Ursolic acid promotes robust tolerance to cardiac allografts in mice

Nuclear factor (NF)-κB is an important molecule in T cell activation. Our previous work has found that T cell-restricted NF-κB super-repressor (IκBαΔN-Tg) mice, expressing an inhibitor of NF-κB restricted to the T cell compartment, can permanently accept fully allogeneic cardiac grafts and secondary donor skin grafts. In this study, we explore if transient NF-κB inhibition by a small molecular inhibitor could induce permanent graft survival. Ursolic acid, a small molecular compound, dose-dependently inhibited T cell receptor (TCR)-triggered NF-κB nuclear translocation and T cell activation in vitro. In vivo, ursolic acid monotherapy prolonged significantly the survival of cardiac allograft in mice. Assisted with donor-specific transfusion (DST) on day 0, ursolic acid promoted 84·6% of first cardiac grafts to survive for more than 150 days. While the mice with long-term surviving grafts (LTS) did not reject the second donor strain hearts for more than 100 days without any treatment, they all promptly rejected the third-party strain hearts within 14 days. Interestingly, this protocol did not result in an increased proportion of CD4(+) CD25(+) forkhead box P3(+) regulatory T cells in splenocytes. That adoptive transfer experiments also did not support regulation was the main mechanism in this model. Splenocytes from LTS showed reduced alloreactivity to donor antigen. However, depletion of CD4(+) CD25(+) regulatory T cells did not alter the donor-reactivity of LTS splenocytes. These data suggest that depletion of donor-reactive T cells may play an important role in this protocol.

Simultaneous acquisition of gradient echo/spin echo BOLD and perfusion with a separate labeling coil

Arterial spin labeling-based cerebral blood flow imaging complements blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) imaging with a measure that is more quantitative and has better specificity to neuronal activation. Relative to gradient echo BOLD, spin echo BOLD has better spatial specificity because it is less biased to large draining veins. Although there have been many studies comparing simultaneously acquired cerebral blood flow data with gradient echo BOLD data in fMRI, there have been few studies comparing cerebral blood flow with SE BOLD and no study comparing all three. We present a pulse sequence that simultaneously acquires cerebral blood flow data with a separate labeling coil, gradient echo BOLD, and spin echo BOLD images. Simultaneous acquisition avoids interscan variability, allowing more direct assessment and comparison of each contrast's relative specificity and reproducibility. Furthermore, it facilitates studies that may benefit from multiple complementary measures.

Copy number variations of the human histamine H4 receptor gene are associated with systemic lupus erythematosus

BACKGROUND

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex genetic disease; the histamine H4 receptor (HRH4) has been shown to be related to different kinds of autoimmune disorders; and copy number variations (CNVs) have been found to be associated with various types of diseases.

OBJECTIVES

To explore a possible association between HRH4 (formerly H4R) CNVs and the risk of SLE.

METHODS

Genomic DNA and RNA from 340 patients with SLE and 392 healthy controls were extracted, and CNVs and mRNA levels of HRH4 were examined.

RESULTS

The expression of HRH4 mRNA was significantly increased in patients with SLE compared with controls. Amplification of HRH4 copy numbers significantly increased the risk of SLE [P < 0·001, odds ratio (OR) 2·26, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·50-3·40]. HRH4 amplifications also positively correlated with the incidence of arthritis (P = 0·019, OR 1·96, 95% CI 1·11-3·47), and proteinuria (P < 0·001, OR 2·95, 95% CI 1·73-5·00) and antinuclear antibody abnormalities (P < 0·001, OR 2·97, 95% CI 1·66-5·33). Deletions of HRH4 copy numbers were protective against proteinuria (P = 0·03, OR 0·50, 95% CI 0·26-0·94).

CONCLUSION

CNVs of the HRH4 gene are associated with SLE.

Electrochemical dechlorination of 2,4-dichlorophenol in aqueous solution on palladium-loaded meshed titanium electrode

Electrochemical dechlorination of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) in aqueous solution was investigated on palladium-loaded meshed titanium (Pd/Ti) electrode at ambient temperature. Pd/Ti electrode was prepared with an electrodepositing method. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) micrographs show that Pd microparticles uniformly disperse on the meshed Ti supporting electrode with spheroidal structure. Dechlorination experimental results indicate that, in aqueous solution, with the current efficiency of 24.3%, the removal efficiency of 100 mg/L 2,4-DCP on Pd/Ti electrode was 93.2% under the conditions of the dechlorination current of 5 mA and dechlorination time of 90 min. The effect of initial 2,4-DCP concentration was also investigated.

Abstract P6-11-02: Final Analysis of NO16853, a Randomized Phase II Non-Inferiority Study of Two Different Doses of Capecitabine in Combination with Docetaxel for Locally Advanced/Metastatic Breast Cancer (LA/MBC)

Background: In the phase III registration trial of capecitabine (X) plus docetaxel (T) in MBC (SO14999), a higher proportion of pts treated with XT vs T alone experienced grade 3/4 AEs (78% vs 64%, respectively), and dose reductions (65% vs 36%, respectively). Previously, it has been shown that dose reductions of X allow pts to continue therapy without compromising efficacy. Thus, this open-label, multicenter, phase II study was requested by the FDA, to investigate whether a lower dose of XT would be at least equivalent to standard-dose XT in LA/MBC.

Methods: Females aged ≥18 years with LA/MBC resistant to an anthracycline-based regimen in the (neo)adjuvant, 1st-or 2nd-line metastatic setting were eligible. Pts had ≥1 target lesion and ≥2 prior regimens in the metastatic setting. Following stratification (region; age; anthracycline status; prior taxane use), pts were randomized to 3-weekly cycles of standard XT (X 1,250mg/m2 b.i.d., d1-14 + T 75mg/m2, d1), or low-dose XT (X 825mg/m2 b.i.d., d1-14 + T 75mg/m2, d1) up to 16 cycles. Pts without PD entered a post-study treatment phase until PD or unacceptable toxicity. Primary endpoint: non-inferiority of low-dose vs standard XT in terms of PFS. Secondary endpoints: safety; ORR; duration of response; time to treatment failure; OS.

Results: Between 2003 and 2008, 470 pts, median age 51 years (range 22-75), were enrolled. Most pts (∼60%) received XT in the 1st-line setting. The primary analysis was based on the per-protocol population: standard XT (n=230), low-dose XT (n=229). Median PFS was 7.9 vs 6.0 months (HR 1.13, 95% CI: 0.93-1.37) in the standard and low-dose XT arms, respectively. As the upper limit of the 95% CI was above the predefined non-inferiority margin (1.35), the primary endpoint was not met. Secondary efficacy endpoints were consistent with PFS: median OS was 18.5 vs 15.2 months (HR 1.21, 95% CI: 0.96-1.52); ORR was 46.1% vs 38.4% (odds ratio 0.73, 95% CI: 0.50-1.06) with standard and low-dose XT, respectively. Median total dose intensity for X was 0.82 for standard dose and 0.91 for the lower dose. Exploratory analyses using established modelling and simulation methods show that 1,000mg/m2 X in combination with T would have demonstrated non-inferiority to standard XT with 80% power. The frequency of AEs was similar across the two groups: 94.9% standard XT (n=206) vs 94.4% low-dose XT (n=234), as was the incidence of serious AEs: 18.9% vs 21.4%, respectively. Differences were noted between the standard and low-dose XT group, respectively, in terms of the incidence of grade 3 hand-foot syndrome (16.1% vs 7.3%) and grade 3/4 neutropenia (32.7% vs 23.8%).

Conclusions: Non-inferiority of low-dose XT to standard XT was not demonstrated, yet superiority of the standard dose could not be established. Exploratory analyses suggest that X 1,000mg/m2 plus T would demonstrate non-inferiority to standard XT. Though not directly comparable, the efficacy of low-dose XT was similar to that of standard XT in study SO14999. A lower incidence of serious AEs was noted as compared with study SO14999 (43%) possibly reflecting improvements in dose modification, AE management and pt selection over time.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-11-02.

Evaluation of SNPs in the chicken HMGA2 gene as markers for body weight gain

A QTL affecting body weight in chickens has been mapped to GGA1, between the markers GCT0006 and MCW0106. The gene HMGA2, which was previously identified as a candidate gene for determining body height in humans and mice, is also conspicuously close to the MCW0106 marker in chickens. Subsequently, 14 SNP markers of HMGA2 were genotyped in CAU chicken resource populations, and the associations between body weight and those SNP markers that displayed polymorphisms were analysed. Three SNPs (rs13849241, rs15231472 and rs13849381) were found to be significantly correlated with body weight in chickens (P < 0.05). Furthermore, haplotypes constructed based on these three SNPs were also discovered to be associated with body weight in chickens at the ages of 6, 7, 9 and 12 weeks. These results suggest that the chicken HMGA2 gene is indeed involved in body weight gain.

Role of multidetector-row computed tomography in evaluation of living renal donors

OBJECTIVES

To assess the value of multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) in evaluation of the anatomy of living kidney donors and to reveal the prevalence of renal vascular variations in a Chinese population.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred four potential donors underwent MDCT, and the data sets were postprocessed for reformatted images using maximum intensity projection, a volume-rendering technique, and multiplanar re-formation. Nephrectomy was performed in 97 donors, which enabled correlation of MDCT evaluation with the actual anatomy at surgery as the standard of reference.

RESULTS

The MDCT images accurately demonstrated the anatomical structure of the main renal arteries and veins and the upper part of the ureters. The prevalence of accessory arteries was 41.7% (43 of 103), and of early branching was 12.6% (13 of 103). Compared with findings during surgery, the detection rate of accessory arteries on MDCT images was 91.3% (21 of 23), of larger accessory arteries (>1.5 mm in diameter) was 100%, and of early branching was 100%.

CONCLUSION

Multidetector-row computed tomography is helpful in accurately evaluating the renal anatomy of potential donors, thus facilitating planning of surgery.

The effect of remifentanil on cough suppression after endoscopic sinus surgery: a randomized study

BACKGROUND

Excessive coughing may increase the risk of complications after sinus surgery. We hypothesized that remifentanil would decrease the incidence and severity of coughing after endoscopic sinus surgery with propofol and remifentanil anaesthesia.

METHODS

Ninety patients scheduled for endoscopic sinus surgery were randomly assigned into three groups. Propofol was stopped at the completion of the surgical procedure. The remifentanil infusion was adjusted to an effect-site concentration of 1.5, 2.0 or 2.5 ng/ml, 10 min before the anticipated end of surgery, in each of the three groups (RF₁(.)₅, RF₂(.)₀ and RF₂(.)₅) and continued until after extubation. The incidence and severity of coughing was evaluated on a scale from 0 to 3.

RESULTS

The proportion of patients who did not cough was significantly higher in the RF₂(.)₀ (67.5%, 95% CI: 59.1– 75.9%) and RF₂(.)₅ (74.2%, 95% CI: 66.4–82.0%) groups than in the RF₁(.)₅ group (35.%, 95% CI: 26.5–43.5%) (P < 0.01). The incidence of grade 2 or 3 coughing was significantly higher in the RF₁(.)₅ group (grade 2: 15.1%, grade 3: 6.7%) than in the RF₂(.)₀ group (grade 2: 5.0%, grade 3: 0%) and the RF₂(.)₅ group (grade 2: 4.2%, grade 3: 0%) (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the time to extubation among the three groups.

CONCLUSION

Maintaining anaesthesia with remifentanil to the end of the surgery, until after extubation, can suppress coughing without prolonging the recovery from anaesthesia. This effect is dose dependent and is more pronounced at higher concentrations of remifentanil (2.0 or 2.5 ng/ml).

Measuring the color of maxillofacial prosthetic material

Color information from different color-measuring systems varies during color matching in maxillofacial prosthetics. We studied the hypothesis that a non-contact measuring system and 4 contact color-measuring instruments perform comparably in accuracy and precision on measurements of pigmented maxillofacial elastomer specimens having human skin colors. Measurement comparisons in accuracy on opaque standard color patches were made in Phase I. In Phase II, the system with the best accuracy was used as the reference instrument, and comparisons in accuracy and precision on elastomer specimens were made. The CIEDE2000 color difference formula was used. Repeated-measures ANOVA with Tukey testing and linear regression analysis for CIELAB and color differences among the instruments were performed. The contact measuring systems perform differently in accuracy, possibly due to edge loss and other factors, but performed comparably in precision with the non-contact measuring instrument. This non-contact system is recommended for color measurement of maxillofacial prosthetic materials.

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 and matrix metalloproteinase 3 genetic expression and clinical significance on urothelial tumors after renal transplantation

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was investigate signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 and matrix metalloproteinase 3 genetic expression and clinical significance on urothelial carcinoma after renal transplantation.

METHODS

This study included 51 patients with histopathologically proven urothelial carcinoma, 16 of whom had undergone renal transplantation, and 35 others who had not and served as a control group. Human genome oligo-arrays were used to analyze the gene expression spectrum of the tumors. STAT1 and MMP3 expression in urothelial carcinoma was determined using real-time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry staining. No prisoners or organs from prisoners were used in this study.

RESULTS

Among the transplantation group, 35 genes were up-regulated. The functions of 23 genes were known or partly known. Additionally, 76 genes were down-regulated in the transplantation group. The function of 46 genes was known or partly known. Pathway analysis of differences in gene expression between the groups revealed 23 groups of pathways that exhibited statistical significance (P < .05). The differences in the levels of expression of STAT1 and MMP3 were significant (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Differences in gene expression profiles of STAT1 and MMP3 exist between patients who have and those who have not undergone renal transplantation. STAT1 and MMP3 may be potential targets for the chemoprevention of posttransplantation urothelial carcinoma.

Delayed treatment effects of xanthine oxidase inhibition on systolic overload-induced left ventricular hypertrophy and dysfunction

The nonpurine selective xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitor febuxostat attenuates development of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and dysfunction in mice when treatment is initiated within 1 hour of transverse aortic constriction (TAC). This study investigated whether a 7-day delay of treatment with the XO inhibitors febuxostat or allopurinol would reverse TAC-induced changes after onset of heart failure (HF). Neither treatment significantly affected TAC-induced LV hypertrophy; only febuxostat caused a modest improvement in LV function (∼10% increase in LV ejection fraction). However, the purine analog allopurinol tended to increase mortality compared with vehicle or febuxostat in HF mice.