Synthetic radiation-inducible promoters mediated HSV-TK/GCV gene therapy in the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the therapeutic effect of herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) gene mediated by synthetic radiation-inducible promoters in the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

The plasmids pcDNA3.1(+)E6-HSV-TK were constructed, in which the HSV-TK genes were mediated by synthetic radiation-inducible promoters. The recombined plasmids were transfected into the Tca8113 cells and golden hamster buccal carcinoma, respectively. Low-dose radiotherapy was used to upregulate the HSV-TK genes expression. HSV-TK mRNA was assayed by RT-PCR. Apoptosis and proliferating cell nuclear antigen were detected respectively by in situ end-labeling and immunohistochemical method.

RESULTS

Compared with control group, the comparative survival rate of Tca8113 cells in HSV-TK/GCV/IR group was markedly decreased and the golden hamster buccal carcinoma in HSV-TK/GCV/IR group was obviously suppressed. Up-regulation of HSV-TK gene expression was found in the Tca8113 cells and in the golden hamster buccal carcinoma resulting from exposure to low-dose irradiation. The apoptosis indexes in Tca8113 cells or golden hamster buccal carcinoma with irradiation were markedly higher than those without irradiation. At the same time, the proliferation indexes in Tca8113 cells or golden hamster buccal carcinoma with irradiation were markedly lower than those without irradiation.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that the synthetic radiation-inducible promoters can serve as a molecular switch to adjust the expression of HSV-TK gene in the treatment of OSCC, and low-dose induction radiation can significantly improve therapeutic efficiency.

Central mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the maxilla: a case report

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Primary mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the jaw is a rare lesion, comprising 2-3% of all mucoepidermoid carcinomas reported in literature. Central mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the maxilla is rarer, comprising only 8% of the mucoepidermoid carcinomas found in the jaw.

METHODOLOGY

A 52-year-old man suffered from central mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the right maxilla with cervical metastasis, and underwent partial maxillectomy and neck dissection in our hospital. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology, dental orthopantomography, CT, and PET/CT scans.

RESULT

The man was followed-up regularly and was disease free after 21 months.

CONCLUSION

Primary central mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the jaw is a rare lesion and radical surgical resection is the preferred treatment.

Endovascular treatment of wide-neck middle cerebral artery aneurysms with stents: a review of 16 cases

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

MCA aneurysms are common and often pose technical challenges to interventionalists. Intracranial stents are widely used in treating wide-neck aneurysms in other locations. To evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of stent placement in MCA aneurysms, we performed this retrospective study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between October 2003 and May 2009, 16 patients with 16 wide-neck MCA aneurysms were treated with stents at our institution. We retrospectively collected and analyzed the data for these patients, including demographics, morphologic features of the aneurysms, treatment results, and follow-up.

RESULTS

Seventeen stents, including 12 Neuroform, 4 LEO, and 1 Enterprise, were successfully deployed in this series. Of the 13 aneurysms treated with stent-assisted embolization, complete occlusion was achieved in 9 aneurysms; residual neck remained in 1, and residual aneurysm was present in 3. Contrast stasis in the aneurysm sac was observed in the other 3 aneurysms treated with stent alone. Procedure-related complication occurred in 1 patient, leading to no permanent effect. The mRS score at discharge was 0-2 in 14 patients and 3-6 in 2. The angiographic follow-up results of 9 patients (mean, 5.6 months) showed that all aneurysms remained stable or improved; there was no in-stent stenosis, recurrence, or retreatment. The clinical follow-up (mean, 20.1 months) demonstrated no neurologic deterioration or rebleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

Our preliminary experience demonstrates that stent placement for the treatment of selected wide-neck MCA aneurysms is feasible. However, its safety and efficacy should be further evaluated by larger case series and more adequate follow-up.

Regulatory polymorphisms in the IL-10 gene promoter and HBV-related acute liver failure in the Chinese population

Recent reports indicated that high levels of interleukin 10 (IL-10) contribute to the monocytes paralysis and poor clinical outcome in acute liver failure (ALF). Polymorphisms in the promoter region of IL-10 affect IL-10 production and confer susceptibility to inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the possible association of the three polymorphisms (A-1082G, T-819C, A-592C) in the IL-10 gene promoter with the susceptibility to hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related ALF in a Chinese population. The IL-10 gene promoter polymorphisms were genotyped in 414 unrelated healthy blood donors, 367 asymptomatic HBV carriers and 345 HBV-related ALF patients. Functional analyses were conducted to verify the biological significances of the associated genetic variations. The allele frequencies of IL-10-592C and -819C were significantly higher in HBV-related ALF patients than in blood donors and asymptomatic HBV carriers. Logistic regression analysis and stratification analysis with adjustment for age and sex indicated that the polymorphisms of A-592C and T-819C were associated with susceptibility to HBV-related ALF (P = 6.9 x 10(-7)), and the -1082A-819C-592C haplotype in the IL-10 gene promoter were associated with an increased susceptibility to ALF in HBV carriers (dominant model, P = 0.0002, odds ratio = 1.60, 95% CI 1.25-2.07). Functional analyses showed that the A-592C polymorphism is a nuclear proteins binding site, and the disease susceptible -592C allele had a higher transcription activity compared with -592A allele. This study emphasizes the importance of IL-10 in the pathophysiology of HBV-related ALF on the population level.

Association of white matter hyperintensity measurements on brain MR imaging with cognitive status, medial temporal atrophy, and cardiovascular risk factors

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are frequently characterized as markers of cerebrovascular disease, whereas medial temporal atrophy (MTA) is a recognized marker of Alzheimer disease (AD). Our purpose was to test the reliability of a visual rating system (VRS) in evaluating WMHs and MTA and in distinguishing healthy from cognitively impaired subjects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Subjects (n = 192) enrolled in the Florida Alzheimer's Disease Research Center were diagnosed with no cognitive impairment, nonamnestic mild cognitive impairment (na-MCI), amnestic MCI (a-MCI), or probable AD. The severity of WMHs was assessed on T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery axial MR images, and the severity of MTA was evaluated on 1.5-mm-thick coronal MR images by using a computer-based visual rating system. Cardiovascular risk factor scores were calculated as the sum of 10 independent cardiovascular risk factors.

RESULTS

WMH and MTA scores were greater in subjects with probable AD, relative to those with no cognitive impairment and na-MCI. MTA scores differentiated subjects with a-MCI from those with no cognitive impairment and na-MCI. The total WMH score was significantly related to MTA (r = 0.39; P < .001) but not to cardiovascular risk factor scores (r = 0.07; P = not significant). The overall correct classification rate of probable AD versus no cognitive impairment by using MTA scores was 81.8%, improving to 86.5% when combined with WMH scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Both MTA and WMH scores distinguished subjects with no cognitive impairment and probable AD. Combining MTA and WMH scores improved the correct classification rate, whereas WMH scores were significantly related to MTA scores, but not to cardiovascular risk factor scores. This finding suggests that among subjects with a-MCI and probable AD, WMHs on MR images are primarily associated with neurodegenerative disease.

Tannin-based rigid foams: a survey of chemical and physical properties

Tannin-based rigid foams, prepared from 95% natural material, are suggested for replacing synthetic phenol-formaldehyde foams in various applications. For that purpose, a few physical properties were measured and reported here: resistance to fire and chemicals, absorption of various liquids, permeability, thermal conductivity and mechanical (compressive and tensile) strength. Modifying the composition through the use of boric and/or phosphoric acid allowed substantial increase of fire resistance. The materials were also found to present good resistance to strong acid and bases, and to solvents. High affinity for water, but limited one for organic liquids, was also evidenced. Finally, slightly anisotropic mechanical properties were measured. The materials present a brittle behaviour, whether tested in compression or traction; nevertheless, their strengths, as well as their thermal conductivities, are fully comparable with those of their phenolic counterparts. We show that such materials of vegetable origins can compete with synthetic ones for most of traditional applications.

A novel HLA-B allele, B*4093, sharing sequences with B*4006 and B*0702 in an Asian Indian donor

A new HLA-B allele (B*4093) in a North Indian Hindu donor differing from B*4006 by four nucleotide substitutions in codon 41.1, codon 44.3, codon 45.1 and codon 50.3 has been identified. This novel allele was part of the A*0211-B*4093-Cw*1502-DRB1*15-DQB1*06 HLA haplotype.

Induction stage-dependent expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and aquaporin-1 in diethylstilbestrol-treated rat pituitary

The anterior pituitary gland undergoes tumourigenic changes in response to oestrogen treatment in several breeds of rats. We administered diethylstilbestrol (DES) to female Wistar rats and assessed whether the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and aquaporin-1 (AQP-1) was altered at different time points following DES administration. In vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans showed that the mass index corresponding to the mid-sagittal area of DES-treated pituitary was significantly higher than the vehicle-controlled pituitary (p<0.01) at three specific time points, accompanied by a significant reduction in body weight. Haematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that during early stages of induction, DES increased cell proliferation and sprouting of endothelial cells, and VEGF expression transitioned from a vessel-surrounding pattern to a diffuse pattern. During later stages, angiogenesis was predominant, and VEGF expression decreased. In contrast to the early abundant expression of VEGF, endothelial expression of AQP- 1 increased during later stages. Our data indicated a dynamic scenario of biological alterations in DES-treated pituitary tissue, in which VEGF and AQP-1 exert their functions at different stages of induction, and we provide novel insights into understanding oestrogen-related tumourigenesis in the anterior pituitary gland.

Racial differences in acute toxicities of FEC 100 chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer

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Background: Racial disparities in breast cancer outcomes are attributed to differences in baseline tumor characteristics, stage, and socioeconomic factors. However, little is known about racial differences in treatment-related toxicities. We hypothesized that racial and ethnic differences result in differential tolerance to chemotherapy and possibly compromise to the dose intensity of adjuvant/neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Methods: Data was collected from 4 international collaborating centers (University of Miami, JBCRG (Japan Breast Cancer Research Group), University of Hong Kong, and Tom Baker Cancer Center) at which patients of different ethnic background have been treated for non metastatic breast cancer with same adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy of FEC 100: fluorouracil 500 mg/m2, epirubicin 100 mg/m2, and cyclophosphamide 100 mg/m2). Racial/ethnic differences in toxicities were assessed by first episode of grade 2 or higher toxicity. Analysis of data was performed at the University of Miami. Results: Treatment-related toxicities are compared according to four race/ethnicity groups (120 Caucasian from USA and Canada (C), 16 African American (AA) from USA and Canada, 141 Japanese Asian (JA), and 23 Asian from Hong Kong (HKA)) (Table). JA and HKA had a significant higher rate of grade 3 or higher toxicity compared with C or AA women; 65%, 61%, 28%, and 31% respectively. However, there were no significant differences in chemotherapy dose intensity or density across the 4 race/ethnicity groups. Conclusions: This unique study noted racial differences in acute toxicity in women with breast cancer who were treated with FEC 100 chemotherapy. However, there are several limitations including the retrospective nature of our study, differences in practice across four countries, and different number of patients available for comparison. This study is ongoing and further statistical analyses are planned when a larger sample size is reached.

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.