Proportion of Tumor Initiating Cells Contributes to Chemotherapeutic Resistance of Breast Cancers

Background: The mechanisms determining chemotherapeutic resistance of breast cancers are rather complicated with a variety of molecules involved. While targeting one single molecule or one signaling pathway are not sufficient to reverse chemo-resistance. Therefore, it is more important to identify and eliminate the subpopulations of tumor cells that are resistant to chemotherapy. Recently, accumulating evidence demonstrates that a wide variety of malignancies may be driven by a small subset of “tumor-initiating cells (T-ICs) displays a variety of drug-resisting mechanisms. Nevertheless, it remains obscure whether the proportion of breast tumor initiating cells (BT-ICs) correlates with chemotherapeutic sensitivity of breast cancers, and whether targeting BT-ICs may help to reverse chemo-resistance in the malignancy.Material and Methods: Using immunohistochemistry, we tested the expression level of ALDH1 in 192 human breast cancer samples before underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and analyzed the relationship between the ALDH1 level and clinical pathological features including clinical response and disease free survival (DFS). We tested the proportion of CD44+/CD24-, ALDH1+ and side population in primary cancer cells, wide type MCF7 and Adriamycin resistant (AdrR) MCF-7 by FACS. Compared the mammosphere formations in suspension culture. We further tested the drug sensitivity after treated with 1UM Lapatinib in AdrR MCF-7 mammospheric cells by MTT and AnnexinV staining. Results: In all 192 cases, there were 19.79% (38 of 192) cases with high ALDH1 expression (>20% positive cancer cells) compared to 80.21% (154 of 192) cases with low expression (≤20% positives cells). The clinical response (PR and cCR) was only 52.63%% (20 of 38) in patients with high ALDH1 expression compared with 81.17% (125 of 154) in patients with low ALDH1 expression (x2=15.926; P=0.000). Patients with low ALDH1expression survived significantly longer than those with high ALDH1 expression (P = 0.006). In primary cancer cells, the percentage of ALDH1+ and CD44+/CD24-cells were up to 8.72% ±3.73% and 36% ±7.9% in the PD samples respectively, whereas only 1.42%±1.63% and 3.17 ±0.45% in PR samples (p=0.037 and 0.018). Moreover, mammosphere formation of primary human breast cancer cells was 10-20 fold higher in PD samples than in PR samples (p=0.01). Then we compared the proportion of BT-ICs between two breast cancer cell lines. The mammoshpere formation rate of the AdrR MCF-7 increased to 9.1%±1.01% compared with 1.03%±0.15% in the parent MCF-7 breast cancer cell (p=0.0046), meanwhile, the percentage of CD44+/CD24- cells was much higher in the AdrR MCF-7 cells(64.85%±1.3% vs than 1.3%±0.1%,p=0.01), the proportion of ALDH1+ cells was 15.9%±1.5% to 2.7%±0.3% (p=0.01),as well as the percentage of side population was 10.8%±1.4% to.0.25%±0.05% (p=0.001).After treated with Lapatinib, the sensitivity of passaged mammospheric AdrR MCF-7 cells to chemotherapy increased in the cell viability assay, while the dead cells increased from 50% ±2.8% to 75%±6.5% tested by FACS under chemotherapy pressure (p=012).Conclusion: Proportion of tumor initiating cells contributes to chemotherapeutic resistance of breast cancers.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 503.

Breast Cancer Initiating Cells Promote Chemoresistance by Pre-Activation of the DNA Damage Repair

Background: Breast tumor initiating cells (BT-ICs) display a variety of drug-resisting mechanisms including overxpression of ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters and anti-apoptotic molecules. Unfortunately, application of P-glycoprotein inhibitors has not been successful in several clinical trials .Based on the tumor initiating cell concept, an alternative model posits that the T-ICs are naturally resistant to chemotherapy through their quiescence and their capacity for DNA repair. Gaining a better insight into the mechanisms of BT-IC resistance to chemotherapy might therefore lead to new therapeutic targets and better anticancer strategies.Material and Methods: We generated large numbers of BT-IC-enriched cells (SK-3rd) by in vivo passage of breast cancer cells SKBR3 in NOD/SCID mice treated with epirubicin, then enriched BT-ICs again by isolating spherical clusters of self-replicating cells (“mammospheres”) from suspension cultures. Under chemotherapy pressure, compared the apoptosis between BT-IC and non BT-IC by MTT, Annexin V, DNA ladder and hochest 33342 staining, and analyzed the cell cycles by Flow cytometry. We tested the DNA repair capacity after chemo-induced DNA damage between BT-IC and non BT-IC by single cell gel electrophoresis and tested the expression of DNA damage checkpoint protein by immunoblot.Results:SK-3rd formed 40-fold more mammospheres than SKBR3 (16.7%±2.6% vs 0.5%±0.2%; P<0.001). Compared with non BT-IC, BT-IC treated with epirubicin showed more viability as assessed by MTT assay. After treated with 0.3ug/ml Epirubicin for 24 hours, withdrew the drug, and then repaired for 12, 24 hours respectively, analyzed the Annexin V positive cells in BT-IC were less than n non BT-IC(17.27%±2.3% vs 56%±6.7%; P=0.026), hochest staining also showed the similar results.SK-3rd mammospheric cells treated with or without Epirubicin arrested in G0/1 stage. Breast T-IC can repair chemo-induced DNA damage more efficiently than non BT-IC. Treated with or without Epirubicin, Sk-3rd mammospheric cells can pre-activated phosphorylated DNA chk2checkpoint (Thr68),but not in non BT-IC.Dicussion: The discovery of cancer initiating cells in solid tumors has changed our view of carcinogenesis and chemotherapy. In our study, we found that, BT-IC was more resistant than non BT-IC under the same chemotherapy pressure Although initiating cells can self-renew, they are generally quiescent, spending most of their time in G0. BT-IC treated with or without Epirubicin activated DNA checkpoint phosphorylated chk2 and arrested in G0/1 stage, which implied that BT-IC can target itself to arrest in G0/1 stage and pre-active chk2. When treated with DNA damage, BT-IC has enough time and quickly responses to repair damaged DNA, and at last contributes to the failure of chemotherapy. The new insight into the mechanisms of initiating -cell chemoresistance might allow the development of new strategies to improve targeted therapies in breast cancer.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 1121.

Mir-128 Regulates the Self-Renewal of Breast Tumor-Initiating Cells through HTERT

Background: hTERT (human telomerase reverse transcriptase), which maintains telomere ends by addittion of the telomere repeat sequence TTAGGG, is increased in cancer cells and embryonic stem cells. However, whether hTERT has a role in regulating breast tumor-initiating cells remains unknown. Therefore, the regulation of hTERT in breast tumor initiating cells (BT-IC) would potentially facilitate our understanding of the etiology of breast cancer.Material and Methods: Enrichment for BT-ICs was performed by mammospheres from suspension cultures. The capacity of self-renewal and differentiation of BT-ICs were determined by mammosphere formation, immunohistochemical analysis of epithelial markers and FACS, respectively. TRAP assay was used to detect telomerase activity. The expression levels of hTERT in BT-ICs, with or without lentivirus-mediated mir-128 transduction, were determined by qRT-PCR and western blot. hTERT siRNA or lentivirus-shTERT were used to silence the expression of hTERT in BT-ICs. Differentially expressed mir-128 in BT-ICs was quantified by qRT-PCR and Northern Blot. The expression of BMI1 was determined by Western Blot.Results: hTERT, as well as telomerase activity, had a higher expression in BT-ICs, compared to the differentiated breast cancer cells. BMI1, the target of mir-128, is increased in BT-ICs. Conversely, the expression level of mir-128 is lower in BT-ICs, compared to the differentiated cells. Mir-128 over-expressing reduced the level of BMI1,as well as hTERT, in BT-ICs. Silencing BMI1 by lentivirus-shRNA transfection in BT-ICs leads to the decrease of hTERT protein level. Furthermore, BT-ICs, with hTERT knockdown, lost its ability to form mammospheres and proliferated poorly under differentiating conditions.Conclutions: mir-128 miRNA is reduced in mammospheric BT-ICs, resulting in up-regulation of BMI1, which further brought on the up-regulation of hTERT. And hTERT promotes self-renewal and blocks epithelial differentiation of BT-ICs. Therefore, mir-128 regulates BT-IC stem-cell like properties by BMI1 and hTERT.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 5157.

Strong association of socioeconomic status with genetic ancestry in Latinos: implications for admixture studies of type 2 diabetes

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Type 2 diabetes is more prevalent in US American minority populations of African or Native American descent than it is in European Americans. However, the proportion of this epidemiological difference that can be ascribed to genetic or environmental factors is unknown. To determine whether genetic ancestry is correlated with diabetes risk in Latinos, we estimated the proportion of European ancestry in case-control samples from Mexico and Colombia in whom socioeconomic status had been carefully ascertained.

METHODS

We genotyped 67 ancestry-informative markers in 499 participants with type 2 diabetes and 197 controls from Medellín (Colombia), as well as in 163 participants with type 2 diabetes and 72 controls from central Mexico. Each participant was assigned a socioeconomic status scale via various measures.

RESULTS

Although European ancestry was associated with lower diabetes risk in Mexicans (OR [95% CI] 0.06 [0.02-0.21], p = 2.0 x 10(-5)) and Colombians (OR 0.26 [0.08-0.78], p = 0.02), adjustment for socioeconomic status eliminated the association in the Colombian sample (OR 0.64 [0.19-2.12], p = 0.46) and significantly attenuated it in the Mexican sample (OR 0.17 [0.04-0.71], p = 0.02). Adjustment for BMI did not change the results.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

The proportion of non-European ancestry is associated with both type 2 diabetes and lower socioeconomic status in admixed Latino populations from North and South America. We conclude that ancestry-directed search for genetic markers associated with type 2 diabetes in Latinos may benefit from information involving social factors, as these factors have a quantitatively important effect on type 2 diabetes risk relative to ancestry effects.

Association between polymorphisms in the FCGRT gene and lupus nephritis in Chinese patients

OBJECTIVE

Studies on mouse models have indicated that the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) plays important roles in a variety of autoimmune diseases. A variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphisms within the FCGRT gene have been detected, and were found to affect the expression and functioning of FcRn. This study investigated the possible association of FCGRT VNTR polymorphisms with susceptibility and clinical manifestations in patients with lupus nephritis (LN).

METHODS

A total of 404 Han Chinese subjects, comprising 200 patients with LN and 204 geographically-matched healthy controls, participated in the study. The FCGRT VNTR polymorphism was genotyped by DNA amplification using a touchdown polymerase chain reaction followed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

RESULTS

The distribution of VNTR polymorphisms within the FCGRT gene in Chinese subjects was different to that in Caucasians. Analysis of allele and genotype frequencies revealed no significant difference between LN patients and controls. There was no significant difference in the clinical features or prognosis in LN patients when stratified by VNTR polymorphism.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that VNTR polymorphisms within the FCGRT promoter are not associated with LN in the Chinese population.

Fusion protein encoded by a CTLA-4 targeted DNA construct binds to human dendritic cells

Fusing antigens to cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) represents an effective approach to enhance DNA vaccine efficacy. It has been speculated that the direct targeting of CTLA-4 fusion antigens to antigen-presenting cells (APCs) causes antigens to be processed and presented to T cells more efficiently, leading to a stronger immune response. In the present study, dendritic cells (DCs), the most potent APCs, were generated from human monocytes. The specific binding of CTLA-4 fusion protein to DCs was investigated by flow cytometry. The results showed that the CTLA-4 fusion protein was capable of binding to the B7 molecules on human DCs with specificity.

Search for maximal flavor violating scalars in same-charge lepton pairs in pp collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV

Models of maximal flavor violation (MxFV) in elementary particle physics may contain at least one new scalar SU(2) doublet field Phi(FV)=(eta(0),eta(+)) that couples the first and third generation quarks (q_(1), q_(3)) via a Lagrangian term L(FV)=xi(13)Phi(FV)q(1)q(3). These models have a distinctive signature of same-charge top-quark pairs and evade flavor-changing limits from meson mixing measurements. Data corresponding to 2 fb(-1) collected by the Collider Dectector at Fermilab II detector in pp[over ] collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV are analyzed for evidence of the MxFV signature. For a neutral scalar eta(0) with m_(eta;(0))=200 GeV/c(2) and coupling xi(13)=1, approximately 11 signal events are expected over a background of 2.1+/-1.8 events. Three events are observed in the data, consistent with background expectations, and limits are set on the coupling xi(13) for m(eta(0)=180-300 GeV/c(2).

Ovocleidin (OC 116) is present in avian skeletal tissues

Ovocleidin (OC-116), a protein identified in eggshell matrix, was found to be expressed in avian growth plate chondrocytes. Because OC-116 has been reported to be a member of a family of related phosphoprotein genes clustered on avian chromosome 4, we expanded our search to other skeletal tissues. Using Western blotting, we found OC-116 in the matrix of chick cortical bone and laying hen medullary bone as well as in hypertrophic chondrocyte lysates. Furthermore, other members of this family (bone sialoprotein, dental matrix protein-1, and osteopontin) were also present in the eggshell matrix. Reverse transcription-PCR was used to confirm the presence of the OC-116 gene in bone tissues as well as the expression of bone sialoprotein and dental matrix protein-1 in uterine tissue. These results, in combination with those of other laboratories, show that this family of phosphoproteins is found in a wide variety of avian mineralized tissues.

An antibiotic complex from Lysobacter enzymogenes strain C3: antimicrobial activity and role in plant disease control

Lysobacter enzymogenes C3 is a bacterial biological control agent that exhibits antagonism against multiple fungal pathogens. Its antifungal activity was attributed in part to lytic enzymes. In this study, a heat-stable antifungal factor (HSAF), an antibiotic complex consisting of dihydromaltophilin and structurally related macrocyclic lactams, was found to be responsible for antagonism by C3 against fungi and oomycetes in culture. HSAF in purified form exhibited inhibitory activity against a wide range of fungal and oomycetes species in vitro, inhibiting spore germination, and disrupting hyphal polarity in sensitive fungi. When applied to tall fescue leaves as a partially-purified extract, HSAF at 25 mug/ml and higher inhibited germination of conidia of Bipolaris sorokiniana compared with the control. Although application of HSAF at 12.5 mug/ml did not reduce the incidence of conidial germination, it inhibited appressorium formation and suppressed Bipolaris leaf spot development. Two mutant strains of C3 (K19 and DeltaNRPS) that were disrupted in different domains in the hybrid polyketide synthase-nonribosomal peptide synthetase gene for HSAF biosynthesis and had lost the ability to produce HSAF were compared with the wild-type strain for biological control efficacy against Bipolaris leaf spot on tall fescue and Fusarium head blight, caused by Fusarium graminearum, on wheat. Both mutant strains exhibited decreased capacity to reduce the incidence and severity of Bipolaris leaf spot compared with C3. In contrast, the mutant strains were as efficacious as the wild-type strain in reducing the severity of Fusarium head blight. Thus, HSAF appears to be a mechanism for biological control by strain C3 against some, but not all, plant pathogenic fungi.

Modeling, analysis, and validation of a novel HIV integrase structure provide insights into the binding modes of potent integrase inhibitors

It has been shown that L-731988, a potent integrase inhibitor, targets a conformation of the integrase enzyme formed when complexed to viral DNA, with the 3'-end dinucleotide already cleaved. It has also been shown that diketo acid inhibitors bind to the strand transfer complex of integrase and are competitive with the host target DNA. However, published X-ray structures of HIV integrase do not include the DNA; thus, there is a need to develop a model representing the strand transfer complex. In this study, we have constructed an active-site model of the HIV-1 integrase complexed with viral DNA using the crystal structure of DNA-bound transposase and have identified a binding mode for inhibitors. This proposed binding mechanism for integrase inhibitors involves interaction with a specific Mg(2+) in the active site, accentuated by a hydrophobic interaction in a cavity formed by a flexible loop upon DNA binding. We further validated the integrase active-site model by selectively mutating key residues predicted to play an important role in the binding of inhibitors. Thus, we have a binding model that is applicable to a wide range of potent integrase inhibitors and is consistent with the available resistant mutation data.

Evaluation of a new algorithm in classification of systemic vasculitis

OBJECTIVE

Recently, a new consensus algorithm for classification of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) and PAN had been proposed by Watt et al. for epidemiological studies. In order to evaluate this algorithm, the current study used the algorithm to reclassify the patients with AAV and PAN in our centre.

METHODS

Five hundred and fifty Chinese patients with primary systemic vasculitis diagnosed in our referral diagnostic centre during the past 10 years were retrospectively studied. Four hundred and ninety-three out of 550 were ANCA positive. We compared the new consensus algorithm and the 1994 Chapel Hill Consensus Conference (CHCC) definitions supplemented with surrogate parameters, in the same cohort of patients with primary systemic vasculitis.

RESULTS

Applying the CHCC definitions with surrogate parameters, the diagnoses were Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) (n = 0), WG (n = 127), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) (n = 363), PAN (n = 4) and unclassified (n = 56). Using the new consensus algorithm, the diagnoses were CSS (n = 2), WG (n = 199), MPA (n = 329), PAN (n = 0) and unclassified (n = 20).

CONCLUSIONS

Watts' algorithm was a useful method to classify patients into a single category, with less unclassified patients and without overlapping diagnosis, which allows their use in epidemiological studies.

Biosynthesis of sphinganine-analog mycotoxins

Sphinganine-analog mycotoxins (SAMT) are polyketide-derived natural products produced by a number of plant pathogenic fungi and are among the most economically important mycotoxins. The toxins are structurally similar to sphinganine, a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of ceramides and sphingolipids, and competitive inhibitors for ceramide synthase. The inhibition of ceramide and sphingolipid biosynthesis is associated with several fatal diseases in domestic animals and esophageal cancer and neural tube defects in humans. SAMT contains a highly reduced, acyclic polyketide carbon backbone, which is assembled by a single module polyketide synthase. The biosynthesis of SAMT involves a unique polyketide chain-releasing mechanism, in which a pyridoxal 5'-phosphate-dependent enzyme catalyzes the termination, offloading and elongation of the polyketide chain. This leads to the introduction of a new carbon-carbon bond and an amino group to the polyketide chain. The mechanism is fundamentally different from the thioesterase/cyclase-catalyzed polyketide chain releasing found in bacterial and other fungal polyketide biosynthesis. Genetic data suggest that the ketosynthase domain of the polyketide synthase and the chain-releasing enzyme are important for controlling the final product structure. In addition, several post-polyketide modifications have to take place before SAMT become mature toxins.

Evidence supporting nutritional interventions for persons in early stage Alzheimer's disease (AD)

The purpose of this paper is to grade research evidence supporting nutritional interventions for persons with early stage dementias and to report the recommendations of a consensus panel. Thirty four studies were reviewed in the areas of dietary restriction, antioxidants, and Mediterranean diet with strong support from epidemiological studies found in all three areas. The body of evidence to support nutritional interventions in the prevention and treatment of AD is growing and has potential as a treatment modality following translational studies.

Effects of ageing and gender on contractile properties in human skeletal muscle and single fibres

AIM

The objective of this study is to improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the ageing- and gender-related muscle weakness.

METHODS

Ageing- and gender-related differences in regulation of muscle contraction have been studied in knee-extensor muscles at the whole muscle and single muscle fibre levels in young and old sedentary men and women. In vivo knee-extensor muscle function was measured at slow (30 degrees s(-1)) and faster (180 degrees s(-1)) speeds of movement. Maximum velocity of unloaded shortening (V(0)) and maximum force normalized to cross-sectional area (CSA) [specific tension (ST)] were measured in single 'skinned' skeletal muscle fibre segments.

RESULTS

Significant ageing- and gender-related differences were observed in muscle torque. A 33-55% ageing-related decline (P < 0.001) in maximum torque was observed irrespective of gender. At the single muscle fibre level, the ageing-related decline in knee-extensor muscle function was accompanied by a 20-28% decline in ST in muscle fibres expressing the type I MyHC isoform in both men and women, and a 29% decline in type IIa muscle fibre CSA, but the decreased fast-twitch fibre size was restricted to the men. Furthermore, in both men and women, V(0) decreased in muscle cells expressing the type I and IIa MyHC isoforms.

CONCLUSION

The present results provide evidence of specific ageing- and gender-related differences in regulation of muscle contraction at the cellular level. It is suggested that these cellular changes have a significant impact on muscle function and the ageing-related motor handicap.

Characterization of chimpanzee/human monoclonal antibodies to vaccinia virus A33 glycoprotein and its variola virus homolog in vitro and in a vaccinia virus mouse protection model

Three distinct chimpanzee Fabs against the A33 envelope glycoprotein of vaccinia virus were isolated and converted into complete monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) with human gamma 1 heavy-chain constant regions. The three MAbs (6C, 12C, and 12F) displayed high binding affinities to A33 (K(d) of 0.14 nM to 20 nM) and may recognize the same epitope, which was determined to be conformational and located within amino acid residues 99 to 185 at the C terminus of A33. One or more of the MAbs were shown to reduce the spread of vaccinia virus as well as variola virus (the causative agent of smallpox) in vitro and to more effectively protect mice when administered before or 2 days after intranasal challenge with virulent vaccinia virus than a previously isolated mouse anti-A33 MAb (1G10) or vaccinia virus immunoglobulin. The protective efficacy afforded by anti-A33 MAb was comparable to that of a previously isolated chimpanzee/human anti-B5 MAb. The combination of anti-A33 MAb and anti-B5 MAb did not synergize the protective efficacy. These chimpanzee/human anti-A33 MAbs may be useful in the prevention and treatment of vaccinia virus-induced complications of vaccination against smallpox and may also be effective in the immunoprophylaxis and immunotherapy of smallpox and other orthopoxvirus diseases.

Identification and characterization of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity in recombinant Japanese encephalitis virus NS5 protein

The complete nonstructural NS5 gene of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) was amplified and cloned into an expression vector. The NS5 protein was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified by His-tag based affinity chromatography. This recombinant NS5 protein exhibited RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) activity in vitro in the absence of other viral or cellular factors. The RNA polymerase activity was dependent on divalent cations, and Mn²⁺ was found to be 20 times more effective than Mg²⁺ in coordinating the catalytic reaction of RdRp, while Ca²⁺ inhibited enzyme activity. The optimal reaction conditions for the in vitro RdRp reaction were established. Characterization of the RdRp reaction products demonstrated that the JEV NS5 protein can initiate RNA synthesis through a de novo initiation mechanism in our in vitro reaction system. Comparing the efficiency of different RNA templates, we found that JEV NS5 protein was more efficient in using negative-strand RNA templates, indicating that the JEV NS5 protein is involved in regulating the ratio of positive- to negative-strand RNA. Four amino acid sequence motifs crucial for RdRp activity were also identified using site-directed mutagenesis analysis. All substitutions of the conserved residues within these motifs led to a complete inactivation or severe loss of enzyme activity.

The effect of contact lens induced oedema on the accuracy of Goldmann tonometry in a mature population

AIM

To determine the effect of contact lens induced oedema on the accuracy of Goldmann tonometry measurements of intraocular pressure (IOP) in mature subjects.

METHODS

22 healthy subjects aged between 50 and 60 years were recruited. Corneal curvature, IOP, and central corneal thickness (CCT) were measured before and after two hours of monocular closed eye wear of a thick hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) contact lens. Measurements were then repeated at 20 minute intervals for one hour after lens removal.

RESULTS

Both CCT (+54.1 mum) and IOP (+2.7 mm Hg) increased significantly after lens wear (p<0.001, paired t test with Bonferroni correction). For the hour following lens removal, the measured IOP was correlated to the increase in CCT (r = 0.84, p<0.001), at a rate of 1.0 mm Hg/10 mum (95% confidence interval, 0.8 to 1.2 mm Hg/10 mum, linear mixed model analysis).

CONCLUSIONS

A relatively small increase in CCT from contact lens induced corneal oedema caused an overestimation error in Goldmann tonometry measurements of IOP in healthy mature subjects.

Angiotensin-II receptor antagonist alleviates non-alcoholic fatty liver in KKAy obese mice with type 2 diabetes

We examined the effects of the angiotensin-II receptor antagonist candesartan on non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and circulating adiponectin concentrations in KKAy obese mice with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The KKAy mice were randomly assigned to receive either candesartan at a once-daily dose of 10 mg/kg (n = 5) or placebo (n = 5). The differences in liver weight, histological evaluation of hepatic lipid infiltration, serum adiponectin concentration and hepatic adiponectin mRNA levels between the two groups were determined on day 7 after treatment was initiated. Candesartan-treated mice demonstrated significantly lower liver weights and reduced lipid droplets in hepatic cells compared with control mice. The circulating adiponectin levels and hepatic expression of adiponectin mRNA were significantly higher in candesartan-treated mice than control mice. These results suggest that candesartan might alleviate NAFL through elevation of circulating adiponectin levels in KKAy obese mice with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Immunogenicity and persistence of a targeted anti-caries DNA vaccine

We have previously reported that a targeted anti-caries DNA vaccine, pGJA-P, induced accelerated and increased antibody responses compared with a non-targeted anti-caries DNA vaccine. Recently, pGJA-P/VAX, a new targeted anti-caries DNA vaccine for human trials, was constructed by replacing the pCI vector used in the construction of pGJA-P with pVAX1, the only vector authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration in clinical trials. Here, we report on our exploration of the kinetics of the antibody responses generated following pGJA-P/VAX immunization and the persistence of pGJA-P/VAX at both the inoculation site and the draining lymph nodes. Intranasal vaccination of mice with pGJA-P/VAX induced strong antibody responses that lasted for more than 6 months. Furthermore, pGJA-P/VAX could still be detected at both the inoculation site and the draining cervical lymph nodes 6 months after immunization. Thus, the persistent immune responses are likely due to the DNA depot in the host, which acts as a booster immunization.