Interleukin-37 ameliorates myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury in mice

Innate immune and inflammatory responses are involved in myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Interleukin (IL)-37 is a newly identified member of the IL-1 family, and functions as a fundamental inhibitor of innate immunity and inflammation. However, its role in myocardial I/R injury remains unknown. I/R or sham operations were performed on male C57BL/6J mice. I/R mice received an injection of recombinant human IL-37 or vehicle, immediately before reperfusion. Compared with vehicle treatment, mice treated with IL-37 showed an obvious amelioration of the I/R injury, as demonstrated by reduced infarct size, decreased cardiac troponin T level and improved cardiac function. This protective effect was associated with the ability of IL-37 to suppress production of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines and neutrophil infiltration, which together contributed to a decrease in cardiomyocyte apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. In addition, we found that IL-37 inhibited the up-regulation of Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 expression and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) activation after I/R, while increasing the anti-inflammatory IL-10 level. Moreover, the administration of anti-IL-10R antibody abolished the protective effects of IL-37 in I/R injury. In-vitro experiments further demonstrated that IL-37 protected cardiomyocytes from apoptosis under I/R condition, and suppressed the migration ability of neutrophils towards the chemokine LIX. In conclusion, IL-37 plays a protective role against mouse myocardial I/R injury, offering a promising therapeutic medium for myocardial I/R injury.

Motor cortex glutathione deficit in ALS measured in vivo with the J-editing technique

This study compared in vivo levels of the antioxidant glutathione (GSH) in the motor cortex of 11 ALS patients with those in 11 age-matched healthy volunteers (HV). Using the standard J-edited spin-echo difference MRS technique, GSH spectra were recorded on a 3.0 T GE MR system from a single precentral gyrus voxel. GSH levels expressed as ratios to the unsuppressed voxel tissue water (W) were 31% lower in ALS patients than in HV (p=.005), and 36% lower in ALS than in HV (p=.02) when expressed as ratios to the total creatine peak (tCr), supporting a role for oxidative stress in ALS. Levels of the putative neuronal marker N-acetylaspartate (NAA) relative to W did not differ between ALS and HV (p=.26), but were lower by 9% in ALS than in HV (p=.013) when expressed as ratios relative to tCr. This discrepancy is attributed to small but opposite changes in NAA and tCr in ALS that, as a ratio, resulted in a statistically significant group difference, further suggesting caution in using tCr as an internal reference under pathological conditions.

The expression and significance of neuronal iconic proteins in podocytes

Growing evidence suggests that there are many common cell biological features shared by neurons and podocytes; however, the mechanism of podocyte foot process formation remains unclear. Comparing the mechanisms of process formation between two cell types should provide useful guidance from the progress of neuron research. Studies have shown that some mature proteins of podocytes, such as podocin, nephrin, and synaptopodin, were also expressed in neurons. In this study, using cell biological experiments and immunohistochemical techniques, we showed that some neuronal iconic molecules, such as Neuron-specific enolase, nestin and Neuron-specific nuclear protein, were also expressed in podocytes. We further inhibited the expression of Neuron-specific enolase, nestin, synaptopodin and Ubiquitin carboxy terminal hydrolase-1 by Small interfering RNA in cultured mouse podocytes and observed the significant morphological changes in treated podocytes. When podocytes were treated with Adriamycin, the protein expression of Neuron-specific enolase, nestin, synaptopodin and Ubiquitin carboxy terminal hydrolase-1 decreased over time. Meanwhile, the morphological changes in the podocytes were consistent with results of the Small interfering RNA treatment of these proteins. The data demonstrated that neuronal iconic proteins play important roles in maintaining and regulating the formation and function of podocyte processes.

An anti-leishmanial thiadiazine agent induces multiple myeloma cell apoptosis by suppressing the nuclear factor kappaB signalling pathway

Background:

Nuclear factor κB (NFκB) has a critical role in the pathophysiology of multiple myeloma. Targeting NFκB is an important strategy for anti-myeloma drug discovery.

Methods:

Luciferase assay was used to evaluate the effects of DETT on NFκB activity. Annexin V–PI double staining and immunoblotting were used to evaluate DETT-induced cell apoptosis and suppression of NFκB signalling. Anti-myeloma activity was studied in nude mice.

Results:

DETT downregulated IKKα, β, p65, and p50 expression and inhibited phosphorylation of p65 (Ser536) and IκBα. Simultaneously, DETT increased IκBα, an inhibitor of the p65/p50 heterodimer, even in the presence of stimulants lipopolysaccharide, tumour necrosis factor-α, or interleukin-6. DETT inhibited NFκB transcription activity and downregulated NFκB-targeted genes, including Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, and XIAP as measured by their protein expression. Deregulation of NFκB signalling by DETT resulted in MM cell apoptosis characterised by cleavage of caspase-3, caspase-8, and PARP. Notably, this apoptosis was partly blocked by the activation of NFκB signalling in the presence of TNFα and IL-6. Moreover, DETT delayed myeloma tumour growth in nude mice without overt toxicity.

Conclusion:

DETT displays a promising potential for MM therapy as an inhibitor of the NFκB signalling pathway.

Selective neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells induced by nanosecond microplasma agitation

An essential step for therapeutic and research applications of stem cells is their ability to differentiate into specific cell types. Neuronal cells are of great interest for medical treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and traumatic injuries of central nervous system (CNS), but efforts to produce these cells have been met with only modest success. In an attempt of finding new approaches, atmospheric-pressure room-temperature microplasma jets (MPJs) are shown to effectively direct in vitro differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) predominantly into neuronal lineage. Murine neural stem cells (C17.2-NSCs) treated with MPJs exhibit rapid proliferation and differentiation with longer neurites and cell bodies eventually forming neuronal networks. MPJs regulate ~75% of NSCs to differentiate into neurons, which is a higher efficiency compared to common protein- and growth factors-based differentiation. NSCs exposure to quantized and transient (~150 ns) micro-plasma bullets up-regulates expression of different cell lineage markers as β-Tubulin III (for neurons) and O4 (for oligodendrocytes), while the expression of GFAP (for astrocytes) remains unchanged, as evidenced by quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence microscopy and Western Blot assay. It is shown that the plasma-increased nitric oxide (NO) production is a factor in the fate choice and differentiation of NSCs followed by axonal growth. The differentiated NSC cells matured and produced mostly cholinergic and motor neuronal progeny. It is also demonstrated that exposure of primary rat NSCs to the microplasma leads to quite similar differentiation effects. This suggests that the observed effect may potentially be generic and applicable to other types of neural progenitor cells. The application of this new in vitro strategy to selectively differentiate NSCs into neurons represents a step towards reproducible and efficient production of the desired NSC derivatives.

Preparation and Characterization of Bamboo Fibers Coated with Titanium Urushiol and its Composite Materials with Polypropylene

Bamboo fibers (BFs) coated with titanium urushiol (BFTiU) was prepared by in situ reaction. Effects of activation time, urushiol concentration, reaction time and butyl titanate concentration etc on the coating ratio of BFTiU were investigated. On the other hand, the BFTiU was characterized by FTIR measurements, scanning electron microscope, thermo gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The results showed that titanium urushiol compound was coated on the BFs by coordination reaction and the coating ratio of BFTiU reached 35% at the optimal preparation condition. It also could be found that BFTiU possessed better heat resistant properties than BFs. Due to titanium urushiol coated on BFs, the elongation at break, the maximum deflection and the bending strength of BFTiU/PP composites were 33%, 30 % and 10% higher than those of BP/PP composites respectively. Particularly, the tensile strength of BFTiU/PP composites was better than that of BP/PP composites at the presence of 70% BFTiU.

The expression of 11β-HSDs, GR, and H6PDH in subcutaneous adipose tissue from polycystic ovary syndrome subjects

The aim of the work was to investigate the expression of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD) type 1 and 2, hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (H6PDH), and glucocorticoids receptor (GR) mRNA in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) from obese women with or without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and the association between their expression and the adipocytokines' concentration. Sixteen women with PCOS (group P) and 18 age- and BMI-matched control women (group C) were enrolled for the study. Subcutaneous adipose tissue was collected from the abdomen. The genes' expression was detected by real-time PCR, and the adipocytokines' concentration was measured by ELISA. Peripheral insulin sensitivity was assessed by homeostatic assessment model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). β-cell function was assessed by homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function (HOMA-IS). The expression of 11β-HSD1 mRNA was significantly higher in PCOS subjects (p<0.05) than controls; there was no difference for the expression of 11β-HSD2, GR, and H6PDH mRNA between the 2 groups. The stepwise multiple linear regression analysis showed that the mRNA level of 11β-HSD1 was positively correlated to the concentration of the serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Expression of 11β-HSD1 mRNA was increased in the SAT from the women with PCOS, which may contribute to the increased local active glucocorticoids (cortisol), and subsequently affects the secretion of the local adipose tissue.

Antidepressant drug, desipramine, alleviates allergic rhinitis by regulating Treg and Th17 cells

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is characterized by IgE-mediated immediate hypersensitivity and usually progresses to chronic nasal inflammation, with depression as one of its comorbidities. The importance of treating the depression in AR patients has been increasingly recognized. Desipramine is a representative of tricyclic-antidepressant agents. In the present study we investigate whether desipramine has therapeutic effects on AR inflammation. BALB/C mice were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin (OVA), followed by repeated challenge with OVA intranasally. Desipramine was administered orally to treat the mice. The nasal symptoms (sneezing, nasal scratching etc.) of AR were evaluated to determine the severity of AR. Cytokines in the nasal lavage fluid (NALF), including interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin 4 (IL-4) and serum OVA-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody were measured by ELISA. The regulatory T cells (Treg) and T helper cells 17 (Th17) were quantified by flow cytometric analysis. As a result, the repeated oral administration of desipramine attenuated the nasal symptoms (sneezing and nasal rubbing) in AR mice. Desipramine also suppressed the serum OVA-specific IgE and IL-4 levels, but had no effect on IFN-gamma level. Moreover, desipramine treatment up regulated CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells, which were found down-regulated in established AR mice. Meanwhile, desipramine administration attenuated CD4+IL-17+ Th17 cells, which were significantly increased in AR mice. These results suggest that the antidepressant drug, desipramine, also has anti-allergic action, which was possibly achieved by reducing allergen-specific IgE and Th2 cytokine production and maintaining a balance between Treg and Th17 cells. Thus, this study provide the first evidence that desipramine may be utilized to treat allergic diseases, especially for those allergic patients with depression or depression patients with allergy.

Analysis of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) G894T polymorphism and semen parameters in a Chinese Han population

Previous studies have shown that endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene may be involved in abnormal semen parameters. However, the relationship between eNOS G894T polymorphism and semen parameters remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of eNOS G894T polymorphism and semen parameters. The genotype frequency of eNOS G894T was determined in 270 idiopathic asthenozoospermia patients and 248 ethnically matched healthy volunteers using iPLEX genotyping assays on a MassARRAY(®) (Sequenom, San Diego, CA, USA) platform. The statistical analysis performed with Fisher's exact test showed no significant difference in frequencies of genotypes between both groups. The logistic regression showed that genotypes GT, TT and allele T were nonassociated with increased risk of asthenozoospermia in the patient group with ≤5% or >5% sperm with normal forms. The dependence on genotypes of semen parameters was further investigated in both patients and control group. There was no significant difference as compared to control group (P > 0.05). Our study indicated that eNOS gene G894T polymorphism may not have an adverse effect on semen parameters in a Chinese Han population.

The regulation of the UCH-L1 gene by transcription factor NF-κB in podocytes

In kidney, the ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase 1 (UCH-L1) is involved in podocyte injury and proteinuria but details of the mechanism underlying its regulation are not known. Activation of NF-κB is thought to be the predominant risk factor for kidney disease; therefore, it is postulated that UCH-L1 may be one of the NF-κB target genes. In this study, we investigated the involvement of NF-κB activation in the regulation of UCH-L1 expression and the function of murine podocytes. Stimulation of podocytes with the cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β up-regulated UCH-L1 expression rapidly at the mRNA and protein levels and the NF-κB-specific inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate resulted in down-regulation. NF-κB up-regulates UCH-L1 via binding the --300 bp and --109 bp sites of its promoter, which was confirmed by the electrophoretic mobility shift assay of DNA-nuclear protein binding. In the renal biopsy from lupus nephritis patients, the expressions of NF-κB and UCH-L1 increased in immunohistochestry staining and were positively correlated. Activation of NF-κB up-regulates UCH-L1 expression following changing of other podocytes molecules, such as nephrin and snail. These results suggest that activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway could be the major pathogenesis to up-regulate UCH-L1 in podocyte injury, followed by the turnover of other molecules, which might result in morphological changes and dysfunction of podocytes. This work help us to understand the effect of NF-κB on specific target molecules of podocytes, and suggest that targeting the NF-κB-UCH-L1 interaction could be a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of podocyte lesions and proteinuria.

[The value of detecting telomerase activity on early diagnosis of lung cancer]

BACKGROUND

To explore the possibility of telomerase as tumor marker of lung cancer and to evaluate its value on early diagnosis of lung cancer.

METHODS

Telomerase activity was measured in 40 resected specimens of lung cancer and 40 preoperative fibro-optic bronchoscope biopsied specimens of suspected lung cancer by PCR based silver staining telomeric repeat amplification protocal (TRAP) respectively.

RESULTS

The positive rate of telomerase was 100% in SCLC, but 84.8% in resected samples and 95.7% in biopsied samples in NSCLC. The positive rate of telomerase was 87.5%(35/40) in resected lung cancer tissues, 7.5%(3/40) in paracancerous tissues and 0%(0/40) in normal lung tissues (P<0.01). 82.5% (34/40) biopsied specimens of suspected lung cancer were detected with telomerase activity. Its sensitivity, specificity, and accurate rate was 96.4%, 71.4%, and 91.4% respectively for detection of lung cancer, Youden's Index (J)=0.678,and SE(J)=0.174.

CONCLUSIONS

Telomerase may be a sensitive tumor marker of lung cancer. Detecting telomerase activity in preoperative fibro-optic bronchoscope biopsied specimens may contribute to early diagnosis of lung cancer.

Novel PRRT2 mutations in paroxysmal dyskinesia patients with variant inheritance and phenotypes

Paroxysmal dyskinesias (PDs) are a group of episodic movement disorders with marked variability in clinical manifestation and potential association with epilepsy. PRRT2 has been identified as a causative gene for PDs, but the phenotypes and inheritance patterns of PRRT2 mutations need further clarification. In this study, 10 familial and 21 sporadic cases with PDs and PDs-related phenotypes were collected. Genomic DNA was screened for PRRT2 mutations by direct sequencing. Seven PRRT2 mutations were identified in nine (90.0%) familial cases and in six (28.6%) sporadic cases. Five mutations are novel: two missense mutations (c.647C>G/p.Pro216Arg and c.872C>T/p.Ala291Val) and three truncating mutations (c.117delA/p.Val41TyrfsX49, c.510dupT/p.Leu171SerfsX3 and c.579dupA/p.Glu194ArgfsX6). Autosomal dominant inheritance with incomplete penetrance was observed in most of the familial cases. In the sporadic cases, inheritance was heterogeneous including recessive inheritance with compound heterozygous mutations, inherited mutations with incomplete parental penetrance and de novo mutation. Variant phenotypes associated with PRRT2 mutations, found in 36.0% of the affected cases, included febrile convulsions, epilepsy, infantile non-convulsive seizures (INCS) and nocturnal convulsions (NC). All patients with INCS or NC, not reported previously, displayed abnormalities on electroencephalogram (EEG). No EEG abnormalities were recorded in patients with classical infantile convulsions and paroxysmal choreoathetosis (ICCA)/paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD). Our study further confirms that PRRT2 mutations are the most common cause of familial PDs, displaying both dominant and recessive inheritance. Epilepsy may occasionally occur in ICCA/PKD patients with PRRT2 mutations. Variant phenotypes INCS or NC differ from classical ICCA/PKD clinically and electroencephalographically. They have some similarities with, but not identical to epilepsy, possibly represent an overlap between ICCA/PKD and epilepsy.

Delayed administration of a PTEN inhibitor BPV improves functional recovery after experimental stroke

Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) inhibitors administered prior to or immediately after experimental stroke confer acute neuroprotection. However, it remains unclear if delayed treatment with a PTEN inhibitor improves long-term functional recovery after stroke. We addressed the issue in this study. Adult male mice were subjected to 1h of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) followed by treatment with a well-established PTEN inhibitor BPV or saline daily for 14 days, starting at 24h after MCAO. Functional recovery was assessed with behavioral tests and acute infarct volumes were analyzed histologically. Delayed BPV treatment did not reduce infarction during the acute phase, but significantly improved long-term functional recovery after MCAO. Since PTEN is a critical intrinsic inhibitory factor in axonal regeneration, we further examined BPV effects on axonal densities following MCAO using bielschowsky silver staining and immunohistochemistry with antibodies against myelin basic protein. Delayed BPV treatment significantly increased axon densities in the ischemic brain at 14 days after MCAO. Moreover, PTEN expression persistently remained high in the ischemic brain over 14 days after MCAO, and BPV treatment increased post-ischemic activation of Akt and mTOR in the ischemic brain. Akt and mTOR activation are the well-established cascades downstream to PTEN inhibition and have been shown to contribute to post-injury axonal regrowth in response to PTEN inhibition. Consistently, in an in vitro neuronal ischemia model, BPV enhanced axonal outgrowth of primary cortical neurons after oxygen-glucose deprivation and the enhancing effects were abolished by Akt/mTOR inhibition. In conclusion, delayed BPV treatment improved functional recovery from experimental stroke possibly via enhancing axonal growth and Akt/mTOR activation contributed to BPV-enhanced post-stroke axon growth.

Distinct charge orders in the planes and chains of ortho-III-ordered YBa2Cu3O(6+δ) superconductors identified by resonant elastic x-ray scattering

Recently, charge density wave (CDW) order in the CuO(2) planes of underdoped YBa(2)Cu(3)O(6+δ) was detected using resonant soft x-ray scattering. An important question remains: is the chain layer responsible for this charge ordering? Here, we explore the energy and polarization dependence of the resonant scattering intensity in a detwinned sample of YBa(2)Cu(3)O(6.75) with ortho-III oxygen ordering in the chain layer. We show that the ortho-III CDW order in the chains is distinct from the CDW order in the planes. The ortho-III structure gives rise to a commensurate superlattice reflection at Q=[0.33 0 L] whose energy and polarization dependence agrees with expectations for oxygen ordering and a spatial modulation of the Cu valence in the chains. Incommensurate peaks at [0.30 0 L] and [0 0.30 L] from the CDW order in the planes are shown to be distinct in Q as well as their temperature, energy, and polarization dependence, and are thus unrelated to the structure of the chain layer. Moreover, the energy dependence of the CDW order in the planes is shown to result from a spatial modulation of energies of the Cu 2p to 3d(x(2)-y(2)) transition, similar to stripe-ordered 214 cuprates.

Assessment of disease severity in late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis using multiparametric MR imaging

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

LINCL is a uniformly fatal lysosomal storage disease resulting from mutations in the CLN2 gene that encodes for tripeptidyl peptidase 1, a lysosomal enzyme necessary for the degradation of products of cellular metabolism. With the goal of developing quantitative noninvasive imaging biomarkers sensitive to disease progression, we evaluated a 5-component MR imaging metric and tested its correlation with a clinically derived disease-severity score.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MR imaging parameters were measured across the brain, including quantitative measures of the ADC, FA, nuclear spin-spin relaxation times (T2), volume percentage of CSF (%CSF), and NAA/Cr ratios. Thirty MR imaging datasets were prospectively acquired from 23 subjects with LINCL (2.5-8.4 years of age; 8 male/15 female). Whole-brain histograms were created, and the mode and mean values of the histograms were used to characterize disease severity.

RESULTS

Correlation of single MR imaging parameters against the clinical disease-severity scale yielded linear regressions with R2 ranging from 0.25 to 0.70. Combinations of the 5 biomarkers were evaluated by using PCA. The best combination included ADC, %CSF, and NAA/Cr (R2=0.76, P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The multiparametric disease-severity score obtained from the combination of ADC, %CSF, and NAA/Cr whole-brain MR imaging techniques provided a robust measure of disease severity, which may be useful in clinical therapeutic trials of LINCL in which an objective assessment of therapeutic response is desired.

Gemcitabine adsorbed onto carbon particles increases drug concentrations at the injection site and in the regional lymph nodes in an animal experiment and a clinical study

This study investigated whether gemcitabine, adsorbed onto activated carbon particles (GEM-AC), increased the concentration of gemcitabine at the injection site and in the regional lymph nodes in an experimental animal model and a clinical study. The adsorption isotherm for GEM-AC was defined, and the concentration and distribution of gemcitabine in rats (n = 50) and in patients with pancreatic cancer (n = 8) was investigated. Drug concentrations in plasma, tumour samples, lymph nodes and at the injection site were measured after GEM-AC or gemcitabine solution (GEM-Sol) were subcutaneously injected into the left hind foot pad in rats, or into pancreatic tumours in patients. These experiments showed that GEM-AC was selectively delivered to the regional lymph nodes and the injection site, from which it slowly released greater amounts of gemcitabine to maintain the free concentration of gemcitabine at a relatively high level for a long period of time. The administration of GEM-AC might enhance the anticancer effects of gemcitabine.

Metabolic response of glioblastoma to superselective intra-arterial cerebral infusion of bevacizumab: a proton MR spectroscopic imaging study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

SIACI of bevacizumab has emerged as a promising novel therapy in the treatment of recurrent GB. This study assessed the potential of (1)H-MRS as an adjunctive technique in detecting metabolic changes reflective of antiproliferative effects of targeted infusion of bevacizumab in the treatment of GB.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighteen patients enrolled in a phase I/II study of SIACI of bevacizumab for treatment of recurrent GB were included. Concurrent MR imaging and (1)H-MRS scans were performed before and after treatment. Five distinct morphologic ROIs were evaluated for structural and metabolic changes on MR imaging and (1)H-MRS, which included enhancing, nonenhancing T2 hyperintense signal abnormality, and multiple control regions. Pre- and post-SIACI of bevacizumab peak areas for NAA, tCho, tCr, as well as tCho/tCr and tCho/NAA ratios, were derived for all 5 ROIs and compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

RESULTS

A significant median decrease of 25.99% (range -55.76 to 123.94; P = .006) in tCho/NAA was found post-SIACI of bevacizumab relative to pretreatment values in regions of enhancing disease. A trend-level significant median decrease of 6.45% (range -23.71 to 37.67; P = .06) was noted in tCho/NAA posttreatment in regions of nonenhancing T2-hyperintense signal abnormality.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this (1)H-MRS analysis suggest that GB treatment with SIACI of bevacizumab may be associated with a direct antiproliferative effect, as demonstrated by significant reductions of tCho/NAA after the intervention.

Abstract 4858: Identification of ZDHHC14 as a novel tumor suppressor gene commonly downregulated in human cancers

Tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) play critical roles in preventing tumorigenesis and they are frequently inactivated in tumours. Recently developed high-density microarrays can detect subchromosomal deletions, recurrence of which usually indicates the location of TSGs within the deleted region. We analyzed testicular germ cell tumour (TGCT) clinical samples using SNP arrays and found a frequent small deletion on the region 6q25.3 containing only one known gene, ZDHHC14. While its cellular function is unknown, ZDHHC14 belongs to the recently discovered DHHC family, which are predicted to be involved in protein palmitoylation, a reversible lipid modification that regulates membrane tethering for key proteins in cell signaling, cancer, neuronal transmission, and membrane trafficking. Consistently, we found a dramatic under-expression of ZDHHC14 mRNA and protein in TGCTs, and this associated with chemoresistance. Oncomine database mining showed that ZDHHC14 is also under-expressed in lymphoma, liposarcoma, brain, kidney, lung and colorectal cancers. Thus, it appears that ZDHHC14 downregulation may be involved in other cancers. We studied ZDHHC14 expression in prostate cancer (PCa), detecting a decrease at mRNA and protein level. We also detected that ZDHHC14 mRNA was downregulated in a pilot study on breast cancer samples. As genomic loss of the ZDHHC14 region was only detected in a small number of PCa samples, we checked whether promoter hypermethylation was the cause for ZDHHC14 downregulation. However, no changes in methylation status were found. We then sequenced the whole genomic region surrounding ZDHHC14 by next generation sequencing in TGCTs and PCa and found several mutations in the promoter, the coding region, as well as in intronic regions. Finally, we tested the function of ZDHHC14 in cell-based studies. We generated a 293 T-REx tetracycline inducible ZDHHC14 overexpressing stable cell line, which showed that ZDHHC14 overexpression decreased cell viability. The induction of apoptosis by ZDHHC14 overexpression was detected both by FACS and caspase 7 and PARP cleavage analyses. This was confirmed by transient ZDHHC14 overexpression in the PCa cell line 22RV1. In vivo we xenografted mice using both tetracycline inducible ZDHHC14 overexpressing 293 T-REx cells and control cells transfected with the empty vector. ZDHHC14 expression was induced by tetracycline at the beginning of inoculation and we detected that ZDHHC14 overexpression blocked tumour initiation completely. In conclusion, these results implicate ZDHHC14 as a tumour suppressor gene commonly inactivated in human cancers, indicating that it might exert its tumor suppressor role through the induction of programmed cell death. This is the first study showing the involvement of ZDHHC14 in a specific pathway, the classic caspase-dependent apoptosis.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4858. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4858

Association of angiotensin I converting enzyme, angiotensin II type 1 receptor and angiotensin I converting enzyme 2 gene polymorphisms with the dyslipidemia in type 2 diabetic patients of Chinese Han origin

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether the genetic polymorphisms in the angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) (insertion/ deletion, or I/D), angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) (rs5186), and ACE2 (rs2285666) could be associated with dyslipidemia in Type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients of Chinese Han origin.

DESIGN AND METHODS

The above 3 polymorphisms were genotyped in a total of 282 patients with T2D and dyslipidemia (Group A), 182 patients with T2D but without dyslipidemia (Group B), and 324 healthy controls. The association between a certain polymorphism and each group was assessed by an odds ratio (OR).

RESULTS

The D allele of the ACE (I/D) was significantly associated with the risk of T2D accompanying dyslipidemia between group A and controls [OR=1.37, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.08-1.74; p=0.010], and significant association of the D allele with dyslipidemia was also observed in diabetic patients (OR=1.88, 95% CI=1.40-2.54; p<0.001). Furthermore, the ID genotype had a decreased risk of developing T2D without dyslipidemia as compared with controls (OR=0.52, 95% CI=0.32-0.82; p=0.0060). The distributions of the AT1R (rs5186) and ACE2 (rs2285666) genotypes and alleles did not differ between T2D patients with or without dyslipidemia and the controls.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that the ACE (I/D) polymorphism is associated with T2D, regardless of the absence or presence of dyslipidemia. The polymorphisms in the AT1R (rs5186) and ACE2 (rs2285666) seem to play lesser roles in the development of T2D.

Integrative mRNA profiling comparing cultured primary cells with clinical samples reveals PLK1 and C20orf20 as therapeutic targets in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Identifying therapeutic targets for cancer treatment relies on consistent changes within particular types or sub-types of malignancy. The ability to define either consistent changes or sub-types of malignancy is often masked by tumor heterogeneity. To elucidate therapeutic targets in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), the most frequent skin neoplasm with malignant potential, we have developed an integrated approach to gene expression profiling beginning with primary keratinocytes in culture. Candidate drivers of cSCC development were derived by first defining a set of in vitro cancer genes and then comparing their expression in a range of clinical data sets containing normal skin, cSCC and the benign hyper-proliferative condition psoriasis. A small interfering RNA (siRNA) screen of the resulting 21 upregulated genes has yielded targets capable of reducing xenograft tumor volume in vivo. Small-molecule inhibitors for one target, Polo-like kinase-1 (PLK1), are already in clinical trials for other malignancies, and our data show efficacy in cSCC. Another target, C20orf20, is identified as being overexpressed in cSCC, and siRNA-mediated knockdown induces apoptosis in vitro and reduces tumor growth in vivo. Thus, our approach has shown established and uncharacterized drivers of tumorigenesis with potent efficacy as therapeutic targets for the treatment of cSCC.

Natural history of MELAS associated with mitochondrial DNA m.3243A>G genotype

OBJECTIVE

To describe the natural history of clinical and laboratory features associated with the m.3243A>G mitochondrial DNA point mutation. Natural history data are needed to obtain prognostic information and for clinical trial planning.

METHODS

We included 85 matrilineal relatives from 35 families with at least 2 visits in this prospective cohort study. Thirty-one were fully symptomatic with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS), and 54 were carrier relatives. Evaluations included standardized questionnaires (medical history and daily living functioning), physical examination, neuropsychological testing, and a battery of imaging and laboratory tests. We evaluated changes in clinical and laboratory features over time and survival. Outcomes are reported over a follow-up period of up to 10.6 years (mean 3.8 ± 2.2 years for patients and 5.5 ± 3.0 for carrier relatives).

RESULTS

Neurologic examination, neuropsychological testing, and daily living scores significantly declined in all patients with MELAS, whereas no significant deterioration occurred in carrier relatives. Cerebral MRI scores declined significantly in patients with MELAS. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy estimates of lactate in the lateral ventricles increased over time, and high lactate was associated with increased mortality. Symptom onset in childhood often was associated with worse outcome. Patients with MELAS had a greater death rate than carrier relatives.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with MELAS carrying the m.3243A>G mutation show a measurable decline in clinical and imaging outcomes. It is hoped that these data will be helpful in anticipating the disease course and in planning clinical trials for MELAS.

Prandial-basal insulin regimens plus oral antihyperglycaemic agents to improve mealtime glycaemia: initiate and progressively advance insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes

AIMS

To compare two progressive approaches [once-daily insulin glargine plus ≤3 mealtime lispro (G+L) vs. insulin lispro mix 50/50 (LM50/50) progression once up to thrice daily (premix progression, PP)] of beginning and advancing insulin in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and inadequate glycaemic control on oral therapy, with the aim of showing non-inferiority of PP to G+L.

METHODS

Patients were randomized to PP (n = 242) or G+L (n = 242) in a 36-week, multinational, open-label trial. Dinnertime insulin LM 50/50 could be replaced with insulin lispro mix 75/25 if needed for fasting glycaemic control.

RESULTS

Baseline haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were 9.5% (PP) and 9.3% (G+L); p = 0.095. Change in A1C (baseline to endpoint) was -1.76% (PP) and -1.93% (G+L) (p = 0.097) [between-group difference of 0.17 (95% confidence interval: -0.03, 0.37)]. Non-inferiority of PP to G+L was not shown based on the prespecified non-inferiority margin of 0.3%. A1C was lower with G+L at weeks 12 (7.8 vs. 7.9%; p = 0.042), 24 (7.4 vs. 7.6%; p = 0.046), but not at week 36 (7.5 vs. 7.6%; p = 0.405). There were no significant differences in percentages of patients achieving A1C ≤7%, overall hypoglycaemia incidence and rate or weight change. Total daily insulin dosages at endpoint were higher with PP vs. G+L (0.57 vs. 0.51 U/kg; p = 0.017), likely due to more injections (1.98 vs. 1.79; p = 0.011).

CONCLUSIONS

Both treatments progressively improved glycaemic control in patients with T2D on oral therapy, although non-inferiority of PP to G+L was not shown. Higher insulin doses were observed with PP with no between-treatment differences in overall hypoglycaemia or weight gain.

A pilot study of the effects of chronic paroxetine administration on hippocampal N-acetylaspartate in generalized anxiety disorder

The neural basis of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is poorly characterized. The effect of chronic administration (12 weeks) of paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, on N-acetylaspartate (NAA), a marker of neuronal viability, was evaluated in adults with GAD using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging ((1)H MRSI) at 1.5 T. We hypothesized that, pretreatment abnormalities in hippocampal NAA/creatine (NAA/Cr) would normalize with symptomatic improvement. Nine GAD patients (mean age = 41.7 year; 4 females) received 12 weeks of open-label paroxetine treatment, flexibly dosed up to 60 mg/day. Clinical outcome was assessed with the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A). Multislice ( 1)H MRSI scans were performed at unmedicated baseline and following 6 and 12 weeks of treatment. Ten untreated healthy volunteers (HVs) (mean age = 37.1 year; 4 females) received scans at the same intervals. All patients achieved remission (HAM-A <or= 7) by week 12. Compared to HVs, GAD patients showed persistently lower levels of bilateral hippocampal NAA/Cr (17.7% mean decrease; Cohen's d = 1.29) that were maintained across all three time points, despite marked symptom improvement. This pilot study failed to support an association between a hippocampal neuronal marker and anxiolytic response to paroxetine, and suggests further investigation of potential trait-like hippocampal abnormalities in GAD.

Admixture mapping to identify breast cancer susceptibility loci in African American women

Abstract #2090

Background: The incidence of breast cancer in young women is higher in African American (AAW) compared to Caucasian (CW) and is associated with an aggressive phenotype, including high-grade, ER/PR and HER2 negative status and p53 positive characteristics. The aggressive tumor behavior and pathological features of AAW are also seen in women from the Bite of Biafra, an area of Western Africa that was the predominant source of the American slave trade. Similar tumor characteristics and shared ancestry suggest that population-specific molecular factors contribute to the aggressive tumor phenotypes associated with AAW. Therefore, a method of admixture mapping is proposed for this study. Admixture mapping is also known as mapping by admixture linkage disequilibrium. It assumes in a recent admixed population, if certain phenotype or the prevalence of a disease is mainly caused by one of the ancestral groups, the genetic variant can be located by the elevated ancestry from that group.&#x2028; Methods: Pathological characterization was performed histology specimens from 91 self-described AAW diagnosed with invasive breast cancer enrolled in the Clinical Breast Care Project. Genomic DNA was isolated and SNP data generated using the Affymetrix Mapping 100K arrays. African ancestry was determined using maximum likelihood estimator and chromosomal regions associated with disease identified using AncestryMap and AdmixMap.&#x2028; Results: The average age of diagnosis was 51 years. 25% of patients had poorly-differentiated, triple negative tumors. All 91 patients had significant African ancestry, with a mean level of Nigerian ancestry of 0.3857. Results from both AncestryMap and AdmixMap suggest loci on chromosomal regions 5q32.2, 9q13.1 and 17p13.3 are associated with the development of breast cancer.&#x2028; Discussion: Recently, admixture mapping was used to successfully identify a prostate cancer gene to chromosome 8q24 in African American men. Using a similar approach, we identified three chromosomal regions associated with the presence of invasive breast cancer in AAW with significant Western African ancestry. Of note, loss of 9q13 has been associated with poor survival, and allelic imbalance of 17p13.3 has been associated with loss of hormone receptor expression and poor prognosis. Thus, the use of admixture mapping may aid in the identification of genes involved in the development of the aggressive form of breast cancer associated with AAW.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 2090.

Statins decrease the aberrant HLA-DR expression on thyrocytes from patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Statins have been found to exert anti-inflammatory and immune modulatory effects. It seems likely that these drugs may improve thyroid function in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). The objective of our study was to investigate the effect of statins on HLA-DR (human leukocyte antigen D-related) expression of thyrocytes from patients with HT hypothyroidism. Thyroid tissues were obtained from surgical specimens. Thyrocytes were cultured in the presence or absence of IFN-gamma (50 ng/ml) with or without statins (simvastatin 10 microM or atorvastatin 10 microM) for 72 hours. HLA-DR expression was detected by flow cytometry. Normal thyrocytes were used for controls. HLA-DR expression of HT thyrocytes was much higher than that of normal thyrocytes (41.2+/-4.5% vs. 2.7+/-2.1%, p<0.01), which could be further increased by IFN-gamma stimulation in both groups (p<0.01). However, simvastatin and atorvastatin could significantly inhibit the "aberrant" HLA-DR expression on HT thyrocytes and decrease IFN-gamma- induced HLA-DR expression in both HT and normal thyroid cells (p<0.01). Statins can repress HLA-DR expression of HT thyrocytes, which might inhibit the subsequent lymphocyte activation and ameliorate the immune disturbance of HT.

Intensive glycemic control lowers plasma visfatin levels in patients with type 2 diabetes

Visfatin is an independent association factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In order to evaluate the plasma visfatin levels and investigate whether plasma visfatin concentrations are altered by intensive glycemic control in patients with diabetes, we determined plasma visfatin concentrations and metabolic parameters in 53 newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients and 35 healthy controls. Visfatin levels were also investigated before and after intensive glycemic control for three months in subgroup of patients with T2DM. Plasma visfatin levels were significantly elevated in diabetic patients compared with healthy controls (p<0.001). Circulating visfatin concentration was associated with fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-hour OGTT plasma glucose (2hPG), HOMA-beta indexes (r=0.338, p=0.001; r=0.340, p=0.002; r=-0.296, p=0.006, respectively), but not with insulin sensitivity (HOMA-IR) or other metabolic or anthropometric parameters in all subjects. In addition, visfatin levels were also correlated with HbA1c levels in diabetic patients. Furthermore, visfatin concentrations reduced from 25.0+/-6.5 ng/ml at baseline to 20.3+/-4.7 ng/ml (p<0.01) after 3 months of intensive glycemic control, while HbA1c levels decreased from 9.0+/-1.8% to 6.2+/-0.7% (p<0.01). We conclude that the change of visfatin concentration may be a compensatory mechanism to ameliorate insulin deficiency due to pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction.

A novel c.545-546insG mutation in the loricrin gene correlates with a heterogeneous phenotype of loricrin keratoderma

BACKGROUND

Loricrin keratoderma (LK) is a group of congenital skin abnormalities characterized by the common features of honeycomb palmoplantar keratoderma and diffused ichthyosiform dermatosis. Earlier studies have shown that LK is associated with genetic defects of the loricrin gene.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the correlation between a loricrin mutation and a heterogeneous phenotype of loricrin keratoderma.

METHODS

We obtained DNA samples from a large family in which affected members showed more severe hyperkeratosis on the dorsal parts of their hands, mild palmoplantar keratoderma with no honeycomb-like manifestations and generalized ichthyosis. Screening of the loricrin gene was performed by direct sequencing of the entire coding region. Plasmids encoding the green fluorescent protein-tagged human loricrin were constructed and transferred to 293A cells for subcellular localization analyses.

RESULTS

Molecular analyses of the loricrin gene identified a novel insertion mutation c.545-546insG that resulted in a frameshift after codon 182. This mutation was predicted to produce a mutant protein with a frameshift of its C-terminal sequence of amino acids that embeds a newly generated nuclear localization signal (NLS), and to be 22 amino acids longer than the wild-type protein due to a delayed termination codon. The NLSs appear to result in an accumulation of mutant loricrin within nuclei.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results extend the repertoire of loricrin mutations underlying LK, provide further evidence that heterogeneous phenotypes of LK may be the result of genetic heterogeneity of loricrin mutations, and demonstrate that nuclear accumulation of mutant loricrin is due to the nuclear targeting sequences in the mutant C-terminus.

Abnormal AP-1 protein expression in primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas

BACKGROUND

Primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma (PCBCL) consists mainly of primary cutaneous marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (PCMZL), primary cutaneous follicle centre lymphoma (PCFCL) and primary cutaneous large B-cell lymphoma, leg type (PCLBCL-LT). The activator protein 1 (AP-1) transcription factor includes JUN, FOS and other family members.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the expression pattern of AP-1 transcription factors in PCBCL.

METHODS

We analysed paraffin tissue sections from nine cases of PCMZL, seven PCFCL, six PCLBCL-LT and two unspecified PCBCL cases by using immunohistochemistry with antibodies against c-JUN, JUNB, JUND, c-FOS, RAF1, alphaPAK, CD30 and CCND1.

RESULTS

A positive staining for JUND (++) was observed in six cases of PCFCL (86%), five PCLBCL-LT (83%) and five PCMZL (56%). Positive CCND1 protein expression was present in four cases of PCLBCL-LT (67%), four PCFCL (57%) and four PCMZL (44%), and the two unspecified PCBCL cases. Expression of alphaPAK protein was seen in three cases of PCLBCL-LT (50%), two PCMZL (22%) and one PCFCL. However, c-JUN, c-FOS and RAF1 protein were rarely expressed in the PCBCL cases analysed; JUNB and CD30 protein expression was absent in these cases.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the presence of abnormal AP-1 protein expression is associated with upregulation of JUND, CCND1 and alphaPAK and downregulation of JUNB in PCBCL.

Assessing disease severity in late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis using quantitative MR diffusion-weighted imaging

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (LINCL), a form of Batten disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative genetic disorder, diagnosed via DNA testing, that affects approximately 200 children in the United States at any one time. This study was conducted to evaluate whether quantitative data derived by diffusion-weighted MR imaging (DWI) techniques can supplement clinical disability scale information to provide a quantitative estimate of neurodegeneration, as well as disease progression and severity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study prospectively analyzed 32 DWI examinations from 18 patients having confirmed LINCL at various stages of disease. A whole-brain apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) histogram was fitted with a dual Gaussian function combined with a function designed to model voxels containing a partial volume fraction of brain parenchyma versus CSF. Previously published whole-brain ADC values of age-matched control subjects were compared with those of the LINCL patients. Correlations were tested between the peak ADC of the fitted histogram and patient age, disease severity, and a CNS disability scale adapted for LINCL.

RESULTS

ADC values assigned to brain parenchyma were higher than published ADC values for age-matched control subjects. ADC values between patients and control subjects began to differ at 5 years of age based on 95% confidence intervals. ADC values had a nearly equal correlation with patient age (R2=0.71) and disease duration (R2=0.68), whereas the correlation with the central nervous system disability scale (R2=0.27) was much weaker.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that brain ADC values acquired using DWI may be used as an independent measure of disease severity and duration in LINCL.

Neurological deterioration in late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis

BACKGROUND

Late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (LINCL) is associated with progressive degeneration of the brain and retina starting in early childhood.

METHODS

Thirty-two individual neurologic, ophthalmologic, and CNS imaging (MRI and MRS) assessments of 18 children with LINCL were analyzed. Disease severity was followed by two rating scales, one previously established but modified to solely assess the brain and exclude the retinal disease (modified Hamburg LINCL scale), and a newly developed scale, with expanded evaluation of the CNS impairment (Weill Cornell LINCL scale).

RESULTS

For the 18 children, the Weill Cornell scale yielded a closer correlation with both age and time since initial clinical manifestation of the disease than did the modified Hamburg scale. There were no significant differences as a function of age or time since initial manifestation of the disease in the rating scales among the most frequent CLN2 mutations (G3556C, 56% of all alleles or C3670T, 22% of all alleles). Measurements of cortical MRS N-acetyl-aspartate content, MRI ventricular, gray matter and white matter volume, and cortical apparent diffusion coefficient correlated to a variable degree with the age of the children and the time since initial clinical manifestation of the disease. All imaging measurements correlated better with the Weill Cornell CNS scale compared to the modified Hamburg LINCL scale.

CONCLUSION

The data suggest that the Weill Cornell late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (LINCL) scale, together with several of the MRI measurements, may be useful in the assessment of severity and progression of LINCL and for the evaluation of novel therapeutic strategies.

Abnormal activator protein 1 transcription factor expression in CD30-positive cutaneous large-cell lymphomas

BACKGROUND

CD30+ cutaneous large-cell lymphomas (CLCL) represent a heterogeneous subgroup of skin lymphomas including primary cutaneous CD30+ anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (C-ALCL), lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP), transformed mycosis fungoides (T-MF) and Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) with cutaneous involvement. The activator protein 1 (AP-1) transcription factor consists of JUN, FOS and other protein families. Recent studies have revealed upregulation of JUNB in both MF and C-ALCL and overexpression of JUNB and CD30 in systemic HL and ALCL.

OBJECTIVES

To assess systematically the expression pattern of AP-1 transcription factors in CLCL.

METHODS

We analysed paraffin tissue sections from 27 patients with LyP, 10 with C-ALCL, eight with T-MF and two with cutaneous HL by immunohistochemistry with antibodies against c-JUN, JUNB, JUND, c-FOS and RAF-1. We also stained samples from 10 patients with C-ALCL, seven with Sézary syndrome (SS), six with T-MF, three with cutaneous HL, two with LyP and control samples with total and phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) antibodies. Results Positive staining for JUND (++) was observed in 13 cases of LyP (48%), 10 C-ALCL, six T-MF (75%) and two cutaneous HL cases. Positive JUNB protein expression was present in four cases of T-MF (50%), four C-ALCL (44%), three LyP (11%) and two cutaneous HL. Expression of total (p44/42) MAP kinase and phosphorylated p44/42 MAP kinase were detected in nine cases of C-ALCL (90%), seven SS (88%), five T-MF (89%) and three cutaneous HL. Most of these samples also showed positive staining for JUNB.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest the presence of abnormal AP-1 protein expression in CLCL, which may be relevant to CLCL.

Quantitative objective markers for upper and lower motor neuron dysfunction in ALS

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the value of objective biomarkers for upper (UMN) and lower (LMN) motor neuron involvement in ALS.

METHODS

We prospectively studied 64 patients with ALS and its subsets using clinical measures, proton MR spectroscopic imaging ((1)H MRSI), diffusion tensor imaging, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and the motor unit number estimation (MUNE) at baseline and every 3 months for 15 months and compared them with control subjects.

RESULTS

(1)H MRSI measures of the primary motor cortex N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA) concentration were markedly reduced in ALS (p = 0.009) and all UMN syndromes combined (ALS, familial ALS [fALS], and primary lateral sclerosis; p = 0.03) vs control values. Central motor conduction time to the tibialis anterior was prolonged in ALS (p < 0.0005) and combined UMN syndromes (p = 0.001). MUNE was lower in ALS (p < 0.0005) and all LMN syndromes combined (ALS, fALS, and progressive muscular atrophy; p = 0.001) vs controls. All objective markers correlated well with the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised, finger and foot tapping, and strength testing, suggesting these markers related to disease activity. Regarding changes over time, MUNE changed rapidly, whereas neuroimaging markers changed more slowly and did not significantly differ from baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

(1)H MR spectroscopic imaging measures of the primary motor cortex N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA) concentration and ratio of NAA to creatine, central motor conduction time to the tibialis anterior, and motor unit number estimation significantly differed between ALS, its subsets, and control subjects, suggesting they have potential to provide insight into the pathobiology of these disorders.

Development of an integrated enzymatic treatment system for phenolic waste streams

An integrated enzymatic treatment system, which includes Coprinus cinereus peroxidase (CIP) production, processing, and usage in batch or plug flow reactors, is being developed to remove phenolic compounds from the aqueous waste streams. CIP production at bench scale yielded a maximum growth medium activity of approximately 60 U CIP ml(-1). A CIP enzyme solution was prepared for use in treatment by successive filtration steps. This yielded a 4.5-fold increase in enzyme activity, with 87% enzyme activity recovery, and 83% reduction in the solution's Chemical Oxygen Demand. The purity of CIP was observed to have no effect on the ability of the enzyme to remove phenol from the aqueous solutions within the range of enzyme solution purities tested. Contrary to observations reported for phenol removal from buffered solutions, the addition of polyethylene glycol to non-buffered reaction solutions had no positive effect on the phenol removal accomplished at pH 7 in these experiments. The efficiency of enzyme use in a plug flow reactor was improved by step additions of CIP and H2O2.