Inhibitor κB kinase 2 is a myosin light chain kinase in vascular smooth muscle

RATIONALE

Myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation determines vascular contractile status. In addition to the classic Ca²⁺-dependent MLC kinase (MLCK), another unidentified kinase(s) also contributes to MLC phosphorylation in living cells. Inhibitor κB kinase 2 (IKK2)-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts demonstrate abnormal morphology and migration, suggesting that IKK2 may be involved in MLC phosphorylation.

OBJECTIVE

Therefore, we tested whether IKK2 is an MLCK in living cells and the role of IKK2 in mediating vasoconstriction and blood pressure regulation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In the present study, we showed that recombinant IKK2-phosphorylated MLC and intact myosin in vitro, and the kinetic parameters were comparable with those of the classic MLCK. Overexpression of IKK2 increased cellular MLC phosphorylation level, and pharmacological inhibition of IKK2 markedly decreased vascular smooth muscle cell MLC phosphorylation, suggesting that IKK2 is an MLCK in living cells. IKK2 inhibitors dose- and time-dependently attenuated vasoconstriction elicited by diverse agonists, suggesting the physiological importance of IKK2 as an MLCK. Vascular smooth muscle cell-specific IKK2-deficient mice had decreased aortic contractile responses, and reduced hypertensive responses to several vasoconstrictors, compared with wild-type mice, confirming the physiological importance of IKK2 as an MLCK.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data provide a novel mechanism whereby IKK2 regulates MLC phosphorylation as an MLCK and, thus, vascular function and blood pressure.

SRGAP1 is a candidate gene for papillary thyroid carcinoma susceptibility

BACKGROUND

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) shows high heritability, yet efforts to find predisposing genes have been largely negative.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to identify susceptibility genes for PTC.

METHODS

A genome-wide linkage analysis was performed in 38 families. Targeted association study and screening were performed in 2 large cohorts of PTC patients and controls. Candidate DNA variants were tested in functional studies.

RESULTS

Linkage analysis and association studies identified the Slit-Robo Rho GTPase activating protein 1 gene (SRGAP1) in the linkage peak as a candidate gene. Two missense variants, Q149H and A275T, localized in the Fes/CIP4 homology domain segregated with the disease in 1 family each. One missense variant, R617C, located in the RhoGAP domain occurred in 1 family. Biochemical assays demonstrated that the ability to inactivate CDC42, a key function of SRGAP1, was severely impaired by the Q149H and R617C variants.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that SRGAP1 is a candidate gene in PTC susceptibility. SRGAP1 is likely a low-penetrant gene, possibly of a modifier type.

Search for photon-linelike signatures from dark matter annihilations with H.E.S.S

Gamma-ray line signatures can be expected in the very-high-energy (E(γ)>100 GeV) domain due to self-annihilation or decay of dark matter (DM) particles in space. Such a signal would be readily distinguishable from astrophysical γ-ray sources that in most cases produce continuous spectra that span over several orders of magnitude in energy. Using data collected with the H.E.S.S. γ-ray instrument, upper limits on linelike emission are obtained in the energy range between ∼ 500 GeV and ∼ 25 TeV for the central part of the Milky Way halo and for extragalactic observations, complementing recent limits obtained with the Fermi-LAT instrument at lower energies. No statistically significant signal could be found. For monochromatic γ-ray line emission, flux limits of (2 × 10(-7) -2 × 10(-5)) m(-2) s(-1) sr(-1) and (1 × 10(-8) -2 × 10(-6)) m(-2) s(-1)sr(-1) are obtained for the central part of the Milky Way halo and extragalactic observations, respectively. For a DM particle mass of 1 TeV, limits on the velocity-averaged DM annihilation cross section ⟨σv⟩(χχ → γγ) reach ∼ 10(-27) cm(3)s(-1), based on the Einasto parametrization of the Galactic DM halo density profile.

A role for mucosal IL-22 production and Th22 cells in HIV-associated mucosal immunopathogenesis

Interleukin-22 (IL-22) is a cytokine with epithelial reparative and regenerative properties that is produced by Th22 cells and by other immune cell subsets. Therefore, we explored the hypothesis that disruption of the gut barrier during HIV infection involves dysregulation of these cells in the gastrointestinal mucosa. Sigmoid IL-22-producing T cell and Th22 cells were dramatically depleted during chronic HIV infection, epithelial integrity was compromised, and microbial translocation was increased. These alterations were reversed after long-term antiretroviral therapy. While all mucosal IL-22-producing T-cell subsets were also depleted very early during HIV infection, at these early stages IL-22 production by non-T-cell populations (including NKp44+ cells) was increased and gut epithelial integrity was maintained. Circulating Th22 cells expressed a higher level of the HIV co-receptor/binding molecules CCR5 and α4β7 than CD4+ T-cell subsets in HIV-uninfected participants, but this was not the case after HIV infection. Finally, recombinant IL-22 was protective against HIV and tumor necrosis factor-α-induced gut epithelial damage in a validated in vitro gut epithelial system. We conclude that reduced IL-22 production and Th22 depletion in the gut mucosa are important factors in HIV mucosal immunopathogenesis.

The outcomes of treatment and the etiology of lymphoceles with a focus on hemostasis in kidney recipients: a preliminary report

BACKGROUND

The etiopathogenesis of lymphoceles remains incompletely understood. The aim of our work was to analyze the perturbations of blood coagulation process for their possible impact on the etiology of lymphoceles. Additionally we performed an evaluation of the incidence and effectiveness of treatment methods for lymphoceles.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

During 2004 to 2010, we performed 242 kidney transplantations in 92 female and 150 male patients. The hemostatic parameters included concentrations of: antithrombin, plasminogen, thrombin/antithrombin complexes (TAT), prothrombin products F1+2 (F1+2), d-dimers, and plasmin/antiplasmin complexes.

RESULTS

At 7 years follow-up 27 (11%) recipients had developed symptomatic lymphoceles, namely abdominal discomfort, a palpable mess in the lower abdomen, arterial hypertension, infection of the operative site with fever, lymphorrhoea with surgical wound dehiscence, decreased diurnal urine output with an elevated plasma creatinine, voiding problems of urgency and vesical tenesmus, and/or symptoms of deep vein thrombosis. We applied the following methods of treatment aspiration alone, percutaneous drainage, laparoscopic fenestration or open surgery. In two only patients did perform open surgery. Since 2008 we have not performed an aspiration alone because of high rate of recurrence (almost 100%) and abandoned open surgery in favor of a laparoscopic approach. Our minimally invasive surgery includes percutaneous drainage guided by ultrasound and a laparoscopic procedure with 100% effectiveness. The examined hemostatic parameters revealed decreased concentrations of TAT complexes and F1+2 in subjects with lymphocele showing positive predictive values of 33% and 41% respectively. The negative predictive values for TAT complexes and F1+2 were 14% and 10%, respectively, suggesting decreased blood coagulation activity among effected recipients. Altered blood coagulation processes may explain some aspects of the disturbances of postoperative obliteration of damaged lymphatic vessels and formation of pathological lymph collection afterward.

CONCLUSIONS

Perturbations of blood coagulation may be one cause for a lymphocele.

The effect of cause of cadaveric kidney donors death on fibrinolysis and blood coagulation processes

BACKGROUND

Organ donors can be generally divided into two groups according to the cause of their death. The first group is composed of those who died because of physical injuries, especially road traffic injury, and the second group, those who died from central nervous system (CNS) stroke or bleeding. The aim of our work was to examine hemostatic processes among kidney donors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The 38 deceased kidney donors (KD) included 11 women and 27 men of overall average age of 37±12 years. The donor group of according to the cause of death, included 14 injured donors (ID) (41%) and 24 noninjured donors (ND) donors (59%). The control group consisted of 25 healthy volunteers matched for sex and age. We determined the following concentrations: antithrombin (AT), thrombin/antithrombin complexes (TAT), and prothrombin F1+2 fragments. The fibrinolytic parameter concentrations were: plasminogen (PL), plasmin/antiplasmin complexes (PAP), and D-dimers.

RESULTS

Deceased kidney donors showed an increased plasma concentrations of TAT complexes (P<.000001) and prothrombin fragments F1+2 (P<.0000001); however, the protein C concentration was decreased (P<.000001). The antithrombin activity was similar to the control group. The concentrations of PAP complexes and d-dimers were higher (both P<.000001), but the level of PL lower among KD compared with controls (P<.0000001). The higher of TAT, PAP complexes, d-dimers, and F1+2 concentrations as well and as lower plasminogen and PC concentrations were evidence for increased activation of blood coagulation and fibrinolysis in cadaveric KD. However, analysis compairing ID versus ND donors revealed increased concentrations of PAP complexes (P<.05) and decreased amounts of TAT complexes (P<.01) among ID subgroup. The positive predictive value (PPV) and negative (NPV) for PAP complexes were 75% and 68% and for TAT, 71% and 57%, respectively. On the basis of these observations, we concluded that an intensive activation of fibrinolytic process occurs among the ID. In contrast, ND show intensive activation of blood coagulation.

Higher-order optical resonance node detection of integrated disk microresonator

We have demonstrated higher-order optical resonance node detection by using an integrated disk microresonator from through port of the coupling bus waveguide. In addition to the fundamental mode, the disk resonator has higher-order whispering gallery modes. The excited second-order higher-order mode has a node at the position where the electromagnetic energy of the fundamental mode is close to a maximum. This high resolution measurement of optical resonance mode profile has a variety of applications for optical sensing and detection. The self-referencing characteristics of the two optical resonance modes have potential to achieve optical detection independent of external perturbation, such as temperature change.

Search for a dark matter annihilation signal from the galactic center halo with H.E.S.S

A search for a very-high-energy (VHE; ≥100  GeV) γ-ray signal from self-annihilating particle dark matter (DM) is performed towards a region of projected distance r∼45-150  pc from the Galactic center. The background-subtracted γ-ray spectrum measured with the High Energy Stereoscopic System (H.E.S.S.) γ-ray instrument in the energy range between 300 GeV and 30 TeV shows no hint of a residual γ-ray flux. Assuming conventional Navarro-Frenk-White and Einasto density profiles, limits are derived on the velocity-weighted annihilation cross section (σv) as a function of the DM particle mass. These are among the best reported so far for this energy range and in particular differ only little between the chosen density profile parametrizations. In particular, for the DM particle mass of ∼1  TeV, values for (σv) above 3×10(-25)  cm(3) s(-1) are excluded for the Einasto density profile.

Abstract 2841: Inducible modulation of NF-kappaB in macrophages reveals that timing of intervention may be critical to therapeutic outcome during mammary tumorigenesis

Elevated levels of NF-kappaB signaling are associated with multiple cancers. Therefore, it is not surprising that inhibitors of NF-kappaB are being investigated as potential therapeutics. While extensive efforts are being made to identify inhibitors there is less focus on investigating the effects of inhibition in specific cell types and during defined stages of tumor progression. We have developed murine transgenic models that enable us to induce expression of an activator or inhibitor of NF-kappaB in macrophages, by adding doxycycline to the drinking water of mice. We have combined these with the Polyoma model of mammary cancer to investigate the effects of modulation of NF-kappaB signaling specifically within macrophages. Given several recent publications we were predicting that activation of NF-kappaB would have pro-tumor effects. However, using a tail vein injection model, our data identifies a stage during progression in which activation of NF-kappaB in macrophages significantly limits metastasis. Activation of NF-kappaB alters immune cell populations and results in rapid killing of tumor cells during the seeding phase. In this model inhibition of NF-kappaB in macrophages during this critical stage of metastasis is pro-tumor. This suggests that while inhibition of NF-kappaB at later stages of tumor progression may have therapeutic benefit, inhibition during the seeding phase my lead to the opposite effect. Our studies highlight the importance of continued investigation into aspects of cell specificity and timing that may change the potential outcome of a clinical trial using NF-kappaB inhibitors.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2841. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-2841

Abstract 2843: Tumor macrophages utilize ATF3 to promote breast cancer metastasis

Objective: Cancer progression is facilitated by a complex network of interactions between cancer cells and host-derived components, such as stromal cells and extracellular matrix in the tumor microenvironment. We sought to identify the factors that mediate these dynamic cancer-host interplays. Specifically, we asked how the host responds to signals from the cancer cells. To this end, we investigated the role of ATF3, an adaptive-response gene in the cellular stress response network. Overwhelming evidence indicates that ATF3 is induced by a broad spectrum of extra- and intra-cellular signals in a variety of cell types. As such, it is as an excellent candidate for mediating host responses to cancer cells.

Methods: We injected breast cancer cells (MMTV-PyMT cells) into syngeneic wild type (WT) or ATF3 knockout (KO) mice, performed survival surgery to remove the primary tumors, and examined metastasis two months after tumor removal.

Results: We found that ATF3 deficiency in the host did not affect primary tumor formation; excitingly, though, it dramatically decreased lung metastasis. Analyses of the circulating tumor cells and lung colonization indicated that both early and late steps in the metastatic cascade were defective in the KO host. Since soluble factors are an integral part of the mechanisms by which the host transmits systemic responses, we analyzed the plasma of normal and tumor-bearing mice by an antibody array. Intriguingly, plasma from tumor-bearing KO mice demonstrated a marked impairment in the abundance of various molecules that are known to play important roles in metastasis, suggesting that ATF3 in the host promotes a systemic environment that enhances cancer metastasis. Since the KO mice are whole body KO, the results above do not indicate the cell type(s) in which ATF3 is playing this critical role. We will present evidence that ATF3 plays an important role, at least in part, in the tumor associated macrophages (TAMs), where it up-regulates MMP9 as a functionally important target gene. Two lines of evidence indicated that our findings on ATF3 have clinical relevance. First, analyses of human tumor microarrays by immunohistochemistry revealed that ATF3 expression in monocytic cells correlated with poor outcome. Second, analyses of the mouse TAMs from the WT and KO host identified ∼400 ATF3-regulated genes. Among these genes, a 60-gene signature was identified that could distinguish the human breast tumor stroma from the normal breast stroma (McGill Breast Stroma dataset). Significantly, this signature predicted outcome in two independent patient cohorts.

Conclusion and Significance: We uncovered a previously unknown role for ATF3: it is induced in the host during cancer development and its expression in the host cells, specifically the TAMs, promotes metastasis. This finding is significant because it not only links host stress response to cancer metastasis, it also identified a new gene signature that predicts outcome.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2843. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-2843

Cause of death in multiorgan donors and its relation to the function of transplanted kidneys

BACKGROUND

Brain death is an important variable contributing to donor-specific kidney damage. Poor kidney performance posttransplantation may be related to the cause of death of the donor.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the influence of cause of death in multiorgan donors on the function of transplanted kidneys.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Standard criteria for the brain stem death protocol were applied in 146 potential heart donors included in the study. Conventional supportive management consisted of mechanical ventilation to achieve normocapnia, rewarming, and fluid and electrolyte replacement. Dopamine infusion not exceeding 10 microg/kg/min and desaminovasopressin were titrated to predetermined mean arterial pressure (MAP). In renal allograft recipients (n = 232), kidney function was monitored using serial serum creatinine concentrations on days 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 30, and 90 posttransplantation. The relation between donor cause of death (injury, bleeding, or other cause) and recipient serum creatinine concentration was analyzed in the postoperative period.

RESULTS

Significantly greater serum creatinine concentrations were observed up to 14 days posttransplantation in recipients of a kidney from a donor who died of any cause other than injury. Recipients of a kidney from a donor who died of bleeding exhibited significantly greater serum creatinine concentrations at 30 days posttransplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

A cause of death other than injury or bleeding in a multiorgan donor is predictive of worse kidney graft function in the first 14 days posttransplantation. Intracranial bleeding in a multiorgan donor is predictive of worse kidney graft function in the early period posttransplantation.

Simulation of wastewater treatment plant within integrated urban wastewater models

In the federal state of Hesse in Germany the application of an integrated software modelling framework is becoming part of the planning process to attain legal approval for the operation of combined sewer systems. The software allows for parallel simulation of flow and water quality routing in the sewer system and in receiving rivers. It combines existing pollution load model approaches with a simplified version of the River Water Quality Model No. 1 (RWQM1). Comprehensive simulation of the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is not considered yet. The paper analyses alternatives for the implementation of a WWTP module to model activated sludge plants. For both primary and secondary clarifiers as well as for the activated sludge process concepts for the integration into the existing software framework were developed. The activated sludge concept which uses a linearized version of the well known ASM1 model is presented in detail.

Transformed epithelial cells and fibroblasts/myofibroblasts interaction in breast tumor: a mathematical model and experiments

It is well known that tumor and its microenvironment, or stroma, interact with each other and that this interaction plays a critical role in tumor initiation, growth, and metastasis. This interaction consists of complex relations between tumor cells, stromal cells such as fibroblasts, epithelial cells and immunocytes, the vascular system, the extracellular matrix, and cytokines secreted by the cells. Understanding these relationships may lead to new therapeutic approaches to cancer. In the present paper, we consider tumor-stroma crosstalk in a simple in vitro situation which involves interaction between tumor epithelial cells from breast cancer and a microenvironment consisting of just fibroblasts. The two populations of cells are separated by a semi-permeable membrane that allows only cytokines to cross over. We develop a mathematical model that includes two critical growth factors: TGF-beta, produced by the tumor cells, and EGF, secreted by the fibroblasts. The TGF-beta modifies the microenvironment by transforming fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. Myofibroblasts secrete higher concentrations of EGF than fibroblasts, thereby, increasing the proliferation of tumor cells. Thus already in this simple setup one sees a mutual interaction between tumor cells and their microenvironment. We conducted experiments which show good agreement with the model's simulations, hence confirming the model's ability to predict aspects of tumor cell behavior in response to signaling from fibroblasts.

Pharmacokinetics for once- versus twice-daily tacrolimus formulations in de novo kidney transplantation: a randomized, open-label trial

Tacrolimus, a cornerstone immunosuppressant, is widely available as a twice-daily formulation (Tacrolimus BID). A once-daily prolonged-release formulation (Tacrolimus QD) has been developed that may improve adherence and impart long-lasting graft protection. This study compared the pharmacokinetics (PK) of tacrolimus in de novo kidney transplant patients treated with Tacrolimus QD or Tacrolimus BID. A 6-week, open-label, randomized comparative study was conducted in centers in Europe and Australia. Eligible patients received Tacrolimus QD or Tacrolimus BID. PK profiles were obtained following the first tacrolimus dose (day 1), and twice under steady-state conditions. As secondary objectives, efficacy and safety parameters were also evaluated. Sixty-six patients completed all PK profiles (34 Tacrolimus QD, 32 Tacrolimus BID). Mean AUC(0-24) of tacrolimus on day 1 was approximately 30% lower for Tacrolimus QD than Tacrolimus BID (232 and 361 ng.h/mL, respectively), but was comparable by day 4. There was a good correlation and a similar relationship between AUC(0-24) and C(min) for both formulations. Efficacy and safety data were also comparable over the 6-week period. Tacrolimus QD can be administered once daily in the morning on the basis of the same systemic exposure and therapeutic drug monitoring concept as Tacrolimus BID.

Ecological genomics of marine picocyanobacteria

Marine picocyanobacteria of the genera Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus numerically dominate the picophytoplankton of the world ocean, making a key contribution to global primary production. Prochlorococcus was isolated around 20 years ago and is probably the most abundant photosynthetic organism on Earth. The genus comprises specific ecotypes which are phylogenetically distinct and differ markedly in their photophysiology, allowing growth over a broad range of light and nutrient conditions within the 45 degrees N to 40 degrees S latitudinal belt that they occupy. Synechococcus and Prochlorococcus are closely related, together forming a discrete picophytoplankton clade, but are distinguishable by their possession of dissimilar light-harvesting apparatuses and differences in cell size and elemental composition. Synechococcus strains have a ubiquitous oceanic distribution compared to that of Prochlorococcus strains and are characterized by phylogenetically discrete lineages with a wide range of pigmentation. In this review, we put our current knowledge of marine picocyanobacterial genomics into an environmental context and present previously unpublished genomic information arising from extensive genomic comparisons in order to provide insights into the adaptations of these marine microbes to their environment and how they are reflected at the genomic level.

Circulating adhesion molecules and purine nucleotides during kidney allograft reperfusion

The impairment of organ function due to ischemia-reperfusion injury is still an important problem in solid organ transplantation. Numerous experimental and clinical studies of native organs have shown that ischemia-reperfusion constitutes an acute inflammatory process involving cell surface adhesion molecule expression. These markers are crucial for the recruitment and infiltration of effector cells into the postischemic tissue. Purines released by the postischemic tissue as the products of the degradation of high-energy nucleotides can be regarded as markers of disturbed energy metabolism. The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between circulating adhesion molecules and purine metabolites in graft renal vein plasma during 49 cases of kidney reperfusion. E-selectin, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 concentrations correlated positively with hypoxanthine concentrations during reperfusion, whereas the concentrations of ICAM-1 correlated negatively with xanthine concentrations. The results of the present study suggested that the concentrations of adhesion molecules in the renal vein during reperfusion correlated with purine metabolites, reflecting metabolic changes in renal tissue.

Experience with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease in patients before and after renal transplantation: a 7-year observation

OBJECTIVE

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is characterized by the presence of multiple cysts in both kidneys. Symptoms of the disease may arise either from the presence of cysts or from increasing loss of kidney function. First symptoms usually appear in the third decade of life: lumbar pain, urinary tract infections, arterial hypertension, or renal colic due to cyst rupture or coexistent nephrolithiasis. An early diagnosis, male gender, large kidneys by sonography, arterial hypertension, hematuria, and urinary tract infections are predictive factors of a faster progression of the disease. Our aim was to establish the indications for nephrectomy among symptomatic ADPKD patients before kidney transplantation and to assess the risks of posttransplantation complications among ADPKD patients without nephrectomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The observed group consisted of 183 patients with ADPKD among whom 50 (27.3%) underwent kidney transplantation during a 7-year observation period (2000-2007). Among those subjects were 3 groups: (I) nephrectomy preceding transplantation; (II) nephrectomy during kidney transplantation; and (III) without nephrectomy.

RESULTS

Among group I before transplantation we observed: arterial hemorrhage, wound infections, and splenectomy 4 weeks after ADPKD nephrectomy; afterward we observed: urinary tract infections and contralateral cyst infection. Among group II we only observed 1 case of wound infection. Among group III we observed: ascending urinary tract infections, cyst infections, and cyst hemorrhage. Cyst hemorrhage and cyst infections led mainly to ADPKD kidney nephrectomy. During the observation time, 80.95% of grafts were functioning.

CONCLUSIONS

Unilateral nephrectomy is a well-founded preliminary surgical treatment before kidney transplantation. Bilateral nephrectomy before or during transplantation eliminates ADPKD complications and does not significantly increase general complications. The greatest numbers of complications and of graft losses were observed among the group without pretransplantation nephrectomy.

Tensor classification of N-point correlation function features for histology tissue segmentation

In this paper, we utilize the N-point correlation functions (N-pcfs) to construct an appropriate feature space for achieving tissue segmentation in histology-stained microscopic images. The N-pcfs estimate microstructural constituent packing densities and their spatial distribution in a tissue sample. We represent the multi-phase properties estimated by the N-pcfs in a tensor structure. Using a variant of higher-order singular value decomposition (HOSVD) algorithm, we realize a robust classifier that provides a multi-linear description of the tensor feature space. Validated results of the segmentation are presented in a case-study that focuses on understanding the genetic phenotyping differences in mouse placentae.