Targeting bladder tumor cells in vivo and in the urine by a peptide identified using phage display

10071

Background: Bladder cancer is one of the most common tumors of genitourinary tract. Selective delivery of drugs to tumor tissues is important for effective tumor therapy. Here we identified a peptide targeting bladder tumor cells using phage display. Methods: Phage peptide library containing CX7C (C-cysteine and X-any amino acid residue) was based on T7 415–1b phage vector (Novagen). Tumor xenografts were prepared by subcutaneously injecting BALB/c Nu/nu female nude mice with HT-1376 bladder tumor cells. For a carcinogen-induced tumor model, Fischer 344 female rats were supplied ad libitum with tap water containing 0.05% N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl) nitrosamine (BBN) for 8 weeks. Results: A phage library containing CX7C random peptides was screened for selective binding to cells from human bladder tumor xenografts. Selected phage clones were individually evaluated for binding to cultured bladder tumor cells and for binding to cells from human tumor tissues of six patients. The peptide displayed by the most promising clone was synthesized and designated as Bld-1. Fluorescein-conjugated Bld-1 peptide showed selective binding to frozen sections of human bladder tumor tissues of three patients. In vivo tumor targeting was examined in a carcinogen-induced rat tumor model (n=20). When the fluorescent peptide was introduced into the bladder lumen, it selectively bound to tumor epithelium. Next, when the fluorescent peptide was intravenously injected into the tail vein, it homed to the bladder tumor, but was not detectable in normal bladder and control organs such as lung. Moreover, the fluorescent peptide bound to cells from urinary specimens of tumor patients (n=10), whereas little binding was observed in cells from healthy individuals (n=3). Conclusions: The Bld-1 peptide may be useful for targeting bladder tumor cells in vivo and in the urine.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Three-day regimen of fluorouracil and cisplatin combination chemotherapy for persistence, metastatic or recurrent uterine cervical cancer

15049

Background: The five-day infusion of FP(5-fluorouracil, cisplatin) combination therapy is one of the most popular regimens for advanced cervical cancer, which has yield a 50∼60% response rate. There is some variance in the FP combination, for example, longer infusion of FP requiring longer hospitalization as well as causing more discomfort to the patients. This study was designed to assess the therapeutic effect and toxicities of three day regimen of FP combination chemotherapy instead of five day regimen for disseminated or recurrent cervical cancer. Methods: From July 1996 through April 2001, 39 patients with advanced or recurrent cervical cancer were enrolled in the study. The regimen consisted of continuous 12-hour infusion of 5-FU(5-fluorouracil) at 1000 mg/m2/day plus bolus infusion of cisplatin at 25mg/m2/day for 3 days. The treatment was repeated every 3 weeks. Results: Thirty five patients with a median age of 53 years were evaluable for response during the median follow up of 21.5 months. The response rate was 45.7% (4 CR and 12 PR), and the median duration of the overall survival was 45 months. Toxicity was acceptable with no treatment related mortality. Neutropenia in grade 3 or more was seen in 16% with 4 febrile episodes throughout a total 232 cycles. It did not appear alopecia and gastointestinal trouble in grade 3 or more. Conclusions: These results revealed that the toxicity of 3 day regimen of 5-FU and cisplatin is acceptable and the efficacy comparable to that of 5 day regimen.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

EGFR mutations and human papillomavirus in squamous cell carcinoma of tongue and tonsil

10027

Background: Some studies reported the presence of somatic mutation of EGFR in head and neck cancer. Human papillomavirus (HPV) was associated with some types of head and neck cancer. We performed this study to determine clinical significance of EGFR mutation and its association with HPV infection in patients with tongue and tonsil cancer. Methods: We sequenced exons 18–21 of EGFR TK domain and HPV typing was performed using the HPV DNA chip in tissues of patients with tongue and tonsil cancer. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed. Results: Eighty-one patients were included. We detected EGFR mutation in 10 (12%) patients. Mutation was significantly frequent in never-smoker (21% versus 5%; P = 0.031). The mutation frequency did not differ between tongue and tonsil cancer (12% vs. 13%, respectively; P = 0.978). There was no difference between female and male (12% vs. 14%, respectively; P = 0.754). Eleven of 81 (14%) patients were HPV positive. HPV positivity was more common in young (<60 years) than older (≥60 years) patients (20% vs. 3%, respectively; P = 0.039). Patients with tonsil cancer showed more frequent HPV positivity than tongue cancer (42% vs. 2%, respectively; P < 0.001). There was no association between HPV positivity and EGFR mutation. In terms of disease-free survival, patients with EGFR mutation had better survival independently of stage and primary site (hazard ratio, 0.246; 95% CI, 0.075 to 0.802). Conclusions: We did not find association between EGFR mutation and HPV positivity. Patients with EGFR mutation showed better outcome in tongue and tonsil cancer. These results suggest that EGFR mutation may be a prognostic factor in patients with head and neck cancer.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Helper-dependent adenoviral gene therapy mediates long-term correction of the clotting defect in the canine hemophilia A model

BACKGROUND

Adenoviral vector-mediated gene therapy might have potential for long-term correction of the monogenic disease hemophilia A.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we tested the efficacy of administering a helper-dependent adenoviral vector (HDV) designed for maximal liver-restricted canine factor VIII (cFVIII) expression on three out-bred hemophilia A dogs.

METHODS

Three FVIII-deficient animals from the University of North Carolina colony were injected with 1 x 10(12) (Dog A), and 3 x 10(12) (Dog B and C) vp kg(-1) helper-dependent adenoviral vector, and we performed systematic analysis of toxicity, persistence of therapeutic gene expression, and molecular analysis of gene transfer.

RESULTS

We observed acute dose-dependent elevation in liver enzymes and thrombocytopenia after injection, although both were transient and resolved within 2 weeks. The whole blood clotting time (WBCT), plasma FVIII concentration, FVIII activity, and activated partial thromboplastin time in all animals improved significantly after treatment, and two animals receiving a higher dose reached near normal WBCT with low-level FVIII activity until terminal sacrifice at 3 months, and 2 years. Importantly, the treated dogs suffered no bleeding events after injection. Moreover, we observed persistent vector-specific DNA and RNA in liver tissue collected from one high-dose animal at days 18 and 79, and could not detect the formation of inhibitory antibodies.

CONCLUSION

Although vector-associated toxicity remains an obstacle, a single injection of HDV led to long-term transgene expression and vector persistence in two FVIII-deficient animals with conversion of their severe phenotype to a moderate one.

Modulation of TNFalpha, a determinant of acute toxicity associated with systemic delivery of first-generation and helper-dependent adenoviral vectors

Understanding the determinants of the host innate immune response to systemic administration of adenoviral (Ad) vectors is critical for clinical gene therapy. Acute toxicity occurs within minutes to hours after vector administration and is characterized by activation of innate immune responses. Our data indicate that in mice, indicators of vector toxicity include elevations of cytokine levels, liver transaminase levels and thrombocytopenia. To discern potential targets for blunting this host response, we evaluated genetic factors in the host response to systemically administered first-generation Ad vectors (FGV) and helper-dependent Ad vectors (HDV) containing beta-galactosidase expression cassettes. A preliminary screen for modulation of vector-induced thrombocytopenia revealed no role for interferon-gamma, mast cells or perforin. However, vector-induced thrombocytopenia and interleukin 6 (IL-6) expression are less evident in tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha)-deficient mice. Moreover, we also demonstrated that TNFalpha blockade via antibody or huTNFR:Fc pretreatment attenuates both thrombocytopenia (>40% increase in platelet count) and IL-6 expression (>80% reduction) without affecting interleukin 12 , liver enzymes, hematological indices or vector transduction in a murine model. Our data indicate that the use of HDV, in combination with clinically approved TNFalpha immunomodulation, may represent an approach for improving the therapeutic index of Ad gene therapy for human clinical trials.

Enhanced expression of glutamate decarboxylase 65 improves symptoms of rat parkinsonian models

In this study, we report the amelioration of parkinsonian symptoms in rat Parkinson's disease (PD) models, as a result of the expression of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) 65 with a modified cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter. The transfer of the gene for gamma-amino butryic acid (GAD), the rate-limiting enzyme in gama-amino butrylic acid (GABA) production, has been investigated as a means to increase inhibitory synaptic activity. Electrophysiological evidence suggests that the transfer of the GAD65 gene to the subthalamic nucleus (STN) can change the excitatory output of this nucleus to inhibitory output. Our in vitro results also demonstrated higher GAD65 expression in cells transfected with the JDK promoter, as compared to cells transfected with the CMV promoter. Also, a rat PD model in which recombinant adeno-associated virus-2 (rAAV2)-JDK-GAD65 was delivered into the STN exhibited significant behavioral improvements, as compared to the saline-injected group. Interestingly, we observed that these behavioral improvements were more obvious in rat PD models in which rAAV2-JDK-GAD65 was injected into the STN than in rat PD models in which rAAV2-CMV-GAD65 was injected into the STN. Moreover, according to electrophysiological data, the rAAV2-JDK-GAD65-injected group exhibited more constant improvements in firing rates than did the rAAV2-CMV-GAD65-injected group. These data indicate that the JDK promoter, when coupled with GAD65 expression, is more effective with regard to parkinsonian symptoms than is the CMV promoter.

Separation of the buccal cortical plate for removal of the deeply impacted mandibular molars

We describe the case of 26-year-old patient who is apprehensive for any possible sequelae of the deeply impacted teeth. This case shows that separation of the buccal plate can have availability to remove deeply impacted molars with less any possible complications than those of sagittal split osteotomy.

The Effect of Pravastatin on Intima Media Thickness of the Carotid Artery in Patients with Normal Cholesterol

OBJECTIVE

Carotid intima media thickness (IMT) is a good indicator of the severity of atherosclerotic disease. Statins have been found to reduce carotid IMT in patients with hypercholesterolaemia. The aim of this study was to investigate if pravastatin is effective in reducing IMT in normocholesterolaemic patients with carotid artery disease.

METHODS

Patients with carotid artery stenosis and normal cholesterol levels who were not on a statin, were recruited. Patients were randomised to receive pravastatin or placebo daily. Serum concentration of cholesterol and IMT of common carotid arteries were measured before randomisation and at 3 monthly intervals thereafter, for 9 months. IMT was analysed to give the mean of a standardised 2 cm of the common carotid artery (CCA). Results are expressed as median (IQR) and comparison made using the Wilcoxon signed ranks test.

RESULTS

Fifty-four patients were examined. Twenty-eight patients were randomised to active treatment. There was no difference in demographic details and co-morbid states between the two groups. A significant reduction in cholesterol concentration was observed from 3 months in patients randomised to the pravastatin group [5.14(4.72-5.88) vs. 4.11(3.44-5.33), p < 0.05], while there was also a significant decrease in combined IMT form 6 months [1.53(1.36-1.87) vs. 1.41 (1.33-1.78), p < 0.05].

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrate that pravastatin reduces intima media thickness of the common carotid artery in normocholesterolaemic patients with moderate carotid stenosis.

Statistical optimization of bioluminescence of Photobacterium phosphoreum KCTC2852

In this study, media optimization by statistically designed experiments stimulated an increase in the intensity and stability of bioluminescence of Photobacterium phosphoreum KCTC 2852 during continuous cultivation. The Plackett-Burman design method selected two components (NaCl, yeast extract) among nine components of the seawater complete (SC) medium. The response-surface design method calculated the optimum concentration of NaCl (31.1 g/l) and yeast extract (5.1 g/l). In the optimized medium, bioluminescence per cell increased twofold. During continuous cultivation in a stirred tank reactor, bioluminescence decreased rapidly in the SC medium, whereas the optimized medium could maintain bioluminescence for more than 80 h, resulting in an increased bioluminescence. Upon contact with 0.1 ppm Hg2+, a sharp decrease in bioluminescence was observed, which was reproducible in the measuring chamber. This shows the possibility that P. phosphoreum could be cultivated continuously with enhanced bioluminescence stability and that on-line water toxicity could be monitored continuously.

Multivariate Analysis of the Effectiveness of Using Antibody Induction Therapy According to the Degree of HLA Mismatches

OBJECTIVE

HLA mismatches have a strong impact on acute rejection and renal allograft survival. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of antibody induction according to the degree of HLA mismatches.

METHODS

Of 20,429 deceased donor (DD) transplantations and 12,859 living donor (LD) transplantations reported to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) between 1999 and 2001, 51% of DD and 45% of LD transplant recipients received induction therapy. Propensity scores (PS) were calculated to indicate independent factors associated with the use of induction. Levels of HLA match examined for DD transplant recipients were 0 ABDR (n = 3239), 0 DR (n = 4210), and DR mismatched transplants (n = 12,980), and 0 (n = 1133), 1 (n = 3836), and 2 (n = 7890) haplotype mismatches for LD transplant recipients. Outcome parameters were reported as hazard ratios (HR) for graft loss and odds ratios (OR) for first-year acute rejection.

RESULTS

Recipients with HLA mismatches were more likely to receive induction antibody for DR mismatch in DDs (PS = 1.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.19) and for haplotype mismatch in LDs (PS = 1.36, 95% CI 1.22-1.52). Induction reduced the likelihood of acute rejection for DD transplant recipients regardless of the level of HLA mismatch (OR = 0.70; 95% CI 0.57-0.85 in 0 ABDR MM; OR = 0.76, 95% CI 0.64-0.89 in 0 DR MM; and OR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.62-0.77 in DR MM), and for 2 haplotype mismatched LD transplant recipients (OR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.70-0.96); in other LD transplant recipients, reductions in acute rejection rates were observed but not statistically significant. Induction reduced the risk of graft loss for DR mismatched DD transplant recipients by about 12% (HR = 0.88; 95% CI 0.80-0.97).

CONCLUSIONS

Antibody induction resulted in a significant reduction of acute rejection and graft loss for patients with HLA mismatch.