Inhibition of hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by a disintegrin and metalloproteinase-17 inhibitor TNF484

Background

The aim of this study was to test the effect of TNF484 on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells.

Materials and Methods

Various doses (0, 1, 10, 50, and 100 nM) of TNF484 were applied to the HepG2 and Bel7402 cells, and cell proliferation was measured by using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay after 72 h. Cell migration rate was measured using the xCELLigence system, and the cell invasion ability was examined by the three-dimensional spheroid BME cell invasion assay. The expression level of ADAM17 was also measured with RT-PCR.

Results

With the treatment of TNF484, the cell proliferation of HepG2 and Bel7402 cells was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, under TNF484 treatment, the cell migration rate as well as cell invasion ability of the HepG2 and Bel7402 cells were suppressed.

Conclusion

TNF484 could inhibit the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of some HCC cell lines, making it a potential therapeutic option for liver cancer treatment.

Aβ1-42 increases the expression of neural KATP subunits Kir6.2/SUR1 via the NF-κB, p38 MAPK and PKC signal pathways in rat primary cholinergic neurons

ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP) may mediate a potential neuroprotective role in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Given that exposure to Aβ1-42 in cultured primary cholinergic neurons for 72 h significantly upregulates the expression of KATP subunits Kir6.2/SUR1, we aim to study the underlying signal transduction mechanisms that are involved in Aβ_1-42-induced upregulation of KATP subunits Kir6.2/SUR1. In the present study, we first identified the primary cultured rat cortical and hippocampal neurons using immunocytochemistry. 0.5 μM NF-κB inhibitor SN-50, 2 μM p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580 or 2 μM PKC inhibitor Chelerythrine chloride (CTC) were then added in three separate groups, followed by 2 μM Aβ_1-42 30 min later in all 3 groups. Western Blot was performed 72 h later to detect the expression of KATP subunits Kir6.2/SUR1. We found that Aβ_1-42 significantly increased the level of KATP subunits Kir6.2/SUR1 expression at 72 h when compared with the control group ( p < 0.05). However, when compared with the Aβ_1-42 group, the level of KATP subunits Kir6.2/SUR1 expression at 72 h significantly decreased in the SN50 + Aβ_1-42 group, SB203580 + Aβ_1-42 group, and the CTC + Aβ_1-42 group ( p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that the NF-κB, p38 MAPK, and PKC signal pathways are partially involved in the upregulation of KATP subunits Kir6.2/SUR1 expression induced by Aβ_1-42 cytotoxicity in neurons, which supports a potential theoretical basis of targeting these signal pathways in the treatment of AD.

[Correlation between syrinx resolution after posterior fossa decompression and cervical sagittal profile change in adolescents with Chiari malformation and syringomyelia]

Objective: To evaluate the long term change of the cervical sagittal profile in adolescent Chiari malformation type Ⅰ (CMI)/syringomyelia undergoing posterior fossa decompression (PFD) and to further evaluate the correlation between the syrinx resolution and cervical sagittal profile. Methods: A retrospective radiographic study was performed in 32 adolescents undergoing PFD for CMI/syringomyelia from October 2011 to August 2015 with a minimum 2-year follow-up. There were 23 males and 9 females, with a mean age of (13.7±2.8) years (range, 10-16 years). The following parameters including upper cervical angle (C(0)-C(2)), lower cervical angle (C(2)-C(7)), sagittal balance (C(2)-C(7)SVA), cervical curvature index (CCI), syrinx size and length were compared preoperatively and at the last follow-up. The correlation of syrinx resolution and cervical sagittal parameters were further analyzed with Pearson correlation analysis. Results: All patients received a followed-up for 2.0-6.5 years [mean (3.9±1.1) years]. The lower cervical angle and CCI were-29.8°±11.4° and 29.1%±7.1% at the last follow-up, respectively, which were significantly higher than those before surgery (-15.2°±8.8°, 13.4%±4.2%)(t=2.917, 2.902, both P<0.05). The syrinx size and length were also obviously decreased at the last follow-up. No significant difference was found in the upper cervical angle and C(2)-C(7)SVA before operation and at the last follow-up (t=0.302, 0.871, both P>0.05). There were significantly positive correlations between the differences of syrinx width and the lower cervical angle, and the CCI before and after surgery (r=0.611, 0.652, both P<0.05). Significantly positive correlations were also observed between the differences of syrinx length and the lower cervical angle, and the CCI before and after surgery (r=0.504, 0.514, both P<0.05). Conclusions: The cervical lordosis can be restored after PFD in adolescents with CMI/syringomyelia. The resolution of syrinx may play an important role in restoring the cervical sagittal alignment.

[Clinical application of a self-developed bone dust collector in mastoid cavity obliteration following mastoidectomy]

Objective: To introduce a self-developed bone dust collector designed by the authors and evaluate its efficiency in mastoid obliteration following mastoidectomy. Methods: Consecutive patients, from April 2017 to March 2018, who prepared to receive mastoidectomy were randomly divided into two groups, and in each group the bone dust was harvested by self-developed bone dust collector or by conventional used method respectively in mastoidectomy. The amount of the harvested bone dust and the time consumed in the collecting procedure were compared between two groups. The infection of the bone dust after mastoid obliteration was also evaluated during follow up. Results: 33 patients were recruited in bone dust collector group, and 31 patients in conventional method group.There is no significance of difference between two groups in sex ratio, age and pneumatization of mastoid cells (P>0.05 for all). The median amount of bone dust harvested by bone dust collector was significantly larger than that collected by conventional method (1.8 g vs 1.1 g, P<0.05). The median time spent in bone dust collector group was significantly shorter than that spent in conventional method group (4 minutes vs 6 minutes, P<0.05). No bone dust infection was found in the follow-up in all patients. Conclusion: The present self-developed bone dust collector is a easy and useful apparatus which can significantly improve the efficiency of collecting bone dust in mastoidectomy.

A high-energy-density lithium-oxygen battery based on a reversible four-electron conversion to lithium oxide

Lithium-oxygen (Li-O2) batteries have attracted much attention owing to the high theoretical energy density afforded by the two-electron reduction of O2 to lithium peroxide (Li2O2). We report an inorganic-electrolyte Li-O2 cell that cycles at an elevated temperature via highly reversible four-electron redox to form crystalline lithium oxide (Li2O). It relies on a bifunctional metal oxide host that catalyzes O–O bond cleavage on discharge, yielding a high capacity of 11 milliampere-hours per square centimeter, and O2 evolution on charge with very low overpotential. Online mass spectrometry and chemical quantification confirm that oxidation of Li2O involves transfer of exactly 4 e–/O2. This work shows that Li-O2 electrochemistry is not intrinsically limited once problems of electrolyte, superoxide, and cathode host are overcome and that coulombic efficiency close to 100% can be achieved.

Kaposiform haemangioendothelioma: clinical features, complications and risk factors for Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon

BACKGROUND

Few studies have reported the clinical features, complications and predictors of Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon (KMP) associated with Kaposiform haemangioendothelioma (KHE).

OBJECTIVES

To determine the clinical characteristics present at diagnosis and to identify features that may aid clinicians in managing KHE.

METHODS

We conducted a cohort study of 146 patients diagnosed with KHE.

RESULTS

KHE precursors or lesions were present at birth in 52·1% of patients. In 91·8% of patients, lesions developed within the first year of life. The median age at diagnosis of KHE was 2·3 months (interquartile range 1·0-6·0). The extremities were the dominant location, representing 50·7% of all KHEs. Among KHEs in the cohort, 63·0% were mixed lesions (cutaneous lesions with deep infiltration). Approximately 70% of patients showed KMP. A KHE diagnosis was delayed by ≥ 1 month in 65·7% of patients with KMP. Patients with KMP were more likely to have major complications than patients without KMP (P = 0·023). Young age (< 6 months), trunk location, large lesion size (> 5·0 cm) and mixed lesion type were associated with KMP in a univariate analysis. In the multivariate analysis, only age [odds ratio (OR) 11·9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4·07-34·8; P < 0·001], large lesion size (OR 5·08, 95% CI 2·24-11·5; P < 0·001) and mixed lesion type (OR 2·96, 95% CI 1·23-7·13; P = 0·016) were associated with KMP.

CONCLUSIONS

Most KHEs appeared before 12 months of age. KHEs are associated with various major complications, which can occur in combination and develop early in the disease process. Young age, large lesion size and mixed lesion type are important predictors of KMP.

Cancer deaths and cases attributable to lifestyle factors and infections in China, 2013

Background

The burden of cancer in China is high, and it is expected to further increase. Information on cancers attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors is essential in planning preventive measures against cancer. We estimated the number and proportion of cancer deaths and cases attributable to ever-smoking, second-hand smoking, alcohol drinking, low fruit/vegetable intake, excess body weight, physical inactivity, and infections in China, using contemporary data from nationally representative surveys and cancer registries.

Methods

The number of cancer deaths and cases in 2013 were obtained from the National Central Cancer Registry of China and data on most exposures were obtained from the China National Nutrition and Health Survey 2002 or 2006 and Global Adult Tobacco Smoking 2010. We used a bootstrap simulation method to calculate the number and proportion of cancer deaths and cases attributable to risk factors and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs), allowing for uncertainty in data.

Results

Approximately 718 000 (95% CI 702 100-732 200) cancer deaths in men and 283 100 (278 800-288 800) cancer deaths in women were attributable to the studied risk factors, accounting for 52% of all cancer deaths in men and 35% in women. The numbers for incident cancer cases were 952 500 (95% CI 934 200-971 400) in men and 442 700 (437 200-447 900) in women, accounting for 47% of all incident cases in men and 28% in women. The greatest proportions of cancer deaths attributable to risk factors were for smoking (26%), HBV infection (12%), and low fruit/vegetable intake (7%) in men and HBV infection (7%), low fruit/vegetable intake (6%), and second-hand smoking (5%) in women.

Conclusions

Effective public health interventions to eliminate or reduce exposure from these risk factors, notably tobacco control and vaccinations against carcinogenic infections, can have considerable impact on reducing the cancer burden in China.

First-in-human phase I study of copanlisib (BAY 80-6946), an intravenous pan-class I phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor, in patients with advanced solid tumors and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of copanlisib, a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor, in patients with advanced solid tumors or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Phase I dose-escalation study including patients with advanced solid tumors or NHL, and a cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Patients received three weekly intravenous infusions of copanlisib per 28-day cycle over the dose range 0.1-1.2 mg/kg. Plasma copanlisib levels were analyzed for pharmacokinetics. Biomarker analysis included PIK3CA, KRAS, BRAF, and PTEN mutational status and PTEN immunohistochemistry. Whole-body [(18)F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography ((18)FDG-PET) was carried out at baseline and following the first dose to assess early pharmacodynamic effects. Plasma glucose and insulin levels were evaluated serially.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven patients received treatment. The MTD was 0.8 mg/kg copanlisib. The most frequent treatment-related adverse events were nausea and transient hyperglycemia. Copanlisib exposure was dose-proportional with no accumulation; peak exposure positively correlated with transient hyperglycemia post-infusion. Sixteen of 20 patients treated at the MTD had reduced (18)FDG-PET uptake; 7 (33%) had a reduction >25%. One patient achieved a complete response (CR; endometrial carcinoma exhibiting both PIK3CA and PTEN mutations and complete PTEN loss) and two had a partial response (PR; both metastatic breast cancer). Among the nine NHL patients, all six with follicular lymphoma (FL) responded (one CR and five PRs) and one patient with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma had a PR by investigator assessment; two patients with FL who achieved CR (per post hoc independent radiologic review) were on treatment >3 years.

CONCLUSION

Copanlisib, dosed intermittently on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day cycle, was well tolerated and the MTD was determined to be 0.8 mg/kg. Copanlisib exhibited dose-proportional pharmacokinetics and promising anti-tumor activity, particularly in patients with NHL.

CLINICALTRIALSGOV

NCT00962611; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00962611.

Deep insemination with sex-sorted Cashmere goat sperm processed in the presence of antioxidants

Flow cytometrically sex-sorted sperm have been widely used for improving reproductive management in the dairy industry. However, the industrial application of this technology in other domestic species is largely limited by the lower fertility after insemination. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of antioxidant supplementation during the sex-sorting and freezing process on the quality and functions of sorted sperm from Liaoning Cashmere goats. We tested the effects of antioxidant supplementation during sex-sorting and freezing process, including ascorbic acid-2-glucoside AA-2G, glutathione, melatonin and vitamin C (VC), on the quality and functions of sex-sorted fresh and frozen-thawed sperm. Based on these experiments, we performed deep insemination with sex-sorted sperm using our improved strategy, in comparison to unsorted sperm. In Experiment 1, compared with control group and other antioxidants, AA-2G supplementation significantly alleviated the degradation of motility and viability of fresh sperm after sorting and showed the highest percentage of sperm with normal morphology. In addition, AA-2G supplementation showed an evident protection against the sorting process-induced membrane and acrosome damage. In Experiment 2, AA-2G supplementation was most effective in protecting motility, while melatonin supplementation appears to facilitate the degradation of quality of frozen-thawed sex-sorted sperm. In Experiment 3, we performed deep insemination with sperm that were sorted and frozen in the presence of AA-2G and obtained a satisfying pregnancy rate comparable to that from unsorted sperm. The results showed that AA-2G supplementation efficiently protects quality and function of both fresh and frozen-thawed sex-sorted sperm of Cashmere goats, thus obtaining a satisfying pregnancy outcome.

Association between single nucleotide polymorphisms in AKT1 and the risk of prostate cancer in the Chinese Han population

AKT1, also known as v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog 1, is involved in the regulation of cell-survival and anti-apoptotic activities, which may affect the pathogenesis of various cancers. However, the association between genetic variants of AKT1 and the risk of developing prostate cancer has not been investigated before. This study investigated the associations between three polymorphisms (rs1130214, rs3730358, and rs2494732) in AKT1 and the risk of development of prostate cancer in the Chinese Han population. Sequenom MassARRAY & iPLEX technology were used to genotype these polymorphisms in 493 Chinese Han patients with prostate cancer and 309 age-matched healthy individuals. Compared to the CC genotype of the rs3730358 polymorphism, the CT genotype of the same polymorphism was strongly associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer (OR = 0.617, 95%CI = 0.390-0.976, P = 0.037). However, there was no significant difference between the allele frequency of the rs3730358 polymorphism and those of the other two polymorphisms (P > 0.05). Moreover, no significant difference was found in the haplotype analysis (P > 0.05). Our study found that the variant genotype CT of rs3730358 of AKT1 was associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer, which suggested that this polymorphism could play an important role in the development of the disease.

Daratumumab: monoclonal antibody therapy to treat multiple myeloma

Daratumumab (Darzalex[TM]) is a human monoclonal antibody (MAb) that targets CD38; a surface protein highly expressed across multiple myeloma (MM) cells. Preclinical studies have shown daratumumab induces MM cell death through several mechanisms, including complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP), apoptosis upon secondary crosslinking and immunomodulatory effects via a decrease in immune suppressive cells. Daratumumab has a favorable toxicity profile and encouraging clinical activity as a single agent and in combination with lenalidomide in heavily pretreated, relapsed patients in whom other novel agents (such as bortezomib, thalidomide and lenalidomide) and stem cell transplant have already failed. Given the encouraging efficacy and acceptable safety profile, daratumumab has emerged as a novel treatment option for MM both as a monotherapy and in combination with conventional and novel anti-MM agents. This review will focus on preclinical pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, safety and clinical development of daratumumab in MM.

Abstract P3-10-04: Disparities in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 testing completion: A population-based retrospective cohort study, 2010-2013

Introduction: Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is an established biomarker predictive for response to HER2-targeted therapies. Testing breast cancer specimens for HER2 protein overexpression or gene amplification is the standard of care. Earlier work showed inconsistent delivery of HER2 testing to some patient groups. We sought to understand current imbalances in HER2 testing.

Methods: Our retrospective cohort analysis of Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program data included women diagnosed with microscopically confirmed, first primary malignant breast cancer from 2010-2013. Women were categorized by race, stage, age, and whether they received HER2 testing. Those with unknown information in any of these variables were excluded. Descriptive analyses and multivariate logistic regression assessed the effect of these factors on the likelihood of not receiving HER2 testing.

Results: The full cohort included 182,032 women, of which 3,551 (2.0%) did not undergo testing for HER2 (Table 1). The portion of HER2 untested tumors was higher for African American women (2.3%) and other non-white women (2.2%), women over age 70 (2.3%) and women with Stage I (2.3%) or Stage IV disease (5.0%). Within the African American cohort similar patterns were seen: age &gt;70 (2.8%), Stage I (2.8%) and Stage IV (5.4%). The portion of women with untested tumors decreased from 2010 to 2013: 2.6% to 1.6% (p&lt;0.001) for the full cohort, and 2.9% to 1.9% (p&lt;0.001) for African Americans. On multivariate analysis, odds of not undergoing testing were highest for African American women (OR=1.27, p&lt;0.001), women of age &gt;70 (OR=1.26, p&lt;0.001), and women with Stage IV disease (OR=4.07, p&lt;0.001) (Table 2). Odds of not undergoing HER2 testing decreased over time (OR=0.60 for 2013 vs 2010, p&lt;0.001).

Conclusion: Persistent, and significant, disparities in completion of HER2 testing suggest that reasons for not testing extend beyond technical issues. While proportionally small, given the prevalence of breast cancer, addressing these disparities in HER2 testing may offer an opportunity to deliver life-prolonging, often well tolerated, therapy to significant numbers of patients. The improvements in delivery of HER2 testing seen over time are reassuring.

Table 1. Portion of women not having HER2 testing.  Full Cohort African Americans   N%p-valueN%p-valueN3,5512.0 4702.3 Race       White2,7081.9&lt;0.001    African American4702.3 4702.3  Other3732.2    Age at diagnosis       &lt;507081.7&lt;0.0011051.90.024 50-598921.9 1302.3  60-698941.9 1202.4  70+1,0572.3 1152.8 Stage       I2,0692.3&lt;0.0012232.8&lt;0.001 II7621.3 1111.4  III2211.0 441.4  IV4495.0 925.4 Year of diagnosis       20101,0662.6&lt;0.0011322.9&lt;0.001 20119432.1 1442.8  20128011.7 931.7  20137411.6 1011.9 

Table 2. Multivariate logistic regression for odds of not having HER2 testing.  OR*p-valueRace   Whiteref  African American1.27&lt;0.001 Other1.24&lt;0.001Age at diagnosis   &lt;50ref  50-591.080.128 60-691.010.795 70+1.26&lt;0.001Stage   Iref  II1.87&lt;0.001 III0.81&lt;0.001 IV4.07&lt;0.001Year of diagnosis   2010ref  20110.80&lt;0.001 20120.66&lt;0.001 20130.60&lt;0.001* Odds of group not being tested vs being tested, compared to the reference group and controlling for all other factors.

Citation Format: Schroeder MC, Neuner JM, Xia C, Thomas A. Disparities in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 testing completion: A population-based retrospective cohort study, 2010-2013 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-10-04.

Reduction Levels and the Effects of High-Molecular-Weight Adiponectin via AMPK/eNOS in Chinese Type 2 Diabetes

Aim: This study was to investigate the change of high-molecula-weight (HMW) adiponectin (APN) isoform, the association between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and HMW APN isoform, the variation of Disulfide-bond A oxidoreductase-like protein (DsbA-L), the effect of HMW APN isoform on AMP-dependent protein kinase (AMPK) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in Chinese T2DM. Method: 169 patients aged at (48.7±9.4) years and 107 healthy control subjects aged at (42.6±7.8) years took part in this study. Anthropometric measures of the characters were assayed and different APN isoforms, DsbA-L, AMPK and eNOS levels were determined. Results: Ln(sRAGE) and Ln(Adiponectin) were significantly lower and significantly higher for the other characteristics in T2DM. Ln(Adiponectin) was negatively and significantly correlated with WHR, Ln(triglycerides), fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c (%) in control subjects and T2DM patients. Plasma and adipose tissue total APN and HMW APN were significantly reduced in newly diagnosed T2DM patients. DsbA-L was markedly down-regulated in diabetic adipose tissue. HMW APN caused significant decreases in AMPK and eNOS phosphorylation levels of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that total APN levels was closely related to the risk of T2DM and HMW APN reduction was involved in the diabetic vascular AMPK/eNOS signal pathway. The findings will provide insight into novel therapeutic approaches for reducing the elevated cardiovascular risk associated with T2DM.

[Study on IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 gene expression in liver of young rats with intermittent hypoxia]

Objective:Using the model of young rats with intermittent hypoxia, to study the expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) in liver, and to provide objective evidence for the possible existence of growth retardation in children with OSAHS. Method:Divided 24 rats randomly into three groups, as control group and the mild and severe hypoxia group. Normally fed control group, without treatment, the other two groups were kept in the cabin has been simulated mild and severe intermittent hypoxia conditions of OSAHS in children. 8-hour day cycle of intermittent hypoxia, a total of 35 days. To the last day, animals were sacrificed and fresh liver tissues were fixed in liquid nitrogen, stored in the -80°C refrigerator, then took the molecular biology experiment of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 in the liver. Result:The expression of IGF-1 mRNA in liver, semi-quantitative analysis showed that the difference of mRNA expression of IGF-1 among the three groups was statistically significant (P<0.05), pairwise comparison, mild hypoxia group was higher than control and severe group, there were significant differences (P<0.05), the control group and severe hypoxia had no significant difference (P>0.05). The expression of IGFBP-3 mRNA in liver showed that, differences between the three groups was not significant (P>0.05). IGF-1 expression in liver tissue analysis showed that, differences between the three groups was statistically significant (P<0.05), pairwise comparisons, its expression in the control group was lower than mild hypoxia group and severe group, there were significant differences (P<0.05), mild hypoxia and severe hypoxia group had no significant difference (P>0.05). IGFBP-3 expression in liver tissue analysis showed that, differences between the three groups was statistically significant (P<0.05), pairwise comparisons, the control group was higher than mild and severe hypoxic group, there were significant differences (P<0.05), mild hypoxia and severe hypoxia group had no significant difference (P>0.05). Conclusion:IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 in the liver of mild hypoxia group, severe hypoxic group and control group showed that their transcription levels and the severity of hypoxia had no significant correlation.

Inflammation and activity augment brain-derived neurotrophic factor peripheral release

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) release to nerve terminals in the central nervous system is crucial in synaptic transmission and neuronal plasticity. However, BDNF release peripherally from primary afferent neurons has not been investigated. In the present study, we show that BDNF is synthesized by primary afferent neurons located in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) in rat, and releases to spinal nerve terminals in response to depolarization or visceral inflammation. In two-compartmented culture that separates DRG neuronal cell bodies and spinal nerve terminals, application of 50mM K(+) to either the nerve terminal or the cell body evokes BDNF release to the terminal compartment. Inflammatory stimulation of the visceral organ (e.g. the urinary bladder) also facilitates an increase in spontaneous BDNF release from the primary afferent neurons to the axonal terminals. In the inflamed viscera, we show that BDNF immunoreactivity is increased in nerve fibers that are immuno-positive to the neuronal marker PGP9.5. Both BDNF and pro-BDNF levels are increased, however, pro-BDNF immunoreactivity is not expressed in PGP9.5-positive nerve-fiber-like structures. Determination of receptor profiles in the inflamed bladder demonstrates that BDNF high affinity receptor TrkB and general receptor p75 expression levels are elevated, with an increased level of TrkB tyrosine phosphorylation/activity. These results suggest a possibility of pro-proliferative effect in the inflamed bladder. Consistently we show that the proliferation marker Ki67 expression levels are enhanced in the inflamed organ. Our results imply that in vivo BDNF release to the peripheral organ is an important event in neurogenic inflammatory state.

Protein expression in dairy cows with and without subclinical hypocalcaemia

AIM

To determine differences in plasma proteomic profiles between healthy cows and those with subclinical hypocalcaemia within 12 hours after calving, and thereby explore the underlying biological mechanism of subclinical hypocalcaemia in dairy cows.

METHODS

Plasma samples were collected within 6 hours of calving from Holstein cows on a farm in Heilongjiang, China; 32 with subclinical hypocalcaemia (plasma calcium concentration 1.38-2.00 mmol/L and no clinical signs) and 59 control cows (plasma calcium concentration 2.10-2.8 mmol/L). Plasma samples were applied to weak cationic exchange protein chips for protein profiling by surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS), and the data were analysed using the PBS-IIC system. The amplitude of peaks for the two groups were compared using the Wilcoxon sum-rank test, and the mass-to-charge ratio of the peaks that differed was used to identify peptide fragments using the Swiss-Prot protein database.

RESULTS

Seven peaks were identified in the subclinical hypocalcaemia group that differed from those of the control group (p<0.001), that represented six unique proteins. Expression of serum albumin, fibrinogen alpha chain, amyloid beta A4 proteins and neurosecretory protein VGF were increased, and expression of apolipoprotein A-II and serum amyloid A proteins were decreased in the subclinical hypocalcaemic cows compared with control cows.

CONCLUSION

Use of SELDI-TOF-MS technology can effectively identify differences in plasma protein expression patterns in cows with subclinical hypocalcaemia. Neurosecretory protein VGF and amyloid beta A4 protein might represent useful biomarkers for diagnosis of subclinical hypocalcaemia.

Correlations between serum trypsinogen-2 and pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND/AIMS

To investigate associations be- tween serum trypsinogen-2, pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer (PC) and determine cutoff values for PC diagnosis.

METHODOLOGY

We recruited 88 patients from Internal Medicine/Surgical Departments of General Military Hospital of Beijing PLA between 12/2009 and 6/2010. Serum samples were collected preoperatively from 23 PC patients, 30 pancreatitis patients and 35 healthy controls. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect trypsinogen-2 semiquantitatively.

RESULTS

Serum trypsinogen-2 levels of PC and pancreatitis patients were significantly higher than those of controls (51.2 ± 80.3, 107.7 ± 98.1 vs. 1.0 ± 0.5, p = 0.03, p < 0.001) and significantly higher in pancreatitis vs. PC patients (107.7 ± 98.1 vs. 51.2 ± 80.3, p = 0.01). Higher Balthazar CT grades correlated with higher trypsinogen-2 in pancreatitis group. ROC curves for trypsinogen-2 revealed optimal cutoff value 1.8 as lower PC detection limit with 95.7% sensitivity and 91.4% specificity, and optimal cutoff value 19.9 for upper PC detection limit with 87.0% sensitivity and 97.1% specificity. Trypsinogen-2 levels correlated with pancreatic injury level. An AUC of 0.73 (95% Cl: 0.59-0.84, p = 0.002) distinguished PC from pancreatitis.

CONCLUSION

Serum trypsinogen-2 is associated with PC and pancreatitis. Levels between 1.8 μg/L and 19.9 μg/L strongly suggest PC. Detection of serum trypsinogen-2 may provide simple, sensitive, specific non-invasive initial screening for early PC diagnosis.