Stress signaling and STAT1 activation characterize the keratinocytic gene expression pattern in Hidradenitis suppurativa

BACKGROUND

The pathogenetic factors generating the innate immune signal necessary for T cell activation, initiation and chronification of Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS, also known as Acne inversa) are still poorly understood. Emerging evidence suggests that a defective keratinocyte function critically contributes to HS disease development and progression.

OBJECTIVES

To elucidate the role of keratinocytes in HS lesion formation, we compared the transcriptomes of lesional and perilesional epidermis isolated from HS patients by RNA sequencing (RNA Seq).

METHODS

Pairwise-matched lesional and perilesional HS skin samples of five different donors were obtained and epidermal keratinocytes freshly isolated and processed for RNA extraction and RNA seq. Lesionally regulated genes were analyzed by large scale promotor analysis and functional annotation clustering to identify epidermally overrepresented transcription factor binding sites and functionally related gene groups. Results were experimentally validated with independent epidermal isolates of patient-matched lesional and perilesional HS skin employing qRT-PCR, cell culture, immunoblot, and immunostaining.

RESULTS

We show that HS is characterized by a strong epidermal stress state evident by a significant overrepresentation of an AP-1-driven gene signature and a substantial activation of the stress-activated cJun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway in lesional epidermis. Additionally, our data reveal a strong induction of STAT1 activation in lesional HS epidermis that likely results from IFNγ production and triggered expression of key inflammatory genes coordinating innate immune activation and the adaptive T cell response in HS.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data implicate a key role of stress signaling and JAK/STAT1 activation in disease progression of HS and suggest interference with JAK/STAT1 signaling as a potentially promising therapeutic approach for HS.

Neuronal inclusions resembling Negri bodies in the thalamus of a red kangaroo (Macropus rufus)

Eosinophilic intracytoplasmic neuronal inclusions resembling Negri bodies, but not associated with lyssaviral infection, were detected in the ventrolateral thalamus of a young-adult, male red kangaroo (Macropus rufus). Similar neuronal inclusions, also with a regional distribution in the brain, have been reported as an incidental, possibly age-related finding in other animal species.

Functional imaging of tumor vasculature using iodine and gadolinium-based nanoparticle contrast agents: a comparison of spectral micro-CT using energy integrating and photon counting detectors

Advances in computed tomography (CT) hardware have propelled the development of novel CT contrast agents. In particular, the spectral capabilities of x-ray CT can facilitate simultaneous imaging of multiple contrast agents. This approach is particularly useful for functional imaging of solid tumors by simultaneous visualization of multiple targets or architectural features that govern cancer development and progression. Nanoparticles are a promising platform for contrast agent development. While several novel imaging moieties based on high atomic number elements are being explored, iodine (I) and gadolinium (Gd) are particularly attractive because of their existing approval for clinical use. In this work, we investigate the in vivo discrimination of I and Gd nanoparticle contrast agents using both dual energy micro-CT with energy integrating detectors (DE-EID) and photon counting detector (PCD)-based spectral micro-CT. Simulations and phantom experiments were performed using varying concentrations of I and Gd to determine the imaging performance with optimized acquisition parameters. Quantitative spectral micro-CT imaging using liposomal-iodine (Lip-I) and liposomal-Gd (Lip-Gd) nanoparticle contrast agents was performed in sarcoma bearing mice for anatomical and functional imaging of tumor vasculature. Iterative reconstruction provided high sensitivity to detect and discriminate relatively low I and Gd concentrations. According to the Rose criterion applied to the experimental results, the detectability limits for I and Gd were approximately 2.5 mg ml^-1 for both DE-EID CT and PCD micro-CT, even if the radiation dose was approximately 3.8 times lower with PCD micro-CT. The material concentration maps confirmed expected biodistributions of contrast agents in the blood, liver, spleen and kidneys. The PCD provided lower background signal and better simultaneous visualization of tumor vasculature and intratumoral distribution patterns of nanoparticle contrast agent compared to DE-EID decompositions. Preclinical spectral CT systems such as this could be useful for functional characterization of solid tumors, simultaneous quantitative imaging of multiple targets and for identifying clinically-relevant applications that benefit from the use of spectral imaging. Additionally, it could aid in the development nanoparticles that show promise in the developing field of cancer theranostics (therapy and diagnostics) by measuring vascular tumor biomarkers such as fractional blood volume and the delivery of liposomal chemotherapeutics.

Abstract P4-01-26: Circulating cell-free DNA in serum as a marker for the early detection of tumor recurrence in breast cancer patients

Background: Quantitative estimation of circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) isolated from serum by noninvasive procedures can serve as a potential biomarker for the early detection of many cancers. However, a simple, straightforward technique is unavailable to estimate the cfDNA in clinical labs. Moreover, the prognostic value of cfDNA in patients with breast cancer (BrCa) is currently under debate. The aim of this study was to develop a simple yet effective quantitative method for measuring the cfDNA in serum and to eventually investigate the relationship between cfDNA and the occurrence of recurrence in BrCa patients.

Methods: A total of 240 patient cases (n=240) were selected and are comprised of different subtypes of breast cancer patients and control individuals. We selected 21 serum samples from patients which showed recurrence after 4-7 years of disease-free survival. For the compare studies, each of the recurrent and non-recurrent serum samples was incubated with the SYBR Green I (2 μM). A standard graph was also made with known DNA concentration to calculate the amount of cfDNA in these recurrent and non-recurrent serum samples. Additionally, a comparative study was also performed with the serum of patients with non-recurrent BrCa versus healthy patients.

Results: We develop a simple fluorescent based measuring technique which can easily estimate the cfDNA in one step. SYBR Green binds to DNA, and as a result, the fluorescence of SYBR Green increases substantially. Global Wilcoxon analyses were performed to compare the cfDNA amount between non-recurrent and recurrent patients. There is a significant difference in fluorescent intensities between recurrent patients' samples versus non-recurrent patients which are directly proportional to the cfDNA levels. The amount of cfDNA is higher in recurrent patient (ratio is 1.3 up; p= 0.03; AUC=0.76) compared to similar non-recurrent patients. While we compared the fluorescence data between normal/healthy patients versus non-recurrent is turned out as non-significant (healthy to non-recurrent ratio = 1.03; p= 0.20, AUC=0.61).

Conclusion: In this current study, we developed a straightforward one-step technique to measure the amount of cfDNA in serum, which can easily translate into a clinical diagnostic tool. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report which demonstrates serum cfDNA as an early detection marker for recurrent breast cancer patients. The relatively high level of cfDNA in the serum of recurrent breast cancer patients compared to non-recurrent breast cancer patients indicates an uncovered circulating genetic information which triggers the cancer recurrence pathway to relapse cancer in the near future.

Citation Format: Bera A, Eidelman O, Russ E, Landa A, Karaian J, Eklund M, Hu H, Pollard HB, Shriver CD, Srivastava M. Circulating cell-free DNA in serum as a marker for the early detection of tumor recurrence in breast cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-01-26.

Cyclin E and FGF8 are downstream cell growth regulators in distinct tumor suppressor effects of ANXA7 in hormone-resistant cancer cells of breast versus prostate origin

Tumor suppressor function of Annexin-A7 (ANXA7) was demonstrated by cancer-prone phenotype in Anxa7(+/-) mice and ANXA7 profiling in human cancers including prostate and breast. Consistent with its more evident in vivo tumor suppressor role in prostate cancer, wild-type(wt)-ANXA7 in vitro induced similar G2-arrests, but reduced survival more drastically in prostate cancer cells compared to breast cancer cells (DU145 versus MDA-MB-231 and -435). In all three hormone-resistant cancer cell lines, wt-ANXA7 abolished the expression of the oncogenic low-molecular weight (LMW) cyclin E which was for the first time encountered in prostate cancer cells. Dominant-negative nMMM-ANXA7 (which lacks phosphatidylserine liposome aggregation properties) failed to abrogate LMW-cyclin E and simultaneously induced fibroblast growth factor 8 (FGF8) in DU145 that was consistent with the continuing cell cycle progression and reduced cell death. Adenoviral vector alone induced FGF8 in MDA-MB-231/435 cell lines, but not in DU145 cells. Our data indicated that the LMW-Cyclin E expressions in breast cancer and prostate cancer cell-lines were differentially regulated by wild-type and dominant-negative ANXA7 isoforms, demonstrating a different survival mechanism utilized by breast cancer cells. Conventional tumor suppressor p53 failed to completely abolish FGF8 and LMW-cyclin E in breast cancer cells, which were eventually translated into their survival. Thus, ANXA7 tumor suppression could modulate FGF8 and cyclin E expression, and control implying more specific associations with the annexin properties of ANXA7 in prostate tumorigenesis.

ZnxFe3−xO4 (0.01 ≤ x ≤ 0.8) nanoparticles for controlled magnetic hyperthermia application

Stable temperature was attained during magnetic hyperthermia by Zn substituted magnetite nanoparticles.

Iron doped β-Tricalcium phosphate: Synthesis, characterization, hyperthermia effect, biocompatibility and mechanical evaluation

The ability of β-Tricalcium phosphate [β-TCP, β-Ca₃(PO₄)₂] to host iron at its structural lattice and its associated magnetic susceptibility, hyperthermia effect, biocompatibility and mechanical characteristics is investigated. The studies revealed the ability of β-Ca₃(PO₄)₂ to host 5.02mol% of Fe³⁺ at its Ca²⁺(5) site. Excess Fe³⁺ additions led to the formation of trigonal Ca₉Fe(PO₄)₇ and moreover a minor amount of CaFe₃(PO₄)₃O crystallization was also observed. A gradual increment in the iron content at β-Ca₃(PO₄)₂ results in the simultaneous effect of pronounced hyperthermia effect and mechanical stability. However, the presence of CaFe₃(PO₄)₃O contributes for the reduced hyperthermia effect and mechanical stability of iron substituted β-Ca₃(PO₄)₂. Haemolytic tests, cytotoxicity tests and ALP gene expression analysis confirmed the biocompatibility of the investigated systems.

Talking to children about their HIV status: a review of available resources, tools, and models for improving and promoting pediatric disclosure

As children living with HIV (CLHIV) grow into adolescence and adulthood, caregivers and healthcare providers are faced with the sensitive challenge of when to disclose to a CLHIV his or her HIV status. Despite WHO recommendations for CLHIV to know their status, in countries most affected by HIV, effective resources are often limited, and national guidance on disclosure is often lacking. To address the need for effective resources, gray and scientific literature was searched to identify existing tools and resources that can aid in the disclosure process. From peer-reviewed literature, seven disclosure models from six different countries were identified. From the gray literature, 23 resources were identified including children's books (15), job aides to assist healthcare providers (5), and videos (3). While these existing resources can be tailored to reflect local norms and used to aid in the disclosure process, careful consideration must be taken in order to avoid damaging disclosure practices.

Structural analysis and magnetic induced hyperthermia of Fe3+and Mn2+substituted β-Ca3(PO4)2

Fe³⁺/Mn²⁺co-substitutions in β-Ca₃(PO₄)₂elicit a good hyperthermia effect and biocompatible features.

ZrxFe3−xO4 (0.01 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) nanoparticles: a possible magnetic in vivo switch

AC field controlled temperature during magnetic hyperthermia for ZrxFe_3−xO₄ (0.01 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) based ferrofluids. The unexpected behavior observed despite their high magnetization (~50 Am² kg⁻¹) and Curie temperature (T_C > 300 °C).

Homology and enzymatic requirements of microhomology-dependent alternative end joining

Nonhomologous DNA end joining (NHEJ) is one of the major double-strand break (DSB) repair pathways in higher eukaryotes. Recently, it has been shown that alternative NHEJ (A-NHEJ) occurs in the absence of classical NHEJ and is implicated in chromosomal translocations leading to cancer. In the present study, we have developed a novel biochemical assay system utilizing DSBs flanked by varying lengths of microhomology to study microhomology-mediated alternative end joining (MMEJ). We show that MMEJ can operate in normal cells, when microhomology is present, irrespective of occurrence of robust classical NHEJ. Length of the microhomology determines the efficiency of MMEJ, 5 nt being obligatory. Using this biochemical approach, we show that products obtained are due to MMEJ, which is dependent on MRE11, NBS1, LIGASE III, XRCC1, FEN1 and PARP1. Thus, we define the enzymatic machinery and microhomology requirements of alternative NHEJ using a well-defined biochemical system.

Rapid profiling and structural characterization of bioactive compounds and their distribution in different parts of Berberis petiolaris Wall. ex G. Don applying hyphenated mass spectrometric techniques

RATIONALE

Berberis petiolaris Wall. is a lesser known medicinal plant, belonging to the family Berberidaceae. The genus Berberis is known for many biological activities such as anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and anti-diarrheal, etc. There are not many reports of the isolation of components from Berberis petiolaris. This study aims to seek identification, characterization and quantification of components.

METHODS

A method was developed for rapid screening of phytochemicals using high-pressure liquid chromatography hyphenated with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI-QTOF-MS/MS). Suitable collision-induced dissociation mass spectrometry (CID-MS/MS) methods were developed for structural investigation of alkaloids, flavanoids and other classes of compounds using nine reference standards for authentication. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) methods were developed for quantitative study of five constituents using triple quadrupole-linear ion trap mass spectrometry (UPLC/QqLIT-MS/MS).

RESULTS

On the basis of HPLC retention behavior and fragmentation pathways obtained by high-resolution MS and MS/MS, 32 compounds were identified and characterized in different parts of Berberis petiolaris. Quantitative studies of chlorogenic acid, magnoflorine, jatrorrhizine, palmatine and berberine were also completed successfully.

CONCLUSIONS

Rapid and accurate HPLC/ESI-QTOF-MS/MS and UPLC/ESI-QqLIT-MS/MS methods were established for identification, characterization and quantification of phytochemicals in the ethanolic extract of Berberis petiolaris. These methods, therefore, can be used for studies on phytochemical variation in different parts of the plant. Principle components analysis (PCA) may be used for plant part discrimination.

Formulation development of novel in situ nanoemulgel (NEG) of ketoprofen for the treatment of periodontitis

The aim of the present study was to formulate and evaluate in situ gelling syringeable nanoemulgels (NEGs) of ketoprofen for periodontal delivery. Application of 3-factor 3-level design was employed using the Box-Behnken experimental design for the optimization of nanoemulsion using three independent variables such as percent concentration (v/v) of oil (X1), S mix (mixture of surfactant and cosurfactant) (X2) and water (X3); while the particle size (nm) (Y1), polydispersity index (Y2) and zeta potential (mV) (Y3) were used as dependent variables. The NEG was evaluated based on their drug content, pH measurement, mucoadhesion on the goat buccal mucosa, syringeability and inverted sol-gel transition temperature. The drug release data were analyzed for curve fitting based on the Korsmeyer-Peppas law, and the n-values of optimized A5 and A8 formulations were found 0.3721 and 0.3932, respectively, confirmed that both the formulations followed pseudo Fickian diffusion (n < 0.43). The formulation A8 with the optimal drug release was identified as the best NEG formulation. Results of rheological, mucoadhesion and syringeability studies showed the suitability of desired sol-gel property for periodontal drug delivery. The Herschel-Bulkley model was the best fit model to explain the flow behavior of optimized formulation. Using the HET-CAM method, significantly lower in vitro toxicity was indicated the suitability of developed NEG for intra-pocket delivery.

ERG rearrangement and protein expression in the progression to castration-resistant prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Approximately half of the prostate carcinomas are characterized by a chromosomal rearrangement fusing the androgen-regulated gene TMPRSS2 to the oncogenic ETS transcription factor ERG. Aim of this study was to comprehensively analyze the role and impact of the ERG rearrangement and protein expression on the progression to castration-resistant (CR) disease.

METHODS

We used a tissue microarray (TMA) constructed from 114 hormone naive (HN) and 117 CR PCs. We analyzed the ERG rearrangement status by fluorescence in situ hybridization and the expression profiles of ERG, androgen receptor (AR) and the proliferation marker Ki67 by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Nearly half of the PC tissue specimens (HN: 38%, CR: 46%) harbored a TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion. HN PCs with positive translocation status showed increased tumor cell proliferation (P<0.05). As expected, TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion was strongly associated with increased ERG protein expression in HN and CR PCs (both P<0.0001). Remarkably, the study revealed a subgroup (26%) of CR PCs with ERG rearrangement but without any detectable ERG protein expression. This subgroup showed significantly lower levels of AR protein expression and androgen-regulated serum PSA (both P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we identified a subgroup of ERG-rearranged CR PCs without detectable ERG protein expression. Our results suggest that this subgroup could represent CR PCs with a dispensed AR pathway. These tumors might represent a thus far unrecognized subset of patients with AR-independent CR PC who may not benefit from conventional therapy directed against the AR pathway.

(22)Na influx is significantly lower in salt tolerant groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) varieties

Distinct varieties differing in salt tolerance were initially identified from two separate green house experiments using two systems; solution as well as soil culture. The first screening involved a diverse group of 27 cultivars. Several physiological traits; Chlorophyll Stability Index (CSI), Salt Tolerance Index (STI) and ion content were determined to screen the cultivars for differences in salt tolerance using solution culture in the first experiment. A set of six varieties (three tolerant and three susceptible) were selected from this experiment and then subjected again to salt stress adopting a natural soil system in the second experiment which involved a screening approach essentially similar to that of the first experiment. In the third experiment using two distinct cultivars differing in salt tolerance selected from experiment II, (22)Na influx rate was determined in the root and shoot at the end of a 24 h salt imposition in Hoagland's nutrient system containing 180 KBq of (22)Na. The results suggested that there were distinct differences in (22)Na influx rate into root and concurrently in the shoot. The salt tolerant Spanish improved and one of the moderately tolerant Trombay variety TAG 24, showed good regulation of (22)Na influx resulting in low (22)Na concentration. The salt susceptible variety JSP39 had nearly 7-8 fold higher root (22)Na content as compared to the tolerant and moderately tolerant cultivars. The results have highlighted the importance of Na exclusion as an important determinant of salt tolerance in groundnut.

Psittacid herpesvirus 3 infection in the eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus) in Australia

Psittacid herpesvirus 3 (PsHV-3) has recently been implicated as the cause of a severe respiratory disease in Bourke's parrots (Neopsephotus bourkii) in the United States. In this report, the clinical manifestations and gross and microscopic lesions of PsHV-3 infection in 2 eclectus parrots (Eclectus roratus) in Australia are described. The presence of a PsHV-3 infection was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing of PsHV-3 DNA using degenerate and PsHV-3 primers. Electron microscopy of infected cells demonstrated the assembly of herpesvirus virions as well as intranuclear tubular structures. The detection of PsHV-3 in Australia in 2 eclectus parrots broadens the list of known affected species and confirms the presence of this virus in Australia.

IgG subclass responses to proinflammatory fraction of Brugia malayi in human filariasis

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Earlier we demonstrated that immunization with F6, a proinflammatory molecular fraction isolated from the human filarial parasite Brugia malayi, protected the host and eliminated the infection in Mastomys coucha by a Th1/Th2 response including IgG2a antibody response. Whether F6 molecules become accessible to human host during natural course of infection and elicit similar response is not known. The present study was undertaken to determine the profile of IgG subclasses specifically reactive to F6 in different categories of bancroftian filariasis cases to infer any relationship between the levels of a particular F6-specific IgG subclass and the infection or disease status.

METHODS

Serum samples of normal individuals from filariasis non-endemic regions of India like Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Chandigarh [(NEN-W; n=10), healthy subjects from USA (NEN-U; n=10) and three categories of bancroftian filariasis cases from endemic areas: endemic normals (EN; n=10) with no symptoms and no microfilariae, asymptomatic microfilaremics (ASM; n=10) and chronic symptomatic amicrofilaremics (CL; n=10) were assayed for F6-specific IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4 by ELISA using SDS-PAGE-isolated F6 fraction of B. malayi adult worms.

RESULTS

Significantly high levels of F6-specific IgG1, IgG2 and IgG3 were found in CL (P<0.001) and EN (P<0.01-0.001) bancroftian filariasis cases compared to NEN-U. Significant levels of F6-specific IgG1 (P<0.01) and IgG2 (P<0.01) but not IgG3 were found in ASM cases compared to NEN-U. The most abundant was IgG2 which when compared to NEN-U, was significantly high in CL (P<0.001) and EN cases (P<0.001), followed by ASM (P<0.01). F6-specific IgG4 response in EN, ASM and CL subjects was not significantly different from the levels of NEN-U. Among the non-endemic normals, the NEN-W subjects showed significant reactivity with IgG2 (P<0.001) but not with IgG1, IgG3 and IgG4 as compared to NEN-U subjects. IgG subclass levels were different in different categories.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS

The high levels of F6 reactive IgG1, IgG2 and IgG3 in endemic normals and chronic symptomatic bancroftian patients, and IgG1 and IgG2 in asymptomatic microfilaraemics, suggest that F6 molecules of parasite are accessible in these subjects for IgG subclass-specific immune response and IgG2 may be related to pathogenesis. Studies using individual F6 molecules will be done to identify the molecule(s) involved in infection and protective immunity.

A pilot study on domiciliary pulmonary rehabilitation programme in the management of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

INTRODUCTION

Pulmonary rehabilitation is now an accepted modality of care in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. However, in resource-limited settings, conventional pulmonary rehabilitation may not be feasible due to the high cost involved and the extensive infrastructure requirement. In view of these constraints, we designed a domiciliary pulmonary rehabilitation programme and evaluated its usefulness in the management of severe COPD.

METHODS

A total of 20 patients suffering from severe COPD (ten patients each in the experimental and control groups) were enrolled in the study. The experimental group was subjected to domiciliary pulmonary rehabilitation along with medical management, while the control group underwent only conventional medical management. During the six-month study period, both groups were assessed for quality of life (clinical COPD questionnaire), exercise capacity (six-minute walk distance) and spirometry values (forced expiratory volume in one second and forced vital capacity).

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences were observed in clinical COPD questionnaire scores in both groups from the fourth month (p-value is 0.002 and 0.001 at the end of four and six months, respectively). The results of the six-minute walk distance showed a similar trend (p-value is 0.009 and 0.001 at the end of four and six months, respectively). No significant difference was observed in either of the spirometry values.

CONCLUSION

The domiciliary pulmonary rehabilitation programme improves the quality of life and exercise endurance of patients with severe COPD, and thereby acts as a substitute for conventional pulmonary rehabilitation programmes in resource-limited situations.