Expression of a cytokine, interleukin-23, in experimental periapical lesions

AIM

To investigate the expression of interleukin (IL)-23, a new member of the IL-12 family, in experimental periapical lesions.

METHODOLOGY

Periapical lesions were induced in Wistar rats by occlusal surface pulp exposure in mandibular first molars. The rats were randomly sacrificed 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42 and 56 days after pulp exposure. The jaws that contained the first molars were obtained and routinely prepared for radiographic, histological, enzyme histochemical, immunohistochemical and double immunofluorescence analyses. Data were analysed by one-way analysis of variance and the Pearson correlation test.

RESULTS

The number of IL-23-positive cells increased from day 7 to day 35 and then gradually decreased. The number of osteoclasts increased and peaked on day 14 and then gradually decreased from day 21 to day 56. A significant positive correlation existed between the number of IL-23 positive cells and the size of bone resorption in periapical lesions from day 7 to day 56 (r = 0.875, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Interleukin-23 can be observed and may be associated with inflammatory response and bone resorption in periapical lesions.

Transvaginal removal of ectopic pregnancy tissue and repair of uterine defect for cesarean scar pregnancy

PURPOSE

This work aimed to introduce a new surgical operation for cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Transvaginal removal of ectopic pregnancy tissue and repair of a uterine defect were performed in 17 CSP patients.

RESULTS

The new surgical operation was performed successfully in all cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The new surgery operation is safe, effective, and minimally invasive in CSP patients.

New dual gas puff imaging system with up-down symmetry on experimental advanced superconducting tokamak

Gas puff imaging (GPI) offers a direct and effective diagnostic to measure the edge turbulence structure and velocity in the edge plasma, which closely relates to edge transport and instability in tokamaks. A dual GPI diagnostic system has been installed on the low field side on experimental advanced superconducting tokamak (EAST). The two views are up-down symmetric about the midplane and separated by a toroidal angle of 66.6°. A linear manifold with 16 holes apart by 10 mm is used to form helium gas cloud at the 130×130 mm (radial versus poloidal) objective plane. A fast camera is used to capture the light emission from the image plane with a speed up to 390,804 frames/s with 64×64 pixels and an exposure time of 2.156 μs. The spatial resolution of the system is 2 mm at the objective plane. A total amount of 200 Pa.L helium gas is puffed into the plasma edge for each GPI viewing region for about 250 ms. The new GPI diagnostic has been applied on EAST for the first time during the recent experimental campaign under various plasma conditions, including ohmic, L-mode, and type-I, and type-III ELMy H-modes. Some of these initial experimental results are also presented.

Overexpression of Uromodulin-like1 accelerates follicle depletion and subsequent ovarian degeneration

Murine Uromodulin-like 1 (Umodl1) encodes Ca²⁺-dependent EGF-like membrane-bound proteins. This study presents its novel expression in the immune and female reproductive systems. Upon stimulation by CD3/CD28 antibodies, Umodl1 showed a prompt and robust response in the proliferating CD4⁺ T cells, suggesting its implication in immune defense against pathogens. In ovary, Umodl1 is regulated by gonadotropins. Mice carrying extra copies of functional Umodl1 were generated by BAC transgenesis. Defects in the female reproductive system became evident from 4 months of age, manifested by reduced or diminished fertility. Histology revealed that the ovaries contained very few discernible follicles in the cortical region, and were devoid of distinguishable corpus lutea (CL). Among the multilayered preantral follicles, elevated apoptosis was observed in both the oocytes and surrounding granulosa cells (GCs). Furthermore, a high level of PPARγ indicated an abnormal adipogenesis in the mutant ovaries, which resulted in the conversion of GCs into adipocytes. By 6 months of age, all mutant mice became anovulatory. Ovarian tissues including CL, follicles of various stages and associated stromal cells were degenerated. Altered expression of AMH, follicle-stimulating hormone and other ovary-specific marker genes such as Gdf-9, Rnf35, NOHLH and Gcx-1 further demonstrated that the molecular properties of the mutant ovaries have been severely disturbed. This work presents a novel animal model for investigating the pathogenesis of premature ovarian failure or early ovarian ageing.

Follow-up study of 25 Chinese children with PLA2G6-associated neurodegeneration

BACKGROUND

To perform a follow-up of 25 Chinese children with gene-confirmed PLA2G6-associated neurodegeneration (PLAN).

METHODS

We recruited patients with infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy (INAD) according to the criteria proposed by Nardocci et al. Follow-up was conducted from 7 months to 8 years after the first visit. The PLA2G6 gene was sequenced, and copy number variation (CNV) was detected in patients with only one mutant allele and in mutation-negative patients. Patients with late-onset PLAN until 2012 were reviewed.

RESULTS

All patients with INAD exhibited rapid decline in motor and mental function, consistent with previous reports from other populations. Epileptic seizures occurred in 16.7%. One teenager with late-onset PLAN was diagnosed and followed up. The age of disease onset in published late-onset PLAN ranged between 18 months and 37 years. Initial presentations included gait instability (79.0%), mood/behavior changes (10.5%), dysarthria (5.26%) and cognitive deterioration (5.3%). Compared with INAD, cerebellar atrophy (42.1%) was less frequent in the late-onset cases, with cerebral atrophy more common (71.4%). Brain iron accumulation was seen in 52.6%. PLA2G6 mutations were identified by DNA sequencing in 92.3% of clinically diagnosed INAD cases and in the late-onset case. Twenty-seven different mutations were found, of which 13 were novel. No CNVs were detected. Maternal uniparental disomy was confirmed in one INAD case.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest report on PLAN in the Chinese population. We suggest that PLA2G6 should be screened in any patient exhibiting progressive gait disturbance, bradykinesia, dysarthria, tremors, mood/behavior changes or cognitive decline, especially when associated with cerebellar atrophy and/or iron accumulation and/or cerebral atrophy.

Involvement of Kv1.3 and p38 MAPK signaling in HIV-1 glycoprotein 120-induced microglia neurotoxicity

Inflammatory responses mediated by activated microglia play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-associated neurocognitive disorders. Studies on identification of specific targets to control microglia activation and resultant neurotoxic activity are imperative. Increasing evidence indicate that voltage-gated K⁺ (K_v) channels are involved in the regulation of microglia functionality. In this study, we investigated K_v1.3 channels in the regulation of neurotoxic activity mediated by HIV-1 glycoprotein 120 (gp120)-stimulated rat microglia. Our results showed treatment of microglia with gp120 increased the expression levels of K_v1.3 mRNA and protein. In parallel, whole-cell patch-clamp studies revealed that gp120 enhanced microglia K_v1.3 current, which was blocked by margatoxin, a K_v1.3 blocker. The association of gp120 enhancement of K_v1.3 current with microglia neurotoxicity was demonstrated by experimental results that blocking microglia K_v1.3 attenuated gp120-associated microglia production of neurotoxins and neurotoxicity. Knockdown of K_v1.3 gene by transfection of microglia with K_v1.3-siRNA abrogated gp120-associated microglia neurotoxic activity. Further investigation unraveled an involvement of p38 MAPK in gp120 enhancement of microglia K_v1.3 expression and resultant neurotoxic activity. These results suggest not only a role K_v1.3 may have in gp120-associated microglia neurotoxic activity, but also a potential target for the development of therapeutic strategies.

Analysis of sexually dimorphic expression of genes at early gonadogenesis of pejerrey Odontesthes bonariensis using a heterologous microarray

The process of morphological development of a differentiated gonad from an undifferentiated primordium is a very important step of gonadogenesis. Studies on sexually dimorphic gene expression are important to increase our understanding of this process and to investigate how environmental factors such as temperature can regulate gonadal development. The aim of this study was to identify putative genes involved in sex differentiation in pejerrey (Odontesthes bonariensis) reared at male- and female-producing temperatures (MPT and FPT, respectively) using a microarray heterologous from the medaka (Oryzias latipes), a closely phylogenetic species. Genes related to numerous processes presented higher expression at MPT, including those involved in muscular contraction, metabolic pathways, developmental processes, and reproduction. Genes induced by FPT were classified under the gene ontology terms of response to stimulus, transport and proteolysis. From genes selected for validation, at MPT ndrg3 expression was observed in the somatic cells, whereas pen-2 was detected in germ cells in the caudal portion of the gonads, where no apoptotic signals were observed. Finally, hsp90 was highly expressed in somatic cells of the gonads at the FPT. The results suggest that the interplay of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic genes is important during the masculinization process and for the prevention of sterility following exposure to warm temperatures.

Effect of alendronate on alveolar bone resorption and angiogenesis in rats with experimental periapical lesions

AIM

To investigate the effects of systemically administered alendronate, one of the most potent bisphosphonates (BPs), on alveolar bone resorption and angiogenesis in rats subjected to experimental periapical lesions over two time periods.

METHODOLOGY

Forty adult Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided equally into control and experimental groups, and the pulp chambers of mandibular first molars of all rats were exposed to the oral environment to induce periapical lesions. The experimental group received daily subcutaneous injections of alendronate at a dose of 0.25 mg kg(-1), whereas the control group received only the saline vehicle. These injections were initiated 1 week before the periapical lesion induction and then continued daily throughout the entire experimental period. After 2 or 4 weeks following pulp exposure, the rats were killed, and the mandibles were examined histologically for periapical bone loss area, number of microvascular vessels (NMV) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity.

RESULTS

Overall, periapical bone loss area and the number of TRAP-positive cells (osteoclasts) were significantly decreased at 2 and 4 weeks, respectively, after daily subcutaneous injection of alendronate compared with the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant decrease change in NMV (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of alendronate to rats might inhibit alveolar bone resorption associated with periapical disease, which might not lead to impairment of angiogenesis. However, because of the differences between rats and humans, one has to consider the possible consequences of this treatment in the clinic.

Classical aspects in above-threshold ionization with a midinfrared strong laser field

We present high resolution photoelectron energy spectra of noble gas atoms from high intensity above-threshold ionization (ATI) at midinfrared wavelengths. An unexpected structure at the very low-energy portion of the spectra, in striking contrast to the prediction of the simple-man theory, has been revealed. A semiclassical model calculation is able to reproduce the experimental feature and suggests the prominent role of the Coulomb interaction of the outgoing electron with the parent ion in producing the peculiar structure in long wavelength ATI spectra.

Astrocyte elevated gene-1 is a proliferation promoter in breast cancer via suppressing transcriptional factor FOXO1

We have previously reported that astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) was upregulated in human breast cancer. However, the biological function of AEG-1 in the development and progression of breast cancer remains to be clarified. In this study, we examined the effect of AEG-1 on cell proliferation and found that AEG-1 upregulation was significantly linked to increased Ki67 (P<0.001). Ectopic expression of AEG-1 in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-435 breast cancer cells dramatically enhanced cell proliferation and their ability of anchorage-independent growth, whereas silencing endogenous AEG-1 with shRNAs inhibited cell proliferation and colony-forming ability of the cells on soft agar. Furthermore, these proliferative effects were significantly associated with decreases of p27Kip1 and p21Cip1 two key cell-cycle inhibitors. Moreover, we further demonstrated that AEG-1 could downregulate the transcriptional activity of FOXO1 by inducing its phosphorylation through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. These observations were further confirmed in clinical human primary breast cancer specimens, in which high-level expression of AEG-1 was inversely correlated with the expression of FOXO1. Taken together, our results provide the first demonstration of a novel mechanism by which AEG-1 induces proliferation of breast cancer cell, and our findings suggest that AEG-1 might play an important role in tumorigenesis of breast cancer.

Ongoing phase I studies of ABT-263: Mitigating Bcl-XL induced thrombocytopenia with lead-in and continuous dosing

3505

Background: ABT-263, a novel, oral BH3 mimetic, potently inhibits multiple antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins. Ongoing phase 1 studies of ABT-263 show anti-tumor activity in CLL and some lymphomas (Wilson W et al, ASH. 2008). However, thrombocytopenia (TCP) due to on-target Bcl-XL inhibition-induced platelet apoptosis is also observed. Platelet nadir occurred on days 3–5 on 14/21 d dosing with each exposure to drug, was proportional to starting platelet count and recovered during therapy due to compensatory increased megakaryopoiesis. TCP was a dose limiting toxicity (DLT) in 3 patients (pts) in CLL study M06–873 (N = 15) where starting platelet counts tend to be low. We tested 2 strategies to mitigate variability in circulating platelet levels and achieve higher cumulative exposure: introducing a lower lead-in dose and using a continuous dosing (CD) (21/21 d schedule). Methods: CD with a 7 d lead-in dose was explored (150, 150 or 100 mg lead-in doses) with dosing at 200 and 275 mg, 225 and 325 mg, or 125 and 250 mg in studies M06–814 (NHL), M06–822 (SCLC), and M06 873 (CLL), respectively. Results: 22 pts on 21/21 d dosing enrolled to date in the 3 studies. Cmax & AUC at steady-state were comparable between pts at the same dose on 21/21 and 14/21 d schedules. Lead-in followed by CD appears to minimize platelet nadir and cycle variability. At 200 mg and grouping data from 200 and 225 mg doses, median platelet nadir in Cycle 1 was 46% and 42% of baseline on the CD schedule after lead-in vs 33% and 36% on the 14/21 schedule, respectively. For pts receiving 150 mg lead-in, nadir occurred during this phase, and platelet levels remained relatively stable on CD for doses up to 225 mg. 2 DLTs were observed for CD, 1 pt per study M06–814 (275 mg) and M06–873 (200 mg) experienced grade 4 (TCP). While CD enrollment and time on study is still limited, anti-tumor activity includes 1 unconfirmed partial response (68% CT regression) in a SLL pt at 275 mg and 3 CLL pts with ≥50% lymphocyte reduction for ≥2 months. Conclusions: Dosing schedule moderates early platelet nadir. Optimal dosing regimens may vary between tumor types especially where marrow infiltration is a feature.

[Table: see text]

Inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in advanced pancreatic cancer: The results of two prospective phase II studies

4621

Background: PI3-kinase/ Akt pathway is constitutively activated in pancreatic cancer and is mediated by mTOR kinase. Our in vitro studies suggest that prolonged exposure to mTOR inhibitors can promote insulin receptor substrate-PI3-kinase interactions and paradoxically increase Akt phosphorylation and cyclin D1 expression in pancreatic cancer cells (negative feedback loop). The addition of erlotinib to rapamycin down-regulates rapamycin-stimulated Akt in preclinical models. Methods: Study A: CCI-779 (Temsirolimus), Study B: RAD001 (Everolimus) + Erlotinib. Inclusions: Adult patients with gemcitabine-refractory pancreatic cancer, ECOG PS 0–1, adequate laboratories and measurable disease. Dose and schedule: CCI-779 25 mg IV weekly; RAD001 30 mg weekly + erlotinib 150 mg daily. Primary endpoint: overall survival at 6 months. Secondary endpoints: time-to-progression, response and toxicity. Tumor biopsies analyzed by immunofluorescence and laser scanning cytometry analysis for expression of pmTOR/mTOR, pAkt/Akt, pErk/Erk, pS6, p4EBP-1, PTEN and for k-ras mutations. Results: Study A: 5 patients enrolled, 4 patients received 2–4 doses. 2 patients died within a month; one from rapid progression other from hemorrhagic stroke. 2 developed SAEs: dehydration and asthenia. Study B: 16 patients enrolled; 12 males, all ECOG PS=1. Median cycles=1 (range 1–2). Grade 4 toxicity: hyponatremia (n=1), Grade 3: diarrhea (n=1), cholangitis (n=3), hyperglycemia (n=1), fatigue (n=1). Grade 2: pneumonia (n=2), dehydration (n=2), neutropenia (n=1), mucositis (n=2) & rash (n=2); hospitalizations=4. Progressive disease occurred in 15 and 1 was non-evaluable. Pretreatment biopsies revealed increased pAkt/ Akt ratio in tumor specimens as compared with non malignant pancreatic tissue. No such trends occurred for pErk/Erk or pmTOR/ mTOR. K-ras mutations occurred in 2/7 patient samples. Conclusions: Neither study with mTOR inhibitors demonstrated objective responses or disease stability. Negative feedback loop seen preclinically may account for the rapid progression noted with mTOR inhibitors in pancreatic cancer. The addition of erlotinib may not counter this effect in the clinical setting.

[Table: see text]

ABT-263 activity and safety in patients with relapsed or refractory lymphoid malignancies in particular chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL)

8574

Background: ABT-263, a novel, orally bioavailable, BH3 mimetic, binds with high affinity (Ki ≤ 1nM) and inhibits multiple antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins. ABT-263 displays activity (EC50 ≤ 1μM) against human lymphoid and small cell lung cancer cell lines. Mechanism based preclinical toxicities include reductions in circulating lymphocytes, apoptosis of circulating platelets, and decreased spermatogenesis, mediated by inhibition of Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, and Bcl-w, respectively. Methods: Safety and activity of ABT-263 in 2 enrolling phase I studies in relapsed/refractory lymphoid malignancies (M06–814) and CLL (M06–873) was evaluated. Patients (pts) were dosed on days 1–14 of a 21 d cycle, 10–440mg (M06–814) or 10–250mg (M06–873). Continuous 21/21 d dosing (CD) post lead-in dose is being explored in both studies. Results: 55 pts, 14/21 d dosing, enrolled in the 2 studies. ABT-263 PK were linear from 10 - 440mg (N=55) and the terminal half-life was 14 - 20 h (n=35). Among 27 CLL/SLL pts, 3 have confirmed radiographic partial responses (PR) (99%, 92% and 72%) and 2 have unconfirmed regressions, 51% and 72%. 6 pts maintained a ≥50% decrease in circulating lymphocytes for ≥ 2 months and 11 pts have stable disease; of these 5 experienced minor radiographic responses (range of 36% to 49%). In addition, among 40 (M06–814) lymphoma pts, 3 with follicular lymphoma achieved PR and one had a minor response (49% regression). With CD dosing (16 pts), activity includes 1 unconfirmed PR in SLL & and 3 CLL pts with ≥50% lymphocyte reduction for ≥2 months duration. Pharmacodynamic toxicities included dose-dependent thrombocytopenia (TCP) resulting from on-target activity against Bcl-XL. Dose limiting toxicities, 14/21 d dosing, in M06–814 occurred at 160mg (bronchitis), 315mg (elevated ALT and grade 4 TCP) and 440mg (worsening pleural effusion in a pt with underlying afib), and in M06–873 at 110mg (tumor lysis and grade 4 TCP) and 250mg (grade 4 TCP). Conclusions: ABT-263 showed favorable PK and safety profiles with anti-tumor activity in relapsed/refractory CLL/SLL and follicular lymphoma. Identification of optimal dose and schedule for phase II trials continues.

[Table: see text]

Mutation L437P in the 2B domain of keratin 1 causes diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma in a Chinese pedigree

Diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma (DPPK) is an autosomal dominant genodermatosis characterized by uniform hyperkeratosis of the palm and sole epidermis. This disorder can be caused by mutations in the genes keratin 1, keratin 9, keratin 16, desmoglein 1 and plakoglobin. Here we present a DPPK Chinese pedigree and identify the aetiology as a novel missense mutation, L437P, located in a highly conserved helix motif in domain 2B of KRT1. Functional analysis shows that overexpression of the L437P mutant in cultured cells leads to abnormal intermediate filament networks and filament aggregation. This gain-of-function mutation highlights the role of domain 2B in mediating filament assembly.

Clinical study and PLA2G6 mutation screening analysis in Chinese patients with infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy (INAD) is a rare autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder. The most typical neuropathological finding of this disease is axonal swelling. Before the identification of associated mutations in PLA2G6-encoding iPLA(2)-VIA (cytosolic Ca(2+)-independent phospholipids A(2), group VIA) in 2006, neuropathological evidence was critical for definitive diagnosis. Only five genetic studies in INAD patients have been published worldwide, wherein 44 mutations were reported. To define the clinical and genetic characteristics of Chinese patients with INAD, 10 cases were analyzed.

METHODS

For 10 cases of INAD, extensive clinical investigations, neuropathological examination, and mutation screening in PLA2G6 were performed.

RESULTS

All cases displayed typical clinical features. Axonal swelling was found in skin or sural nerve biopsy specimens in three cases. Twelve PLA2G6 mutations were identified, nine of which were novel. These novel mutations include six missense, one abolishing the normal start codon, one nonsense, and one splice-site mutation.

CONCLUSIONS

The nine novel mutations identified in this study suggest the uniqueness of the PLA2G6 mutation spectrum in Chinese patients, and greatly extends the spectrum of known mutations in INAD patients. In addition to pathological evidence, genetic analysis can inform definitive diagnosis of INAD.

A confident scale-space shape representation framework for cell migration detection

Automated segmentation of time-lapse images is a method to facilitate the understanding of the intricate biological progression, e.g. cancer cell migration. To address this problem, we introduce a shape representation enhancement over popular snake models in the context of confident scale-space such that a higher level of interpretation can hopefully be achieved. Our proposed system consists of a hierarchical analytic framework including feedback loops, self-adaptive and demand-adaptive adjustment, incorporating a steerable boundary detail term constraint based on multiscale B-spline interpolation. To minimize the noise interference inherited from microscopy acquisition, the coarse boundary derived from the initial segmentation with refined watershed line is coupled with microscopy compensation using the mean shift filtering. A progressive approximation is applied to achieve represented as a balance between a relief function of watershed algorithm and local minima concerning multiscale optimality, convergence and robust constraints. Experimental results show that the proposed method overcomes problems with spurious branches, arbitrary gaps, low contrast boundaries and low signal-to-noise ratio. The proposed system has the potential to serve as an automated data processing tool for cell migration applications.

How rigid are viruses

Viruses have traditionally been studied as pathogens, but in recent years they have been adapted for applications ranging from drug delivery and gene therapy to nanotechnology, photonics, and electronics. Although the structures of many viruses are known, most of their biophysical properties remain largely unexplored. Using Brillouin light scattering, we analyzed the mechanical rigidity, intervirion coupling, and vibrational eigenmodes of Wiseana iridovirus (WIV). We identified phonon modes propagating through the viral assemblies as well as the localized vibrational eigenmode of individual viruses. The measurements indicate a Young's modulus of approximately 7 GPa for single virus particles and their assemblies, surprisingly high for "soft" materials. Mechanical modeling confirms that the DNA core dominates the WIV rigidity. The results also indicate a peculiar mechanical coupling during self-assembly of WIV particles.