A potential generic downstream process using Cibracon Blue resin at very high loading capacity produces a highly purified monoclonal antibody preparation from cell culture harvest

The use of a dye-ligand chromatography for the purification of monoclonal antibody (MAb) from cell culture and other feed streams has been largely overlooked in large scale production. Cibracon Blue dye (CB), a polycyclic anionic ligand, interacts with protein through a specific interaction between the dye, acting as a mimic of NAD+ and NADP+, or through non-specific electrostatic, hydrophobic, and other forces. In this paper, a CB resin was used to effectively and efficiently separate an IgG4 MAb from host and process impurities following the capture of the MAb on a Protein-A (PA) column. The CB unit operation, challenged at </=180 g MAb/L of resin with the PA eluate, reduced BSA (1-2 log), host cell protein (HCP; 2-3 log), MAb oligomer (31-85%), fragment (from approximately 0.8% to <0.1%), and other undesired MAb species. Purity, as measured by non-reducing (NR) SDS-PAGE, was improved 33-85%, to 92-99.5% overall (>99% by reducing SDS-PAGE). A facile three column scalable production scheme, employing CB as the second column in the process was used to generate highly purified MAb from cell culture harvest derived from two media of very different compositions. Free CB dye was </=1 ng/mg in MAb preparations purified through the three column process and then concentrated and buffer exchanged into the appropriate buffer using tangential flow filtration (TFF).

A combined bioinformatics and chemoinformatics approach for the development of new antiparasitic drugs

A modern concept for the development of novel antiparasitic drugs is the combination of bioinformatics and chemoinformatics approaches. This covers, for example, the identification of target proteins serving as molecular points of attack for parasiticides--the idea is that, owing to some essential role, inhibition of a target protein should eradicate the parasite. To prevent toxicity problems for vertebrate host organisms, it is advantageous that these proteins show significant differences from their vertebrate counterparts. In the present work, we identified potential target proteins in parasitic nematodes (Ascaris suum, Brugia malayi, and Haemonchus contortus) and arthropods (Boophilus microplus and Rhipicephalus appendiculatus) using bioinformatic sequence comparison methods on expressed sequence tags. Interesting target proteins (e.g., S-adenosyl-l-methionine synthetase) were characterized in detail by subjecting them to in-depth bioinformatic analysis. S-Adenosyl-l-methionine synthetase was also used to elucidate chemoinformatics approaches like homology modeling and docking, which represent appropriate methods for generating valuable data for the development of new drug candidates.

[Optical brighteners in fungal diagnostics]

Fluorescent staining using optical brighteners (diaminostilbenes) affords the semispecific and rapid detection of fungal elements in clinical specimens. After yielding a first hint of mycosis, the identification of the involved fungal genus is often desirable in cases when culture proves unsuccessful. In such cases, immunohistochemistry or in situ hybridisation may further the diagnosis with respect to establish an appropriate therapy.

An antisense oligodeoxynucleotide to the mu opioid receptor attenuates cocaine-induced behavioral sensitization and reward in mice

Numerous studies support a role for the endogenous opioid system in cocaine-influenced behavior. Few of these studies, however, selectively delineate a role for the mu opioid receptor (MOR) in this regard. This investigation examined if the MOR modulates cocaine-induced behavior in mice using a 17-base antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (AS ODN) directed against the MOR coding sequence 16-32. Specifically, cocaine-induced behavioral sensitization and conditioned reward were investigated. For the sensitization study, C57BL/6J mice received eight intermittent i.c.v. infusions of saline, mismatch oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) (20 microg/4 microl) or AS ODN (20 microg/4 microl) over 20 days. Mice also received concomitant once daily i.p. injections of saline (4 ml/kg) or cocaine (15 mg/kg) for 10 days. There was a 7-day withdrawal period, after which all mice were challenged with cocaine (15 mg/kg) to test for behavioral sensitization. For the conditioned place preference (CPP) study, mice received five i.c.v. infusions of mismatch ODN or MOR AS ODN (days 1-5). An unbiased counterbalanced conditioning procedure was used where mice were conditioned with saline (4 ml/kg, i.p.) and cocaine (15 mg/kg, i.p.) on alternate days for four sessions (days 3-6). Mice were tested on day 7 for CPP. Immediately following testing, [3H]DAMGO (D-Ala2, N-Me-Phe4, Gly-ol5-enkephalin) receptor binding to brain homogenates was conducted. MOR AS attenuated cocaine-induced behavioral sensitization and conditioned reward. MOR AS ODN also reduced [3H]DAMGO binding. Collectively, these findings implicate the MOR as playing an important neuromodulatory role in the behavioral effects of cocaine in mice.

Fasting blood glucose and cancer risk in a cohort of more than 140,000 adults in Austria

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

We investigated relations between fasting blood glucose and the incidence of cancer.

METHODS

A population-based cohort of more than 140,000 Austrian adults (63,585 men, 77,228 women) was followed over an average of 8.4 years. Incident cancer (other than non-melanoma skin cancers) was ascertained by a population-based cancer registry (n=5,212). Cox proportional-hazards models were used to estimate hazard rate ratios (HR) stratified for age and adjusted for smoking, occupational group and body mass index.

RESULTS

The highest fasting blood glucose category (> or =7.0 mmol/l) was weakly associated with all cancers combined (HR 1.20; 95% CI, 1.03-1.39 in men and 1.28; 95% CI, 1.08-1.53 in women) relative to the reference level (4.2-5.2 mmol/l). The strongest association was found for liver cancer in men (HR 4.58; 95% CI, 1.81-11.62). Positive associations between fasting hyperglycaemia (6.1-6.9 or > or =7.0 mmol/l) and cancer incidence were also observed for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in men, and for colorectal and bladder cancer in women. Breast cancer in women diagnosed at or after age 65 was also associated with fasting blood glucose > or =7.0 mmol/l. Positive associations with glucose values >5.3 mmol/l were noted for thyroid cancer, gallbladder/bile duct cancer and multiple myeloma in men and women combined.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

These findings provide further evidence that elevated blood glucose is associated with the incidence of several types of cancer in men and women.

Forkhead transcription factor FOXO1A is critical for induction of human decidualization

Experiments utilizing RNA interference technology were performed to determine whether the forkhead transcription factor FOXO1A, a member of the FOXO family of proteins, plays a critical role in the induction of human uterine decidualization. Human decidual fibroblast cells were decidualized in vitro for 6 days with medroxyprogester-one, estradiol, and dibutyryl cAMP in the presence or absence of a highly specific FOXO1A small interfering RNA (siRNA) that inhibits FOXO1A mRNA and protein expression by more than 80%. RNA and proteins were extracted from the cells at 0, 2, 4, and 6 days. FOXO1A and IGFBP-1 proteins were determined by immunoblotting; and intracellular mRNA levels for several decidualization marker genes were determined by real-time PCR. Exposure of the cells to FOXO1A siRNA in five separate experiments resulted in a 40-75% inhibition of prolactin, IGFBP-1, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 (TIMP3), somatostatin and endometrial bleeding-associated factor (EBAF) mRNAs, all of which are markedly induced during the decidualization process. In contrast, actin and GAPDH mRNA levels did not change during decidualization. The inhibition of mRNA levels was first noted at day 2 and persisted for the remainder of each experiment. Western blot analysis indicated that the FOXO1A siRNA inhibited IGFBP-1 protein expression by 60-80%. Decidual fibroblast cells exposed in an identical manner to a control RNA that had no effect on FOXO1A expression caused only a 0-15% inhibition of the marker genes and IGFBP-1 protein. Taken together, these findings strongly suggest a critical role for FOXO1A in the induction of human decidualization.

Parvovirus B19 VP2-proteins produced in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: comparison with VP2-particles produced by baculovirus-derived vectors

The capsids of human parvovirus B19 consist of two structural proteins, the minor-capsid protein VP1 and the major-capsid protein VP2. The latter which constitutes for 95% of the capsid are able to form virus-like particles (VLPs) in yeast without the presence of VP1-proteins. VP2-proteins produced in Saccharomyces cerevisiae have the capacity to form VLPs in the absence of VP1-proteins. These yeast-derived VLPs resemble native virus or recombinant VP2-VLPs produced by baculovirus systems in respect of size, molecular weight and of antigenicity as shown by antigen-capture ELISA and T-cell proliferation tests. Regarding costs, yield and ease of handling particle production in yeast represents an alternative to the recombinant baculovirus expression system which is so far the source for VP2-VLPs of human parvovirus B19.

Obesity and incidence of cancer: a large cohort study of over 145,000 adults in Austria

We investigated the relation of overweight and obesity with cancer in a population-based cohort of more than 145 000 Austrian adults over an average of 9.9 years. Incident cancers (n=6241) were identified through the state cancer registry. Using Cox proportional-hazards models adjusted for smoking and occupation, increases in relative body weight in men were associated with colon cancer (hazard rate (HR) ratio 2.48; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15, 5.39 for body mass index (BMI) ⩾35 kg m⁻²) and pancreatic cancer (HR 2.34, 95% CI: 1.17, 4.66 for BMI>30 kg m⁻²) compared to participants with normal weight (BMI 18.5–24.9 kg m⁻²). In women, there was a weak positive association between increasing BMI and all cancers combined, and strong associations with non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (HR 2.86, 95% CI: 1.49, 5.49 for BMI⩾30 kg m⁻²) and cancers of the uterine corpus (HR 3.93, 95% CI: 2.35, 6.56 for BMI⩾35 kg m⁻²). Incidence of breast cancer was positively associated with high BMI only after age 65 years. These findings provide further evidence that overweight is associated with the incidence of several types of cancer.

Safety and intestinal tolerance of high-dose enteral antioxidants and glutamine peptides after upper gastrointestinal surgery

OBJECTIVE

Safety and intestinal tolerance of an early high-dose enteral administration of antioxidative vitamins, trace elements, and glutamine dipeptides.

DESIGN

open intervention trial.

SETTING

Two university teaching hospitals.

PATIENTS

A total of 14 patients requiring jejunal feeding (64+/-14 y).

INTERVENTION

A measure of 500 ml/day Intestamin (FreseniusKabi: 250 kcal/1.050 kJ, 300 microg selenium, 20 mg zinc, 400 mug chromium, 1500 mg vitamin C, 500 mg vitamin E, 10 mg beta-carotene, 30 g glutamine) for 5 days beginning 6 h after surgery. Parenteral/enteral nutrition was provided to achieve energy target (25 kcal/kg/day).

ASSESSMENTS

Intestinal complaints, plasma nutrients, and glutathione.

RESULTS

Only minor signs of nausea, hiccups, flatulence (3/14). Plasma micronutrients (except beta-carotene) postoperatively decreased and increased to normal on day 5. Extracellular glutamine remained low (preop: 520+/-94; d1: 357+/-67; d5: 389+/-79 micromol/l); total glutathione decreased (d1: 9.4+/-3.8; d5: 3.6+/-2.5 micromol/l).

CONCLUSION

Study feed is well tolerated and metabolically safe representing a valuable tool for targeted pharmaconutrient supply.

Morphological characterisation of Crohn's disease fistulae

BACKGROUND

Fistulae are a common complication in up to 35% of all patients with Crohn's disease. Their therapy is difficult and frequently unsatisfactory. To date, no histological comparison of Crohn's disease fistulae with non-inflammatory bowel disease fistulae has been performed. In addition, Crohn's disease fistulae have not been well characterised morphologically.

METHODS

Eighty four fistulae from Crohn's disease patients were compared with 13 fistulae from controls. Haematoxylin-eosin staining, electron microscopy, and immunohistochemistry for panCytokeratin (epithelial cells), CD20 (B cells), CD45R0 (T cells), and CD68 (macrophages) were performed according to standard techniques. In addition, histopathological findings were compared with clinical and laboratory data.

RESULTS

In 31.0% of controls and 27.4% of Crohn's disease specimens, fistulae had a lining of flattened intestinal epithelium without goblet cells or, in the case of cutaneous/perianal disease, narrow squamous epithelium. Non-epithelialised fistulae were covered by a thin layer of (myo)fibroblasts, focally forming a new basement membrane, as demonstrated by electron microscopy. All fistulae were surrounded by granulation tissue. Crohn's disease fistulae presented with central infiltration by CD45R0+ T cells, followed by a small band of CD68+ macrophages and dense accumulation of CD20+ B cells. In contrast, in controls, there was dense infiltration by CD68+ macrophages with only few CD20+ B cells and CD45R0+ T lymphocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

Fistulae in Crohn's disease differ markedly from non-Crohn's disease fistulae with regard to their cellular composition. The presence of an epithelial lining in a subgroup of fistulae may be important for the therapeutic approach and healing process.

Skin cancer screening campaign in the German speaking Community of Belgium

The incidence of primary malignant melanoma (MM) and skin carcinomas, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), is progressively raising. As long as their diagnosis and therapeutic managements are initiated early, their prognosis remains favorable. This underlines the importance of early recognition of skin cancers. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that skin cancer screening programs are efficacious in increasing the population awareness of the early signs of skin cancer and of the dangers of UV - exposure. A skin cancer screening campaign was organised by dermatologists of the German-speaking Community of Belgium in cooperation with the Department of Family, Health, and Social Affairs of the Regional Ministry of the German-speaking Community of Belgium. In order to increase the screening selectivity, two risk populations were targeted; patients presenting 30 or more moles, and patients over 50 years of age presenting recent skin changes of the head and neck area. A media campaign using radio, television and daily press was started to increase the population awareness of the dangers of UV exposure and of the early signs of skin cancer. During 2 screening days, three-hour sessions were organised in 2 health centers located in Eupen and St Vith. A total of 148 patients were examined. A total of 124/148 patients met the selection criteria predefined during the media announcement. The simultaneous presence of 4 dermatologists during the screening sessions allowed a second opinion for warning lesions. Four BBCs as well as 23 patients pesenting dysplastic nevi were clinically diagnosed. During the 2 months following the screening campaign 5 MMs were identified by the same dermatologists in their routine practice. In conclusion, this skin cancer screening campaign led to the diagnosis of 4 carcinomas. The campaign furthermore increased the patient awareness, permitting the diagnosis of 5 MMs during the 2 following months. This figure represents about 30% of all MMs diagnosed yearly in this region of Belgium.

Cyperus Tubers Protect Meloidogyne incognita from 1,3-Dichloropropene

Meloidogyne incognita-infected and noninfected tubers of yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus) and purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus) were treated with 56 L/ha 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) in microplots and subsequently examined for tuber and nematode viability in the greenhouse using a chile pepper (Capsicum annuum) bioassay system. The study was conducted three times. Nutsedge tuber viability and M. incognita harbored in both yellow and purple nutsedge tubers were unaffected by 1,3-D treatment. Nematode reproduction on nutsedges and associated chile pepper plants varied among years, possibly due to differing levels of tuber infection or soil temperature, but was not affected by fumigation. The presence of M. incognita resulted in greater yellow nutsedge tuber germination and reproduction. The efficacy of 1,3-D for management of M. incognita in chile pepper production is likely to be reduced when nutsedges are present in high numbers, reinforcing the importance of managing these weeds and nematodes simultaneously.

Tumor type M2 pyruvate kinase expression in metastatic renal cell carcinoma

The M2 isoenzyme of pyruvate kinase (M2-PK) is specifically expressed in tumor cells (TuM2-PK) and has been detected in the peripheral blood of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). TuM2-PK is not useful as a biological marker in localized RCC. We analysed TuM2-PK in 68 patients with metastatic RCC after initial surgery and prior to or during chemoimmunotherapy of metastases. In 50 patients, the levels of TuM2-PK were measured during chemoimmunotherapy with interleukin-2, interferon-alpha2a and 5-fluorouracil for up to 8 months and were correlated to response as assessed by radiological imaging techniques. TuM2-PK was quantified with a commercially available enzyme linked immunosorbent assay kit using a cut off of 15 kU/l. In 48 of 68 patients (71%), TuM2-PK was elevated above the cut-off. TuM2-PK was significantly higher in G3 tumors than in G2 tumors. In 34 of 50 patients (68%) undergoing chemoimmunotherapy, a positive correlation between TuM2-PK values and response to treatment was observed. Based on these data, we would not recommend the routine clinical use of TuM2-PK in metastatic RCC at this point.