Immunoreactivities of PPARγ2, leptin and leptin receptor in oviduct of Chinese brown frog during breeding period and pre-hibernation

The Chinese brown frog (Rana dybowskii) is a special amphibian with one unique physiological phenomenon, which is that its oviduct expands prior to hibernation, instead of during the breeding period. In this study, we investigate the localization and expression level of PPARγ2, leptin and leptin receptor proteins in oviduct of Rana dybowskii during breeding period and pre-hibernation. There were significant variations in oviductal weight and size, with values much lower in the breeding period than in pre-hibernation. PPARγ2 was observed in stromal and epithelial cells in both periods. Leptin was immunolocalized in epithelial cells in both periods, whereas leptin receptor was detected only in stromal cells. Consistently, the protein levels of PPARγ2, leptin and leptin receptor were higher in pre-hibernation as compared to the breeding period. These results suggested that oviduct was the target organ of leptin, which may play an important paracrine role in regulating the oviductal hypertrophy during prehibernation.

A novel biopsy method to increase yield of subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue

Collection of abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) for research testing is traditionally performed using punch biopsy or needle aspiration techniques, yielding small amounts of very superficial SAT (100-500 mg). Although liposuction techniques can be used to obtain large amounts of SAT, these approaches can compromise the integrity of the adipose tissue. Therefore, we investigated a novel method using a 6-mm Bergström side-cutting biopsy needle to acquire suitable amounts of intact abdominal SAT for multiple complex studies such as flow cytometry, RNA extraction, ex vivo expression of molecular and post-translational protein mediators, and histology. Fifty biopsies were obtained from 29 participants using a Bergström biopsy needle, applying transient manual suction and shearing large pieces of fat within the inner-cutting trochar. Eighteen of the biopsies were performed under ultrasound guidance, whereby we successfully sampled deep SAT (dSAT) from below Scarpa's fascia. The average weight of SAT sampled was 1.5 ± 0.4 g. There was no clinically important bleeding or ecchymosis on the abdominal wall and no infection occurred with this procedure. The 6-mm Bergström biopsy needle yielded substantially more SAT than what has been obtained from superficial procedures and, for the first time, allowed sampling of dSAT by a percutaneous approach.

Immunolocalization of NGF and its receptors in ovarian surface epithelium of the wild ground squirrel during the breeding and nonbreeding seasons

The ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) plays an important role in normal ovarian physiology. During each reproductive cycle, the OSE takes part in the cyclical ovulatory ruptures and repair. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunolocalization of nerve growth factor (NGF) and its receptors, tyrosine kinase A (TrkA) and p75, in the OSE cells of the wild ground squirrels during the breeding and nonbreeding seasons. There were marked variations in ovarian weight and size between the breeding and the nonbreeding seasons. Histologically, cuboidal cells and squamous cells were identified in the OSE of both seasons. Yet, stronger immunostaining of NGF, TrkA and p75 were observed in cuboidal cells and squamous cells in the breeding season as compared to the nonbreeding season. In addition, plasma gonadotropin concentrations were higher in the breeding season than in the nonbreeding season, suggesting that the expression patterns of NGF, TrkA and p75 in the OSE were correlated with changes in plasma gonadotropins. These findings suggested that NGF and its receptor TrkA and p75 may be involved in the regulation of seasonal changes in the OSE of wild ground squirrel.

Activation of adipose tissue macrophages in obese mice does not require lymphocytes

OBJECTIVE

Macrophages which infiltrate adipose tissue and secrete proinflammatory cytokines may be responsible for obesity-induced insulin resistance. However, the reason why macrophages migrate into adipose tissue and become activated remains unknown though some studies suggest that this may be regulated by T and B lymphocytes. In this study, it has been tested whether T and B lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells were necessary for the obesity-induced activation of macrophages in adipose tissue.

DESIGN AND METHODS

NOD/SCID/IL2-receptor gamma-chain knockout (NSG) mice, which lack mature T and B lymphocytes and NK cells, were made obese by selectively reducing litters and weaning onto a high-fat diet. Mice were then maintained on the diet for 10-11 weeks.

RESULTS

Adipose tissue from obese NSG mice had more activated macrophages than nonobese mice. These macrophages were found in "crown-like structures" surrounding adipocytes, and expressed higher levels of the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α. However, obesity did not impair glucose tolerance in the NSG mice.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies demonstrated that T and B lymphocytes and NK cells are not necessary for adipose tissue macrophage activation in obese mice. T and B lymphocytes and/or NK cells may be necessary for the development of obesity-induced impaired glucose tolerance.

Adipocyte differentiation is affected by media height above the cell layer

BACKGROUND

3T3-L1 cells have been widely used as a model for adipogenesis. However, despite its popularity, differentiation of this cell line has been reported to be inconsistent with low efficiency.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of media height during adipocyte differentiation on lipid accumulation and adipokine secretion in mature adipocytes.

METHODS

Three cell lines (3T3-L1, OP9 and ChubS7) were used to test the influence of media volume on adipogenesis. Total lipid content and lipid droplet size and number were quantified. Adipocyte related gene expressions were quantified during the course of differentiation. Secretion of leptin and adiponectin from mature adipocytes were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The influence of oxygen partial pressure on adipogenesis was investigated using three oxygen percentages: 5, 21 and 30%. Insulin sensitivity was measured by insulin inhibition of isoproterenol-induced lipolysis and phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1.

RESULTS

A lower media height during adipogenesis increased total lipid accumulation, NEFA release and leptin and adiponectin secretion in mature adipocytes. Insulin sensitivity was not affected by media height during differentiation.

CONCLUSION

Media height during adipogenesis was inversely correlated with lipid content in mature adipocytes. To achieve a high lipid content and greater adipokine secretion, it is best to use a low media volume during differentiation.

Jak-STAT regulation of cyst stem cell development in the Drosophila testis

Establishment and maintenance of functional stem cells is critical for organ development and tissue homeostasis. Little is known about the mechanisms underlying stem establishment during organogenesis. Drosophila testes are among the most thoroughly characterized systems for studying stem cell behavior, with germline stem cells (GSCs) and somatic cyst stem cells (CySCs) cohabiting a discrete stem cell niche at the testis apex. GSCs and CySCs are arrayed around hub cells that also comprise the niche and communication between hub cells, GSCs, and CySCs regulates the balance between stem cell maintenance and differentiation. Recent data has shown that functional, asymmetrically dividing GSCs are first established at ∼23 h after egg laying during Drosophila testis morphogenesis (Sheng et al., 2009). This process correlates with coalescence of the hub, but development of CySCs from somatic gonadal precursors (SGPs) was not examined. Here, we show that functional CySCs are present at the time of GSC establishment, and that Jak-STAT signaling is necessary and sufficient for CySC maintenance shortly thereafter. Furthermore, hyper-activation of Jak in CySCs promotes expansion of the GSC population, while ectopic Jak activation in the germline induces GSC gene expression in GSC daughter cells but does not prevent spermatogenic differentiation. Together, these observations indicate that, similar to adult testes, Jak-STAT signaling from the hub acts on both GSCs and CySC to regulate their development and differentiation, and that additional signaling from CySCs to the GSCs play a dominant role in controlling GSC maintenance during niche formation.

Effectiveness of statins in chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Previous studies show that statins reduce total cholesterol (TC) concentration by both 21% in primary prevention (PP) and secondary prevention (SP) in clinical trials and by ∼24% in the general population. There are few data about the efficacy of statins on TC concentration and cardiovascular (CV) outcome in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We evaluated the reduction of TC concentration and subsequent risk of CV morbidity and mortality with statins in CKD patients.

METHODS

A population-based cohort study using a record-linkage database in Tayside, Scotland. A total of 2369 patients who had a primary diagnosis of CKD from Scottish Morbidity Record data or biochemistry database (serum creatinine of 220 μmol/l or higher) and who had at least two separate TC measurements between 1993 and 2007 were studied. Patients were categorized into statin-exposed and statin-unexposed groups according to statin use status during the follow-up. They were also classified into PP (n = 1325) and SP (n = 1044) cohorts at the entry date. The main outcomes were TC concentration change from baseline, CV events [Antiplatelet Trialist's Collaboration (APTC)] and all-cause mortality during the follow-up. Cox regression models, in which statin use was a time-dependent variable, were employed to assess the risk of outcome and adjusted for other known confounders.

RESULTS

Statin-associated TC concentrations decreased by 0.59 mmol/l (12%) in PP cohort and 0.56 mmol/l (13%) in SP cohort from 4.77 and 4.48 mmol/l at baselines, respectively. Statin use was associated with a reduced risk of APTC events, CV mortality or all-cause mortality in PP {adjusted hazard ratio (HR), 0.65 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.48-0.88]; 0.73 (95% CI 0.52-0.98); 0.59 (95% CI 0.48-0.73)} and SP [adjusted HR, 0.66 (95% CI 0.52-0.84); 0.60 (95% CI 0.47-0.77); 0.56 (95% CI 0.47-0.68)], respectively.

CONCLUSION

Statin use reduced TC concentrations by ∼13% in patients with CKD. Statins were protective of APTC events, CV mortality and all-cause mortality in patients with or without established CV disease.

Does ultrasonic energy for surgical dissection reduce the incidence of renal transplant lymphocele?

OBJECTIVE

To determine the difference in post-renal transplant lymphocele rate based on the surgical dissection technique for control of lymphatics by examining the historical case group under the direction of a single, university-based surgeon in a retrospective, cohort study.

PATIENTS

Five hundred thirty-two consecutive renal transplant patients from January 1994 to December 2009.

FINDINGS

Of the 532 cases studied, 259 (48.7%) had suture ligation and 273 (51.3%) employed ultrasonic dissection (UD) for control of lymphatics during renal transplantation. There was no difference found in the rate of lymphocele formation, requiring either percutaneous or surgical drainage, when surgical ties (8.9%) were compared to UD (9.2%; P=.999). Logistic regression analysis showed that the odds ratio for developing a lymphocele was independent of surgical dissection technique. Within the logistic analysis, the prediction for lymphocele was increased 3.29 times for pediatric patients (P=.002) and increased 2.97 times for those who received a living donor graft (P=.001), and there was a trend for those with a history of more than one renal transplant of 2.01 times (P=.079).

SUMMARY

Surgical dissection technique was not a factor in the development of post-renal transplant lymphocele. Younger age, living donor transplant, and repeat transplant status were found to be predictive variables for symptomatic lymphoceles requiring drainage, which may be considered when patients present for posttransplant evaluations for laboratory alterations.

The evolution of the phage shock protein response system: interplay between protein function, genomic organization, and system function

Sensing the environment and responding appropriately to it are key capabilities for the survival of an organism. All extant organisms must have evolved suitable sensors, signaling systems, and response mechanisms allowing them to survive under the conditions they are likely to encounter. Here, we investigate in detail the evolutionary history of one such system: The phage shock protein (Psp) stress response system is an important part of the stress response machinery in many bacteria, including Escherichia coli K12.

Here, we use a systematic analysis of the genes that make up and regulate the Psp system in E. coli in order to elucidate the evolutionary history of the system. We compare gene sharing, sequence evolution, and conservation of protein-coding as well as noncoding DNA sequences and link these to comparative analyses of genome/operon organization across 698 bacterial genomes. Finally, we evaluate experimentally the biological advantage/disadvantage of a simplified version of the Psp system under different oxygen-related environments.

Our results suggest that the Psp system evolved around a core response mechanism by gradually co-opting genes into the system to provide more nuanced sensory, signaling, and effector functionalities. We find that recruitment of new genes into the response machinery is closely linked to incorporation of these genes into a psp operon as is seen in E. coli, which contains the bulk of genes involved in the response. The organization of this operon allows for surprising levels of additional transcriptional control and flexibility. The results discussed here suggest that the components of such signaling systems will only be evolutionarily conserved if the overall functionality of the system can be maintained.

Impact of donor cause of death on transplant outcomes: UNOS registry analysis

Donor cause of death (DCOD) has been described to influence allograft survival. Whether this effect is independent of other donor characteristics and whether it is similar across different solid organ allografts is not known. The aim of our study was to determine the impact of DCOD on organ utilization and on transplantation outcomes-graft rejection, function, and survival. The registry data were provided by the United Network for Organ Sharing/Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network. Stroke, head trauma, and anoxia were the cause of brain death in 97% of the more than 86,000 donors whose data were recorded between 1989 and 2008. In univariate analysis, stroke DCOD was associated with worse graft survival across all organs. After adjustment in a multivariable analysis, modest differences persisted in survival of heart, kidney, and liver allografts. DCOD also appeared to affect the incidence of allograft rejection. Anoxia DCOD was associated with significantly less rejection relative to donor death caused by head trauma and stroke. In summary, this multi-institutional study confirms that DCOD is a modest predictor of survival and rejection of solid organ allografts of different types.

Response to sunitinib in Chinese KIT-mutated metastatic mucosal melanoma

e20017

Background: To investigate the possible relationship between sunitinib response and KIT mutation as well as KIT expression. Methods: We find that a 75-year male patient with KIT-mutated metastatic mucosal (primary: nasal, metastasis: left adrenal gland, lungs and right eye) melanoma has a very good response to sunitinib 37.5mg/d consecutively. We apply IHC sp assay to detect S100, HMB-45, CD117, VEGFR, PDGFR and EGFR in the melanoma sample of this patient. DNA is also extracted from paraffin-embedded melanoma sample of this patient and PCR is carried out to amplify several exons of C-KIT (exon11,13,17,18),B-RAF(exon11, 15) and N- RAS(exon1, 2). PCR products are sent to be directly sequenced. Clinical response, PFS and OS of the patient are evaluated. Results: Strong expression of S100, HMB45, CD117, VEFGR and PDGFR is detected by IHC in the tissue sample of the patient. Furthermore, direct sequencing after PCR reveals that V559A substitution is detected in exon 11 of KIT, with mutation of T into C at 1776, leading to substitution of Valine by Alanine at 559. No mutation was detected in exon 9, 13, 17, 18 of KIT, B-RAF15, 11 or N-RAS1, 2. The patient received sunitinib 37.5mg/d from July 2008 consecutively and evaluated PR (Recist: tumors shrink 70%) lasting for 5 months with Grade II myelosuppression and stomatitis. Now the patient is still alive and received sunitinib. Conclusions: Our case report suggests that response of melanoma patients to sunitinib might be correlated to KIT mutation and expression, and large-scale clinical trial in patients with KIT mutation and over-expression might be useful to shed light on treatment of melanoma patients with individual targeted therapy.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Endostatin combined with chemotherapy as first-line therapy for stage IV melanoma patients: A phase II clinical study

e20003

Background: To observe the efficacy and safety of rh-endostatin injection (Endostar) combined with chemotherapy as first line therapy for stage IV melanoma patients. Methods: From March 2007-March 2008, 20 metastatic melanoma patients were enrolled. Endostar (15 mg d1–14) combined with dacarbazine (250 mg/m2 d1–5) or temozolomide (300 mg d 1–5) and fotemustine (100 mg/m2 d6) were given every 28days. Response, toxicity and progression free survival(PFS) were analyzed. Results: Among 20 evaluable cases, with mean cycle 2.7±0.80, four achieved partial response, six stable disease, with response rate 20.0% (4/20) and clinical benefit rate 50.0% (10/20). The median PFS reached 4.5 months (95% CI: 3.85–6.9 months), overall survival 8.5 months (95% CI: 5.62–8.54 months), with 6 months PFS rate 35% (7/20), and 6 months survival rate 65% (13/20). The Grade 3/4 toxicity was mainly myelosuppression, 40% (8/20). One patient ceased the treatment because of sinus bradycardia. Conclusions: Endostar combined with chemotherapy show its efficacy on melanoma patients and may prolong PFS.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Durable response of the triple combination of temozolomide, sorafenib, and bevacizumab as second-line therapy for patients with stage IV acral melanoma

e20010

Background: Temozolomide (TMZ) is an oral formulation of dacarbazine with improved central nervous system penetration. Sorafenib inhibits Raf kinase and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor. Bevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody targeted against VEGF. TMZ plus sorafenib has shown efficacy in advanced melanoma. The triple combination, chemotherapy plus the complementary inhibition of VEGF signaling, was hypothesized to have synergistic effects on acral metastatic melanoma. Methods: Eligible are refractory (previous one systemic regimen failed) acral advanced melanoma, measurable disease (RECIST). Treatment includes TMZ 200 mg/m2/d (days 1–5), bevacizumab 5 mg/Kg (days 1, 14) and sorafenib 400 mg/bid (days 1–28), repeated every 28days. VEGFR, PDGFR, EGFR and CD117 of tumor tissue were detected by Immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay and the DNA was abstracted and amplified by PCR assay and then sequenced to detect the mutation of C-KIT (exon11,13,17,18),B- RAF(exon11, 15) and N-RAS(exon1, 2). Progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), response and toxicity were assessed. Correlation was analyzed between gene mutations, IHC results and clinical response. Results: 50 patients were planned to recruit. Till December of 2008, 11 patients all in M1c stage have been enrolled and evaluated. One patient has achieved complete response (CR) which has been lasting 5 cycles. One patient has achieved partial response (PR) with a 69% tumor reduction which has been lasting 3 cycles. One patient achieved PR with a 41% tumor reduction which has been lasting 6 cycles. 6 pts got stable disease (all tumor reduction, range: 4–21%) lasting > 2 cycles (range: 3–4 cycles); and 2 PD after 1 cycle. The toxicity was moderate. It's too early to assess survival. It seemed no correlation between positive IHC results and response. It could not be decided if there is correlation between gene mutation/IHC results and response/survival. Conclusions: The triple combination (TMZ, sorafenib, and bevacizumab) regimen preliminary achieved durable clinical response especially the patients with CR or PR. The regimen is safe and well tolerated. More data will be presented in ASCO.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Intra-arterial hepatic bio-chemotherapy for the treatment of melanoma patients with liver metastasis: A phase II clinical study

e20014

Background: To investigate the efficacy and safety of hepatic intra-arterial infusion of cisplatin, fotemustine combined with systemic dacarbazine for the treatment of melanoma patients with liver metastasis. Methods: From 2005.7 to 2008.7, thirty-six melanoma patients with liver metastatic were enrolled. Systemic dacarbazine (250mg/m2 d1–5) and intra-arterial hepatic (i.a.h.) of cisplatin (75mg/m2 d6) and fotemustine (100mg/m2 d7) were given repeated for 4-weeks. Response, progress free survival(PFS), and toxicity were analyzed. Results: 27 of the 36 patients were evaluable, with mean cycle 2.16±1.19, one achieved CR, one PR and seven SD. The disease control rate was 33.3% (9/27) with a median PFS of 3.5 months (95% CI 3.45–7.02months), overall survival of 7.5 months (95 CI 6.87–11.06 months, following to 2008.8). The Grade 3/4 toxicity was mainly myelosuppression, with occurrence rates of 40.7% (10/27). Conclusions: Intra-arterial hepatic chemotherapy show its efficacy and may prolong PFS in melanoma patients with liver metastasis.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Characterisation of MCP-600D and MCP-700D thermoluminescence detectors and their applicability for photoneutron detection

This paper presents the characteristics of two high-sensitive LiF:Mg,Cu,P thermoluminescence detectors (TLDs) named MCP-600D and MCP-700D [thermoluminescence detector (TLD) Poland]. Furthermore, the applicability of both detectors used as a paired system for photoneutron detection in a high-energy photon field at a linear accelerator is shown. For MCP-600D and MCP-700D, the batch homogeneity is within 22 and 14%, respectively (2 SD). Correction for the individual response of each TLD leads to a reproducibility of 5 and 4%, respectively Both TLD types reveal a linear detector response to dose up to 4 Gy. The energy dependence for both is within 2% for 4 and 6 MV photons. For a 15 MV photon beam, the MCP-600D shows a higher response (10%); compared with the MCP-700D (2%). The MCP-600D is capable of detecting extra doses due to photoneutrons in a 15 MV photon exposure; however, the signal for an open field of the used linear accelerator is in the order of the reproducibility. Using a kind of albedo technique allows detection of photoneutrons in the open photon field anyhow. The neutron detection limit is 10 microGy neutron dose per 1 Gy photon dose. Reproducibility of the TLDs, however, requires more than 10 detectors to determine results with an uncertainty of <5%.