Pd(II) and Pt(II) Complexes of 1,2-Bis(pyridin-2-yl)ethane-N,N'

X-ray crystal structures and properties of the two Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes [bpeH2][PdCl4] and [Pt(bpe)Cl2], [bpe = 1,2-bis(pyridin-2-yl)ethane] are described and correlated with the IR and 1H NMR/13C NMR spectroscopic data. In the case of the Pt(II) complex, the 1,2-bis(pyridin-2-yl)ethane is bound to the metal by the heterocycle nitrogen atoms but no direct bond is found in the case of the Pd(II) complex. The ligand exhibits low energy geometries in both compounds: the cis-conformation in the Pt(II) complex, and the transconformation in the Pd(II) complex

Nickel(II)-Tyrosine-and -Tryptophan-Nucleobase Ternary Complexes

The interaction between Ni(II) and amino acids with an aromatic residue (such as tyrosine and tryptophan) and either 9 substituted bases or nucleosides has been studied. Ternary derivatives obtained in solid state were characterised by, among other techniques, elemental analysis, thermogravimetry, electronic and infrared spectroscopy. The following complexes have been obtained: 1: [Ni (tyr)2(9EtAde)2] × 4H2O; 2: [Ni (tyr)2(9EtGua)2] × 5H2O; 3: [Ni (tyr)(guo) × 5H2O];4: [Ni (tyr)(ino) × 5H2O];5: [Ni (trp)2(9EtGua)(H2O)] × 2H2O, where tyr is tyrosinate, trp tryptophanate, ino inosinate and guo guanosinate. Thermogrammes are in agreement with the number of water molecules and nickel content (calculated as NiO), together with the ternary nature of these complexes. The binary compounds Ni(tyr)2 × 3H2O and Ni(trp)2 × 3.5H2O were also obtained and the corresponding thermogrammes were registered for comparison purposes. Compounds 1, 2 and5 are water soluble; besides, 1 is fairly soluble in methanol. Compounds 3 and 4 seem to be polymeric. Infrared spectra clearly show the presence of bands either from the amino acid or the base suggesting nickel octahedral coordination through the carboxylic and amino acids groups and a nitrogen from the purine base. These compounds were obtained in water at pH close to 7.0. With other bases such as cytosine and uracil, or their corresponding nucleosides, the same synthesis failed to yield ternary compounds [1,2].

A genome-wide association study on copy-number variation identifies a 11q11 loss as a candidate susceptibility variant for colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a complex disease, and therefore its development is determined by the combination of both environmental factors and genetic variants. Although genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of SNP variation have conveniently identified 20 genetic variants so far, a significant proportion of the observed heritability is yet to be explained. Common copy-number variants (CNVs) are one of the most important genomic sources of variability, and hence a potential source to explain part of this missing genetic fraction. Therefore, we have performed a GWAS on CNVs to explore the relationship between common structural variation and CRC development. Phase 1 of the GWAS consisted of 881 cases and 667 controls from a Spanish cohort. Copy-number status was validated by quantitative PCR for each of those common CNVs potentially associated with CRC in phase I. Subsequently, SNPs were chosen as proxies for the validated CNVs for phase II replication (1,342 Spanish cases and 1,874 Spanish controls). Four common CNVs were found to be associated with CRC and were further replicated in Phase II. Finally, we found that SNP rs1944682, tagging a 11q11 CNV, was nominally associated with CRC susceptibility (p value = 0.039; OR = 1.122). This locus has been previously related to extreme obesity phenotypes, which could suggest a relationship between body weight and CRC susceptibility.

Switching to an etravirine-containing regimen due to drug intolerance in clinical practice

BACKGROUND

Drug intolerance is one of the main reasons for switching antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected patients. Etravirine (ETR) has demonstrated good tolerability in clinical trials and may be an option for patients who switch therapy due to adverse events.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all patients who had switched to an ETR-containing regimen in our center due to side effects. Virological suppression, ETR discontinuation, and reasons for discontinuation were studied.

RESULTS

A total of 78 patients started treatment with ETR in our center due to previous regimen toxicity. Most of them were men (83.3%), and the median time of infection was 14 years (IQR, 6.5-20 years). HIV RNA was <35 copies/mL in 88.3% of patients, although 33% had archived non-nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) mutations that did not compromise ETR efficacy. Efavirenz was the drug most often replaced (38.5%), followed by atazanavir (20.5%) and lopinavir (6.4%). The fixed combination of Trizivir was changed in another 10.3% of patients. After a median follow-up of 14 months (IQR, 6-23), the rate of virologic suppression was 79.5% and 98.4% in intention-to-treat and on-treatment analysis, respectively. Seven patients discontinued treatment due to adverse events (3 gastrointestinal disturbances, 2 rashes, 1 swelling, and 1 neuropathy). ETR was combined with 2 nucleos(t)ide analogues in 75.4% of patients.

CONCLUSION

In HIV patients who report drug side effects, switching to an ETR-containing regimen is a safe strategy in terms of virological suppression and toxicity.

Radon levels in groundwaters and natural radioactivity in soils of the volcanic region of La Garrotxa, Spain

Groundwater radon level and soil radionuclide concentration have been measured in the volcanic region of La Garrotxa (Catalonia, Spain) to further research on the origin and dynamics of high radon levels over volcanic materials found in this region. Water samples from different aquifers have been collected from wells and springs and the water radon levels obtained have been lower than 30 Bq l(-1). Soil samples have been collected from different geological formations (volcanic and non-volcanic), being Quaternary sedimentary deposits those that have presented the highest mean values of (40)K, (226)Ra and (232)Th concentrations (448 ± 70 Bq kg(-1), 35 ± 5 Bq kg(-1) and 38 ± 5 Bq kg(-1), respectively). Additionally, indoor/outdoor terrestrial radiation absorbed dose rate in air have been measured to better characterize the region from the radiological point of view. Terrestrial radiation absorbed dose rates measurement points have been chosen on the basis of geological and demographical considerations and the results obtained, from 27 to 91 nGy h(-1), show a clear relation with geological formation materials. The highest terrestrial gamma absorbed dose rate is observed over Quaternary sedimentary deposits as well. All these results help to better understand previous surveys related with indoor and outdoor radon levels and to reinforce the hypotheses of a radon transport through the fissure network.

Efficacy and tolerability of darunavir/ritonavir in combination with abacavir/lamivudine: an option in selected HIV-infected patients

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of abacavir/lamivudine (ABC/3TC) plus darunavir/ritonavir (DRV-RTV) in experienced patients.

METHODS

The study was conducted in Spain in 6 hospital clinics and involved HIV-positive patients who needed to change their antiretroviral treatment (ART) for several reasons. They started fixed-dose combination (FDC) ABC/3TC (600 mg/300 mg), DRV (400 mg 2 tablets qd), and RTV (100 mg) from January 2010 to April 2012. The patients were evaluated at baseline and at intervals of 3 to 6 months, and at least once at the end of the follow-up. Adverse events (AEs), concurrent medications, HIV-associated conditions, and adherence were also assessed at each visit.

RESULTS

Seventy-six patients were included from 6 sites (60 male). Median CD4 cell count was 479/mm3, and the median time on follow-up was 10.1 months. Thirty-eight patients (50%) have reached 48 weeks of follow-up and 32 (84.2 %) have achieved HIV RNA <50 copies/mL in this period. Immunological recovery was observed with a median CD4 count increase of 119 cells/mm3 by week 48. There were no patients who discontinued the study treatment due to AEs, and all the toxicities that lead to change ART at baseline were resolved or improved substantially.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that the study regimen provided consistent antiviral and immunological responses until 48 weeks. The antiretroviral effect of the regimen was observed in subsets of patients evaluated, including those with high baseline HIV-1 RNA levels and virological failure and those with switching, with little or no difference across subgroups.

Pharmacogenomics in colorectal cancer: a genome-wide association study to predict toxicity after 5-fluorouracil or FOLFOX administration

The development of genotyping technologies has allowed for wider screening for inherited causes of variable outcomes following drug administration. We have performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on 221 colorectal cancer (CRC) patients that had been treated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), either alone or in combination with oxaliplatin (FOLFOX). A validation set of 791 patients was also studied. Seven SNPs (rs16857540, rs2465403, rs10876844, rs10784749, rs17626122, rs7325568 and rs4243761) showed evidence of association (pooled P-values 0.020, 9.426E-03, 0.010, 0.017, 0.042, 2.302E-04, 2.803E-03) with adverse drug reactions (ADRs). This is the first study to explore the genetic basis of inter-individual variation in toxicity responses to the administration of 5-FU or FOLFOX in CRC patients on a genome-wide scale.

Clinicopathological risk factors of Stage II colon cancer: results of a prospective study

AIM

Adjuvant 5-fluorouracil based chemotherapy has demonstrated benefit in Stage III colon cancer but still remains controversial in Stage II. The aim of this study was to analyse the prognostic impact of clinicopathological factors that may help guide treatment decisions in Stage II colon cancer.

METHOD

Between 1996 and 2006 data from patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer at Hospital Universitari Bellvitge and its referral comprehensive cancer centre Institut Català d'Oncologia/L'Hospitalet were prospectively included in a database. We identified 432 patients with Stage II colon cancer operated on at Hospital Universitari Bellvitge. The 5-year relapse-free survival (RFS) and colon-cancer-specific survival (CCSS) were determined.

RESULTS

The 5-year RFS and CCSS were 83% and 88%, respectively. Lymphovascular or perineural invasion was associated with RFS [hazard ratio (HR) 1.84; 95% CI 1.01-3.35]. Gender (women, HR 0.48; 95% CI 0.23-1) and lymphovascular or perineural invasion (HR 3.51; 95% CI 1.86-6.64) together with pT4 (HR 2.79; 95% CI 1.44-5.41) influenced CCSS. In multivariate analysis pT4 and lymphovascular or perineural invasion remained significantly associated with CCSS. We performed a risk index with these factors with prognostic impact. Patients with pT4 tumours and lymphovascular or perineural invasion had a 5-year CCSS of 61%vs the 93% (HR 5.87; 95 CI 2.46-13.97) of those without any of these factors.

CONCLUSION

pT4 and lymphatic, venous or perineural invasion are confirmed as significant prognostic factors in Stage II colon cancer and should be taken into account in the clinical validation process of new molecular prognostic factors.

Genetic polymorphisms in fatty acid metabolism genes and colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Epidemiological risk factors for CRC included dietary fat intake; consequently, the role of genes in the fatty acid biosynthesis and metabolism pathways is of particular interest. Moreover, hyperlipidaemia has been associated with different type of cancer and serum lipid levels could be affected by genetic factors, including polymorphisms in the lipid metabolism pathway. The aim of this study is to assess the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in fatty acid metabolism genes, serum lipid levels, body mass index (BMI) and dietary fat intake and CRC risk; 30 SNPs from 8 candidate genes included in fatty acid biosynthesis and metabolism pathways were genotyped in 1780 CRC cases and 1864 matched controls from the Molecular Epidemiology of Colorectal Cancer study. Information on clinicopathological characteristics, lifestyle and dietary habits were also obtained. Logistic regression and association analysis were conducted. Several LIPC (lipase, hepatic) polymorphisms were found to be associated with CRC risk, although no particular haplotype was related to CRC. The SNP rs12299484 showed an association with CRC risk after Bonferroni correction. We replicate the association between the T allele of the LIPC SNP rs1800588 and higher serum high-density lipoprotein levels. Weak associations between selected polymorphism in the LIPC and PPARG genes and BMI were observed. A path analysis based on structural equation modelling showed a direct effect of LIPC gene polymorphisms on colorectal carcinogenesis as well as an indirect effect mediated through serum lipid levels. Genetic polymorphisms in the hepatic lipase gene have a potential role in colorectal carcinogenesis, perhaps though the regulation of serum lipid levels.

The role of surgery in patients with advanced gynaecological cancers participating in phase I clinical trials

OBJECTIVE

While gynaecological cancer patients who participate in Phase I clinical trials are not routinely considered for elective surgery because of a short life expectancy, this should not be overlooked in carefully selected responding patients.

METHODS/RESULTS

We describe two cases of patients with different gynaecological cancers, who received treatment within separate phase I trials, and who then proceeded to surgical resection of their cancers, resulting in complete remission.

CONCLUSION

Surgery, when feasible, should be taken into consideration as a potential management option, even when patients are receiving treatment within a phase I trial.

Serum levels of high-sensitivity troponin T: a novel marker for cardiac remodeling in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is characterized by inappropriate hypertrophy, small-vessel coronary artery disease, myocyte disarray, and increased interstitial fibrosis. High-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT) could be a reliable indicator of myocardial remodeling, a proposed prognostic marker in HCM. Therefore we hypothesized that increased hs-TnT levels are related to different variables associated with myocardial remodeling, such as the presence of fibrosis assessed with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

METHODS AND RESULTS

We included 95 hemodynamically stable HCM patients, 72 male, aged 45.7 ± 14.2 years, and 45 healthy control subjects with similar age and gender. A complete history and clinical examination was performed, including 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiography, 24-hour ECG-Holter monitoring, symptom-limited treadmill exercise test, and late gadolinium enhancement in cardiac MRI. Risk factors for sudden death were evaluated. A blinded cardiac MRI was performed with late gadolinium enhancement study. Serum hs-TnT levels were assayed. A high proportion (42%) of hemodynamically stable patients studied showed increased levels of hs-TnT. The hs-TnT levels were raised in patients with severe dyspnea: New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class ≥3 (P = .020), outflow obstruction (P = .013), systolic dysfunction (P = .037), abnormal blood pressure response (P = .036), and presence of gadolinium enhancement (P = .021). The hs-TnT levels correlated positively with the maximum left ventricular wall thickness (r = 0.47; P < .001), left atrial diameter (r = 0.36, P = .014), and outflow gradient (r = 0.28; P = .008).

CONCLUSIONS

A high proportion of hemodynamically stable patients show increased levels of hs-TnT. We observed that raised hs-TnT serum levels are associated with different conditions related to the severity of the disease.

Adiponectin gene and risk of colorectal cancer

Background:

Genes of the adiponectin pathway are interesting candidates for colorectal cancer risk based on the potential association between colorectal cancer and obesity. However, variants of the adiponectin gene (ADIPOQ) have been demonstrated to be inconsistently associated with risk of colorectal cancer.

Methods:

The current study attempted to evaluate these findings by examining several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were previously genotyped as part of a genome-wide association study in the ADIPOQ gene. Genotyping was also performed for a previously reported risk variant, rs266729, in 1062 individuals with a diagnosis of colorectal cancer and 1062 controls matched on age, gender and ethnicity (Jewish or not Jewish) as part of a population-based case–control study in Israel.

Results:

No evidence was found for an association between ADIPOQ and risk of colorectal cancer. The single nucleotide variant previously associated with decreased risk of colorectal cancer, rs266729, revealed an adjusted odds ratio of 1.04; 95% confidence interval, 0.88–1.23.

Conclusion:

The SNP, rs266729, was not strongly associated with colorectal cancer in patients of Ashkenazi Jewish descent or other ethnic groups in Israel.