Association between lysyl oxidase G473A polymorphism and ovarian cancer in the Han Chinese population

OBJECTIVE

Lysyl oxidase (LOX) is an extracellular enzyme critical for the cross-linking of collagens and elastin. A single-nucleotide polymorphism of LOX G473A is associated with various diseases. This retrospective study investigated the association between LOX G473A polymorphism and susceptibility to ovarian cancer in the Han Chinese population.

METHODS

The LOX variant G473A was detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism in patients with ovarian cancer and healthy control subjects.

RESULTS

The frequencies of the LOX 473AA genotype and the A allele were significantly higher in patients with ovarian cancer (n = 318) than in control subjects (n = 406) (odds ratio [OR] 2.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.36, 3.87; OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.23, 2.00; respectively). The prevalence of the GA genotype, AA genotype and A allele were significantly higher in patients with more advanced stages of ovarian cancer compared with those with primary stage disease.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that LOX G473A polymorphism is a new risk factor for ovarian cancer and that LOX protein might be a possible therapeutic target in ovarian cancer.

Primary genome scan for complex body shape-related traits in the common carp Cyprinus carpio

To identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) that affect body shape in common carp Cyprinus carpio, a linkage map, 2159·23 cM long, was constructed with a total of 307 markers covering 51 linkage groups (LG). The map included 167 new single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers derived from expressed sequence tags (EST) together with 140 microsatellite markers reported earlier. A primary genome scan was conducted for QTL for standard length (L(S)), head length (L(H)), body height (H(B)), body width (W(B)) and tail length (L(TAIL)) in an F1 line containing 92 offspring. A total of 15 suggestive QTL on six LGs were found to associate with L(S), L(H), H(B), W(B) and L(TAIL) which explained 10·7-17·4% of the variance. Five significant QTL were detected for body-shape related traits and located for LGs (lg1, 12 and 20). These QTL included: one associated with L(S) (21·1% variance explained), three for H(B) (almost 20% variance explained) and one for W(B) (20·7% variance explained).

Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering and spontaneous Raman spectroscopy and microscopy of microalgae with nitrogen depletion

Microalgae are extensively researched as potential feedstocks for biofuel production. Energy-rich compounds in microalgae, such as lipids, require efficient characterization techniques to investigate the metabolic pathways and the environmental factors influencing their accumulation. The model green alga Coccomyxa accumulates significant amounts of triacylglycerols (TAGs) under nitrogen depletion (N-depletion). To monitor the growth of TAGs (lipid) in microalgal cells, a study of microalgal cells (Coccomyxa sp. C169) using both spontaneous Raman and coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) spectroscopy and microscopy were carried out. Spontaneous Raman spectroscopy was conducted to analyze the components in the algal cells, while CARS was carried out to monitor the distribution of lipid droplets in the cells. Raman signals of carotenoid are greater in control microalgae compared to N-depleted cells. Raman signals of lipid droplets appear after N-depletion and its distribution can be clearly observed in the CARS microscopy. Both spontaneous Raman spectroscopy and CARS microscopy were found to be suitable analysis tools for microalgae.

β-Cell preservation and regeneration in diabetes by modulation of β-cell Ca²⁺ homeostasis

Ca(2+) extrusion from the β-cell is mediated by two processes the Na/Ca exchanger (NCX) and the plasma membrane Ca(2+) -ATPase (PMCA). Gain of function studies show that overexpression of NCX or PMCA leads to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca(2+) depletion with subsequent ER stress, decrease in β-cell proliferation and β-cell death by apoptosis. Interestingly, chronic exposure to cytokines or high free fatty acid concentrations also induce ER Ca(2+) depletion and β-cell death in diabetes. Loss of function studies show, on the contrary, that heterozygous inactivation of NCX1 (Ncx1(+/-)) leads to an increase in β-cell function (insulin production and release), and a fivefold increase in both β-cell mass and proliferation. The mutation also increases β-cell resistance to hypoxia, and Ncx1(+/-) islets show a two to four times higher rate of diabetes cure than Ncx1(+/+) islets when transplanted in diabetic animals. Thus, down-regulation of the Na/Ca exchanger leads to various changes in β-cell function that are opposite to the major abnormalities seen in diabetes. This provides a unique model for the prevention and treatment of β-cell dysfunction in diabetes and following islet transplantation.

The association between RhEPO and FN expression in glomerular mesangial cells

AIM

Erythropoietin (rhEPO) is increasingly being used in the treatment of anemia caused by miscellaneous reasons. The aim of our research is to investigate the effects of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) on cellular growth and fibronectin (FN) expression in glomerular mesangial cells.

METHODS

Western blot was used to detect the expression of FN induced by rhEPO (1, 10, 100 and 1000U/mL). In vivo studies, male CD-1 mice were administered rhEPO subcutaneously at a single dose of 1000U/Kg. The cellular hypertrophy was quantified by counting cell number and calculating the ratio of cell protein to cell number.

RESULTS

1) Compared with the control group, the results of mesangial cells' growth stimulated by rhEPO were not significantly different; 2) RhEPO lead to hypertrophy of mesangial cells; 3) rhEPO induced FN expression of mesangial cell in a dose-dependent way. Compared to control, 100U/mL rhEPO enhanced the expression of FN significantly; 4) indirect immunofluorescence showed that rhEPO induced large amount deposition of FN in the intercellular space of mesangial cells; 5) in vivo studies, there were markedly increase of FN expression in mice received the injection of rhEPO.

CONCLUSION

RhEPO could up-regulated the expression of FN and induced glomerular mesangial cells hypertrophy. These results suggested rhEPO could induce dysfunction of renal glomerulus through its influence on the function of mesangial cells.

Combined use of etanercept and MTX restores CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio and Tregs in spleen and thymus in collagen-induced arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To further explore the mechanism of etanercept (ENT, rhTNFR:Fc) and methotrexate (MTX) in the combined treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), we investigated whether thymic and splenic T-cell subsets and their related cytokines imbalance could be restored by ETN/MTX treatment.

METHODS

The effect of ETN/MTX on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) was evaluated by arthritis scores, joint and spleen histopathology, as well as indices of thymus and spleen. T lymphocytes proliferation was determined by [(3)H]-TdR incorporation. Levels of TNF-α, LT-α, IL-1β, RANKL, IL-10, IL-17, IFN-γ and IL-6 were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The subsets of T lymphocytes including CD4(+), CD8(+), CD3(+)CD4(+), CD4(+)CD25(+), CD4(+)CD62L(+) and CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) cells were quantified using flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Combined administration of ETN/MTX significantly inhibited the proliferation of T lymphocytes, decreased serum IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, RANKL and macrophage supernatant IL-17, LT-α, increased serum IFN-γ and macrophage supernatant IL-10. Moreover, the combined administration could restore CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio and Treg cells of CIA thymus and spleen.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, our findings suggest that ENT/MTX may modify the abnormal T lymphocytes balance from central to peripheral lymphoid organs, which may partially, explained the mechanism of the combined administration.

Volume increases in putamen associated with positive symptom reduction in previously drug-naive schizophrenia after 6 weeks antipsychotic treatment

BACKGROUND

Brain structure appears to alter after antipsychotic administration, but it is unknown whether these alterations are associated with improvement of psychopathology in patients with schizophrenia. In this study, the authors explore this relationship.

METHOD

Altogether, 66 first-episode, drug-naive patients with schizophrenia and 23 well-matched healthy controls underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging scans at baseline. All 23 healthy controls and 42 of the patients were rescanned after 6 weeks follow-up. The patients received regular antipsychotic treatment during the 6-week period and their psychopathology was assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) at baseline and 6 weeks. The difference in PANSS scores between baseline and 6 weeks was expressed as a ratio of the scores at baseline - 'PANSS reduction ratio'. A modified tensor-based morphometry procedure was applied to analyse longitudinal images. Correlations between regional volume changes, PANSS reduction ratio and antipsychotic drug dosages were explored.

RESULTS

Compared with healthy controls, there was a significant increase in grey-matter volume of the right putamen in patients after 6 weeks treatment. This volume change was positively correlated with a positive PANSS reduction score but not related to drug dosages.

CONCLUSIONS

Putaminal volume increased after 6 weeks antipsychotic treatment in first-episode schizophrenia. The increased volume was closely correlated with improved psychopathology, suggesting the putamen might be a biomarker to predict the treatment response in schizophrenia.

SU-E-J-127: An Initial Application of Evaluating Lung Tumor Motion Throughout Radiotherapy

PURPOSE

We present a novel method for evaluating lung tumor motion incorporating planning CT scan, imaging for patient localization, and during treatment delivery.

METHODS

Tumor motion is evaluated at three stages of the treatment process. Following the acquisition of 4D CT scans for treatment planning, tumors are contoured at one phase and registered to other phases to obtain tumor motion patterns. Tumor motion prior to each treatment is evaluated by identifying tumors directly on every raw projection of the daily localization CBCT scans. Finally, tumor motion during treatment is evaluated by analyzing MV treatment beam images. Every frame of image is evaluated as three components, each with separate DRRs: all non-moving structures, the tumor, and other moving structures. The locations of three components are determined though a registration process. In order to quantify tumor motion, the cumulated probability, the percentage of time when the tumor motion is equal to or smaller than a given range, is evaluated at every stage.

RESULTS

This methodology has been applied to five lung cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. More than 5400 frames from MV treatment beam images and 24 CBCT scans were acquired from 12 fractions. Both the average tumor position and the cumulated probability with the range were evaluated. The tumor motion ranges are generally larger than those obtained from 4D CT. Significant variation in motion patterns was observed as well.

CONCLUSIONS

Information obtained from 4DCT is insufficient for motion assessment. In contrast, our novel methodology is capable of accurately characterizing lung tumor motion on a daily basis, without the need for implanted fiducial markers and without additional imaging dose. It provides daily verification that the tumor range is within prior estimates and covered by the treatment planning volume. This research is supported by CPRIT Individual Investigator Award RP110329.

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy using gold-coated horizontally aligned carbon nanotubes

Gold-coated horizontally aligned carbon nanotube (Au-HA-CNT) substrates were fabricated for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The Au-HA-CNT substrates, which are granular in nature, are easy-to-prepare with large SERS-active area. Enhancement factors (EFs) of ∼10(7) were achieved using the Au-HA-CNTs as substrates for rhodamine 6G (R6G) molecules. Maximum enhancement was found when the polarization direction (E-field) of the incident laser beam was parallel to the aligned direction of the HA-CNTs. Simulations using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method were carried out for the granular Au-HA-CNT samples. Enhancement mechanisms and determination of EFs were analyzed. Biological samples, including (13)C- and deuterium (D)-labeled fatty acids and Coccomyxa sp. c-169 microalgae cells, were also measured using this SERS substrate. The limits of detection (LODs) of D- and (13)C-labeled fatty acids on the SERS substrate were measured to be around 10 nM and 20 nM, respectively. Significantly enhanced Raman signals from the microalgae cells were acquired using the SERS substrate.

Increased autophagic activity in senescent human dental pulp cells

AIM

To establish whether autophagy is involved in dental pulp cell (DPC) senescence, so as to better understand the mechanism of the ageing process within the dental pulp.

METHODOLOGY

Human DPCs obtained from intact molars and premolars were cultured and serially passaged. Senescence-β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining was performed to assess DPC senescence, which is considered to be the senescence of cells in culture after a series of passages. Autophagic activity was analysed by Western blot for major autophagic proteins and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for autophagic vacuoles in both young and senescent cells. Statistical analyses were performed using the Student's t-test.

RESULTS

Senescence-β-galactosidase staining was higher in senescent DPC than in young cells (P = 0.011). Western blot revealed senescent DPCs had greater expression of autophagic proteins (microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 and Beclin 1) than young cells (P = 0.04, P = 0.001). Transmission electron microscopy revealed more autophagic vacuoles in senescent DPCs compared to young cells (P = 0.029).

CONCLUSIONS

Expression of autophagic proteins (microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 and Beclin 1) increased in senescent DPCs compare to young cells. More autophagic vacuoles were observed in senescent DPCs by TEM. Collectively, these data imply that autophagic activity increased in senescent DPCs.

Identification and functional characterization of a novel mutation P459H and a rare mutation R483W in the CYP21A2 gene in two Chinese patients with simple virilizing form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia

BACKGROUND

Steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) is the most common cause of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Clinically, 21-OHD is categorized into saltwasting, simple-virilizing (SV), and non-classical (NC) forms. It is well recognized that a good correlation exists between genotype and clinical phenotype of CAH.

AIM

The aim of this study was to identify CYP21A2 gene mutations in 2 Chinese patients with SV CAH along with their parents and other family members.

STUDY DESIGN AND RESULTS

By direct sequencing the CYP21A2 gene, a novel mutation, P459H, was detected in 1 patient; and a previously described uncharacterized mutation, R483W, was found in another patient. The 21-hydroxylase activities were determined by measuring the converting rate of progesterone to 11-deoxycorticosterone in COS-7 cells overexpressed with these mutated proteins. Our results revealed significantly reduced enzyme activity in both mutants: residual activity of P459H and R483W towards progesterone was 6.8%±2.1 and 2.9%±1.5, respectively compared to that of the wild type. We also demonstrated the loss of 21-hydroxylase activities using a three-dimensional model of CYP21A2.

CONCLUSION

Both R483W and P459H mutations are confirmed to be related to NC CAH by in vitro functional study, with phenotype variance of R483W in Tunisian and Chinese patients. This study will aid in predicting disease severity and in facilitating family genetic counseling.

Intestinal microbiota and innate immunity-related gene alteration in cirrhotic rats with liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

The present study investigated the alteration of intestinal microbiota, innate immunity-related genes, and bacterial translocation in rats with cirrhosis and liver transplantation.

METHODS

Specific pathogen-free Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into 4 groups: (1) normal controls (N); (2) liver cirrhosis (LC); (3) normal control groups with liver transplantation (LTN); and (4) liver cirrhosis with liver transplantation (LTC). We examined plasma endotoxin, bacterial tacslocation, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) profile of intestinal mucosa-associated bacteria, abundance of key bacterial populations, and expression of innate immunity-related gene.

RESULTS

The LTC and LC group, showed higher endotoxin levels (1.08±0.73 EU/mL and 0.74±0.70 EU/mL, respectively) than the N group (0.27±0.13 EU/mL; P<.05). the incidence of bacterial translocation (BT) to liver and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), and the number of total bacteria were increased significantly in the LTC and LC groups compared with the N group (P<.05). The counts of Lactobacilli and Bacteroides were lower, whereas Enterobacteria were higher in the LC than the N group (P<.05). Mucins (MUC2, MUC3) and Toll-like receptors (TLR2, TLR4) messenger RNA (mRNA) expression were significantly higher in the LC and LTC groups than the N group (P<.05). The marked difference between the groups in the overall structure of the bacterial community was also generated by DGGE profiles.

CONCLUSION

Liver cirrhosis disturbs intestinal microbiota and innate immunity-related genes, which contributes to endotoxemia and bacterial translocation. These had not completely recovered in cirrhotic rats until 1 month after orthotopic liver transplantation.

Hyaluronan tetrasaccharide in the cerebrospinal fluid is associated with self-repair of rats after chronic spinal cord compression

The objective of this study was to explore changes in hyaluronan levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in a spinal cord compression model, to investigate whether hyaluronan tetrasaccharide was involved in this process, and to test the effects of hyaluronan tetrasaccharide on neuron and oligodendrocyte repair. We developed a chronic spinal cord compression model with various sizes of polymer sheets (1.5×0.7×0.3 mm(3); 5×1.5×0.7 mm(3)) that were implanted microsurgically underneath the C(5-6) laminae. The rats were divided into three groups: a sham group, a mildly compressed (MC) group, and a widely compressed (WC) group. Locomotor functional evaluations revealed that the behavioral function of the MC and WC groups dropped to their lowest level from the fourth to fifth week and gradually recovered thereafter. The hyaluronan levels in the CSF gradually increased after spinal cord compression. Furthermore, hyaluronan tetrasaccharide was involved in the hyaluronan change. In addition, we found that nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and cellular inhibitor-of-apoptosis protein 2 (c-IAP(2)) were co-expressed in neurons and oligodendrocytes, and caspase-3 expression gradually decreased in the compression model. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression was upregulated in astrocytes at the fourth week post-compression. Hyaluronan tetrasaccharide (HA(4)) induced NF-κB and c-IAP(2) to suppress the H(2)O(2)-induced apoptosis in primary neuronal cultures and increased BDNF and VEGF expression in astrocytic cultures in vitro. These findings suggest that HA(4) in the CSF may associate with behavioral recovery by increasing the levels of NF-κB, c-IAP(2), and neurotrophic factors after chronic spinal cord compression.

Analysis of 13 cases of venous compromise in 178 radial forearm free flaps for intraoral reconstruction

The purpose of this study was to analyse the causes of venous compromise and flap failure in radial forearm free flap (RFFF) surgery for intraoral reconstruction. One hundred seventy-eight RFFF reconstructions were reviewed retrospectively for intraoral defects. Of the 13 flaps with venous obstruction, 9 flaps were salvaged, and 4 were lost, with a salvage rate of 69.2%. Eleven venous occlusions occurred within the first 72h. The main reasons for venous failure were mechanical obstruction or technical errors due to inadequate pedicle length and geometry, inadequate venous drainage, compression and kinking of the vein. The main cause of failure for oropharynx reconstruction was unrecognized vascular events due to the lack of reliable monitoring for buried flap. Oozing of dusky blood from the flap margin may be directly related to venous congestion in the early postoperative period and a late indication of a change in skin colour. In conclusion, a thorough operative plan, including carefully selected drainage vein for the flap and recipient vessels, adequate pedicle length and geometry, precise surgical technique, avoidance of haematoma, and expert monitoring of buried flaps may improve the success rate of RFFF transfer in intraoral reconstruction.