[The prognostic significance of proportion of blasts in bone marrow on day 14 during induction chemotherapy in patients with adult Ph-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prognostic significance of proportion of the blasts in bone marrow on day 14 (D14) during induction chemotherapy in patients with adult Ph-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph (-) ALL).

METHODS

Newly diagnosed Ph (-) ALL patients with bone marrow morphology analysis on day 14 during induction chemotherapy were analyzed retrospectively. The proportion of the D14 blasts which had an impact on achieving a CR by the first induction chemotherapy and outcomes were determined by ROC curve.

RESULTS

166 ALL patients including 94 male and 72 female were analyzed. The median age was 32 years (range, 18-64 years). The CR rate by the first induction chemotherapy was 74.7% with a total CR rate as 93.3%. By ROC analysis, 7.5% of the D14 blasts had the best sensitivity and specificity. The patients with D14 blasts ≥7.5% had lower CR rates after the first and overall induction chemotherapy compared with those with D14 blasts <7.5% (42.7% vs 85.9%, P<0.001 and 75.9% vs 95.6%, P=0.001 respectively). The probabilities of 5-year disease free survival (DFS) and 5-year overall survival (OS) were higher in the patients with D14 blasts<7.5% than those with D14 blasts ≥7.5% (49.8% vs 29.6%, P=0.006 and 52.4% vs 32.6%, P=0.010 respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that higher WBC or central nervous system leukemia at diagnosis, D14 blasts ≥7.5%, no CR after the first induction chemotherapy and receiving consolidation and maintenance chemotherapy rather than transplant were associated with poor outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher proportion of D14 blasts in bone marrow during the first induction therapy indicated poor prognosis in adult Ph(-) ALL.

Design of Hydrogen Storage Alloys/Nanoporous Metals Hybrid Electrodes for Nickel-Metal Hydride Batteries

Nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries have demonstrated key technology advantages for applications in new-energy vehicles, which play an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the world's dependence on fossil fuels. However, the poor high-rate dischargeability of the negative electrode materials-hydrogen storage alloys (HSAs) limits applications of Ni-MH batteries in high-power fields due to large polarization. Here we design a hybrid electrode by integrating HSAs with a current collector of three-dimensional bicontinuous nanoporous Ni. The electrode shows enhanced high-rate dischargeability with the capacity retention rate reaching 44.6% at a discharge current density of 3000 mA g(-1), which is 2.4 times that of bare HSAs (18.8%). Such a unique hybrid architecture not only enhances charge transfer between nanoporous Ni and HSAs, but also facilitates rapid diffusion of hydrogen atoms in HSAs. The developed HSAs/nanoporous metals hybrid structures exhibit great potential to be candidates as electrodes in high-performance Ni-MH batteries towards applications in new-energy vehicles.

A novel splice variant of the bovine GALNTL5 gene identified in Chinese Holstein bull testis tissue and its mRNA expression

The polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase-like protein 5 (GALNTL5) is a newly identified protein that is specifically expressed in testis tissue and participates in spermatogenesis. In this study, we characterized a novel bovine GALNTL5 splice variant, designated as GALNTL5-AS, by using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and clone sequencing methods. The novel GALNTL5 isoform was derived from the complete transcript, GALNTL5-complete, via alternative splicing (AS). The pattern of the splice variant was exon skipping. Bovine GALNTL5 transcripts were expressed in the testis, as demonstrated by RT-PCR. The expression levels of both transcripts were higher in adult testes than in calf testes (P < 0.05). In addition, prediction analysis showed that the GALNTL5-AS transcript only encoded 122 amino acids and lost its glycosyltransferase 1 and Gal/GalNAc-T motifs, which may result in a dysfunctional protein compared with the predominant transcript GALNTL5-complete. This study improves our understanding of the bovine GALNTL5 gene function during bull sperm formation.

Identification of CD14 transcript in blood polymorphonuclear neutrophil leukocytes and functional variation in Holsteins

Polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) leukocytes are primary phagocytic cells of the bovine mammary gland and a first line of defense against invading pathogens during bovine mastitis infection. Cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14) is mainly expressed in macrophages and neutrophils and acts as a co-receptor that binds bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and recruits PMNs to CD14-LPS complexes in mammary epithelial cells. In this study, we identified a novel splice variant in PMNs, named CD14-SV, characterized by a deleted region from c.143-579 nt compared to the CD14 reference mRNA sequence. Moreover, a single nucleotide polymorphism (c.523 A>G) in exon 2 of CD14 was identified and found to modify the secondary structure and hydrophilicity of the CD14 protein. Association analysis also showed that the milk somatic cell score, an indicator of mastitis, of cows with the GG genotype was lower than that of cows with the AA and AG genotypes. Our findings suggest that the expression of CD14 in bovine blood PMNs is regulated by alternative splicing, and that CD14-SV is a candidate functional marker that may influence mastitis-resistance in dairy cows.

Inhibitory activity in vitro of probiotic lactobacilli against oral Candida under different fermentation conditions

Clinical studies have shown that probiotics positively affect oral health by decreasing gum bleeding and/or reducing salivary counts of certain oral pathogens. Our aim was to investigate the inhibitory effect of six probiotic lactobacilli against opportunistic oral Candida species. Sugar utilisation by both lactobacilli and Candida was also assessed. Agar overlay assay was utilised to study growth inhibition of Candida albicans, Candida glabrata and Candida krusei by Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactobacillus casei Shirota, Lactobacillus reuteri SD2112, Lactobacillus brevis CD2, Lactobacillus bulgaricus LB86 and L. bulgaricus LB Lact. The inhibitory effect was measured at pH 5.5, 6.4, and 7.2, respectively, and in the presence of five different carbohydrates in growth medium (glucose, fructose, lactose, sucrose, and sorbitol). Growth and final pH values were measured at two-hour time points to 24 h. L. rhamnosus GG showed the strongest inhibitory activity in fructose and glucose medium against C. albicans, followed by L. casei Shirota, L. reuteri SD2112 and L. brevis CD2. None of the lactobacilli tested affected the growth of C. krusei. Only L. rhamnosus GG produced slight inhibitory effect on C. glabrata. The lower pH values led to larger inhibition zones. Sugar fermentation profiles varied between the strains. L. casei Shirota grew in the presence of all sugars tested, whereas L. brevis CD2 could utilise only glucose and fructose. All Candida species metabolised the available sugars but the most rapid growth was observed with C. glabrata. The results suggest that commercially available probiotics differ in their inhibitory activity and carbohydrate utilisation; the above properties are modified by different pH values and sugars with more pronounced inhibition at lower pH.

[Comparison of efficacy and prognostic factors in elderly acute myelogenous patients with MA or CAG induction chemotherapy regimen]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the difference of efficacy and prognostic factors between MA and CAG induction chemotherapy in elderly acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) patients.

METHODS

From April 2009 to September 2015, 103 consecutive hospitalized 60-plus-year-old AML patients were retrospectively analyzed. NPM1 positive FLT3-ITD negative accounted for 17 cases (16.7%). Sixty-five patients received MA regimen and thirty-eight patients received CAG regimen. MA group had higher WBC and FLT3-ITD positive mutations at diagnosis compared with CAG group (P=0.001, P=0.005; respectively). The median follow-up was 13 months for all patients and 17 months for the survivors.

RESULTS

Six patient (5.8%) died in early phase. Complete remission (CR) rate after the first cycle of induction chemotherapy was 51.5% (50/97). Overall CR rate was 70.1% (68/97). CR rate after the first cycle of induction chemotherapy and overall CR rate were indiscriminate between MA and CAG regimen. The time to neutrophil count recovery, the time to platelet count recovery and the number of platelet transfusions were indiscriminate between MA and CAG regimen. Among 68 CR patients, 23 patients relapsed at median 9 months, and cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) at 3 years was (52.5±10.1)%. Median overall survival (OS) was 20 months. OS rate at 3 years was 32.2%. Median disease-free survival (DFS) was 28 months. DFS rate at 3 years was 43.7%. CIR, DFS and OS at 3 years were indiscriminate between MA and CAG regimen. Multivariate analysis showed that less than 70 years of age (P=0.001), achieved CR (P<0.001), and NPM1 (+) FLT3-ITD(-) mutation (P=0.044) were the independent factors for increasing OS. NPM1(+) FLT3-ITD(-) mutation was the independent factor for increasing DFS (P=0.042). Patients were classified by three prognosis factors: <70 ages, CR, and NPM1(+)FLT3-ITD(-) mutation. Patients with no poor prognosis factors were classified as low risk (n=13), with one factor as medium risk (n=52) and with two and more factors as high risk (n=31). There were significant differences in OS rate and DFS rate at 3 years for 3 groups patients (60.5% vs 48.1% vs 0, P<0.001; 60.2% vs 39.4% vs 0, P=0.045; respectively). OS and DFS at 3 years for 3 groups' patients were indiscriminate between MA and CAG regimen.

CONCLUSIONS

There was indiscrimination of efficacy among MA and CAG induction chemotherapy in old AML patients. Less than 70 years of age, CR and NPM1(+)FLT3-ITD(-) mutation were the independent factors for better survival.

Prominence of Medullary Veins on Susceptibility-Weighted Images Provides Prognostic Information in Patients with Subacute Stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The demonstration of prominent medullary veins in the deep white matter ipsilateral to acute ischemic stroke has been shown to predict poor clinical outcome. We have investigated the prognostic implications of prominent medullary veins in patients with subacute stroke who present outside the therapeutic window for revascularization therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-three consecutive patients with ischemic stroke in the middle cerebral artery territory presenting within 3-7 days of ictus were enrolled. The presence of prominent medullary veins in the periventricular white matter of the ipsilateral and contralateral medullary vein hemispheres was recorded. Perfusion-weighted imaging was used to calculate differences in hemispheric CBF from corresponding areas. Clinical outcome was classified as good if the modified Rankin Scale score was <3.

RESULTS

Prominent medullary veins were observed in 24/43 patients with 14 ipsilateral medullary veins and 10 contralateral medullary veins. The ipsilateral medullary vein was independently associated with poor outcome (odds ratio, 11.19; P = .046). The contralateral medullary vein was not independently predictive of outcome but was significantly more common in patients with good outcome (90.0% contralateral medullary veins). A mean 64.5% decrease and a 52.4% increase of differences in hemispheric CBF were found in ipsilateral medullary veins and contralateral medullary veins, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The ipsilateral medullary vein was a significant predictive biomarker of poor clinical outcome after stroke and was associated with hypoperfusion. The contralateral medullary vein was associated with good clinical outcome, and we hypothesize that prominent contralateral medullary veins indirectly reflect increased CBF in the ipsilateral hemisphere due to spontaneous recanalization or collateral flow.

All-trans retinoic acid inhibits HOXA7 expression in leukemia cell NB4

Leukemia is a malignant proliferative disease of blood system, which is caused by hyperplasia of white blood cells and infiltration into other tissues and organs with blood flow, leading to a series of clinical manifestations. In this study, we detected the expression of HOXA7 gene in human acute promyelocytic leukemia cell line NB4. The expression level of HOXA7 decreased in the presence of ATRA, which was able to inhibit the proliferation of NB4 cells. Furthermore, ATRA altered the morphology of NB4 cells. The study suggested that HOXA7 might be a new gene candidate that influences the maturation of acute myeloid leukemia, and provided the molecular basis for the treatment for acute promyelocyticleukemia.

238 PRODUCTION OF CLEAVAGE-RESISTANT PHYTASE TRANSGENIC PIGS BY HANDMADE CLONING

Rapidly developing and intensive animal husbandry of livestock is a major contributor to global environmental pollutions. Large quantities and high concentrations of manure waste that contains phytate phosphorus are generated. The use of phytase can effectively solve the problem of high phosphorus pollution in the fecal material of monogastric animals. Enviropigs, producing phytase in the salivary glands and secreting the enzyme in the saliva, were first generated at the University of Guelph (Guelph, ON, Canada) in 1999. However, phytase is easily inactivated in digestive processing. To address this problem, we improved the transgene construct and successfully generated phytase transgenic pigs by handmade cloning. The Escherichia coli periplasmic phosphoanhydride phosphohydrolase (appA) gene was subcloned. Using fragment substitution method, we designed a phytase gene that was insensitive to cleavage by pepsin and trypsin and had a higher affinity for the substrate. After codon optimization, the designed phytase gene was named Cafp and subcloned downstream of the pig parotid secretory protein (PSP) gene promoter. The tissue-specific vector p-PSP-Intron-Cafp was constructed and transferred into Landrace fetal fibroblasts by electroporation. The cell lines carrying Cafp were used as nuclear donors in handmade cloning. Cloned embryos were cultured in vitro to blastocysts and transferred to recipient sows. The presence of Cafp was tested by PCR and sequencing of cloned pigs. Phytase activity in saliva, feed, and feces was detected by the ammonium molybdate method with a slight modification. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to determine tissue-specific expression. Three cell lines carrying Cafp were obtained. We generated 1027 blastocysts; 712 were of good quality and transferred to 6 recipients. Fourteen piglets were born, of which 6 survived. The PCR and sequencing results showed that 7 (3 live and 4 dead) of the 14 piglets carried Cafp. Phytase activity in the saliva of the 6 live cloned pigs was tested at 4 months of age and only 1 pig had 0.155 FTU mL–1 enzyme activity. The enzyme in the other 2 pigs may be inactivated in the transgenic parotid gland. Among all the transgenic pigs, the highest phosphorus digestion rate was 59.2% of intake, which represents a 25.4% decrease in fecal emissions compared with the average of controls. The IHC results on the 3 later dead, Cafp-positive pigs showed that the transgene was expressed only in parotids, confirming tissue-specific gene expression. In summary, cleavage-resistant phytase transgenic pigs were successfully produced through handmade cloning. The cloned pigs offer a unique biological approach to manage phosphorus nutrition and environmental pollution in animal husbandry.

Pressure evolution of the potential barriers of phase transition of MoS2, MoSe2 and MoTe2

Two-dimensional crystals with weak layer interactions, such as transitional metal dichalcogenides, have been a focus of research recently.

Controlling phase transition for single-layer MTe2 (M = Mo and W): modulation of the potential barrier under strain

Using first-principles DFT calculations, the pathway and the energy barrier of phase transition between 2H and 1T′ have been investigated for MoTe₂ and WTe₂ monolayers.

Clinical significance of plasma fibrinogen and D-dimer in predicting the chemotherapy efficacy and prognosis for small cell lung cancer patients

PURPOSE

Elevated plasma fibrinogen and D-dimer levels indicate activation of hemostasis and fibrinolysis, and this activation is required for tumor angiogenesis, metastasis, and invasion. Previous studies demonstrated that the plasma fibrinogen and D-dimer levels correlate with patient's prognosis in several solid tumors. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between plasma fibrinogen and D-dimer levels before and during chemotherapy and treatment response and survival in patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

METHODS

Plasma fibrinogen and D-dimer levels before and during chemotherapy were prospectively measured in 74 SCLC patients who received first-line therapy. The results were analyzed for correlation between fibrinogen and D-dimer levels and treatment response, as well as progressive-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

The levels of fibrinogen and D-dimer in SCLC patients before (C0) and after two cycles (C2) of chemotherapy were significantly higher than those in controls. Fibrinogen and D-dimer levels decreased during chemotherapy, and changes in fibrinogen and D-dimer levels between at C0 and at C2 were associated with treatment response. No matter which disease stage, patients with fibrinogen or D-dimer positivities at C0 and C2 time points had worse PFS and OS than those with fibrinogen or D-dimer negativities. Multivariate analyses revealed that fibrinogen and D-dimer positivities after two chemotherapy cycles were independently unfavorable factors for PFS and OS.

CONCLUSION

Fibrinogen and D-dimer levels after two cycles of chemotherapy are predictors for response on chemotherapy and prognosis in SCLC patients.

Projection of osteoporosis-related fractures and costs in China: 2010-2050

A state-transition microsimulation model was used to project the substantial economic burden to the Chinese healthcare system of osteoporosis-related fractures. Annual number and costs of osteoporosis-related fractures were estimated to double by 2035 and will increase to 5.99 (95 % CI 5.44, 6.55) million fractures costing $25.43 (95 % CI 23.92, 26.95) billion by 2050. Consequently, cost-effective intervention policies must urgently be identified in an attempt to minimize the impact of fractures.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the study was to project the osteoporosis-related fractures and costs for the Chinese population aged ≥50 years from 2010 to 2050.

METHODS

A state-transition microsimulation model was used to simulate the annual incident fractures and costs. The simulation was performed with a 1-year cycle length and from the Chinese healthcare system perspective. Incident fractures and annual costs were estimated from 100 unique patient populations for year 2010, by multiplying the age- and sex-specific annual fracture risks and costs of fracture by the corresponding population totals in each of the 100 categories. Projections for 2011-2050 were performed by multiplying the 2010 risks and costs of fracture by the respective annual population estimates. Costs were presented in 2013 US dollars.

RESULTS

Approximately 2.33 (95 % CI 2.08, 2.58) million osteoporotic fractures were estimated to occur in 2010, costing $9.45 (95 % CI 8.78, 10.11) billion. Females sustained approximately three times more fractures than males, accounting for 76 % of the total costs from 1.85 (95 % CI 1.68, 2.01) million fractures. The annual number and costs of osteoporosis-related fractures were estimated to double by 2035 and will increase to 5.99 (95 % CI 5.44, 6.55) million fractures costing $25.43 (95 % CI 23.92, 26.95) billion by 2050.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated that osteoporosis-related fractures cause a substantial economic burden which will markedly increase over the coming decades. Consequently, healthcare resource planning must consider these increasing costs, and cost-effective screening and intervention policies must urgently be identified in an attempt to minimize the impact of fractures on the health of the burgeoning population as well as the healthcare budget.

Transformation of electronic properties and structural phase transition from HfN to Hf3N4

We report investigation of the structural phase transition and electronic properties of Hf(1-x)N (0 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.25) using first principles calculations. The defective NaCl-type structure with Hf vacancies (V(Hf)) is found to be stable over a large phase region. Hf3N4 with the Zr3N4-type structure is only stable in relative small region and readily destabilized when the stoichiometric ratio of N to Hf deviates from 4/3. The electronic and optic properties of Hf(1-x)N are controlled by the concentration of V(Hf). The full depletion of excess free electrons from Hf atoms results in the structural phase transition of Hf3N4.

Cu₄ Cluster Doped Monolayer MoS₂ for CO Oxidation

The catalytic oxidation of CO molecule on a thermodynamically stable Cu₄ cluster doped MoS₂ monolayer is investigated by density functional theory (DFT) where the reaction proceeds in a new formation order of COOOCO* (O₂* + 2CO* → COOOCO*), OCO* (COOOCO* → CO₂ + OCO*), and CO₂ (OCO* → CO₂) desorption with the corresponding reaction barrier values of 0.220 eV, 0.370 eV and 0.119 eV, respectively. Therein, the rate-determining step is the second one. This low barrier indicates high activity of this system where CO oxidation could be realized at room temperature (even lower). As a result, the Cu₄ doped MoS₂ could be a candidate for CO oxidation with lower cost and higher activity without poisoning and corrosion problems.

Screening for and treatment of osteoporosis: construction and validation of a state-transition microsimulation cost-effectiveness model

This study aimed to document and validate a new cost-effectiveness model of osteoporosis screening and treatment strategies. The state-transition microsimulation model demonstrates strong internal and external validity. It is an important tool for researchers and policy makers to test the cost-effectiveness of osteoporosis screening and treatment strategies.

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this study was to document and validate a new cost-effectiveness model of screening for and treatment of osteoporosis.

METHODS

A state-transition microsimulation model using a lifetime horizon was constructed with seven Markov states (no history of fractures, hip fracture, vertebral fracture, wrist fracture, other fracture, postfracture state, and death) describing the most important clinical outcomes of osteoporotic fractures. Tracker variables were used to record patients' history, such as fracture events, duration of treatment, and time since last screening. The model was validated for Chinese postmenopausal women receiving screening and treatment versus no screening. Goodness-of-fit analyses were performed for internal and external validation. External validity was tested by comparing life expectancy, osteoporosis prevalence rate, and lifetime and 10-year fracture risks with published data not used in the model.

RESULTS

The model represents major clinical facets of osteoporosis-related conditions. Age-specific hip, vertebral, and wrist fracture incidence rates were accurately reproduced (the regression line slope was 0.996, R(2) = 0.99). The changes in costs, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness were consistent with changes in both one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analysis. The model predicted life expectancy and 10-year any major osteoporotic fracture risk at the age of 65 of 19.01 years and 13.7%, respectively. The lifetime hip, clinical vertebral, and wrist fracture risks at age 50 were 7.9, 29.8, and 18.7% respectively, all consistent with reported data.

CONCLUSIONS

Our model demonstrated good internal and external validity, ensuring it can be confidently applied in economic evaluations of osteoporosis screening and treatment strategies.

Mutation of the rice ASL2 gene encoding plastid ribosomal protein L21 causes chloroplast developmental defects and seedling death

The plastid ribosome proteins (PRPs) play important roles in plastid protein biosynthesis, chloroplast differentiation and early chloroplast development. However, the specialised functions of individual protein components of the chloroplast ribosome in rice (Oryza sativa) remain unresolved. In this paper, we identified a novel rice PRP mutant named asl2 (Albino seedling lethality 2) exhibiting an albino, seedling death phenotype. In asl2 mutants, the alteration of leaf colour was associated with chlorophyll (Chl) content and abnormal chloroplast development. Through map-based cloning and complementation, the mutated ASL2 gene was isolated and found to encode the chloroplast 50S ribosome protein L21 (RPL21c), a component of the chloroplast ribosome large subunit, which was localised in chloroplasts. ASL2 was expressed at a higher level in the plumule and leaves, implying its tissue-specific expression. Additionally, the expression of ASL2 was regulated by light. The transcript levels of the majority of genes for Chl biosynthesis, photosynthesis and chloroplast development were strongly affected in asl2 mutants. Collectively, the absence of functional ASL2 caused chloroplast developmental defects and seedling death. This report establishes the important role of RPL21c in chloroplast development in rice.

The protective effect of huperzine A against hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury in mice

BACKGROUND

Nowadays, hepatic ischemia reperfusion (HI/R) injury is regarded as a serious concern in clinical practices. Huperzine A (HupA) is an alkaloid isolated from the Chinese folk medicine huperzia serrate, which has possessed diverse pharmacological actions.

METHODS

A mouse model of HI/R was caused by clamping the hepatic artery, the hepatoportal vein, and the bile duct with a vascular clamp for 30 minutes followed by reperfusion for 6 hours under anesthesia. The sham group experienced the identical procedure without hepatic ischemia. The HupA group received an injection into the tail vein 5 minutes prior to HI/R at the doses of 167 and 500 μg/kg. The vehicle group was injected with physiological saline instead of HupA. The liver function was assessed by determinations of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities. Tissue levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malondiadehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) were also measured spectrophotometrically. In addition, the activities of hepatic inflammatory mediators such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65, tumor necrosis factors-α (TNF-α, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-6 were also measured. Furthermore, the apoptotic damage was evaluated by measuring caspase-3 activity in hepatic tissues.

RESULTS

Treatment with HupA in mice at the doses of 167 and 500 μg/kg remarkably reduced serum ALT and AST activities in HupA-treated ischemic mice. Furthermore, HupA treatment could enhance the activities of hepatic tissue SOD, CAT, and GSH but decrease MDA tissue content. The activities of inflammatory cytokines including NF-κB p65, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were all decreased in ischemic mice treated with HupA. Colorimetric test results illustrated that a marked reduction of caspase-3 activity was found in the HupA-treated group compared with the vehicle group.

CONCLUSION

Our present data suggest that HupA has a protective role against HI/R injury of mice and antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic actions are involved in its protection.

An RNA editing fingerprint of cancer stem cell reprogramming

BACKGROUND

Deregulation of RNA editing by adenosine deaminases acting on dsRNA (ADARs) has been implicated in the progression of diverse human cancers including hematopoietic malignancies such as chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Inflammation-associated activation of ADAR1 occurs in leukemia stem cells specifically in the advanced, often drug-resistant stage of CML known as blast crisis. However, detection of cancer stem cell-associated RNA editing by RNA sequencing in these rare cell populations can be technically challenging, costly and requires PCR validation. The objectives of this study were to validate RNA editing of a subset of cancer stem cell-associated transcripts, and to develop a quantitative RNA editing fingerprint assay for rapid detection of aberrant RNA editing in human malignancies.

METHODS

To facilitate quantification of cancer stem cell-associated RNA editing in exons and intronic or 3'UTR primate-specific Alu sequences using a sensitive, cost-effective method, we established an in vitro RNA editing model and developed a sensitive RNA editing fingerprint assay that employs a site-specific quantitative PCR (RESSq-PCR) strategy. This assay was validated in a stably-transduced human leukemia cell line, lentiviral-ADAR1 transduced primary hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, and in primary human chronic myeloid leukemia stem cells.

RESULTS

In lentiviral ADAR1-expressing cells, increased RNA editing of MDM2, APOBEC3D, GLI1 and AZIN1 transcripts was detected by RESSq-PCR with improved sensitivity over sequencing chromatogram analysis. This method accurately detected cancer stem cell-associated RNA editing in primary chronic myeloid leukemia samples, establishing a cancer stem cell-specific RNA editing fingerprint of leukemic transformation that will support clinical development of novel diagnostic tools to predict and prevent cancer progression.

CONCLUSIONS

RNA editing quantification enables rapid detection of malignant progenitors signifying cancer progression and therapeutic resistance, and will aid future RNA editing inhibitor development efforts.