Relationship between cytosine-adenine repeat polymorphism of ADAMTS9 gene and clinical and radiologic severity of knee osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to determine the role of cytosine-adenine (CA) micro-satellite repeat sequence of ADAMTS9 gene on the development and progression of osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS

A total of 110 participants, including those with primary knee OA and healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Patients were stratified into two groups using the Kellgren-Lawrence staging (K-L staging) as group 1 for controls and mild OA and group 2 for moderate and severe OA. Genetic analyses were performed to determine the CA repeat length in ADAMTS9 gene.

RESULTS

Twenty CA repeats were found to be statistically significant for differentiating groups 1 and 2 (P = 0.020). Age was the most significant risk factor involved, followed by ≥ 20 CA repeats and body mass index (P < 0.05). CA repeat length of ≥ 20 showed a 6.1-fold increase in probability for having OA at stage 3 or 4 compared to those of CA repeat length of < 20 (P = 0.004). In conclusion, the CA repeat length of ≥ 20 has a six-fold increase in probability for having severe OA.

CONCLUSION

ADAMTS9 gene CA repeat polymorphism may be used to determine the prognosis for OA radiologic progression. Being the first in the literature reporting the CA repeat in the promotor region of ADAMTS9 gene in patients with OA, our study could be highlighted further in future research with larger sample size.

The effect of age on peripheral stem cell mobilization in healthy donors, single center experience

PURPOSE

Peripheral stem cell transplantation is used as a life-saving therapeutic option in hematological malignancies. As previously established, most hematological malignancies are seen in the elderly population. Therefore, possible HLA-identical sibling donors of elderly patients are generally of an advanced age. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of old age on stem cell mobilization and quality in older adult healthy sibling donors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 2006 and 2014, we evaluated 38 healthy donors aged ≥55 years. The granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) analogs were used at a dose of 5 µg/kg/day and administered subcutaneously twice a day for five days. CD34+ cells were estimated in the peripheral blood before collection of the apheresis product. The National Marrow Donor Program selects healthy unrelated donors if they are younger than 60 years. Therefore, we compared the product quality in donors over the age of 60 to that in donors aged 60 years or less.

RESULTS

We collected sufficient products from all the donors with one to three apheresis procedures. No serious complication was detected in all donors. Reaching the target CD34+ cell count in one day were detected in 83% of younger and 79% of older donors (P = NS). Collected CD34+ cells x10e6/recipient body weight (kg) was same and 5.1 in the groups (P = NS). There were no correlation between the donor age and these parameters.

CONCLUSION

Healthy donor apheresis in older adults can be performed effectively and possible donors should be evaluated regardless of their age. J. Clin. Apheresis 32:16-20, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Depression and anxiety among parents of phenylketonuria children

Objective:

To investigate the existence of depression and/or anxiety with underlying risk factors among parents of children with classical phenylketonuria (PKU).

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Division of Pediatric Metabolism, Ankara Children’s Hospital, Dokuz Eylul University, Kırıkkale University, and Erzurum Local Research Hospital, Turkey, between January and July 2014. Parents of 61 patients and 36 healthy controls completed the self-report questionnaires. We used Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) to assess the parental depression and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory S-T (STAI S-T) to assess parental anxiety.

Results:

Depression and anxiety scores were significantly higher in the case group (BDI 12.3±9.1; STAI-S: 38.2±9.6; STAI-T: 43.2±6.9) than controls (BDI: 5.4±4.1 p=0.000; STAI-S: 31.8±7.6 p=0.001; STAI-T: 37.0±7.2 p=0.000). Mothers of the patients had higher scores than the other parental groups (BDI: p=0.000, STAI-S: p=0.001 and STAI-T: p=0.000). Logistic regression analysis showed that low educational level of the parent was the only independent factor for depression (OR 9.96, 95% CI: 1.89-52.35, p=0.007) and state anxiety (OR: 6.99, 95% CI: 1.22-40.48, p=0.030) in the case group.

Conclusion:

A subset of parents with PKU patients have an anxiety or depressive disorder. Supportive services dealing with the parents of chronically ill children such as PKU are needed in order to reduce the level of anxiety.

Does maternal diet affect infantile colic?

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of maternal diet on infantile colic without any interventions or food restrictions.

METHODS

Thirty colicky and 29 non-colicky infants were included in this prospective study. Mother's diet and baby crying time were recorded for 1 week by mothers; nutritionist classified contents of mother's diet and compared the diet of mother in colicky and non-colicky infants.

RESULTS

It was found that mothers of non-colicky infants consumed significantly more grapes and lemons than mothers of colicky infants (p = 0.044). The crying time was moderately negatively correlated with the percentage of protein in the maternal diet (R = -0.45, p = 0.01) and the presence of potatoes in the maternal diet (R = -0.38, p = 0.034) and positively correlated with the maternal consumption of walnut (R = 0.38, p = 0.034), banana (R = 0.44, p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Removing bananas from the maternal diet may reduce colic. The consumption of a protein-rich maternal diet, grapes, lemons and potatoes by breastfeeding mothers may protect infants from colic.

Abstract 1399: Characterization of cancer stem cell properties and identification of invasion as well as metastatic process in head and neck cancer

Cancer stem cells (CSC) are thought to be a sub-population of cancer cells, which are the main tumorigenic cells in the tumors. Although chemoradiotherapy may kill the majority of rapidly dividing cells, CSC-like cell populations may be left behind due to their low turnover and infrequent cell cycling. In 2007, Prince et al. reported the presence of head and neck cancer stem cells for the first time.

In the current study, UTTSCC74A and UTTSCC74B head and neck cancer cell lines as material derived from the primary tumor and their lymph node metastasis, respectively, were used. FACS was used for isolation of cancer stem cells using antibodies against CD44 and ALDH1. However we could not get specific response from CD44 antigen ie can not isolate cancer stem cell. However ALDH1 antibody selection gave us isolation of cancer stem cells from both of UTTSCC74A and B cell lines though much less cancer stem cells existed in UTTSCC74B cell line. The cells were first cultured in normal DMEM with 10% FBS under the condition of 5% CO2. Then the cells were changed into stem cell medium and cultured. Cancer stem cells were isolated using antibody against ALDH1 and these cells were cultured in stem cell medium and its characteristics were confirmed through sphere formation as well as immunofluorescence staining with antibody against ALDH1 and control antibody against DAPI. Expressions of sox-2, oct-4 and klf-4 were confirmed. After characterization of cancer stem cell from head and neck cancer cell line was confirmed, microarray analysis were performed using Gene Chip PrimeView Human expression Array (U133-HG133/ 47,000 transcript). Each group of ALDH1+ (cancer stem) and - cells isolated from each of UTTSCC74A and UTTSCC74B cell lines were exposed to microarray analysis. RNA extraction and cDNA construction from each sub group were prepared for microarray analysis. Comparison of UTTSCC74A ALDH1+ and - provided increased expression of 2037 and decreased expression in 2263 genes in various ratios. Similarly comparison of UTTSCC74B ALDH1+ and - provided increased expression of 6349 and decreased expression in 5322 genes in various ratios. 26 genes with most up and down regulation were selected and confirmation was done through real-time RT-PCR designing custom primers. Similar results were taken as in microarray analysis. From these 26 genes with confirmation of their expressions, 5 up regulated and 5 downregulated genes were selected for further analysis. We currently prepare expression plasmids of these genes and continue their in vitro functional analysis.

Thus, the identification of the cancer-stem cell related signalling pathways in head and neck cancer stem cell would provide valuable information for a better understanding of cancer stem cell properties, molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis, invasion and metastasis in this cancer type. By this way, effective therapeutic options targeting CSCs may be developed.

Citation Format: Mehmet Gunduz, Omer Faruk Hatipoglu, Esra Gunduz, Elif Nihan Cetin, Eyyup Uctepe, Sadık Cigdem, Reidar Grenman, Muradiye Acar. Characterization of cancer stem cell properties and identification of invasion as well as metastatic process in head and neck cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 1399. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-1399

Abstract 547: A Novel Abetalipoproteinemia Missense Mutation Highlights the Importance of N-terminal β-barrel in Microsomal Triglyceride Transfer Protein Function

Background: The use of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) inhibitors is limited to severe hyperlipidemias due to associated hepatosteatosis. Comprehensive knowledge about the structure-function of MTP might help design new molecules that avoid steatosis. Characterization of mutations in MTP causing abetalipoproteinemia (ABL) have revealed that the central α-helical and C-terminal β-sheet domains are important for protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) binding and lipid transfer activity. Our aim was to identify and characterize ABL mutations in the N-terminal region to understand the function of this domain.

Methods and Results: We identified a novel missense mutation (D169V) in a 4-month old Turkish male with severe signs of ABL. To study the effect of this mutation on MTP function, we created mutants via site directed mutagenesis. Although D169V was expressed in the endoplasmic reticulum and interacted with apoB17, it was unable to bind PDI, transfer lipids, and support apoB secretion. Computational modeling suggested that D169 could form an internal salt bridge with K187 and K189. Mutagenesis of these lysines to leucines abolished PDI heterodimerization, lipid transfer, and apoB secretion, without affecting apoB binding. Further, mutants with preserved charges (D169E, K187R, K189R) rescued these activities.

Conclusions: D169V is detrimental because it disrupts an internal salt bridge leading to loss of PDI binding and lipid transfer activities; however, it does not affect apoB-binding. We propose that future inhibitors should avoid this region of the N-terminal domain.

The relationship between serum asymmetric dimethylarginine levels and subjective sleep quality in normotensive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Poor sleep quality (SQ) is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Additionally, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. However, no sufficient data regarding the relationship between ADMA levels and SQ have been reported. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the association between SQ and ADMA levels in normotensive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

The study participants consisted of 78 normotensive type 2 diabetics. The SQ of all participants was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Patients with a global PSQI score > 5 were defined as "poor sleepers." Factors associated with poor SQ were analyzed using a multiple regression model. Serum ADMA levels were measured using high performance liquid chromatography.

RESULTS

The median ADMA levels of the poor sleepers were increased compared with patients defined as good sleepers (5.5 [4.2 to 6.6] vs. 4.4 [2.9 to 5.4], p < 0.01, respectively). However, the L-arginine/ADMA ratio was decreased in poor sleepers (p < 0.01). Global PSQI scores were positively correlated with ADMA levels (p < 0.01) and negatively correlated with the L-arginine/ADMA ratio (p = 0.02). ADMA levels were correlated with sleep latency (p < 0.01) and sleep efficiency (p = 0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that ADMA levels (odds ratio [OR], 1.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16 to 2.44; p = 0.01) and body mass index (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.31; p = 0.04) were associated with poor SQ independently of glomerular filtration rate, sex, age, duration of diabetes, hemoglobin A1c, total cholesterol, and systolic blood pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-reported SQ was independently associated with ADMA levels in normotensive patients with diabetes mellitus.

Matrix Metalloproteinases 2 and 9 Polymorphism in Patients With Myeloproliferative Diseases: A STROBE-Compliant Observational Study

Chronic myeloproliferative disorders such as polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocytosis (ET), and idiopathic myelofibrosis arise from clonal proliferation of neoplastic stem cells in the bone marrow. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases that have potential to degrade all types of extracellular matrix (ECM) and also play a role in remodeling of the ECM. It is known that MMPs play a role in bone marrow remodeling.The primary goal of our study is to explore the relationship between chronic myeloproliferative diseases and some of MMP gene polymorphisms. The demonstration of a relationship will help to understand whether these polymorphisms may be a potential early diagnosis marker of the diseases.Patients were selected from outpatient clinics of Turgut Ozal University Hospital, Ankara, Turkey, between December 2010 and May 2011. Twenty-eight patients that previously diagnosed and followed-up with PV, 17 with secondary polycythemia (SP), and 12 with ET were enrolled in the study, along with a control group of 22 healthy people.DNA was isolated from peripheral blood. Using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method, MMP2 and MMP9 gene polymorphisms were analyzed with agarose gel electrophoresis. There was a statistically significant difference between the study groups and the control group in terms of Gln279Arg polymorphisms rates of MMP9. The highest MMP9 Gln279Arg polymorphism rate was observed in the ET group. But nobody from the control group had polymorphic MMP9. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of MMP2-735 C > T polymorphism rates.In conclusion, MMP9 gene Gln279Arg polymorphism was associated with ET, SP, and PV diseases. Hence, we believe that these gene polymorphisms may play a role in the mechanism of bone marrow fibrosis and may be a factor that increases the risk of thrombosis. Illumination of the molecular basis of the relationship between MMP-thrombosis and MMP-fibrosis provides a better understanding of the pathophysiology of PV and ET diseases and will allow new approaches to diagnosis and treatment.

The role of ischemia modified albumin in acute pulmonary embolism

Background:

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening and a relatively common cardiovascular pathology. Although the pathogenesis of PE is well defined, there is no ideal diagnostic biochemical marker. Previous studies showed an increased ischemia modified albumin (IMA) levels in acute PE; however, the relationship between IMA and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction has not been examined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of IMA and the relationship with RV dysfunction in acute PE.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A total of 145 patients (70 females) with suspected acute PE was enrolled to the study. Eighty-nine patients were diagnosed with acute PE via computed tomographic pulmonary angiography. Sixty-five patients with similar demographic and clinical characteristics were assigned to the control group. All patients were evaluated for RV dysfunction using transthoracic echocardiography.

Results:

Serum IMA levels were significantly increased in acute PE compared with control group (0.41 ± 0.06 vs. 0.34 ± 0.11, P = 0.001). There was no relationship between serum IMA levels and RV dysfunction. IMA levels were positively correlated with shock index and heart rate. Receiver operating curve analysis demonstrated that serum IMA levels higher than 0.4 put the diagnosis at sensitivity of 53.85% and at specificity of 85.96%.

Conclusions:

Although IMA levels are increased in patients with acute PE, it failed to predict RV dysfunction.

Recurrence of carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1) deficiency in Turkish patients: characterization of a founder mutation by use of recombinant CPS1 from insect cells expression

Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1) deficiency due to CPS1 mutations is a rare autosomal-recessive urea cycle disorder causing hyperammonemia that can lead to death or severe neurological impairment. CPS1 catalyzes carbamoyl phosphate formation from ammonia, bicarbonate and two molecules of ATP, and requires the allosteric activator N-acetyl-L-glutamate. Clinical mutations occur in the entire CPS1 coding region, but mainly in single families, with little recurrence. We characterized here the only currently known recurrent CPS1 mutation, p.Val1013del, found in eleven unrelated patients of Turkish descent using recombinant His-tagged wild type or mutant CPS1 expressed in baculovirus/insect cell system. The global CPS1 reaction and the ATPase and ATP synthesis partial reactions that reflect, respectively, the bicarbonate and the carbamate phosphorylation steps, were assayed. We found that CPS1 wild type and V1013del mutant showed comparable expression levels and purity but the mutant CPS1 exhibited no significant residual activities. In the CPS1 structural model, V1013 belongs to a highly hydrophobic β-strand at the middle of the central β-sheet of the A subdomain of the carbamate phosphorylation domain and is close to the predicted carbamate tunnel that links both phosphorylation sites. Haplotype studies suggested that p.Val1013del is a founder mutation. In conclusion, the mutation p.V1013del inactivates CPS1 but does not render the enzyme grossly unstable or insoluble. Recurrence of this particular mutation in Turkish patients is likely due to a founder effect, which is consistent with the frequent consanguinity observed in the affected population.

Abstract 596: DKK3 expression and its function in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is frequently occurring malignancy worldwide. It is believed that HNSCC may occur as the result of cumulative abnormalities on cancer related genes. However, the key genes or pathways that might serve an important role in HNSCC biology are yet to be investigated.

Therefore, we previously performed genome wide loss of heterozygosity (LOH) analysis in HNSCC in order to seek specifically affected tumor suppressor genes (TSG). Using several microsatellite markers, we searched frequently deleted allele, and focused on dickkopf WNT signaling pathway inhibitor 3 (DKK3). DKK3 is known as a tumor suppressor, and as indicated in its alternative name, reduced expression in cancer (REIC), its expression was reduced or lost in several kinds of cancer tissues and cells. The expression, function and clinical importance of DKK3 in HNSCC were investigated.

In this study, 90 cases of HNSCC tissue samples, which were obtained from Okayama University hospital with written informed consent, for immunohistochemistry to examine DKK3 protein expression. The protein expression status was scored as positive or negative. Pearson's Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used to evaluate the correlation between the DKK3 protein expression and clinicopathological characteristics. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to determine the survival analysis. For functional analyses, HNSCC-derived cells were used. Gastric and colorectal cancer cell lines were also used for comparison. DKK3 mRNA expression was checked by RT-PCR, and then RNAi was performed in DKK3-expressing cells in order to inspect the effect of DKK3 knockdown on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.

DKK3 protein expression was observed 76 cases out of 90 cases (84.4%). The expression was observed in the cytoplasm and cellular membrane of the cancer cells. Small vessels around the cancer nests were also positive. Intriguingly, DKK3 positive patients showed significantly shorter disease free survival (p=0.038) and overall survival (p=0.155). And DKK3 negative patients did not show metastasis. DKK3 mRNA expression was detected only in HNSCC derived cells, whereas that was not observed in gastric or colorectal cancer cells. DKK3 knockdown by siRNA transfection in HNSCC cells resulted in significant reduction of cellular migration and invasion. Western blotting revealed that DKK3 knockdown did not affect on WNT canonical or non-canonical pathways.

It is reported that DKK3 expression was reduced or lost in several cancers because of CpG methylation. However, the expression pattern of DKK3 in HNSCC was quite different. All these data strongly suggest potential role of DKK3 in HNSCC invasion, and potential clinical target for HNSCC invasion or metastasis.

Citation Format: Naoki Katase, Mehmet Gunduz, Hidetsugu Tsujigiwa, Satoshi Ito, Masae Fujii, Hitoshi Nagatsuka, Akira Sasaki, Tsutomu Nohno. DKK3 expression and its function in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. [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 596. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-596

The effects of hypericin on ADAMTS and p53 gene expression in MCF-7 breast cancer cells

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of hypericin on MCF-7 (Michigan Cancer Foundation- 7) breast cancer cells, as it is known to exert an antitumor effect on the expression and regulation of ADAMTS1, 3, 10 and the p53 gene in breast cancer cells.

METHODS

MFC-7 cells were cultured and subjected separately to various doses (1, 5 and 7.5 μg /mL) hypericin. After 24 hrs, RNA was isolated and transcribed into cDNA. Expression analysis was performed by real time (RT)-PCR and cell survival was determined by the XTT assay.

RESULTS

While the expression of ADAMTS1 in MFC-7 cells decreased to 0.04-fold after exposure to 1 μg /mL hypericin, the expression increased by 5.6- and 36-fold with 5 and 7.5 μg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, ADAMTS3 expression in MCF7 cells increased 3.9-fold with the use of 5 μg /mL of hypericin. These concentrations of hypericin did not lead to significant changes in the expression of ADAMTS10 and the p53 gene. Viability of cancer cells as evaluated by the XTT assay showed that hypericin concentration of 7.5 μg /mL led to increased apoptosis of cancer cells.

CONCLUSION

The increase in ADAMTS1 expression may prevent metastasis or facilitate the development of an adjuvant factor with tumor-suppressive effects. Hypericin may therefore exert its antitumor and apoptotic effects in MFC-7 cells via ADAMTS1 and ADAMTS3.

Utility of peritoneal dialysis in neonates affected by inborn errors of metabolism

AIM

Some inborn errors of metabolism induce metabolic encephalopathy through accumulation of neurotoxic metabolites. Rapid elimination of these metabolites by peritoneal or extracorporeal dialysis is crucial to prevent neuronal damage or death. In this retrospective study, we evaluated the outcomes of nine neonates with metabolic crisis treated with peritoneal dialysis.

METHOD

Six neonates with hyperammonemic coma (four with organic acidemias, two with urea cycle disorders) and three with leucine accumulation due to maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) were managed with peritoneal dialysis in conjunction with dietary and pharmacological therapy.

RESULTS

Three patients with organic acidemia survived. One of the patients was normal; others had moderate and severe neurological impairments. One neonate with organic acidemia and both neonates with urea cycle disorders died. Two of the three patients with MSUD survived without neurological impairment; the other had severe neurological damage and died at 9 months of age due to sepsis.

CONCLUSION

Theoretically, extracorporeal dialysis should be the first dialysis treatment of choice; however, this report demonstrates that peritoneal dialysis has a chance to prevent neurological damage in some patients. Therefore, in developing countries without extracorporeal dialysis opportunities, it can be still a life-saving procedure, if it is applied with skilled staff and standard procedures.

Effects of a topical hemostatic agent on an epistaxis model in rabbits

BACKGROUND

Ankaferd BloodStopper (ABS) is a standardized herbal compound consisting of 5 different plant extracts. ABS, as a topical medicinal product, has been approved by the Turkish Ministry of Health for the management of dermal, external postsurgical and postdental surgery bleedings.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the hemostatic effect of ABS in an experimental epistaxis model.

METHODS

Adult female New Zealand rabbits were used in this study. Standardized full-thickness mucosal wounds were created to provide bleeding on the right and left side of the nasal septum of rabbits with a 3-mm surgical punch. To stop bleeding, the wounds were treated with topical ABS on one side and with topical isotonic saline solution as a control on the other side of the nasal septum. Investigators were blinded to treatment. The duration of bleeding was measured in order to compare the hemo-static effect with ABS or topical isotonic saline solution. The wounds were observed for the duration of bleeding in order to compare the hemostatic effect of ABS with isotonic saline solution and acute adverse effects (AEs) for 30 minutes by a researcher blinded to treatment groups.

RESULTS

Six rabbits (mean weight, 2.6 kg [range, 2.3-3.1 kg]) were used in this study. Mean (SD) bleeding time in the wounds administered ABS (98 [17] sec) was significantly less than that of the controls (266 [36] sec; P = 0.004). No AEs were observed up to 30 minutes after study initiation.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that ABS may be more effective in reducing time to hemostasis when compared with isotonic saline solution in this epistaxis model in rabbits.