High-resolution CT findings in children with a normal pinna or grade I microtia and unilateral mild stenosis of the external auditory canal

SUMMARY

A subset of patients presents with unilateral conductive hearing loss, a normal pinna or grade I microtia, and mild external auditory canal stenosis. The physical findings of microtia and a small external canal are commonly absent or subtle in this group of patients, who are being commonly referred for imaging to evaluate isolated conductive hearing loss. We present a case series of patients with unilateral conductive hearing loss and characteristic ossicular abnormalities, commonly anterior fixation of the malleus. All patients had a significantly increased distance from the cochlear promontory to the handle of the malleus and an abnormal incudostapedial angle, indicative of an abnormal ossicular position and/or morphology. Successful surgical reconstruction of the ossicular chain was attempted and accomplished in 3 patients.

Wnt signaling pathway: implications for therapy in lung cancer and bone metastasis

Lung cancer remains a major worldwide health problem and patients have high rate of metastasis including bone. Although pathologic characteristics of this disease are clear and well established, much remains to be understood about this tumor, particularly at the molecular signaling level. Secreted signaling molecules of the Wnt family have been widely investigated and found to play a prominent role to induce human malignant diseases, such as breast and prostate cancer. A variety of studies have also demonstrated that the Wnt signaling pathway is closely associated with bone malignancies including osteosarcoma, multiple myeloma, and breast or prostate cancer induced bone metastasis. The aim of this review is to provide a summary regarding the role of the Wnt signaling pathway in lung cancer and bone metastasis, highlighting the aberrant activation of Wnt in this malignancy. We also discuss the potential therapeutic applications for the treatment of lung cancer and cancer induced bone metastasis targeting the Wnt pathway.

Src regulates angiogenic factors and vascular permeability after focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion

Developing new strategies to treat cerebral ischemic-reperfusion injury will require a better understanding of the mechanisms that underlie vascular permeability. In this study we examined the temporal expression of Src and angiogenic factors in rat brain after focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion and analyzed the relationships among those factors. We also investigated the effect of Src inhibitor PP1 (4-amino-5-(4-methylphenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine) in ischemic reperfusion. Rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion for 90 min followed by reperfusion with or without PP1 treatment. Src mRNA increased at 3h after reperfusion and then gradually declined. Phosphorylation of Src at Y418 displayed a biphasic increase. Phosphorylation increased as early as 3h and peaked at 6h; after decreasing, it peaked again at 3-7 days. Increases in Src mRNA and phosphorylation correlated positively with levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), and negatively with levels of angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1). Changes in the expression of these factors correlated with the progress of vascular permeability, especially early after reperfusion. Hence, dynamic temporal changes in Src Y418 phosphorylation may modulate vascular permeability after cerebral ischemia and reperfusion. PP1 effectively decreased Src Y418 phosphorylation and the expression of VEGF and Ang-2 and increased the expression of Ang-1 and ZO-1. It also reduced cerebral infarct size and neurologic dysfunction. Therefore, Src may represent a new therapeutic target for reducing tissue damage caused by increased vascular permeability.

Treatment of rabbit intervertebral disc degeneration with co-transfection by adeno-associated virus-mediated SOX9 and osteogenic protein-1 double genes in vivo

Degeneration of the lumbar intervertebral disc is a common cause of low back pain and leg pain that affects the physical and mental health of the patient and increases the social burden. This study was performed to observe the biological effects of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated osteogenic protein-1 (OP1) and SOX9 double gene co-transfection in rabbit intervertebral disc degeneration in vivo. The animals were randomly grouped into models of disc degeneration. After injecting 20 µl of double-gene mixed solution, OP1, SOX9, enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and PBS buffer into the disc of each group, X-ray analysis, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and western blotting were performed on the 3rd, 6th and 9th week of surgery. On the 3rd, 6th and 9th week of the transfection, X-ray and MRI showed that the intervertebral height and T2-weighted signal intensity were restored significantly in groups A, B and C, whereas significant differences in intervertebral space and T2-weighted signal intensity were observed between group A and groups B and C (P<0.05). RT-PCR and western blotting showed that the expression of type II collagen and proteoglycan mRNA was upregulated in groups A, B and C. The expression in group A was significantly higher than that in the other groups (P<0.05). Recombinant AAV-mediated SOX9 and OP1 double-gene transfection significantly ameliorated the height of the degenerative intervertebral disc and significantly promoted the high expression of degenerative disc proteoglycan and type II collagen. It can therefore be concluded that dual-gene therapy has a synergistic effect.

Role of relaxin-2 in human primary osteosarcoma

Background

The aim of this study was to clarify the clinicopathological outcome of serum relaxin-2 and tissues relaxin-2 expression levels in human primary osteosarcoma (OS), and to explore the roles of relaxin-2 inhibition and determine its possibility as a therapeutic target in human osteosarcoma.

Methods

Real-time quantitative RT-PCR assay was performed to detect the expression of relaxin-2 mRNA in 36 cases of human osteosarcoma tissue samples. Serum relaxin-2 levels was measured in ELISA-based method in the 36 cases of osteosarcoma and 50 cases of controls. MTT and TUNEL assay was used to detect cell proliferation and apoptosis after relaxin-2 knockdown with siRNA transfection for 48 hs in vitro. Matrigel invasion and angiogenesis formation assay was used to detect cell metastasis and angiogenesis with HMEC-1 endothelial cells after relaxin-2 knockdown with siRNA transfection for 48 hs in vitro. The effects of relaxin-2 knockdown with anti- relaxin-2 mAb treatment on growth, apoptosis angiogenesis formation and lung metastasis in vivo was analyzed.

Results

The results showed the levels of relaxin-2 mRNA expression in osteosarcoma tissue samples were significantly higher than those in the corresponding non-tumor tissue samples (P < 0.01), and the serum relaxin-2 levels were significantly higher in OS patients than in healthy controls (P < 0.01). The incidence of advanced stage cancer and hematogenous metastasis cancer in the high relaxin-2 mRNA expression group and high serum relaxin-2 levels groups was significantly higher than that in the low relaxin-2 expression group and low serum relaxin-2 levels groups, respectively. Knockdown of relaxin-2 by siRNA transfection in vitro inhibited proliferation, invasion and angiogenesis in vitro in MG-63 OS cells. In vivo, knockdown of relaxin-2 with anti- relaxin-2 mAb treatment inhibited tumor growth by 62% (P < 0.01) and the formation of lung metastases was inhibited by 72.4% (P < 0.01). Microvascular density was reduced more than 60% due to anti- relaxin-2 mAb treatment (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Our study suggests that overexpression of relaxin-2 is critical for the metastasis of human osteosarcoma. Detection of relaxin-2 mRNA expression or serum relaxin-2 levels may provide the first biological prognostic marker for OS. Furthermore, relaxin-2 is the potential molecular target for osteosarcoma therapy.

Identification of pY654-β-catenin as a critical co-factor in hypoxia-inducible factor-1α signaling and tumor responses to hypoxia

Hypoxia is linked to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumor progression in numerous carcinomas. Responses to hypoxia are thought to operate via hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), but the importance of co-factors that regulate HIF signaling within tumors is not well understood. Here, we elucidate a signaling pathway that physically and functionally couples tyrosine phosphorylation of β-catenin to HIF1α signaling and HIF1α-mediated tumor EMT. Primary human lung adenocarcinomas accumulate pY654-β-catenin and HIF1α. All pY654-β-catenin, and only the tyrosine phosphorylated form, was found complexed with HIF1α and active Src, both within the human tumors and in lung tumor cell lines exposed to hypoxia. Phosphorylation of Y654, generated by hypoxia mediated, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent Src kinase activation, was required for β-catenin to interact with HIF1α and Src, to promote HIF1α transcriptional activity, and for hypoxia-induced EMT. Mice bearing hypoxic pancreatic islet adenomas, generated by treatment with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor antibodies, accumulate HIF1α/pY654-β-catenin complexes and develop an invasive phenotype. Concurrent administration of the ROS inhibitor N-acetylcysteine abrogated β-catenin/HIF pathway activity and restored adenoma architecture. Collectively, the findings implicate accumulation of pY654-β-catenin specifically complexed to HIF1α and Src kinase as critically involved in HIF1α signaling and tumor invasion. The findings also suggest that targeting ROS-dependent aspects of the pY654-β-catenin/ HIF1α pathway may attenuate untoward biological effects of anti-angiogenic agents and tumor hypoxia.

Synovial fluid dynamics with small disc perforation in temporomandibular joint

The articular disc plays an important role as a stress absorber in joint movement, resulting in stress reduction and redistribution in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The flow of synovial fluid in the TMJ may follow a regular pattern during movement of the jaw. We hypothesised that the regular pattern is disrupted when the TMJ disc is perforated. By computed tomography arthrography, we studied the upper TMJ compartment in patients with small disc perforation during jaw opening-closing at positions from 0 to 3 cm. Finite element fluid dynamic modelling was accomplished to analyse the pattern of fluid flow and pressure distribution during the movements. The results showed that the fluid flow in the upper compartment generally formed an anticlockwise circulation but with local vortexes with the jaw opening up to 2 cm. However, when the jaw opening-closing reached 3 cm, an abnormal flow field and the fluid pressure change associated with the perforation may increase the risk of perforation expansion or rupture and is unfavourable for self-repair of the perforated disc.

Estrogen Deprivation Results in Altered DNA Methylation Profile in Breast Cancer Cells – Role in Endocrine Resistance?

Postmenopausal breast cancer patients benefit from aromatase inhibitors (AIs) that reduce the levels of estrogens which are critical for tumor growth. To date, epigenetic contributions to hormonal therapy resistance have not been well characterized, with only a limited understanding of antiestrogen mediated epigenetic modification of chromatin and altered gene expression. Furthermore, no genome-wide studies have been undertaken to identify altered DNA methylation patterns due to estrogen deprivation, which mimic AI therapy. We hypothesized that estrogen deprivation results in altered methylation, and therefore altered expression of critical target genes in breast cancer cells, which ultimately helps the cell to survive in the absence of estrogen and thus would contribute to acquire AI resistance in breast cancer patients.We used previously established MCF-7 cell clones, termed C4-12 and LTED (Long Term Estrogen Deprivation) that were isolated after being cultured in estrogen-free media for 9 months and 18-24 months, respectively. A genome-wide methylation screen was done using Methyl CpG binding Domain (MBD) pull down assay followed by hybridization into Affymetrix Human Promoter 1.0R Array. Altered DNA methylations were validated by bisulfite genomic sequencing assays and gene expression of some selected genes were studied by qRT PCR.From the array, we found that long term estrogen deprivation results in widespread genomic hyper- and hypomethylation events. 267 and 301 genes were hypermethylated in C4-12 and LTED respectively. In both resistant cell lines, the number of hypermethyled genes was more prominent than hypomethylated genes since only 82 and 97 genes were hypomethylated in C4-12 and LTED respectively. While hypomethylation of genes generally correlated with increased gene expression, hypermethylation did not in many cases. A gene which was heavily methylated in both cell line system, possibly reflecting a more general and important pathway in estrogen-deprivation, was HOXC10. Transient and stable silencing of HOXC10 in MCF-7 cells resulted in increased cell proliferation in estrogen deprived medium, suggesting a potential role of HOXC10 in developing resistance to endocrine therapy.This is the first genome-wide approach to identify gene-specific epigenetic alterations, and the functional consequences of these changes in developing resistance to estrogen deprivation therapy. This approach allows the development of epigenetic signatures of therapeutic resistance to be used concurrently with genomic signatures to better understand the molecular mechanism of endocrine resistance. This study might provide the basis for future clinical trials such as combination therapy of DNA demethylating agents and aromatase inhibitors.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 5127.

The therapeutic effect of vasoactive intestinal peptide on experimental arthritis is associated with CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) has been found to act as a potent anti-inflammatory factor through regulating the production of both anti- and pro-inflammatory mediators and promoting Th2-type responses. In this study, we used Chicken collagen II-induced experimental arthritis (CIA) model in Wistar rats to investigate the potential effects of VIP on rheumatoid arthritis. Our results showed that in vivo treatment of CIA-induced rats with VIP had great protective benefit at both clinical and histological levels. Disease suppression was associated with the inhibition of T cells proliferation, shifting of the immune response toward a Th2-type response and expanded CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg in the periphery, which inhibited autoreactive T cell activation/expansion. In conclusion, the study provides evidence that VIP had great protective effect on CIA through its inhibition actions on pathogenic T cells.

Relationship between TFAM Gene Polymorphisms and Endurance Capacity in Response to Training

The aim of this study was to explore whether polymorphisms in mitochondrial transcription factor A ( TFAM) gene are associated with endurance capacity in a pretraining state (baseline) and/or in response to a supervised 18-wk endurance training (changes) in 102 young Chinese males (nonathletes). Phenotypes measured were running economy (RE) and V(.)O (2max). Genomic DNA was extracted from white blood cells and the genotypes were analyzed by PCR-RFLP in single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) rs1937, rs2306604 and rs1049432. Genotype distributions were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium at three loci (p > 0.05). When the three polymorphisms were considered together, three haplotypes were estimated, i.e., G (rs1937)-A (rs2306604)-G (rs1049432) (49 %), G (rs1937)-G (rs2306604)-G (rs1049432) (33 %) and C (rs1937)-G (rs2306604)-T (rs1049432) (18 %). SNPrs1937 and rs1049432 achieved near complete linkage disequilibrium (LD) (D' = 1 and r (2) = 0.903). We found no significant differences in baseline levels of V(.)O (2max) and RE between TFAM genotypes or haplotypes. Similarly, we found no differences for the training-induced changes of both variables. It was concluded that the three polymorphisms in TFAM gene rs1937, rs2306604 and rs1049432 do not predict endurance capacity/trainability, at least in Chinese males.

Severe acute graft-vs-host disease in a patient with acute monocytic leukemia having a recombination event between HLA-A/B loci from a multiple recombinant family

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) recombination, particularly multiple recombinations can produce novel haplotypes, thereby complicating donor-recipient selection and possibly inducing severe graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) after nonfully matched allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Here, we report for the first time that a 30-year-old female acute monocytic leukemia patient with an HLA-A/B recombinant haplotype, who has three unmatched and one HLA-B/DRB1 recombinant haplotype siblings, presented grade IV acute GVHD (aGVHD) after transplantation from a sibling with a single allele only mismatch at the classical HLA-A locus. Furthermore, using a new three-dimensional structure modeling application, we inferred that the structural differences in peptide-binding and T-cell receptor interaction sites can significantly change the immunogenicity of mismatched HLA molecules, potentially one of the main causes of aGVHD.

NRF2 Genotype Improves Endurance Capacity in Response to Training

The aim of this work was to examine the association between the polymorphisms in nuclear respiratory factor (NRF2) gene and endurance capacity measured prior to and after an 18-wk endurance training program in young Chinese men. The phenotypes measured were running economy (RE) and VO(2max). The RE was determined by measuring submaximal VO(2) for 5 min at a constant running speed of 12 km x h (-1) and VO(2max) was measured during an incremental test to volitional exhaustion. Genomic DNA was extracted from white cells of peripheral blood and the genotypes were examined in SNPrs12594956, rs8031031 and rs7181866 by PCR-RFLP. Genotype distributions were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium at three loci, and linkage disequilibrium was observed (LD D' = 1 and r (2) = 0.903) between rs8031031 and rs7181866. The VO(2max) was associated with rs12594956 at baseline while the training response of VO(2) at RE, was associated with rs12594956, rs8031031 and rs7181866. When the three SNPs were considered together, those carrying the ATG haplotype had 57.5 % higher training response in VO(2) at RE (p = 0.006) than non-carriers. In conclusion, polymorphisms in NRF2 gene may explain some of the between-person variance in endurance capacity.

Synergistic antitumor efficacy and altered gene expression signature in breast cancer cells treated with immunotoxins and cyclosporin A

13505

Background: Immunotoxins (ITs) has shown limited clinical success related to liver toxicity and development of anti-IT antibodies. To delay the immune response we tested combinations of ITs and the Cyclosporin A (CsA). we have shown that one IT, currently in a phase I/II clinical trial, acts by inducing apoptosis and protein synthesis inhibition, but gene expression analysis of IT treated cells has never been reported. Hence, we also studied changes in gene expression induced by ITs alone and the effects of adding (CsA) on both treatment efficacy and gene expression signature. Methods: Human MA-11 breast cancer cells were treated in vitro with antiEGFR- and antiEPCAM-based ITs alone and in combinations with CsA. Therapeutic efficay was assessed by MTS cell viability assay. Total RNA from untreated and treated cells was isolated and CodeLink Uniset Human 20 k Oligo Bioarray (GE Healthcare, Amersham Biosciences, NJ), containing approximately 20,289 gene probes, was used to generate gene expression profiles. Gene expression analysis was carried out using GeneSpring software version 7.2 using One-way ANOVA with p<0.05. Comparisons of gene list across different groups were performed using Venn Diagrams. Results: Combination therapy produced remarkable synergistic effects in MA-11 cells in vitro and in metastasis models in vivo. Moreover, in conventional rats receiving repeated injections of ITs and CsA the formation of anti-IT antibodies was virtually abrogated. Changes in gene expression profiles induced by the ITs alone and in combination with CsA were evaluated to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms for the synergistic effects. The ITs each induced specific changes in expression of some apoptosis-related genes but also fogenes in pathways unrelated to apoptosis and protein synthesis. The addition of CsA induced up- or down-regulation of a number of interesting non-immune-associated genes Conclusions: Important shortcomings for successful clinical use of ITs may be overcome by combination therapy with CsA. The possibility for further improvement is provided by results of gene profiling studies identifying therapy-induced genes belonging to different cell signaling pathways.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Is there an association between PPARGC1A genotypes and endurance capacity in Chinese men?

Our purpose was to determine the possible association between genotypes of three polymorphisms (Gly482Ser, Thr394Thr and A2962G) of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PPARGC1A) gene, on one hand, and both the pre- (baseline) and post-training levels of maximal (i.e., maximal oxygen uptake [VO2max]) and submaximal human endurance capacity (i.e., running economy [RE]). We studied 102 young males (physically active, non-athletes; age: 19+/-1 yrs) from Northern China (of Han origin) who underwent a 18-week endurance training (running) program and were tested on a treadmill (for VO2max and RE determination) before and after training. None of the VO2max and RE related traits were associated with the Gly482Ser and Thr394Thr polymorphisms at baseline or after training. The A2962G polymorphism was however associated with VO2max at baseline, as carriers of the G allele (AG+GG genotypes; n=49) had higher levels of VO2max than the AA group (n=53) (58.2+/-4.3 vs 56.3+/-3.9 mL/kg/min; P=0.017). Our results do not support previous data on Caucasians showing an association between the Gly482Ser variant and VO2max but suggest the potential role of another polymorphism (A2962G) to explain individual VO2max differences in Chinese men.

Muscle-specific creatine kinase gene polymorphism and running economy responses to an 18-week 5000-m training programme

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between muscle-specific creatine kinase (CKMM) gene polymorphism and the effects of endurance training on running economy.

METHODS

102 biologically unrelated male volunteers from northern China performed a 5000-m running programme, with an intensity of 95-105% ventilatory threshold. The protocol was undertaken three times per week and lasted for 18 weeks. Running economy indexes were determined by making the participants run on a treadmill before and after the protocol, and the A/G polymorphism in the 3' untranslated region of CKMM was detected by polymerase chain reaction-restricted fragment length polymorphism (NcoI restriction enzyme).

RESULTS

Three expected genotypes for CKMM-NcoI (AA, AG and GG) were observed in the participants. After training, all running economy indexes declined markedly. Change in steady-state consumption of oxygen, change in steady-state consumption of oxygen by mean body weight, change in steady-state consumption of oxygen by mean lean body weight and change in ventilatory volume in AG groups were larger than those in AA and GG groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings indicate that the CKMM gene polymorphism may contribute to individual running economy responses to endurance training.

Polymorphisms in the HBB gene relate to individual cardiorespiratory adaptation in response to endurance training

OBJECTIVE

The crucial role of haemoglobin in endurance performance has been well documented. We examined whether polymorphisms in the HBB gene modified aerobic capacity.

METHODS

102 recruits were trained by running 5000 m three times per week for 18 weeks. Exercise intensity progressively increased from an initial heart rate corresponding to 95% of the individual baseline ventilatory threshold during the first 10 weeks to 105% during the last 8 weeks. The phenotypes measured were running economy and VO(2)max. Running economy was determined by measuring submaximal VO(2) for 5 min at a constant running speed of 12 km.h(-1) and VO(2)max was obtained during an incremental test to exhaustion. Genomic DNA was extracted from white cells of peripheral blood and the -551C/T, intron2,+16C/G and +340 A/T genotypes were examined relative to the TAA site variants by PCR-RFLP.

RESULTS

Genotype distributions were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium at three loci. None of the running economy and VO(2)max-related traits were associated with the three polymorphisms or haplotypes at baseline, while the training response of running economy was associated with -551C/T and intron2,+16C/G polymorphisms. Subjects homozygous for intron2,+16C/C or -551C/C had decreased oxygen cost of running compared to the other individuals.

DISCUSSION

It was concluded that the -551C/C or intron2,+16C/C genotype might explain part of the individual variation in the cardiorespiratory adaptation to endurance training.

Non-coding microRNA hsa-let-7g as a novel chemoresponse biomarker for S-1 in colon cancer

13513

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-cording RNAs (∼ 22 nucleotide) that regulate gene expression by suppressing their target mRNAs at post-transcriptional level. Previous studies from our group have identified a number of dis-regulated miRNAs due to the loss of p53 tumor suppressor in cancer cell lines. As part of the efforts to further investigate the in vivo biological significance of these miRNAs, the expression of both hsa-let-7g and hsa-miR-200c were investigated using formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) colon cancer specimens to evaluate the potential correlation with chemosensitivity and tumorigenesis. Methods: Forty-six patients with recurrent or residual colon cancer lesion assessable were treated with 5-FU based antimetabolite S-1. This includes twenty-one pair of tumor and normal samples. Total RNAs were isolated from these samples FFPE specimens (contains either > 90% normal or > 90% tumor tissue). cDNAs were synthesized using primers specific for hsa-let-7g, hsa-miR-200c and internal control 5S. The expression levels of each particular miRNAs were quantified using real time qRT-PCR analysis. The expression level of each miRNAs was quantified by measuring the difference of threshold cycle (CT) of candidate miRNAs and internal control 5S (Δ-CT). Results: The expression level of hsa-let-7g was significantly higher in tumor tissues compare to normal tissues (p=0.0026; Wilcoxon test). In the forty-six tumor tissues, the expression level of hsa-let-7g in disease response group (patients group of complete response, partial response and no change after chemotherapy) was significantly lower than the disease progression group (p=0.03; Mann-Whitney test). The expression of hsa-miR-200c was significantly over-expressed in tumor tissues compare to normal tissues (p=0.0001; Wilcoxon test). Although hsa-let-7g is strongly associated with patient’s response to S-1 treatment, it is not a prognostic factor for predicting survival. Conclusion: hsa-let-7g and hsa-miR-200c may be associated with tumorigenesis in colon cancer. In addition, hsa-let-7g may be a significant indicator for chemoresponse to S-1 based chemotherapy.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Chemo-response biomarker discovery via expression profiling using soft-tissue sarcoma xenografts

9569

Background: Soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) constitute a heterogeneous group of tumours of mesenchymal origin. Whereas the mainstay of treatment has been surgery and radiation, these tumours are generally considered as quite chemoresistant. However, it is well known that subgroups of patients benefit from chemotherapy. Markers that could predict drug response would therefore be beneficial for the management of this malignancy. We have previously established panel of 17 unique human soft tissue xenografts, representing 7 different histological subgroups and assessed their responsiveness to doxorubicin, ifosfamide, etoposide, and cisplatin. We wanted to utilize these xenografts as a model system to discover for novel candidate marker genes for STS chemo-response. Methods: GE Uniset Human 20K microarrays were used to obtain gene expression profiles from the each xenografts. One-way ANOVA test with a Benjamini-Hochberg multiple test correction allowing a false discovery rate of 5% was used to identify genes with significantly differential expression. Results: Doxorubicin, ifosfamide, etoposide and cisplatin were efficient in 6/17, 10/17, 1/17 and 7/17 xenografts respectively. However, in the expression profiles obtained none of the genes showed significantly correlation with chemo-responsiveness to any of the drugs. Two of the xenografts, TAX 1 and TAX 2, both originate from a malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) in the same patient, but show strikingly different sensitivity to ifosfamide (TAX1 resistant, TAX2 sensitive). When triplicate hybridizations of TAX1 and 2 were compared, 294 genes met the above criteria. In addition we identified a subset of 122 genes that were flagged absent in one of the specimens, present in the other. Among genes with an already described role in mediating drug resistance are GST-pi and glutathione peroxidase. Taken together, these results indicate that discovery of general response markers in STSs may be difficult due to the heterogeneity of the different subgroups constituting this malignancy. Conclusions: Gene expression profiling of the TAX 1 and TAX 2 xenografts revealed a number of interesting candidate marker genes for ifosfamide sensitivity of MFH. This list of genes will be further refined by validation in clinical samples.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

MBD4 and SEI1 as new prognostic markers in colorectal cancer patients receiving adjuvant 5-fluorouracil

20085

Background: Previous studies from our laboratory have identified a number of marker genes associated with chemosensitivity to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). In this study, the in vivo significance of several marker genes in terms of prognostic potential were evaluated using colorectal cancer patient samples treated with 5-FU based therapy. Eight marker genes were selected based on their functional roles and significant fold changes in expression. They are SERTA domain containing 1(SEI1), Ribonucleotide reductase M2 polypeptide (RRM2), Origin recognition complex, subunit 6 homolog-like (ORC6L), Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (EIF4E), Thymidylate Synthase (TS), SET and MYND domain containing 3 (SMYD3), Dickkopf homolog 4 (DKK4) and Methyl-CpG binding domain protein 4 (MBD4). Methods: Forty eight snap frozen clinical colorectal samples (24 normal and 24 paired colorectal cancer patient samples) were selected with detailed clinical follow-up information. cDNAs were synthesized and the expression levels of marker genes were quantified via qRT-PCR analysis. The statistical significance of these markers for disease prognosis was evaluated using two tailed paired T-test. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was generated and analyzed by Logrank test. Results: Based on the quantitative expression analysis, RRM2 (p = 0.0001, 95% CI, 2.0 to 4.5), ORC6L (p = 0.0001, 95% CI, 1.8 to 4.6), EIF4E (p = 0.0002, 95% CI, 0.3 to 0.9), TS (p = 0.0005, 95% CI, 0.7 to 2.2) and SMYD3 (p = 0.0001, 95% CI, 0.8 to 1.5) was over-expressed in tumor tissues. However, the expression of SEI1 was decreased in tumors (p = 0.02, 95% CI, 0.1 to 1.3), consistent with the function of SEI1 as a potential tumor suppressor. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that MBD4 is a significant prognostic factor for patient’s survival (p = 0.03). MBD4 was a key protein involved in DNA methylation. The expression of TS was associated with tumor stage as it had significant higher expression level in UICC stage I and II compared to stage IV patients (p = 0.03). Conclusion: MBD4 may be potential novel prognostic markers for predicting patient survival for colorectal cancer.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Noncoding miRNAs as novel prognostic factor for 5-fluorouracil adjuvant therapy in colorectal cancer

3609

Background: The roles of non-coding miRNAs in tumorgenesis are just emerging. miRNAs regulate gene expression at post-transcriptional level by influencing translation efficiency of their target mRNAs. Previous studies from our laboratory have identified a number of miRNAs that were dis-regulated in colon cancer cell lines related to the loss of p53 tumor suppressor gene. In this study, the in vivo significance of some of these miRNAs was further evaluated using clinical samples. Ten miRNAs (hsa-let-7b, hsa-let-7g, hsa-miR-15b, hsa-miR-181b, hsa-miR-191, hsa-miR-200c, hsa-miR-26a, hsa-miR-27a, hsa-miR-30a-5p and hsa-miR-30c) were evaluated for their potential prognostic value in colorectal cancer patients receiving 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) based therapy. Methods: Forty eight snap frozen clinical colorectal samples (24 normal and 24 paired colorectal cancer patient samples) were selected with detailed clinical follow-up information. RNAs were isolated from these samples using TRIzol reagent. After cDNA synthesis with miRNA specific primers, the expression levels of 10 miRNAs were quantified via qRT-PCR analysis. The statistical significance of these markers for disease prognosis was evaluated using two tailed paired T-test. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was generated and followed by Logrank test. Result: Among the ten miRNAs, hsa-miR-15b (p=0.02), hsa-miR-181b (p=0.01), hsa-miR-191 (p=0.03) and hsa-miR-200c (p=0.005) were significantly over-expressed in tumors compared to normal colorectal samples. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicates that hsa-miR-200c was a significant prognostic marker for predicting patient’s survival (p=0.01). The patients (n=15) with higher hsa-miR-200c expression had shorter survival interval (median survival = 26 months) compared to patients (n=9) with lower expression (median survival = 38 months). Conclusions: Some of these miRNAs may function as oncogenes due to their over-expression in tumors. Hsa-miR-200c may be a potential novel prognostic factor for 5-FU based chemotherapy in colorectal cancer.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Gene expression profiles classifies the responsiveness of human osteosarcoma to doxorubicin, cisplatin and ifosfamide

9534

Background: Despite the increased survival rates of osteosarcoma patients attributed to adjuvant chemotherapy, at least one third of the patients still succumb to their disease. Furthermore, ultra-aggressive combination chemotherapy is associated with considerable acute and long term toxicity. This is of particular concern in patients who may be cured by a simpler and less toxic regimens or do not have micrometastatic disease. Hence, further improvements in the management of osteosarcoma seemingly depend on diagnostic and prognostic tools that may allow for a more risk adapted and individualized treatment. Methods: We have used GE Uniset Human 20K microarrays to obtain gene expression profiles from a panel of ten unique human osteosarcoma xenografts. For each of the three drugs doxorubicin, cisplatin or ifosfamide the xenografts were grouped according to their response to chemotherapy, resistant, weakly sensitive or sensitive. For each individual drug, a one-way ANOVA test with a Benjamini and Hochberg multiple test correction allowing a false discovery rate of 5% (doxorubicin, cisplatin) or 2% (ifosfamide) was used to identify genes with significantly differential expression. In addition a 2-fold cut off was applied to exclude smaller but yet significant differences. Results: For doxorubicin and cisplatin, respectively 59 and 120 genes met these criteria. The expression levels of 25 genes overlapped between these two groups. For ifosfamide, 148 genes were selected, for 5 of them the expression overlapped with cisplatin sensitivity related genes. In the lists, genes involved in mediating and regulating apoptosis were abundant, such as regulators of TGF signaling, ubiquitin mediated protein degradation and members of the immediate early response protein family. Several genes which products interact with components of the cytoskeleton were also identified. Conclusion: We have used a unique strategy to screen for potential chemosensitivity markers by utilizing xenografts as training sets.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A novel human hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase like 1 gene (HSDL1) is highly expressed in reproductive tissues

We report the cloning and characterization of a novel human hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase like gene (HSDL1) located on human chromosome 16q24.2. The HSDL1 cDNA is 3407 base pair in length, encoding a 309 amino acid polypeptide related to human 17beta-HSD3. Northern blot reveals that the HSDL1 is highly expressed in testis and ovary. In situ hybridization indicates that the expression of HSDL1 is predominantly increased in the prostate cancer tissue compared with the normal prostate tissue, which suggests that the gene expression is important to the arising of prostate cancer.

Inflammation and bony changes at the temporomandibular joint

Cytokines help mediate the acute and chronic inflammation and associated destruction of connective tissue in arthritic temporomandibular joints (TMJ). The proinflammatory cytokines TNFalpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, and IFN-gamma are associated with inflammation in synovial joints and connective tissue destruction. Therefore, the increased levels of these cytokines in the synovial fluid of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patients would be expected. Conversely, IL-1ra and IL-10 acts as inhibitors to these proinflammatory cytokines. Thus, in TMD patients, low levels of IL-1ra and IL-10 might be expected. A review of studies from multiple investigators confirms that proinflammatory cytokine levels increase in TMD patients, IL-1ra levels are also increased, and IL-10 levels remain unchanged. Because IL-10 can inhibit TNFalpha, IL-1, IL-6, and IL-8, the lack of IL-10 in the TMJ in the face of the other studies showing increases in TNFalpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, and IL-8 could partially explain the exacerbation of the associated osteoarthritis. In addition, although IL-1ra levels are elevated in most of the TMD patients, the increases do not appear to be sufficient to inhibit the inflammation and connective tissue degradation associated with IL-1beta. Thus, it appears that treatment of TMD requires a delicate balance between proinflammatory cytokines and cytokine inhibitors such as IL-1ra and IL-10.

Control of osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption by members of the TNF family of receptors and ligands

Skeletal mass is maintained by a balance between cells which resorb bone (osteoclasts) and cells which form bone (osteoblasts). Bone development and growth is an on-going, life-long process. Bone is formed during embryonic life, grows rapidly through childhood, and peaks around 20 years of age (formation exceeds resorption). For humans the skeleton then enters a long period, approximately 40 years, when bone mass remains relatively stable. Skeletal turnover continues but the net effect of resorption and formation on bone mass is zero. For women this ends when they enter menopause and similar bone loss occurs for men, but later in life. These opposite functions are coupled, resorption precedes formation, and osteoblasts, or their precursors, stromal cells, regulate osteoclast formation and activity. Until recently, the molecular nature of this regulation, was poorly understood. However, recent observations have identified members of the TNF family of ligands and receptors as critical regulators of osteoclastogenesis. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) a decoy receptor was first identified. Its ligand, receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL), was quickly found, and shown to be expressed on stromal cells and osteoblasts. Its cognate receptor, RANK, was found to be expressed in high levels on osteoclast precursors. The interaction between RANKL and RANK was shown to be required for osteoclast formation. These observations have provided a molecular understanding of the coupling between osteoclastic bone resorption and osteoblastic bone formation. Moreover, they provide a framework on which to base a clear understanding of normal (e.g. postmenopausal osteoporosis and age associated bone loss) and pathologic skeletal changes (e.g. osteopetrosis, glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, periodontal disease, bone metastases, Paget's disease, hyperparathyroidism, and rheumatoid arthritis).

[Retrospective analysis of endometrial neoplasms treated by different therapeutic modalities]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the therapeutic effects of different remedies in patients with endometrial carcinoma.

METHODS

Total of 386 patients with metracarcinoma underwent 3 different treatments: (1) operation only 145 cases; (2) operation and complemental radiotherapy 161 cases; (3) radiotherapy only 80 cases. Then they were followed up for 5 years and more.

RESULTS

The 5-year survival rates of operation group were 78.9% (56/71), 61.0% (25/41) and 18.2% (6/33) in stage I, stage II, and stage III-IV respectively, for operation and complemental radiotherapy, they were 75.0% (33/44), 59.5% (44/74) and 48.8% (21/43), for radiotherapy, 34.8% (8/23), 18.8% (3/16) and 0.0% (0/41). There was no difference between operation group and operation plus radiotherapy in patients with stage I and stage II (P > 0.05). However the 5-year survival rates were significantly higher in operation plus complemental radiotherapy group and those only received operation in stage III stage IV patients (P < 0.001). And no matter in what stages, the therapeutic effect was worse in radiotherapy group than other two groups (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The remedies with operation as main measure are the best choice for metacarcinoma, radiotherapy merely is fit with those who can not be operated on.

[The expression of interleukin-6 mRNA and autosecretion in human leukemic cells]

OBJECTIVE

To make a comprehensive and systematic study on the constructive expression of IL-6 mRNA and IL-6 autosecretion in human leukemic cells and discuss the effect of IL-6 autosecretion on the specific binding of IL-6-PE40 fusion protein to targeted leukemic cells.

METHODS

Semi-quantitative RT-PCR, sequencing and ELISA were used to detect the constructive expression of IL-6 mRNA and autosecretion level of IL-6 protein in human leukemic cell lines, such as U937, HL60, KG1, TF1, K562, HuT28, CEM and Raji.

RESULTS

The relative expression level of IL-6 mRNA in myelocytic, monocytic and erythrocytic leukemic cell lines including HL60, U937, KG1 and TF1 and lymphoblastic leukemic cell lines such as CEM, HuT28 and Raji is very weak, ranging from 0.03 to 0.07. However, K562, an chronic myelocytic leukemic cell line, had the highest level 1.25 among the 8 leukemic cell lines and the level was also higher than that of the positive control U266 multiple myeloma cell line. Based on ELISA assay of IL-6, there were remarkable differences between the 8 leukemic cell lines, their secretion of IL-6 could be divided into 3 levels, i.e. high, moderate and low secretion type.

CONCLUSION

These observations imply that the intrinsic expression and secretion of IL-6 differ obviously among different leukemic cell lines. Autocrine IL-6 may prevent IL-6-PE40 fusion protein from specific binding to targeted leukemic cells and consequently affect its specific killing toxicity.

[Effects of different cryoprotectants on biological properties of hematopoietic cells derived from cord blood]

OBJECTIVE

To search for effective cryoprotectants that can be used in cord blood bank to cryopreserve hematopoietic cells.

METHODS

Four kinds of combined reagents were used to cryopreserve cord blood cells. The effects of these cryoprotectants on biological properties of hematopoietic cells were monitored and compared after the cells were refrigerated for 1 to 4 months. The detected biological properties included the number of total nucleated cells (TNC), CD(34)(+) cells and CFCs.

RESULTS

The cryoprotectants of Dextran-40 + 10%DMSO resulted in the highest recovery rates, TNC, CD(34)(+) cells and CFCs were 77.8%, 78.5% and 87.2%, respectively. The combination of 10%DMSO + 6% AB serum + 5%HES led to the lowest recovery rates.

CONCLUSION

Dextran-40 + 10%DMSO is an ideal cryoprotectant combination for cryopreserving hematopoietic cells in the cord blood bank.

[Effect of initial population density on resting egg formation of rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus]

With the method of population accumulative culture, the effect of initial population density on the formation of resting eggs of freshwater rotifer(Brachionus calyciflorus), and on the rates of mictic female and fertilization was studied. During 11 days culture, the productivity and the formation efficiency of resting eggs, and the mean rate of mictic female were the biggest when the initial population density was 1.0-10.0 ind.ml-1, second by the density of 20.0 ind.ml-1, and the lowest by the density of 50.0 ind.ml-1. There was no significant effect of initial population density on the fertilization rate. Statistical analysis on maximum formation efficiency of resting eggs, their emergence and productivity showed that when the production of resting eggs was large-scaled proceeded, the feasible initial population density should be 10.0 ind.ml-1, and the corresponding time should be 6 days to obtain a higher yield of resting eggs and a higher formation efficiency.