KH902 suppresses high glucose-induced migration and sprouting of human retinal endothelial cells by blocking VEGF and PIGF

AIMS

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and placental growth factor (PlGF) are upregulated in many ocular neovascular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy (DR). KH902 is a recombinant fusion protein with its binding ligand taken from the domains of VEGF receptor-1 (VEGFR-1) and VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) and can bind all VEGF-A isoforms and PlGF. The aim of this study was to investigate the underlying mechanisms of anti-angiogenic effects of KH902.

METHODS

The toxic effect of KH902 on cultured human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) was measured by Annexin V/PI staining and MTT assay. The concentrations of secreted VEGF and PlGF were measured by ELISA. The migration of HRECs was assessed by scratch wound and transwell assay. The sprouting of HRECs was determined by tube formation assay. The protein levels of Src, p-Src, PI3K, Akt1, p-Akt1, Erk1/2 and p-Erk1/2 were measured by Western blot.

RESULTS

KH902 at the concentrations from 100 ng/ml to 100 µg/ml had no cytotoxicity to cultured HRECs. KH902 bound not only VEGF165, but also PlGF that were secreted by HRECs under high glucose condition. A 500 ng/ml of KH902 significantly suppressed high glucose-induced migration and sprouting of HRECs through downregulating the expression of PI3K and inhibiting the activation of Src, Akt1 and Erk1/2.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates that KH902 suppresses high glucose-induced migration and sprouting of HRECs through not only binding VEGF, but also PlGF to inhibit the activation of Src-Akt1-Erk1/2 pathway. KH902 is a drug that potentially inhibits angiogenic pathways involving in DR or other ocular neovascular diseases.

Levels of components of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator system are related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease parenchymal destruction and airway remodelling

OBJECTIVE

Retrospective study to investigate levels of components of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) system in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

METHODS

Peripheral lung tissue was obtained from patients who underwent surgical resection for benign lung diseases: 16 patients with COPD, 10 controls without lung function impairment who were smokers, and 10 controls without lung function impairment who were nonsmokers. Immunohistochemical staining for uPA, uPA receptor (uPAR) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) was quantified. Airway remodelling (collagen; detected by Sirius red staining), lung function (determined by spirometry) and emphysema (alveolar destruction; percentage of low attenuation areas on computed tomography scan) were evaluated.

RESULTS

uPA, uPAR and PAI-1 were significantly different in structural lung cells and pulmonary macrophages from patients with COPD compared with controls. There were significant positive correlations between collagen levels and uPA and PAI-1, and between uPA and degree of emphysema. There were significant inverse correlations between lung function and uPA, uPAR and PAI-1.

CONCLUSION

Correlations between components of the uPA system and lung function, small airway fibrosis and emphysema indicate a role for the uPA system in COPD.

Prolonged in vivo circulation time by zwitterionic modification of magnetite nanoparticles for blood pool contrast agents

Long circulation time is critical for blood pool contrast agents used in high-resolution magnetic resonance angiography. For iron oxide particle contrast agents, size and surface properties significantly influence their in vivo performance. We developed a novel long-circulating blood pool contrast agent by introducing zwitterionic structure onto the particle surface. Zwitterionic structure was fabricated by 3-(diethylamino)propylamine (DEAPA) grafted onto the surface of ployacrylic acid coated magnetite nanoparticles via EDC/NHS [N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N'-ethylcarbo-diimide hydrochloride/N-hydroxysuccinimide] coupling chemistry. Zwitterionic particles demonstrated five times lower macrophage cell uptake than the original particles and low cell toxicity. Magnetic resonance angiography indicated that zwitterionic nanoparticles had much longer in vivo circulation time than the original particles and were an ideal candidate for blood pool contrast agent. We suppose that zwitterionic modification by DEAPA and EDC/NHS can be used generally for coating nanoparticles with carboxyl surface and to prolong their circulating time.

Gene expression dynamics during diabetic periodontitis

Diabetes impairs the resolution of periodontal inflammation. We explored pathways altered by inflammation in the diabetic periodontium by using ligatures to induce periodontitis in type-2 diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rats. Ligatures were removed after 7 days, and rats were then treated with TNF inhibitor (pegsunercept) or vehicle alone and euthanized 4 days later. RNA was extracted from periodontal tissue, examined by mRNA profiling, and further analyzed by functional criteria. We found that 1,754 genes were significantly up-regulated and 1,243 were down-regulated by pegsunercept (p < 0.05). Functional analysis revealed up-regulation of neuron-associated and retina-associated gene clusters as well as those related to cell activity and signaling. Others were down-regulated by TNF inhibition and included genes associated with host defense, apoptosis, cell signaling and activity, and coagulation/hemostasis/complement. For selected genes, findings with microarray and rt-PCR agreed. PPAR-α was investigated further by immunohistochemistry due to its anti-inflammatory function and was found to be up-regulated in the gingiva during the resolution of periodontal inflammation and suppressed by diabetes. The results indicate that diabetes-enhanced inflammation both up- and down-regulates genes involved in cellular activity and cell signaling, while it predominantly up-regulates genes involved in the host response, apoptosis, and coagulation/homeostasis/complement and down-regulates mRNA levels of neuron, retina, and energy/metabolism-associated genes.

Effects of intravitreal injection of KH902, a vascular endothelial growth factor receptor decoy, on the retinas of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

AIMS

KH902 is a fusion protein that can bind vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and placental growth factor (PlGF) through its binding ligand taken from the domains of VEGF receptor 1 and VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2). This study was to investigate the effects of intravitreal injection of KH902 on the retinas of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

METHODS

Two weeks after induction of diabetes, the left eyes of diabetic rats in each group received an intravitreal injection of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), Avastin or KH902 solution, respectively. Four weeks after intravitreal injection, retinal electrophysiological function and the integrity of inner blood retinal barrier (iBRB) were measured by electroretinogram and Evans blue perfusion. The protein levels of VEGF signal pathway were assayed by western blot. The expression and distribution of claudin-5 and occludin were analysed by double immunofluorescent staining under confocal microscope. The expression of VEGFR2 and PlGF was measured by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Four weeks after intravitreal injection, KH902-treated rats had better retinal electrophysiological function, less retinal vessel leakage and lower levels of VEGFR2, PI3K, AKT, p-AKT, p-ERK and p-SRC than PBS or Avastin-treated rats. The distribution of claudin-5 and occludin in the retinal vessels of diabetic rats treated by KH902 was smoother and more uniform than those of diabetic rats treated by PBS or Avastin. The expression of PlGF and VEGFR2 in KH902-treated rats was decreased compared with those in PBS or Avastin-treated rats.

CONCLUSIONS

KH902 could improve retinal electrophysiological function and inhibit the breakdown of iBRB by inhibiting the expression of VEGFR2, PlGF and PI3K, and the activation of SRC, AKT and ERK.

Effects of semen processing on the generation of reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial membrane potential of human spermatozoa

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of semen processing on the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in spermatozoa, and to develop reliable indexes for the evaluation of sperm quality during sperm preparation. Swim-up and density gradient centrifugation methods were used to separate semen in oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT), leucocytospermia (LC) and normozoospermia groups. Levels of ROS and MMP were measured by flow cytometry. Before preparation, the patients with abnormal semen parameters had a lower MMP and higher ROS, and there was a negative correlation between MMP and ROS. The levels of MMP and ROS increased significantly, especially ROS produced by swim-up. A significant difference was found between the correlation of MMP and total normal motile sperm count after preparation in the OAT group. The level of ROS was associated with the amount of white blood cells in the LC group. The MMP can be used as an objective index to evaluate the sperm quality of OAT patients, and the combination of MMP and ROS can be used to assess the efficiency of sperm preparation in LC patients. These findings can guide selection of the ideal sperm separation technique for different sperm samples.

Effects of overtraining on skeletal muscle growth and gene expression

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of overtraining on skeletal muscle growth and growth-related gene expression. The rats of overtraining group (OT) and overtraining recovery group (OTR) were subject to 11 experimental weeks of overtraining protocol. It was found that the absolute gastrocnemius muscle wet weight of the OT group was significantly lower than that of the sedentary group (23.6%, P<0.01). Serum creatine kinase was significantly higher in the OT and OTR groups than the sedentary group. CD68, CD163, MyoD, myogenin, IL-1β, TNF-α, IGF-I and MGF mRNA did not change in the OT group as compared with the sedentary group. IL-6 and TGF-β1 mRNA in the OT group increased significantly as compared with the sedentary group (2.17 fold and 1.78 fold, respectively; P<0.01). IL-10 mRNA decreased significantly in the OT group (63%, P<0.01) and the OTR group (77%, P<0.01) compared to the sedentary group. COX-2 mRNA decreased significantly in the OT group (60%, P<0.01) and the OTR group (69%, P<0.01) from the sedentary group. uPA mRNA in the OT group was significantly lower than that in the sedentary group (32%, P<0.01). These data suggest that inflammatory cytokines, COX-2 and uPA may play roles in the inhibition of skeletal muscle growth induced by overtraining.

Clinicopathological significance of cyclooxygenase-2 and cell cycle-regulatory proteins expression in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

The aim of this study was to examine the expression of the molecular markers cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), Ki-67, cyclin A, and p27 in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), to ascertain the relationship of these makers with the clinicopathological significance of the patients, and to assess the additional prognostic value of the expression profile of these proteins for ESCC patients. The expression levels of COX-2, Ki-67, cyclin A, and p27 proteins of a series of primarily resected ESCC samples were determined by immunohistochemistry method. Clinicopathological and molecular factors affecting survival were analyzed by multivariate analysis. A total of 78 specimens were included in this study. Expression of COX-2 was observed in 43 (55.1%) cases, and high levels of expression of Ki-67, p27, and cyclin A were observed in 57 (73.0%), 33 (42.3%), 43 (55.1%) cases, respectively. The results of univariate survival analysis indicated that more advanced tumor stage, lymph node involvement, systemic dissemination, the levels of expression of COX-2, Ki-67, cyclin A, and p27 were associated with survival (all P-value < 0.05). Multifactorial survival analysis revealed that only lymph node involvement, over-expression of cyclin A, and low p27 expression were associated with the survival of the patients (hazard ratios = 2.83, 4.7, 2.9, respectively; P= 0.025, 0.042, 0.005, respectively). Among the molecular markers assessed, the expression of cell proliferation markers cyclin A and p27 are independent prognostic factors in patients with ESCC, whereas neither COX-2 nor Ki-67 is of independent prognostic value.

Ex vivo expansion of natural killer cells with high cytotoxicity by K562 cells modified to co-express major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related protein A, 4-1BB ligand, and interleukin-15

A large number of natural killer (NK) cells with high function are expected to generate especially in tumor adoptive immunotherapy. Here K562 cells were genetically modified to co-express major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related protein A (MICA), 4-1BB ligand, and IL-15, called K562-MICA-4-1BBL-IL-15. The modified K562 cells not only promoted activation, proliferation, and survival of NK cells, but also enhanced NK cell cytotoxicity. In long-term culture tests, K562-MICA-4-1BBL-IL-15 cells stimulated NK cell to expand mean 550 folds in 24-day culture and to cover from 14.8% of total peripheral blood monoclonal lymphocytes on day 1 to 86.7% on day 24. Prevalent NK cells after expansion enhanced the ability of killing targets and producing interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and kept high expression of activating receptors. The results indicated that K562-MICA-4-1BBL-IL-15 cells would be developed for expansion of NK cells ex vivo and may have important implications for clinical immunotherapy.

Interleukin-17 and interleukin-23 in patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the concentration of interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-23 in serum and ex vivo culture supernatant of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM) compared with healthy controls (HC).

METHODS

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to analyse the concentration of IL-17 and IL-23 from 25 patients with PM, 21 patients with DM, and 12 HC in serum or ex vivo culture supernatant of PBMCs following stimulation ex vivo with anti-CD3/CD28 for 72 h.

RESULTS

The levels of IL-23 increased in the serum and culture supernatant of patients with PM and patients with DM compared with HC. By contrast, concentrations of IL-17 in supernatants from patients with PM and DM were not significantly higher than those from HC. We subdivided the group of DM and PM patients into those with early disease versus those with established disease and found that the levels of IL-17 and IL-23 were much higher in early stage compared to established disease.

CONCLUSION

We have demonstrated that stimulated PBMCs from DM and PM patients produce increased levels of IL-23 as compared to HC. IL-17 and IL-23 levels are increased in early as compared to established disease. This provides further evidence that IL-17/IL-23 may play a crucial role in autoimmune diseases.

Effect of alloying additions on the hydrogen-induced grain boundary embrittlement in iron

Using ab initio density functional theory calculations, we have investigated the influence of Mo, V and Pd on the H-induced grain boundary embrittlement in Fe. We find that, in the high impurity concentration systems, all of the three alloying elements facilitate H embrittlement at the Σ3 (111) [Formula: see text] grain boundary in Fe. The calculated binary effects of the H-X (X = Mo, V, Pd) couples are 0.063, 0.074 and 0.040 eV, respectively. On the other hand, in the large unit cell with low impurity concentration, both Mo and V can facilitate H embrittlement, and the binary effects of pairs are 0.152 and 0.164 eV, respectively. While Pd reduces the H embrittlement on the cohesion of the Fe grain boundary with the binary effect of - 0.1 eV. The H-X (X = Mo, V, Pd) interactions are interpreted by electronic structure analyses.

Co-expression of CD147 (EMMPRIN), CD44v3-10, MDR1 and monocarboxylate transporters is associated with prostate cancer drug resistance and progression

Background:

The aim of this study is to seek an association between markers of metastatic potential, drug resistance-related protein and monocarboxylate transporters in prostate cancer (CaP).

Methods:

We evaluated the expression of invasive markers (CD147, CD44v3-10), drug-resistance protein (MDR1) and monocarboxylate transporters (MCT1 and MCT4) in CaP metastatic cell lines and CaP tissue microarrays (n=140) by immunostaining. The co-expression of CD147 and CD44v3-10 with that of MDR1, MCT1 and MCT4 in CaP cell lines was evaluated using confocal microscopy. The relationship between the expression of CD147 and CD44v3-10 and the sensitivity (IC₅₀) to docetaxel in CaP cell lines was assessed using MTT assay. The relationship between expression of CD44v3-10, MDR1 and MCT4 and various clinicopathological CaP progression parameters was examined.

Results:

CD147 and CD44v3-10 were co-expressed with MDR1, MCT1 and MCT4 in primary and metastatic CaP cells. Both CD147 and CD44v3-10 expression levels were inversely related to docetaxel sensitivity (IC₅₀) in metastatic CaP cell lines. Overexpression of CD44v3-10, MDR1 and MCT4 was found in most primary CaP tissues, and was significantly associated with CaP progression.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that the overexpression of CD147, CD44v3-10, MDR1 and MCT4 is associated with CaP progression. Expression of both CD147 and CD44v3-10 is correlated with drug resistance during CaP metastasis and could be a useful potential therapeutic target in advanced disease.

In situ preparation of magnetic nonviral gene vectors and magnetofection in vitro

Magnetic nonviral gene vectors were in situ prepared in the presence of ferrous salts and hyperbranched poly(ethylenimine)s (HPEI) with different molecular weights. HPEI, one of the most promising nonviral vectors, was not only utilized as the nanoreactor and stabilizer to prepare magnetic nanoparticles, but also skillfully used as a base supplier to avoid introducing alkali hydroxide or ammonia. Magnetic nonviral gene vectors with various magnetite contents and saturation magnetizations were obtained by changing the weight ratio of HPEI to FeSO(4).7H(2)O and the molecular weight of HPEI. MTT assays suggested that the resulting magnetite/HPEI gene vectors had lower cytotoxicity compared with pure HPEI. The magnetite/HPEI nonviral gene vectors were used for magnetofection. It was found that the luciferase expression level mediated by magnetite/HPEI in COS-7 cells under a magnetic gradient field was approximately 13-fold greater than that of standard HPEI transfection.

Apoptosis and cancer: mutations within caspase genes

The inactivation of programmed cell death has profound effects not only on the development but also on the overall integrity of multicellular organisms. Beside developmental abnormalities, it may lead to tumorigenesis, autoimmunity, and other serious health problems. Deregulated apoptosis may also be the leading cause of cancer therapy chemoresistance. Caspase family of cysteinyl-proteases plays the key role in the initiation and execution of programmed cell death. This review gives an overview of the role of caspases, their natural modulators like IAPs, FLIPs, and Smac/Diablo in apoptosis and upon inactivation, and also in cancer development. Besides describing the basic mechanisms governing programmed cell death, a large part of this review is dedicated to previous studies that were focused on screening tumours for mutations within caspase genes as well as their regulators. The last part of this review discusses several emerging treatments that involve modulation of caspases and their regulators. Thus, we also highlight caspase cascade modulating experimental anticancer drugs like cFLIP-antagonist CDDO-Me; cIAP1 antagonists OSU-03012 and ME-BS; and XIAP small molecule antagonists 1396-11, 1396-12, 1396-28, triptolide, AEG35156, survivin/Hsp90 antagonist shephedrin, and some of the direct activators of procaspase-3.

Facile Synthesis of Novel Nanostructured MnO(2) Thin Films and Their Application in Supercapacitors

Nanostructured alpha-MnO(2) thin films with different morphologies are grown on the platinum substrates by a facile solution method without any assistance of template or surfactant. Microstructural characterization reveals that morphology evolution from dandelion-like spheres to nanoflakes of the as-grown MnO(2) is controlled by synthesis temperature. The capacitive behavior of the MnO(2) thin films with different morphologies are studied by cyclic voltammetry. The alpha-MnO(2) thin films composed of dandelion-like spheres exhibit high specific capacitance, good rate capability, and excellent long-term cycling stability.

Polyphyllin D Exerts Potent Anti-tumour Effects on Lewis Cancer Cells under Hypoxic Conditions

Paris polyphylla has been used to treat cancer in China for many years and components of the plant, such as polyphyllin D, may have potent antiproliferative effects in vitro To investigate the potential antitumour effects of polyphyllin D on cancer cells under hypoxia, Lewis lung cancer cells and mouse tracheal epithelial cells were cultured with or without polyphyllin D under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Proliferation and apoptosis of cells were assayed. Real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction was used to quantify the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA. Polyphyllin D decreased cell proliferation, increased apoptosis and inhibited expression of HIF-1α and VEGF mRNAs in Lewis cells. These effects were greater under hypoxic than normoxic conditions. Polyphyllin D did not show a cytotoxic effect in non-tumour cells (mouse skin fibroblasts and tracheal epithelial cells). These results suggest that polyphyllin D potentially has anticancer effects in vitro under hypoxia.

Stromal gene signatures in large-B-cell lymphomas

BACKGROUND

The addition of rituximab to combination chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP), or R-CHOP, has significantly improved the survival of patients with diffuse large-B-cell lymphoma. Whether gene-expression signatures correlate with survival after treatment of diffuse large-B-cell lymphoma is unclear.

METHODS

We profiled gene expression in pretreatment biopsy specimens from 181 patients with diffuse large-B-cell lymphoma who received CHOP and 233 patients with this disease who received R-CHOP. A multivariate gene-expression-based survival-predictor model derived from a training group was tested in a validation group.

RESULTS

A multivariate model created from three gene-expression signatures--termed "germinal-center B-cell," "stromal-1," and "stromal-2"--predicted survival both in patients who received CHOP and patients who received R-CHOP. The prognostically favorable stromal-1 signature reflected extracellular-matrix deposition and histiocytic infiltration. By contrast, the prognostically unfavorable stromal-2 signature reflected tumor blood-vessel density.

CONCLUSIONS

Survival after treatment of diffuse large-B-cell lymphoma is influenced by differences in immune cells, fibrosis, and angiogenesis in the tumor microenvironment.

The metabolic effects of once daily extended-release metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes: a multicentre study

AIM

To investigate the effects of extended-release metformin (MXR) compared with immediate-release metformin (MIR) on post-prandial glycaemic excursion, chronic glycaemia, lipid profiles, insulin resistance and islet function in type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

A randomised, open-labelled, positive-controlled multicentre study was conducted on 150 Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes. After 2 weeks of run-in period with MIR, 150 subjects were randomised into MXR group and MIR group. The patients in MXR group were assigned to take MXR 1500 mg once daily after dinner, while the patients in MIR group were assigned to continue MIR 500 mg thrice daily after meals for 12 weeks. Standard meal tests were carried out at baseline and at the end of this study. Plasma glucose, serum insulin, HbA1c and lipid profiles were measured. Homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) was used to evaluate insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) and islet beta-cell function index (HOMA-B).

RESULTS

Either MIR or MXR modestly, but significantly decreased HbA1c levels and body mass index (BMI) after 12 weeks of treatment. However, there were no significant differences between two groups. The post-prandial glycaemia at 120 min after a standard meal in MXR group was higher than in MIR group (11.02 +/- 3.08 mmol/l vs. 9.74 +/- 2.61 mmol/l, p < 0.05). Moreover, no differences in the areas under curve of insulin release response, HOMA-B, HOMA-IR and lipid profiles were found within or between groups after 12 weeks of treatment.

CONCLUSION

The effects of once daily MXR on chronic glycaemia, BMI, lipid profiles, insulin resistance and islet function are comparable with that of thrice daily MIR in oriental population.

NS-398 enhances the efficacy of gemcitabine against lung adenocarcinoma through up-regulation of p21WAF1 and p27KIP1 protein

Gemcitabine is a chemotherapeutic drug widely used in the treatment of non-small cell lung carcinoma, especially in advanced lung adenocarcinoma. However, many patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma show a resistance to gemcitabine. Overexpression of COX-2 has been found in human non-small cell lung cancer tissues and itA s cell lines. Evidences show that COX-2 is involved in drug resistance of tumor. However, It is unknown whether COX-2 inhibitor can augment the efficacy of gemcitabine against lung adenocarcinoma. In this study, A549 cells were treated with gemcitabine and/or NS-398. The cell viability was examined by MTT assay. The cell cycle distribution and apoptotic ratio were tested by flow cytometry. The levels of p21WAF1, p27KIP1, p16INK4a and p15INK4b expression were detected by western blotting. After the cells were treated with gemcitabine along with NS-398, more cells were arrested in G1 phase and went to apoptosis. The levels of p21WAF1 and p27KIP1 protein were elevated, while the levels of p16INK4a and p15INK4b protein were not changed. It can be concluded that NS-398 enhances the efficacy of gemcitabine against lung adenocarcinoma and the efficacy is associated with up-regulation of p21WAF1 and p27KIP1protein.

Nearly completely reversible brain abnormalities in a patient with incontinentia pigmenti

SUMMARY

We report a case of incontinentia pigmenti with reversible cortex and subcortical white matter necrosis-like presentation by MR imaging. The reversible changes in follow-up imaging of the patient with incontinentia pigmenti suggest a course of natural repair of inflammation or cerebrovascular disease.

U19/Eaf2 knockout causes lung adenocarcinoma, B-cell lymphoma, hepatocellular carcinoma and prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia

Upregulated gene 19 (U19)/ELL-associated factor 2 (Eaf2) is a potential human tumor suppressor that exhibits frequent allelic loss and downregulation in high-grade prostate cancer. U19/Eaf2, along with its homolog Eaf1, has been reported to regulate transcriptional elongation via interaction with the eleven-nineteen lysine-rich leukemia (ELL) family of proteins. To further explore the tumor-suppressive effects of U19/Eaf2, we constructed and characterized a murine U19/Eaf2-knockout model. Homozygous or heterozygous deletion of U19/Eaf2 resulted in high rates of lung adenocarcinoma, B-cell lymphoma, hepatocellular carcinoma and prostate intraepithelial neoplasia. Within the mouse prostate, U19/Eaf2 deficiency enhanced cell proliferation and increased epithelial cell size. The knockout mice also exhibited cardiac cell hypertrophy. These data indicate a role for U19/Eaf2 in growth suppression and cell size control as well as argue for U19/Eaf2 as a novel tumor suppressor in multiple mouse tissues. The U19/Eaf2 knockout mouse also provides a unique animal model for three important cancers: lung adenocarcinoma, B-cell lymphoma and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Chemotherapy-evoked painful peripheral neuropathy: analgesic effects of gabapentin and effects on expression of the alpha-2-delta type-1 calcium channel subunit

Chemotherapeutics in the taxane and vinca-alkaloid classes sometimes produce a painful peripheral neuropathy for which there is no validated treatment. Experiments with rat models of paclitaxel- and vincristine-evoked pain suggest that these conditions may not respond to all of the analgesics that have efficacy in other models of painful peripheral neuropathy. We tested gabapentin as a potential analgesic for paclitaxel- and vincristine-evoked pain. We used a repeated dosing paradigm because there are precedents showing that repeated drug exposure may be necessary to demonstrate analgesia in neuropathic pain models. Gabapentin is believed to work via binding to voltage-gated calcium channels that contain the alpha-2-delta type-1 (alpha(2)delta-1) subunit, and the expression of this subunit is known to be increased in some painful peripheral neuropathy models. Thus we also examined whether the paclitaxel-evoked pain syndrome was accompanied by an alpha(2)delta-1 increase, and whether gabapentin had any effect on subunit expression. We found that the paclitaxel- and vincristine-evoked mechano-allodynia and mechano-hyperalgesia were significantly reduced by gabapentin, but only with repeated dosing. Paclitaxel-evoked painful peripheral neuropathy was associated with an increased expression of the alpha(2)delta-1 subunit in the spinal dorsal horn, but not in the dorsal root ganglia. The spinal cord increase was normalized by repeated gabapentin injections. Together, these findings suggest that repeated dosing with gabapentin may be beneficial in patients with chemotherapy-evoked painful peripheral neuropathy and that gabapentin's mechanisms of action may include normalization of the nerve injury-evoked increase in calcium channel alpha(2)delta-1 subunit expression.