Elevated serum complement C3 levels are related to the development of prediabetes in an adult population: the Tianjin Chronic Low-Grade Systematic Inflammation and Health Cohort Study

AIMS

To investigate whether serum complement C3 is related to the prevalence and incidence of prediabetes in an adult population.

METHODS

A cross-sectional (n = 10 206) and prospective cohort study (n = 3333), with a mean (range; 95% CI) follow-up of 2.63 (1-6; 2.58-2.68) years, was conducted in people recruited from the Health Management Centre of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital in Tianjin, China. Measurement of serum C3 concentration, blood fasting glucose, oral glucose tolerance, HbA1c and other potential confounding factors was performed at baseline and each year during the follow-up. Prediabetes was defined according to the criteria of the American Diabetes Association. Adjusted logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess the relationships between C3 quintiles and prediabetes.

RESULTS

The prevalence and incidence of prediabetes were 38.5% and 119 per 1000 person-years, respectively. In cross-sectional analysis, after adjustment for potential confounders, the odds ratios of prediabetes for increasing quintiles of C3 were 1.00 (reference), 1.32 (95% CI 1.14-1.53), 1.37 (95% CI 1.18-1.59), 1.75 (95% CI 1.51-2.03), 2.25 (95% CI 1.93-2.62; P for trend < 0.0001). In the cohort analysis, the multiple-adjusted hazard ratio of prediabetes in the highest quintile of baseline C3 was 1.43 (95% CI 1.15, 1.78; P for trend < 0.001), when compared with the lowest quintile.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that elevated serum C3 levels are significantly related to an increased risk of developing prediabetes in an adult population, suggesting that C3 can be used as a biomarker in high-risk individuals to improve primary prevention of prediabetes and diabetes.

[RNPC1 induces sensitivity of HER-2-positive breast cancer BT474 cells to trastuzumab through upregulation of HER2]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the sensitivity of HER-2-positive BT474 breast cancer cells to trastuzumab after knockdown or overexpression of RNA binding protein 38 (RNPC1).

METHODS

The expressions of RNPC1 and HER-2 mRNA were detected by qRT-PCR, and the expressions of RNPC1, HER-2 and PI3K/AKT proteins were detected by Western blot after transfected with RNPC1 lentiviral vector, respectively. The experimental groups were treated with different concentration of trastuzumab, and cell apoptosis rate was analyzed by 7-AAD/APC double staining flow cytometry, and cell growth inhibition rate was tested by cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8). The expression of apoptosis-related proteins was detected by Western blot assay.

RESULTS

The results of qRT-PCR showed that overexpression of RNPC1 increased the expressions of RNPC1 and HER-2 mRNA, and the expressions of RNPC1 and HER-2 were decreased after RNPC1 knockdown. The knockdown of RNPC1 decreased the expressions of RNPC1 and HER-2. Moreover, overexpression of RNPC1 decreased and knockdown of RNPC1 increased the levels of p-PI3K and p-AKT while the total protein expressions of both were marginally changed.The results of analysis using a cell counting CCK-8 kit showed that the RNPC1 overexpressed group had a higher growth inhibition rate [(20.33±1.25)%, (35.38±2.05)%, (50.43±2.12)%, (65.35±2.08)% and(76.00±2.16)%, respectively] than that of the control group [(13.67±1.24)%, (27.86±2.05)%, (39.72±1.69)%, (53.33±1.70)% and(62.68±2.07)% ] when treated with different concentrations of trastuzumab (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 μg/ml). The cell apoptosis rates in the RNPC1-overexpressed group [(19.46±1.06)%, (30.87±0.98)%, (50.45±1.13)%, respectively] were also increased compared with that in the control group [(14.38±0.64)%, (21.65±1.24)%, (38.03±0.85)%] when treated with different concentrations of trastuzumab (0, 10, 20 and 30 μg/ml)(P<0.05 for all). Reverse results were observed in the RNPC1 knockdown experiments [experimental groups: (9.67±1.18)%, (21.67±1.23)%, (30.33±1.25)%, (40.33±1.69)%, and (53.00±1.63)%] compared with those of control groups: [(14.00±0.82)%, (27.67±1.25)%, (39.67±1.79)%, (53.67±1.50)%, and (63.33±1.52)%]; and experimental groups: [(11.64±0.68)%, (16.60±1.01)%, and (25.14±3.12)%] compared with those of the control groups: [(14.71±0.61)%, (22.65±0.96)%, and (39.03±0.85)%]. The overexpression of RNPC1 increased the expression levels of Bim and Bad and decreased the level of Bcl-xl, and reverse result was observed after knockdown of RNPC1.

CONCLUSION

RNPC1 may promote the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to trastuzumab through the increased expression of HER-2 in the BT474 breast cancer cells.

[Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten/phosphatidyl Inositol 3-kinase/vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathway changes in the rabbit Kawasaki disease model]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the changes of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten(PTEN)/ phosphatidyl Inositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/ vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)signaling pathway in a rabbit Kawasaki disease model.

METHODS

Model of Kawasaki disease was established in weanling Japanese big-eared rabbits with 10% bovine serum venous injection (2.5 ml/kg, 2 times, and 2 week's interval) through the ear. Twenty four rabbits were divided into 4 groups: control group (without injection of 10% bovine serum albumin, six rabbits); 1 day group (sacrificed a the second day after the establishment of Kawasaki disease models, six rabbits); 7 day group (sacrificed at the seventh day after establishment of Kawasaki disease model, six rabbits); 30 day group (sacrificed at the thirtieth day after establishment of Kawasaki disease model, six rabbits). Pathological analysis was performed on coronary artery tissue samples. The express of PTEN and PI3K were detected by immunohistochemistry. The levels of VEGF and CK were also examined with ELISA and white blood cells were counted.

RESULTS

(1) Coronary artery of model groups was thinner, distorted and had enlarged lumen. (2) PTEN expression in 1 d group, 7 d group and 30 d group were 58.5 ± 12.9, 73.2±9.9 and 109.6 ± 24.4, respectively, significantly higher than in the control group (25.5 ± 6.9, P<0.01 or 0.05). (3) The express of PI3K was significantly upregulated in 1 d group(57.2±11.1)and 7 d group(39.9±4.8) compared to control group(19.1±3.5, P<0.01 or 0.05). The expression level of PI3K in 30 d group was 18.8 ± 7.5, which was similar as control group (P>0.05) and significantly lower than 1 d and 7 d group (both P<0.05). (4) Similarly, the level of VEGF in 1 d group, 7 d group ((89.1 ± 15.5) ng/L, (76.9±9.9) ng/L) were significantly higher while it was significantly lower in 30 d group ((19.8 ± 4.4)ng/L) compared with the control group ((33.9 ± 6.7) ng/L, P<0.01 or 0.05). The level of VEGF in 7 d group was significantly lower than in 1 d group (P<0.05) and the level of VEGF was significantly lower in 30 d group than in 7 d group (P<0.01). (5)Creatine kinase levels were significantly higher in 30 d group than in control group (P<0.05) and there were no significantly different between control group, 1 d group and 7 d group(all P>0.05). (6)White blood cell count were significantly higher in 1 d group, 7 d group and 30 d group than in control group (all P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

The level of PTEN/PI3K/VEGF signaling pathway change after establishment of rabbit Kawasaki disease model and the signaling pathway might be involved in this model.

Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of Different ACE Inhibitors in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure: A PRISMA-Compliant Network Meta-Analysis

Heart failure is a public health problem and a great economic burden for patients and healthcare systems. Suppression of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitors remains the mainstay of treatment for heart failure. However, the abundance of ACE inhibitors makes it difficult for doctors to choose.We performed this network meta-analysis of ACEIs in patients with heart failure in order to address this area of uncertainty.We searched PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, and Medline.Any randomized controlled trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, ramipril, or trandolapril or combined interventions of 2 or more of these drugs.Two reviewers extracted the data and made the quality assessment. At first, we used Stata software (version 12.0, StataCorp, College Station, TX) to make traditional pairwise meta-analyses for studies that directly compared different interventions. Then, network meta-analysis was performed using WinBUGS (version 1.4.3, MRC Biostatistics Unit, Cambridge, UK).A total of 29 studies were included. Lisinopril was associated with a higher rate of all-cause mortality compared with placebo (odds ratio 65.9, 95% credible interval 1.91 to 239.6) or ramipril (14.65, 1.23 to 49.5). Enalapril significantly reduced systolic blood pressure when compared with placebo (standardized mean differences -0.6, 95% credible interval -1.03 to -0.18). Both captopril (odds ratio 76.2, 95% credible interval 1.56 to 149.3) and enalapril (274.4, 2.4 to 512.9) were associated with a higher incidence of cough compared to placebo.Some important outcomes such as rehospitalization and cardiac death were not included. The sample size and the number of studies were limited, especially for ramipril.Our results suggest that enalapril might be the best option when considering factors such as increased ejection fraction, stroke volume, and decreased mean arterial pressure. However, enalapril was associated with the highest incidence of cough, gastrointestinal discomfort, and greater deterioration in renal function. Trandolapril ranked first in reducing systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Ramipril was associated with the lowest incidence of all-cause mortality. Lisinopril was the least effective in lowering systolic and diastolic blood pressure and was associated with the highest incidence of all-cause mortality.

Efficacy and safety of topical herbal medicine treatment on recurrent aphthous stomatitis: a systemic review

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical treatment with natural herbal medicines on recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS). Nine electronic databases were searched to identify the randomized controlled trials and clinical controlled trials that reported the potential effect of natural herbal medicines on RAS published in Chinese or English. Ulcer size and duration, and remission of pain were assessed as main outcome measures. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Handbook for Systemic Review of Interventions and Rev Man software. Thirteen trials with a total of 1,515 patients were included in the present analysis, which showed that topical treatment with natural herbal medicines seemed to benefit RAS patients by reducing ulcer size, shortening ulcer duration, and relieving pain without severe side effects. In conclusion, there is some evidence of the efficacy of topically applied natural herbal medicines with regards to improved RAS outcome measures and fewer side effects. However, given the limitations of this study, the evidence remains insufficient. Well-designed and high-quality randomized controlled trials are required for further exploration.

Diversity of arthropod community in transgenic poplar-cotton ecosystems

Poplar-cotton agro-ecosystems are the main agricultural planting modes of plain cotton fields in China. Here, we performed a systematic survey of the diversity and population of arthropod communities in four different combination of poplar-cotton eco-systems, including I) non-transgenic poplar and non-transgenic cotton fields; II) non-transgenic poplar and transgenic cotton fields [Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton]; III) Bt transgenic poplar (high insect resistant strain Pb29) and non-transgenic cotton; and IV) transgenic poplar and transgenic cotton fields, over a period of 3 years. Based on the statistical methods used to investigate community ecology, the effects of transgenic ecosystems on the whole structure of the arthropod community, on the structure of arthropods in the nutritive layer, and on the similarity of arthropod communities were evaluated. The main results were as follows: the transgenic poplar-cotton ecosystem has a stronger inhibitory effect on insect pests and has no impact on the structure of the arthropod community, and therefore, maintains the diversity of the arthropod community. The character index of the community indicated that the structure of the arthropod community of the transgenic poplar-cotton ecosystem was better than that of the poplar-cotton ecosystem, and that system IV had the best structure. As for the abundance of nutritional classes, the transgenic poplar-cotton ecosystem was also better than that of the non-transgenic poplar-cotton ecosystem. The cluster analysis and similarity of arthropod communities between the four different transgenic poplar-cotton ecosystems illustrated that the structure of the arthropod community excelled in the small sample of the transgenic poplar-cotton ecosystems.

Selection of an effective microsatellite marker system for genetic control and analysis of gerbil populations in China

Although gerbils have been widely used in many areas of biological research over many years, there is currently no effective genetic quality control system available. In the present study, we sought to establish a microsatellite marker system for quality control and conducted an optimized analysis of 137 microsatellite loci in two laboratory gerbil populations and one wild population. Independent sample t-tests on the mean effective allele number, mean of Shannon's information index, and mean HE suggested that 28 of the 137 microsatellite markers were informative for gerbil genetic control. Analysis of 4 laboratory gerbil populations and 1 wild population using the 28 microsatellite loci indicated that allele numbers varied from 1.9639 (Guangzhou, GZ) to 6.6071 (North-West wild, NW). The average of HO versus HE was 0.6236/0.3802, 0.6671/0.4159, 0.4185/0.3464, 0.4592/0.3821, and 0.3972/0.4167 for the Beijing, NW, Hangzhou, Dalian, and GZ populations, respectively. The GZ population showed the greatest differentiation, having higher RST and Nei's standard genetic distances. An AMO-VA revealed high genetic differentiation among the five populations (FST = 0.296). The microsatellite system established here is effective and will be important in future studies for genetic quality control and monitoring of gerbil breeds.

Idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis mimicking prolactinoma with recurrent vision loss

Idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis is a rare inflammatory condition with diffuse thickening of the dura mater, which may cause a compressive effect or vascular compromise. We report on a 28-year-old Chinese woman with a history of granulomatous mastitis 7 years previously and oligomenorrhoea, headache, blurred vision, and raised prolactin level 2 years previously, that was diagnosed as prolactinoma and treated conservatively with bromocriptine. However, she had recurrent bilateral vision loss when the bromocriptine was stopped. Her symptoms were resolved by high-dose steroid injection but remained steroid-dependent. Serial magnetic resonance imaging scan showed progressive diffuse thickening of the pachymeningitis with disappearance of pituitary apoplexy. Lumbar puncture showed lymphocytosis with no organisms. Open biopsy of the meninges was performed and histology showed features of inflammatory infiltrates and vasculitis. This is an unusual presentation of a rare condition in this age-group, with co-existing granulomatous mastitis and chronic otitis media, and is a diagnostic challenge mimicking pituitary macroadenoma and meningioma in initial magnetic resonance imaging scans.

Impacts of transgenic poplar-cotton agro-ecosystems upon target pests and non-target insects under field conditions

Poplar-cotton agro-ecosystems are the main agricultural planting modes of cotton fields in China. With increasing acres devoted to transgenic insect-resistant poplar and transgenic insect-resistant cotton, studies examining the effects of transgenic plants on target and non-target insects become increasingly important. We systematically surveyed populations of both target pests and non-target insects for 4 different combinations of poplar-cotton eco-systems over 3 years. Transgenic Bt cotton strongly resisted the target insects Fall webworm moth [Hyphantria cunea (Drury)], Sylepta derogata Fabrieius, and American bollworm (Heliothis armigera), but no clear impact on non-target insect cotton aphids (Aphis gossypii). Importantly, intercrops containing transgenic Pb29 poplar significantly increased the inhibitory effects of Bt cotton on Fall webworm moth in ecosystem IV. Highly resistant Pb29 poplar reduced populations of the target pests Grnsonoma minutara Hubner and non-target insect poplar leaf aphid (Chaitophorus po-pulialbae), while Fall webworm moth populations were unaffected. We determined the effects of Bt toxin from transgenic poplar and cotton on target and non-target pests in different ecosystems of cotton-poplar intercrops and identified the synergistic effects of such combinations toward both target and non-target insects.

The Effect of Nanometer Oxide Additive on the Heat-Conducting Property of Barium Hydroxide Octahydrate

Nanometer silicon dioxide additive can improve the thermal performance of barium hydroxide octahydrate as the phase change thermal energy storage material. Through measuring the changes of phase change temperature, degree of supercooling, thermal conductivity, the different effects of nanometer silicon dioxide additives of different mass fraction on barium hydroxide octahydrate thermal performance are compared. It can be seen that the precipitation of barium hydroxide octahydrate with nanometer silicon dioxide additive of 0.5% mass fraction improves greatly. The thermal conductivity of barium hydroxide octahydrate with nanometer silicon dioxide additive of 0.5% mass fraction increases to a very slight degree.

Spin and charge Nernst effect in a four-terminal quantum dot ring

Based on the Keldysh nonequilibrium Green's function technique, we study the spin and charge Nernst effect in a four-terminal quantum dot (QD) ring device, in which the Rashba spin-orbit interaction (RSOI) is taken into the QDs and the magnetic field penetrates the ring. We find that only with the assistance of RSOI, can the pure spin Nernst effect occur by applying a thermal bias without any magnetic field or ferromagnetic materials in the system. Under certain RSOI and magnetic field strengths, spin-down or spin-up currents can be driven from terminal 2 or 4. The sign and the magnitude of the spin currents or voltages can be modulated by adjusting the RSOI-induced phase factor and the magnetic flux. Moreover, the magnitude of the Nernst effect can be remarkably enhanced by the intra-dot Coulomb blockade. The Nernst coefficient is predicted to be more than two times larger than the case of zero Coulomb interaction. Our results indicate that such a four-terminal QD ring may be used as a manipulative thermoelectric generator.

Design, synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular docking of novel dabigatran derivatives as potential thrombin inhibitors

A series of dabigatran derivatives were designed and synthesized to discover effective thrombin inhibitors.

[Clinical significance of high expression with UTX in renal cell carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression and significance of ubiquitously transcribed TPR gene on the X chromosome (UTX) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) tissues, then to explore the relationship between UTX expression and renal cancer pathologic characteristics.

METHODS

In the study, 45 patients with dignosed renal cell carcinoma clinical samples were collected in Peking University Shenzhen Hospital. Total RNA and protein were extracted from the cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues. UTX expression of cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues was detected on both mRNA and protein levels using real time-PCR and IHC, respectively. And the relationship between UTX expression and the 45 patients' clinical characteristics was analyzed.

RESULTS

The mRNA level of UTX in cancer tissues(C) was 4.4 folds, higher than that of the adjacent normal tissues(N) [ 0.883 2±0.703 8 vs. 0.199 7±0.140 0, P<0.05]. The protein expression of UTX in cancer tissues was up-regulated, and the protein score of cancer tissues was 4 folds, change compared with adjacent normal tissues[12±4 vs. 3±3, P<0.05].The expression of UTX was associated with pathological grade(P=0.004)but without gender, age, tumor size and TNM stage.

CONCLUSION

UTX is up-regulated in RCC tissues and the expression of UTX is associated with pathological grade, illustrating that UTX may play an important role in renal cancer progression.

[Novel cationic liposome loading siRNA inhibits the expression of hepatitis B virus HBx gene]

In order to solve the problem of selection and in vivo delivery problem in siRNA treatment, hepatitis B virus (HBV) HBx gene which could be targeted by siRNA was studied. The siRNA expression plasmid which specific inhibits HBx expression was obtained by in vitro selection via a dual-luciferase plasmid including HBx-Fluc fusion protein expression domain. The selected siRNA expression plasmid was then encapsulated in PEG-modified cationic liposome, which was devoted into pharmacodynamic studies at both cellular and animal level. The results illustrated that the cationic liposome which encapsulated siRNA expression plasmid could effectively inhibit HBx gene expression both in vitro and in vivo.

Visible and near-infrared imaging spectrometer and its preliminary results from the Chang'E 3 project

In order to conduct lunar surface mineral composition studies and content analysis, the Visible and Near-infrared Imaging Spectrometer (VNIS), one of the scientific payloads of the Chang'E 3 Yutu rover, has been developed to detect lunar surface objects and to obtain their reflectance spectra and geometric images. This is achieved with a 45° visual angle and at a height of 0.69 m. VNIS is equipped with a lunar surface calibration function, and the spectral range is 0.45-2.40 μm with a spectral resolution of 2-12 nm. It is capable of synchronously acquiring the full spectrum of lunar surface objects and in situ calibration. Here, we describe the VNIS and explain the preliminary results of the lunar surface exploration and calibration, which provides valuable information for scientific data processing and applications.

Urethral reconstruction using bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell- and smooth muscle cell-seeded bladder acellular matrix

BACKGROUND

Congenital or acquired abnormalities may lead to a urethral defect that often requires surgical reconstruction. The traditional methods often lead to complications, including urethrocutaneous fistulae and strictures. In this study, we proposed to construct a tissue-engineered sheet graft (TESG) using a bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC)- and smooth muscle cell (SMC)-seeded bladder acellular matrix (BAM) for urethral reconstruction.

METHODS

Rabbit BMSCs and SMCs were isolated, expanded, and identified in vitro before seeding into BAM as the experimental group, whereas BAM-only was the control group. The graft was used to construct TESG for implantation into the rabbit omentum for 2 weeks before urethral reconstruction. We divided 24 male rabbits into four experimental groups six each, and six other were the control group. Histological analysis was performed at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks postoperatively. Retrograde urethrography was performed at 16 weeks postoperatively.

RESULTS

All experimental rabbits survived to they were humanly killed. At 8 weeks, there was no difference between the graft and the normal urethra with no severe shrinkage. At 8 and 16 weeks after TESG grafting in vivo, multilayer urothelium covered the graft, neovascularization was visible within the center of TESG, and organized smooth muscle bundles were present. Retrograde urethrography failed to demonstrate diverticula formation or urethral stricture. Three control rabbits died within 4 weeks postoperatively. Autopsy showed their urethras to be almost completely blocked whereas another three hosts displays urethral strictures.

CONCLUSION

A TESG was constructed using a BMSC- and SMC-seeded BAM for urethral reconstruction.

Efficacy and safety of gabapentin for treatment of postherpetic neuralgia: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a common type of neuropathic pain occurring after resolution of herpes zoster rash. Although gabapentin is a widely used treatment, some disagreements exist about its efficacy and safety. Meta-analysis was performed to better evaluate the efficacy and safety of gabapentin for management of PHN.

METHODS

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of gabapentin to treat PHN were identified by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases. Searches were restricted to studies published in English.

RESULTS

Seven trials involving a total of 2039 participants were identified. Pooled analysis showed that gabapentin reduced PHN-related pain significantly more than placebo (mean difference, MD=-0.89, 95% CI -1.58 to -0.18, P<0.001). Gabapentin reduced pain below baseline by at least 50% in significantly more patients than did placebo (RR=1.59, 95% CI 1.35 to 1.88, P<0.001). Gabapentin was significantly more likely than placebo to lead patients to rate their global impression of change as "much improved" or "very much improved" (RR=1.82, 95% CI 1.41 to 2.35, P=0.003). Gabapentin also improved sleep quality significantly more than did placebo (MD=-0.62, 95% CI -0.67 to -0.57, P<0.001). On the other hand, patients given gabapentin were significantly more likely to experience dizziness, somnolence, peripheral edema, ataxia or gait disturbance and diarrhea. Subgroup analysis on formulation of gabapentin showed that gabapentin enacarbil had similar efficacy of pain relief with other formulations while it may be superior to others in term of compliance and safety.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis indicates that gabapentin is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for patients with PHN.

[Repeated injection of mitoxantrone containing thermosensitive liposomes in rat induced ABC phenomenon]

To investigate whether accelerated blood clearance (ABC) phenomenon could be induced after repeated injection of mitoxantrone thermosensitive liposomes, LC-MS/MS and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to measure the concentration of mitoxantrone and the anti-polyethylene glycol (PEG) IgM levels in rat plasma, separately. The drug was rapidly cleared away after the second administration. The anti-PEG IgM was detected after the first dose which was neutralized quickly after the second dose. It is proved that repeated administration of mitoxantrone thermosensitive liposomes in rat caused the ABC phenomenon.

Heterotopic bone formation around vessels: pilot study of a new animal model

To achieve an easily established, safe, and reproducible animal model for the study of heterotopic bone formation around vessels, a small animal series using New Zealand White rabbits was performed. Three different dosages of recombinant human bone morphogenic protein (rhBMP-2) carried by fibrin matrix were tested. A guided tissue regeneration (GTR) membrane sheet was formed into a tube and allowed to harden; it served both to maintain the space around the vessel bundle and to separate the fibrin matrix with rhBMP-2 from skeletal muscle. Wrapped around the femoral vessel bundle and fixed in place, the tube was filled with the fibrin matrix containing rhBMP-2. The surgical site was closed in layers, and the postoperative healing was uneventful. All animals resumed their full preoperative daily activities 3–4 days after the operation. No adverse events such as wound dehiscence or infection occurred, and all animals could be sacrified at the scheduled date. Micro–computed tomography and histological investigations showed heterotopic bone formation around the vessel bundle in the medium- and high-dosage rhBMP-2 groups. An easy, safe, and reproducible animal model that allows the study of heterotopic bone formation around vessels was successfully established.

Prolongation of time interval between doses could eliminate accelerated blood clearance phenomenon induced by pegylated liposomal topotecan

Repeated injection of pegylated liposomes could elicit the disappearance of long-circulating characteristic, referred to as "accelerated blood clearance phenomenon." ABC phenomenon typically occurs when entrapped drugs are not cytotoxic, but recently it was reported that multiple doses of pegylated liposomal topotecan, a cytotoxic drug, could also induce the phenomenon in rats. To reveal whether the phenomenon could be induced in dogs and the effect of time interval between doses on the magnitude of ABC, pLT was repeatedly injected into beagle dogs with a time interval of 7, 21 and 28 days. The anti-PEG Ig M levels were detected using ELISA. It was found that ABC phenomenon could be induced in dogs by pLT. Inter-individual difference in anti-PEG antibody production could be observed, and antibody levels were directly correlated with the magnitude of ABC. Furthermore, time interval between doses had marked effect on the magnitude of ABC phenomenon. When the time interval was prolonged from 1 week to 4 weeks, ABC phenomenon could be eliminated. By comparing the pharmacokinetic profiles of lipid vesicles and entrapped topotecan, it was found that "empty pegylated vesicles" be formed in circulation, which might be responsible for the occurrence of ABC phenomenon.