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O'Connor T, Soto-Perez-de-Celis E, Blanchard S, Chapman A, Kimmick G, Muss H, Luu T, Waisman JR, Li D, Mortimer J, Yuan Y, Somlo G, Stewart D, Katheria V, Levi A, Hurria A. Abstract P5-21-08: Tolerability of the combination of lapatinib and trastuzumab in older patients with HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer. Cancer Res 2018. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.sabcs17-p5-21-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Older adults are less likely to be included in clinical trials leading to the approval of novel cancer treatments. The Institute of Medicine and ASCO have identified therapeutic phase II trials as a key research priority to increase the evidence base for older adults with cancer. While targeted therapies may represent a less toxic option for older patients, few trials have studied their tolerability and efficacy in older adults. Here, we present a phase II study (NCT01273610) of the combination of trastuzumab and lapatinib in older patients with HER2+ metastatic breast cancer (MBC), incorporating geriatric oncology principles in the study design.
Methods: Patients age ≥ 60 years with MBC and any number of prior chemotherapy (CT) lines received trastuzumab (either 4mg/kg loading dose followed by 2mg/kg weekly or 8mg/kg followed by 6mg/kg q/3 weeks) plus lapatinib 1000 mg/m2 daily in 21-day cycles. Patients completed a pre-treatment geriatric assessment including measures of function, comorbidity, cognition, nutrition, and psychosocial status. A toxicity risk score developed for older adults receiving cytotoxic CT was calculated for each patient (Hurria et al. JCO 2011 & 2016). Relationships between tolerability (dose reductions and grade (G) ≥ 3 toxicity attributed to treatment) and risk score analyzed using a log2 transformation were assessed using generalized linear models, Student's t tests, and Fisher's exact test. Response rate (RR) and progression free survival (PFS) were evaluated.
Results: 40 patients (mean age 72 [60-92]) were accrued from 04/11 to 05/15. 25% (n = 10) were ≥ 75 years of age. 65% of patients (n = 26) had HR+ tumors and 35% (n = 14) were receiving ≥ 3rd line treatment. Median number of cycles was 4 (0-28). RR was 23% (n = 9, 95% CI 11-38%; 1 complete, 8 partial). 23% (n = 9) achieved stable disease. PFS was 2.7 months (95% CI 2.5-12). Based on the toxicity risk score, 21% (n = 8), 54% (n = 21), and 26% (n = 10) were at low, intermediate, and high risk. 70% (n = 28) of patients had G ≥ 2 toxicities and 20% (n = 8) G ≥ 3 toxicities. G 2 and 3 diarrhea occurred in 28% (n = 11) and 5% (n = 2) respectively. 5% (n = 2) were hospitalized due to treatment-related toxicity. No G ≥ 3 cardiac toxicities were observed. 23% of patients (n = 9) had treatment delays, and 43% (n = 17) required a lapatinib dose reduction. The mean toxicity risk score was higher in patients who required dose reductions (Student's t: p = 0.02). No statistically significant relationship was found between toxicity risk scores and the presence of G ≥ 3 treatment toxicity (logistic regression: OR = 3.08, 95% CI [0.54, 21.2], p = 0.22).
Conclusions: Among older patients with MBC (79% at intermediate or high risk of G ≥ 3 cytotoxic CT toxicity), trastuzumab and lapatinib were well tolerated, with only 20% experiencing G3 toxicities. The toxicity risk score was not found to be significantly related with treatment toxicity, which may be explained by the very low incidence of G3 events. Patients with a low toxicity risk score were not likely to require a lapatinib dose reduction.
Citation Format: O'Connor T, Soto-Perez-de-Celis E, Blanchard S, Chapman A, Kimmick G, Muss H, Luu T, Waisman JR, Li D, Mortimer J, Yuan Y, Somlo G, Stewart D, Katheria V, Levi A, Hurria A. Tolerability of the combination of lapatinib and trastuzumab in older patients with HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-21-08.
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Krieger Y, Rubin G, Schulz A, Rosenberg N, Levi A, Singer A, Rosenberg L, Shoham Y. Bromelain-based enzymatic debridement and minimal invasive modality (mim) care of deeply burned hands. ANNALS OF BURNS AND FIRE DISASTERS 2017; 30:198-204. [PMID: 29849523 PMCID: PMC5946757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/05/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The objective was to critically review the data and assess the implications of NexoBrid [NexoBrid-NXB formerly Debrase Gel Dressing-DGD]a in the special field of deep hand burns. Detailed analysis of endpoints in the treatment of hand burn patients was conducted as part of a multi-center, open label, randomized, controlled two-arm study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of NXB enzymatic debridement, comparing it to the current standard of care (SOC). These results were compared to a large cohort of patients treated with NXB in a previous, single arm study. Thirty-one burned hands were treated with NXB and 41 hand burns were in the SOC group. In the NXB group, 4 out of 31 hand burns (12.9%) required some excisional debridement compared to 29 out of the 41 (70.7%) in the SOC group (p<0.0001). Mean percentage of burn wound area excised in the NXB group was 4.4 ± 13.1% compared to 52.0 ± 41.4% in the SOC group (p<0.0001). None of the NXB-treated hands required escharotomy compared to 4 out of the 41 (9.7%) in the SOC group. NXB enzymatic debridement demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in burn wound excision and auto-grafting compared to SOC, and seems to prevent the need for emergency escharotomy. a DGD is produced by MediWound and distributed under the name NexoBrid®.
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Zusman O, Landes U, Orvin K, Levi A, Witberg G, Assali A, Vaknin-Assa H, Sharony R, Hamdan A, Shapira Y, Sagie A, Kornowski R. P6333Transcatheter aortic valve implantation futility risk model development and validation among treated aortic stenosis patients. Eur Heart J 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehx493.p6333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Hammer Y, Soudry A, Levi A, Talmor-Barkan Y, Leshem-Lev D, Singer J, Kornowski R, Lev E. P3483Effect of vitamin D on endothelial progenitor cells function. Eur Heart J 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehx504.p3483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Maya I, Kahana S, Yeshaya J, Tenne T, Yacobson S, Agmon-Fishman I, Cohen-Vig L, Levi A, Reinstein E, Basel-Vanagaite L, Sharony R. Chromosomal microarray analysis in fetuses with aberrant right subclavian artery. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2017; 49:337-341. [PMID: 27063194 DOI: 10.1002/uog.15935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA), with or without additional risk factors for aneuploidy or ultrasound abnormality, and results of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA). METHODS This was a multicenter study of fetuses diagnosed with ARSA that underwent genetic analysis by CMA, all samples being analyzed in the same laboratory. Clinical investigation included nuchal translucency measurement, first- and second-trimester maternal serum screening, early and late second-trimester fetal anatomy scans and fetal echocardiography. Comparative genomic hybridization microarray analysis or single-nucleotide polymorphism array technology was used for CMA of DNA samples obtained from amniotic fluid. RESULTS CMA results were available for 63 fetuses with ARSA. In 36 fetuses, ARSA was an isolated finding, and no pathogenic variant was found. Additional ultrasound findings and/or risk factors for aneuploidy were present in 27 fetuses, five of which had pathogenic CMA results. Of these five, trisomy 21 was detected in a fetus with echogenic intracardiac focus (EIF), 22q11 deletion was detected in a fetus with EIF and an increased risk of trisomy 21 of 1:230 from maternal serum screening, 22q11 duplication was detected in a fetus with hypoplastic right kidney and choroid plexus cyst and 22q11 deletion was detected in a fetus with right aortic arch and clubfoot. The fifth fetus had increased nuchal translucency thickness (4 mm) and a ventricular septal defect, and CMA identified both 22q11 deletion and 1q21 duplication. CONCLUSIONS In fetuses with isolated ARSA, an invasive procedure for CMA is not indicated. However, CMA is recommended when additional ultrasound abnormalities or risk factors for aneuploidy are observed. The chromosomal findings in four of the five cases with an abnormal CMA result in our study would not have been detected by standard fetal chromosomal testing. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Politi Y, Levi A, Enk CD, Lapidoth M. Integrated cooling-vacuum-assisted 1540-nm erbium:glass laser is effective in treating mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris. Lasers Med Sci 2015; 30:2389-93. [PMID: 26428932 DOI: 10.1007/s10103-015-1816-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Acne treatment by a mid-infrared laser may be unsatisfactory due to deeply situated acne-affected sebaceous glands which serve as its target. Skin manipulation by vacuum and contact cooling may improve laser-skin interaction, reduce pain sensation, and increase overall safety and efficacy. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of acne treatment using an integrated cooling-vacuum-assisted 1540-nm erbium:glass laser, a prospective interventional study was conducted. It included 12 patients (seven men and five women) suffering from mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris. The device utilizes a mid-infrared 1540-nm laser (Alma Lasers Ltd. Caesarea, Israel), which is integrated with combined cooling-vacuum-assisted technology. An acne lesion is initially manipulated upon contact by a vacuum-cooling-assisted tip, followed by three to four stacked laser pulses (500-600 mJ, 4 mm spot size, and frequency of 2 Hz). Patients underwent four to six treatment sessions with a 2-week interval and were followed-up 1 and 3 months after the last treatment. Clinical photographs were taken by high-resolution digital camera before and after treatment. Clinical evaluation was performed by two independent dermatologists, and results were graded on a scale of 0 (exacerbation) to 4 (76-100 % improvement). Patients' and physicians' satisfaction was also recorded. Pain perception and adverse effects were evaluated as well. All patients demonstrated a moderate to significant improvement (average score of 3.6 and 2.0 within 1 and 3 months, respectively, following last treatment session). No side effects, besides a transient erythema, were observed. Cooling-vacuum-assisted 1540-nm laser is safe and effective for the treatment of acne vulgaris.
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Levi A, Tal Y, Dranitzki Z, Shalit M, Enk CD. Successful omalizumab treatment of severe solar urticaria in a 6-year-old child. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2015; 26:588-90. [PMID: 26172942 DOI: 10.1111/pai.12441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Knight AL, Barros-Parada W, Bosch D, Escudero-Colomar LA, Fuentes-Contreras E, Hernández-Sánchez J, Jung C, Kim Y, Kovanci OB, Levi A, Lo P, Molinari F, Valls J, Gemeno C. Similar worldwide patterns in the sex pheromone signal and response in the oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2015; 105:23-31. [PMID: 25234707 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485314000637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The response of Grapholita molesta (Busck) males to three-component sex pheromone blends containing a 100% ratio of the major sex pheromone component, (Z)-8-dodecenyl acetate and a 10% ratio of (Z)-8-dodecenol, but with varying ratios of (E)-8-dodecenyl acetate (0.4, 5.4, 10.4, 30.4, and 100.1% E-blends) was tested with populations in eight stone and pome fruit orchards in Europe, Asia, and North and South America. Traps baited with the 5.4% E-blend caught significantly more males than traps with any other blend with all populations. Significantly more males were caught in traps baited with the 10.4% E-blend than in traps with the remaining blends, except with the 0.4% E-blend in Turkey. Significant differences in male moth catches occurred between the other blends with the 0.4>30.4% E-blend, and the 30.4>100.1% E-blend. Male moth catches with the 100.1% E-blend only differed from the hexane control in Chile. No apparent differences were noted to these blends in populations collected from pome or stone fruits. Flight tunnel assays to synthetic blends with a subset of populations were similar to the field results, but the breadth of the most attractive E-blends was wider. Flight tunnel assays also demonstrated a high level of male-female cross-attraction among field-collected populations. Female gland extracts from field-collected populations did not show any significant variation in their three-component blends. The only exceptions in these assays were that long-term laboratory populations were less responsive and attractive, and produced different blend ratios of the two minor components than recently collected field populations.
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Levi A, Shaked D, Tadin D, Huxlin K. Is improved contrast sensitivity a natural consequence of visual training? J Vis 2014. [DOI: 10.1167/14.10.1158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Uziel Y, Kwint Y, Matitiahu A, Levi A, Pearl L, Barash J. PReS-FINAL-2192: Late cardiac assessment in children who were diagnosed with post streptococcal reactive arthritis - a long term study. Pediatr Rheumatol Online J 2013. [PMCID: PMC4045116 DOI: 10.1186/1546-0096-11-s2-o27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Musto P, Simeon V, Martorelli MC, Petrucci MT, Cascavilla N, Di Raimondo F, Caravita T, Morabito F, Offidani M, Olivieri A, Benevolo G, Mina R, Guariglia R, D'Arena G, Mansueto G, Filardi N, Nobile F, Levi A, Falcone A, Cavalli M, Pietrantuono G, Villani O, Bringhen S, Omedè P, Lerose R, Agnelli L, Todoerti K, Neri A, Boccadoro M, Palumbo A. Lenalidomide and low-dose dexamethasone for newly diagnosed primary plasma cell leukemia. Leukemia 2013; 28:222-5. [PMID: 23958922 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2013.241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Ling KS, Levi A, Adkins S, Kousik CS, Miller G, Hassell R, Keinath AP. Development and Field Evaluation of Multiple Virus-Resistant Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria). PLANT DISEASE 2013; 97:1057-1062. [PMID: 30722471 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-07-12-0639-re] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In an effort to develop bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) as a widely adapted rootstock for watermelon grafting, we sought to identify lines with broad resistance to several cucurbit viruses that are economically important in the United States. Preliminary analysis under greenhouse conditions indicated that the currently available commercial watermelon rootstocks were either highly susceptible or somewhat tolerant to one or more viruses. However, in greenhouse screening, several breeding lines of bottle gourd displayed broad-spectrum resistance to four viruses tested, including Zucchini yellow mosaic virus, Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV), Papaya ringspot virus watermelon strain (PRSV-W), and Squash vein yellowing virus. Resistance to PRSV-W and WMV was confirmed through field trials in two consecutive years at two different locations in South Carolina. Two breeding lines (USVL#1-8 and USVL#5-5) with broad-spectrum virus resistance could be useful materials for watermelon rootstock development.
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Dieter KC, Levi A, Bavelier D, Tadin D. Enhanced Attentional Control of Binocular Rivalry in Action Video Game Players. J Vis 2012. [DOI: 10.1167/12.9.680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Andriani A, Petrucci MT, Caravita T, Montanaro M, Villivà N, Levi A, Siniscalchi A, Bongarzoni V, Pisani F, De Muro M, Coppetelli U, Avvisati G, Zullo A, Agrillo A, Gaglioti D. Evolution of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw in patients with multiple myeloma and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia: a retrospective multicentric study. Blood Cancer J 2012; 2:e62. [PMID: 22829257 PMCID: PMC3317527 DOI: 10.1038/bcj.2012.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2011] [Revised: 09/13/2011] [Accepted: 09/28/2011] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Bisphosphonates (BPs) are used intravenously to treat cancer-related conditions for the prevention of pathological fractures. Osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) is a rare complication reported in 4-15% of patients. We studied, retrospectively, 55 patients with multiple myeloma or Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia followed up from different haematological departments who developed BRONJ. All patients were treated with BPs for bone lesions and/or fractures. The most common trigger for BRONJ was dental alveolar surgery. After a median observation of 26 months, no death caused by BRONJ complication was reported. In all, 51 patients were treated with antibiotic therapy, and in 6 patients, this was performed in association with surgical debridement of necrotic bone, in 16 with hyperbaric O(2) therapy/ozonotherapy and curettage and in 12 with sequestrectomy and O(2)/hyperbaric therapy. Complete response was observed in 20 cases, partial response in 21, unchanged in 9 and worsening in 3. The association of surgical treatment with antibiotic therapy seems to be more effective in eradicating the necrotic bone than antibiotic treatment alone. O(2) hyperbaric/ozonotherapy is a very effective treatment. The cumulative dosage of BPs is important for the evolution of BRONJ. Because the most common trigger for BRONJ was dental extractions, all patients, before BP treatment, must achieve an optimal periodontal health.
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Krieger Y, Shoham Y, Levi A, Bogdanov-Beresovsky A, Silberstien E, Sagi A. Burn treatment framework in Israel. ANNALS OF BURNS AND FIRE DISASTERS 2011; 24:199-202. [PMID: 22639563 PMCID: PMC3341875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2011] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The treatment and hospitalization policies in various hospitals in Israel are influenced by injury severity and by the existence or non-existence of a designated burn treatment body. Severely injured burn victims requiring designated burn treatment are referred to one of Israel's five major burn units located in the highest level trauma centres that have an advanced burn treatment infrastructure. This national distribution of burn centres ensures designated treatment availability in various areas according to Israeli demographics, geography, and security threats. Israel does not have an obligatory burn report policy. Implementation of a national burn repository such as that in the USA will be able to give burn treatment specialists in our country a basis for comparison of treatment standards and allow for better care for burn victims. The Israeli Burn Association has a major role in the processes discussed in the manuscript.
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Krieger Y, Oz D, Berezovski B, Silberstein E, Gurfinkel R, Arnon O, Vigoda D, Shoham Y, Rosenberg N, Levi A, Sagi A, Rosenberg L. O28.1 Enzymatic debridement of deeply burned hand: an update. Burns 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/s0305-4179(11)70075-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Taylor D, Levi A, Waldman J, Goodman S, Battistelli M, Karasek D, Weitz T. Training to competence and beyond: evaluation of a standardized training program for establishing and maintaining competence in early aspiration abortion care. Contraception 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2011.05.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Boccadoro M, Cavallo F, Nagler A, Ben Yehuda D, Omedè P, Cavalli M, Levi A, Crippa C, Siniscalchi A, Brasca P, Carella AM, Zanetti BA, Patriarca F, Pezzati S, Montefusco V, Stanevsky A, Lupo B, Caravita T, Di Raimondo F, Palumbo AP. Melphalan/prednisone/lenalidomide (MPR) versus high-dose melphalan and autologous transplantation (MEL200) in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) patients: A phase III trial. J Clin Oncol 2011. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2011.29.15_suppl.8020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Guccini I, Serio D, Condò I, Rufini A, Tomassini B, Mangiola A, Maira G, Anile C, Fina D, Pallone F, Mongiardi MP, Levi A, Ventura N, Testi R, Malisan F. Frataxin participates to the hypoxia-induced response in tumors. Cell Death Dis 2011; 2:e123. [PMID: 21368894 PMCID: PMC3101705 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2011.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2010] [Revised: 01/13/2011] [Accepted: 01/19/2011] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Defective expression of frataxin is responsible for the degenerative disease Friedreich's ataxia. Frataxin is a protein required for cell survival since complete knockout is lethal. Frataxin protects tumor cells against oxidative stress and apoptosis but also acts as a tumor suppressor. The molecular bases of this apparent paradox are missing. We therefore sought to investigate the pathways through which frataxin enhances stress resistance in tumor cells. We found that frataxin expression is upregulated in several tumor cell lines in response to hypoxic stress, a condition often associated with tumor progression. Moreover, frataxin upregulation in response to hypoxia is dependent on hypoxia-inducible factors expression and modulates the activation of the tumor-suppressor p53. Importantly, we show for the first time that frataxin is in fact increased in human tumors in vivo. These results show that frataxin participates to the hypoxia-induced stress response in tumors, thus implying that modulation of its expression could have a critical role in tumor cell survival and/or progression.
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Polat U, Levi A, Sterkin A, Amiaz R. Abnormal contour filling-in process in patients with depression. J Vis 2010. [DOI: 10.1167/6.6.377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Levi A. Olympic tears. CMAJ 2010; 182:E205-6. [DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.109-3162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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Severini C, La Corte G, Improta G, Broccardo M, Agostini S, Petrella C, Sibilia V, Pagani F, Guidobono F, Bulgarelli I, Ferri GL, Brancia C, Rinaldi AM, Levi A, Possenti R. In vitro and in vivo pharmacological role of TLQP-21, a VGF-derived peptide, in the regulation of rat gastric motor functions. Br J Pharmacol 2009; 157:984-93. [PMID: 19466987 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2009.00192.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Vgf gene expression has been detected in various endocrine and neuronal cells in the gastrointestinal tract. In this study we investigated the pharmacological activity of different VGF-derived peptides. Among these, TLQP-21, corresponding to the 556-576 fragment of the protein was the unique active peptide, and its pharmacological profile was further studied. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The effects of TLQP-21 were examined in vitro by smooth muscle contraction in isolated preparations from the rat gastrointestinal tract and, in vivo, by assessing gastric emptying in rats. Rat stomach tissues were also processed for immunohistochemical and biochemical characterization. KEY RESULTS In rat longitudinal forestomach strips, TLQP-21 (100 nmol x L(-1)-10 micromol x L(-1)) concentration-dependently induced muscle contraction (in female rats, EC(50) = 0.47 micromol.L(-1), E(max): 85.7 +/- 7.9 and in male rats, 0.87 micromol x L(-1), E(max): 33.4 +/- 5.3; n = 8), by release of prostaglandin (PG)E(2) and PGF(2a) from the mucosal layer. This effect was significantly antagonized by indomethacin and selective inhibitors of either cyclooxygenase-1 (S560) or cyclooxygenase-2 (NS398). Immunostaining and biochemical studies confirmed the presence of VGF in the gastric neuronal cells. TLQP-21, injected i.c.v. (2-32 nmol per rat), significantly decreased gastric emptying by about 40%. This effect was significantly (P < 0.05) blocked by i.c.v. injection of indomethacin, suggesting that, also in vivo, this peptide acts in the brain stimulating PG release. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The present results demonstrate that this VGF-derived peptide plays a central and local role in the regulation of rat gastric motor functions.
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Bartolomucci A, Moles A, Levi A, Possenti R. Pathophysiological role of TLQP-21: gastrointestinal and metabolic functions. Eat Weight Disord 2008; 13:e49-54. [PMID: 19011364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The present review summarizes recent findings on the metabolic and gastroenteric role of the VGF gene and a peptide derived by post-translational cleavage of the VGF pro-hormone, i.e. TLQP-21. The vgf gene is widely expressed through the central nervous system as well as in the peripheral nervous system, in myenteric plexus ganglia and also in the glandular portion of the stomach. A few VGF derived peptide have been shown to possess biological activity, among them TLQP-21 attracted particular interest following its identification within rat nervous system. In particular, recent studies from our and other groups implicated TLQP-21 in both the modulation of energy homeostasis, body weight regulation and neuroendocrine functions as well as in the central control of gut functions. Overall, findings available point to a role for TLQP-21 in negatively affecting the body energy balance.
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Bartolomucci A, Rigamonti AE, Bulgarelli I, Torsello A, Locatelli V, Pavone F, Levi A, Possenti R, Muller EE, Moles A. Chronic intracerebroventricular TLQP-21 delivery does not modulate the GH/IGF-1-axis and muscle strength in mice. Growth Horm IGF Res 2007; 17:342-345. [PMID: 17400498 DOI: 10.1016/j.ghir.2007.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2006] [Revised: 01/30/2007] [Accepted: 02/20/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Biallelic ablation of VGF determines a dwarf phenotype. VGF precursor protein encodes for different biologically active peptides none of which has been related to growth or muscular abnormalities. Here we present the first attempt to fill this gap. We tested the hypothesis that a recently identified VGF-derived peptide, TLQP-21, shown to centrally modulate metabolic functions, could also modulate growth hormone (GH)-axis and muscle strength. DESIGN Adult male mice were chronically icv injected with TLQP-21 (15 microg/day for 14 days). Physiological, molecular and behavioral parameters related to the GH/IGF-1-axis were investigated. RESULTS Except for a reduction in the soleus weight, TLQP-21 did not affect GH/IGF-1-axis mediators, muscle strength and muscle weight. CONCLUSIONS Results collected exclude a role for TLQP-21 in modulating the GH/IGF1-axis and muscle functions. VGF-derived peptides involved in the dwarf phenotype of VGF-/- mice have to be identified yet.
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Volpicelli P, Latagliata R, Breccia M, Carmosino I, Stefanizzi C, Iannella E, Levi A, Natalino F, Alimena G. P125 Pregnancy in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Leuk Res 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/s0145-2126(07)70195-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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