Abstract 1206: Parameters influencing the design of mouse clinical trial (HuTrialTM)

Patient derived xenograft (PDX or HuPrime®) is believed to best mimic original human cancers from which the models were derived. PDX becomes popular to evaluate cancer drug for better predictive power. Cancers are diverse for their molecular pathogenesis and different in response to treatment. Multiple subjects are always needed in clinical evaluation, which is also true in PDX. Mouse clinical trial (MCT), or HuTrialTM, mimics phase II clinical trial, involving multiple subjects. MCT can be used for drug position and biomarker discovery. A large number of PDXs have been created globally from diverse cancer patients, enabling MCT. MCT offers advantages over human trial: a) complex tests (e.g. new agents, high dose, complex combinations, the same subject repeatedly, and no need for early stop before completion,...) can readily be performed with significant less regulatory constraints; b) any single subject can be assigned to different treatment arms, enabling internal control and enhancing statistic power; c) the endpoints can be objectively defined and measured; d) healthy inbred mice can guarantee consistent drug exposure, avoiding PK and/or other non-tumor related variations; and e) the potential savings in later clinical trial due to reduction in size and improving success.

Randomized and controlled trial (RCT) with statistic power, as a gold standard in the clinic, can also be applied in MCT design and implementation, in order to enable reliable data analysis and conclusion. In addition, the commonly used clinical endpoints can also been tested in MCT, including Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST: CR, PR, SD, PD) and survival (PFS, OS, HR, MST), besides those commonly used in mouse study, e.g. T/C, TGI, etc. We have created a large library of PDX models (1, 2), and also been testing them for drug evaluation in a MCT format (2) for confirming indication and discovering predictive biomarker. In this study, we have specifically compared the clinic endpoint and the endpoints used in MCT, and also investigated the potential parameters that can influence the study design by retrospectively analyzing our historic MCT studies. Our result can help us to design clinic-relevant endpoint and reveal the parameters influencing trial data integrity: 1) # of models and # mice per arm needed; 2) the potency of test article, as measured by hazard ratio or HR, on mouse # requirement; 3) tumor growth rate on response (ΔT/ΔC) or on “survival” endpoint (time to event). Our data so far seem to point to that response endpoint are correlated with “survival endpoint”in general. HR seems not correlated with tumor growth rate. The smaller HR, the lower the # mice per arm is needed. These observations can be useful in facilitating future MCT design.

References

1. Yang et al. Int J Cancer. 2013;132:E74-84.

2. Zhang et al. Sci Rep. 2013;3:2992.

Citation Format: Sheng Guo, Zhun Wang, Dawei Chen, Jie Yang, Mengmeng Yang, Xuesong Huang, Jean-Pierre Wery, Henry Li. Parameters influencing the design of mouse clinical trial (HuTrialTM). [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 1206. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-1206

Giant delayed pseudo-aneurysm following screw placement in C1 lateral mass

We report the case of a patient who suffered iatrogenic vertebral artery injury (VAI) during a cervical spine posterior fixation procedure. The patient suffered massive bleeding and hemorrhagic shock at the time of screws placement in C1 lateral mass and C2 pedicle. The postoperative MRI and CT angiography showed a pseudoaneurysm 7.0 cm in diameter in the cervical spine. The iatrogenic VAI during posterior screw fixation is extremely rare. But, it can cause catastrophic consequences. We discuss the causes for the iatrogenic VAI and review the preventative measures and suitable management to avoid iatrogenic complications.

Synergistic antitumor effect of α-pinene and β-pinene with paclitaxel against non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC)

The objective of the present research work was to evaluate the synergistic interactions between Paclitaxel (PAC) with α-pinene and β-pinene using isobolographic method against non-small-cell lung cancer cells (NSCLC). This type of interaction between an established drug and a new compound is expected to enhance the efficacy of paclitaxel in combination as compared in isolation. Further, cell cycle analysis was carried out using flow cytometric analysis. Phase contrast microscopy was used to assess the effect of paclitaxel, α-pinene and β-pinene alone and in combination with each other in order to evaluate the effect of combination on cell apoptosis. Further, mitochondrial membrane potential was monitored in non-small-cell lung cancer cells (NSCLC) when treated with paclitaxel, α-pinene and β-pinene alone and in combination. The results revealed that the combination of PAC with α-pinene or with β-pinene showed a plotted curve below the straight line, generating a substantial synergistic effect. The effects of the following combinations were examined utilizing isobolograms: PAC and α-pinene and PAC and β-pinene. The combination of PAC and α-pinene as well as of PAC and β-pinene actually generated a synergistic effect. We also examined the effects of these compounds on the cell cycle distributions of A549 cells by flow cytometric analysis. The percentage of sub-G0/G1-phase cells was decreased on the addition of α-pinene to PAC, while the population of G0/G1 cells was increased. The morphological changes characteristic of apoptosis like chromatin condensation and fragmentation of the nucleus were seen in PAC+α-pinene and PAC+β-pinene treated NSCLC cells.

Administration of mycobacterial Ag85A and IL-17A fusion protein attenuates airway inflammation in a murine model of asthma

Interleukin (IL)-17A contributes to the development of asthma, especially in severe asthma which has characteristic neutrophil infiltration in airways. However, IL-17A-blocking antibody could escalate T helper (Th) 2 cytokines, such as IL-13, IL-4 in murine models. We aimed at determining the effect of mycobacterial Ag85A and IL-17A fusion protein—Ag85A-IL-17A on airway inflammation in a murine model of asthma. IL-17A recombinant protein fused mycobacterial immunodominant antigen Ag85A was constructed, expressed and purified. The fusion protein was then administrated into BALB/c mice and its anti-inflammatory effects in the infiltration of inflammatory cells, Th2/Th17 cytokines in BALF, histopathological changes of lung tissues as well as chemokines in lung tissues were evaluated in the murine model of asthma. We found that administration of mycobacterial Ag85A and IL-17A fusion protein induced IL-17A specific immunoglobulin (Ig)G in sera and significantly decreased IL-17A and IL-6 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Ag85A-IL-17A vaccinated mice also showed marked reduction in the infiltration of inflammatory cells in peribronchiolar region and significant decrease in total cells, eosinophil cells and neutrophil cells in BALF. The increased levels of IL-13 and IL-4 in BALF of ovalbumin-sensitized mice were significantly reduced by the administration of Ag85A-IL-17A. Furthermore, CD3+CD4+IL-13+ splenocytes stimulated with OVA and CXCL1 mRNA, CCL2 mRNA and GATA-3 mRNA expressed in lung tissues were decreased markedly in Ag85A-IL-17A vaccinated group. Our results demonstrate remarkable antiallergic effects of Ag85A-IL-17A in a murine model of asthma and it may have protective effects on allergic asthma.

A promising new class of high-temperature alloys: eutectic high-entropy alloys

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) can have either high strength or high ductility, and a simultaneous achievement of both still constitutes a tough challenge. The inferior castability and compositional segregation of HEAs are also obstacles for their technological applications. To tackle these problems, here we proposed a novel strategy to design HEAs using the eutectic alloy concept, i.e. to achieve a microstructure composed of alternating soft fcc and hard bcc phases. As a manifestation of this concept, an AlCoCrFeNi_2.1 (atomic portion) eutectic high-entropy alloy (EHEA) was designed. The as-cast EHEA possessed a fine lamellar fcc/B2 microstructure, and showed an unprecedented combination of high tensile ductility and high fracture strength at room temperature. The excellent mechanical properties could be kept up to 700°C. This new alloy design strategy can be readily adapted to large-scale industrial production of HEAs with simultaneous high fracture strength and high ductility.

Effect of diclofenac on the pharmacokinetics of moxifloxacin in rats

A sensitive and specific method was developed and validated for the determination of moxifloxacin in plasma using HPLC. The effect of diclofenac (12.5, 25, 50 mg/kg) on the pharmacokinetics of orally administered moxifloxacin (40 mg/kg) in rats was investigated. Pharmacokinetic parameters of moxifloxacin were determined in rats following oral administration to rats in the presence and absence of diclofenac. The coadministration of the 2 drugs resulted in 10~29.5% decrease of the AUC and a 24.7~34% decrease of t1/2 for moxifloxacin; Tmax for moxifloxacin was 1.41~1.9-fold higher than that after the administration of moxifloxacin alone; Cmax for moxifloxacin decreased by 20.5~49%, as compared to that after the administration of moxifloxacin alone. Consequently, moxifloxacin and diclofenac should be monitored closely for potential drug interactions.

Design of broadband omnidirectional antireflection coatings using ant colony algorithm

Optimization method which is based on the ant colony algorithm (ACA) is described to optimize antireflection (AR) coating system with broadband omnidirectional characteristics for silicon solar cells incorporated with the solar spectrum (AM1.5 radiation). It's the first time to use ACA method for optimizing the AR coating system. In this paper, for the wavelength range from 400 nm to 1100 nm, the optimized three-layer AR coating system could provide an average reflectance of 2.98% for incident angles from Raveθ+ to 80° and 6.56% for incident angles from 0° to 90°.

Increased oxidative stress and activated heat shock proteins in human cell lines by silver nanoparticles

Due to widely commercial applications of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), toxicity assessment of this NP is of great importance. This study aimed to investigate the oxidative stress and heat shock response of Ag NPs at different doses to A549 and HepG2 cells. After treatment with different concentrations of Ag NPs for 24 h, oxidative damage indicated by malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-epi-PGF2α, and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG) concentrations and protein levels of heat shock protein A1A (HSPA1A) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) were determined. Ag NPs induced dose-dependent increases in MDA, 8-epi-PGF2α, and 8-oxo-dG concentrations in both A549 and HepG2 cells. Stress-inducible HSPA1A and HO-1 were also significantly upregulated in a dose-dependent manner. A higher level of HSPA1A and HO-1 activation by Ag NPs occurred in HepG2 cells than that in A549 cells. Compared with that of HSPA1A, Ag NPs induced a stronger increase in protein level of HO-1 in both cell lines. Significant positive correlations between protein levels of HSPA1A and HO-1 and oxidative damage were also observed. In conclusion, Ag NPs could induce oxidative stress in human cell lines. In addition to the products of oxidative stress such as MDA and 8-oxo-dG, HSPs can be used as potential biomarkers in nanotoxicity assessment, especially HO-1.

Improved Interfacial Properties of PA6/DE Blends by DE-g-MAH Prepared through Ultrasound Assisted Extrusion

In this paper, ultrasound was applied in extrusion reaction processing to graft an Elastomer (DE) with maleic anhydride (MAH), in order to improve the non-polarity of DE. Two types of DE-g-MAH were prepared by different methods and had similar grafting degree about 0.2 % and then they were added into the polyamide-6/elastomer (PA6/DE) blends, respectively. The effect of DE-g-MAH on the interfacial properties of PA6/DE blends was studied. The experimental results showed that, compared to the DE-g-MAH initiated by peroxide, DE-g-MAH initiated by ultrasound had better effect on refining the particle size of the dispersion phase and keeping the stability of the phase in the blends, which could be confirmed through SEM and Molau tests. When 5 % DE-g-MAH initiated by peroxide was added, the particle size of dispersion phase was 3.90 μm, however, when 5 % DE-g-MAH initiated by ultrasound was added, the particle size of dispersion phase was 2.82 μm. The results of TGA and mechanical tests showed the improved interfacial interaction and enhanced interfacial adhesion of the blend by adding DE-g-MAH, respectively.

Paeoniflorin protects cells from GalN/TNF-α-induced apoptosis via ER stress and mitochondria-dependent pathways in human L02 hepatocytes

Paeoniflorin (PF) is one of the main effective components extracted from the root of Paeonia lactiflora, which has been used clinically to treat hepatitis in traditional Chinese medicine, but the details of the underlying mechanism remain unknown. The present study was designed to investigate the mechanism of protective effect of PF on d-galactosamine (GalN) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced cell apoptosis using human L02 hepatocytes. Our results confirmed that PF could attenuate GalN/TNF-α-induced apoptotic cell death in a dose-dependent manner. The disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential and the disturbance of intracellular Ca(2+) concentration were also recovered by PF. Western blot analysis revealed that GalN/TNF-α induced the activation of a number of signature endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and mitochondrial markers, while PF pre-treatment had a marked dose-dependent suppression on them. Additionally, the anti-apoptotic effect of PF was further evidenced by the inhibition of caspase-3/9 activities in L02 cells. These findings suggest that PF can effectively inhibit hepatocyte apoptosis and the underlying mechanism is related to the regulating mediators in ER stress and mitochondria-dependent pathways.

Engineering AFP and GPC3 to create highly immunogenic gene vaccines to prevent carcinogen-induced murine autochthonous hepatocellular carcinoma (VAC12P.1015)

In this study, we investigated whether alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and glypican 3 (GPC3) could be engineered to create effective vaccines to potently activate CD8 T cells to prevent clinically relevant carcinogen-induced autochthonous hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in mice. We found that the approach of epitope-optimization created a highly immunogenic AFP and GPC3 and that immunization with lentivector expressing the epitope-optimized AFP and GPC3, but not wild-type AFP and GPC3, potently activated CD8 T cells. Critically, the activated CD8 T cells not only cross-recognized native AFP peptides, but also recognized and killed tumor cells expressing native AFP and GPC3 protein. Immunization with lentivector expressing optimized AFP, but not native AFP, completely protected mice from tumor challenge and reduced the incidence of carcinogen-induced autochthonous HCC. In addition, prime-boost immunization with the optimized AFP significantly increased the frequency of AFP-specific memory CD8 T cells in the liver that were highly effective against emerging HCC tumor cells, further enhancing the tumor prevention of carcinogen-induced autochthonous HCC. Our data demonstrate that epitope-optimization is required to potently activate AFP- and GPC3- specific CD8 T cells, generating effective antitumor effect to prevent carcinogen-induced HCC in mice. Our study provides a roadmap to develop effective human HCC vaccines that may result in an improved antitumor effect.

Direct determination of underivatized amino acids from Ginkgo biloba leaves by using hydrophilic interaction ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry

Ginkgo biloba leaf extract has been widely used in dietary supplements and more recently in some foods and beverages. In addition to the well-known flavonol glycosides and terpene lactones, G. biloba leaves are also rich in amino acids. To determine the content of free amino acids, a reliable method has been established by using hydrophilic interaction ultra-HPLC coupled with ESI-MS. 20 free amino acids were simultaneously determined without derivatization in 12 min. The proposed method was fully validated in terms of linearity, sensitivity, repeatability, as well as recovery. Furthermore, the principal component analysis was applied to different G. biloba leaves collected in November (after fruit harvest season), which revealed that the samples from different production areas exhibited regional disparity in different clusters in accordance with their various hydrophilic interaction chromatograms coupled with mass profiles. The established approach could be helpful for evaluation of the potential values as dietary supplements and the quality control of G. biloba leaves, which might also be utilized for the investigation of other medicinal herbs containing amino acids.

Long-term outcomes after nucleos(t)ide analogue discontinuation in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients

Nucleos(t)ide analogue (NUC) resistance is an important clinical risk resulting from long-term therapy in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) management. Discontinuation of NUCs is a feasible strategy to reduce resistance. We aimed to observe the outcomes after NUC withdrawal in HBeAg-positive CHB patients. A total of 97 patients (11 patients with HBsAg loss and 86 patients with sustained HBeAg seroconversion) were enrolled. HBV DNA levels and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were monitored regularly after discontinuation. Relapse was defined as HBV DNA levels >2000 IU/mL in at least two determinations more than 4 weeks apart. HBeAg seroconversion was achieved within 48 weeks (interquartile range (IQR), 24-72 weeks). The time on consolidation therapy was 96 weeks (IQR, 84-144 weeks). No relapses occurred for HBsAg loss patients. Evidence of relapse was observed in 9.3% of HBeAg seroconversion patients. All relapse cases occurred within 48 weeks after discontinuation. The time to relapse was 33 ± 15 weeks. Elevation of HBV DNA and ALT levels over baseline were only observed in 12.5% of relapse patients. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics (sex, HBV genotype, age or ALT levels) or time on consolidation therapy between patients with relapse or sustained response. NUC discontinuation in HBeAg-positive CHB patients is feasible after achieving HBeAg seroconversion at a minimum of 24 weeks. There is further benefit to prolonging the time on consolidation therapy to reduce relapse. More than 48 weeks of sustained response is a predictive marker for long-term sustained response.

[Chemical constituents from seeds of Ziziphus mauritiana]

OBJECTIVE

To study the chemical constituents in the seeds of Ziziphus mauritiana.

METHODS

The constituents were isolated by silica column chromatography and their structures were elucidated by physico-chemical properties and spectroscopic analysis.

RESULTS

Twelve compounds were isolated from the seeds of Ziziphus mauritiana and identified as betulinic aldehyde (1), betulinic acid (2), ceanothic acid (3), frangufoline (4), spinosin (5), beta-sitosterol (6), daucosterol (7), daucosterol-6'-octadecanoate (8), sucrose (9), docosanoic acid (10), stearic acid (11), palmitoleic acid (12).

CONCLUSION

All the compounds are obtained from Ziziphus mauritiana seeds for the first time and compounds 4,5 and 8 are isolated from this plant for the first time.

G(i)α proteins exhibit functional differences in the activation of ERK1/2, Akt and mTORC1 by growth factors in normal and breast cancer cells

Background

In a classic model, G_iα proteins including G_i1α, G_i2α and G_i3α are important for transducing signals from G_iα protein-coupled receptors (G_iαPCRs) to their downstream cascades in response to hormones and neurotransmitters. Our previous study has suggested that G_i1α, G_i2α and G_i3α are also important for the activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTORC1 pathway by epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its family members. However, a genetic role of these G_iα proteins in the activation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) by EGF is largely unknown. Further, it is not clear whether these G_iα proteins are also engaged in the activation of both the Akt/mTORC1 and ERK1/2 pathways by other growth factor family members. Additionally, a role of these G_iα proteins in breast cancer remains to be elucidated.

Results

We found that Gi1/3 deficient MEFs with the low expression level of G_i2α showed defective ERK1/2 activation by EGFs, IGF-1 and insulin, and Akt and mTORC1 activation by EGFs and FGFs. Gi1/2/3 knockdown breast cancer cells exhibited a similar defect in the activations and a defect in in vitro growth and invasion. The G_iα proteins associated with RTKs, Gab1, FRS2 and Shp2 in breast cancer cells and their ablation impaired Gab1’s interactions with Shp2 in response to EGF and IGF-1, or with FRS2 and Grb2 in response to bFGF.

Conclusions

G_iα proteins differentially regulate the activation of Akt, mTORC1 and ERK1/2 by different families of growth factors. G_iα proteins are important for breast cancer cell growth and invasion.

Toxicity of daphnane-type diterpenoids from Genkwa Flos and their pharmacokinetic profile in rat

Daphnane-type diterpenoids (DDs) are the main types of plant diterpene orthoesters known and have remarkable biological activities. However, the in vivo toxicity and pharmacokinetic profile of DDs remains unkonwn. The aim of this study was to investigate the toxicity and pharmacokinetic profile of DDs from Genkwa Flos (Thymelaeaceae). The toxicity of diterpenoids was evaluated after oral administration of total diterpenoids extract from Genkwa Flos to rats, and the blood concentration of diterpenoids was analyzed by ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-TQ-MS). The diterpenoids were confirmed to be the toxic components of Genkwa Flos. The pharmacokinetic profile of these diterpenoids was quite different due to their different structures. Although the contents of yuanhuafine and yuanhuapine were low in the extract, the blood concentrations were extremely high. In contrary, the contents of genkwanine F and Wikstroemia factor M1 in the extract were much higher, but they could not be detected in the blood. This result implied that yuanhuafine and yuanhuapine but not genkwanine F and Wikstroemia factor M1 were the potentail toxic components of Genkwa Flos in vivo. This paper shows for the first time the toxicity of diterpenoids from Genkwa Flos was correlated with their blood concentration and when DDs were used for medicinal purposes, their contents in herb as well as their blood concentrations should be considered.

[Research practices of conversion efficiency of resources utilization model of castoff from Chinese material medica industrialization]

The industrialization chains and their products, which were formed from the process of the production of medicinal materials-prepared drug in pieces and deep processed product of Chinese material medica (CMM) resources, have generated large benefits of social and economic. However, The large of herb-medicine castoff of "non-medicinal parts" and "rejected materials" produced inevitably during the process of Chinese medicinal resources produce and process, and the residues, waste water and waste gas were produced during the manufactured and deep processed product of CMM. These lead to the waste of resources and environmental pollution. Our previous researches had proposed the "three utilization strategies" and "three types of resources models" of herb-medicine castoff according to the different physicochemical property of resources constitutes, resources potential and utility value of herb-medicine castoff. This article focus on the conversion efficiency of resources model and analysis the ways, technologies, practices, and application in herb-medicine cast off of the conversion efficiency of resources model based on the recycling economy theory of resources and thoughts of resources chemistry of CMM. These data may be promote and resolve the key problems limited the industrialization of Chinese material medica for long time and promote the realization of herb-medicine castoff resources utilization.