Influence of levothyroxine treatment on serum levels of soluble Fas (CD95) and Fas Ligand (CD95L) in chronic autoimmune hypothyroidism

Tackling hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma--the future is now

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal and prevalent cancers in many developing countries including India. Among the various etiological factors being implicated in the cause of HCC, the most important cause, however, is hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Among all HBV genes, HBx is the most critical carcinogenic component, the molecular mechanisms of which have not been completely elucidated. Despite its clinical significance, there exists a very elemental understanding of the molecular, cellular, and environmental mechanisms that drive disease pathogenesis in HCC infected with HBV. Furthermore, there are only limited therapeutic options, the clinical benefits of which are insignificant. Therefore, the quest for novel and effective therapeutic regimen against HBV-related HCC is of paramount importance. This review attempts to epitomize the current state of knowledge of this most common and dreaded liver neoplasm, highlighting the putative treatment avenues and therapeutic research strategies that need to be implemented with immediate effect for tackling HBV-related HCC that has plagued the medical and scientific fraternity for decades. Additionally, this review proposes a novel "five-point" management algorithm for HBV-related HCC apart from portraying the unmet needs, principal challenges, and scientific perspectives that are relevant to controlling this accelerating global health crisis.

GPC3 fused to an alpha epitope of HBsAg acts as an immune target against hepatocellular carcinoma associated with hepatitis B virus

BACKGROUND

The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in China is closely related to the population infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). HCC cells with HBV secrete soluble HBsAg into blood but do not express it on the cell membrane. This study aimed to construct and investigate a new glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein (GPC3+alpha+EGFP) as a DNA vaccine against HCC associated with HBV.

METHODS

A recombinant plasmid (pcDNA3.1(+)/GPC3+ alpha+EGFP) was constructed and verified by restriction endonuclease digestion and sequencing. pcDNA3.1(+)/GPC3+alpha+EGFP was transfected into HepG2 cells (experimental group) using lipofectamine 2000. pEGFP-N1-transfected HepG2 cells were used as a negative control, and non-transfected HepG2 cells served as a blank control. HepG2 cells that steadily expressed the fusion protein GPC3+alpha+EGFP were screened by G418, propagated, and co-cultured with lymphocytes from healthy donors. Cell proliferation was measured by the classic sulforhodamine B assay. Apoptosis was assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), and Fas gene transcription was determined by quantitative fluorescent PCR.

RESULTS

The pcDNA3.1(+)/GPC3+alpha+EGFP plasmid was successfully constructed. In the experimental group, green fluorescence was observed at the cell periphery and in the cytoplasm, whereas in the negative control group, fluorescence was evenly distributed throughout the cell. Proliferation of the experimental group significantly decreased after 72 hours compared to the negative and blank control groups. Furthermore, the number of apoptotic cells was statistically different among the three groups as determined by a contingency table Chi-square test; the experimental group had the highest incidence of apoptosis. Fas gene transcription in the experimental group was higher than in the two control groups, and an increasing trend with time in the experimental group was observed.

CONCLUSION

A chimeric, membrane-anchored protein, GPC3+alpha+EGFP, localized to the membrane of HepG2 cells and inhibited proliferation and accelerated apoptosis through a Fas-FasL pathway after co-cultivation with lymphocytes.

Radiolabeled annexin V imaging: a useful technique for determining apoptosis in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that involves myelin, oligodendrocytes and axons and culminates in consecutive neuronal death and progressive neurologic disability. Based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), neuroaxonal loss in MS results in brain atrophy and has a strong correlation with neurological disability. The newer MR imaging tools seem to be sensitive biomarkers for measuring the pathogenetic processes associated with disease activity and progression. However, they are unable to detect apoptosis in neurodegenerative diseases. Annexin V has a high affinity for phosphatidylserine (PS) that presents on the outer surface of the plasma membrane early on during the onset of apoptosis. Radiolabeled annexin V imaging may reveal the initiation and degree of neuronal apoptosis. We propose that radiolabeled annexin V imaging is a useful modality in determining apoptosis in MS and can assess and monitor the effectiveness of neuroprotective and immunomodulatory therapies on the clinical course of MS.