Basal insulin peglispro: Overview of a novel long-acting insulin with reduced peripheral effect resulting in a hepato-preferential action

Basal insulin peglispro (BIL) is a novel basal insulin with a flat, prolonged activity profile. BIL has been demonstrated in a dog model, in healthy men and in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) to have significant hepato-preferential action resulting from reduced peripheral activity. In the IMAGINE-Phase 3 clinical trial program, more than 6000 patients were included, of whom ~3900 received BIL. Of the 7 pivotal IMAGINE trials, 3 studies were double-blinded and 3 were in T1D patients. BIL consistently demonstrated a greater HbA1c reduction, less glycaemic variability and a clinically relevant reduction in the rates of nocturnal hypoglycaemia across comparator [glargine and isophane insulin (NPH)] studies. Trials using basal/bolus regimens had higher rates of total hypoglycaemia with BIL due to higher rates of daytime hypoglycaemia. Severe hypoglycaemia rates were similar to comparator among both patients with T1D or type 2 diabetes (T2D). T1D patients lost weight compared with glargine (GL). Patients with T2D tended to gain less weight with BIL than with glargine. Compared to glargine, BIL was associated with higher liver fat, triglycerides and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, including a higher frequency of elevation of ALT ≥3 times the upper limit of normal, but without severe, acute drug-induced liver injury. Injection site reactions, primarily lipohypertrophy, were more frequent with BIL. In conclusion, BIL demonstrated better glycaemic control with reduced glucose variability and nocturnal hypoglycaemia but higher triglycerides, ALT and liver fat relative to conventional comparator insulin. The hepato-preferential action of BIL with reduced peripheral activity may account for these findings.

A randomized clinical trial comparing basal insulin peglispro and insulin glargine, in combination with prandial insulin lispro, in patients with type 1 diabetes: IMAGINE 1

AIMS

The primary objective was to demonstrate that basal insulin peglispro (BIL) was non-inferior compared with insulin glargine (GL) for haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) at 26 weeks with a non-inferiority margin of 0.4%.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

IMAGINE 1 was a Phase 3, open-label, parallel-arm study conducted in nine countries. Adults with type 1 diabetes (n = 455) were randomized (2:1) to bedtime BIL or GL in combination with prandial insulin lispro for 78 weeks, with a primary endpoint of 26 weeks. An electronic diary facilitated data capture and insulin dosing calculations for intensive insulin management.

RESULTS

At 26 weeks, mean HbA1c was 7.06% ± 0.04% and 7.43% ± 0.06% for patients assigned to BIL (N = 295) and GL (N = 160), respectively (difference -0.37% [95% CI: -0.50 to -0.23], P < .001); more patients on BIL achieved HbA1c <7% (44.9% vs 27.5%, P < .001). Compared with GL, patients using BIL lost weight, with lower fasting serum glucose and between-day fasting blood glucose variability, and 36% less nocturnal hypoglycemia, 29% more total hypoglycemia and more severe hypoglycemia. Total and prandial insulin doses were lower with BIL; basal insulin doses were higher. Alanine aminotransferase increased with BIL, with more patients having elevations ≥3 × ULN. BIL treatment was associated with more frequent injection site reactions and an increase from baseline in serum triglycerides.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with type 1 diabetes, treatment with BIL compared to GL for 26 weeks was associated with lower HbA1c, less nocturnal hypoglycemia, lower glucose variability and weight loss. Increases in total and severe hypoglycemia, triglycerides, aminotransferases and injection site reactions were also noted.

Myofibroblastic transformation of rat hepatic stellate cells: the role of Notch signaling and epithelial-mesenchymal transition regulation

OBJECTIVE

The development of liver fibrosis has been shown to be associated with the transition of quiescent hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) into myofibroblastic HSCs, and the Notch signaling system has been shown to be activated in this process. The Notch signaling pathway is also known to regulate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the current study, quiescent HSCs were examined for expression of EMT markers, and experiments were performed to determine whether these markers change as quiescent HSCs transition into myofibroblastic HSCs and whether the process is modulated by Notch signaling. To promote myofibroblastic transition under experimental conditions, enzymatic perfusion and density gradient centrifugation were used to isolate rat HSCs, which were then cultured. A γ-secretase inhibitor was used to inhibit Notch signaling pathway activity in primary rat HSCs.

RESULTS

Upregulated expression of myofibroblastic markers was observed, but expression of quiescent HSC markers and epithelial markers was downregulated during the transition of HSC in vitro. Data indicate that expression of the classical EMT marker; i.e., E-cadherin, was decreased and that of N-cadherin and snail 1 increased. Notch 2 and Notch 3 receptors and Hey2 and HeyL target genes expression increased significantly as quiescent HSCs transitioned into myofibroblastic HSCs. When Notch signaling was blocked, however, the myofibroblastic transition of HSCs reverted, and epithelial marker expression was restored.

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, targeting Notch signaling may provide new insights into the mechanism of HSC transition and may offer a possible therapeutic target for the treatment of hepatic injury.

Cognitive-behavioural therapy for patients with schizophrenia: a multicentre randomized controlled trial in Beijing, China

BACKGROUND

Meta-analyses support the efficacy of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for schizophrenia in western cultures. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of CBT and supportive therapy (ST) for patients with schizophrenia in China.

METHOD

A multicentre randomized controlled, single-blinded, parallel-group trial enrolled a sample of 192 patients with schizophrenia. All patients were offered 15 sessions of either CBT or ST over 24 weeks and followed up for an additional 60 weeks. All measures used were standardized instruments with good reliability and validity. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was used to assess symptoms of schizophrenia. The Schedule for Assessing Insight (SAI) was used to assess patients' insight and the Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSP) was used to assess their social functioning.

RESULTS

Effect-size analysis showed that patients made rapid improvements in all symptoms, insight and social functioning as measured by the PANSS, SAI and PSP at 12 and 24 weeks and maintained these improvements over the course of the study to 84 weeks. Patients in the CBT group showed significantly greater and more durable improvement in PANSS total score (p = 0.045, between-group d = 0.48), positive symptoms (p = 0.018, between-group d = 0.42) and social functioning (p = 0.037, between-group d = 0.64), with significant differences emerging after completion of therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Both CBT and ST combined with medication had benefits on psychopathology, insight and social functioning of patients with schizophrenia. CBT was significantly more effective than ST on overall, positive symptoms and social functioning of patients with schizophrenia in the long term.

Solution studies on DNA interactions of substitution-inert platinum complexes mediated via the phosphate clamp

The phosphate clamp is a distinct mode of ligand-DNA binding where the molecular recognition is manifested through ("non-covalent") hydrogen-bonding from am(m)ines of polynuclear platinum complexes to the phosphate oxygens on the oligonucleotide backbone. This third mode of DNA binding is unique to the "classical" DNA intercalators and minor groove binding agents and even the closely related covalently binding mononuclear and polynuclear drugs. 2D (1)H NMR studies on the Dickerson-Drew dodecamer (DDD, d(CGCGAATTCGCG)2) showed significant A-T contacts mainly on nucleotides A6, T7 and T8 implying a selective bridging from C9G10 in the 3' direction to C9G10 of the opposite strand. {(1)H, (15)N} HSQC NMR spectroscopy using the fully (15)N-labelled compound [{trans-Pt(NH2)3(H2N(CH2)6NH3}2μ-(H2N(CH2)6NH2)2(Pt(NH3)2](8+) (TriplatinNC) showed at pH 6 significant chemical shifts and (1)J((195)Pt-(15)N) coupling constants for the free drug and DDD-TriplatinNC at pH 7 indicative of formation of the phosphate clamp. (31)P NMR results are also reported for the hexamer d(CGTACG)2 showing changes in (31)P NMR chemical shifts indicative of changes around the phosphorus center. The studies confirm the DNA binding modes by substitution-inert (non-covalent) polynuclear platinum complexes and help in further establishing the chemotype as a new class of potential anti-tumour agents in their own right with a distinct profile of biological activity.

Association of the FABP2 Ala54Thr polymorphism with type 2 diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome: a population-based case-control study and a systematic meta-analysis

Previous studies have reported associations between the functional FABP2 Ala54Thr (rs1799883) polymorphism and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), obesity, and metabolic syndrome in different populations with conflicting results. We investigated the association between the FABP2 Ala54Thr polymorphism and T2DM (235 cases, 431 controls), obesity (377 cases, 431 controls), and metabolic syndrome (315 cases, 323 controls) by logistic regression analysis in a Chinese study cohort recruited from Yichang, Hubei Province. We then comprehensively reviewed the association of the FABP2 Ala54Thr polymorphism with T2DM, obesity, and metabolic syndrome via meta-analysis. The strength of association was assessed by odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The FABP2 Ala54Thr polymorphism was significantly associated with obesity (AT vs AA: OR = 2.633, 95%CI = 1.065-6.663, P = 0.036; TT vs AA: OR = 4.160, 95%CI = 1.609-10.757, P = 0.003) and metabolic syndrome (TT vs AA: OR = 2.273, 95%CI = 1.242-4.156, P = 0.008) by logistic regression with adjustment for covariates. However, no significant association was found between T2DM and the FABP2 Ala54Thr polymorphism. We identified 24 studies on T2DM (4517 cases, 5224 controls), 9 studies on obesity (949 cases, 2002 controls), and 6 studies on metabolic syndrome (2194 cases, 3282 controls) by literature search. The meta-analyses revealed significant associations for metabolic syndrome (T allele: OR = 1.179, 95%CI = 1.015-1.362, P = 0.031) and T2DM (T allele: OR = 1.160, 95%CI = 1.08-1.24, P < 0.001), but no association for obesity (T allele: OR = 1.069, 95%CI = 0.925-1.235, P = 0.367).

Knockdown of NF-κB p65 subunit expression suppresses growth of nude mouse lung tumor cell xenografts by activation of Bax apoptotic pathway

Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) is an important transcriptional factor and regulates a variety of pathophysiologic process involved in cell survival and death. The present study assesses the effects of NF-κB p65 subunit knockdown in suppression of nude mouse lung tumor cell xenografts and understands the underlying molecular events.A nude mouse Lewis lung carcinoma cell xenograft model was established and the mice were intraperitoneally injected with NF-κB p65 siRNA and sacrificed after two weeks of tumor cell injection. Tumor xenografts were harvested for TUNEL, Western blot, and qRT-PCR analyses.Compared to the PBS-treated or the negative control (NC) siRNA-treated mice, tumor xenograft weight and volume was significantly decreased in the NF-κB p65 siRNA-treated mice. The TUNEL positive (apoptosis) cells in xenograft sections were 45 ± 5 in PBS and 38 ± 3 in NC siRNA, but increased to 271 ± 11 in p65 siRNA-treated mice. Compared to the PBS or the NC mice, levels of Bax mRNA and protein in tumor xenografts were significantly upregulated in p65 siRNA-treated mice. Knockdown of NF-κB p65 subunit expression significantly inhibited the growth of nude mouse Lewis tumor cell xenografts by induction of tumor cell apoptosis and significantly up-regulation of pro-apoptotic protein Bax expression. Future study will confirm the current data and targeting NF-κB p65 subunit expression as a potential therapeutic strategy in treating human lung cancer.

KEYWORDS

NF-κB, lung cancer, apoptosis, small interfering RNA, xenografts.

Genetic variation in COX-2 -1195 and the risk of endometriosis and adenomyosis

AIM

Ths study aims to explore the relationship between COX-2 gene polymorphism and the hereditary susceptibility or endoomeyriosis and adenomyosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Gene polymorphism in COX-2 gene was genotyped in 170 cases of endometriosis, 150 cases of adenomyosis, and 240 matched non-endometriosis and non-adenomyosis controls.

RESULTS

Genotypic frequencies of GG, AG, and AA in COX-2 locus in endometriosis and adenomyosis were 16.5%, 51.2%, 32.4% and 16.0%, 49.3%, 34.7%, respectively. They were both significantly different from those in the control group (24.6%, 53.3%, and 22.1%) (p < 0.05). An allele frequency in endometriosis and adenomyosis were significantly higher than that in the control group. The risk of endometriosis or adenomyosis for those carrying two A alleles were 2.19 and 2.41 times to non-A genotype.

CONCLUSION

Genetic variation of G to A at -1195 locus in the promoter region of COX-2 gene increases the risk of endometriosis and adenomyosis, and the genetic susceptibility of these two diseases are similar.

Association of polymorphisms of angiotensin I converting enzyme 2 with retinopathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus among Chinese individuals

AIMS

To examine the association of Angiotensin I converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) gene polymorphisms and retinopathy in a Chinese type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) cohort.

METHODS

A total of 743 T2DM participants were involved in this study including 408 female and 335 male cases. Female cases were divided into two groups: diabetes without retinopathy (DNR group, n=171) and with retinopathy (DR group, n=237), the latter was further subclassified into nonproliferative DR (NPDR group, n=121) and proliferative DR (PDR group, n=116). Male cases were assigned to DNR group (n=153) and DR group (n=182) which was further grouped into NPDR group (n=86) and PDR group (n=96). Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs2074192 and rs714205) in ACE2 gene were genotyped.

RESULTS

In female cases, the frequency of genotypes TT in rs2074192 and CC in rs714205 were higher in DR and PDR group than in DNR group (P<0.05). The frequency of alleles T in SNP rs2074192 and C in SNP rs714205 was higher in DR group (P<0.05) and PDR group (P<0.05) than in DNR group. The frequency of allele T in SNP rs2074192 was higher in PDR group (P=0.04) than in NPDR group. The frequency of haplotype TC and CG was higher in DR and PDR groups, respectively (P<0.05). No positive results were found in male cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results revealed that SNPs rs2074192 and rs714205 in ACE2 gene were associated with the susceptibility of DR and PDR.

Dairy foods and risk of stroke: a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Epidemiological studies evaluating the association of dairy foods with risk of stroke have produced inconsistent results. We conducted a meta-analysis to summarize the evidence from prospective cohort studies regarding the association between dairy foods and risk of stroke.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Pertinent studies were identified by searching Embase (1950-November, 2013), Web of Knowledge (1950-November, 2013) and Pubmed (1945-November, 2013). Random-effect model was used to combine the results. Dose-response relationship was assessed by restricted cubic spline. Eighteen separate results from fifteen prospective cohort studies, with 28,138 stroke events among 764,635 participants, were included. Total dairy [relative risk (95% CI): 0.88 (0.82-0.94)], low-fat dairy [0.91 (0.85-0.97)], fermented milk [0.80 (0.71-0.89)] and cheese [0.94 (0.89-0.995)] were significantly associated with reduced risk of stroke, but whole/high-fat dairy, nonfermented milk, butter and cream were not significantly associated with risk of stroke. Stronger association was found for stroke mortality than incidence, and for studies conducted in Asia than Europe, while the association did not differ significantly by sex. Limited data did not find any significant association with either ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. A non-linear dose-response relationship (P = 2.80*10(-13)) between milk and risk of stroke was found, and the relative risk of stroke was 0.88 (0.86-0.91), 0.82 (0.79-0.86), 0.83 (0.79-0.86), 0.85 (0.81-0.89), 0.86 (0.82-0.91), 0.91 (0.84-0.98) and 0.94 (0.86-1.02) for 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 and 700 ml/day of milk, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Dairy foods might be inversely associated with the risk of stroke.

Contrasting weight changes with LY2605541, a novel long-acting insulin, and insulin glargine despite similar improved glycaemic control in T1DM and T2DM

AIMS

The basal insulin analogue LY2605541, a PEGylated insulin lispro with prolonged duration of action, was previously shown to be associated with modest weight loss in Phase 2, randomized, open-label trials in type 2 (N=288) and type 1 (N=137) diabetes mellitus (T2DM and T1DM), compared with modest weight gain with insulin glargine. Exploratory analyses were conducted to further characterize these findings.

METHODS

Pearson correlations between change in body weight and other variables were calculated. Continuous variables were analysed using a mixed linear model with repeated measurements. Proportions of subjects with weight loss were analysed using Fisher's exact test for T2DM and Nagelkerke's method for T1DM.

RESULTS

Weight loss was more common in LY2605541-treated patients than in patients treated with insulin glargine (T2DM: 56.9 vs. 40.2%, p=0.011; T1DM: 66.1 vs. 40.3%, p<0.001). More LY2605541-treated patients experienced ≥5% weight loss compared to patients treated with glargine (T2DM: 4.8 vs. 0%, p=0.033; T1DM: 11.9 vs. 0.8%, p<0.001). In both the T1DM and T2DM studies, weight change did not correlate with baseline body mass index (BMI), or change in HDL-cholesterol in either treatment group. No consistent correlations were found across both studies between weight change and any of the variables assessed; however, weight change was significantly correlated with hypoglycaemia rate in glargine-treated T2DM patients.

CONCLUSION

In two Phase 2 trials, improved glycaemic control with long-acting basal insulin analogue LY2605541 is associated with weight loss in previously insulin-treated patients. This weight change is independent of baseline BMI or hypoglycaemia.

The neuroprotective role and mechanisms of TERT in neurons with oxygen-glucose deprivation

Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) is reported to protect neurons from apoptosis induced by various stresses including hypoxia-ischemia (HI). However, the mechanisms by which TERT exerts its anti-apoptotic role in neurons with HI injury remain unclear. In this study, we examined the protective role and explored the possible mechanisms of TERT in neurons with HI injury in vitro. Primary cultured neurons were exposed to oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) for 3h followed by reperfusion to mimic HI injury in vivo. Plasmids containing TERT antisense, sense nucleotides, or mock were transduced into neurons at 48h before OGD. Expression and distribution of TERT were measured by immunofluorescence labeling and western blot. The expression of cleaved caspase 3 (CC3), Bcl-2 and Bax were detected by western blot. Neuronal apoptosis was measured with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL). The mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured by MitoSOX Red staining. Fluorescent probe JC-1 was used to measure the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). We found that TERT expression increased at 8h and peaked at 24h in neurons after OGD. CC3 expression and neuronal apoptosis were induced and peaked at 24h after OGD. TERT inhibition significantly increased CC3 expression and neuronal apoptosis after OGD treatment. Additionally, TERT inhibition decreased the expression ratio of Bcl-2/Bax, and enhanced ROS production and ΔΨm dissipation after OGD. These data suggest that TERT plays a neuroprotective role via anti-apoptosis in neurons after OGD. The underlying mechanisms may be associated with regulating Bcl-2/Bax expression ratio, attenuating ROS generation, and increasing mitochondrial membrane potential.

Multi-therapeutic effects of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells on radiation-induced intestinal injury

Radiation-induced intestinal injuries (RIII) commonly occur in patients who suffer from pelvic or abdominal cancer. However, current management of these injuries is ineffective. Recently, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been extensively used in regenerative medicine and have achieved a high level of efficacy. In the present study, we hypothesised that human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAd-MSCs) could be used as potential tools to heal RIII. We observed that adult Sprague-Dawley rats that received whole-abdominal irradiation benefitted from hAd-MSC injection. hAd-MSCs had RIII-healing effects, including anti-inflammation, neovascularisation and maintenance of epithelium homeostasis, as indicated by elevated serum IL-10, upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor and epidermal growth factor in irradiated intestine, mobilisation of CD31-positive haematopoietic stem cells or haematopoietic progenitor cells, and the prolonged presence of Bmi1-positive cells within crypts. Consequently, after hAd-MSC treatment, irradiated rats survived longer than non-treated animals. These results suggest that hAd-MSCs have therapeutic potential for RIII management.

Unstable distal radius fractures: restoration of the radial length with use of special palmar fixed-angle plate

PURPOSE

To describe the radiological and clinical outcome of unstable distal radius fractures treated with use of a palmar locking plate designed especially to restore the length of the radius.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

19 patients (6 men and 13 women) with an average age of 55 (23-71) years with an unilateral unstable distal radius fracture were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with use of an special palmar locking plate. In the distal long hole of this plate a longitudinal gear drive mechanism is integrated, in which a digital knob device consisting of a handle with a serrated ring is inserted. By turning the handle the distal fragments which are fixed to the plate by locking screws are pushed distally with respect to the shaft fragment until the correct length of the radius is restored. The patients were followed for 12 months. During last follow-up, standard radiography, functional results and pain scores were assessed.

RESULTS

All fractures united uneventfully with no secondary displacement, and no superficial or deep infection. Ulna variance measured on average - 0.8±1.5 mm. Wrist extension averaged 63°, wrist flexion averaged 59°. Grip strength averaged 82% of the contralateral uninjured side.

CONCLUSION

The used special gear drive plate allows accurate restoration of the length of the radius even in unstable fractures with good clinical results.

A palatal roll envelope technique for peri-implant mucosa reconstruction: a prospective case series study

The aim of this study was to evaluate peri-implant soft tissue changes after performing a palatal roll envelope technique. Twelve patients, presenting a labial flat or concave profile before second-stage surgery, underwent soft tissue augmentation using the palatal roll envelope technique with papilla reservation design. The convex profile on the facial aspect, Jemt papilla index, facial mucosal level, marginal bone level, proximal bone levels of the adjacent teeth, and surgical/prosthetic complications were evaluated before surgery as the baseline, and then reevaluated at 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery. Data were analyzed using the Friedman test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results indicated that the convex profile and the average papilla index score were improved, while the facial mucosal level was adjusted to a level similar to that of the contralateral tooth at 3 months and then remained stable for the follow-up visit. With the limitations identified in this report, the palatal roll envelope technique can be considered an alternative method to augment the soft tissue during second-stage surgery. This technique obviates the need for another surgical site and papillae area, and also reduces the risks of graft shrinkage and scarring on the labial site.

Effect of bilateral deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus on freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease

OBJECTIVE

A prospective cohort study to evaluate the efficacy of bilateral subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) on freezing of gait (FOG) in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease.

METHODS

Patients (n = 10) with advanced Parkinson's disease were surgically implanted with microelectrodes to facilitate STN-DBS. Evaluations of FOG, motor function, activities of daily living and neuropsychological function were carried out in on-medication and off-medication states (with and without levodopa treatment), before surgery and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

STN-DBS was associated with significant improvement in FOG score and neuropsychological function at both 6 and 12 months postoperatively, compared with preoperatively. Significant postoperative improvements were also observed in motor function and activities of daily living. Daily levodopa dosage was significantly lower at both 6 and 12 months postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

STN-DBS improved FOG in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease. The significant reduction in levodopa dosage and improvement in neuropsychological function may be the reason for the therapeutic effect seen with STN-DBS.

Thermosensitive polymeric hydrogels as drug delivery systems

Thermosensitive hydrogels are very important biomaterials used in drug delivery systems (DDSs), which gained increasing attention of researchers. Thermosensitive hydrogels have great potential in various applications, such as drug delivery, cell encapsulation, tissue engineering, and etc. Especially, injectable thermosensitive hydrogels with lower sol-gel transition temperature around physiological temperature have been extensively studied. By in vivo injection, the hydrogels formed non-flowing gel at body temperature. Upon incorporation of pharmaceutical agents, the hydrogel systems could act as sustained drug release depot in situ. Injectable thermosensitive hydrogel systems have a number of advantages, including simplicity of drug formulation, protective environment for drugs, prolonged and localized drug delivery, and ease of application. The objective of this review is to summarize fundamentals, applications, and recent advances of injectable thermosensitive hydrogel as DDSs, including chitosan and related derivatives, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based (PNIPAAM) copolymers, poly(ethylene oxide)/poly(propylene oxide) (PEO/PPO) copolymers and its derivatives, and poly(ethylene glycol)/ biodegradable polyester copolymers.

Methanotrophy in a Paleoproterozoic oil field ecosystem, Zaonega Formation, Karelia, Russia

Organic carbon rich rocks in the c. 2.0 Ga Zaonega Formation (ZF), Karelia, Russia, preserve isotopic characteristics of a Paleoproterozoic ecosystem and record some of the oldest known oil generation and migration. Isotopic data derived from drill core material from the ZF show a shift in δ(13) C(org) from c. -25‰ in the lower part of the succession to c. -40‰ in the upper part. This stratigraphic shift is a primary feature and cannot be explained by oil migration, maturation effects, or metamorphic overprints. The shift toward (13) C-depleted organic matter (δ(13) C(org) < -25‰) broadly coincides with lithological evidence for the generation of oil and gas in the underlying sediments and seepage onto the sea floor. We propose that the availability of thermogenic CH(4) triggered the activity of methanotrophic organisms, resulting in the production of anomalously (13) C-depleted biomass. The stratigraphic shift in δ(13) C(org) records the change from CO(2) -fixing autotrophic biomass to biomass containing a significant contribution from methanotrophy. It has been suggested recently that this shift in δ(13) C(org) reflects global forcing and progressive oxidation of the Earth. However, the lithologic indication for local thermogenic CH(4) , sourced within the oil field, is consistent with basinal methanotrophy. This indicates that regional/basinal processes can also explain the δ(13) C(org) negative isotopic shift observed in the ZF.

Difference in pre- and postchemotherapy vascular endothelial growth factor levels as a prognostic indicator in osteosarcoma

This retrospective analysis examined the difference in pre- and postchemotherapy levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as an indicator of osteosarcoma prognosis. VEGF protein levels were assessed immunohistochemically in primary tumour samples from 61 osteosarcoma patients diagnosed between February 2001 and July 2005. The difference in pre- and postchemotherapy VEGF protein reduction levels was categorized into weak (23 patients) and strong (38 patients). The 5-year survival rate was significantly lower in the weak VEGF reduction group (34.8%) than in the strong VEGF reduction group (73.7%). The weak VEGF reduction group had significantly higher rates of metastasis and recurrence. Multivariate analysis confirmed that the change in VEGF was an independent and significant factor for predicting a good prognosis. The analysis of VEGF will enable clinicians to tailor surgery and chemotherapy regimens more appropriately, earlier in the disease process.

Quantitative nuclease protection assay (qNPA) for gene expression analysis on breast cancer core biopsies

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Background: qNPA employs in situ hybridization of detection probes to cross linked mRNA, making it ideal for formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue. It has been shown to measure gene expression in archived lymphoid and lung cancer tissue. We assessed the feasibility of qNPA to measure differentially expressed genes in pretreatment FFPE core breast biopsies among pathologic responders (pR) and nonresponders (pNR) to preoperative chemotherapy.

Methods: We included preoperative breast cancer patients treated at our institution from 2003-09 with FFPE core biopsies. mRNA expression of 170 genes, representing oncogenic pathways or associated with anthracycline and taxane response was measured by qNPA (HTG, Tucson, AZ). Data was normalized to 3 housekeeper genes and average of 3 biologic replicates reported. Seven genes below detection in > 50% samples were excluded. Expression values of 163 unique genes were analyzed for pR vs pNR with dChip software. Empirical FDR was estimated using 1,000 permutations of sample labels.

Results: Treatment and response: Sample failure: 6/57 (10%). pR vs pNR did not separate on hierarchical clustering. FLJ12650 and IGFBP2 showed lower expression in pR vs pNR with fold changes of 4.09 and 2.40, respectively (p < 0.01; median FDR: 1/163). FLJ12650 was significant (p < 0.01, median FDR: 0/163) when patients receiving anthracycline ± taxane were analyzed (groups 1-3) and showed a trend (p < 0.05) in group 1 alone.

Conclusions: qNPA for limited available FFPE tissue from core biopsies is feasible with acceptable sample failure rates. Small sample size and number of analyzed genes limited definitive conclusion about informative genes in our study. Our FLJ12650 results, a gene coding for membrane Na+/K+ ATPase interacting protein, are consistent with previous findings of overexpression in pNR to anthracyclines + taxanes (Hess et al, JCO 2006, Vol 24; 4236) using fresh tissue. Future qNPA validation of predictive markers, identified by whole transcriptome analysis in a homogenous cohort may provide more definitive results.

[Table: see text]

The brain-derived neurotrophic factor is associated with alcohol dependence-related depression and antidepressant response

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an essential role in neuronal survival, proliferation, and synaptic remodeling and modulates the function of many other neurotransmitters. Additionally, it likely underlies neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders, including alcohol dependence-related depression (AD-D). Here, we investigated the possible association between three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the BDNF gene (rs13306221, rs6265, rs16917204) and AD-D. Of 548 patients with alcohol dependence (AD), 166 had AD-D and 312 healthy controls. Response to 8-week sertraline treatment was also assessed. The frequency of the A allele of rs6265 (Val66Met) was significantly higher in AD-D patients than in the healthy controls (p=0.009 after Bonferroni correction). The analysis revealed a strong association between the rs6265 genotype distribution and AD-D (p=0.005 after Bonferroni correction), and the A allele of rs6265 was significantly overrepresented in AD-D patients compared to AD without depression (AD-nD) patients (p=0.001 after Bonferroni correction). Additionally, carriers of the A allele of rs6265 responded better to sertraline treatment (p=0.001). Our results suggested a novel association between BDNF rs6265 and AD-D. These findings might lead to earlier detection of AD-D, perhaps providing better tools for clinical care of these patients in the future.

Therapeutic effectiveness of intratumorally delivered dendritic cells engineered to express the pro-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin (IL)-32

Interleukin-32 (IL-32) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine conditionally produced by T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, monocytes, epithelial cells and keratinocytes, which has an important role in host resistance against infectious disease. Interestingly, elevated levels of IL-32 transcripts in fine needle aspirates of tumor tissue have also been correlated with objective clinical responses in cancer patients receiving immunotherapy. To evaluate the antitumor impact of IL-32 gene therapy, we treated BALB/c mice bearing established subcutaneous CMS4 sarcomas with intratumoral (i.t.) injections of syngenic dendritic cells (DCs) engineered to express human IL-32β complementary DNA (that is, DC.IL32). Although ectopic expression of IL-32β by DC resulted in only modest phenotypic changes in these antigen-presenting cells, DC.IL32 produced higher levels of IL-12p70 than control DC. DC.IL32 were more potent activators of type-1 T-cell responses in vitro and in vivo, with i.t. administration of DC.IL32 leading to the CD8(+) T-cell-dependent (but CD4(+) T-cell- and NK cell-independent) suppression of tumor growth. Effective DC.IL32-based therapy promoted infiltration of tumors by type-1 (that is, CXCR3(+)VLA-4(+)GrB(+)) CD8(+) T cells and CD11b(+)CD11c(+) host myeloid DC, but led to reductions in the prevalence of CD11b(+)Gr1(+) myeloid-derived suppressor cells and CD31(+) blood vessels.

sFRP-1: A functional prognostic marker for gastric cancer?

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Background: Despite being a leading cause of cancer-related death world wide, gastric adenocarcinoma (GA) lacks distinctive biomarkers and targeted therapies. Underexpression of the E-cadherin gene in GA is associated with an aggressive phenotype and a poor prognosis but the mechanisms of this difference are poorly understood. Developing effective therapies for GA requires identification of critical functional markers and deeper understanding of its pathophysiology.

Methods: Unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis of a publicly available 230-sample GA microarray dataset identified a prominent cluster (21.7%) associated with underexpression of E-cadherin and overexpression of a Wnt-family protein: secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (sFRP-1). Archival GA specimens were then assessed for the expression of sFRP-1 by immunohistochemistry. Prognostic significance was assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses. GA cell lines transfected with sFRP-1 were used to determine the role of sFRP-1 in gastric cancer.

Results: 85 patients with GA underwent surgery with curative intent; 39 stained positive for sFRP-1 (46%). In this positive group, sFRP-1 staining was focal; was commonly found on the leading edge of the infiltrating tumor mass; and was not restricted to one histopathologic group, grade, or clinical stage. On univariate analysis T stage, nodal involvement, pathologic stage, nuclear grade, E-cadherin status and sFRP-1 status were predictive of overall survival. In a multivariate model, T stage (p < 0.001), nuclear grade (p < 0.001), E-cadherin status (p = 0.031) and sFRP-1 status (p = 0.0097) were predictive of overall survival. Overexpression of sFRP-1 in GA cell lines induced mesenchymal phenotype, enhanced growth and stem cell-like properties. sFRP-1 also attenuated Wnt signaling and E-cadherin expression, but potentiated Notch and Hedgehog signaling known to be involved in GA progression. These findings suggest a Wnt-independent mechanism mediated by sFRP-1.

Conclusions: The aggressive biological subtype of gastric cancer may be linked to overexpression of sFRP-1. Our findings identify sFRP-1 as a functional prognostic biomarker for gastric cancer, which may serve as a potential therapeutic target.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Carbon monoxide releasing molecule-3 inhibits concurrent tumor necrosis factor-α- and interleukin-1β-induced expression of adhesion molecules on human gingival fibroblasts

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Carbon monoxide releasing molecule-3 (CORM-3) is a newly reported compound that has shown anti-inflammatory effects in a number of cells. In this study, we aimed to investigate the influence of CORM-3 on concurrent tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)- and interleukin (IL)-1β-induced expression of adhesion molecules on human gingival fibroblasts (HGF).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

HGF were cultured from the explants of normal gingival tissues. Cells were costimulated with TNF-α and IL-1β in the presence or absence of CORM-3 for different periods of time. The expression of adhesion molecules, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) and phosphorylated p38 was studied using western blotting. RT-PCR was applied to check the expression of the adhesion molecules at the mRNA level. The activity of NF-κB was analysed using a reporter gene assay.

RESULTS

CORM-3 inhibited the up-regulation of intercellular adhesion molecule 1, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 and endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule in HGF after costimulation with TNF-α and IL-1β, which resulted in the decreased adhesion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to these cells. Sustained activation of the NF-κB pathway by costimulation with TNF-α and IL-1β was suppressed by CORM-3, which was reflected by a reduced NF-κB response element-dependent luciferase activity and decreased nuclear NF-κB-p65 expression. CORM-3 inhibited MAPK p38 phosphorylation in response to stimulation with proinflammatory cytokines.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study bode well for the application of CORM-3 as an anti-inflammatory agent to inhibit NF-κB activity and to suppress the expression of adhesion molecules on HGF, which suggests a promising potential for CORM-3 in the treatment of inflammatory periodontal disease.