Growth inhibitory and adjuvant therapeutic potential of aqueous extract of Triticum aestivum on MCF-7 and HeLa cells

AIM

The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the potent growth inhibitory effects of aqueous wheatgrass extract (AWE) alone and in combination with cisplatin on human breast and cervical cancer cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The cytotoxic potential of AWE alone and in combination with cisplatin was evaluated on human breast and cervical cancer cells (MCF-7 and HeLa) by cell viability assay. Further, the mode of cell death induced by AWE was determined by nuclear morphological examination and cell cycle analysis. These effects were then correlated with the expression of genes involved in apoptosis and proliferation (cyclin D1 and Bax) by RT-PCR.

RESULTS

AWE showed dose- and time dependent selective cytotoxicity towards the cancer highlighting its safe profile. Lower dose combinations of AWE and cisplatin induced increased growth inhibition compared with the individual drugs on both cell lines (combination index < 1) indicating strong synergistic interactions. AWE was found to induce apoptosis and arrested the cells at G0-G1 phase of the cell cycle which correlated with the modulation of expression of bax and cyclin D1 in a time-dependent manner in MCF-7 and HeLa cells.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the anti-cancer potential of AWE may be due to apoptosis induction and its anti-proliferative properties. This study also provides the first evidence demonstrating synergism between AWE and cisplatin, which may enhance the therapeutic index of prevention and/or treatment of human breast and cervical cancer.

Selection of DNA barcoding loci for Nepeta deflersiana Schweinf. ex Hedge from chloroplast and nuclear DNA genomes

Molecular markers, mainly DNA-based are potential tools for DNA barcoding and phylogenetic study. The plant species belonging to the Nepeta genus have important medicinal value because of the presence of nepetalactones, and they have been used to treat human diseases. We amplified nuclear and chloroplast gene loci to develop a DNA barcode and phylogenetic study of Nepeta deflersiana. Among the studied loci, psbA-trnH and rps16 showed less identity within the genus than the other loci using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool of the National Center for Biotechnology Information GenBank database. These loci can be used for the development of a DNA barcode to identify and preserve the identity of this species. We also constructed the phylogram of N. deflersiana and other Nepeta species retrieved from the GenBank database (nonredundant DNA-internal transcribed spacer). N. deflersiana was placed in the same clade as N. insaurica with a 99% bootstrap value.

Protective role of sodium butyrate, a HDAC inhibitor on beta-cell proliferation, function and glucose homeostasis through modulation of p38/ERK MAPK and apoptotic pathways: study in juvenile diabetic rat

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) also known as juvenile diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disorder that precipitates in genetically susceptible individuals by environmental factors particularly during early age. Both genetic and epigenetic factors are implicated in the beta-cell development, proliferation, differentiation and function. Recent evidences suggested that there is a link between diabetes and histone deacetylases (HDACs), because HDAC inhibitors promote beta-cell development, proliferation and function as well as improve glucose homeostasis. Sodium butyrate (NaB) is a short chain fatty acid having HDAC inhibition activity. The present study was aimed to investigate the protective role of NaB treatment on the beta-cell proliferation, function and glucose homeostasis as well as apoptosis in juvenile diabetic rat. Diabetes was induced by single injection of STZ (60 mg/kg, i.p.) in chilled citrate buffer, while NaB (500 mg/kg/day) was administrated by i.p. route for 21 days as pre- and post-treatment schedule. Plasma glucose and insulin levels, HbA1c, glucose tolerance, apoptosis, and expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), p38, p53, caspase-3, extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 (ERK-1/2), forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) and insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) as well as histone acetylation were evaluated. NaB treatment decreased plasma glucose, HbA1c, beta-cell apoptosis and improved plasma insulin level and glucose homeostasis through HDAC inhibition and histone acetylation in diabetic animal as compared to control. NaB treatment improved the beta-cell proliferation, function and glucose homeostasis as well as reduced beta-cell apoptosis in juvenile diabetic rat by the modulation of p38/ERK MAPK and apoptotic pathway.

A UK national audit of hereditary and acquired angioedema

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) and acquired angioedema (AAE) are rare life-threatening conditions caused by deficiency of C1 inhibitor (C1INH). Both are characterized by recurrent unpredictable episodes of mucosal swelling involving three main areas: the skin, gastrointestinal tract and larynx. Swelling in the gastrointestinal tract results in abdominal pain and vomiting, while swelling in the larynx may be fatal. There are limited UK data on these patients to help improve practice and understand more clearly the burden of disease. An audit tool was designed, informed by the published UK consensus document and clinical practice, and sent to clinicians involved in the care of HAE patients through a number of national organizations. Data sets on 376 patients were received from 14 centres in England, Scotland and Wales. There were 55 deaths from HAE in 33 families, emphasizing the potentially lethal nature of this disease. These data also show that there is a significant diagnostic delay of on average 10 years for type I HAE, 18 years for type II HAE and 5 years for AAE. For HAE the average annual frequency of swellings per patient affecting the periphery was eight, abdomen 5 and airway 0·5, with wide individual variation. The impact on quality of life was rated as moderate or severe by 37% of adult patients. The audit has helped to define the burden of disease in the UK and has aided planning new treatments for UK patients.

A randomized phase 2a efficacy and safety trial of the topical Janus kinase inhibitor tofacitinib in the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis

BACKGROUND

Tofacitinib (CP-690,550) is a novel Janus kinase inhibitor in development as an oral formulation for the treatment of several inflammatory diseases including psoriasis.

OBJECTIVES

This phase 2a study aimed to assess the efficacy, systemic safety, local tolerability and systemic pharmacokinetics of topical tofacitinib in mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis.

METHODS

Two tofacitinib ointment formulations were evaluated in this multicentre, double-blind, vehicle-controlled trial (NCT01246583). Seventy-one patients were randomized 2 : 1 : 2 : 1 to 2% tofacitinib ointment 1, vehicle 1, 2% tofacitinib ointment 2 and vehicle 2, each administered twice daily for 4 weeks to a single fixed 300 cm(2) treatment area containing a target plaque with or without one or more nontarget plaques and normal skin.

RESULTS

The primary endpoint of percentage change from baseline in the Target Plaque Severity Score at week 4 demonstrated statistically significant improvement for ointment 1 [least squares mean (LSM) -54.4%] vs. vehicle 1 (LSM -41.5%), but not ointment 2 (LSM -24.2%) vs. vehicle 2 (LSM -17.2%). Secondary endpoints (target plaque area and Itch Severity Item) improved similarly for tofacitinib ointment vs. corresponding vehicle. Adverse event (AE) occurrence was similar across treatment groups. All AEs were mild or moderate and none were serious or led to subject discontinuation. One application-site AE (erythema) was reported. Tofacitinib mean systemic exposure was minimal and was greater for ointment 1 than for ointment 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Tofacitinib ointment 1 was well tolerated and efficacious compared with vehicle for the treatment of plaque psoriasis. Further study of topical tofacitinib for psoriasis treatment is warranted.

Measurements of an ablator-gas atomic mix in indirectly driven implosions at the National Ignition Facility

We present the first results from an experimental campaign to measure the atomic ablator-gas mix in the deceleration phase of gas-filled capsule implosions on the National Ignition Facility. Plastic capsules containing CD layers were filled with tritium gas; as the reactants are initially separated, DT fusion yield provides a direct measure of the atomic mix of ablator into the hot spot gas. Capsules were imploded with x rays generated in hohlraums with peak radiation temperatures of ∼294  eV. While the TT fusion reaction probes conditions in the central part (core) of the implosion hot spot, the DT reaction probes a mixed region on the outer part of the hot spot near the ablator-hot-spot interface. Experimental data were used to develop and validate the atomic-mix model used in two-dimensional simulations.

In vitro detection of pathogenic Listeria monocytogenes from food sources by conventional, molecular and cell culture method

Among current in vitro methods for identification of pathogenic Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) rely on growth in culture media, followed by isolation, and biochemical and serological identification. Now PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) has been used for the rapid, sensitive and specific detection of pathogenic L. monocytogenes. The pathogenicity of the organism is highly correlated with haemolytic factor known as listeriolysin O (LLO). A total of 400 samples from meat and 250 samples from raw milk and their products were collected from various local dairy farms, dairy units and butcheries in Bareilly, India. Pure isolates of L. monocytogenes obtained after enrichment in Buffered Listeria enrichment broth (BLEB) followed by plating onto Listeria oxford agar. The DNA extracted from pure isolates and used for the detection of bacterial pathogen. The oligonucleotide primer pairs (F: CGGAGGTTCCGCAAAAGATG; R: CCTCCAGAGTGATCGATGTT) complementary to the nucleotide sequence of the hlyA gene selected for detection of L. monocytogenes using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR products of 234 bp generated with DNA from all of L. monocytogenes isolates. The highest occurrence of haemolytic L. monocytogenes isolates from various meat samples was in raw chicken (6.0%), followed by fish meat (4.0%), and then beef (2.5%). Among various milk and milk products, curd (2.0%) showed the highest prevalence, followed by raw milk (1.3%). The cytotoxic effects of haemolytic L. monocytogenes isolates were screened on vero cell lines. The cell lines with cell free culture supernatant (CFCS) examined at 1 min, 10 min, 30 min, and 60 min. The significant changes in vero cells were observed at 30 min with both 30 μL and 50 μL of volume. We conclude that application of PCR approaches can provide critical information on distribution of haemolytic strains of L. monocytogenes in food processing environments. Vero cell cytotoxicity assay (in vitro) resulted positive in twenty four strong haemolysin producing L. monocytogenes isolates. The vero cytotoxicity assay could be suggested as a further step towards an alternative assay for detection of haemolytic strains of L. monocytogenes.

Road traffic crashes in Ramadan: an observational study

The aim of this study was to investigate trends in road traffic crashes (RTCs) managed by an emergency service, Rescue 1122, in 2011 in Punjab, Pakistan. RTC data were collected from 35 districts of Punjab and reviewed retrospectively. Data analysis revealed that the service responded to 12 969 RTC emergencies during August 2011 (Ramadan), compared with an average of 11 573 RTCs per month from January to August 2011. The younger age group (11-27 years) was victims in 29% of RTCs; 39% were due to speeding and 43% occurred in peak rush hours (14:00-18:00) before iftar (breakfast).Results of the study showed that Rescue 1122 faced more RTCs during Ramadan compared with the preceding months. Road safety is an important public health issue in Pakistan. Although there have been great improvements in roads in the past few years, much work needs to be done to deal with mounting trends in RTCs. Public awareness, political will and stringent law enforcement are key factors.

Antimicrobial and biocompatible properties of nanomaterials

The rapid development of drug-resistant characteristics in pathogenic viral, bacterial, and fungal species and the consequent spread of infectious diseases are currently receiving serious attention. Indeed, there is a pressing demand to explore novel materials and develop new strategies that can address these issues of serious concern. Nanomaterials are currently proving to be the most capable therapeutic agents to cope with such hazards. The exceptional physiochemical properties and impressive antimicrobial capabilities of nanoparticles have provoked their utilization in biomedical fields. Nanomaterials of both organic and inorganic nature have shown the capabilities of disrupting microbial cells through different mechanisms. Along with the direct influence on the microbial cell membrane, DNA and proteins, these nanomaterials produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage cell components and viruses. Currently, a serious hazard associated with these antimicrobial nanomaterials is their toxicity to human and animal cells. Extensive studies have reported the dose, time, and cell-dependent toxicology of various nanomaterials, and some have shown excellent biocompatible properties. Nevertheless, there is still debate regarding the use of nanomaterials for medical applications. Therefore, in this review, the antimicrobial activities of various nanomaterials with details of their acting mechanisms were compiled. The relative toxic and biocompatible behavior of nanomaterials emphasized in this study provides information pertaining to their practical applicability in medical fields.

In vitro evaluation of aliphatic fatty alcohol metabolites of Perseaamericana seed as potential antimalarial and antimicrobial agents

Perseaamericana Mill (Lauraceae) is a local medicinal plant used in Nigerian ethnomedicine as antimalarial. The aqueous decoction of the root part is a potent remedy against bacterial infections. Hence, the need to investigate the phytochemical and biological activities (antimicrobial and antiplasmodial) of the root back of Perseaamericana. Chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques were used in the identification and purification of metabolites, which were assayed for antimalarial and antimicrobial activities using Plasmodium falciparum and a panel of microorganisms. From the seeds of P. americana, five known 1, 2, 4-dihydroxy derivatives aliphatic alcohols, called avocadenols were isolated and identified by spectroscopic methods including 1D- and 2D NMR, and comparison with reported data in literature. Antifungal activity for 1, 2, 4-Trihydroxyheptadec-6-en-16-yne (5) (IC₅₀< 8 μg/mL) against all the fungal strains and S. areus, and antimalarial activity for compounds 1, 2, 4-Trihydroxyheptadec-16-ene (1) and 1, 2, 4-tetrahydroxyheptadecane-6, 16-diene(2) (IC₅₀ = 1.6 and 1.4 μg/mL for the D6 clone, respectively, and 2.1 and 1.4 μg/mL for the W2 clone, respectively) was observed. The fatty alcohols 1, 2, 4-tetrahydroxyheptadecane-6, 16-diene(2); 1, 2, 4-Trihydroxyheptadec-16-yne(3) and 1, 2, 4-Trihydroxyheptadecane(4) also exhibited promising in vitro antibacterial activity against a panel of pathogenic bacteria S. areus, methicillin resistant S. areus and E. coli at IC₅₀ values of 21.1, 8, 200 μg/mL), (3.259, 86.32 μg/mL) and (17.18, 8.26 and 200 μg/mL), respectively. The results of this study provide evidence that the fatty alcohols are a promising class of antimalarial and antimicrobial agents.

Immediate hypersensitivity to chlorhexidine is increasingly recognised in the United Kingdom

BACKGROUND

Chlorhexidine is widely used as an antiseptic agent. It is a potentially allergenic substance that can cause severe hypersensitivity reactions.

OBJECTIVE

We describe six patients who had anaphylactic reactions attributed to chlorhexidine during surgery. These patients were exposed to chlorhexidine in gels, swabs and catheters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Six patients from three UK centres with clinical history suggestive of anaphylaxis during surgery are reported. Detailed history, review of case notes, determination of chlorhexidine specific IgE, mast cell tryptase and skin tests were performed.

RESULTS

On detailed assessment five of six patients demonstrated a previous history of reactions on re-exposure to chlorhexidine. All six patients had elevated specific IgE to chlorhexidine. Skin prick test with chlorhexidine was performed in four of the six patients and was found to be positive.

CONCLUSION

Immediate hypersensitivity to chlorhexidine appears to be common but underreported in the UK. We recommend that centres investigating patients with reactions during anaesthesia and surgery should routinely include testing for chlorhexidine allergy.

The United Kingdom Primary Immune Deficiency (UKPID) Registry: report of the first 4 years' activity 2008-2012

This report summarizes the establishment of the first national online registry of primary immune deficency in the United Kingdom, the United Kingdom Primary Immunodeficiency (UKPID Registry). This UKPID Registry is based on the European Society for Immune Deficiency (ESID) registry platform, hosted on servers at the Royal Free site of University College, London. It is accessible to users through the website of the United Kingdom Primary Immunodeficiency Network (www.ukpin.org.uk). Twenty-seven centres in the United Kingdom are actively contributing data, with an additional nine centres completing their ethical and governance approvals to participate. This indicates that 36 of 38 (95%) of recognized centres in the United Kingdom have engaged with this project. To date, 2229 patients have been enrolled, with a notable increasing rate of recruitment in the past 12 months. Data are presented on the range of diagnoses recorded, estimated minimum disease prevalence, geographical distribution of patients across the United Kingdom, age at presentation, diagnostic delay, treatment modalities used and evidence of their monitoring and effectiveness.

Abstract P3-14-14: Neoadjuvant phase II trial with carboplatin and eribulin in triple negative breast cancer patients

Background:

Several neoadjuvant trials have been conducted directed at treating triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients with platinum agents with pathologic complete response (pCR) rates ranging from 16%-32%. Eribulin mesylate, a nontaxane microtubule dynamics inhibitor with a novel mechanism of action, has clinical activity as monotherapy in breast cancer and other solid tumors. A recent phase I trial found that the combination of eribulin mesylate with carboplatin was well tolerated and showed activity in advanced solid tumors. The recommended dose for future trials was eribulin mesylate 1.1 mg/m2 and carboplatin AUC6. We proposed a neoadjuvant phase II trial with the combination of carboplatin and eribulin in patients with TNBC.

Methods:

30 patients were enrolled between November 2011 and February 2013. Patients received eribulin at 1.4 mg/m2 (intravenously over 2-5 minutes) on days 1 and 8 followed by carboplatin AUC = 6 (intravenously over 30 minutes) on day 1 every 21 days for a total of 4 cycles. Definitive surgery was performed 3-8 weeks after completion of therapy.

Our primary endpoint was to determine the pCR in TNBC patients treated with the combination of carboplatin and eribulin. Secondary objectives included determination of the clinical response rate, residual cancer burden (RCB), toxicity evaluation, in addition to correlative markers including TLE3, Smad3, cyclins/CDKs, and PIN1 and the Homologous Recombination Deficiency Assay (HRD).

Results:

There was an initial safety run-in to evaluate the appropriate dose of eribulin in the study population. After the 10th patient, the study was temporarily suspended; toxicity was assessed for the first 10 patients (cycle 1 only) to assess whether eribulin at 1.4mg/m2 or a dose reduction to 1.1 mg/m2 would be required for the remaining patients. Of the first 10 patients, only 2 of 10 experienced grade 3 or 4 neutropenia, and 0 of 10 patients experienced grade 3 or 4 peripheral neuropathy. Therefore, the study was continued for the remaining 20 patients with eribulin dosed at 1.4 mg/m2 and carboplatin AUC = 6.

Thirty of the planned 30 patients have been enrolled to date. Of the 30 patients, 24 have completed therapy and 6 are currently on study. Of the 24 patients who have completed therapy, 11 have achieved a pCR (45.83%). As for clinical response rates, 5 have had stable disease (20.8%), 5 have had a complete response (20.8%), and 13 have had a partial response (54.2%). Final results will be presented at the time of the meeting including pCR, RCB, toxicity and correlative studies.

The combination of eribulin and carboplatin was well tolerated with a predictable side effect profile. Of the 24 patients who have completed therapy, 8 (33%) required a dose reduction in eribulin for grade 3 or 4 neutropenia. One patient had neutropenic fever. There were no dose reductions for thrombocytopenia thus far. Correlative studies are in progress.

Conclusion:

The combination of carboplatin and eribulin in the neoadjuvant setting appears to be safe and efficacious in patients with TNBC. Statistical analysis on outcomes for the entire study population and correlative study results on pre- and post-treatment tissues are forthcoming. Future randomized clinical trials should evaluate further this regimen.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P3-14-14.

No evidence for impairment of venous hemodynamics in children or young adults with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency is a postulated etiologic factor for multiple sclerosis, but the higher frequency with longer disease duration and progressive disability suggests that chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency is secondary to chronic disease. We evaluated the presence of chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency in pediatric-onset MS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-six pediatric patients with MS (18 years of age or younger), 26 age-matched healthy controls, and 13 young adults with pediatric-onset MS underwent sonography of the internal jugular, vertebral, and deep cerebral veins. Five venous hemodynamic criteria were assessed, with 2 criteria required for chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency. MR imaging studies, performed in the pediatric patients with MS and healthy control groups, included intracranial 2D time-of-flight MR venography and velocity-sensitive phase-contrast sequences. Contrast-enhanced brain MR images were obtained in pediatric patients with MS to further evaluate venous patency. We used paired t tests, Wilcoxon matched pairs, McNemar tests, and exact conditional logistic regression to estimate the association of chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency with MS.

RESULTS

Fifty participants (73.5%) had normal ultrasound findings, 15 (23.1%) met 1 venous hemodynamic criterion, and 2 pediatric patients with MS and 1 young adult with pediatric-onset MS met chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency criteria. Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency was not associated with MS (odds ratio, 2.41; 95% CI, 0.19-infinity). Demographic and disease characteristics did not differ between the patients with MS meeting chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency criteria (n = 3) and those who did not (n = 36; all, P > .05). The mean (SD) MR imaging measures of intracerebral flow did not differ between the 2 pediatric patients with MS meeting chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency criteria (0.85 ± 0.11) and healthy controls (0.87 ± 0.16, P = .50); no child demonstrated venous obstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency is rarely observed in children or young adults with pediatric-onset MS. Venous anatomy and flow rates indicate that venous outflow is intact in pediatric patients with MS. Our findings argue against chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency as a component of MS etiology.