Serum biomarkers analyzed by LC-MS/MS as predictors for short outcome of non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with chemoradiotherapy

PURPOSE

To find potential serum biomakers that can predict clinical outcome upon treatment in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by analyzing differential proteins in serum with different sensitivity of chemoradiotherapy (CRT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sera were collected from 37 NSCLC patients before they were treated with concurrent cisplatin-based CRT. According to the outcome of CRT, the patients were divided into sensitive group and resistant one. The proteins in sera were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis after the high abundance proteins were removed from sera. The significantly differentially expressed proteins between two groups were analyzed by liquid chromatography and tendem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Then, an additional 50 serum samples were used for ELISA analysis to validate the identified proteins that we got in the experiment.

RESULTS

Proteins in sera of each group were successfully separated on 2D gels. There were significant discrepancies in serum protein expression between NSCLC patients with different CRT sensitivity. Among eight differently expressed proteins, six proteins were successfully identified with five of which higher expressed and one lower expressed in resistant group. The increased Alpha-1-antitrypsin (α1-AT) level in resistant group comparing to sensitive one were validated by ELISA analysis (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Proteomic approach may serve as a useful method in detecting the potential biomarkers for predicting the outcome of treatment in NSCLC patients. NSCLC patients with high α1-AT level in serum before CRT may have a worse treatment outcome.

Coexpression of interleukin-6 and -2 from giant panda in Escherichia coli and the biological activity of the fusion protein

To construct a fusion cytokine protein with more and stronger bioactivities to enhance the immunity of the cytokine alone, we expressed interleukin (IL)-6/(IL)-2 from giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) in Escherichia coli as a 59.4-kDa fusion protein. Subsequently, the inclusion bodies were solubilized with 8 M urea and applied onto a Ni-nitrilotriacetic acid column. The final production of IL-6/IL-2 reached 6 mg/L in soluble form, and the purified final product was >96% pure. In Western blot assays, the recombinant IL-6/IL-2 was recognized by polyclonal antibodies against IL-6 and IL-2 of giant panda. The results demonstrated that the protein mixture contained correctly folded IL-2 and IL-6 proteins. A 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) 2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay demonstrated that IL-6/IL-2 can promote lymphocyte proliferation and differentiation. These data suggest that the fusion protein could be used to develop a novel immunoadjuvant to enhance the immunity of animals against infectious diseases.

Comparison of Preincisional and Postincisional Parecoxib Administration on Postoperative Pain Control and Cytokine Response After Total Hip Replacement

Objective:

To investigate whether preincisional parecoxib administration can reduce postoperative pain and modulate the inflammatory cytokine response to a greater extent than preincisional parecoxib administration in total hip replacement patients.

Methods:

Patients were randomized to receive 40 mg parecoxib intravenously either before or after skin incision (preincisional and postincisional groups, respectively). Morphine was administered for postoperative analgesia. Visual analogue pain scale (VAS) scores and morphine consumption were recorded at 1, 6, 18 and 24 h postoperation. Plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and tumour necrosis factor-a were measured 30 min before skin incision and 6 h postoperation.

Results:

Compared with the post - incisional group, VAS pain scores at 1 and 6 h postoperation were significantly lower in the preincisional group. Morphine consumption was significantly lower in the preincisional group at 6, 18 and 24 h postoperation. In both groups, IL-6 and IL- 8 levels increased significantly at 6 h postoperation compared with pre - operation, and the preincisional group had significantly lower levels of IL-6 and IL-8 at 6 h postoperation compared with the postincisional group.

Conclusions:

Preincisional parecoxib administration reduced postoperative pain and morphine consumption compared with post - incisional administration, and attenuated IL-6 and IL-8 production 24 h after hip replacement surgery.

Body fat percentage is associated with cardiometabolic dysregulation in BMI-defined normal weight subjects

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Nearly 25% of normal weight individuals display abnormal metabolic profiles associated with obesity. As a wide range in body fat percentage (%BF) exists for BMI-defined normal weight individuals, we investigated whether elevated %BF (determined using DXA) was associated with cardiometabolic dysregulation among 977 normal weight subjects (192 men, 785 women) from the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

METHODS AND RESULTS

BMI and %BF were measured after a 12-h fasting period. Cardiometabolic abnormalities considered included elevated triglyceride, glucose and hsCRP levels, decreased HDL cholesterol, insulin resistance, and hypertension. Subjects were classified as metabolically healthy (0 or 1 cardiometabolic abnormality) or abnormal (≥2 cardiometabolic abnormalities) and divided into sex-specific %BF tertiles as follows: low (≤15.2% men, ≤29.7% women), medium (15.3-20.7%% men, 29.8-34.9%% women) and high (≥20.8% men, ≥35.0% women). The prevalence of the metabolically abnormal phenotype was higher among medium and high %BF subjects (12.0% and 19.5%, respectively) compared to the low group (7.4%; p < 0.05). Furthermore, the odds of being metabolically abnormal were 1.61 (95% CI 0.94-2.77) for medium %BF subjects compared to the low group and nearly tripled for high %BF subjects (OR 2.73, 95% CI 1.63-4.86). ORs remained significant after further adjustment for waist circumference.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that those with elevated %BF are at increased risk of developing cardiometabolic disease despite having a normal BMI. Future development of adequate screening tools to identify these individuals is crucial to the prevention of obesity-associated disease.

PPARγ isoforms differentially regulate metabolic networks to mediate mouse prostatic epithelial differentiation

Recent observations indicate prostatic diseases are comorbidities of systemic metabolic dysfunction. These discoveries revealed fundamental questions regarding the nature of prostate metabolism. We previously showed that prostate-specific ablation of PPARγ in mice resulted in tumorigenesis and active autophagy. Here, we demonstrate control of overlapping and distinct aspects of prostate epithelial metabolism by ectopic expression of individual PPARγ isoforms in PPARγ knockout prostate epithelial cells. Expression and activation of either PPARγ 1 or 2 reduced de novo lipogenesis and oxidative stress and mediated a switch from glucose to fatty acid oxidation through regulation of genes including Pdk4, Fabp4, Lpl, Acot1 and Cd36. Differential effects of PPARγ isoforms included decreased basal cell differentiation, Scd1 expression and triglyceride fatty acid desaturation and increased tumorigenicity by PPARγ1. In contrast, PPARγ2 expression significantly increased basal cell differentiation, Scd1 expression and AR expression and responsiveness. Finally, in confirmation of in vitro data, a PPARγ agonist versus high-fat diet (HFD) regimen in vivo confirmed that PPARγ agonization increased prostatic differentiation markers, whereas HFD downregulated PPARγ-regulated genes and decreased prostate differentiation. These data provide a rationale for pursuing a fundamental metabolic understanding of changes to glucose and fatty acid metabolism in benign and malignant prostatic diseases associated with systemic metabolic stress.

Directed flow of identified particles in Au+Au collisions at √[SNN]=200 GeV at RHIC

STAR's measurements of directed flow (v1) around midrapidity for π±, K±, KS0, p, and p[over ¯] in Au+Au collisions at √[sNN]=200  GeV are presented. A negative v1(y) slope is observed for most of produced particles (π±, K±, KS0, and p[over ¯]). In 5%-30% central collisions, a sizable difference is present between the v1(y) slope of protons and antiprotons, with the former being consistent with zero within errors. The v1 excitation function is presented. Comparisons to model calculations (RQMD, UrQMD, AMPT, QGSM with parton recombination, and a hydrodynamics model with a tilted source) are made. For those models which have calculations of v1 for both pions and protons, none of them can describe v1(y) for pions and protons simultaneously. The hydrodynamics model with a tilted source as currently implemented cannot explain the centrality dependence of the difference between the v1(y) slopes of protons and antiprotons.

Higher-order optical resonance node detection of integrated disk microresonator

We have demonstrated higher-order optical resonance node detection by using an integrated disk microresonator from through port of the coupling bus waveguide. In addition to the fundamental mode, the disk resonator has higher-order whispering gallery modes. The excited second-order higher-order mode has a node at the position where the electromagnetic energy of the fundamental mode is close to a maximum. This high resolution measurement of optical resonance mode profile has a variety of applications for optical sensing and detection. The self-referencing characteristics of the two optical resonance modes have potential to achieve optical detection independent of external perturbation, such as temperature change.

Phase I study of concurrent selective lymph node late course accelerated hyper-fractionated radiotherapy and pemetrexed, cisplatin for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

The optimized concurrent chemoradiotherapy has not been established for patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of concurrent chemotherapy and selective lymph node (SLN) late course accelerated hyperfractionated (LCAF) intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for the patients with thoracic SCC. Twelve patients with T3-4N0-1M0-1a thoracic esophageal SCC were included. The total dose of SLN LCAF IMRT was 59.6 Gy/34 fractions in 5.4 weeks. The concurrent chemotherapy protocol was as following: cisplatin 10 mg/m(2) on days 1-5 and 22-26, pemetrexed in escalating doses, from the base level of 500 mg/m(2) once every 21 days. The primary objectives were to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), recommended dose (RD), and dose limiting toxicities (DLTs). Secondary end point included determination of preliminary radiographic response rates. As a result, three patients were enrolled in dose level 1 with pemetrexed 500 mg/m(2) and nine patients in dose level 0 with 400 mg/m(2) , respectively. At dose level 1, DLTs occurred in two of three patients. However, only two of nine patients in Level 0 developed DLTs. The complete response and partial response were observed in eight and four patients, respectively. Furthermore, no patient experienced cancer progression with a median follow-up of 9 months. In conclusion, the concurrent SLN LCAF IMRT and chemotherapy is feasible. The MTD of pemetrexed in this regimen was 500 mg/m(2) and RD was 400 mg/m(2) . Although toxicities were common, the protocol was safe, well tolerated, and achieved an encouraging outcome.

Immunostimulatory activities of specific bacterial secondary metabolite of Anoxybacillus flavithermus strain SX-4 on carp, Cyprinus carpio

AIMS

  To determine the capacity of secondary metabolite of strain SX-4, to enhance the nonspecific immunity and survival of carp (Cyprinus carpio), and to identify the constituents that are responsible.

METHODS AND RESULTS

  A thermophilic strain SX-4 that is able to produce immunostimulatory metabolite was isolated from sludge sample of hot spring and identified by comparison with 16S rRNA sequences (99% of homology) as Anoxybacillus flavithermus. Bioactivity-guided fractionation of methanol extract from its cell-free culture, one bacterial peptide with the capacity of improving the nonspecific immune responses and disease resistance (relative per cent survival = 66·67%) was obtained and the compound was characterized as cyclo-(L-Pro-Gly) by IR, ESI-MS, (1) H NMR and (13) C NMR spectroscopic analyses. After intraperitoneal administration of this peptide, selected innate immune parameters including phagocytic activity, superoxide anion production, serum lysozyme activity and serum SOD activity, along with immune-related genes expression (i.e. interleukin-1β and inducible nitric oxide synthase), in the blood were found to be significantly increased.

CONCLUSIONS

  The bacterial peptide cyclo-(L-Pro-Gly) significantly enhances nonspecific immunity and survival of carp.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

  There is a possibility of using cyclo-(L-Pro-Gly) as a better natural immunostimulant, which could have a promising role in aquaculture to prevent diseases and disease outbreaks.

Antibiotic administration longer than eight hours after triage and mortality of community-acquired pneumonia in patients with diabetes mellitus

Studies have established that diabetic patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) may have increased mortality. The primary objective of this study was to investigate if time to first appropriate antibiotic in the emergency department (ED) was associated with in-hospital mortality of CAP in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). This was a retrospective cohort study of adult diabetic patients who were admitted with CAP. Patients were stratified into two groups: those who received first dose of appropriate antibiotic within 8 hours of triage and those who received it later than 8 hours. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed. Two hundred six patients were included in the study. Fifty-nine patients (28.6%) had complications of CAP on admission and 31 patients (16%) died. In-hospital mortality was higher in patients who received their initial appropriate antibiotic after 8 hours of triage than those who received it within 8 hours [18 (35.3%), 15 (9.7%), p < 0.0001]. Time to first appropriate antibiotic later than 8 hours of triage was associated with increased in-hospital mortality (OR 4, 95% CI 1.2-13.1, p = 0.02). Antibiotic administration later than 8 hours of triage in the ED was associated with increased in-hospital mortality of CAP among patients with DM.

Economic models in type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To identify and critically appraise cost-effectiveness models developed to evaluate type 2 diabetes (T2D) treatments and to assess which types of treatment effects they capture.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A systematic search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination databases at the University of York, and Health Economic Evaluation Database for the period to September 2008. The websites of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) bodies in different countries were also screened for relevant models. For each of the identified original models, details of the structure, data in- and outputs were extracted and the overall quality of the model in terms of the combination of structure, assumptions and data inputs were appraised using published criteria.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight articles and 41 HTAs reporting relevant economic evaluations were identified. There were ten models with multiple publications, and a further ten models with one associated publication. The critical review demonstrated that most had the same fundamental structure, used similar micro-simulation techniques and were based on the same key data sources. However, the process for identification of relevant data and their synthesis, and the selection of outcomes lacked transparency. The models differed according to the extent and type of interventions they evaluated and which diabetes complications and treatment-related adverse events were captured. For example, just one model incorporated changes in patient weight, despite the fact that weight gain can be a side-effect of some treatments, and weight loss a potential benefit of others.

CONCLUSIONS

Whilst many economic models exist in T2D, most share common features such as the model type. Identified shortcomings are lack of transparency in data identification and evidence synthesis as well as the selection of the modelled outcomes. Future models should aim to include all relevant treatment outcomes, whether these relate to effects on underlying diabetes and its complications or to short- or long-term side effects of treatment.

DNA copy number aberrations in small-cell lung cancer reveal activation of the focal adhesion pathway

Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is the most aggressive subtype of lung cancer in its clinical behavior, with a 5-year overall survival as low as 5%. Despite years of research in the field, molecular determinants of SCLC behavior are still poorly understood, and this deficiency has translated into an absence of specific diagnostics and targeted therapeutics. We hypothesized that tumor DNA copy number alterations would allow the identification of molecular pathways involved in SCLC progression. Array comparative genomic hybridization was performed on DNA extracted from 46 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded SCLC tissue specimens. Genomic profiling of tumor and sex-matched control DNA allowed the identification of 70 regions of copy number gain and 55 regions of copy number loss. Using molecular pathway analysis, we found a strong enrichment in these regions of copy number alterations for 11 genes associated with the focal adhesion pathway. We verified these findings at the genomic, gene expression and protein level. Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK), one of the central genes represented in this pathway, was commonly expressed in SCLC tumors and constitutively phosphorylated in SCLC cell lines. Those were poorly adherent to most substrates but not to laminin-322. Inhibition of FAK phosphorylation at Tyr(397) by a small-molecule inhibitor, PF-573,228, induced a dose-dependent decrease of adhesion and an increase of spreading in SCLC cell lines on laminin-322. Cells that tended to spread also showed a decrease in focal adhesions, as demonstrated by a decreased vinculin expression. These results support the concept that pathway analysis of genes in regions of copy number alterations may uncover molecular mechanisms of disease progression and demonstrate a new role of FAK and associated adhesion pathways in SCLC. Further investigations of FAK at the functional level may lead to a better understanding of SCLC progression and may have therapeutic implications.