Comparison of regulatory T cells and FoxP3-positive T-cell subsets in the peripheral blood of renal transplant recipients with sirolimus versus cyclosporine: a preliminary study

BACKGROUND

Sirolimus-based regimens have recently been introduced as nephron-sparing strategies to avoid the calcineurin inhibitors-induced nephrotoxicity.

METHODS

To investigate the different effects of these 2 immunosuppressants on CD4(+)CD25(hi)FoxP3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) and the newly defined subsets of FoxP3(+) T cells, including CD45RA(-)FoxP3(lo) cytokine-secreting T cells (csT cells), CD45RA(-)FoxP3(hi) activated Treg (aTregs), and CD45RA(+)FoxP3(+) resting Treg (rTregs), 52 cases of renal transplant recipients who have received a maintenance immunosuppressive regimen comprised either cyclosporine (n = 34) or sirolimus (n = 18) were collected and proportion of Tregs and each subset of FoxP3(+) T cells in peripheral blood was detected by flowcytometry.

RESULTS

Sirolimus significantly prompted the proportion of Tregs (5.92 ± 0.40 vs 2.19 ± 0.18; P < .001) and both of the CD45RA-negative subsets, including csT cells (4.92 ± 0.50 vs 1.83 ± 0.18; P < .001) and aTregs (1.04 ± 0.15 vs 0.23 ± 0.05; P < .05) when compared with cyclosporine. However, the rTregs were not remarkably affected (0.36 ± 0.09 vs 0.79 ± 0.28; P = .063).

CONCLUSION

Sirolimus plays its immune regulatory role in renal transplantation partly by increasing the proportion of Tregs. However, the increasing of both pro- and anti-inflammatory subsets of FoxP3(+) T cells also indicates the potential compromising of the effects of sirolimus on immune regulation.

Brain mitochondrial oxidative metabolism during and after cerebral hypoxia-ischemia studied by simultaneous phosphorus magnetic-resonance and broadband near-infrared spectroscopy

BACKGROUND

Multimodal measurements combining broadband near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((31)P MRS) assessed associations between changes in the oxidation state of cerebral mitochondrial cytochrome-c-oxidase (Δ[oxCCO]) and (31)P metabolite peak-area ratios during and after transient cerebral hypoxia-ischemia (HI) in the newborn piglet.

METHODS

Twenty-four piglets (aged<24 h) underwent transient HI (inspired oxygen fraction 9% and bilateral carotid artery occlusion for ~20 min). Whole-brain (31)P MRS and NIRS data were acquired every minute. Inorganic phosphate (Pi)/epp, phosphocreatine (PCr)/epp, and total nucleotide triphosphate (NTP)/epp were measured by (31)P MRS and were plotted against Δ[oxCCO] during HI and recovery (epp=exchangeable phosphate pool=Pi+PCr+2γ-NTP+β-NTP).

RESULTS

During HI Δ[oxCCO], PCr/epp and NTP/epp declined and Pi/epp increased. Significant correlations were seen between (31)P ratios and Δ[oxCCO]; during HI a threshold point was identified where the relationship between Δ[oxCCO] and both NTP/epp and Pi/epp changed significantly. Outcome at 48 h related to recovery of Δ[oxCCO] and (31)P ratios 1h post-HI (survived: 1-h NTP/epp 0.22 ± 0.02, Δ[oxCCO] -0.29 ± 0.50 μM; died: 1-h NTP/epp 0.10 ± 0.04, Δ[oxCCO] -2.41 ± 1.48 μM).

CONCLUSIONS

Both lowered Δ[oxCCO] and NTP/epp 1h post-HI indicated mitochondrial impairment. Animals dying before 48 h had slower recovery of both Δ[oxCCO] and (31)P ratios by 1 h after HI.

Plaque excision in the management of lower-limb ischemia of atherosclerosis and in-stent restenosis with the SilverHawk atherectomy catheter

AIM

Aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of plaque excision in management of lower limb ischemia of atherosclerosis and in-stent restenosis with the SilverHawk atherectomy catheter.

METHODS

From November 2010, to August 2011, 43 patients were involved and completed follow-up. They were divided into two groups: group A is the atherosclerotic plaque group (16 cases, 37.2%) and group B is the in-stent restenosis/occlusion lesion group (27 cases, 62.8%). The average age of group A was 68.3 years and group B was 72 years, the mean duration was 27.4 months and 26 months, respectively. Intermittent claudication was 8 cases and 16 cases respectively, and rest pain both was 4 cases, foot ulcer was 1 case and 4 cases, toe gangrene both was 3 cases. Ankle Brachial Index (ABI)≤0.4 was 2 in group A and 8 in group B, ABI>0.4 was 12 and 16, ABI=0 was 2 and 3, respectively. Excision with protective devices in 6 cases. Nine cases and 17 cases received treatment for proximal and distal lesions over the same period, respectively, included the proximal iliac artery stenting 1 case in group A and 5 cases in group B, distal calf arteries stenting 6 cases in group A and 11 cases in group B, balloon angioplasty 2 in group A and 1 in group B. Endpoints included postoperative mortality or amputation of target limb.

RESULTS

Forty-one operations were successful, the technical success rate was 95.3%, one case in group B suffered above-knee amputation. The target vessels of 41 patients maintain patency after discharge. Postoperative claudication distance increased to 500 meters except for one case in each group, all 4 rest pain patients got alleviated, reduced toe ulcer area happened in 1 and 2 cases respectively, all 3 cases of gangrene dried up/infection controlled in each group. Postoperative ABI result 0.7-0.8: 4 in group A and 5 in group B; 0.81-0.9 was 5 and 8; >0.91 was 6 and 13, respectively. Symptom improvement result had no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). Follow-up covered 41 patients, average 17.5±3.3 months. Group A patients stayed in good condition, 7 claudication patients's walking distance above 500 meters remains; rest pain no recurrence, one ulcer healing, 2 of 3 toe gangrene self-shedding and stump healing, 1 toe gangrene removed by surgery and wound healing. Group B, 4 of 15 claudication cases recurrence, and received plaque excision again. Rest pain no recurrence. 3 of 4 ulcer healing, 1 ulcer area reduced significantly. One out of 3 gangrene received below knee amputation (toe osteomyelitis), wound healing. One recurrence, angiography showed in-stent severe restenosis, received plaque excision again. One toe gangrene removed by surgery and wound healing.

CONCLUSION

Plaque excision with "SilverHawk" treatment for lower limb ischemia of atherosclerosis or in-stent restenosis is safe and effective. No significant difference for these two lesions in efficacy. Long term follow-up and larger randomized study is needed for further information on treatment.

Efficacy of a dual fluorescence method in detecting the viability of overwintering cyanobacteria

Chill in the light is the major environmental stress that cyanobacteria encounter in winter. Cyanobacterial cells may acquire chill-light tolerance upon exposure to low temperature in autumn and early winter. We sought to establish the efficacy of the dual fluorescence method in detecting the viability of overwintering cyanobacteria and to provide further evidence for the chill-light tolerance of preconditioned cyanobacteria. Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and Microcystis aeruginosa PCC 7806 were exposed to chill (5°C)-light stress with or without pretreatment at 15°C and stained with SYTO 9 and propidium iodide. Live and dead cells were observed under a fluorescence microscope, and the percentage of viable cells was quantified on a microplate reader. The dual fluorescence method showed consistent results with tests of the ability to reinitiate growth. Cell viability was quantitatively correlated with ratio of SYTO 9/propidium iodide fluorescence. Previously, Microcystis colonies in Lake Taihu had been found to accumulate RNA-binding protein 1 in autumn and winter. Use of this method directly showed the viability of such Microcystis colonies throughout the winter.

Serum level of soluble fibrinogen-like protein 2 in renal allograft recipients with acute rejection: a preliminary study

BACKGROUND

Soluble fibrinogen-like protein 2 (sfgl2), which is mainly secreted by T cells, is a novel effector of regulatory T cells with immunosuppressive functions. The aim of this study was to investigate serum levels of sfgl2 among renal allograft recipients.

METHODS

From November 2010 to August 2011 we retrospectively divided 47 renal allograft recipients into an acute rejection (n = 19) versus a stable group (n = 28) according to allograft biopsy results, using the Banff 2007 classification. The acute rejection group was subdivided into grade I (n = 8) versus grade II T-cell-mediated (n = 6) or antibody-mediated rejection episodes (n = 5). Peripheral blood samples were collected at the time of biopsy. Fourteen healthy volunteers were included as normal group controls. Serum levels of sfgl2 were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Serum levels of sfgl2 were increased among renal allograft recipients suffering from biopsy-proven acute rejection episodes (61.91 ± 45.68 ng/mL), versus those with stable allografts (38.59 ± 19.92 ng/mL, P < .05) or healthy volunteers (29.10 ± 18.08 ng/mL, P < .05). The sfgl2 level was significantly higher among patients with antibody-mediated (118.48 ± 55.54 ng/mL) than T-cell-mediated acute rejection episodes (41.71 ± 16.44 ng/mL, P < .01). Serum sfgl2 levels were remarkably elevated in patients with grade II (51.87 ± 19.13 ng/mL) versus grade I T-cell-mediated rejection (34.10 ± 9.26 ng/mL, P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum sfgl2 levels were increased among renal allograft recipients with acute rejection episodes to an extent dependent upon the pathological type and severity of the response.

Hydrogen-rich saline reduces airway remodeling via inactivation of NF-κB in a murine model of asthma

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Recent studies suggest that hydrogen has great therapeutic and prophylactic potential against organ injury caused by oxidative stress and inflammation. Here we investigated the effect of hydrogen-rich saline on airway inflammation and remodeling in a murine model of asthma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Asthma was induced by ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and challenge. Then mice were treated with normal saline or hydrogen-rich saline at low and high doses. Cell counts and cytokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were determined, bronchial tissue was analyzed for pathology, and expression of MUC5AC, collagen III, VEGF, and total and phosphorylated NF-κB p65 was measured. Immunohistochemistry was used to identify levels and localization of VEGF expression in lung.

RESULTS

The results showed that hydrogen-rich saline reduced cell counts and levels of cytokines IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and TNF-α in BALF. Hydrogen-rich saline treatment also significantly decreased mucus index, collagen deposition, and expression of MUC5AC, collagen III and VEGF. The ratio of phospho-NF-κB p65 to total NF-κB p65 was much lower in mice treated with hydrogen-rich saline than in untreated mice. These effects of hydrogen-rich saline on airway inflammation and remodeling were dose-dependent.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that hydrogen-rich saline reduces airway inflammation and remodeling in OVA-exposed mice by inhibiting NF-κB.

γ-Aminobutyric acid-mediated neurotransmission in cerebellar-hypothalamic circuit attenuates gastric mucosal injury induced by ischemia-reperfusion

BACKGROUND

Excessive greater splanchnic nerve (GSN) activation contributes to the progression of gastric ischemia-reperfusion (GI-R) injury. This study was designed to investigate the protective mechanism of cerebellar fastigial nucleus (FN) stimulation against GI-R injury.

METHODS

The GI-R injury model was induced in rats by clamping the celiac artery for 30 min, and then reperfusion for 30 min, 1, 3, 6, or 24 h, respectively.

KEY RESULTS

Microinjection of L-Glu (3, 6, 12 μg) into the FN dose-dependently attenuated GI-R injury and GSN activity. In addition, there was an enhancement of gastric mucosal blood flow in GI-R rats. Pretreatment with the glutamic acid decarboxylase antagonist into the FN, the GABAA receptor antagonist into the lateral hypothalamic area or lesion of superior cerebellar peduncle all reversed the protective effects of the FN stimulation. Furthermore, the FN stimulation reduced the TUNEL-positive gastric mucosal cell and Bax-positive gastric mucosal cell in GI-R rats.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

These results indicate that the protective effects of the FN stimulation against GI-R injury may be mediated by attenuation of the excessive GSN activation, gastric mucosal cell apoptosis, and Bax expression in GI-R rats.

Mallampati class does not affect the success rate of intubation through an intubating laryngeal mask airway with reverse tracheal tube direction

BACKGROUND

The aim of this paper was to assess whether the Mallampati class can affect the success rate of intubation through an intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA) with a reverse conventional tracheal tube direction.

METHODS

Two-hundred ASA I-II adults, 100 patients with Mallampati class 1 or 2 (MP12) and 100 with Mallampati class 3 or 4 (MP34) undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia were enrolled. All the patients were intubated through the ILMA with a reverse conventional tracheal tube direction. Tracheal intubation was considered successful if proper tracheal positioning was attained within three attempts. Chi-Square analysis was used to compare categorical variables between the two groups.

RESULTS

Tracheal intubation was successful in 186 of 200 patients (93.0%): 169 (84.5%) at the first attempt. Fourteen (7.0%) had to be intubated using direct laryngoscope. Both the first attempt success rate and overall success rate were similar between the MP12 and MP34 groups (84.0 vs. 85.0%, P=0.845 and 93.0 vs. 93.0%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Tracheal intubation was successful in 93.0% of patients through an ILMA with a reverse conventional tracheal tube. Mallampati class did not affect the success rate of intubation.

A suppository for treating cervical erosion and its preparation method

OBJECTIVE

To study a suppository for treating cervical erosion, its preparation method, and to observe its therapeutic effect on cervical erosion in animal models.

METHODS

Twenty rats were divided into five groups: blank control group, model group, and three different therapeutic concentration groups. Phenol slurry was injected through the vagina to create cervical erosion animal models. After seven days of drug treatment, the difference of cervical histopathology was observed and compared between different groups.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the model group showed obvious cervical erosion, inflammatory cell infiltration, vascular dilatation, and congestion. Among the administration group, the high administration group had the least inflammation and cell infiltration in the mucous membrane.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a significant effect of therapeutic drugs in rats with cervical erosion, which is related to the concentration of drugs.

Trefoil factor 1 suppression of E-CADHERIN enhances prostate carcinoma cell invasiveness and metastasis

Metastasis is the primary mediator of prostate cancer (PCA) lethality and poses a significant clinical obstacle. The identification of factors involved in the metastasis of PCA is imperative. We demonstrate herein that trefoil factor 1 (TFF1) promotes PCA cell migration and invasion in vitro and metastasis in vivo. The capacity of TFF1 to enhance cell migration/invasion is mediated by transcriptional repression of E-CADHERIN. Consideration of targeted inhibition of TFF1 to prevent metastasis of prostate carcinoma is warranted.

SU-E-T-147: Film Dosimetry Verification for TSE Using An Epson Scanner

PURPOSE

To commission and verify an Epson scanner for film dosimetry for total skin electron beam therapy (TSEB).

METHODS

Use data from an IBA PPC40 parallel-plate ion chamber and Sun Nuclear QED skin diode detectors as standard; we have made comparisons to the film measurement using Kodak XV films. Hurter-Driffield (HD) curve are established for 6 MeV total skin electron beams at a source-to-surface distance (SSD) of 5 m. Also HD curves are built for 6 MeV at a 100 cm SSD. Dose profiles for a series of oblique incident large electron fields are measured using the film for approximately 80 cGy dose delivered at the peak. The film is then scanned using two scanners, an Epson expression 10000 XL and a Vidar VXR-16 Dosimetry Pro. The optimal scanning conditions (e.g., dot per pixel size, internal color correction scheme) are chosen for the Epson scanner. Matlab is then used to analyze the optical density (OD) of the scanned films. A transmission densitometer made by Tobias Associates transmission is used to analyze the films to give a classical standard.

RESULTS

The analysis of the Epson scanner is presented in two forms: one with and one without the HD correction from the established HD curve. The error analysis gives an uncertainty of 5% without the HD correction. An improved result of approximately 3% is found when an HD correction is applied to the analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

A simple Epson scanner satisfies the commissioning standards for TSEB when an HD curve correction is applied.

SU-E-T-280: Optimal Angle for a Dual-Field Stanford Technique for TSET

PURPOSE

This study examines the optimal angle for a dual-field Stanford technique for TSET at extended SSD (SSD= 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 m) to predict a readily available optimal angle for any SSD.

METHODS

The optimal angle at various SSDs is found using detector array. The diode array consists of 9 diodes placed on a vertical board with a measured vertical scale with the origin placed at isocenter. The lateral distance ranges from -100 to +75 cm. A square 36×36 cm² field is used to deliver dose in HDTSe- delivery mode with a dose rate 2500 MU/min from a Varian Clinic 2300IX linac. Several pairs of gantry angles for the dual field are used, with the first gantry being 70°-78° and the second being 110° -102°. These Result in a dual field of 90° ± θ (θ = 10° - 20°) to build a suitable flatness profile on the vertical axis for treatment. The best group is chosen to determine the optimal angle for each SSD considered. From these optimal angles, an algorithm is determined for any extended SSD treatment.

RESULTS

It is found that the optimal angle for TSET does change as one varies the SSD. These angle groups are specific for each SSD giving definite markers for the algorithm. At an SSD of 5 m it has been shown that an optimal angle of θ = 106° produces the best flatness on the vertical axis. While at SSD of 4 m, 9 = 18° Conclusions: An algorithm can now be applied for any treatment center considering a dual- field Stanford technique for TSET simplifying the physics commissioning process for the center in consideration.

Adding saxagliptin to extended-release metformin vs. uptitrating metformin dosage

AIM

To investigate whether patients taking metformin for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have improved glycaemic control without compromising tolerability by adding an agent with a complementary mechanism of action vs. uptitrating metformin.

METHODS

Adults with T2DM and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) between 7.0 and 10.5% receiving metformin extended release (XR) 1500 mg/day for ≥8 weeks were randomized to receive saxagliptin 5 mg added to metformin XR 1500 mg (n = 138) or metformin XR uptitrated to 2000 mg/day (n = 144). Endpoints were change from baseline to week 18 in HbA1c (primary), 120-min postprandial glucose (PPG), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and the proportion of patients achieving HbA1c <7%.

RESULTS

At week 18, the adjusted mean reduction from baseline HbA1c was -0.88% for saxagliptin + metformin XR and -0.35% for uptitrated metformin XR (difference, -0.52%; p < 0.0001). For 120-min PPG and FPG, differences in adjusted mean change from baseline between saxagliptin + metformin XR and uptitrated metformin XR were -1.3 mmol/l (-23.32 mg/dl) (p = 0.0013) and -0.73 mmol/l (-13.18 mg/dl) (p = 0.0030), respectively. More patients achieved HbA1c <7.0% with saxagliptin + metformin XR than with uptitrated metformin XR (37.2 vs. 26.1%; p = 0.0459). The proportions of patients experiencing any adverse events (AEs) were generally similar between groups; neither group showed any notable difference in hypoglycaemia or gastrointestinal AEs.

CONCLUSION

Adding saxagliptin to metformin XR provided superior glycaemic control compared with uptitrating metformin XR without the emergence of additional safety concerns.

Urinary metabolomics in monitoring acute tubular injury of renal allografts: a preliminary report

Acute tubular injury (ATI) is very common in biopsy specimens from renal allografts that suffer from delayed graft function (DGF) or dysfunction. Currently there are few reports on investigating small molecule metabolites in urine samples from transplant recipients as a noninvasive method to predict the ATI of renal allografts instead of an allograft biopsy. In our study matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization Fourier transform mass spectrometry (MALDI-FTMS) was used to analyze small molecule metabolites in urine samples from renal transplant recipients with biopsy-proven slight ATI or moderate ATI or acute tubular necrosis (ATN). To evaluate the ATI-specific value of those small molecules, we applied the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) program. Mass spectra data were imported into the PCA, where loading graphs were constructed to express the constituents of the urine samples. Slight ATI, moderate ATI, or ATN of renal allografts were separated obviously in the loading graph. The position of urine samples in the graph may reflect the tubular injury status of allografts. A farther apart point from the original site may mean the allograft suffered from more severe ATI (even ATN), and vice versa. Detection of small molecule metabolites in urine samples of recipients through MALDI-FTMS may offer a promising noninvasive, high throughput, rapid tool to predict ATI/ATN of renal allografts.

Treatment of domestic sewage by a metal membrane bioreactor

A submerged flat metal MBR (membrane bioreactor) was used to treat synthetic domestic sewage in this study. The experiment was continued for 270 days and ran under two modes as AMBR (aerobic membrane bioreactor) and A/O-MBR (anoxic/aerobic membrane bioreactor) at a permeate flux of 0.4-1 m³/(m² d). PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) gel beads were added to the aeration tank with a volume ratio of 10% at the end of the A/O-MBR mode. The mean COD and TN removal efficiencies achieved 96.69 and 32.12% under the AMBR mode, and those were 92.17 and 72.44% under the A/O-MBR mode, respectively. SND (simultaneous nitrification and denitrification) occurred at high MLSS (mixed liquor suspended solids) concentration. The metal membranes reduced effluent COD during filtration. The system ran stably for 115 days at a permeate flux of 0.8-1 m³/(m² d) without changing membranes under the AMBR mode, but the membrane filterability decreased gradually under high MLSS or A/O-MBR mode, and the addition of PVA worsened the membrane filterability on the contrary. PSD (particle size distribution) and sludge fractions had evident influence on membrane fouling. The main fouling mechanism was cake formation under the AMBR mode, and that was pore blocking under the A/O-MBR mode.

P3-03-06: Regulation of microRNA Expression by Autocrine Human Growth Hormone in Breast Cancer Cells

Introduction: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-protein coding RNAs approximately 20–24 nucleotides in length which regulate the expression of genes by pairing with the 3’ untranslated regions of target mRNA molecules and inhibiting translation or promoting mRNA degradation. Mature miRNAs are processed from longer transcripts by the miRNA biogenesis machinery, which includes key enzymes Dicer, Drosha and AGO-2. Altered miRNA expression has been implicated in many pathologies, including breast cancer. In general it is the deregulated expression of individual miRNAs that has been implicated in breast cancer pathogenesis. However, global downregulation of all or the majority of miRNAs has also been observed and can lead to a more invasive phenotype and increased proliferation in various cancers. Global miRNA downregulation has been associated with changes in expression levels of proteins involved in miRNA biogenesis.

The growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-1 axis is emerging as an important mediator of tumour development. Studies investigating hGH expression in human breast cancer have demonstrated that hGH expression is positively correlated with lymph node metastasis, tumour stage, HER-2 status and proliferative index. In mammary carcinoma cells autocrine hGH promotes cell proliferation, survival, migration/invasion and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition as well as tumour formation in a xenograft model. In the current study we demonstrate that autocrine hGH regulates miRNA biogenesis in breast cancer cells.

Methods: Forced expression of hGH was established in the mammary carcinoma cell lines MCF-7 and T47D by stable transfection. miRNA expression was determined using miRNA microarray, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) arrays and qPCR assays. The expression levels of genes and proteins involved in miRNA biogenesis were assessed using real-time qPCR assays and Western blotting.

Results: More than 90% of miRNAs assayed were downregulated in hGH-transfected MCF-7 and T47D cells, compared to control transfected cells, as demonstrated by miRNA microarray and qPCR array. Changes in miRNA expression determined by microarray and qPCR array were verified using miRNA-specific qPCR assays. In MCF-7 cells, autocrine hGH did not significantly affect the mRNA expression levels of miRNA machinery components Drosha, DGCR8, PACT, TARBP, EXP-5, Dicer and AGO2 when compared to control transfected cells. Whereas in T47D cells autocrine hGH increased mRNA expression of TARBP, PACT and EXP-5 by 2.0, 2.3 and 1.8 fold respectively, compared to control transfected cells. Western blot analysis demonstrated that, autocrine hGH decreased protein levels of Dicer in MCF-7 cells, whereas Drosha and AGO2 were unchanged compared to control transfected cells. In T47D cells autocrine hGH decreased protein levels of Dicer, Drosha and AGO2 when compared to control transfected cells.

Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that autocrine hGH stimulates global downregulation of miRNA expression in breast cancer cells. This may be one mechanism whereby autocrine hGH promotes tumour progression. Our results also indicate that autocrine hGH-mediated global downregulation of miRNA expression may occur through regulation of proteins involved in the miRNA biogenesis.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-03-06.

P3-01-03: The Hominoid-Specific Gene SHON Is Oncogenic in Human Mammary Carcinoma

Breast cancer is still the most common malignancy and the leading cause of cancer deaths in both developed and under developed countries. Molecular targeted therapy, in particular monoclonal antibody-based treatment, has emerged as a promising approach to treat this disease because of its high specificity and reduced toxicity. As a consequence, identification of novel molecular therapeutic targets is of crucial importance. In an effort to discover new targets for monoclonal antibody-based targeted therapy, we have identified a novel and secreted hominoid-specific molecule, SHON (secreted hominoid-specific oncogene), in the human mammary carcinoma cell line, MCF-7. Like other hominoid-specific genes, SHON has no known orthologs outside of the primate lineage. It is highly expressed in all cancer cell lines tested so far including breast, lung, liver, stomach, colon and prostate cancer as determined at the mRNA level by RT-PCR and at the protein level by western blotting. Forced expression of SHON in MCF-7 cells significantly increased cell proliferation and survival as demonstrated by 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation and Annexin V/propidium iodide apoptosis assays, respectively. Forced expression of SHON also promoted MCF-7 cell anchorage independent growth in soft agar and enhanced cell migration and invasion. Moreover, forced expression of SHON in MCF-7 cells increased tumour volume in a xenograft model of human breast cancer in immunodeficient mice. Furthermore, depletion of endogenous SHON expression using small interfering RNAs, or functional inhibition using an inhibitory rabbit anti-SHON polyclonal antibody, decreased MCF-7 cell proliferation and survival, and reduced MCF-7 oncogenicity and invasiveness. Therefore, SHON is a novel oncogene for mammary carcinoma cells which may be useful as a therapeutic target for the treatment of breast cancer.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-01-03.

Expression and possible immune-regulatory function of ghrelin in oral epithelium

Originally found in stomach mucosa, ghrelin is a peptide appetite hormone that has been implicated as an immuno-modulatory factor. Ghrelin has also been found in salivary glands and saliva; however, its expression patterns and biological properties in the oral cavity remain unclear. Therefore, we investigated the expression patterns of ghrelin in saliva, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), and gingival tissue, as well as its in vitro effects on IL-8 production by TNF-α or LPS-stimulated oral epithelial cells. In the clinical samples obtained from 12 healthy volunteers, the concentration of ghrelin in GCF remarkably exceeded that detected in saliva. The expression of ghrelin mRNAs and growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) receptors could be detected in human oral epithelial cells. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed the expression of ghrelin in gingival epithelium, as well as in fibroblasts in the lamina propria. Ghrelin increased intracellular calcium mobilization and cAMP levels in oral epithelial cells, suggesting that ghrelin acts on epithelial cells to induce cell signaling. Furthermore, synthetic ghrelin inhibited the production of IL-8 from TNF-α or LPS-stimulated oral epithelial cells. These results indicate that ghrelin produced in the oral cavity appears to play a regulatory role in innate immune responses to inflammatory infection.

Elevated circulating CD4+ ICOS+ Foxp3+ T cells contribute to overproduction of IL-10 and are correlated with disease severity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

In this work, we aimed to investigate the frequency, possible categories and clinical significance of circulating CD4+ ICOS+ FoxP3+ T cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The frequency of circulating CD4+ ICOS+ FoxP3+ T cells was analysed by flow-cytometric analysis in 32 SLE patients, 10 rheumatoid arthritis patients and 32 healthy controls. Production of IL-10 and mTGF-β by different CD4+ T-cell populations was determined by intracellular cytokine staining. Plasma levels of IL-10 and TGF-β were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The frequency of circulating CD4+ ICOS+ FoxP3+ T cells was significantly increased in SLE patients as compared with control groups. The elevated frequency of CD4+ ICOS+ FoxP3+ T cells had a positive correlation with SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) scores and serum anti-dsDNA but a negative correlation with serum C3. Additionally, the CD4+ ICOS+ Foxp3+ T cells contained significantly higher percentages of IL-10-producing cells than CD4+ ICOS- Foxp3+ T cells. A significant positive correlation was also observed between the frequency of CD4+ ICOS+ Foxp3+ T cells and the plasma level of IL-10 in SLE patients. In conclusion, an increased frequency of circulating CD4+ ICOS+ Foxp3+ T cells was observed in patients with SLE, suggesting its potential importance in the immunopathogenesis of SLE. Analysis of the CD4+ ICOS+ FoxP3+ T-cell population may be useful for the evaluation of lupus disease severity.