CRP gene polymorphism predicts post-stroke functional outcome in Han Chinese

OBJECTIVES

Stroke is a major cause of long-term disability and morbidity worldwide. C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory marker, has been reported to be an independent predictor of functional outcome after ischemic stroke (IS). Because several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at the CRP locus have been linked with elevated CRP levels, we hypothesized that CRP genetic variation might be associated with functional disability in patients after first-ever IS.

METHODS

A total of 1716 patients from western China with first-ever IS were genotyped for the CRP SNPs rs1130864 and rs1800947 using the ligation detection reaction method. Functional outcome was assessed 3 months after IS using the modified Rankin Scale. Then, we tested the association of CRP SNP genotypes with stroke outcome after adjusting for non-genetic factors.

RESULTS

Our data showed a significant association between the T allele of rs1130864 and poor functional outcome in IS patients. In addition, the presence of TT+CT genotypes of rs1130864 strongly predicted functional disability within the first 3 months, even after adjusting for potential confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicates that SNP rs1130864 in the CRP gene is an independent predictor of 3-month functional outcome in patients with first-onset IS in a Han Chinese population. Further studies in different ethnic groups are needed to validate our findings.

Simultaneous determination of aflatoxin B1, aflatoxin B2, mycophenolic acid and sterigmatocystin in grape pomace by UHPLC-MS/MS

A reliable ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method was developed for the simultaneous determination of aflatoxin B1, aflatoxin B2, mycophenolic acid and sterigmatocystin in grape pomace. The samples were extracted by acetonitrile aqueous solution and further purified using a solid-phase extraction-based homemade clean-up cartridge. Next, the analytes were separated on a reversed-phase C18 column with a mobile phase consisting of water and acetonitrile. The separated compounds were detected with a tandem quadrupole mass spectrometer operating in positive electro-spray ionisation mode using multiple reaction monitoring. The established method was extensively validated by determining linearity (R2≯0.999), recovery (97.5-102.8%) and precision (relative standard deviation ≤7.0%). This method was then used for the simultaneous determination of the four mycotoxins in grape pomace samples.

Lunasin as a promising health-beneficial peptide

Lunasin, a 43 amino acid polypeptide originally isolated from soybean, is known to produce multiple health benefits, including anti-hypertension, antioxidant activity, cancer prevention or therapy, anti-inflammation, hypocholesterolemic activity, anti-obesity and immunomodulation. These effects are believed to be due to its unique structure that includes a putative helical region, an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) motif and an Asp-rich carboxyl terminus. The focus of this article is to summarize the discovery, characterization and biological activities of lunasin, which will provide a reference for the future development and utilization of lunasin, and a basis for exploring the underlying mechanisms of these health-beneficial functions.

Prevention and treatment of diarrhoea with Saccharomyces boulardii in children with acute lower respiratory tract infections

The aim of this study was to determine whether Saccharomyces boulardii prevents and treats diarrhoea and antibiotic-associated diarrhoea (AAD) in children. A total of 333 hospitalised children with acute lower respiratory tract infection were enrolled in a 2-phase open randomised controlled trial. During the 1st phase, all children received intravenous antibiotics (AB). They were randomly allocated to group A (S. boulardii 500 mg/day + AB, n=167) or group B (AB alone, n=166) and followed for 2 weeks. Diarrhoea was defined as ≥3 loose/watery stools/day during at least 2 days, occurring during treatment and/or up to 2 weeks after AB therapy had stopped. AAD was considered when diarrhoea was caused by Clostridium difficile or when stool cultures remained negative. In the 2nd phase of the study, group B patients who developed diarrhoea were randomly allocated to two sub-groups: group B1 (S. boulardii + oral rehydration solution (ORS)) and group B2 (ORS alone). Data from 283 patients were available for analysis. Diarrhoea prevalence was lower in group A than in group B (11/139 (7.9%) vs. 42/144 (29.2%); relative risk (RR): 0.27, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.1-0.5). S. boulardii reduced the risk of AAD (6/139 (4.3%) vs. 28/144 (19.4%); RR: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.1-0.5). When group B patients developed diarrhoea (n=42), S. boulardii treatment during 5 days (group B1) resulted in lower stool frequency (P<0.05) and higher recovery rate (91.3% in group B1 vs. 21.1% in B2; P<0.001). The mean duration of diarrhoea in group B1 was shorter (2.31±0.95 vs. 8.97±1.07 days; P<0.001). No adverse effects related to S. boulardii were observed. S. boulardii appeared to be effective in the prevention and treatment of diarrhoea and AAD in children treated with intravenous antibiotics.

Current status of rectal cancer treatment in China

AIM

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most common carcinoma in China. For economic reasons, a national CRC registry has not been established and a large-scale screening programme has not been implemented.

METHOD

Clinical studies (since 2000) of CRC epidemiology which originated from China were summarized, and data was analyzed.

RESULTS

In China, the majority of hospitals in central cities and even in county hospitals are able to provide medical care for CRC patients. Due to socio-economic disparities, medical conditions and skill level, there is a wide variation in the treatment. Most oncologists make their clinical decisions based on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines, although some domestic guidelines are now available. On 11 October 2011, the China Ministry of Health released national guidelines for CRC treatment. Owing to language difficulties, research on CRC in China has only had a limited exposure in the international literature, due in some part to lack of understanding of the current position in the country.

CONCLUSION

The national guidelines for CRC treatment will give a degree of standardization of the treatment of CRC nationwide and will ensure that higher quality care will be available, especially in rural areas. Chinese colorectal surgeons urgently need to exchange their knowledge and experience with international colleagues.

The Pak4 protein kinase is required for oncogenic transformation of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells

The Pak4 protein kinase, normally expressed at low level in the mammary gland, is commonly overexpressed in breast cancer. Overexpression of Pak4 transforms mouse mammary epithelial cells in vitro and renders these cells tumorigenic in athymic mice in vivo. Here we show that Pak4 is also required for oncogenic transformation of the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. These high Pak4-expressing human breast cancer cells form highly disorganized three-dimensional (3D) structures in vitro and readily give rise to orthotopic xenograft tumors in nude mice. We have found that when Pak4 levels are reduced, MDA-MB-231 cells exhibit decreased proliferation and migration in vitro, as well as gross restoration of normal 3D mammary acinar organization, the latter in association with a strong induction of apoptosis. Similarly, Pak4 knockdown suppresses MDA-MB-231 breast xenograft tumor formation in nude mice in vivo. These results indicate that Pak4 has a key role in the oncogenic transformation of breast cells.

Subinhibitory concentrations of pinocembrin exert anti-Staphylococcus aureus activity by reducing α-toxin expression

AIMS

Natural products have been used as potentially important sources of novel antibacterials in combating pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus isolates, a major problem around the world. In this study, we aimed to investigate the antibacterial effects of pinocembrin (PNCB) against Staph. aureus pneumonia in a murine model and its influence on the production of Staph. aureus α-haemolysin (Hla).

METHODS AND RESULTS

The in vitro activities of PNCB on α-haemolysin production were determined using haemolysis, Western blot and real-time RT-PCR assays. The viability and cytotoxicity assays were performed to evaluate the influence of PNCB on α-toxin-mediated injury of human alveolar epithelial cells. Moreover, through histopathologic analysis, we further determined the in vivo effects of PNCB on Staph. aureus pneumonia in a mouse model. In vitro, PNCB at low concentrations exhibited inhibitory activity against α-haemolysin production and attenuated α-haemolysin-mediated cell injury. Furthermore, the in vivo findings demonstrated that PNCB protected mice from Staph. aureus pneumonia.

CONCLUSIONS

We have provided new evidence of the effects of PNCB, which suggest that PNCB attenuated α-haemolysin-mediated cell injury and protected mice from Staph. aureus pneumonia.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The findings indicate that PNCB may be used as a basis for anti-Staphylococcus agent.

Serotypes, genotypes and antimicrobial resistance patterns of human diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli isolates circulating in southeastern China

Diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) infection is a major health problem in developing countries. The prevalence and characteristics of DEC have not been thoroughly investigated in China. Consecutive faecal specimens from outpatients with acute diarrhoea in nine sentinel hospitals in southeastern China were collected from July 2009 to June 2011. Bacterial and viral pathogens were detected by culture and RT-PCR, respectively. DEC isolates were further classified into five pathotypes using multiplex PCR. The O/H serotypes, sequence types (STs) and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of the DEC isolates were determined. A total of 2466 faecal specimens were collected, from which 347 (14.1%) DEC isolates were isolated. DEC was the dominant bacterial pathogen detected. The DEC isolates included 217 EAEC, 62 ETEC, 52 EPEC, 14 STEC, one EIEC and one EAEC/ETEC. O45 (6.6%) was the predominant serotype. Genotypic analysis revealed that the major genotype was ST complex 10 (87, 25.6%). Isolates belonging to the serogroups or genotypes of O6, O25, O159, ST48, ST218, ST94 and ST1491 were highly susceptible to the majority of antimicrobials. In contrast, isolates belonging to O45, O15, O1, O169, ST38, ST226, ST69, ST31, ST93, ST394 and ST648 were highly resistant to the majority of antimicrobials. DEC accounted for the majority of bacterial pathogens causing acute diarrhoea in southeastern China, and it is therefore necessary to test for all DEC, not only the EHEC O157:H7. Some serogroups or genotypes of DEC were highly resistant to the majority of antimicrobials. DEC surveillance should be emphasized.

Structural investigation and mechanical properties of a representative of a new class of materials: nanograined metallic glasses

A new class of materials: Au-based nanograined metallic glasses (NGMGs) were synthesized using magnetron sputtering with powder targets. A detailed study by x-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) documents the unique nanoscale granular structure of the Au-based NGMG. This material inherited the good mechanical properties of metallic glasses, showing a high hardness of ∼5.3 GPa and a low elastic modulus of ∼79 GPa. In addition, in contrast to most MGs the nanoglassy particles can deform along the loading direction, exhibiting unique tensile elongation up to 100%. During thermal crystallization of NGMG material, even smaller sized Au solid solution nanocrystals are formed within the glassy nanograins, offering a new way for production of the nanocomposites with tailored structural length scales.

Single-dose pharmacokinetics of lenalidomide in healthy volunteers: dose proportionality, food effect, and racial sensitivity

PURPOSE

Lenalidomide is an immunomodulatory drug with efficacy in various hematological malignancies. The purpose of these studies was to evaluate the single-dose pharmacokinetics of lenalidomide, including dose proportionality, food effect, and racial sensitivity.

METHODS

Three studies were conducted including a total of 58 healthy subjects: a randomized, single-blind, alternating group, single-ascending dose study; a randomized, two-way crossover food effect study; and a randomized, double-blind, two-group, within-subject, single-ascending dose study.

RESULTS

Oral absorption of lenalidomide was rapid and the maximum plasma concentration (C (max)) was observed approximately 1 h post-dose. Co-administration with a high-fat meal reduced the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) and C (max) by approximately 20 and 50 %, respectively, and delayed time to C (max) (t (max)) by 1.63 h. However, phase III trials were dosed without regard to food; therefore, clinical relevance of the food effect was minimal. The terminal elimination half-life (t (½)) was 3-4 h at doses up to 50 mg and was not affected by food. The AUC and C (max) were proportional to lenalidomide single doses (5-400 mg), and total and renal clearance were dose-independent. The R- to S-lenalidomide ratio in plasma was stable over time, approximately 45-55 % of total drug. There were no differences in pharmacokinetic parameters, dose-exposure relationship, or enantiomeric ratio, between Japanese and Caucasian subjects.

CONCLUSION

Lenalidomide displayed linear pharmacokinetics from doses 5-400 mg in healthy subjects. Although food reduced bioavailability, this was not considered clinically relevant. Lenalidomide was generally well tolerated in both ethnic groups.

In vitro analysis of ovarian cancer response to cisplatin, carboplatin, and paclitaxel identifies common pathways that are also associated with overall patient survival

Background:

Carboplatin and cisplatin, alone or in combination with paclitaxel, have similar efficacies against ovarian cancer (OVCA) yet exhibit different toxicity profiles. We characterised the common and unique cellular pathways that underlie OVCA response to these drugs and analyse whether they have a role in OVCA survival.

Methods:

Ovarian cancer cell lines (n=36) were treated with carboplatin, cisplatin, paclitaxel, or carboplatin–paclitaxel (CPTX). For each cell line, IC₅₀ levels were quantified and pre-treatment gene expression analyses were performed. Genes demonstrating expression/IC₅₀ correlations (measured by Pearson; P<0.01) were subjected to biological pathway analysis. An independent OVCA clinico-genomic data set (n=142) was evaluated for clinical features associated with represented pathways.

Results:

Cell line sensitivity to carboplatin, cisplatin, paclitaxel, and CPTX was associated with the expression of 77, 68, 64, and 25 biological pathways (P<0.01), respectively. We found three common pathways when drug combinations were compared. Expression of one pathway (‘Transcription/CREB pathway’) was associated with OVCA overall survival.

Conclusion:

The identification of the Transcription/CREB pathway (associated with OVCA cell line platinum sensitivity and overall survival) could improve patient stratification for treatment with current therapies and the rational selection of future OVCA therapy agents targeted to these pathways.

Enzymatic synthesis oF L-tryptophan from D,L-2-amino-delta2-thiazoline-4-carboxylic acid and indole by Pseudomonas sp. TS1138 L-2-amino-delta2-thiazoline-4-carboxylic acid hydrolase, S-carbamyl-L-cysteine amidohydrolase, and Escherichia coli L-tryptophanase

L-Tryptophan (L-Trp) is an essential amino acid. It is widely used in medical, health and food products, so a low-cost supply is needed. There are 4 methods for L-Trp production: chemical synthesis, extraction, enzymatic synthesis, and fermentation. In this study, we produced a recombinant bacterial strain pET-tnaA of Escherichia coli which has the L-tryptophanase gene. Using the pET-tnaA E. coli and the strain TS1138 of Pseudomonas sp., a one-pot enzymatic synthesis of L-Trp was developed. Pseudomonas sp. TS1138 was added to a solution of D,L-2-amino-delta2-thiazoline-4-carboxylic acid (DL-ATC) to convert it to L-cysteine (L-Cys). After concentration, E. coli BL21 (DE 3) cells including plasmid pET-tnaA, indole, and pyridoxal 5'-phosphate were added. At the optimum conditions, the conversion rates of DL-ATC and L-Cys were 95.4% and 92.1%, respectively. After purifying using macroporous resin S8 and NKA-II, 10.32 g of L-Trp of 98.3% purity was obtained. This study established methods for one-pot enzymatic synthesis and separation of L-Trp. This method of producing L-Trp is more environmentally sound than methods using chemical synthesis, and it lays the foundations for industrial production of L-Trp from DL-ATC and indole.

Association between XPD Lys751Gln polymorphism and risk of head and neck cancer: a meta-analysis

Several studies have investigated the association between Lys751Gln polymorphism in the xeroderma pigmentosum group D (XPD) gene and risk of head and neck cancer; however, the published results are conflicting. We conducted a meta-analysis that comprised 15 published case-control studies examining the association of head and neck cancer risk with XPD Lys751Gln polymorphism in different populations, based on the data identified in Medline up to November 2010. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to assess the strength of the association. Overall, significantly elevated head and neck cancer risk was associated with XPD Lys751Gln polymorphism when all studies were pooled into the meta-analysis [(Gln/Gln + Lys/Gln) vs Lys/Lys: OR = 1.12, 95%CI = 1.03-1.22, P < 0.01, heterogeneity P = 0.11]. In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, borderline significantly increased risk was found for Europeans [(Gln/Gln + Lys/Gln) vs Lys/Lys: OR = 1.11, 95%CI = 1.00-1.23, P < 0.05]. In conclusion, our meta-analysis demonstrated that XPD Lys751Gln polymorphism could be a prediction marker for risk of head and neck cancer.