SHARP-2 gene silencing by lentiviral-based short hairpin RNA interference prolonged rat kidney transplant recipients' survival time

Split- and hairy-related protein-2 (SHARP-2) controls the expression of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), which both play a key role in transplant rejection. This study was designed to investigate whether SHARP-2 short hairpin RNA interference (shRNAi) could prolong the survival of rat kidney transplant recipients. A lentiviral-based shRNAi construct, LV-SHARP-2iC, showed a SHARP-2 gene silencing efficiency of 84% in normal rat kidney cells. In activated T-cells, SHARP-2 gene silencing with the LV-SHARP-2iC construct resulted in 61% and 69% down-regulation of IL-2 and IFN-gamma, respectively, compared with a scramble control construct. When donor kidney was perfused with 5 x 10(7) transforming units of the LV-SHARP-2iC construct, the median survival time of the transplant recipients was prolonged by 4 - 5 days compared with control groups. In conclusion, recombinant lentiviral LV-SHARP-2iC construct effectively silenced SHARP-2 gene expression, which reduced IL-2 and IFN-gamma mRNA expression and prolonged rat kidney transplant recipients' survival.

A novel HLA-Cw*04 allele, Cw*04010103, identified by genomic full length cloning and sequencing

A novel human leukocyte antigen-Cw*04 allele, Cw*04010103, was identified by genomic full length cloning and sequencing from a male Chinese donor. It differs from the closest related allele Cw*04010101 by one nucleotide exchange at nt 1111 (G>A) in intron 3.

K/pi Fluctuations at relativistic energies

We report K/pi fluctuations from Au + Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]= 19.6, 62.4, 130, and 200 GeV using the STAR detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. K/pi fluctuations in central collisions show little dependence on incident energy and are on the same order as those from NA49 at the Super Proton Synchrotron in central Pb + Pb collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=12.3 and 17.3 GeV. We report results for the collision centrality dependence of K/pi fluctuations and results for charge-separated fluctuations. We observe that the K/pi fluctuations scale with the charged particle multiplicity density.

A Comparison of Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation and Dynamic Hip Screw Devices in Trochanteric Fractures

This prospective, randomized study compared the functional outcome and complications associated with a proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) device with those of a traditional extramedullary device, the dynamic hip screw (DHS), in patients with trochanteric fracture. A total of 121 patients were randomized to the PFNA group ( n = 58) or the DHS group ( n = 63). Perioperative information and complications were recorded, and assessments of functional outcome were made. The DHS group required a longer operative time and was associated with greater blood loss than the PFNA group. The re-operation rate was lower in the PFNA group compared with the DHS group, especially in patients with unstable fractures, although there was no statistically significant difference in the overall complication rate between the two groups. There were no significant differences in functional outcome between the PFNA and the DHS groups. In conclusion, the PFNA device is useful in the treatment of trochanteric fractures.

Comparative responses in rare minnow exposed to 17beta-estradiol during different life stages

Present in the excrement of humans and animals, 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) has been detected in the aquatic environment in a range from several nanograms to several hundred nanograms per liter. In this study, the sensitivities of rare minnows during different life stages to E(2) at environmentally relevant (5, 25, and 100 ng l(-1)) and high (1000 ng l(-1)) concentrations were compared using vitellogenin (VTG) and gonad development as biomarkers under semistatic conditions. After 21 days of exposure, VTG concentrations in whole-body homogenates were analyzed; the results indicated that the lowest observed effective concentration for VTG induction was 25 ng l(-1) E(2) in the adult stage, but 100 ng l(-1) E(2) in the larval and juvenile stages. After exposure in the early life stage, the larval and juvenile fish were transferred to clean water until gonad maturation. No significant difference in VTG induction was found between the exposure and control groups in the adults. However, a markedly increased proportion of females and appearance of hermaphrodism were observed in the juvenile-stage group exposed to 25 ng l(-1) E(2). These results showed that VTG induction in the adult stage is more sensitive than in larval and juvenile stages following exposure to E(2). The juvenile stage may be the critical period of gonad development. Sex ratio could be a sensitive biomarker indicating exposure to xenoestrogens in early-life-stage subchronic exposure tests. The results of this study provide useful information for selecting sensitive biomarkers properly in aquatic toxicology testing.

Profile of volatile compounds in 11 brandies by headspace solid-phase microextraction followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

A headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) method coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was applied for the qualitative or semiquantitative characterization of brandy volatiles. SPME variables (SPME fiber, extraction temperature and time, and ethanol concentration) were optimized. A total of 144 compounds were from the brandies' volatiles, tentatively identified or identified by comparing mass spectra and retention indices of the standards or from literature. Of these, 57 are common to 11 brandies. They were mainly represented by esters and alcohols, such as 2-methyl propanol, 3-methyl butanol, 1-hexanol, ethyl octanoate, and ethyl decanoate, which were quantitatively determined. Chromatographic peaks were integrated using selective ion method (SIM) and the semiquantitative data analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) to study relationships between volatile composition and brandy. Eleven brandies were differentiated into 3 groups: 1 for Hennessy VSOP and XO samples, 1 for Changyu PEGASE VSOP and XO-1, 2, 3 samples, and the other for Changyu PEGASE brandy and VO, Taro brandy, Baiyang River brandy, and Wealth XO samples. The classification of groups is consistent with the brandy samples by variety and grade.

Genetic polymorphism of catechol O-methyltransferase and pharmacokinetics of levodopa in healthy Chinese subjects

We studied the distribution of catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT) genotypes in the Chinese Fujian Han population and explored the potential effect of COMT genetic polymorphism on the pharmacokinetics of levodopa. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed in the COMT genotype analysis of 166 volunteers. After a single oral dose of levodopa/benserazide, the plasma concentration of levodopa was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection (ECD). In the 166 subjects, the frequencies of G/G, G/A and A/A COMT genotypes were 58.4%, 36.7% and 4.9%, respectively. The frequency of the homozygous A/A genotype was much lower than in caucasians and Southwest Asians. COMT activity of erythrocytes in the G/A genotype group was significantly lower than in the G/G genotype group but significantly higher than in the A/A genotype group. There was no significant difference in pharmacokinetic parameters, including t(1/2alpha), t(1/2beta), AUC(0-infinity), CL/F, C(max), t(max) and V/F. The frequency of COMT genotypes in the Chinese Fujian Han population, which is related to COMT enzyme activity, is significantly different from that in caucasians and Southwest Asians. The pharmacokinetic characteristics of levodopa in healthy Chinese subjects may not be dependent on their COMT genotype status. From the 166 volunteers, 5 G/G, 5 G/A and 4 A/A genotype male subjects were recruited for the study of levodopa pharmacokinetics.

The effect of Malononitrilamides (FK778) on phenotypic properties of human peripheral dendritic cells

BACKGROUND

FK778, a malononitrilamide analogue of lefunomide, is currently a promising immunosuppressive drug. Because the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of FK778 are not entirely clarified. We studied its effects on human peripheral dendritic cells.

METHODS

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 12 healthy volunteers were isolated by density separation over Ficoll solution. After resuspension in adaptive immunotherapy medium (AIM)-V medium, they were cultured without exogenous growth factors. The study group was treated with FK 778 (50 microg/mL) or Rapamycin (10 ng/mL). The phenotype of dendritic cell was ascertained by indirect immunoflurescence for analysis by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Compared with the Rapamycin-treated controls, the expressions of CD80, CD83, CD86, HLA-DA, CD54, CD62, CCR5, and CCR7 in the FK778-treated myeloid dendritic cells and the expression of CD80, CD83, CD86, HLA-DA, and CD54 in the FK778-treated plasmacytoid dendritic cells were significantly down-regulated.

CONCLUSION

FK778 inhibited the differentiation and maturation of dendritic cells.

Selective precipitation of Cu from Zn in a pS controlled continuously stirred tank reactor

Copper was continuously and selectively precipitated with Na(2)S to concentrations below 0.3 ppb from water containing around 600 ppm of both Cu and Zn in a Continuously Stirred Tank Reactor. The pH was controlled at 3 and the pS at 25 (pS=-log(S(2-))) by means of an Ag(2)S sulfide selective electrode. Copper's recovery and purity were about 100%, whereas the total soluble sulfide concentration was below 0.02 ppm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that copper precipitated as hexagonal CuS (covellite). The mode of the particle size distribution (PSD) of the CuS precipitates was around 36 microm. The PSD increased by high pS values and by the presence of Zn. Depending on the turbulence, the CuS precipitates can grow up to 200 microm or fragment in particles smaller than 3 microm in a few seconds. Zn precipitation with Na(2)S at pH 3 and 4, in batch, always lead to Zn concentrations above 1 ppm. Zn precipitated as cubic ZnS (spharelite).

A novel mutant-enriched liquidchip for detection of circulating EGFR mutations in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients

e14526

Background: We developed a novel technology, Mutant-enriched liquidchip (MEL), which integrates the sensitive mutant enriched PCR and quantitative high throughput liquidchip (suspension array), to detect circulating EGFR mutations (Exon 19 deletion and exon 21 L858R mutation) in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: To enrich mutant EGFR, a unique restriction site is introduced into the mutation alleles so that the wild type sequence can be selectively removed by restriction digestion, and the undigested mutated DNA is amplified by PCR. The product is then hybridized to complementary probes (including 15 types of exon 19 deletion and exon 21 L858R mutation) which had been conjugated to beads coding with different fluorescent dye, followed by measuring through Luminex 200 system. Plasmid DNA mixture with different EGFR genotypes was applied to determine the sensitivity and accuracy of MEL. Afterwards, the MEL was validated in 49 patients whose EGFR genotypes of tissue specimen had been tested with direct sequencing The circulating genomic DNA was obtained from serum sample of other 201 Chinese stage IIIB or IV NSCLC patients without EGFR-TKI administration, and the EGFR mutation status was analyzed by using of MEL. Results: The results shows that MEL is capable of detecting as few as 20 copies of mutant EGFR alleles with a sensitivity limit of at least mutant/wild-type ratio of 0.1%. It also shows that MEL can not only confirm EGFR mutations status in tissue specimens already known by direct sequencing (13/49), but also detect mutations in some of those showing wild type by sequencing (16/49). Overall, 54% of patients had circulating EGFR mutation. 34% of patients had an exon 19 deletion and 29.6% had L858R. 63.1% of mutations were found in females and 67.6% in never-smokers. Conclusions: This novel MEL method allows for highly sensitive and reproducible detection of human somatic mutations in heterogeneous specimens, and could be applicable to test EGFR mutations non-invasively in advanced NSCLC patients for predicting response to targeted therapy.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Regulational effects of breast cancer stromal cells and normal breast stromal cells on MCF-7 mammosphere formation

1056

Background: It is well known that microenvironment plays an important role in tumor progression so we investigated the regulatory effects of breast cancer stromal cells (BCSCs) and normal breast stromal cells (NBSCs) as microenvironment on MCF-7 mammosphere formation. Methods: MCF-7 cells were cultured in suspension to generate mammospheres. The proportion of CD44+CD24- cells was assessed by flow cytometry and the expression of Wint1, notch1, β-catenin, CXCR4, SOX2, and ALDH3A1 was detected by real-time PCR. The stromal cells were purified and identified by immumohistochemistry. BCSCs or NBSCs and MCF-7 cells were co-cultured via Transwell system, the volumes and numbers of mammospheres and the mammosphere-forming efficiency (MFE) were calculated and the expression of Wnt1, β-catenin, Notch1 were detected. Results: The proportion of CD44+CD24- cells in mammospheres and MCF-7 cells was 10.4% and 2.1% (p < 0.05), respectively. Real-time PCR analysis suggested that Wint1, notch1, β-catenin, CXCR4, SOX2, and ALDH3A1 genes in the mammosphere cells were with higher levels than MCF-7 cells by about 2.25, 2.45, 1.72, 4.68, 4.25, 5.38 fold, respectively (p < 0.01). The stromal cells purified were identified as fibroblasts by α-SMA,Vimentin and fibroblast special protein antibody via immumohistochemistry. The time of mammosphere's formation was earlier, the volumes of mammospheres were bigger, and the MFE was higher than control group. The expressions of Wnt1 in co-culture group were significantly upregulated 1.27, 3.18 folds than control group, respectively, while the β-catenin was 1.22, 1.75 folds; Notch1 was 1.31, 2.09 folds; and CXCR4 was 1.73, 2.77 folds, respectively. Conclusions: Mammosphere cells contained higher propotion of breast cancer stem cells and expressed higher levels of cancer stem cell related genes. BCSCs can promote the mammosphere-forming efficiency and upregulate the expression of cancer stem cell related genes.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Concomitant pemetrexed/carboplatin chemotherapy with 3-D conformal radiotherapy followed by pemetrexed/carboplatin consolidation chemotherapy in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer in a Chinese population

e18502

Background: Pemetrexed in combination with carboplatin has been shown to have promising activity, as well as superior toxicity profile in advanced non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC). Radiotherapy(RT) has been shown to improve survival of patients with locally advanced NSCLC when combined with other platin doublets. This phase II study of concomitant pemetrexed/carboplatin chemotherapy(CT) with 3-D conformal RT followed by pemetrexed/carboplatin consolidation CT in locally advanced NSCLC was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this novel regimen. This report presents preliminary information of 10 patients who have completed treatment. Methods: 10 chemoradiation (CRT)-naive and stage IIIA or IIIB (not effusion) with KPS≥80 patients were included in this study between February 2008 and October 2008. Patients received pemetrexed 500 mg/m2, carboplatin AUC 5 CT repeated q3 weeks for 2 cycles concomitant with RT and 3 cycles of consolidation pemetrexed (500 mg/m2) and carboplatin (AUC=5) q3 weeks. Median total dose of RT, without elective nodal irradiation, was 62 Gy (range: 60-66 Gy) with 2 Gy daily fractions. Results: 1 (10%) and 8 patients (80%) had a complete or partial response respectively, while 1 patient(10%) had progression of the disease(brain metastases). The overall response rate (90%,95% confidence interval (CI): 68%-97%) exceeded the goal per study design. After concomitant CRT, the main toxicity was neutropenia, with a median ANC nadir of 1.6, three patients had Grade 3 neutropenia, One patient had Grade 4 neutropenia. Grade 3 thrombocytopenia was seen in one patient, grade 3 esophagitis in one patient and grade 3 radiation pneumonitis in one patient. Consolidation CT was not administered to 3 patients- one due to the development of brain metastases during the first month after chemoradiation, one due to patient refusal and one due to grade 3 radiation pneumonitis. Conclusions: This preliminary data suggests that concomitant treatment was well tolerated, with promising activity and a significant improvement of QoL in a Chinese population with locally advanced NSCLC.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

The comparison of epirubicin-treated MCF-7 mammosphere cells to the treated monolayer cells

e13542

Objective: To explore the different effects of epirubicin on the MCF-7 mammosphere cells and the monolayer cells. Methods: MCF-7 cells were cultured in suspension to generate primary mammospheres. The inhibitory effects of epirubicin on MCF-7 mammosphere cells and the monolayer cells by were measured by MTT assay. The change of CD44+CD24- expression and cell cycle distribution in MCF-7 mammosphere cells and the monolayer cells under epirubicin condition was analyzed by flow cytometry. Results: The cell inhibition was lower in MCF-7 mammosphere cells than that in the monolayer cells when induced by the same concentration of epirubicin (>100 ng/ml),(P<0.01). The CD44+CD24- expression was significantly higher in MCF-7 mammosphere cells than that in the monolayer cells under 400 ng/μl epirubicin for 72 h, (22.8% ± 4.8% Vs 3.3% ± 0.8%),(P<0.01). The cell cycle indicated that MCF-7 mammosphere cells had higher proportion of G0/G1 phase than the monolayer cells, (74.33% ± 3.20% Vs 53.40% ± 3.45%) (P<0.01). Epirubicin had little effect on the G0/G1 phase of MCF-7 mammosphere cells and the monolayer cells, but the S phase and G2 phase was not the case. Conclusion: Epirubicin had lower inhibitory effects on MCF-7 mammosphere cells and it can be used to enrich breast cancer stem cell. Epirubicin had lower effect on the G0/G1 phase of MCF-7 mammosphere cells as compared with control.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A phase I and pharmacological study of MK-1775, a Wee1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in both monotherapy and in combination with gemcitabine, cisplatin, or carboplatin in patients with advanced solid tumors

3510

Background: MK-1775 is an inhibitor of Wee1, a kinase that phosphorylates CDC2 to inactivate the CDC2/cyclin B complex (regulating the G2 checkpoint). Since most human cancers harbor p53-dependent G1 checkpoint abnormalities, they are dependent on the G2 checkpoint. G2 checkpoint abrogation may therefore sensitize p53 deficient tumor cells to anti-cancer agents. Methods: This study is evaluating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) of MK-1775 administered as both monotherapy (MT) and combination therapy (CT) with gemcitabine (G), cisplatin (P), or carboplatin (C). PART 1 consists of a single dose of MK-1775 followed by 14 days observation. If well tolerated, the same pt continues on to one of three treatment arms in PART 2: a single lower dose of MK-1775 in combination with: 1) 1000 mg/m2 G, 2) 75 mg/m2 P or 3) C AUC 5. Maximum Tolerated Doses (MTDs) will be established for MK-1775 as both monotherapy and in combination. PD biomarkers include IHC analysis for pCDC2/CDC2 in plucked hair and skin biopsies, peripheral blood, and tumor biopsies. Wee1 gene expression signature is measured in plucked hair and tumor biopsies by qPCR. Results: To date, 37 pts (median age 61; up to 4 prior therapies) have been treated with MK-1775. 4 pts experienced DLT. One pt on G + 200mg MK-1775 had gr3 leucopenia and neutropenia; one pt on P + 200mg MK-1775 had gr3, fatigue, diarrhea and hypokalemia and another pt gr2 nausea/vomiting > 48hrs requiring hospitalization. One pt on C + 325mg MK-1775 was hospitalized for gr3 bilirubin. Linear PK was demonstrated at 100, 200, 325, 650 and 1300 mg MK-1775. Terminal T½ of MK-1775 was 7.6–12.2 hrs and Tmax was 1.0–6.0 hrs. Preliminary MTDs of MK-1775 in combination with G, C and P were 200, 325 and 200mg, respectively. Significant changes in Wee1 signature gene expression were observed in plucked hair. Of 28 evaluable pts, >50% regression of axillary lymphadenopathy was seen in 1 pt with melanoma on the P arm, and stable disease in 14 other pts (median duration). Conclusions: MK-1775 is a first in class Wee1 inhibitor that is well tolerated and shows promising anti-tumor activity in previously treated pts.

[Table: see text]

The role of EGFR MAbs C225 in breast cancer stem cells

e22093

Background: The epithermal growth factor receptor(EGFR) signaling pathways has been implicated in self-renewal of breast cancer stem cells. It has been proved that the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor-gefitinib significantly decreased the mammosphere- forming efficiency(MFE) in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) derived cancer cells. We investigated the response of breast cancer stem cells in breast cancer cell line MCF-7 to EGFR MAbs C225(cetuximab). Methods: Cells were used for nonadherent (i.e.,mammosphere) culture and were divided into four groups according to the different culture medium whether or not including exogenous EGF and MAbs C225. MFE was calculated as the number of mammospheres (≥60um) and was expressed as a percentage. We Compared the percentage of CD44+/CD24- cells from the four groups, and measured the levels of the Wnt and Notch-3 gene expression of the four groups. Results: There was no significant difference of MFE between groups. In the presence of exogenous EGF, MAbs C225 significantly decreased the MFE and the percentage of CD44+/CD24- cells of mammospheres compared with exogenous EGF alone(0.7% versus 1.5%, P < 0.001 and 4% versus 11%P < 0.001;respectively). In the absence of exogenous EGF, MAbs C225 aslo statistically decreased the MFE and the percentage of CD44+/CD24- cells of mammospheres compared with that of lacking exogenous EGF and MAbs C225(0.53% versus 1.3%,P = 0.003 and 9% versus 3%, P < 0.01;respectively). And we observed that the Notch-3 gene expression was compensativly increased in the two groups of addition of MAb C225. No significant differences of Wnt gene expression were observed between groups. Conclusions: EGFR MAbs C225 could disrupt mammoshpere formation and decrease the percentage of CD44+/CD24- cells of mammoshpere cells. The expression of Notch-3 is increased with the EGFR antagonistics in breast cancer stem cells.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.