Treatment of angiostrongyliasis using a combination of albendazole and dexamethasone: the results of a retrospective and comparative study

As the information available on the treatment of angiostrongyliasis with a combination of albendazole and dexamethasone is limited, the efficacy of such therapy was assessed using data collected during the 2006 outbreak of angiostrongyliasis in Beijing. In a retrospective and controlled study, 35 patients treated with albendazole-dexamethasone (given 20 mg albendazole/kg and 3 mg dexamethasone daily for 7 days) were compared with 34 controls who were treated only symptomatically (with acetaminophen or other drugs). Compared with the controls, the patients given the combination were less likely to have headaches after 7 days (P = 0·038), tended to have headaches that cleared quicker (P = 0·010), and received fewer doses of acetaminophen (P = 0·036). Since no serious adverse effects were observed, a 1-week treatment with a combination of albendazole and dexamethasone appears both safe and beneficial in the treatment of angiostrongyliasis.

The polymorphisms in the VHL and HIF1A genes are associated with the prognosis but not the development of renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor gene and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF1A) play a pivotal role in renal carcinogenesis. This study was aimed to clarify the influence of VHL and HIF1A polymorphisms on renal cell cancer (RCC) susceptibility and survival.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We genotyped four potentially functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms (rs779805 in VHL and rs11549465, rs11549467, and rs2057482 in HIF1A) and assessed their associations with RCC risk, clinicopathologic parameters in a case-control study of 620 patients and 623 controls, and the prognosis of RCC in a cohort of 311 patients.

RESULTS

No significant differences in VHL or HIF1A genotypes were observed between RCC cases and controls. However, individuals with ≥2 variant alleles of the four polymorphisms were associated with less frequent lymph node metastasis and lower clinical stage (P = 0.032 and P = 0.041, respectively). And the number of variant alleles was associated with improved survival in a dose-response manner (P(trend) = 0.013). Furthermore, multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the number of variant alleles (≥1 versus 0) was an independent prognostic factor for RCC survival (P = 0.036) together with clinical stage and tumor grade.

CONCLUSION

The VHL and HIF1A polymorphisms may not influence RCC susceptibility but may jointly influence RCC progression and survival.

Association of IL-4 -590 T>C polymorphism and risk of renal cell carcinoma in a Chinese population

Interleukin 4 (IL-4) is a typical pleiotropic T helper 2 (Th2) cytokine. This cytokine is a critical mediator of the Th1/Th2 balance and apoptosis potential and involved in the process of inflammation-mediated carcinogenesis in human organs, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The effects of functional promoter polymorphism of the IL-4 gene on risk of RCC in Chinese are still unknown. In this study, we genotyped functional polymorphism in IL-4-590 T>C in a hospital-based case-control study of 340 patients with diagnosed RCC and 342 cancer-free controls in a Chinese population. Compared with IL-4-590 TT genotype, the CC genotype had a significantly decreased RCC risk [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.22-0.89]. Furthermore, a significant decreased risk of RCC was found in the combined variant genotypes CT + CC compared with the TT genotype (adjusted OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.50-0.93). The IL-4 C allele frequency was 0.178 among the cases and 0.237 among the controls, and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.007). These results suggest that the IL-4-590 T>C polymorphism is involved in susceptibility to developing RCC in Chinese populations. Larger studies are warranted to validate our findings.

Role of oxidative tissue injury in the pathophysiology of experimentally induced equine laminitis: a comparison of 2 models

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress reportedly plays a role in sepsis-induced organ dysfunction and failure in many species. In septic horses, laminae are targeted; evidence of laminar oxidative stress has been reported experimentally in the black walnut extract (BWE) model. Carbohydrate (CHO)-induced laminitis may be more similar to clinical sepsis-related laminitis than the BWE model in that animals with CHO-induced disease commonly develop laminar failure. The role of oxidative stress in the CHO model remains unknown.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES

Markers of oxidative stress will be increased in laminae from horses with BWE- and CHO-induced laminitis.

ANIMALS

Banked laminar tissue from various time points from animals subjected to BWE (n = 15) and CHO (n = 20) protocols.

METHODS

Laminar 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and protein carbonyl content were evaluated by slot blot analysis. Laminar 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) immunohistochemistry was performed.

RESULTS

The number of laminar 3-NT (+) cells was increased at developmental and Obel grade 1 (OG1) time points in the BWE model (versus control [CON]; P= .013) and lower in OG1 tissues than CON in the CHO model (P = .04). No change in 4-HNE content was observed in the CHO model, and no increase in laminar protein carbonyl content was present in either model (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

These results do not support a prominent role for oxidative stress at examined time points in CHO-overload laminitis and support transient oxidative stress in the BWE model. Tissue oxidation does not appear to be a central early pathophysiologic event in CHO-associated laminitis.

Penetration of thin C60 films by metal nanoparticles

Metal nanoparticles supported by thin films are important in the fields of molecular electronics, biotechnology and catalysis, among others. Penetration of these nanoparticles through their supporting films can be undesirable in some circumstances but desirable in others, and is often considered to be a diffusive process. Here, we demonstrate a mechanism for the penetration of thin films and other nanoscopic barriers that is different from simple diffusion. Silver clusters that are soft-landed onto a monolayer of C(60) supported by gold sink through the monolayer in a matter of hours. However, the clusters are stable when landed onto two monolayers of C(60) supported on gold, or on one monolayer of C(60) supported on graphite. With backing from atomistic calculations, these results demonstrate that a metallic substrate exerts attractive forces on metallic nanoparticles that are separated from the substrate by a single monolayer.

Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha attenuates hepatic fibrosis in rats

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha (HNF4alpha) is a central transcriptional regulator of hepatocyte differentiation and function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of HNF4alpha on attenuation of hepatic fibrosis.

METHODS

The adenoviruses carrying HNF4alpha gene or containing siRNA targeting HNF4alpha were injected through tail vein on two distinct hepatic fibrosis models either induced by dimethylnitrosamine or by bile duct ligation in rats. Moreover, HNF4alpha, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related and fibrotic markers in hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and liver tissues were detected by real time PCR, immunofluorescence or immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that decreased expression of HNF4alpha and epithelial markers accompanied by enhanced expression of mesenchymal markers occurred in fibrotic liver. More importantly, forced expression of HNF4alpha remarkably alleviated hepatic fibrosis and improved liver function with suppression of EMT in both fibrosis models. In contrast, downregulation of HNF4alpha by siRNA aggravated hepatic fibrosis and decreased the expression of E-cadherin in association with the enhanced expression of vimentin and fibroblast-specific protein-1. In vitro study revealed that HNF4alpha could suppress the EMT process of hepatocytes induced by transforming growth factor-beta1 and increase the expression of liver-specific genes. A similar phenomenon of the EMT process was observed during the activation of HSCs, which was abrogated by HNF4alpha. Additionally, HNF4alpha deactivated the myofibroblasts through inducing the mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition and inhibited their proliferation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that HNF4alpha is critical for hepatic fibrogenesis and upregulation of HNF4alpha might present as an ideal option for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis.

Efficacy of electroacupuncture for bone metastatic cancer patients with neuropathic pain: A randomized controlled trial

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Background: Bone metastatic lung cancer or breast cancer pts often have neuropathic pain which has poor reaction to opioids. A clinical trial is to investigate efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) in cancer pts with neuropathic pain. Methods: Inclusion criteria were: bone metastatic lung cancer or breast cancer pts at least one of the symptoms as burning pain, shooting pain, dysesthesias, or allodynia; numerical rating scale (NRS) of pain intensity >=4.0; stable dose of opioids for at least 72 hours. Exclusion criteria were: chemotherapy or radiotherapy from 15 days before or during the study. Hormone or adjuvant therapy could be started before the study, but the dose could not be changed afterwards. Opioids could be increased step by step according to the pain. EA was manipulated with low-frequency (2 Hz) and high-frequency (100 Hz) dense-disperse waves alternatively, 30 minutes per day, 5-day therapy with 2-day interval, 3 weeks continuously. Acupoints were selected as ST36, SJ3, SJ5, LI3, LI4 bilateral. Controlled group accepted non-acupoint treatment close the right acupoint. Results: Ninety pts with neuropathic pain participated in a randomized, controlled design trial from 2006 to 2008. Overall, 45 pts accepted EA treatment and 34 completed the study. 45 pts accepted controlled and 32 completed. There was no difference of initial NRS which was 6.3±2.1 in EA group and 7.2±1.8 in controlled, p = 0.0669. Analysis showed a significant difference of NRS between EA group (3.2±1.7) and controlled (5.4±2.2) at the end of survey, p < 0.0001. The decrease in NRS was significantly higher in the EA group compared to the controlled (3.2±1.7 vs. baseline, p < 0.0001; 5.4±2.2 vs. baseline, p = 0.0007). Mean analgesics consumption variety in EA group was as follows: transdermal fentanyl increased by 51.2% (16 pts) and 77.3% (21 pts) in EA and controlled, p = 0.0005. Oxycodone increased by 85.5% (18 pts) and 115.6% (11 pts) in EA and controlled, p = 0.0183. Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) scale had no difference at the beginning, while it were 102±18 and 85±12 in EA group and controlled at the end of survey, p < 0.0001. Conclusions: EA can alleviate neuropathic pain of bone metastatic cancer pts, decrease the analgesics consumption, and promoting quality of life.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Photoabsorption by volume plasmons in metal nanoclusters

It is well known that plasmons in bulk metals cannot be excited by direct photoabsorption, that is, by coupling of volume plasmons to light. Here we demonstrate that the situation in nanoclusters of the same metals is entirely different. We have carried out a photodepletion measurement for Na(20) and Na(92) and identified a broad volume plasmon absorption peak centered slightly above 4 eV, revealing the possibility of optical excitation of volume-type collective electronic modes in a metallic system. The observed phenomenon is related to different selection rules for finite systems.

Ca2+ channels and Ca2+-activated K+ channels in adult rat gonadotrophin-releasing hormone neurones

Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurones represent the final output neurones in the neuroendocrine system for the control of reproduction. To understand the reproductive neuroendocrine system, an investigation of the intrinsic and extrinsic properties of GnRH neurones is essential. In this review, we focus on the intrinsic properties and summarise our recent findings of ion channels expressed in rat GnRH neurones. Rat GnRH neurones express all four types of high voltage-activated Ca(2+) channel (L, N, P/Q, R) and the low voltage-activated Ca(2+) channel (T). GnRH neurones also express two types of Ca(2+)-activated K(+) [K(Ca)] channel: the small conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (SK) channel and the large conductance Ca(2+)- and voltage-activated K(+) (BK) channel. The activities of these Ca(2+) and K(Ca) channels regulate cell excitability and cellular calcium homeostasis.

Tissue concentrations of 4-HNE in the black walnut extract model of laminitis: indication of oxidant stress in affected laminae

In the septic horse prone to laminitis, a similar activation of the innate immune system appears to occur as reported in the septic human prone to organ failure. Because oxidant injury plays a central role in organ failure occurring due to an overzealous innate immune response in human sepsis, this study was performed to determine whether there was evidence of oxidant stress in the laminar tissue in the early stages of laminitis. 4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE), a lipid aldehyde that forms due to lipid peroxidation occurring during episodes of oxidant stress, readily forms adducts with cellular proteins; these adducts can be assessed as a marker of oxidant stress in the form of lipid peroxidation. In this study, a slot blot technique was used to assess 4-HNE adduct concentrations in the laminae, lung, liver, and intestinal tract in the black walnut extract (BWE) model of laminitis. Significant increases in laminar 4-HNE adduct concentrations were identified at two early stages in the BWE model, in the absence of such changes in the other tissues. These data indicate that oxidant stress may play an important role in the laminar failure in laminitis, and further support the concept that a poor antioxidant response in the laminae relative to other equine tissues may be responsible for failure of the laminae in the septic horse. In contrast, tissues such as the lung and liver that undergo oxidant injury in human sepsis appear to be relatively protected in horses.

Activation of A-type gamma-amino butyric acid receptors excites gonadotrophin-releasing hormone neurones isolated from adult rats

Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurones represent the final output neurones in the neuroendocrine control of reproduction, and gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) is one of the major players in the regulation of GnRH neurones. GABA inhibits a large proportion of brain neurones in adult animals by acting on A-type GABA receptors (GABA(A)Rs). Two contradictory reports on the action of GABA in the GnRH neurones of adult mice have been published. DeFazio et al. (Mol Endocrinol 2002; 16: 2872) demonstrated that activation of GABA(A)Rs excites the GnRH neurones of adult mice, whereas Han et al. (Endocrinology 2002; 143: 1459) showed that the response to GABA on GnRH neurones switches from depolarisation to hyperpolarisation around puberty in female mice. Therefore, we examined the reversal potential of GABA(A)R currents by means of perforated patch-clamp recording with gramicidin in overnight-cultured GnRH neurones isolated from adult GnRH-enhanced green fluorescent protein transgenic rats. The reversal potential was -26 +/- 1.4 mV (mean +/- SEM, n = 42) in GnRH neurones, whereas it was -57 +/- 2.7 mV (n = 34) in unidentified neurones, and GABA depolarised the GnRH neurones in current-clamp condition. The GABA(A)R currents in rat GnRH neurones were augmented by neurosteroids, allopregnanolone and 3 alpha,21-dihydroxy-5 alpha-pregnan-20-one, at submicromolar concentrations. In addition, the expression patterns of GABA(A)R subunit mRNAs were determined by multi-cell reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, which revealed that the alpha2, beta 3, gamma 1 and gamma 2 subunits were dominant and the alpha 6 and gamma 3 subunits were negative in rat GnRH neurones. These results indicate that GABA(A)Rs in the soma of rat GnRH neurones are comprised mainly of alpha2, beta 3 and gamma 1 or gamma 2 subunits and that they are sensitive to neurosteroids; moreover, they suggest that activation of these receptors depolarises GnRH neurones. Thus, GABA and neurosteroids influence the electrical activity of GnRH neurones.

Protective effects of sirolimus by attenuating connective tissue growth factor expression in human chronic allograft nephropathy

BACKGROUND

Chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) remains a great challenge for the transplant clinician. The introduction of sirolimus (RAPA) with cyclosporine (CsA) reduction maybe shed new light to improve graft survival. The aim of this study was to investigate the overall effects of sirolimus conversion on biopsy-proven CAN.

METHODS

One hundred and ten renal transplant recipients with biopsy-proven CAN were randomized into two groups: 54 for CsA reduction and 56 for sirolimus conversion treatment. After 24-month follow-up, the outcome variables included graft function and survival as well as CAN Banff grading and intrarenal expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) via repeated biopsy.

RESULTS

Graft function and survival rate were significantly better in the RAPA group. CAN grading worsened in the CsA group, whereas they were stable in the RAPA group. There was weak expression in the RAPA group but significant, increased expression of CTGF in glomeruli and interstitial area in the CSA group (P < .01) both by immunohistochemical staining or real-time polymerase chain reaction detection.

CONCLUSION

Sirolimus conversion provided a beneficial strategy to improve long-term graft survival in CAN. Attenuation of renal CTGF expression may be one of its antifibrotic and antiproliferation effects.

Deciphering cancer complexities in genetically engineered mice

Because the pRb pathway is disrupted in most solid human cancers, we have generated genetically engineered mouse cancer models by inactivating pRb function in several cell types, including astrocytes and mammary, prostate, ovarian, and brain choroid plexus epithelia. In every case, proliferation and apoptosis are acutely induced, predisposing to malignancy. Cell type dictates the pathways involved in tumor progression. In the astrocytoma model, we developed strategies to induce events in the adult brain, either throughout the tissue or focally. Both K-Ras activation and Pten inactivation play significant roles in progression. In the prostate model, adenocarcinoma progression depends on Pten inactivation. However, nonautonomous induction of p53 in the mesenchyme leads to evolution of both compartments, with p53 loss occurring in the mesenchyme. Thus, studies in these models continue to identify key tumorigenesis mechanisms. Furthermore, we are hopeful that the models will provide useful preclinical systems for diagnostic and therapeutic development.

New method of blood typing using analytical magnetapheresis

We report a new method of blood typing based on the agglutination of red blood cell (RBC) with serum-treated magnetic particles in analytical magnetapheresis. Blood typing of ABO was demonstrated. The agglutination patterns of RBCs are different for different blood types and can be used to determine the ABO blood typing in analytical magnetapheresis. Six samples can be tested in each run. The running time was less than 10 min. Magnetic particles were prepared in the laboratory. The amount of RBCs needed for the agglutination test was about 1.0 microl of adult blood. The blood typing of ABO was used to illustrate the capable applications of analytical magnetapheresis to nonmagnetic samples like cells without magnetic labels. Analytical magnetapheresis has a great potential for cell related analysis.