Production of Th1- and Th2-dependent cytokines induced by the Chinese medicine herb, Rhodiola algida, on human peripheral blood monocytes

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Rhodiola algida, an herb ingredient used in Chinese medicine, has been clinically proven to be effective in enhancing human immune responses.

AIM OF STUDY

This study attempted to identify the potential immunomodulatory effect of Rhodiola algida extract in human immune system in vitro, and to examine its underlying molecular effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Firstly, the bioactive marker compound salidroside was used for standardization of Rhodiola algida extract by reversed-phase HPLC. Secondly, the regulation of human immune responses was investigated in human peripheral blood monocytes. A series of cytokines known to play important roles in the human immune responses were examined.

RESULTS

The current study provided quantitative assay for the marker compound, salidroside, in the Rhodiola algida extract for ensuring the quality consistency of Rhodiola algida used in the following experiments. Biological assay indicated that Rhodiola algida stimulates human peripheral blood lymphocytes and its underlying immunomodulatory effects probably through its regulation of IL-2 in Th1 cells and IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 in Th2 cells.

CONCLUSION

The findings may enable us to further explain the pharmacological properties in Chinese medicine and make Rhodiola algida a very promising immunomodulating agent.

Coping styles and psychological outcomes in men with advanced cancer

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Background: The psychological outcomes of men with advanced cancer may vary based upon their appraisal and response to the threat of cancer. Coping styles in other illnesses are influenced by gender and stage of disease, but little is known specifically about men with advanced cancer. Methods: We recruited 81 men with advanced cancer to complete surveys assessing coping (Mini-MAC), post-traumatic growth (PTGI), and psychological outcomes (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). Psychological outcomes and coping styles were determined with means, and percentages above established cutoff points. Relationships were assessed using Pearson correlation coefficients. Results: The mean HADS anxiety and depression scores were 5.4 and 4.0, respectively. Fourteen men (17%) scored 8–10 and 8 (10%) scored ≥11 suggesting an anxiety state and disorder, respectively. Eight men (10%) had scores suggesting a depressive state and 4 (5%) a depressive disorder. Greater helplessness/hopelessness and anxious preoccupation scores were correlated with greater anxiety (r =.54, p<.0001; r =.66, p<.0001) and depression scores (r =.43, p<.0001; r=.47, p<.0001). Greater fighting spirit correlated with less anxiety (r =-.26, p=.018) and less depression (r = -.42, p < .0001) and with increased post-traumatic growth in the form of new possibilities (r = .26, p = .020), personal strength (r = .33, p = .003), and the total PTGI score (r = .23, p = .043). Greater fatalism was associated with lower total distress measured by the total HADS score (r = -.24, p = .032), and marginally so when assessed separately for anxiety (r = -.22, p = .052) and depression (r = -.21, p = .056). In addition, greater fatalism was significantly associated with greater post-traumatic growth in all five areas assessed by the PTGI subscales (.27 < r < .36; .001 p < .032). Conclusions: As expected men with advanced cancer report anxiety and depression. Coping styles were significantly associated with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic growth.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Effect of coping styles on the psychological impact of discussing life expectancy for men with advanced cancer

9615

Background: Discussions of life expectancy between men and oncologists are limited, in part, because of the potential adverse effect on psychological outcomes. However, appraisal of the cancer threat may enhance coping and improve psychological outcomes for some men with advanced cancer. Methods: We recruited 81 men with advanced cancer to complete surveys including coping (Mini-MAC), post-traumatic growth (PTGI), psychological outcomes (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). Men and oncologists rated extent of discussions about life expectancy. Moderation was assessed with regression interactions and follow-up within group Pearson correlations. Results: Men reported a full (33%), brief (41%), or no (26%) discussion of life expectancy. Concordance was low. Only 23 (28%) agreed with oncologists about the extent of discussion. Among the 34 oncologists who reported having a full discussion, 16 (47%) of their patients reported having a brief discussion and 8 (24%) reported no discussion. Men who reported having a full discussion had significantly lower depression scores (mean = 2.8) than those who reported a brief or no discussion (mean = 4.6; p=.018). As expected, the extent of discussion moderated some of the relationships between coping style and outcomes. Helpless-hopeless coping was associated with greater depression only among patients who reported a full or brief discussion of life expectancy (n=61, r=.56, p<.0001). Interestingly, greater fatalism was associated with greater PTGI spiritual change among men who reported no or brief discussions (n = 54, r = .39, p = .004) and greater PTGI personal strength (n = 20, r = .63, p = .003) and PTGI appreciation of life (n = 20, r = .62, p = .003) among men who reported no discussion compared to men with full and brief or full discussion, respectively. Conclusions: Most men and oncologists reported discussions of life expectancy but there was little agreement on extent. Full discussions were not associated with depression; however this effect was moderated by coping styles.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Preoperative cetuximab and radiation (XRT) for patients (pts) with surgically resectable esophageal and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) carcinomas: A pilot study from the Hoosier Oncology Group and the University of Texas Southwestern

4557

Background: Pre-operative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by surgical resection is a standard treatment option for pts with resectable esophageal or GE junction (GEJ) carcinomas (CA). Cetuximab, when combined with XRT is effective treatment for locally advanced cancers of the head and neck. We conducted this study to evaluate this regimen in pts with esophageal and GEJ CA. Methods: This is a single arm, open label pilot study combining cetuximab with XRT for pts with resectable esophageal and GEJ CA. The primary objective is to determine the pathologic complete response rate (pCR) (null hypothesis: p=0.20; alternative hypothesis: p=0.35) and determine the feasibility and toxicity of this regimen when given prior to esophagectomy. Key eligibility criteria are: squamous cell (SC)or adenoCA of the esophagus or GEJ, ECOG PS 0–2, clinical stage II -IVa, and eligible for esophagectomy. Pts received a loading dose of cetuximab at 400mg/m2 2 weeks prior to XRT, then weekly at 250 mg/m2 starting one week prior to XRT until completion of 50.4 Gy XRT. After satisfactory recovery, pts had esophagectomy. Results: Patient characteristics (n=40): median age 65 years (range, 54–82); 92% male; PS 0/1 63%/32%; esophageal/GEJ 65%/35%; adenoCA/SC 78%/22%; 36 pts have completed cetuximab and radiation and 26 pts have undergone esophagectomy. Of the 26 pts that have undergone esophagectomy, 13 obtained a pCR. 5/13 SC had pCR and 8/13 adenoCA had pCR. 10 pts did not undergo surgery for various reasons including disease progression (n=7), AE unrelated to treatment (n=2), and personal decision to forgo esophagectomy (n=1). 4 patients are still completing cetuximab/XRT. The most common G3 adverse event was rash (56%). Other G3 toxicities were infrequent and included dysphagia (6%), infection (6%), and GI bleed (3%). There have been no treatment or surgery related deaths. Conclusions: Cetuximab and XRT results in pCR's in pts with esophageal and GEJ CA (rate of pCR 13/36), including patients with either SC or adenoCA histologies. G3/4 toxicities, including dysphagia were generally uncommon. Further study of this combination prior to esophagectomy is warranted.

[Table: see text]

Relationships among patient-level factors, religious coping, use of complementary and alternative medicine, and psychological outcomes in men with advanced cancer

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Background: Religious coping and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) are two resources frequently used to manage distress associated with advanced cancer. However, the relationships among these coping strategies and psychological outcomes in men with advanced cancer are not well studied. We hypothesized that patient-level factors (e.g., demographics, personality) would predict religious coping and CAM use, which would then predict psychological outcomes. Methods: 81 men with advanced cancer were recruited from oncology clinics for this cross-sectional study. Patients completed surveys which included demographic questions, personality measures (Adult Hope Scale, Life Orientation Test-Revised), CAM use, religious coping (Brief R-COPE), and psychological outcomes (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory). Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic growth as the criterion variables. Results: Higher anxiety scores were predicted by more negative RC (β = 0.50, p = .002), hope-pathways (β = 0.37, p = .033), and less hope-agency (β = -0.55, p = .002). Depression was predicted by lower hope-agency (β = -0.48, p = .021) and less education (β = -0.37, p = .044). Greater post-traumatic growth was predicted by greater positive RC (β = 0.54, p = .003). CAM use did not predict any psychological outcomes. Greater positive RC was predicted by less education (β = -0.39, p = .025). More negative RC was predicted by lower optimism (β = -0.43, p = .006). CAM use was predicted by greater hope-pathways (β = 0.42, p = .046). Conclusions: Religious coping, but not CAM use, was associated with psychological outcomes. Positive RC predicted greater growth, whereas negative RC predicted greater anxiety. Psychological outcomes were related to patient-level factors including hope and education. However, the two dimensions of trait hope had opposite effects. Higher hope-agency predicted less anxiety and depression, whereas higher hope-pathways predicted greater anxiety. These relationships merit further investigation.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A novel mechanism: Erxian Decoction, a Chinese medicine formula, for relieving menopausal syndrome

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Many clinical and experimental reports demonstrated that Erxian Decoction (EXD) was effective in relieving menopausal syndrome.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The mechanisms of action of EXD were explored on the endocrine and antioxidant regimen.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Menopause causes a decline in both endocrine function and activities of antioxidant enzymes. In this study, 12-month-old female Sprague-Dawley-rats (SD-rats) with a low serum estradiol level were employed. Their endocrine functions after treatment with EXD were assessed by the determination of their serum estradiol level and ovarian mRNA levels of aromatase, which is a key enzyme for biosynthesis of estradiol. Meanwhile, superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx-1) in the liver were also determined to assess the effect of EXD on the antioxidant regimen.

RESULTS

Results revealed a significant elevation in serum estradiol level and the mRNA level of ovarian aromatase and liver CAT in the EXD-treated menopausal rat model.

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained from mRNA and estradiol level of the present investigation revealed that the EXD relieves the menopausal syndrome involved an increase of endocrine and antioxidant function through, at least, the activation of aromatase and CAT detoxifying pathways.

Evidence for gene recombination in FCGR3 gene variants

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The genes encoding the Fcgamma receptors (FcgammaR) IIIa and IIIb (FCGR3A and FCGR3B) are clustered on chromosome 1 band q23-24 and exhibit allelic polymorphism. We investigated the molecular basis of additional new FCGR3 genomic variation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A segment shared by FCGR3A and FCGR3B containing the polymorphic nucleotide positions 141, 147, 227, 266, and 277 in exon 3 was cloned and sequenced from genomic DNA of 30 donors and 3 bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones. A mixture consisting of isolated FCGR3B*2- and FCGR3A- plasmids was cloned and sequenced as well. Additionally, nucleotide databases were screened for clones with variant FCGR3 sequences.

RESULTS

A total of 12 FCGR3 variants defined by the polymorphic positions were detected in whole blood genomic DNA from 23 of 24 FCGR3B*2 and/or FCGR3B*3 positive donors, the DNA from two of three BAC clones and in the DNA mixture of isolated FCGR3B*2- and FCGR3A- plasmids.

CONCLUSION

Nucleotide exchanges of the variants were non-random and resulted from two alternative nucleotides present in one of the polymorphic position of the basic FCGR3 forms. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) artefacts cannot be excluded as origin of new variants, but there is strong evidence that at least two variants are the result of a somatic recombination.

A giant facial nerve schwannoma extending from the middle cranial fossa to the mastoid region: case report

Facial nerve schwannomas are uncommon benign tumours and seldom extend into the middle cranial fossa. This is a case report of a giant facial nerve schwannoma extending from the middle cranial fossa to the mastoid region, which was successfully removed using combined interdisciplinary subtemporal and transmastoid approaches. Complete resection of the tumour was the optimal therapy for this patient because the facial nerve had been severely destroyed by the tumour. The clinical presentation, histological features, radiological findings and management of this case, as well as the relevant literature, are presented.

Treatment of menopausal symptoms with Er-xian decoction: a systematic review

The purpose of this systemic review is to assess the efficacy of Er-xian decoction (EXD), a formula of Chinese medicine, in relieving menopausal symptoms. Seven databases were extensively retrieved. The Chinese electronic databases include VIP Information, CBMdisc, and CNKI. The English electronic databases include AMED, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and MEDLINE. Randomized controlled trials using EXD as a main intervention were included in the study selection. The quality of studies was assessed by Jadad scale and the criteria referred in Cochrane reviewers' handbook. Two independent reviewers were responsible for data extraction and assessment. Discrepancies were rectified referring to the original articles. The efficacy of EXD treatment for menopausal symptoms was evaluated by meta-analysis. There were 154 articles retrieved according to the search strategy, 677 participants involved in the 5 studies that satisfied the selection criteria. Meta-analysis indicated that administration of EXD significantly relieved at least one menopausal symptom when compared to the control group at a 95% confidence interval (p<0.01). The curing effect of EXD with all symptoms relieved was significant as compared with the control groups (p<0.01). The results also indicated that the efficacy of EXD was better than the other non-menopausal hormone therapy (p<0.01), while there was no significant difference between the EXD and menopausal hormone therapy groups. The EXD is effective in treating menopausal symptoms. However, owing to the low quality of the investigated studies, more randomized controlled trials are needed before evidence-based recommendation regarding the effectiveness of EXD in the management of menopausal symptoms can be provided.

Pituitary tumor transforming gene 1 regulates Aurora kinase A activity

Pituitary tumor transforming gene 1 (PTTG1), a transforming gene highly expressed in several cancers, is a mammalian securin protein regulating both G1/S and G2/M phases. Using protein array screening, we showed PTTG1 interacting with Aurora kinase A (Aurora-A), and confirmed the interaction using co-immunoprecipitation, His-tagged pull-down assays and intracellular immunofluorescence colocalization. PTTG1 transfection into HCT116 cells prevented Aurora-A T288 autophosphorylation, inhibited phosphorylation of the histone H3 Aurora-A substrate and resulted in abnormally condensed chromatin. PTTG1-null cell proliferation was more sensitive to Aurora-A knock down and to Aurora kinase Inhibitor III treatment. The results indicate that PTTG1 and Aurora-A interact to regulate cellular responses to anti-neoplastic drugs. PTTG1 knockdown is therefore a potential approach to improve the efficacy of tumor Aurora kinase inhibitors.

Oxidative stress in Chinese patients with Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy

The cellular mechanisms of Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) are poorly understood and there is little information on the onset of blindness and neurological degeneration. Here we define the relationship between oxidative stress and LHON pathogenicity at the cellular level. Venous blood was obtained from 14 patients with LHON, 21 asymptomatic maternal relatives and 30 normal individuals (controls). The level of free radicals in blood was assessed as luminol luminescence immediately and at 10 min after addition of phytohaemagglutinin. In LHON patients and their asymptomatic relatives, free radicals increased significantly immediately after adding phytohaemagglutinin compared with baseline and normal controls. After 10 min, however, there were no significant differences between and within the groups. These results suggest that the antioxidant capacity is reduced in the blood of patients with LHON and in asymptomatic relatives, and that oxidative stress plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of LHON.

A five-year follow-up study of goiter and thyroid nodules in three regions with different iodine intakes in China

OBJECTIVE

The association between iodine status and the prevalence of goiter and thyroid nodules has been well established but the extent to which different iodine intake levels influence the incidence of goiter and thyroid nodules is unclear. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of goiter and thyroid nodules in 3 regions with different iodine intake levels: mildly deficient, more than adequate, and excessive.

DESIGN, PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS

Of the 3385 unselected subjects enrolled in 1999 in Panshan, Zhangwu, and Huanghua where median urinary iodine excretion (UIE) was 83.5 microg/l, 242.9 microg/l, and 650.9 microg/l, respectively, 2708 (80.0%) participated in the follow-up study in 2004. The examinations of thyroid ultrasonography, thyroid function, thyroid autoantibodies and UIE were performed at baseline and follow-up.

RESULTS

The cumulative incidence of diffuse goiter was 7.1%, 4.4%, and 6.9%, respectively, higher in Panshan and Huanghua than in Zhangwu (p=0.013 and p=0.015) and that of nodular goiter was 5.0%, 2.4%, and 0.8%, respectively, declining with increasing iodine intake levels (p<0.001). Mild iodine deficiency, chronic iodine excess as well as positive thyroid autoantibodies were associated with the occurrence of goiter [Logistic regression: odds ratio (OR)=1.83 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26-2.65), OR=1.46 (95% CI 1.01-2.11) and OR=1.68 (95% CI 1.14-2.48), respectively]. The cumulative incidence of single nodule was 4.0%, 5.7%, and 5.6%, respectively and that of multiple nodules was 0.4%, 1.2%, and 1.0%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The relationship between iodine and the risk for the occurrence of diffuse goiter shows a U-shaped curve. Nodular goiters are more prevalent in iodine-deficient areas.

Supplementation With Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), but not Kava Kava (Piper methysticum), Inhibits Human CYP3A Activity In Vivo

The effects of goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) and kava kava (Piper methysticum) supplementation on human CYP3A activity were evaluated using midazolam (MDZ) as a phenotypic probe. Sixteen healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to receive either goldenseal or kava kava for 14 days. Each supplementation phase was followed by a 30-day washout period. MDZ (8 mg, per os) was administered before and after each phase, and pharmacokinetic parameters were determined using standard non-compartmental methods. Comparisons of pre- and post-supplementation MDZ pharmacokinetic parameters revealed significant inhibition of CYP3A by goldenseal (AUC(0-infinity), 107.9+/-43.3 vs 175.3+/-74.8 ng x h/ml; Cl/F/kg, 1.26+/-0.59 vs 0.81+/-0.45 l/h/kg; T(1/2), 2.01+/-0.42 vs 3.15+/-1.12 h; Cmax, 50.6+/-26.9 vs 71.2+/-50.5 ng/ml). MDZ disposition was not affected by kava kava supplementation. These findings suggest that significant herb-drug interactions may result from the concomitant ingestion of goldenseal and CYP3A substrates.

Pituitary tumor transforming gene interacts with Sp1 to modulate G1/S cell phase transition

Pituitary tumor transforming gene (PTTG1) was isolated from rat pituitary tumor cells, and subsequently identified as a securin protein as well as a transcription factor. We show here a global transcriptional effect of PTTG1 in human choriocarcinoma JEG-3 cells by simultaneously assessing 20,000 gene promoters using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-on-Chip experiments. Seven hundred and forty-six gene promoters (P<0.001) were found enriched, with functions relating to cell cycle, metabolic control and signal transduction. Significant interaction between PTTG1 and Sp1 (P<0.000001) was found by transcriptional pattern analysis of ChIP data and further confirmed by immunoprecipitation and pull-down assays. PTTG1 acts coordinately with Sp1 to induce cyclin D3 expression approximately threefold, and promotes G1/S-phase transition independently of p21. PTTG1 deletion was also protective for anchorage-independent cell colony formation. The results show that PTTG1 exhibits properties of a global transcription factor, and specifically modulates the G1/S-phase transition by interacting with Sp1. This novel signaling pathway may be required for PTTG1 transforming activity.

Homoharringtonine in combination with cytarabine and aclarubicin resulted in high complete remission rate after the first induction therapy in patients with de novo acute myeloid leukemia

To assess the efficacy and toxicity of HAA regimen (homoharritonine 4 mg/m2/day, days 1-3; cytarabine 150 mg/m2/day, days 1-7; aclarubicin 12 mg/m2/day, days 1-7) as an induction therapy in the treatment of de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML), 48 patients with newly diagnosed AML, aged 35 (14-57) years, were entered into this clinical study. The median follow-up was 26 months. Eighty-three percent of patients achieved complete remission (CR), and the first single course of induction HAA regimen resulted in CR rate of 79%. The CR rate of 100, 82 and 33% were achieved in patients with favorable, intermediate and unfavorable cytogenetics, respectively. For all patients who achieved CR, the median time from the initiation of the induction therapy to the evaluation of the remission status was 32 days. For all patients, the estimated 3 years overall survival (OS) rate was 53%, whereas for patients with M5, the estimated OS rate at 3 years was 75%. The toxicities associated with HAA regimen were acceptable, and the most common toxicity was infection. This study suggested that HAA regimen might be a well-tolerable, effective induction regimen in young adult patients with AML.

Oxidative stress potentiates BACE1 gene expression and Abeta generation

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder leading to dementia and its prevalence increases with age. The pathological features of AD are characterized by the beta-amyloid protein (A(beta)) deposits in the core of neuritic plaques and abnormal neurofibrillary tangles in the brain of AD patients. BACE1 is the major beta-secretase to cleave the beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP) to generate A(beta). Oxidative stress has been shown to affect A(beta) generation in the AD pathogenesis and the mechanism of such effect is unknown. In this report we generated a novel promoterless enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) reporter gene cloning vector and cloned a 1.9-kb BACE1 gene promoter fragment in this vector. The BACE1 promoter fragment can efficiently activate EGFP or luciferase gene transcription. Oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide resulted in significant increase in the BACE1 promoter activity. Furthermore, hydrogen peroxide treatment facilitated beta-secretase activity and A(beta) generation. Thus, upregulation of BACE1 transcription by oxidative stress may contribute to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.

Chitosan-coated liposomes: characterization and interaction with leuprolide

The objective of the present work was to investigate the effect of chitosan concentration and lipid type on the characteristics of chitosan-coated liposomes and their interactions with leuprolide. Liposomes from lipid of high purity and low purity were prepared and coated by chitosan. Physical properties, drug entrapment efficiency, and stability upon dilution were respectively compared. Results showed that the particle size increment of liposomes from low purity lipid was larger than that from high purity lipid, indicating a thicker coating layer. The high zeta potential of particles from low purity lipid was thought to play an important role in the resistance to flocculation. As to particles from high purity lipid, polymer bridging caused flocculation at low polymer concentration while at high concentration, the adsorbed chitosan molecule led to steric stabilization. Drug entrapment efficiency decreased as chitosan was added to liposomes, showing the disturbance of bilayers. Upon dilution, the leakage of leuprolide from low purity liposomes was larger than that from high purity liposomes. In conclusion, low purity lipid possessed more negative charge and formed thicker adsorptive layer by stronger electrostatic attraction with chitosan. The interaction between chitosan and the polar head groups on the surface of phospholipid bilayers may interfere with leuprolide entrapped in liposomes and result in the leakage of leuprolide.

Outcome of endovascular intervention for infrainguinal vein graft stenosis

Assisted graft patency rate following revision of a graft stenosis is far better than that following thrombectomy of an occluded graft. Graft revision by endovascular means has been proposed as a suitable alternative to more invasive surgery. This study reports our experience with endovascular treatment of vein graft stenosis. Between December 1992 and September 2000, percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty (PTA) was performed on 90 vein graft stenoses in 87 infrainguinal vein bypass grafts identified by routine graft duplex scan (peak systolic velocity, PSV > 300 cm/sec). All 90 stenoses treated by PTA were retrospectively analysed for stenosis-free patency rate (life-table analysis). Re-stenosis was defined by PSV exceeding 300 cm/sec at the same site of the vein graft where a stenosis was dilated. Ninety vein graft stenoses (72 primary stenoses and 18 recurrent stenoses) in 33 femoropopliteal (above knee), 30 femoropopliteal (below knee) and 24 femorotibial vein bypass grafts were treated by PTA. The timing of PTA ranged from one to 252 months (mean, 23.9 months) from the initial surgery. Cumulative stenosis-free patency rate after PTA was 55.8% at 6 months, 54.0% at one year and 45.0% at three years. Stenosis-free patency rate at six months was significantly lower for revision of recurrent stenosis (25.9%) than for primary stenosis (61.6%) (P = 0.01). The revision of duplex scan detected vein graft stenosis with endovascular intervention was associated with an acceptable stenosis-free patency rate. However, recurrent stenosis treated by PTA had a significantly inferior outcome. Direct surgical revision would be more appropriate for recurrent lesions.

The pro-apoptotic protein, Bik, exhibits potent antitumor activity that is dependent on its BH3 domain

The Bcl-2 homology 3 (BH3) domain is present in most members of the Bcl-2 protein family and is required to confer the death-inducing properties of pro-apoptotic members, including Bax, Bak, Bad, and Bik, in cell-based assay systems. To determine whether the BH3 domain possesses a similar role in tumor tissues in vivo, we overexpressed the wild-type Bik protein and its BH3-deleted counterpart, using adenoviral technology, in chemoresistant human tumor prostate (PC-3) and colon (HT-29) cell lines growing in vitro and in vivo. Bik caused apoptosis in both PC-3 and HT-29 cells in vitro by inducing the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria to cytoplasm, resulting in the catalytic activation of caspases 9, 7, and 3 and cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase and DNA fragmentation. When the BH3 domain was deleted from the Bik protein, no effect on mitochondrial activity or cell morphology could be observed. Furthermore, intratumoral injection of an adenovirus vector expressing the Bik gene, but not the deleted BH3 Bik gene, suppressed the growth of PC-3 and HT-29 xenografts established in nude mice. Histological examination of tumors from mice treated with the wild-type Bik adenoviral construct demonstrated cellular debris, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling positive staining, and morphological changes associated with apoptosis. In contrast, tissue sections obtained from tumors treated with the BH3-deleted Bik adenoviral construct showed no evidence of apoptosis. Thus, our results suggest that the BH3 domain is required for the antitumor activity of the Bik protein and provides a novel therapeutic approach for cancer therapy.

The structure of a Michaelis serpin-protease complex

Serine protease inhibitors (serpins) regulate the activities of circulating proteases. Serpins inhibit proteases by acylating the serine hydroxyl at their active sites. Before deacylation and complete proteolysis of the serpin can occur, massive conformational changes are triggered in the serpin while maintaining the covalent linkage between the protease and serpin. Here we report the structure of a serpin-trypsin Michaelis complex, which we visualized by using the S195A trypsin mutant to prevent covalent complex formation. This encounter complex reveals a more extensive interaction surface than that present in small inhibitor-protease complexes and is a template for modeling other serpin-protease pairs. Mutations of several serpin residues at the interface reduced the inhibitory activity of the serpin. The serine residue C-terminal to the scissile peptide bond is found in a closer than usual interaction with His 57 at the active site of trypsin.

[Experimental study on carcinogenic activity of the organic extracts from water of the sifangtai section of songhua river]

OBJECTIVES

To study the carcinogenic activity and potential mechanism of the organic extracts from the Songhua River in vitro.

METHODS

The in vitro cell transformation and single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) tests were detected with the ether extracts of water. The expression of anticancer genes p53, p16, and p21 measured by immunohistochemical assays and the apoptosis by TUNEL assay were also studied.

RESULTS

The extracts from the water induced malignant transformation of BALB/C mouse embryo fibroblast cells and induce DNA damage. p53, p16 and p21 failed to express in transformed cells induced by the water extracts, and the apoptosis rate of transformed cells decreased.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that the organic extracts from the Songhua River has potential carcinogenicity.

Combined intratumoral injection of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells and systemic chemotherapy to treat pre-existing murine tumors

Dendritic cells (DCs) are attractive candidates for innovative cancer immunotherapy by virtue of their potential to function as professional antigen-presenting cells for initiating cellular immune responses. In this study, we evaluated a possible synergy of conventional chemotherapy together with intratumoral injection of syngeneic bone marrow-derived DCs for the treatment of preexisting tumors. Using murine CT26 colon adenocarcinoma cells (parental or modified to express beta-galactosidase as a model tumor antigen) to produce s.c. tumors in syngeneic BALB/c mice, the data demonstrate that direct injections of DCs at the tumor site result in partial eradication of established tumors. Strikingly, the addition of systemic chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide) combined with local intratumoral injection of DCs led to complete tumor regression in the treated animals. The tumor-free mice were able to resist a repeat challenge with the same tumor, suggesting that the animals had acquired long term antitumor immunity. Supporting evidence for the paradigm of systemic chemotherapy and intratumoral administration of DCs was obtained using melanoma B16 syngeneic tumor treated with Adriamycin plus DCs. These novel findings raise the possibility of using this potent strategy of combined intratumoral injections of DCs and systemic chemotherapy for cancer treatment.