ANP32B deficiency impairs proliferation and suppresses tumor progression by regulating AKT phosphorylation

The acidic leucine-rich nuclear phosphoprotein 32B (ANP32B) is reported to impact normal development, with Anp32b-knockout mice exhibiting smaller size and premature aging. However, its cellular and molecular mechanisms, especially its potential roles in tumorigenesis, remain largely unclear. Here, we utilize 'knockout' models, RNAi silencing and clinical cohorts to more closely investigate the role of this enigmatic factor in cell proliferation and cancer phenotypes. We report that, compared with Anp32b wild-type (Anp32b^+/+) littermates, a broad panel of tissues in Anp32b-deficient (Anp32b^−/−) mice are demonstrated hypoplasia. Anp32b^−/− mouse embryo fibroblast cell has a slower proliferation, even after oncogenic immortalization. ANP32B knockdown also significantly inhibits in vitro and in vivo growth of cancer cells by inducing G₁ arrest. In line with this, ANP32B protein has higher expression in malignant tissues than adjacent normal tissues from a cohort of breast cancer patients, and its expression level positively correlates with their histopathological grades. Moreover, ANP32B deficiency downregulates AKT phosphorylation, which involves its regulating effect on cell growth. Collectively, our findings suggest that ANP32B is an oncogene and a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer treatment.

Effect of pregnancy-specific stress on spontaneous preterm birth among Chinese people

BACKGROUND

The current evidence implicates that psychosocial stress, especially pregnancy-specific stress, is associated with the risk of spontaneous preterm birth. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of pregnancy-specific stress on spontaneous preterm birth among Chinese people.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 2,189 pregnant women were enrolled and followed up until parturition from February 2011 to January 2012. Maternal pregnancy-specific stress was assessed using the revised Pregnancy Stress Rating Scale (PSRS) at third trimester in pregnancy. Socio-demographic and psychological data were collected through interviews, medical, and obstetrical examination records.

RESULTS

High levels of maternal pregnancy-specific stress during the third trimester increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth compared with the low and medium levels (adjusted risk ratios, 2.92; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-7.58). The first stressor from the revised PSRS includes a risk factor for the safety of infants.

CONCLUSIONS

High level of pregnancy-specific stress in third trimester might predict spontaneous preterm birth.

Association between polymorphisms in the adiponectin gene (APM-1) and atherosclerotic cerebral infarction in a Hainan Chinese Han population

We investigated the association between polymorphisms in the adiponectin gene (APM-1) and atherosclerotic cerebral infarction (ACI) in a Chinese Han population of Hainan Province. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and gene sequencing were used to analyze the distribution of APM-1 +45T/G and +276G/T genotypes and their alleles in 120 ACI patients and 120 healthy controls. No statistical correlation was found in the frequency and distribution of the genotype 45T/G between the ACI group and the control group. Genotypic frequencies of GG, GT, and TT at the APM-1 +276 locus were 70.0% (84/120), 25.0% (30/120), and 5.0% (6/120), respectively, in the ACI group, while these values were 52.5% (63/120), 37.5% (45/120), and 10.0% (12/120), respectively, in the control group. The frequency of the G allele was 82.5% (198/240) in the ACI group and 71.25% (171/240) in the control group. The T allele frequency was 17.5% (42/240) in the ACI group and 28.75% (69/240) in the control group. Polymorphisms at the APM-1 -276 locus in the case-controlled groups showed significant differences in the genotype distribution and al-lele frequency between the 2 groups (P = 0.041). The occurrence of ACI in the Hainan Chinese Han population may be associated with +276G/T polymorphisms but not with +45T/G polymorphisms in the APM-1 gene.

Two subclasses of odorant-binding proteins in Spodoptera exigua display structural conservation and functional divergence

Although many studies on lepidopteran pheromone-binding proteins (PBPs)/ general odorant-binding proteins (GOBPs) have been reported, the functional differentiation within and between the two odorant-binding protein (OBP) subclasses is still elusive. Here we conducted a comparative study on three SexiPBPs and two SexiGOBPs in Spodoptera exigua. Results showed that all five SexiPBP/GOBP genes have the same intron numbers and conserved exon/intron splice sites. Reverse transcription PCR results showed that these five SexiPBP/GOBPs were primarily expressed in antennae of both sexes and some were also detected in other tissues. Further, quantitative real-time PCR showed that five SexiPBP/GOBPs had different sex-biased expression patterns, with PBP1 being highly male-biased (5.96-fold difference) and PBP3 slightly female-biased (2.43-fold difference), while PBP2 and two GOBPs were approximately sex-equivalent (the absolute value<1.90-fold difference). Binding assays showed that all three SexiPBPs could bind all six sex pheromone components, but SexiPBP1 had much higher affinities [dissociation constant (Ki ) <1.10 μM] than did the other two SexiPBPs (Ki  >1.20 μM). Very intriguingly, SexiGOBP2 displayed even stronger binding to five sex pheromone components (Ki  <0.40 μM) than SexiPBP1. In contrast, SexiGOBP1 only exhibited weak binding to three alcohol-pheromone components. Similar results were obtained for tested pheromone analogues. In addition, each of SexiPBP/GOBPs selectively bound some plant odorants with considerable affinities (Ki  <10.0 μM). Taken together, of the three SexiPBPs, SexiPBP1 may play the most important role in female sex pheromone reception, and additionally all three SexiPBPs can detect some plant odorants, while SexiGOBP2 may be involved in the detection of female sex pheromones in addition to plant odorants. The results strongly suggest functional differentiation within and between the two OBP sub-classes.

Analysis of gene expression identifies candidate markers and pathways in pre-eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia is a serious multisystem disorder and causes significant increase in both maternal and foetal morbidity and perinatal mortality globally. Due to the limited understanding of the molecular mechanism of pre-eclampsia, the current study conducted bioinformatic analyses to screen key regulators involved in pre-eclampsia. The gene expression profiling dataset GSE44711 containing 8 early-onset pre-eclampsia placentas and 8 gestational-age-matched control placentas was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened by limma software package, which were then subjected to Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis on the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery website. Finally, protein-protein interaction network was constructed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes database. In total, 192 DEGs including 106 upregulated and 86 downregulated genes were obtained. Proteoglycan 2 and podoplanin were the most significantly up- and downregulated genes, respectively. In addition, three potential pathways and their related DEGs: spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase 1, amiloride-binding protein 1 and adenosylmethionine decarboxylase 1 were associated with arginine and proline metabolism. Vascular endothelial growth factor C; phosphatidylinositol-4, 5-bisphosphate 3-kinase, catalytic subunit beta; collagen, type I, alpha 1 (COL1A1); and fibronectin 1 (FN1) were associated with focal adhesion. COL6A1 as well as COL1A1 and FN1 were involved in extra-cellular matrix-receptor interaction. The current study identified several potential genes and three pathways which may be considered as candidate targets for diagnosis and therapy of pre-eclampsia.

An antennae-enriched carboxylesterase from Spodoptera exigua displays degradation activity in both plant volatiles and female sex pheromones

Carboxyl/cholinesterase (CCE) is a large gene family of diverse functions, but in insects its function with respect to catabolism of sex pheromone components and plant volatiles is not well understood. In the present study, we cloned and functionally characterized one putative odorant-degrading enzyme (ODE) of the CCE family, SexiCXE14, from Spodoptera exigua. The tissue-temporal expression pattern revealed that the mRNA level of SexiCXE14 is antennae-enriched, sex equivalent and peaks at 3 days after moth eclosion. Functional study using the recombinant enzyme determined that SexiCXE14 has high degrading activity (Vmax) to host plant volatiles, suggesting its role in degradation of these volatiles. In addition, SexiCXE14 may also play a role in the degradation of sex pheromone components, as the Vmax and affinity parameter (Km) values with the sex pheromones are similar to those of reported pheromone degrading enzymes (PDEs). Further analysis of the relationship between substrate structure and enzymatic activity demonstrated that carbon chain length is a major influential factor, while the number of double bonds also affects the enzymatic activity. In addition, SexiCXE14 displays lower activity at acidic pH levels (pH 5.0) than in neutral conditions (pH 6.5). By characterizing this new ODE the present study provides insights in understanding of the high sensitivity of the moth olfactory system.

Epidemiological comparison of clinical manifestations according to HLA-B*27 carrier status of Chinese ankylosing spondylitis patients

The aim of the study was to investigate and compare the clinical manifestations between HLA-B27(+) and HLA-B27(-) ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients in order to obtain knowledge of the impact of HLA-B27 status on AS, and to inform clinical treatment. A nationwide epidemiological investigation was performed from November 2008 to October 2010. The demographic data and clinical characteristics, and the status of HLA-B27 were collected using questionnaires and laboratory assay, respectively. A total of 2144 patients (78.5% males and 78.4% HLA-B27(+) AS patients) participated in this study. The percentages of males, patients with family history, and involvement of lumbar spine, thoracic spine and hip joints, were observed to be significantly higher in the HLA-B27(+) AS patients than in their HLA-B27(-) AS peers.

Gas Exchange Characteristics in Leaves of the Euphorbiacea Aleurites montana as Consequence of Growth under 700 ppm CO2 in Air A Study on Photosynthesis and Photorespiration in the Chinese Tung-Oil Tree

Three months old plants of the Chinese tung-oil tree Aleurites montana (Euphorbiaceae) were cultivated for 4 months in air containing 700 ppm CO2. These plants, which grow substantially better in the CO2-enriched atmosphere, were analyzed by mass spectrometry for photosynthesis and photorespiration together with control plants grown all the time in normal (350 ppm CO2) air. Thereafter part of the plants was subjected for two weeks to 0.3 ppm SO2 in the atmosphere and again analyzed for photosynthesis and photorespiration. Aleurites montana exhibits a strongly CO2-dependent photosynthesis which partially explains the observed stimulatory effect of 700 ppm CO2 on growth of the plant. In control plants grown in normal air, photorespiration measured simultaneously with photosynthesis via the uptake of l80 2 in the light, is much lower than in C3-plants like tobacco (H e et al., 1995, Z. Naturforsch. 50c, 781-788 ). In Aleurites grown in 700 ppm CO2, however, photorespiration is completely absent in contrast to tobacco when grown under 700 ppm CO2. In tobacco, photorespiration is not inhibited to the extent of the in vitro experiments in which plants grown at 350 ppm CO2 are measured under the increased CO2 content of 700 ppm. Gas exchange measurements carried out by mass spectrometry show that the ratio of O2 evolved to CO2 fixed is about 0.5. Apparently, part of the CO2 fixed is channelled into a metabolic path without concomitant O2-evolution. Although the plant has no succulent appearance (its leaves somehow resemble maple leaves) apparently a Crassulacean type metabolism is performed. When Aleurites plants grown all the time in normal air with 350 ppm, are exposed for two weeks to 0.3 ppm SO2 the treatment completely inhibits this CO2-fixing portion which is tentatively attributed to a Crassulacean type of metabolism. This is demonstrated by a normal C3-type ratio O2 evolved /CO2 fixed of 1. When Aleurites plants, grown for 4 months in a CO2-enriched atmosphere of 700 ppm CO2, are subjected for two weeks to 0.3 ppm SO2, the features of control plants show up again. When these plants are tested under 350 ppm CO2 the Crassulacean type CO2-fixation apparently is not inhibited by SO2. Photorespiration, although low, is present in the same activity as in the controls. Seemingly, an increased level of CO2 in air tends to alleviate the impact of the SO2 at least in the Chinese tung-oil tree.

Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 inhibitor RO3306 promotes mitotic slippage in paclitaxel-treated HepG2 cells

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver neoplasm and current systemic chemotherapy are mostly ineffective. Paclitaxel (PTX) has a clinically significant effect on many malignant tumors. Cells treated with PTX undergo reversible mitotic arrest and although high doses can cause side effects it may also induce apoptosis. We investigated the effect of a sequential combination of PTX and RO3306, a cyclin-dependent kinase 1 inhibitor, on the hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cell line. The sequential drug treatment protocol involved the addition of PTX (0.2 µmol/L) for 18 h followed by RO3306 (2 µmol/L) for a further 6 h. Cell viability and proliferation were measured using tetrazolium dye (MTT) and colony formation assay. Cell cycle profiles were established by flow cytometry. The expression level of protein was examined by immunoblotting. We observed a synergistic effect of PTX and RO3306 treatment on cell growth and proliferation as well as an increased proportion of cells in sub-G1 phase. Expression levels of cyclin B, cyclin E and phosphorylated Histone H3 demonstrated that RO3306 enhanced apoptosis in PTX treated cells by mitotic slippage. Our data suggested that the combination of PTX and RO3306 may be an effective therapeutic combination for the treatment of liver cancer.

Multicenter, double-blind, randomized clinical trial of parenterally administered Cefoselis versus Cefepime for the treatment of acute bacterial infections

AIM

This study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of intravenous Cefoselis injection for the treatment of acute moderate and severe bacterial infections.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A multicenter, double-blind, randomized clinical trial was carried out using Cefepime as control. Patients received 1.0 g of either Cefoselis or Cefepime for moderate infections or 2.0 g for severe infections at an interval of 12 hours for 7 to 14 days. A total of 276 patients (138 with Cefoselis, 138 with Cefepime) with respiratory or urinary tract infections were enrolled in the study. Up to 137 and 124 patients receiving Cefoselis and 132 and 125 patients receiving Cefepime were eligible for the ITT (intent to treat) and PP (per protocol) analyses, respectively.

RESULTS

At the end of the treatment, the cure rates and effective rates were 59.68% (74/124) and 93.55% (116/124) with Cefoselis, and 56.00% (74/124) and 90.40% (116/124) with Cefepime. The bacterial eradication rates of the two groups were 90.32% and 93.85%, respectively. No statistical differences were observed on the above-mentioned parameters between the two groups (all p > 0.05). Adverse events, mainly mild aminotransferase elevation and mild leukopenia, were observed in 11.59% (16/138) and 13.77% (19/138) of patients with Cefoselis and Cefepime, respectively (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Cefoselis is an effective and safe choice against acute moderate and severe respiratory infections and UTI (urinary tract infection).

Model simulation of inflow water to the Baltic Sea based on ¹²⁹I

The semi-enclosed Baltic Sea represents a vital economic and recreational resource for more than 90 million people inhabiting its coasts. Extensive contamination of this sea by a variety of anthropogenic pollutants has raised the concern of the people in the region. Quantifying seawater inflow is crucial for estimating potential environmental risks as well as to find the best remedial strategy. We present here a model to estimate water inflow from the North Sea to the Baltic Sea by utilizing ¹²⁹I as a tracer. The results predicted inflow range of 230-450 km³/y with best fit value around 330 km³/y from the North Sea to the Baltic Sea during 1980-1999. Despite limited time series data on ¹²⁹I, the model presented here demonstrates a new management tool for the Baltic Sea to calculate inflow water compared to conventional methods (such as salinity, temperature and hydrographic models).