Delayed intervention with AGE inhibitors attenuates the progression of diabetes-accelerated atherosclerosis in diabetic apolipoprotein E knockout mice

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Formation of AGEs is increased in the diabetic milieu, which contributes to accelerated atherogenesis. We studied whether delayed treatment with AGE-inhibiting compounds, alagebrium chloride and pyridoxamine dihydrochloride, affected established atherosclerosis in experimental diabetes in comparison with the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, quinapril.

METHODS

Streptozotocin-induced diabetic male Apoe (-/-) mice (n = 24 per group) received, by oral gavage, from week 10 to 20 of diabetes: no treatment; alagebrium (1 mg kg(-1) day(-1)); pyridoxamine (1 g/l in drinking water); or quinapril (30 mg kg(-1) day(-1)). Atherosclerotic lesion area (en face analysis) was evaluated for all groups.

RESULTS

Delayed intervention with alagebrium decreased plaque area in the diabetic Apoe (-/-) mice compared with untreated mice (total plaque area: alagebrium 10.6 ± 1.6%, untreated, 15.1 ± 1.5%, p < 0.05). This anti-atherosclerotic effect was comparable with that achieved with quinapril (quinapril 8.4 ± 1.4%, vs untreated, p < 0.05). Pyridoxamine also attenuated plaque development in diabetic mice (5.7 ± 1.2% vs untreated 11.9 ± 1.1%, p < 0.05). The anti-atherosclerotic effect conferred by alagebrium and quinapril was associated with a significant reduction in vascular oxidative stress and circulating AGEs and methylglyoxal, although preformed AGEs were not removed from the vascular wall with either delayed intervention.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Inhibition of AGE accumulation, using a delayed intervention with alagebrium or pyridoxamine, significantly attenuated the progression of established diabetes-associated atherosclerosis, similar to results obtained with quinapril. These findings provide further evidence that blockade of AGE-mediated pathways may present a novel therapy for the prevention of atherosclerosis in diabetes.

Use of protein-network modeling of prostate cancer gene signatures to investigate essential pathways in disease recurrence

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Background: Numerous molecular pathways have been implicated in aggressive prostate cancer. However, it has been difficult to gain an overview of the dominant pathways involved. By analyzing multiple prostate cancer gene signatures of poor prognosis through a protein interaction network, we are able to in an unbiased manner prioritize shared key biological mechanisms.

Methods: We evaluate prostate gene signatures through a previously published Single Protein Analysis of Network (SPAN) methodology to develop a prostate cancer network signature. We assess this signature using a Gene Ontology based information-theoretic metric as well as assess its prognostic ability in an independent clinical dataset. We then examine the interconnectivity of the network signature to develop a phenotype-pathway map that provides an executive summary of critical mechanisms involved in advanced prostate cancer.

Results: Of the 13 prostate cancer signatures that were evaluated, nine gene signatures plus a previously unpublished gene signature met criteria for evaluation. SPAN analysis of these protein interactions resulted in a 42-gene network signature. This network signature had the highest information-theoretic score based on Gene Ontology annotation similarity. Further, the signature identified a statistically significant survival difference (p=0.009) in a cohort of men with prostate cancer in an independent dataset. Additional analysis of the signature generated a phenotype-pathway map that not only recapitulated the centrality of PIK3/NF-κB signaling, but also highlighted less well-established pathways such as the JAK2 kinase activation cascade.

Conclusions: SPAN analysis provides a robust means of abstracting disparate prostate cancer gene expression signatures into clinically useful, prioritized pathways that may ultimately serve as attractive, therapeutic targets.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Efficient simplification of large vector maps rendered onto 3D landscapes

Real-time rendering of large scale vector maps over terrain surfaces requires displaying substantial numbers of polylines and polygons. The proposed approach simplifies such maps, permitting more efficient rendering and reducing latency in the display and manipulation of a virtual environment.

Nitric oxide in enteric nervous system mediated the inhibitory effect of vasopressin on the contraction of circular muscle strips from colon in male rats

BACKGROUND

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is widely used in the treatment of critical diseases with hypotension, but the reports about its effect on gastrointestinal motility are controversial. The purpose of this study was to characterize the role of AVP in the regulation of colonic motility and the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

The contraction of the circular muscle strips (CM) of colon in male rats was monitored by a polygraph. The expressions of cytoplasmic inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), I-κB, and the nuclear P65 in proximal colon were measured by Western blot. The V(1) receptors (V(1) Rs) and iNOS were localized by immunohistochemistry. The content of nitric oxide (NO) in the colon was measured by Griess reagent at the absorbance of 560 nm.

KEY RESULTS

Arginine vasopressin (10(-10) -10(-6) mol L(-1)) caused a concentration-dependent inhibition on CM contraction. Pretreatment with one of the following chemicals, including V-1880 (10(-7) mol L(-1)), TTX (10(-5) mol L(-1)), L-NAME (10(-4) mol L(-1)), NPLA (10(-7) mol L(-1)), SMT (10(-3) mol L(-1)), and PDTC (10(-3) mol L(-1)), attenuated the inhibitory effect of AVP on CM contraction. Arginine vasopressin increased the expression of iNOS and the content of NO in proximal colon. These effects were attenuated by pretreatment with PDTC (10(-3) mol L(-1)). Following AVP administration, the amount of cytoplasmic I-κB decreased, but that of nuclear P65 increased. Double immunofluorescence labeling revealed that V(1) Rs and iNOS were co-localized on the cells of myenteric plexus in proximal colon.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Arginine vasopressin inhibited the contraction of CM in proximal colon. This effect was mediated by NO produced from NF-κB-iNOS pathway and neuronal NOS activation in myenteric plexus.

Prostate cancer screening and incidence among men younger than age 50

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Background: Prostate cancer has long been considered as a disease of older men. However, age at diagnosis with prostate cancer has continued to decline. Since the introduction of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test in 1986, the prostate cancer incidence rate has steadily and dramatically increased in men under age 50. This study aims to better understand demographic variations in prostate cancer screening and incidence, and clinical characteristics of prostate cancers in men under age 50.

Methods: We examined prostate cancer testing data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (2002, 2004, 2006, and 2008) and prostate cancer incidence data from the CDC's National Program of Cancer Registries and the NCI's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results programs (2001-2006). We estimated the weighted percentage of self-reported cancer testing using SUDAAN and age-adjusted cancer incidence rates and trends using SEER-STAT. Statistical significance for trends was determined by the annual percentage change (APC) differing form zero.

Results: A total of 29,176 prostate cancer cases were identified from 2001-2006 among men under age 50. Of these, 551 (1.9%) were among men under age 40. Incidence rates remained stable from 2001-2006; however the incidence of well-differentiated tumors decreased significantly (APC=−24.7) during this time period. About 44% of men aged 40-49 years old reported having a prostate cancer test in the past two years. Prostate cancer testing and incidence rates were highest among men who were black, non-Hispanic, or lived in the northeast. Black men had more than a 2-fold increase in cancer incidence than white men.

Conclusions: The magnitude of prostate cancer testing and incidence in men under age 50 reveals significant health/public health problems in this younger population. This study demonstrates substantial regional differences in prostate cancer testing and incidence in men under age 50. It also confirms that prostate cancer testing and incidence varies by race and ethnicity. We observed a large disparity in prostate cancer incidence between blacks and whites. The incidence rate remained stable over time; the dramatic decrease occurred in well-differentiated cancers.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Demonstration of ignition radiation temperatures in indirect-drive inertial confinement fusion hohlraums

We demonstrate the hohlraum radiation temperature and symmetry required for ignition-scale inertial confinement fusion capsule implosions. Cryogenic gas-filled hohlraums with 2.2 mm-diameter capsules are heated with unprecedented laser energies of 1.2 MJ delivered by 192 ultraviolet laser beams on the National Ignition Facility. Laser backscatter measurements show that these hohlraums absorb 87% to 91% of the incident laser power resulting in peak radiation temperatures of T(RAD)=300 eV and a symmetric implosion to a 100 μm diameter hot core.

The contraceptive effect of a novel filtering-type nano-copper complex/polymer composites intra-vas device on male animals

Contraceptive techniques which target vas deferens have been paid great attention for their good efficacy, safety and reversibility. We have made a filtering-type intra-vas device (IVD) using nano-copper complex/polymer composites. Twenty male adult Beagle dogs and 40 male rabbits were randomly assigned to four groups (sham-operation, IVD, reversal and vasectomy groups). Dogs' semen parameters, concentration of α-glucosidase, copper and zinc ions were tested pre-operation and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months post-operation. The pregnancy rates of the rabbits were evaluated by mating trials after the IVDs were implanted. The histology of testis, epididymides and vas deferens of the animals was examined using an electron microscope. Apoptosis of the cells in the testes, epididymides and vas deferens was detected by TUNEL method. There was no sperm in the semen of dogs, which had been inserted IVD and vasectomized at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months post-operation. The concentration of α-glucosidase in the IVD group, reversal group and sham-operation group was not significantly different between pre- and post-operation. The pregnancy rates of the female rabbits in the vasectomy, IVD and reversal groups were all zero, but the pregnancy rate in the reversal group, after taking out IVD, and that of the sham-operation group was 60% and 80%, respectively. The ultrastructures of the testes, epididymides and vas deferens of the male animals in the IVD group and sham-operation group were in normal ranges compared with the vasectomy group. The apoptosis of the cells in the testes, epididymides and vas deferens in the vasectomy group of both dogs and rabbits was obvious compared with the other groups. No significant changes in the quantities of copper and zinc ions were found in semen of the male dogs both pre- and post-operation. Our studies demonstrated that the filtering-type nano-copper complex/polymer composites intra-vas device may be an efficacious, safe and reversible male contraceptive device.

Elastic Isotropy in Martensitically Transforming FCC Alloys

The nature of the premartensitic state is still under debate. It is becoming evident that alloys which transform into a long period polymorph display the equivalent precursor strain modulations in the parent phases. The situation in alloys which transform in the center of the BZ is less clear, however. On the basis of electron microscopic [1,2,3] and X-ray diffraction data [4], it has been proposed for Fe-Pd alloy that the parent state consists of a coherent mixture of tetragonally distorted variants which may form a transitional phase. The interpretation is substantially based on the observation of 110 diffuse scattering and the softening of the elastic constant ½(C11 -C12) [1,2,5,6,7]. We have performed TEM studies of In-Tl alloys and investigated the low frequency mechanical response of In-Tl, In-Cd and Fe-Pd alloys. The phase diagrams of the three alloys [8,9,10], schematically presented in Fig. 1, show the common FCC-FCT martensitic transformation. Our studies indicate isotropic "elastic" softening and show that 111 streaking is present as well. This paper presents the mechanical results and their preliminary interpretation.

Effect of Galla chinensis on growth and metabolism of microcosm biofilms

Galla chinensis extract (GCE) interferes with de- and remineralization of dental enamel and the growth and metabolism in planktonic bacteria. However, no information is available on GCE effects on biofilms formed with saliva as inoculum. The aim of the current experiments was to investigate the effects of GCE at different stages of salivary microcosm biofilm formation. Biofilms formed on glass or enamel surfaces were treated with GCE solutions at different concentrations and at different time points. Effects were assessed by lactic acid formation and colony-forming unit (CFU) counts of the biofilms. The results showed that GCE treatments inhibited growth and acid metabolism of both nascent and mature microcosm biofilms. Pretreatment of the substratum with GCE solutions inhibited growth and lactic acid production of biofilms grown on enamel, but had little effects on biofilms formed on glass surfaces. A maximum GCE effect was found when biofilms, on either surface type, were treated after 8 h of formation with 40 h of subsequent growth. In medium with sucrose-fermenting biofilms, low concentrations of GCE (0.2 and 0.1 mg/ml) inhibited acid production without killing bacteria of the biofilm. Differences were found in GCE effects on biofilms formed with saliva from different donors, with reductions in acid formation and CFU values ranging between 0 and 78%. In conclusion, bioactive components in GCE reduce or inhibit both growth and lactic acid formation in biofilms.

Combination of hsa-miR-375 and hsa-miR-142-5p as a predictor for recurrence risk in gastric cancer patients following surgical resection

BACKGROUND

Recurrence is a major factor leading to treatment failure and death in gastric cancer (GC) patients following surgical resection. Importantly, the prediction of recurrence is critical in improving clinical outcomes. We isolated a group of microRNAs (miRNAs) and evaluated their usefulness as prognostic markers for the recurrence of GC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 65 GC patients were selected for systematic analysis, 29 patients with recurrence and 36 patients without recurrence. Firstly, miRNAs microarray and bioinformatics methods were used to characterize classifiers from primary tumor samples (n = 8). Following, we validated these predictors both in frozen fresh and paraffin-embedded tissue samples (n = 57) using quantitative PCR.

RESULTS

We have identified 17 differential miRNAs including 10 up-regulated and 7 down-regulated miRNAs in recurrence group. Using k-top scoring pairs (k-TSP) method, we further ascertained hsa-miR-375 and hsa-miR-142-5p as a classifier to recognize recurrence and nonrecurrence cases both in the training and test samples. Moreover, we validated this classifier in 34 frozen fresh tissues and 38 paraffin-embedded tissues with consistent sensitivity and specificity with training set; among them, 15 cases were matched. A high frequency recurrence and poor survival were observed in GC cases with high level of hsa-miR-375 and low level of hsa-miR-142-5p (P < 0.001). In addition, we evaluated that hsa-miR-375 and hsa-miR-142-5p were involved in regulating target genes in several oncogenic signal pathways, such as TP53, MAPK, Wnt and vascular endothelial growth factor.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that the combination of hsa-miR-375 and hsa-miR-142-5p as a predictor of disease progression has the potential to predict recurrence risk for GC patients.

Dendritic Macromolecules: A Fourth Major Class of Polymer Architecture – New Properties Driven by Architecture

This new architectural class of macromolecules has received substantial attention during the past decade. Three dendritic subclasses, which include (a) random hyperbranched (i.e., one-pot ABx, polymerizations), (b) dendritic grafted (i.e., Combburst® polymers) and (c) regular dendrons/dendrimers (e.g., Starburst® dendrimers) have been synthesized and characterized at a well-defined level in our laboratory. It is clear that their precisely controlled, nanoscale dimensions and architecture play critical roles in influencing physical properties and performance characteristics. Furthermore, these parameters have also distinguished dendrimers as fundamental modules for many nanotechnology applications, as well as for the construction of a new class of larger nanoscale entities which we have termed core-shell tecto(dendrimers). This account will overview these activities and focus on certain unique de Gennes dense packing (or congestion phenomena) and nanoscale container properties that have emerged from this novel architecture.

Evidence of heterogeneity within bovine satellite cells isolated from young and adult animals

Satellite cells are a heterogeneous population of myogenic precursors responsible for muscle growth and repair in mammals. The objectives of the experiment were to examine the growth rates and degree of heterogeneity within bovine satellite cells (BSC) isolated from young and adult animals. The BSC were harvested from the semimembranosus of young (4.3 ± 0.5 d) and adult (estimated 24 to 27 mo) cattle and cultured en masse. Young animal BSC re-enter the cell cycle sooner and reach maximal 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation earlier (P < 0.05) than adult contemporaries. Adult BSC contain fewer (P < 0.05) MyoD and myogenin immunopositive nuclei than BSC isolated from young animals after 3, 4, and 5 d in culture. These results indicate that BSC from young animals activate, proliferate, and differentiate sooner than isolates from adult animals. Lineage heterogeneity within BSC was examined using antibodies specific for Pax7 and Myf5, lineage markers of satellite cells, and myoblasts. Immunocytochemistry revealed the majority of Pax7-expressing BSC also express Myf5; a minor population (~5%) fails to exhibit Myf5 immunoreactivity. The percentage of Pax7:Myf5 BSC from young animals decreases sooner (P < 0.05) in culture than adult BSC, indicating a more rapid rate of muscle fiber formation. A subpopulation immunopositive for Myf5 only was identified in both ages of BSC isolates. The growth kinetics and heterogeneity of young BSC was further evaluated by clonal analysis. Single cell clones were established and analyzed after 10 d. Colonies segregated into 2 groups based upon population doubling time. Immunostaining of the slow-growing colonies (population doubling time ≥ 3 d) revealed that a portion exhibited asymmetric distribution of the lineage markers Pax7 and Myf5, similar to self-renewable mouse muscle stem cells. In summary, these results offer insight into the heterogeneity of BSC and provide evidence for subtle differences between rodent and bovine myogenic precursors.

Phase II trial of irinotecan and cisplatin combination as first-line chemotherapy in patients with advanced esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma: An interim report

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Background: Although the irinotecan and cisplatin combination has been used in esophageal cancer treatment, we tested the combination specifically in unresectable or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with different doses to decrease the toxicity and keep the efficacy.

Methods: Patients were eligible if they had histologic proof of unresectable or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus, between 18-75 years of age with a Karnofsky performance status ≥ 80. No prior chemotherapy was allowed. Patients were treated with irinotecan 130 mg/m2 and cisplatin 60 mg/m2 repeated 3 weeks. Response was evaluated every two cycles of treatment by using RECIST criteria. The sample size was calculated using Simon's 2-stage design. The primary end point of the study was objective response rate. The second end points are PFS and toxicity. Accrual was planned to a total of 46 patients with the targeted response rate of 50%. The first stage requires at least 7 or more out of 16 patients to have a confirmed partial or complete response before proceeding to the second stage.

Results: Twenty one patients have been enrolled so far, of which 16 patients were assessable for response. The overall response rate was 43.8%(7/16), including one complete response (6.3%) and six partial response (37.5%). Among 13 patients who presented with dysphagia at baseline, 10 (62.5%) had the symptom either completely resolved or significantly improved. The most common toxicities were neutropenia, diarrhea and alopecia. Seven patients (33.3%) developed grade 3 neutropenia and one had (4.8%) with febrile neutropenia. One patient (4.8%) had grade 3 diarrhea. There were no treatment-related deaths.

Conclusions: The combination of irinotecan plus cisplatin with lower doses showed equivalent efficacy and less toxicity in patients with unresectable or metastatic squamous-cell carcinoma of the esophagus. The study is ongoing.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Indoor allergen levels in Guangzhou city, southern China

BACKGROUND

  High levels of sensitization to house dust mites have been observed in Chinese allergic patients. This study has measured levels and distributions of mite and cockroach allergens in household dust in Guangzhou. Influences of home characteristics and seasonal changes on allergen levels were also investigated.

METHODS

  Dust samples were collected from bedding and living room from households in Guangzhou. Major allergens from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, D. farinae, D. microceras, Blomia tropicalis and cockroach allergens were measured by ELISA. Home characteristics were obtained from a questionnaire.

RESULTS

  Four hundred and four dust samples were collected from 107 homes during October 2006 to November 2007. House dust mite allergen levels were detectable in 99% of the bedding samples. Der f 1 levels were significantly higher than Der p 1 levels. High levels of mite allergens (>10 μg/g) were observed in 88% of all the bedding samples. Cockroach allergens were detected in 93% of households and were higher in living room samples than in bedding samples. Blo t 5 and Der m 1 could not be detected in the dust samples. Having fabric furniture was a predictor of high allergen levels. Der f 1 levels were higher in summer time than in winter time. Cockroach allergens were higher in winter time than in summer time.

CONCLUSION

  In Guangzhou, Der f 1 is the predominant mite allergen in dust with very high levels in bedding. Cockroach allergens are also common.