Preterm birth and risk of type 1 and type 2 diabetes: systematic review and meta-analysis

Preterm birth is suggested to play an important role in the development of diabetes. However, results have been inconsistent. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to clarify the relationship between preterm birth and type 1 and type 2 diabetes. PubMed, Embase and ISI Web of Science were searched. A total of 18 studies (including 2,176,480 participants and 22,073 cases) for type 1 diabetes and five studies (including 31,478 participants and 1,898 cases) for type 2 diabetes were included in the current meta-analyses. We calculated pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) using fixed-effects model to evaluate the relations between preterm birth and type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The results suggested that preterm birth was significantly associated with increased risk of type 1 diabetes (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.11-1.25), with no evidence of between-study heterogeneity (I(2) = 13.2%, P = 0.296). Preterm birth was also significantly associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.32-1.72), with no evidence of (I(2) = 0.0%, P = 0.557). Subgroup analyses suggested that there was significant association in both case-control studies (OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.06-1.26) and cohort studies (relative risk = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.11-1.29) for type 1 diabetes, and similar results were found for type 2 diabetes. The results suggested that preterm birth was a significant and independent risk factor for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Abstract 4516: Evaluation of p70S6K/Akt inhibitor MSC2363318A in patient derived xenograft (PDX) models of breast cancer

The PI3K pathway is involved in the regulation of cell growth, proliferation, metabolism and other functions. Aberrant signaling (PTEN loss of function, PIK3CA mutation, Akt amplification, etc.) from the PI3K pathway is observed in >50% of all tumors. Clinical evidence suggests that inhibiting the PI3K pathway is beneficial for the treatment of solid tumors and tumors of the hematopoietic system. Inhibition of mTOR via rapalogs has been shown to block a negative feedback loop, thereby leading to the activation of Akt. The activation of this Akt feedback loop has been suggested to potentially compromise the clinical efficacy of selective mTORC1 inhibitors such as temsirolimus and everolimus. Dual p70S6K/Akt inhibition may promote improved pathway inhibition and also block the negative consequences of Akt activation through the negative feedback loop.

MSC2363318A is a highly selective, potent, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) competitive inhibitor of p70S6K, Akt1, and Akt3. In a cellular context, inhibition of p70S6K leads to potent inhibition of ribosomal protein S6 phosphorylation, while inhibition of Akt activity blocks the negative effects of a compensatory feedback loop. In addition, MSC2363318A exhibits potent anti-proliferative activity against many solid tumor cell lines in vitro, especially those with PI3K pathway genomic alterations. Further, MSC2363318A can also cross the blood-brain barrier (via pre-clinical studies in mice, rat, and dog), a unique characteristic that would allow for treating not only malignancies that are driven by PI3K pathway genomic alterations, but also indications with a high incidence of CNS metastases and primary malignancies of the central nervous system.

Patient Derived Xenograft (PDX) models from breast cancers with a high prevalence of PI3K pathway genomic alterations; including, triple negative breast cancer and Her2+ breast cancer were evaluated. In addition, combinations with standard of care agents were then evaluated in these breast cancer PDX models. Results from these studies were correlated with PI3K pathway genomic modifications, and will be used to guide subsequent clinical studies.

Citation Format: Bayard R. Huck, H Tian, Sakeena Syed, Jing Lin, Jianguo Ma, Anderson Clark, Remiguisz Kaleta, Andreas Machl, Erik Wilker, Marc Lecomte. Evaluation of p70S6K/Akt inhibitor MSC2363318A in patient derived xenograft (PDX) models of breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 4516. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-4516

12/15-Lipoxygenase deficiency reduces densities of mesenchymal stem cells in the dermis of wounded and unwounded skin

BACKGROUND

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) promote skin healing. 12/15-Lipoxgenase (LOX) is crucial in producing specific lipid mediators in wounded skin. The consequences of 12/15-LOX deficiency in MSC densities in skin are unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effect of 12/15-LOX deficiency in MSC densities in wounded and unwounded dermis.

METHODS

Full-thickness skin incisional wounds were made to 12/15-LOX-deficient (12/15-LOX(-/-) ) and wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 mice. Wounded skin was collected at 3, 8, or 14 days postwounding (dpw). MSCs were analysed in skin sections using histology. 12S- or 15S-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid (HETE) was analysed using a reversed-phase Chiral liquid chromatography-ultraviolet-tandem mass spectrometer.

RESULTS

There were more stem cell antigen (Sca)1(+) CD29(+) MSCs (cells/field) at 3, 8, and 14 dpw, more Sca1(+) CD106(+) MSCs at 3 and 14 dpw in the wounded dermis, more MSCs in unwounded dermis of WT mice compared with 12/15-LOX(-/-) mice, and more MSCs in the wounded dermis than in the unwounded dermis. For 12/15-LOX(-/-) dermis, Sca1(+) CD106(+) MSCs peaked and Sca1(+) CD29(+) MSCs reached a flat level at 8 dpw. However, for the WT dermis, MSCs increased from 8 to 14 dpw. There were more Sca1(+) CD106(+) MSCs than Sca1(+) CD29(+) MSCs in the 12/15-LOX(-/-) wounded dermis at 8 dpw. However, there were more Sca1(+) CD29(+) MSCs in the 12/15-LOX(-/-) than Sca1(+) CD106(+) MSCs in the WT wounded dermis at 3 dpw, and Sca1(+) CD106(+) MSCs and Sca1(+) CD29(+) MSCs were at comparable levels in other conditions. 12/15-LOX deficiency suppressed levels of 12/15-LOX protein and their products, 12S-HETE and 15S-HETE, in wounds.

CONCLUSIONS

12/15-LOX deficiency reduces MSC densities in the dermis, which correlates with the suppressed 12/15-LOX pathways in wounded and unwounded skin.

Subretinal transplantation of rat MSCs and erythropoietin gene modified rat MSCs for protecting and rescuing degenerative retina in rats

For degenerative retinal diseases, like the acquired form exemplified by age-related macular degeneration (AMD), there is currently no cure. This study was to explore a stem cell therapy and a stem cell based gene therapy for sodium iodate (SI)-induced retinal degeneration in rats. Three cell types, i.e., rat mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs) alone, erythropoietin (EPO) gene modified rMSCs (EPO-rMSCs) or doxycycline (DOX) inducible EPO expression rMSCs (Tet-on EPO-rMSCs), were transplanted into the subretinal spaces of SI-treated rats. The rMSCs were prepared for transplantation after 3 to 5 passages or modified with EPO gene. During the 8 weeks after the transplantation, the rats treated with rMSCs alone or with two types of EPO-rMSCs were all monitored with fundus examination, fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and electroretinogram. The transplantation efficiency of donor cells was examined for their survival, integration and differentiation. Following the transplantation, labeled donor cells were observed in subretinal space and adopted RPE morphology. EPO concentration in vitreous and retina of SI-treated rats which were transplanted with EPO-rMSCs or Tet-on EPO-rMSCs was markedly increased, in parallel with the improvement of retinal morphology and function. These findings suggest that rMSCs transplantation could be a new therapy for degenerative retinal diseases since it can protect and rescue RPE and retinal neurons, while EPO gene modification to rMSCs could be an even better option.

Gamma-glutamyltransferase predicts increased risk of mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective observational studies

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and mortality through a comprehensive analysis of existing evidence. PubMed, Embase, Chinese Biomedical Literature, and Science Citation Index databases were electronically searched. Studies were included if the study design was prospective and included reference and at-risk levels of GGT at baseline and mortality as a separate outcome. The quality of the studies included was assessed on the basis of Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Data from selected qualified studies were systematically reviewed, pooled, and analyzed according to the MOOSE guidelines and PRISMA statement. The results included the following: 1. 35 studies including 571,511 participants and 72,196 cases of mortality; 2. GGT, even at physiologic levels, was associated with increased all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality, and might also be associated with cancer-related mortality in the general population; and 3. GGT was very likely to be associated with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in patients with coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Many of the studies included did not specifically exclude subjects with hepatic diseases or alcohol abuse, which may have obscured the results. Moderate heterogeneity was observed in the meta-analysis of GGT and all-cause mortality. Different compositions of cause-specific mortality might be the reason. However, subgroup analysis could only be performed on cardiovascular death because of insufficient information. GGT, even at physiologic high levels, predicted mortality, especially cardiovascular mortality and cancer mortality. The underlining mechanism and potential effects of GGT-targeted intervention on health warrant further investigation.

Effects of green tea or green tea extract on insulin sensitivity and glycaemic control in populations at risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Although the regular consumption of green tea or green tea extract has been considered to improve insulin sensitivity, the reported results are inconsistent. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of green tea or green tea extract on insulin sensitivity and glycaemic control in populations at risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

Electronic databases, including PUBMED, The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, ISI Web of Knowledge, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database and Chinese Scientific Journals Fulltext Database, were systematically searched to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) up to December 2011, supplemented by the Clinicaltrials.gov websites and the reference lists of identified studies. Two reviewers independently selected trials, extracted data, and evaluated the methodological qualities and evidence levels.

RESULTS

Seven RCTs involving 510 participants were identified. There was no statistically significant difference between green tea or green tea extract group and placebo group with regard to fasting plasma glucose [standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.04; 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.15 to 0.24], fasting serum insulin (SMD -0.09; 95% CI -0.30 to 0.11), 2-h plasma glucose in the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT-2 h) (SMD -0.14; 95% CI -0.63 to 0.34), haemoglobin A₁c (SMD 0.10; 95% CI -0.13 to 0.33) and homeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA(IR)) index (SMD -0.06; 95% CI -0.35 to 0.23) in participants at risk of T2DM.

CONCLUSIONS

The consumption of green tea did not decrease the levels of fasting plasma glucose, fasting serum insulin, OGTT-2 h glucose, haemoglobin A₁c and HOMA(IR) in populations at risk of T2DM. Larger, longer-term and high-quality RCTs are needed to further definitely determine the effect of green tea or green tea extract on insulin sensitivity and glycaemic control in populations at risk of T2DM.

Cognitive trio: relationship with major depression and clinical predictors in Han Chinese women

BACKGROUND

Previous studies support Beck's cognitive model of vulnerability to depression. However, the relationship between his cognitive triad and other clinical features and risk factors among those with major depression (MD) has rarely been systematically studied.

METHOD

The three key cognitive symptoms of worthlessness, hopelessness and helplessness were assessed during their lifetime worst episode in 1970 Han Chinese women with recurrent MD. Diagnostic and other risk factor information was assessed at personal interview. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated by logistic regression.

RESULTS

Compared to patients who did not endorse the cognitive trio, those who did had a greater number of DSM-IV A criteria, more individual depressive symptoms, an earlier age at onset, a greater number of episodes, and were more likely to meet diagnostic criteria for melancholia, postnatal depression, dysthymia and anxiety disorders. Hopelessness was highly related to all the suicidal symptomatology, with ORs ranging from 5.92 to 6.51. Neuroticism, stressful life events (SLEs) and a protective parental rearing style were associated with these cognitive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

During the worst episode of MD in Han Chinese women, the endorsement of the cognitive trio was associated with a worse course of depression and an increased risk of suicide. Individuals with high levels of neuroticism, many SLEs and high parental protectiveness were at increased risk for these cognitive depressive symptoms. As in Western populations, symptoms of the cognitive trio appear to play a central role in the psychopathology of MD in Chinese women.

Multi-armed poly(aspartate-g-OEI) copolymers as versatile carriers of pDNA/siRNA

To search for potential non-viral nucleic acids carriers, a series of novel cationic polymers, multi-armed poly(aspartate-graft-oligoethylenimine) (MP-g-OEI) copolymers were designed and synthesized by grafting different types of oligoethylenimine (OEI) to a multi-armed poly(l-aspartic acid) backbone. The as-synthesized MP-g-OEI copolymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance and gel permeation chromatography. These MP-g-OEI copolymers (MP423, MP600 and MP1800) exhibited good capacity in condensing nucleic acids (pDNA or siRNA) into nanosized particles (90-150nm) with positive surface charges. Gene transfection activity of the MP-g-OEI copolymers (especially MP1800) showed improved performance compared with PEI25k in both HeLa and CHO cell lines. The silencing efficiency of MP600/siRNA and MP1800/siRNA complexes showed a superior knockdown effect in CT26 and Huh-7 cell lines. Moreover, the MP-g-OEI copolymers exhibited much lower cytotoxicity than PEI25k. Flow cytometric analysis showed that MP-g-OEI copolymers could efficiently mediate the entry of nucleic acids into cells. These results suggest that MP-g-OEI copolymers may be potential non-viral gene carriers for the delivery of nucleic acids in future gene therapy.

Investigation of 20 non-HLA (human leucocyte antigen) psoriasis susceptibility loci in Chinese patients with psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis vulgaris

BACKGROUND

Recently, a number of non-HLA (human leucocyte antigen) psoriasis genetic susceptibility loci have been identified through genome-wide association studies, but data on their association with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are lacking.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate recently identified psoriasis susceptibility loci in a cohort of Chinese patients with PsA, psoriasis vulgaris (PsV) and healthy controls.

METHODS

Twenty single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 20 loci were selected for genotyping in 379 patients with PsA, 595 patients with PsV and 1181 healthy controls using the MassARRAY platform (Sequenom, San Diego, CA, U.S.A.). Data handling, quality control and association were performed using PLINK software, v. 1.07. The Cochran-Armitage trend test was used to test the genotype-phenotype association.

RESULTS

PsA showed a significant association with markers at TNIP1 (rs17728338, P = 2.20 × 10(-8)), IL28RA (rs4649203, P = 5.04 × 10(-6)), IL12B (rs2082412, P = 3.82 × 10(-5)), ERAP1 (rs27524, P = 1.25 × 10(-3)), PTTG1 (rs2431697, P = 1.22 × 10(-3)) and GJB2 (rs3751385, P = 1.48 × 10(-3)) when compared with the control group. In PsV a significant association was found for IL28RA (rs4649203, P = 9.53 × 10(-7)), TNIP1 (rs17728338, P = 1.21 × 10(-4)) and ERAP1 (rs27524, P = 1.17 × 10(-3)). The allele frequencies were not statistically different between PsA and PsV except for SNPs at IL12B and ZNF816A with a nominal P-value of 0.04 and 0·01, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence for the involvement of ERAP1, IL28RA, GJB2 and PTTG1 loci in PsA susceptibility and confirmed the previously reported association with PsA and PsV. These results support the hypothesis that genetic aetiology of psoriasis is the same in both PsA and PsV and also support the higher genetic component of PsA than PsV.

Prevalence of cardiovascular disease and risk factors in the Chinese population with impaired glucose regulation: the 2007-2008 China national diabetes and metabolic disorders study

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the most common chronic diseases in China. This aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of CVDs and risk factors in Chinese impaired glucose regulation subjects.We used a multistage, stratified sampling method to select subjects from the general Chinese population aged 20 years and older. Subjects underwent an oral glucose tolerance test to identify normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and impaired glucose regulation including isolated impaired fasting glucose (i-IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (i-IGT), and combined IFG/IGT and diabetic mellitus (DM). A logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between glucose abnormalities and CVD events.We identified that 34 293 subjects had NGT, 1 469 i-IFG, 4 571 i-IGT, 957 IFG/IGT and 4 949 DM. The age-sex standardized prevalence rate of cardiovascular disease was 1.06% (95% CI 0.87-1.28), 1.79% (95% CI 1.37-2.33) and 3.83% (95% CI 2.79-5.24) in NGT, impaired glucose regulation and DM, respectively. Among impaired glucose subjects, prevalence of defined CVD risk factors (smoking, overweight, obesity, hypertension and dyslipidemia) was 29.52% (95% CI: 27.8-31.21), 36.25% (95% CI: 34.29-38.26), 10.05% (95% CI: 8.86-11.37), 36.43% (95% CI: 34.53-38.36) and 69.96% (95% CI: 67.87-71.98), respectively. Compared to 1 risk factor, the odds ratios (ORs) of CVDs with 2, 3 or 4 risk factors were 1.94 (95% CI: 0.74-5.09), 2.76 (95% CI: 1.06-7.21) and 5.84 (95% CI: 1.68-20.26), respectively. Additionally, compared to i-IFGs, ORs of CVDs with i-IGT and IFG/IGT were 2.88 (95%CI 1.36-6.01) and 2.12 (95% CI 0.83-5.44), respectively.The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors was high in the Chinese impaired glucose regulation population. The postprandial hyperglycemia is more associated with CVD than isolated fasting hyperglycemia.

Optimization of auto-induction medium for G-CSF production by Escherichia coli using artificial neural networks coupled with genetic algorithm

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a cytokine widely used in cancer patients receiving high doses of chemotherapeutic drugs to prevent the chemotherapy-induced suppression of white blood cells. The production of recombinant G-CSF should be increased to meet the increasing market demand. This study aims to model and optimize the carbon source of auto-induction medium to enhance G-CSF production using artificial neural networks coupled with genetic algorithm. In this approach, artificial neural networks served as bioprocess modeling tools, and genetic algorithm (GA) was applied to optimize the established artificial neural network models. Two artificial neural network models were constructed: the back-propagation (BP) network and the radial basis function (RBF) network. The root mean square error, coefficient of determination, and standard error of prediction of the BP model were 0.0375, 0.959, and 8.49 %, respectively, whereas those of the RBF model were 0.0257, 0.980, and 5.82 %, respectively. These values indicated that the RBF model possessed higher fitness and prediction accuracy than the BP model. Under the optimized auto-induction medium, the predicted maximum G-CSF yield by the BP-GA approach was 71.66 %, whereas that by the RBF-GA approach was 75.17 %. These predicted values are in agreement with the experimental results, with 72.4 and 76.014 % for the BP-GA and RBF-GA models, respectively. These results suggest that RBF-GA is superior to BP-GA. The developed approach in this study may be helpful in modeling and optimizing other multivariable, non-linear, and time-variant bioprocesses.