Downregulation of CD94/NKG2A inhibitory receptor on decreased γδ T cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

γδ T cells are characterized by recognizing conserved endogenous and stress-induced antigens without antigen presentation. It has been show that γδ T cells play an important role in anti-tumour/microbe responses, but their function in autoimmune diseases is yet not clear. Here, we reported the quantity and phenotype of peripheral blood γδ T cells from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Both the percentages of γδ T cells in peripheral blood and among CD3(+) T cells of patients with SLE were significantly decreased, regardless of disease activity. However, activating marker CD69 and HLA-DR was upregulated, while inhibiting receptor CD94/NKG2A was downregulated in γδ T cells of patients with SLE. The expression of CD69 is negatively correlated with the quantity of γδ T cells. Moreover, the expression of CD94/NKG2A remained low even with antigen stimulation on those γδ T cells. Our results suggested that the low expression level of CD94/NKG2A upon γδ T cell activation might lead to the over-activation of γδ T cells in patients with SLE. These findings will be useful in elucidating the roles of γδ T cells in SLE pathogenesis.

LPS induces IL-8 expression through TLR4, MyD88, NF-kappaB and MAPK pathways in human dental pulp stem cells

AIM

To evaluate the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on interleukin-8 (IL-8) and related intracellular signalling pathways in human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs).

METHODOLOGY

Human pulp tissues were isolated from human impacted third molars, and the hDPSCs were cultured and characterized. The effects of LPS on IL-8 and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) gene expression in hDPSCs were investigated using real-time quantitative RT-PCR and ELISA. Whether TLR4/MyD88/NF-кB was involved in the LPS-induced up-regulation of IL-8 in hDPSCs was determined using transient transfection, luciferase assay and ELISA. The involvement of MAPKs in the LPS-induced up-regulation of IL-8 in hDPSCs was investigated via transient transfection, luciferase assay, ELISA and western blot. The data were statistically analysed using Student's t-test or one-way anova followed by the Student-Neumann-Keuls test.

RESULTS

Cells exposed to LPS not only displayed an enhanced expression of TLR4 but also showed an elevated IL-8 gene expression; exposure to LPS also resulted in the induction of IL-8 gene transcription via promoter activation. The LPS-induced IL-8 promoter activation was inhibited through dominant-negative mutations in TLR4 and MyD88, but not in TLR2. The LPS-induced IL-8 protein release was attenuated through the administration of TLR4-neutralizing antibody or MyD88 inhibitory peptide and a dominant-negative mutation in IκBα. In contrast, IL-8 protein release was enhanced through the expression of NF-κB p65. Treatment with PDTC, TPCK or Bay117082 effectively antagonized LPS-induced IL-8 protein release. Moreover, both the promoter activity and the LPS-induced release of IL-8 were diminished upon the administration of U0126 and SB203580, but not SP600125. Moreover, the exposure to LPS activated ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK phosphorylation in cells.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reports the LPS-mediated transcriptional and post-translational up-regulation of IL-8, which is a process that also involves TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB and MAPK.

Processing of facial expressions of emotions in healthy volunteers: an exploration with event-related potentials and personality traits

AIMS OF THE STUDY

Previous studies have shown that event-related potentials (ERPs) are modulated by anxiety or psychopathic personality traits. Therefore, we hypothesized that the automatic processing of facial expressions of emotions (FEE) is also correlated with related disordered personality traits.

METHODS

Thirty-seven healthy volunteers underwent both an "oddball" ERP recording to facial expressions of Anger, Happiness, Sadness, and Neutral, and a test of the Dimensional Assessment of Personality Pathology (DAPP).

RESULTS

Mean reaction time was longer in response to anger than to other facial expressions. Facial expressions of Anger, Happiness and Sadness did not affect N1 (N170). By contrast, Happiness elicited a delayed P2, Anger elicited both a smaller N2 and a delayed P3b, and both Happiness and Anger elicited a P3b of higher amplitude. In addition, P3a latencies to Happiness were negatively correlated with DAPP Identity problems, and P3b latencies to Happiness were negatively correlated with DAPP Stimulus seeking, Callousness, Passive aggressivity, and Narcissism.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates that Anger implicitly captures attentional resources, and Happiness triggers more facilitated processing in individuals with dissocial traits.

First-time donors responding to a national disaster may be an untapped resource for the blood centre

BACKGROUND

On 12 May 2008, a severe earthquake struck Sichuan in China. Many people donated blood for the first time, leading us to question whether these donors might become repeat donors in the future. The return pattern of post-earthquake first-time donors (PEFTD) was compared with that of first-time donors (FTD) in a comparable period.

METHODS

Demographic characteristics, transfusion-transmissible infection rates and 1-year return rates were compared between 5147 PEFTD (5/13-5/19, 2008) and 3176 FTD (5/13-5/19, 2009) from five Chinese blood centres using chi-squared tests. Adjusted logistic regression was used to detect earthquake effect on donor return.

RESULTS

Post-earthquake first-time donors were more frequently between 26 and 45 years, men, and better educated compared with the control group. Slightly higher but not statistically significant increased rates of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) (0·87% vs. 0·50%, P=0·054), hepatitis C virus (HCV) (0·70% vs. 0·63%, P=0·414), syphilis (0·9% vs. 0·7%, P=0·489) and lower rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (0·31% vs. 0·60%, P=0·078) reactivity were detected for PEFTD. The 1-year return rate for PEFTD was significantly lower than that of the controls (8·0% vs. 13·0%, P<0·001). After adjusting for demographic factors, donation volume and sites, the PEFTD were less likely to return in 1 year than the controls (OR: 0·520; 95% CI: 0·442, 0·611).

CONCLUSION

Post-earthquake first-time donors may be less likely to donate again without continuing motivation strategies. Further studies on PEFTD's lack of motivation to return for donation are needed to design recruitment strategies to convert PEFTD to become repeat donors to continuously replenish the blood supply.

The value of multislice spiral CT features of cavitary walls in differentiating between peripheral lung cancer cavities and single pulmonary tuberculous thick-walled cavities

OBJECTIVES

Form discordance of cavity walls (FDCW) and form concordance of cavity walls (FCCW) in multislice spiral CT (MSCT) were investigated to determine their value in differentiating between peripheral lung cancer cavities and single pulmonary tuberculous thick-walled cavities. An assessment of the role of multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) in detecting FDCW and FCCW was also performed.

METHODS

MSCT cross-sectional images of 116 consecutive cases (including 60 cases with available MPR images) with peripheral lung cancer cavities and 118 consecutive cases (including 62 cases with available MPR images) with single pulmonary tuberculous thick-walled cavities (wall thickness >3 mm) were retrospectively analysed. According to the characteristics of cavitary internal and external walls on MSCT, these cavities were divided into two types (FDCW and FCCW). FDCW was further divided into three subtypes (FDCW-I, FDCW-II and FDCW-III); FCCW was further divided into two subtypes (FCCW-I and FCCW-II).

RESULTS

On the cross-sectional and MPR images, the total detection rate of FDCW-I and FDCW-III in peripheral lung cancer cavities was 76.7% (89/116) and 93.3% (56/60), respectively, whereas the total detection rate of FCCW-I and FCCW-II in single pulmonary tuberculous thick-walled cavities was 75.4% (89/118) and 91.9% (57/62), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

FDCW-I, FDCW-III, FCCW-I and FCCW-II were valuable in differentiating between peripheral lung cancer cavities and single pulmonary tuberculous thick-walled cavities. MPR could improve the detection of FDCW-I and FDCW-III in peripheral lung cancer cavities and FCCW-I and FCCW-II in single pulmonary tuberculous thick-walled cavities.

In vivo proton MRS of normal pancreas metabolites during breath-holding and free-breathing

AIM

To characterize normal pancreas metabolites using in vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H MRS) at 3T under conditions of breath-holding and free-breathing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The pancreases of 32 healthy volunteers were examined using (1)H MRS during breath-holding and free-breathing acquisitions in a single-voxel point-resolved selective spectroscopy sequence (PRESS) technique using a 3T MRI system. Resonances were compared between paired spectra of the two breathing modes. Furthermore, correlations between lipid (Lip) content and age, body-mass index (BMI), as well as choline (Cho) peak visibility of the normal pancreas were analysed during breath-holding.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine pairs of spectra were successfully obtained showing three major resonances, Lip, Cho, cholesterol and the unsaturated parts of the olefinic region of fatty acids (Chol+Unsat). Breath-hold spectra were generally better, with higher signal-to-noise ratios (SNR; Z=-2.646, p=0.008) and Cho peak visible status (Z=-2.449, p=0.014). Correlations were significant between spectra acquired by the two breathing modes, especially for Lip height, Lip area, and the area of other peaks at 1.9-4.1ppm. However, the Lip resonance was significantly different between the spectra of the two breathing modes (p<0.05). In the breath-holding spectra, there were significant positive correlations between Lip peak height, area, and age (r=0.491 and 0.521, p=0.007 and 0.004), but not between Lip peak area and BMI. There was no statistical difference in Cho resonances between males and females. The Lip peak height and area were significantly higher in the Cho peak invisible group than in the Cho peak visible group (t=2.661 and 2.353, p=0.030 and 0.043).

CONCLUSION

In vivo(1)H MRS of the normal pancreas at 3T is technically feasible and can characterize several metabolites. (1)H MRS during breath-holding acquisition is superior to that during free-breathing acquisition.

Adenosine A1 receptor regulates osteoclast formation by altering TRAF6/TAK1 signaling

Adenosine is an endogenous nucleoside that modulates many physiological processes through four receptor subtypes (A(1), A(2a), A(2b), A(3)). Previous work from our laboratory has uncovered a critical role for adenosine A(1) receptor (A(1) R) in osteoclastogenesis both in vivo and in vitro. Our current work focuses on understanding the details of how A(1) R modulates the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced signaling in osteoclastogenesis. Osteoclasts were generated from mouse bone marrow precursors in the presence of RANKL and macrophage-colony stimulating factor. A pharmacological antagonist of A(1) R (DPCPX) inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation, including osteoclast-specific genes (Acp5, MMP9, β(3) Integrin, α(v) Integrin, and CTSK) and osteoclast-specific transcription factors such as c-fos and nuclear factor of activated T cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1) expression in a dose-dependent manner. DPCPX also inhibited RANKL-induced activation of NF-κB and JNK/c-Jun but had little effect on other mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38 and Erk). Finally, immunoprecipitation analysis showed that blockade of A(1)R resulted in disruption of the association of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) and transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), a signaling event that is important for activation of NF-κB and JNK, suggesting the participation of adenosine/A(1)R in early signaling of RANKL. Collectively, these data demonstrated an important role of adenosine, through A(1)R in RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis.

P4-07-08: Subsets and Molecular Signatures of Circulating Tumor Cells in Breast Cancer Brain Metastasis

Background: Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) represent the “seeds” of intractable brain metastatic breast cancer (BMBC); however, properties of CTCs targeting the brain remain elusive. For example, the FDA-approved CTC platform (CellSearch™, Veridex, LLC) detects only CTCs positive for epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) and cytokeratins (CKs), but is unable to capture any other CTC subtypes or analyze biomarkers of brain-homing CTCs. We hypothesized that profiling CTCs from BMBC patients might result in the identification of brain-colonizing CTC signatures. Materials and Methods: We employed CellSearch™ and a novel technology that uses analysis of specific antigenic markers by immunofluorescence, coupled with detecting gene amplification by fluorescence in situ hybridization on the same cells; and quantification of the signal via automated scanning (FICTION; BioView Duet-3™ system).

Results: We established that our approach was feasible by performing CTC analyses on peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from BMBC patients or patients not possessing overt metastatic disease. We detected a differential gene amplification for human epidermal growth factor receptor1 and 2 (EGFR and HER2, respectively). Second, the number of EpCAM-positive CTCs visualized by the BioView™ platform was at least three orders of magnitude higher than one obtained from CellSearch™ CTC analyses using the same specimen. Third, we identified the presence of CTCs positive for CKs but negative for EpCAM. Conversely, high levels of prometastatic heparanase, in conjunction with the expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase-1 (ALDH1), a known cancer stem-cell marker, were detected in CTCs from BMBC patients; with a correlation between heparanase, ALDH1, and high EGFR amplification. Finally, extensive flow cytometric/FACS analyses validated the presence of CTC subsets negative for EpCAM and CD45, a hematolymphoid marker, however enriched for heparanase/ALDH1 expression.

Discussion: These findings indicate that the BioView™ platform not only captures more EpCAM-positive CTCs than CellSearch™ but also allows the detection of novel CTC subtypes possessing varying EpCAM levels. Importantly, they suggest that profiling CTC subtypes in patients with BMBC can be relevant towards the discovery of BMBC founder CTCs. Work is ongoing to further characterize these CTC subtypes, and to assess their abilities to metastasize to brain in xenotransplantation studies using immunodeficient mice.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-07-08.

Relationships of percent body fat and percent trunk fat with bone mineral density among Chinese, black, and white subjects

We examined ethnic difference in the association of body fat and trunk fat with bone mineral density (BMD) among Chinese, white, and black subjects. We found that, with greater body and trunk fat, both white and black subjects were more likely to have a low BMD than Chinese subjects.

INTRODUCTION

Ethnic differences in body fat, abdominal fat distribution, and BMD have been found in previous studies between Chinese and white subjects. However, the associations of body fat and abdominal fat distribution with BMD have not been studied, and whether the ethnic differences have an effect on these associations is unclear.

METHODS

We evaluated 1,147 subjects aged ≥ 18 years (805 Chinese, 193 whites, and 149 blacks). Percent body fat (%BF), percent trunk fat (%TF), and total and regional BMD including that of head, arm, leg, trunk, rib, spine, and pelvis were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Linear regression models were developed to test the association of ethnicity, %BF, and interaction between ethnicity and %BF with BMD. The models were repeated again, replacing %BF with %TF.

RESULTS

Chinese subjects showed lower BMD in total and most regions compared with black and white subjects; however, these differences were eliminated between Chinese and whites within both sexes and between Chinese and black men when age, weight, height, and %BF were added. %BF and %TF were negatively associated with most regional body BMD. The interactions between %BF, %TF, and ethnicity were found in most regional body BMD among Chinese, white, and black subjects for both men and women.

CONCLUSION

Both %BF and %TF have negative associations with BMD. With greater accumulation of %BF and %TF, both white and black subjects may experience a higher risk of low BMD than Chinese subjects.

A naturally occurring nanomaterial from the Sundew (Drosera) for tissue engineering

In recent years advances have been made in the design of novel materials for tissue engineering through the use of polysaccharides. This study evaluated the ability of a naturally secreted polysaccharide adhesive from the Sundew (Drosera capensis) as a support for cell growth. The Sundew adhesive has several advantages including its high elasticity and antibiotic nature. By coating glass cover slips with the Sundew adhesive, a network of nanofibers was generated that was capable of promoting attachment and differentiation of a model neuronal cell line, PC-12. We also demonstrated the potential of this material for repairing bone and soft tissue injuries, by testing attachment of osteoblasts and endothelial cells. Finally, it was determined that the Sundew biomaterial was stable through testing by atomic force microscopy and prolonged cell growth. This work has proven the capabilities of using a nanomaterial derived from the Sundew adhesive for the purpose of tissue engineering.

Critical role of γ4 chain in the expression of functional Vγ4Vδ1 T cell receptor of gastric tumour-infiltrating γδT lymphocytes

Vγ4Vδ1 T cell receptor (TCRγ4δ1)-expressing γδT cells were the most dominant subset in gastric tumour-infiltrating γδT cells (γδTIL) we recently analyzed. To study the essential roles of γ and δ chains in assembly and function of TCRγ4δ1, we sequenced and constructed them into lentiviral vectors for the reconstitution of TCRγ4δ1 using different modalities of transduction. We were able to efficiently reconstitute TCRγ4δ1 with functional activities when both γ4 and δ1 chains are coexpressed in TCR-negative J.RT3-T3.5 cells. However, the expression of δ1 chain is greatly diminished when γ4 expression is absent, suggesting that the coexpressing γ4 is critical in maintaining the folding and stability of δ1 product. To functionally study the reconstituted TCRγ4δ1, we examined the cytolytic activity of TCRγ4δ1-reconstituted J.RT3-T3.5 cells and cytokine secretion and found the receptors are fully functional, but their functionality also requires the presence of γ4. Our results demonstrated that γ4 is critical for the stability of δ1 and the function of TCRγ4δ1.

Metastatic breast cancer detection and therapy monitoring using folate-targeting flow cytometry

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Background: Circulating tumor cell (CTC) has emerged as a valuable surrogate tumor marker for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, therapy personalization, and drug discovery. To identify CTCs, EpCAM and/or cytokeratin have been commonly used; however, their expression may diminish for subgroups of breast cancers or during epithelial-mesenchymal transition. A unique approach by targeting folate receptor (FR) on CTCs overcomes the limitation. Cancer cells overexpress FR with high affinity (KD=0.1 nM) to internalize high levels of folate for rapid growth. FR is also found upregulated in most cancers, while at very low levels in normal tissues.

Methods: A flow cytometry based in-vitro CTC assay kit (OncoIVDx) was developed by IV Diagnostics Inc to specifically enumerate CTCs which overexpress FRs. 20 mL of 9 metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients' peripheral blood was collected using CellSave tube before and after the treatment in midst of therapy. CTCs were tagged by fluorescently labeled folate conjugate, while leukocytes were counterstained by anti-CD45. To absolutely count the rare CTCs, a fluorescent bead was added serving internal control.

Results: Table.

Conclusions: No obvious shift in dot plots was found for patients' leucocytes compared to those in normal sample. Tumor size, histologic grade, nodal involvement and lymphovascular invasion (LVI) did not display a significant association with CTC presence, although more positive nodes with identified LVI might indicate an unfavorable increase in CTC counts. CTC presence was found associated with serum marker CA27.29. A score of 30 and less correlated with CTC response to the treatment. Chemotherapy alone or in combination with hormone therapy did not correlate with the change in CTC counts after treatment, except for hormone therapy alone. Unfavorable progression of cancers could be predicated for the patients with approximately 25 and more CTCs. We would like to thank NIH/NCI for SBIR phase I grant (1R43CA13789301A1).

[Table: see text]

Macrophage LXRα gene therapy ameliorates atherosclerosis as well as hypertriglyceridemia in LDLR(-/-) mice

Liver X receptors (LXRs) are implicated in the regulation of cholesterol homeostasis, inflammatory response and atherogenesis. Administration of LXR agonists inhibits the progress of atherosclerosis, and also increases plasma triglyceride levels, representing an obstacle to their use in treating this disease. The objective of this study was to develop an alternative approach that could overcome this obstacle. Eight-week-old low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient (LDLR(-/-)) mice were transplanted with hematopoietic stem cell (HSC)-enriched bone marrow cells transduced with lentivectors expressing either green fluorescent protein (GFP) (Lenti-SP-GFP, control) or LXRα (Lenti-SP-LXRα) driven by a synthetic macrophage promoter. At 4 weeks post-transplant, the mice were fed with a Western diet for 8 weeks and then killed. Compared with Lenti-SP-GFP mice, the Lenti-SP-LXRα mice had a 30% reduction in atherosclerotic lesions, which was accompanied by increases in levels of macrophage expression of cholesterol efflux genes apolipoprotein E and ATP-binding cassette A1, as well as decreases in plasma inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α. Intriguingly, a 50% reduction of plasma triglyceride level was also observed. We conclude that HSC-based macrophage LXRα gene therapy ameliorates the development of atherosclerosis along with an unexpected concomitant reduction of plasma triglyceride levels in LDLR(-/-) mice. These findings highlight the potential value of macrophage LXR expression as an avenue for therapeutic intervention against atherosclerosis.

Expressions of BAFF/BAFF receptors and their correlation with disease activity in Chinese SLE patients

B-cell activating factor belonging to tumour necrosis factor family (BAFF) is essential for B-cell survival and function through interaction with its receptors BAFF receptor 3 (BR3), B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) and/or transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI), though BCMA and/or TACI can also bind to a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL). We evaluate the correlation of the expressions of these ligands/receptors with different clinical manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Levels of BAFF and APRIL in plasma from 73 SLE patients were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expressions of BR3, TACI and BCMA on CD19+ B cells were detected by flow cytometry. Clinical data were collected and disease activity was evaluated using SLEDAI-2000. SLE patients had elevated BAFF and APRIL levels in their plasma. BAFF levels correlated positively with SLEDAI while negatively with the BR3 protein expression on CD19+ B cells (p < .05). The detected BR3 protein expression in SLE patients was reduced on CD19+IgD+CD27-, CD19+IgD+CD27+ as well as CD19+IgD-CD27+ B cells compared to the counterparts of healthy controls (p < .001), whereas SLE patients did not differ from healthy controls in BR3 mRNA levels. In untreated new-onset patients, the expression rate of BR3 on CD19+ B cells correlated negatively with SLEDAI (p < .05). Elevation of BAFF and reduction of BR3 on CD19+ B cells were more obvious in those with lupus nephritis (LN, p < .05). TACI expression on CD19+ B cells was up-regulated only in those subjects with LN (p < .05). Elevated plasma BAFF and reduced BR3 protein expression on peripheral B cells could act as biomarkers for active disease in SLE patients. High expression of TACI may indicate the occurrence of LN.

Transforming growth factor beta 1 plays an important role in inducing CD4(+)CD25(+)forhead box P3(+) regulatory T cells by mast cells

The role of mast cells (MCs) in the generation of adaptive immune responses especially in the transplant immune responses is far from being resolved. It is reported that mast cells are essential intermediaries in regulatory T cell (T(reg)) transplant tolerance, but the mechanism has not been clarified. To investigate whether bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) can induce T(regs) by expressing transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) in vitro, bone marrow cells obtained from C57BL/6 (H-2(b) ) mice were cultured with interleukin (IL)-3 (10 ng/ml) and stem cell factor (SCF) (10 ng/ml) for 4 weeks. The purity of BMMCs was measured by flow cytometry. The BMMCs were then co-cultured with C57BL/6 T cells at ratios of 1:2, 1:1 and 2:1. Anti-CD3, anti-CD28 and IL-2 were administered into the co-culture system with (experiment groups) or without (control groups) TGF-β1 neutralizing antibody. The percentages of CD4(+)CD25(+)forkhead box P3 (FoxP3)(+) T(regs) in the co-cultured system were analysed by flow cytometry on day 5. The T(reg) percentages were significantly higher in all the experiment groups compared to the control groups. These changes were deduced by applying TGF-β1 neutralizing antibody into the co-culture system. Our results indicated that the CD4(+) T cells can be induced into CD4(+)CD25(+)FoxP3(+) T cells by BMMCs via TGF-β1.

The expression of frizzled-3 receptor in colorectal cancer and colorectal adenoma

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Background: Wnt signaling is well known for its role in colorectal cancer (CRC) formation through transcriptional activities of nuclear β-catenin. Although activation of Wnt signaling depends on specific Wnt/Frizzled receptors (FZD) combinations, the specificity of the interaction and the role of FZD in that particular interaction are still unknown. Among the 10 Wnt receptors of the FZD protein family, FZD-3 is involved in neurodevelopmental abnormalities and gastric cancer carcinogenesis. However, the expression of FZD-3 in CRC is not clear. Therefore in this study, we examined the expression of FZD-3 in CRC cell lines and CRC patient tissues with various pathological stages. The information obtained will be important for us to understand the role of FZD-3 in the development of CRC.

Methods: FZD-3 mRNA expression was studied in CRC metastatic SW620, primary SW480 and normal CCD18co cell lines using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction with primers and a Taqman minor grove binder probe (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, USA). Moreover, paraffin-embedded specimens of 40 CRC patient tissues, 25 colorectal adenoma (CA) tissues were retrieved from the Department of Pathology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for FZD-3 immunostaining using an anti-FZD-3 antibody (Catalog no: MAB1001, R&D systems Inc., Minneapolis, USA) in an automatic Ventana Benchmark XT immunostainer (Ventana Medical Systems Inc., Tucson, USA).

Results: FZD-3 mRNA was up-regulated in metastatic SW620 cell line (fold-change: 622) and in primary SW480 cell line (fold-change: 820) when compared to that in normal CCD18co cell line. Furthermore, immunostaining showed that FZD-3 protein was expressed in 100% (40/40) of CRC specimens and 84% (21/25) of CA specimens. Detailed analysis showed that FZD-3 protein was significantly up-regulated in CRC, CA when compared to their adjacent normal colorectal epithelial tissues (p < 0.0005, Wilcoxon matched pairs test).

Conclusions: This study provided evidence that FZD-3 is involved in CRC carcinogenesis and it is a potential therapeutic target in CRC.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Associations of fat mass and fat distribution with bone mineral density in pre- and postmenopausal Chinese women

Fat mass (FM) is closely related to bone mineral density (BMD). However, the associations of FM and fat distribution with BMD in pre- and postmenopausal women are still poorly understood. The present study showed android fat mass accumulation after menopause had a negative association with BMD.

INTRODUCTION

FM is closely related to BMD. However, it is unknown whether FM and central fat distribution have different associations with BMD in pre- and postmenopausal women. The study aims to investigate the associations of FM and fat distribution with BMD in pre- and postmenopausal Chinese women.

METHODS

Two hundred sixty premenopausal and 267 postmenopausal women aged 18 to 79 years were analyzed. Lean mass (LM), FM, percent body fat (%BF), android FM, gynoid FM, and total and regional BMD were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Fat distribution was assessed by android to gynoid FM ratio (AOI). Multiple regression analysis was performed to examine the associations of BMD with FM, LM, and AOI.

RESULTS

FM, %BF, android FM, and AOI were significantly higher, whereas total and regional BMD were significantly lower in postmenopausal women (all р < 0.01). In premenopausal women, FM was positively associated with total and regional BMD (all р < 0.05). AOI had no significant association with BMD. In postmenopausal women, FM was significantly associated with total and regional BMD even additionally adjusting for LM (all р < 0.01). AOI had significantly negative association with total, head, arm, and leg BMD (all р < 0.05). The results remained unchanged when replacing FM with %BF.

CONCLUSIONS

There were different associations of FM and fat distribution with BMD in pre- and postmenopausal Chinese women. Increased central body fat had a negative association with BMD. Our findings may have significant implications in the prevention of menopause-related osteoporosis through reducing centralized fat deposition.

Responses of bone-forming cells on pre-immersed Zr-based bulk metallic glasses: Effects of composition and roughness

Bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) demonstrate attractive properties for potential biomedical applications, owing to their amorphous structure. The present work has investigated the biocompatibility of Zr-based BMGs by studying the cellular behavior of bone-forming mouse MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblast cells. A Ti-6Al-4V alloy was used as a reference material. Pre-immersion treatment was performed on BMG samples in phosphate-buffered saline prior to cell experiments. The effects of 1at.% yttrium alloying and surface roughness on cellular behavior were examined. The general biosafety of Zr-based BMGs for MC3T3-E1 cells was revealed as normal cell responses. Pre-immersion treatment was found to effectively reduce the surface concentrations of alloying elements. Micro-alloying with 1 at.% yttrium did not significantly affect cell adhesion and proliferation, but slightly decreased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity on rough surfaces. Lower cell adhesion and proliferation were found on smooth surfaces of Zr-based BMGs compared to their rougher counterparts. Higher ALP activity was detected on rougher surfaces. To obtain a mechanistic understanding surface free energy was correlated with cell adhesion.