowledgement/Funding

None

Individual Clinically Diagnosed with CHARGE Syndrome but with a Mutation in KMT2D, a Gene Associated with Kabuki Syndrome: A Case Report

We report a Japanese female patient presenting with classic features of CHARGE syndrome, including choanal atresia, growth and development retardation, ear malformations, genital anomalies, multiple endocrine deficiency, and unilateral facial nerve palsy. She was clinically diagnosed with typical CHARGE syndrome, but genetic analysis using the TruSight One Sequence Panel revealed a germline heterozygous mutation in KMT2D with no pathogenic CHD7 alterations associated with CHARGE syndrome. Kabuki syndrome is a rare multisystem disorder characterized by five cardinal manifestations including typical facial features, skeletal anomalies, dermatoglyphic abnormalities, mild to moderate intellectual disability, and postnatal growth deficiency. Germline mutations in KMT2D underlie the molecular pathogenesis of 52–76% of patients with Kabuki syndrome. This is an instructive case that clearly represents a phenotypic overlap between Kabuki syndrome and CHARGE syndrome. It suggests the importance of considering the possibility of a diagnosis of Kabuki syndrome even if patients present with typical symptoms and meet diagnostic criteria of CHARGE syndrome. The case also emphasizes the impact of non-biased exhaustive genetic analysis by next-generation sequencing in the genetic diagnosis of rare congenital disorders with atypical manifestations.

Clinical Epidemiology and Treatment of Febrile and Afebrile Convulsions With Mild Gastroenteritis: A Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND

We investigated features and responses to treatment in patients with febrile and afebrile convulsions with mild gastroenteritis and characterized convulsions with rotavirus and norovirus gastroenteritis.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective, observational study to evaluate patients with febrile and afebrile convulsions with mild gastroenteritis who were hospitalized between November 2011 and March 2014 at 13 facilities in the National Hospital Organization. We classified the patients into two groups: presence or absence of fever. We investigated the background, clinical and laboratory characteristics, viral antigen in stool, and efficacy of anticonvulsant drugs.

RESULTS

Of 126 patients enrolled in this study, 50 were febrile (Fc group) and 76 were afebrile (aFc group). A family history of febrile seizures was significantly more frequent in the Fc group than in the aFc group (28.0% vs 9.2%, P = 0.005). Clinical characteristics were similar between the rotavirus and norovirus groups, but fever was significantly more frequent in the rotavirus group (46.2% vs 8.3%, P < 0.001). Serum sodium levels were significantly negatively related to the number of seizures in the aFc group (β = -0.13; 95% confidence interval, -0.24, -0.03; P = 0.01). Carbamazepine was significantly more efficacious than diazepam suppositories in the aFc group (odds ratio = 49.3, 95% confidence interval, 2.35, 1037; P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Febrile convulsions with mild gastroenteritis show characteristics of both febrile seizures and convulsions with mild gastroenteritis. Carbamazepine is optimal for convulsions with mild gastroenteritis. Clinical features of convulsions with rotavirus and norovirus gastroenteritis are similar, except for fever. Serum sodium levels may play a major role in the onset of convulsions with mild gastroenteritis.

HLA-G1, but Not HLA-G3, Suppresses Human Monocyte/Macrophage-mediated Swine Endothelial Cell Lysis

The inhibitory function of HLA-G1, a class Ib molecule, on monocyte/macrophage-mediated cytotoxicity was examined. The expression of inhibitory receptors that interact with HLA-G, immunoglobulin-like transcript 2 (ILT2), ILT4, and KIR2DL4 (CD158d) on in vitro-generated macrophages obtained from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and the phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-activated THP-1 cells were examined by flow cytometry. cDNAs of HLA-G1, HLA-G3, HLA-E, and human β2-microglobulin were prepared, transfected into pig endothelial cells (PECs), and macrophage- and the THP-1 cell-mediated PEC cytolysis was then assessed. In vitro-generated macrophages expressed not only ILT2 and ILT4 but CD158d as well. The transgenic HLA-G1 on PEC indicated a significant suppression in macrophage-mediated cytotoxicity, which was equivalent to that of transgenic HLA-E. HLA-G1 was clearly expressed on the cell surface of PEC, whereas the levels of HLA-G3 were much lower and remained in the intracellular space. On the other hand, the PMA-activated THP-1 cell was less expressed these inhibitory molecules than in vitro-generated macrophages. Therefore, the HLA-G1 on PECs showed a significant but relatively smaller suppression to THP-1 cell-mediated cytotoxicity compared to in vitro-generated macrophages. These results indicate that by generating HLA-G1, but not HLA-G3, transgenic pigs can protect porcine grafts from monocyte/macrophage-mediated cytotoxicity.

Studies of Pig Complement: Measurement of Pig CH50, ACH50, and Components

BACKGROUND

On the basis of a comparison of the hemolytic complement titer in pigs with that in humans, the complement system of pigs was investigated. The response of innate immunity, such as the natural antibodies, against humans was also examined.

METHODS

Hemolytic complement activity of pig serum was measured with the use of a microtitration technique. CH50 was determined according to the method of Mayer. ACH50 was assayed according to the methods of Platts-Milles and Ishizaka. Hemolytic activities of C1, C4, C2, C3, C5, C8, and C9 were estimated through the use of intermediate cells and reagents, as described previously. In addition, the pig natural anti-human antibody was studied with the use of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Human PBMCs were stained with 5% pig serum, followed by staining with fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled goat anti-pig IgG and IgM. The resulting stained cells were quantified by use of a FACScalibur system. The alternative pathway of pig complement was also measured with the use of human erythrocytes and normal pooled pig serum with or without Mg(++)EGTA.

RESULTS

Both the CH50 and ACH50 titers were lower than those of humans. Concerning the components, except for C3, each component, that is, C1, C4, C2, C5, C8, and C9, was also lower than that of humans, based on measured values for human complement components. Pig serum clearly contains natural antibodies, IgG and IgM, to human PBMCs. The alternative pathway of pig complement reacted with human erythrocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

As a whole, pig innate immunity, the complement system and natural antibody, recognizes the surfaces of human cells.

Knockout of Cytidine Monophospho-N-Acetylneuraminic Acid (CMP-NeuAc) Hydroxylase From Porcine Endothelial Cells by a CRISPR System

BACKGROUND

We attempted to knock out the expression of Hanganutziu-Deicher (H-D) antigens through the use of a CRISPR (clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeat)/Cas9 system for pig cytidine monophospho-N-acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase (CMAH).

METHODS

Plasmids expressing hCas9 and sgRNA for pCMAH were prepared by ligating oligos into the BbsI site of pX330. The N-terminal and C-terminal EGFP coding regions overlapping 482 bp were PCR-amplified and placed under a ubiquitous CAG promoter. The approximately 400-bp genomic fragments containing the sgRNA target sequence of pCMAH were placed into the multi-cloning sites flanked by the EGFP fragments. The pCAG-EGxxFP-target was mixed with pX330 with/without the sgRNA sequences and then introduced into HEK293T cells.

RESULTS

Four oligos and primers, gSO1, gSO3, gSO4, and gSO8, were nominated from 8 candidates. Among them, gSO1 showed the best efficiency. Pig endothelial cells (PECs) from an α-Gal knockout pig were then used to examine the changes in the expression of the H-D antigen by the knockout of the CMAH genome by the pX330-gS01.

CONCLUSIONS

Changes in the expression of the H-D antigen in the PECs with the CRISPR (gS01) were clear in comparison with those in the parental cells, on the basis of FACS analysis data. The expression of the H-D antigen can be knocked out by use of the CRISPR system for pCMAH, thus confirming that this system is a very convenient system for producing knockout pigs.

Supplemental Analysis for N-linked Sugars in Adult Pig Islets

The pig pancreas is considered to be one of the most suitable sources of islets for clinical xenotransplantation. However, after producing α1-3galactosyltransferase knockout pigs, most of the organs of these pigs showed less antigenicity to the human body. Wild-type adult pig islets (APIs) that originally produced negligible levels of α-Gal, different from neonatal porcine islet-like cell clusters, showed a clear antigenicity to human serum. Concerning the so-called non-Gal epitopes, many studies related to glycoproteins and glycolipids are ongoing in efforts to identify them. However, our knowledge of non-Gal glycoantigens remains incomplete. In our previous study, N-glycans were isolated from APIs, and the structures of 28 of the N-glycans were detected. In this study, to identify additional structures, further analyses were performed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). N-glycans were isolated from APIs by the method described by O'Neil et al with minor modifications and LC-MS-based structural analyses were then performed. The detected N-glycan peaks in the LC-MS spectra were selected using the FLexAnalysis software program and the structures of the glycans were predicted using the GlyocoMod Tool. The API preparation contained 11 peaks and 16 structures were then nominated as containing N-linked sugars. Among them, 5 sulfated glycans were estimated, confirming the existence of sulfate structures in N-glycans in API. In addition, these data may supplement several N-glycan structures that contain two deoxyhexose units, such as fucose, to our previous report. The data herein will be helpful for future studies of antigenicity associated with API.

Human HLA-Ev (147) Expression in Transgenic Animals

BACKGROUND

In our previous study, we reported on the development of substituting S147C for HLA-E as a useful gene tool for xenotransplantation. In this study we exchanged the codon of HLA-Ev (147), checked its function, and established a line of transgenic mice.

METHODS

A new construct, a codon exchanging human HLA-Ev (147) + IRES + human beta 2-microgloblin, was established. The construct was subcloned into pCXN2 (the chick beta-actin promoter and cytomegalovirus enhancer) vector. Natural killer cell- and macrophage-mediated cytotoxicities were performed using the established the pig endothelial cell (PEC) line with the new gene. Transgenic mice with it were next produced using a micro-injection method.

RESULTS

The expression of the molecule on PECs was confirmed by the transfection of the plasmid. The established molecules on PECs functioned well in regulating natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity and macrophage-mediated cytotoxicity. We have also successfully generated several lines of transgenic mice with this plasmid. The expression of HLA-Ev (147) in each mouse organ was confirmed by assessing the mRNA. The chick beta-actin promoter and cytomegalovirus enhancer resulted in a relatively broad expression of the gene in each organ, and a strong expression in the cases of the heart and lung.

CONCLUSION

A synthetic HLA-Ev (147) gene with a codon usage optimized to a mammalian system represents a critical factor in the development of transgenic animals for xenotransplantation.

Successful active immunization using a hepatitis B virus vaccination protocol for a recipient with hepatitis B core antibody-positive liver graft

INTRODUCTION

Donor shortages occasionally necessitate the use of hepatic allografts from hepatitis B core antibody-positive (HBcAb+) donors, with an attendant risk of post-transplantation hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The aim of the present study was to develop and evaluate a protocol of active immunization for prevention of post-transplantation de novo HBV infection in patients receiving liver grafts from HBcAb+ donors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ten patients who had received HBcAb+ liver grafts at Shinshu University Hospital between October 1996 and December 2012 were enrolled. All the recipients were negative for HBV serological tests, and HBV-DNA. Hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) was given routinely in the peritransplantation and post-transplantation periods, without antiviral drugs. Subcutaneous vaccination with recombinant HBV was given at a dosage of 20 μg in adults and 5 μg in children concomitant with HBIG until acquisition of active immunization. The timing to start HBV vaccination was dependent on the condition of the patient.

RESULTS

The median follow-up period after liver transplantation was 140 months, and the median period after transplantation until the start of vaccination was 7.0 months. Nine patients (90%) acquired active immunity after a median number of 4 (range, 2-13) vaccinations (hepatitis B surface antibody >300 mIU/mL for 1 year, or >100 mIU/mL thereafter), and did not require HBIG administration thereafter. None had any side effects of HBV vaccination or developed hepatitis B infection during the study period. Four fast responders who achieved antibody high titers by active immunization within 9 months received pretransplantation vaccinations, whereas 5 slow responders did not.

CONCLUSIONS

Our vaccination protocol provides a new effective strategy for prevention of de novo hepatitis B infection after liver transplantation in recipients with HBcAb+ liver grafts. Pretransplantation HBV vaccination was helpful for the post-transplantation vaccine response.

Monocytic suppressor cells derived from peripheral blood suppress xenogenic natural killer cell lysis

BACKGROUND

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) were initially found to contribute to immunosuppression in tumor patients and have recently been recognized as a subset of innate immune cells that are capable of regulating adaptive immunity. A variety of innate immune stimuli, such as lipopolysaccharide, act as a double-edged sword, inducing both the maturation of dendritic cells and the expansion of MDSCs.

METHODS

We isolated MDSCs from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and examined the suppressive effect of MDSCs against xenocytotoxicity mediated by YT cells, a natural killer-like cell line, with the use of the lactate dehydrogenase assay method.

RESULTS

Although primed MDSCs induced no significant suppression in YT cell-mediated cytotoxicity, activated MDSCs significantly suppressed the xenogenic cytotoxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that MDSCs have a great deal of potential as a therapeutic strategy for dealing with xenograft rejection. Further investigations of the underlying mechanisms will facilitate the development of this therapeutic strategy.

31 PRODUCTION EFFICIENCY OF GENE KNOCKOUT PIGS USING GENOME EDITING AND SOMATIC CELL CLONING

Genome editing technologies have been used as a powerful strategy for the generation of genetically modified pigs. We previously developed genetically modified clone pigs with organogenesis-disabled phenotypes, as well as pigs exhibiting diseases with similar features to those of humans. Here, we report the production efficiency of various gene knockout cloned pigs from somatic cells that were genetically modified using zinc finger nucleases (ZFN) or transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALEN). The ZFN- or TALEN-encoding mRNAs, which targeted 7 autosomal or X-linked genes, were introduced into porcine fetal fibroblast cells using electroporation. Clonal cell populations carrying induced mutations were selected after limiting dilution. The targeted portion of the genes was amplified using PCR, followed by sequencing and mutation analysis. Among the collected knockout cell colonies, cells showing good proliferation and morphology were selected and used for somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). In vitro-matured oocytes were obtained from porcine cumulus-oocyte complexes cultured in NCSU23-based medium and were used to obtain recipient oocytes for SCNT after enucleation. SCNT was performed as reported previously (Matsunari et al. 2008). The cloned embryos were cultured for 7 days in porcine zygote medium (PZM)-5 to assess their developmental ability. Cloned embryos were transplanted into the oviduct or uterus of oestrus-synchronized recipient gilts to evaluate their competence to develop to fetuses or piglets. Cloned embryos reconstructed with 7 types of knockout cells showed equal development to blastocysts compared with those derived from the wild-type cells (54.5–83.3% v. 60.7%). Our data (Table 1) demonstrated that the reconstructed embryos derived from knockout cells could efficiently give rise to cloned offspring regardless of the type of genome editing methodology (i.e. ZFN or TALEN). Table 1.Production efficiency of gene knockout cloned pigs using genome editing This study was supported by JST, ERATO, the Nakauchi Stem Cell and Organ Regeneration Project, JST, CREST, Meiji University International Institute for Bio-Resource Research (MUIIBR), and JSPS KAKENHI Grant Number 26870630.

Disruption of the temporally regulated cloaca endodermal β-catenin signaling causes anorectal malformations

The cloaca is temporally formed and eventually divided by the urorectal septum (URS) during urogenital and anorectal organ development. Although congenital malformations, such as anorectal malformations (ARMs), are frequently observed during this process, the underlying pathogenic mechanisms remain unclear. β-Catenin is a critical component of canonical Wnt signaling and is essential for the regulation of cell differentiation and morphogenesis during embryogenesis. The expression of β-catenin is observed in endodermal epithelia, including URS epithelia. We modulated the β-catenin gene conditionally in endodermal epithelia by utilizing tamoxifen-inducible Cre driver line (Shh^CreERT2). Both β-catenin loss- and gain-of-function (LOF and GOF) mutants displayed abnormal clefts in the perineal region and hypoplastic elongation of the URS. The mutants also displayed reduced cell proliferation in the URS mesenchyme. In addition, the β-catenin GOF mutants displayed reduced apoptosis and subsequently increased apoptosis in the URS epithelium. This instability possibly resulted in reduced expression levels of differentiation markers, such as keratin 1 and filaggrin, in the perineal epithelia. The expression of bone morphogenetic protein (Bmp) genes, such as Bmp4 and Bmp7, was also ectopically induced in the epithelia of the URS in the β-catenin GOF mutants. The expression of the Msx2 gene and phosphorylated-Smad1/5/8, possible readouts of Bmp signaling, was also increased in the mutants. Moreover, we introduced an additional mutation for a Bmp receptor gene: BmprIA. The Shh^CreERT2/+; β-catenin^flox(ex3)/+; BmprIA^flox/− mutants displayed partial restoration of URS elongation compared with the β-catenin GOF mutants. These results indicate that some ARM phenotypes in the β-catenin GOF mutants were caused by abnormal Bmp signaling. The current analysis revealed the close relation of endodermal β-catenin signaling to the ARM phenotypes. These results are considered to shed light on the pathogenic mechanisms of human ARMs.

Proposal to modify the International Union Against Cancer staging system for perihilar cholangiocarcinomas

BACKGROUND

The International Union Against Cancer (UICC) staging system for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma changed in 2009. The aim of this study was to validate and optimize the UICC system for these tumours.

METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted in eight Japanese hospitals between 2001 and 2010. Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma was defined as a cholangiocarcinoma that involves the hilar bile duct, independent of the presence or absence of a liver mass component. The stratification ability of the UICC tumour node metastasis (TNM) system was compared with that of a modified system.

RESULTS

Of 1352 patients, 35.9, 44.8 and 12.6 per cent had Bismuth type IV tumours, nodal metastasis (N1) and distant metastasis (M1) respectively. T4 tumours (43.2 per cent) and stage IVA (T4 Nany M0; 36.3 per cent) disease were most common. Survival was not significantly different between patients with T3 versus T4 tumours (P = 0.284). Survival for patients with stage IVA disease was comparable to that for patients with stage IIIB tumours (T1-3 N1 M0) (P = 0.426). Vascular invasion, pancreatic invasion, positive margin, N1 and M1 status were identified as independent predictors of survival. When Bismuth type IV tumours were removed from the T4 determinants and N1 tumours grouped together, the modified grouping had a higher linear trend χ2 and likelihood ratio χ2 compared with the original system (245.6 versus 170.3 respectively and 255.8 versus 209.3 respectively).

CONCLUSION

The present data suggest that minimal modification with removal of Bismuth type IV tumours from the T4 determinants and bundling of N1 disease may enhance the prognostic ability of the UICC system. However, this requires validation on an independent data set.

Management of advanced-stage neuroblastoma in a patient with 21-hydroxalase deficiency

A 2-year-old boy presented with a 21-hydroxylase deficiency, associated with advanced-stage neuroblastoma primarily occurring in the left adrenal gland. He required intensive chemotherapy with polypharmacy, followed by cord blood stem cell transplantation to treat the neuroblastoma. The precise adjustment of cortisol levels was crucial in this patient to prevent adrenal crisis. We administered hydrocortisone by continuous infusion while monitoring blood cortisol levels. As there are no published reports on the target cortisol levels for children, we used two control infants with advanced-stage neuroblastoma, also undergoing chemotherapy and cord blood stem cell transplantation, to guide the continuous hydrocortisone therapy. The daily dose of hydrocortisone during chemotherapy required about threefold the normal treatment to avoid adrenal insufficiency. Continuous hydrocortisone therapy is feasible for preventing adrenal crisis and this report may provide an effective management for hydrocortisone replacement in 21-hydroxylase-deficient patients undergoing chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

A cloning of cytidine monophospho-N-acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase from porcine endothelial cells

INTRODUCTION

The Hanganutziu-Deicher (H-D) antigen with terminal N-glycolyl neuraminic acid-(NeuGc) is widely distributed in mammalian species including monkeys and apes, but is not found in humans and birds. After the knock out of α1, 3galactosyltransfease, the H-D antigen became a major antigen of the "non-Gal antigen." The expression of NeuGc is controlled by the activity of cytidine monophospho-N-acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase (CMAH). In this study, molecular cloning of pig CMAH was performed, as the first step in producing H-D knockout pigs.

METHODS

A pig endothelial cell line, MYP30, was used. The DNA sequence of pig CMAH was queried in dbEST (NCBI) using the BLAST program to search for cDNA fragments of pig CMAH, based on an alignment analysis of the mouse CMAH sequence. A polymerase chain reaction experiment was performed and candidate cDNA clones were isolated. To obtain the 5'-end and 3'-end of the open reading frame sequence, a 5'-full RACE Core Set and 3'-full RACE Core Set were used.

RESULTS

We cloned and characterized the pig CMAH gene. The ATG is located in exon 4, which corresponds to the mouse gene, and the stop codon is in exon 17. In the case of the 5' site of the gene, exon 3 was identified but exons 1 and 2 are still being investigated. On the other hand, exon 18 was newly identified in the 3' site of the gene.

CONCLUSION

The results represent useful information for future clinical xenotransplantation studies.

Temporary auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation using a small graft for familial amyloid polyneuropathy

Donor shortage is a major issue in liver transplantation. We have successfully performed temporary auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation (APOLT) using a small volume graft procured from a living donor for recipients with familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP). The aim of this study was to evaluate this procedure by comparing it with standard living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). We compared 13 recipients undergoing this procedure with 23 recipients undergoing a standard LDLT for the treatment of FAP. The estimated donor graft volume and the graft volume/recipient's standard liver volume ratio were significantly smaller in the temporary APOLT group than in the standard LDLT group. Postoperative complications were comparable, although the hospital stay was longer in the temporary APOLT group. All the patients safely underwent a remnant native liver resection about 2 months after their first operation in the temporary APOLT group. No symptoms related to FAP developed before the remnant liver resection, and no significant differences in graft and patient survival were observed between the two groups. We successfully performed temporary APOLT using a small volume liver graft without postoperative liver failure for FAP. Temporary APOLT for FAP might be a useful alternative procedure for expanding the donor pool for LDLT.

Temporary auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation using a small graft for familial amyloid polyneuropathy

Donor shortage is a major issue in liver transplantation. We have successfully performed temporary auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation (APOLT) using a small volume graft procured from a living donor for recipients with familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP). The aim of this study was to evaluate this procedure by comparing it with standard living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). We compared 13 recipients undergoing this procedure with 23 recipients undergoing a standard LDLT for the treatment of FAP. The estimated donor graft volume and the graft volume/recipient's standard liver volume ratio were significantly smaller in the temporary APOLT group than in the standard LDLT group. Postoperative complications were comparable, although the hospital stay was longer in the temporary APOLT group. All the patients safely underwent a remnant native liver resection about 2 months after their first operation in the temporary APOLT group. No symptoms related to FAP developed before the remnant liver resection, and no significant differences in graft and patient survival were observed between the two groups. We successfully performed temporary APOLT using a small volume liver graft without postoperative liver failure for FAP. Temporary APOLT for FAP might be a useful alternative procedure for expanding the donor pool for LDLT.

Evaluation of viable β-cell mass is useful for selecting collagenase for human islet isolation: comparison of collagenase NB1 and liberase HI

The selection of enzyme blend is critical for the success of human islet isolations. Liberase HI collagenase (Roche) was introduced in the 1990s and had been widely used for clinical islet transplantation. More recently, a blend collagenase NB1 has been rendered available. The aim of this study was to evaluate the isolation outcomes and islet quality comparing human islet cells processed using NB1 and Liberase HI. A total of 90 isolations processed using NB1 (n = 40) or Liberase HI (n = 50) was retrospectively analyzed. Islet yield, function in vitro and in vivo, cellular (including β-cell-specific) viability and content, as well as isolation-related factors were compared. No significant differences in donor-related factors were found between the groups. There were also no significant differences in islet yields (NB1 vs. Liberase: 263,389 ± 21,550 vs. 324,256 ± 27,192 IEQ; p = n.s., respectively). The pancreata processed with NB1 showed a significantly longer digestion time (18.6 ± 0.7 vs. 14.5 ± 0.5 min, p < 0.01), lower β-cell viability (54.3 ± 3.4% vs. 72.0 ± 2.1%, p < 0.01), β-cell mass (93,671 ± 11,150 vs. 148,961 ± 12,812 IEQ, p < 0.01), and viable β-cell mass (47,317 ± 6,486 vs. 106,631 ± 10,228 VβIEQ, p < 0.01) than Liberase HI. In addition, islets obtained with Liberase showed significantly better graft function in in vivo assessment of islet potency. The utilization of collagenase NB1 in human islet isolation was associated with significantly lower β-cell viability, mass, and islet potency in vivo in our series when compared to Liberase HI, even though there was no significant difference in islet yields between the groups. Evaluation of viable β-cell mass contained in human islet preparations will be useful for selecting enzyme blends.