Thermally induced injury and heat-shock protein expression in cells and tissues

Comparison of selenium-mediated regulation of heat shock protein and inflammation in-vitro and in-ovo for heat resistance enhancement in broiler

Selenium is a heat-stress-reducing substance that improves heat resistance and is being studied for its effective application in the broiler industry. However, research on feed additives is labor-intensive and time-consuming because of the need for feeding experiments. We aimed to compare the effects of selenium under heat stress in vitro and in ovo, specifically examining the gene expression of heat shock proteins (HSP) and inflammatory markers. Two groups were included in the in-vitro study: in-vitro control (TC; selenium 0 μg/ml) and in-vitro selenium (TS; selenium 5 μg/ml). The satellite cells were cultured at 42°C for 48 h after selenium treatment. The in-ovo study comprised 4 groups: in-ovo control and in-ovo selenium 1-3 (OC, OS1, OS2, and OS3; selenium 2.5, 5, and 10 μg/egg, respectively). Selenium was injected on the 18th day after hatching, and heat treatment was performed at 32-34°C from the 14th to the 21st day after hatching, and the leg muscles of the chicks were collected on the 21st day. The gene expression of heat shock proteins (HSP), caspase3, nuclear factor kappa light-chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB), and IL-8 was analyzed in in-vitro and in-ovo experiments, respectively. In-vitro results showed significant increases in HSP90, HSP60, and HSP40 in TS compared to TC, with a significant decrease in HSP70. In the in-ovo study, HSP70, caspase3, NF-kB and IL-8 were significantly increased in OS1. HSP90, HSP60, HSP40, HSP27 and NF-kB were significantly decreased in in-ovo OS2 compared to in-vitro TS, implying a trend in ratio compared to control. Selenium appeared to enhance heat resistance in-vitro and in-ovo by modulating HSPs and inflammation. However, differences in mRNA expression were observed depending on the concentration of selenium. These findings suggest that selenium modulates heat resistance through different mechanisms in-vitro and in-ovo, likely due to the complexity of whole-organism interactions in-ovo compared to the single-cell-type environment in-vitro. Therefore, to directly apply in-vitro results to in-ovo, a concentration comparison study for each additive is necessary.

Calycosin Enhances Heat Shock Related-Proteins in H9c2 Cells to Modulate Survival and Apoptosis against Heat Shock

Heat shock proteins (HSPs), which function as chaperones, are activated in response to various environmental stressors. In addition to their role in diverse aspects of protein production, HSPs protect against harmful protein-related stressors. Calycosin exhibits numerous beneficial properties. This study aims to explore the protective effects of calycosin in the heart under heat shock and determine its underlying mechanism. H9c2 cells, western blot, TUNEL staining, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence staining were used. The time-dependent effects of heat shock analyzed using western blot revealed increased HSP expression for up to 2[Formula: see text]h, followed by protein degradation after 4[Formula: see text]h. Hence, a heat shock damage duration of 4[Formula: see text]h was chosen for subsequent investigations. Calycosin administered post-heat shock demonstrated dose-dependent recovery of cell viability. Under heat shock conditions, calycosin prevented the apoptosis of H9c2 cells by upregulating HSPs, suppressing p-JNK, enhancing Bcl-2 activation, and inhibiting cleaved caspase 3. Calycosin also inhibited Fas/FasL expression and activated cell survival markers (p-PI3K, p-ERK, p-Akt), indicating their cytoprotective properties through PI3K/Akt activation and JNK inhibition. TUNEL staining and flow cytometry confirmed that calycosin reduced apoptosis. Moreover, calycosin reversed the inhibitory effects of quercetin on HSF1 and Hsp70 expression, illustrating its role in enhancing Hsp70 expression through HSF1 activation during heat shock. Immunofluorescence staining demonstrated HSF1 translocation to the nucleus following calycosin treatment, emphasizing its cytoprotective effects. In conclusion, calycosin exhibits pronounced protective effects against heat shock-induced damages by modulating HSP expression and regulating key signaling pathways to promote cell survival in H9c2 cells.

Peppermint essential oil (Mentha piperita L.) increases time to exhaustion in runners

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the capacity of peppermint essential oil to improve the physical performance of runners in running protocol until exhaustion.

METHODS

In a clinical, randomized, double-blind, cross-over and controlled study, fourteen male recreational runners (37.1 ± 2.0 years; 24 ± 1.1 kg/m2; 53.1 ± 1.7 mL kg min) performed two runs to exhaustion at 70% of VO2max, after intake of 500 mL of water added with 0.05 mL of peppermint essential oil (PEO) or placebo (PLA), plus 400 mL of the drink during the initial part of the exercise. Records were made of body temperature (BT), thermal sensation (TS), thermal comfort (TC), subjective perception of effort (SPE), sweat rate (SR), and urine volume and density.

RESULTS

Time to exhaustion was 109.9 ± 6.9 min in PEO and 98.5 ± 6.2 min in PLA (p = 0.009; effect size: 0.826). No significant changes were observed in the values of BT, TS, TC, SPE, SR, lost body mass, and urine volume and density (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Peppermint essential oil added to water before and during a race significantly increases the time to exhaustion of recreational runners but without altering BT, TS, TC, or hydration status, so the mechanisms involved were not clarified in this study.

BRAZILIAN REGISTRY OF CLINICAL TRIALS (REBEC)

RBR-75zt25z.

Heat stress combined with lipopolysaccharide induces pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell glycocalyx inflammatory damage in vitro

Heat stroke is a life-threatening disease with high mortality and complications. Endothelial glycocalyx (EGCX) is essential for maintaining endothelial cell structure and function as well as preventing the adhesion of inflammatory cells. Potential relationship that underlies the imbalance in inflammation and coagulation remains elusive. Moreover, the role of EGCX in heat stroke-induced organ injury remained unclear. Therefore, the current study aimed to illustrate if EGCX aggravates apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative damage in human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMEC). Heat stress and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were employed to construct in vitro models to study the changes of glycocalyx structure and function, as well as levels of heparansulfate proteoglycan (HSPG), syndecan-1 (SDC-1), heparansulfate (HS), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, Von Willebrand factor (vWF), endothelin-1 (ET-1), occludin, E-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here, we showed that heat stress and LPS devastated EGCX structure, activated EGCX degradation, and triggered oxidative damage and apoptosis in HPMEC. Stimulation of heat stress and LPS decreased expression of HSPG, increased levels of SDC-1 and HS in culture supernatant, promoted the production and release of proinflammation cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6,) and coagulative factors (vWF and ET-1) in HPMEC. Furthermore, Expressions of E-selection, VCAM-1, and ROS were upregulated, while that of occludin was downregulated. These changes could be deteriorated by heparanase, whereas they meliorated by unfractionated heparin. This study indicated that EGCX may contribute to apoptosis and heat stroke-induced coagulopathy, and these effects may have been due to the decrease in the shedding of EGCX.

First‐trimester plasma extracellular heat shock proteins levels and risk of preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE) occurs annually in 8% of pregnancies. Patients without risk factors represent 10% of these. There are currently no first-trimester biochemical markers that accurately predict PE. An increase in serum 60- and 70-KDa extracellular heat shock proteins (eHsp) has been shown in patients who developed PE at 34 weeks. We sought to determine whether there is a relationship between first-trimester eHsp and the development of PE. This was a prospective cohort study performed at a third level hospital in Mexico City from 2019 to 2020. eHsp levels were measured during the first-trimester ultrasound in singleton pregnancies with no comorbidities. First-trimester eHsp levels and biochemical parameters of organ dysfunction were compared between patients who developed preeclampsia and those who did not. All statistical analyses and model of correlation (r) between eHsp and clinical parameter were performed using bootstrapping R-software. p-values <0.05 were considered significant. The final analysis included 41 patients. PE occurred in 11 cases. eHsp-60 and eHsp-70 were significantly higher at 12 weeks in patients who developed PE (p = 0.001), while eHsp-27 was significantly lower (p = 0.004). Significant differences in first-trimester eHsp concentration suggest that these are possible early biomarkers useful for the prediction of PE.

A Compendium for Novel Marker-Based Breeding Strategies in Eggplant

The worldwide production of eggplant is estimated at about 58 Mt, with China, India and Egypt being the major producing countries. Breeding efforts in the species have mainly focused on increasing productivity, abiotic and biotic tolerance/resistance, shelf-life, the content of health-promoting metabolites in the fruit rather than decreasing the content of anti-nutritional compounds in the fruit. From the literature, we collected information on mapping quantitative trait loci (QTLs) affecting eggplant's traits following a biparental or multi-parent approach as well as genome-wide association (GWA) studies. The positions of QTLs were lifted according to the eggplant reference line (v4.1) and more than 700 QTLs were identified, here organized into 180 quantitative genomic regions (QGRs). Our findings thus provide a tool to: (i) determine the best donor genotypes for specific traits; (ii) narrow down QTL regions affecting a trait by combining information from different populations; (iii) pinpoint potential candidate genes.

Multi-Faceted Roles of DNAJB Protein in Cancer Metastasis and Clinical Implications

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are highly conserved molecular chaperones with diverse cellular activities, including protein folding, assembly or disassembly of protein complexes, and maturation process under diverse stress conditions. HSPs also play essential roles in tumorigenesis, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance across cancers. Among them, HSP40s are widely accepted as regulators of HSP70/HSP90 chaperones and an accumulating number of biological functions as molecular chaperones dependent or independent of either of these chaperones. Despite large numbers of HSP40s, little is known about their physiologic roles, specifically in cancer progression. This article summarizes the multi-faceted role of DNAJB proteins as one subclass of the HSP40 family in cancer development and metastasis. Regulation and deregulation of DNAJB proteins at transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational levels contribute to tumor progression, particularly cancer metastasis. Furthermore, understanding differences in function and regulating mechanism between DNAJB proteins offers a new perspective on tumorigenesis and metastasis to improve therapeutic opportunities for malignant diseases.

DNAJC24 is a potential therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma through affecting ammonia metabolism

Evolutionarily conserved heat shock proteins are involved in the heat shock response of cells in response to changes in the external environment. In normal tissues, heat shock proteins can help cells survive in a rapidly changing environment. Likewise, in malignant tumors heat shock proteins may help tumor cells cope with external stresses as well as the stress of treatment. In this way they become accomplices of malignant tumors. Here we demonstrated for the first time that high expression of DNAJC24 (a heat shock protein) shortens survival in patients with HCC by immunohistochemical staining of 167 paired hepatocellular carcinomas and paraneoplastic tissues as well as data from public databases. In vitro experiments demonstrated that stimuli such as hypoxia, starvation and heat could upregulate DNAJC24 expression in HCC cells through transcriptional regulation of HSF2, and high expression of DNAJC24 in HCC cells could promote the proliferation and motility of HCC cells. In addition, we also verified that targeting DNAJC24 under normal culture conditions can affect the proliferation and autophagy of HCC cells by interfering with ammonia metabolism, thereby inhibiting the malignant progression of HCC. Overall, we suggested that DNAJC24 may become a new target for the treatment of HCC.

Heat Shock Proteins and Ferroptosis

Ferroptosis is a new form of regulatory cell death named by Dixon in 2012, which is characterized by the accumulation of lipid peroxides and iron ions. Molecular chaperones are a class of evolutionarily conserved proteins in the cytoplasm. They recognize and bind incompletely folded or assembled proteins to help them fold, transport or prevent their aggregation, but they themselves do not participate in the formation of final products. As the largest number of molecular chaperones, heat shock proteins can be divided into five families: HSP110 (HSPH), HSP90 (HSPC), HSP70 (HSPA), HSP40 (DNAJ) and small heat shock proteins (HSPB). Different heat shock proteins play different roles in promoting or inhibiting ferroptosis in different diseases. It is known that ferroptosis is participated in tumors, nervous system diseases, renal injury and ischemia-reperfusion injury. However, there are few reviews about the relationship of heat shock proteins and ferroptosis. In this study, we systematically summarize the roles of heat shock proteins in the occurrence of ferroptosis, and predict the possible mechanisms of different families of heat shock proteins in the development of ferroptosis.

Assessment and Modeling of Plasmonic Photothermal Therapy Delivered via a Fiberoptic Microneedle Device Ex Vivo

Plasmonic photothermal therapy (PPTT) has potential as a superior treatment method for pancreatic cancer, a disease with high mortality partially attributable to the currently non-selective treatment options. PPTT utilizes gold nanoparticles infused into a targeted tissue volume and exposed to a specific light wavelength to induce selective hyperthermia. The current study focuses on developing this approach within an ex vivo porcine pancreas model via an innovative fiberoptic microneedle device (FMD) for co-delivering light and gold nanoparticles. The effects of laser wavelengths (808 vs. 1064 nm), irradiances (20-50 mW·mm-2), and gold nanorod (GNR) concentrations (0.1-3 nM) on tissue temperature profiles were evaluated to assess and control hyperthermic generation. The GNRs had a peak absorbance at ~800 nm. Results showed that, at 808 nm, photon absorption and subsequent heat generation within tissue without GNRs was 65% less than 1064 nm. The combination of GNRs and 808 nm resulted in a 200% higher temperature rise than the 1064 nm under similar conditions. A computational model was developed to predict the temperature shift and was validated against experimental results with a deviation of <5%. These results show promise for both a predictive model and spatially selective, tunable treatment modality for pancreatic cancer.

The Regulatory Role of Different Exercises in Irisin, Heat Shock Protein 70 and Some Biochemical Parameters

Background

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of different and regularly applied exercise programs on irisin, heat shock protein 70 and some biochemical parameters.

Methods

120 male university students participated in the study. Participants were divided into 4 equal groups as control (C), resistance exercise group (RE), high intensity interval (HIIT) and aerobic exercise group (AE). While the control group did not perform any exercise, the pre-determined exercise programs were applied to the other groups for 8 weeks and 3 days in a week. Blood samples were taken from all participants before and after the exercise program. Cholesterol, High-density Lipoprotein (HDL) and Low-density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), Creatine kinase (CK), Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Irisin and Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) levels were analyzed in blood samples.

Results

It is determined that there are significant differences in pre-posttest values of the AE group's LDH, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, TG and HSP 70 levels, HIIT group's CK, LDH, Cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, TG, Irisin and HSP70 levels and RE group's CK, LDH, Cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, TG and Irisin levels (p<0.05).

Conclusions

It can be said that exercise can provide improvements in lipid profile, changes in HSP70 levels may vary depending on muscle damage, the increase of irisin due to exercise.

Synergistic Effect Induced by Gold Nanoparticles with Polyphenols Shell during Thermal Therapy: Macrophage Inflammatory Response and Cancer Cell Death Assessment

BACKGROUND

In recent decades, gold nanoparticle (Au NP)-based cancer therapy has been heavily debated. The physico-chemical properties of AuNPs can be exploited in photothermal therapy, making them a powerful tool for selectively killing cancer cells. However, the synthetic side products and capping agents often induce a strong activation of the inflammatory pathways of macrophages, thus limiting their further applications in vivo.

METHODS

Here, we described a green method to obtain stable polyphenol-capped AuNPs (Au NPs@polyphenols), as polyphenols are known for their anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. These NPs were used in human macrophages to test key inflammation-related markers, such as NF-κB, TNF-α, and interleukins-6 and 8. The results were compared with similar NPs obtained by a traditional chemical route (without the polyphenol coating), proving the potential of Au NPs@polyphenols to strongly promote the shutdown of inflammation. This was useful in developing them for use as heat-synergized tools in the thermal treatment of two types of cancer cells, namely, breast cancer (MCF-7) and neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells. The cell viability, calcium release, oxidative stress, HSP-70 expression, mitochondrial, and DNA damage, as well as cytoskeleton alteration, were evaluated.

RESULTS

Our results clearly demonstrate that the combined strategy markedly exerts anticancer effects against the tested cancer cell, while neither of the single treatments (only heat or only NPs) induced significant changes.

CONCLUSIONS

Au NP@polyphenols may be powerful agents in cancer treatment.

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy enhances antitumor effects on ovarian cancer through immune-mediated cancer stem cell targeting

PURPOSE

We aimed to determine the effects and possible mechanisms of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in targeting ovarian cancer stem-like cells (CSCs).

METHODS

Murine ovarian cancer cell lines presenting CSC surface markers were grown intraperitoneally in both immunocompetent and immunodeficient mice, which were then treated by intraperitoneal hyperthermia with the chemotherapeutic agents: paclitaxel and cisplatin. Tumor growth was measured by non-invasive luminescent imaging. Intraperitoneal immune cells, such as CD4⁺, CD8⁺ T cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells, were evaluated through flow cytometry analysis.

RESULTS

Combined hyperthermia and chemotherapy exhibited an efficient therapeutic effect in the immunocompetent mice. However, a similar effect was not observed in the immunodeficient mice. Intraperitoneal hyperthermia increased the number of Intraperitoneal macrophages and dendritic cells that were lost due to chemotherapy. Compared with ovarian cancer bulk cells, CSCs were more susceptible to phagocytosis by macrophages.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that the superior therapeutic efficacy and reduced proportion of CSCs associated with intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy were immune-related. Hyperthermia recruits the phagocytes that target surviving CSCs after chemotherapy. These results provide a novel mechanism for the efficacy of HIPEC in treating ovarian cancer.

The efficacy of laser interstitial thermal therapy for brain metastases with in-field recurrence following SRS: systemic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To study the efficacy of LITT for BM patients experiencing in-field recurrence following SRS.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted to identify studies investigating local control (LC) rate and overall survival (OS) of LITT for BMs with IFR following SRS.

RESULTS

Analysis included 14 studies (470 patients with 542 lesions). The 6-month (LC-6) and 12-month (LC-12) local control rates were 78.5% (95% CI: 70.6-84.8%) and 69.0% (95% CI: 60.0-76.7%) separately. Pooled median OS was 17.15 months (95% CI: 13.27-24.8). The overall OS-6 and OS-12 rates were 76.0% (95% CI: 71.4-80.0%) and 63.4% (95% CI: 52.9-72.7%) separately. LITT provided more favorable local control efficacy in RN than BM recurrence (LC-6: 87.4% vs. 67.9%, p = 0.009; LC-12: 76.3% vs. 59.9%, p = 0.041).

CONCLUSIONS

LITT is an effective treatment for BM patients experiencing IFR following SRS. For different pathological entities, LITT showed more satisfactory local control efficacy on RN than BM recurrence.

Recent advances in nanoparticles mediated photothermal therapy induced tumor regression

Photothermal therapy (PTT) is a minimally invasive procedure for treating cancer. The two significant prerequisites of PTT are the photothermal therapeutic agent (PTA) and near-infrared radiation (NIR). The PTA absorbs NIR, causing hyperthermia in the malignant cells. This increased temperature at the tumor microenvironment finally results in tumor cell damage. Nanoparticles play a crucial role in PTT, aiding in the passive and active targeting of the PTA to the tumor microenvironment. Through enhanced permeation and retention effect and surface-engineering, specific targeting could be achieved. This novel delivery tool provides the advantages of changing the shape, size, and surface attributes of the carriers containing PTAs, which might facilitate tumor regression significantly. Further, inclusion of surface engineering of nanoparticles is facilitated through ligating ligands specific to overexpressed receptors on the cancer cell surface. Thus, transforming nanoparticles grants the ability to combine different treatment strategies with PTT to enhance cancer treatment. This review emphasizes properties of PTAs, conjugated biomolecules of PTAs, and the combinatorial techniques for a better therapeutic effect of PTT using the nanoparticle platform.

Increased Levels of Plasma Extracellular Heat-Shock Proteins 60 and 70 kDa Characterized Early-Onset Neonatal Sepsis

Background: Extracellular heat-shock proteins (eHsp) are highly conserved molecules that play an important role in inflammatory diseases and have been quantified in plasma from patients with infectious diseases, including sepsis. There is a constant search for dependable biochemical markers that, in combination with conventional methods, could deliver a prompt and reliable diagnosis of early-onset neonatal sepsis. Objective: We sought to assess the level of eHsp-27, eHsp-60, eHsp-70, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) in plasma of healthy neonates at term and infants with early-onset neonatal sepsis. Methods: This study included 34 newborns that were classified as healthy neonates at term (blood samples from the umbilical cord, n = 23) or infants with early-onset neonatal sepsis (blood samples obtained from umbilical artery by standard sterile procedures before starting a systemic antibiotic intervention, n = 11). All blood samples were centrifuged, and the plasma recovered to determine eHsp-27, eHsp-60, eHsp-70, and TNFα levels by ELISA. Results: Our results indicate that the level of eHsp-27 in healthy neonates at term was 0.045 ± 0.024 pg/ml. This value decreased 2.5-fold in infants with early-onset neonate sepsis (0.019 ± 0.006 pg/ml, p = 0.004). In contrast, the levels of eHsp-60 and eHsp-70 in healthy neonates at term were 13.69 ± 5.3 and 4.03 ± 2.6 pg/ml, respectively. These protein levels increased significantly 1.8- and 1.9-fold in the plasma of infants with early-onset neonatal sepsis (p ≤ 0.001). The level of TNFα in healthy neonates at term was 2.94 ± 0.46 pg/ml, with a 3.0-fold increase in infants with early-onset neonatal sepsis (8.96 ± 0.72 pm/ml, p ≤ 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of eHsp compared with that of C-reactive protein were 73.3, 60.0, 47.8, and 33.3%, respectively. Conclusion: This study demonstrated a consistent increase of eHsp-60 and eHsp-70 in the plasma of infants diagnosed with early-onset neonatal sepsis. These proteins showed higher sensitivity and specificity than C-reactive protein and blood culture test.

Microwave-triggered/HSP-targeted gold nano-system for triple-negative breast cancer photothermal therapy

Due to the lack of effective therapeutic targets and the passive delivery of a limited quantity of nanoparticles to the tumors, the photothermal conversion agents used in photothermal therapy (PTT) have not been effective in treating triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). As a result, there is a need to improve the tumor-targeting ability of these photothermal conversion agents. To address this, a microwave-triggered heat shock protein (HSP)-targeted gold nano-system (cmHSP-AuNC), with a gold nanocage (AuNC) as a photothermal conversion agent and anti-HSP monoclonal antibody (cmHSP) as a targeting ligand, was fabricated. cmHSP-AuNC was characterized based on morphology, particle size, zeta potentials, absorption spectrum, and photothermal conversion ability. The expression of HSP70 in 4T1 cells after microwave irradiation was verified by western blotting, and the optimal treatment conditions to achieve the highest expression were determined. Both in vitro and in vivo results indicated that the induction through microwave irradiation could effectively activate the HSP70 overexpression in TNBC, thereby significantly improving the targeting ability, tumor accumulation and anti-tumor efficacy of cmHSP-AuNC. This study proposes a promising strategy for improving the targeting ability and therapeutic efficacy of PTT.

Cinnamaldehyde and Hyperthermia Co-Treatment Synergistically Induces ROS-Mediated Apoptosis in ACHN Renal Cell Carcinoma Cells

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) represents the most common form of kidney cancer, which accounts for 3-5% newly diagnosed cancer cases. Since limited therapies are available for RCC, a search for new options is required. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the combination effect of cinnamaldehyde (CNM) and hyperthermia treatment. CNM treatment combined with 43 °C hyperthermia synergistically increased cytotoxicity in RCC cell line ACHN cells. Through Western blot assays, we observed increased apoptosis signaling and decreased proliferation/metastasis signaling, along with a repressed heat shock protein 70 level. In flow cytometry analyses, CNM and hyperthermia combination clearly induced apoptosis and mitochondrial potential of ACHN cells, while arresting the cell cycle. Investigation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) suggested a significant increase of ROS generation by CNM and 43 °C hyperthermia co-treatment. We could verify that ROS is crucial in the apoptotic action of combination treatment with CNM and hyperthermia through further experiments regarding an ROS scavenger. Overall, we suggest CNM and hyperthermia combination treatment as an alternative option of anticancer strategies for RCC.

Combination Therapy with Cinnamaldehyde and Hyperthermia Induces Apoptosis of A549 Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma Cells via Regulation of Reactive Oxygen Species and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Family

Lung cancer is the largest cause of cancer-induced deaths. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most frequently observed subtype of lung cancer. Although recent studies have provided many therapeutic options, there is still a need for effective and safe treatments. This paper reports the combined effects of cinnamaldehyde (CNM), a flavonoid from cinnamon, together with hyperthermia, a therapeutic option for cancer treatment, on the A549 NSCLC cell line. A hyperthermia treatment of 43 °C potentiated the cytotoxicity of CNM in A549 cells. This was attributed to an increase in the apoptosis markers and suppression of the survival/protective factors, as confirmed by Western blot assays. Flow cytometry supported this result because the apoptotic profile, cell health profile, and cell cycle profile were regulated by CNM and hyperthermia combination therapy. The changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and its downstream target pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), were evaluated. The CNM and hyperthermia combination increased the generation of ROS and MAPK phosphorylation. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a ROS inhibitor, abolished the apoptotic events caused by CNM and hyperthermia co-treatment, suggesting that the cytotoxic effect was dependent of ROS signaling. Therefore, we suggest CNM and hyperthermia combination as an effective therapeutic option for the NSCLC treatment.

Targeting Stem Cells with Hyperthermia: Translational Relevance in Cancer Patients

BACKGROUND

Tumor recurrences or metastases remain a major hurdle in improving overall cancer survival. In anticancer therapy, some patients inevitably develop chemo-/radiotherapy resistance at some point. Cancer stem cells are the driving force of tumorigenesis, recurrences, and metastases, contributing also to the failure of some cancer treatments.

SUMMARY

Emergent evidence suggests that stem cell diseases are at the base of human cancers, and tumor progression and chemo-/radiotherapy resistance may be dependent on just a small subpopulation of cancer stem cells. Hyperthermia can be a strong cancer treatment, especially when combined with radio- or chemotherapy. It is a relatively safe therapy, may kill or weaken tumor cells, and significantly increases the effectiveness of other treatments. However, these mechanisms remain largely unknown. A literature search was performed using PubMed including cited English publications. The search was last conducted in December 2019. Search phrases included "stem cells," "hyperthermia," "cancer," and "therapy." Abstracts, letters, editorials, and expert opinions were not considered for the drafting of the study. Key Message: Our goal was to focus on and to summarize different biological features of cancer stem cells and new therapeutic approaches using hyperthermia and its potential translation to human clinical trials.

Time- and Dose-Dependent Effects of Ionizing Irradiation on the Membrane Expression of Hsp70 on Glioma Cells

The major stress-inducible protein Hsp70 (HSPA1A) is overexpressed in the cytosol of many highly aggressive tumor cells including glioblastoma multiforme and presented on their plasma membrane. Depending on its intracellular or membrane localization, Hsp70 either promotes tumor growth or serves as a target for natural killer (NK) cells. The kinetics of the membrane Hsp70 (mHsp70) density on human glioma cells (U87) was studied after different irradiation doses to define the optimal therapeutic window for Hsp70-targeting NK cells. To maintain the cells in the exponential growth phase during a cultivation period of 7 days, different initial cell counts were seeded. Although cytosolic Hsp70 levels remained unchanged on days 4 and 7 after a sublethal irradiation with 2, 4 and 6 Gy, a dose of 2 Gy resulted in an upregulated mHsp70 density in U87 cells which peaked on day 4 and started to decline on day 7. Higher radiation doses (4 Gy, 6 Gy) resulted in an earlier and more rapid onset of the mHsp70 expression on days 2 and 1, respectively, followed by a decline on day 5. Membrane Hsp70 levels were higher on cells in G2/M than in G1; however, an irradiation-induced cell cycle arrest on days 4 and 7 was not associated with an increase in the mHsp70 density. Extracellular Hsp70 concentrations in the supernatant of irradiated cells were significantly higher than sham (0 Gy) irradiated cells on days 4 and 7, but not on day 1. Functionally, elevated mHsp70 densities were associated with a significantly better lysis by Hsp70-targeting NK cells. In summary, the kinetics of changes in the mHsp70 density upon irradiation on tumor cells is time- and dose-dependent.

HSP70 localization in Podarcissiculus embryos under natural thermal regime and following a non-lethal cold shock

The Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs) are a superfamily of molecular chaperones that maintain cellular homeostasis under stress. HSP70 represents the major stress-inducible family member, often activated in response to changes in thermal ranges of organisms, and therefore playing an important role enhancing thermal tolerance limits in ectothermic animals. The present study aimed to investigate the presence and the localization of HSP70 through the development of Podarcis siculus, an oviparous lizard inhabiting temperate Mediterranean regions, showing a limited potential to tolerate thermal changes during embryogenesis. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that HSP70 protein is constitutively present in early embryonic stages, abundantly distributed in eye, in encephalic domains (predominantly in ventricular areas and in grey matter), in grey matter of spinal cord, in lung, gut mucosa, hepatic cords and kidney tubules. Interestingly, a severe drop in incubation temperature (5°C for 3 days) does not induce enhancements in HSP70 levels nor changes in tissues localization. These results suggest that the HSP70 found in P. siculus embryos represents a non-inducible, constitutive molecular chaperone that should be better called Heat Shock Cognate 70 (HSC70); the presence of stress-induced members of the HSP family in P. siculus has yet to be proven.

Millimeter-wave pulsed heating in vitro: cell mortality and heat shock response

Millimeter wave (MMW)-induced heating represents a promising alternative for non-invasive hyperthermia of superficial skin cancer, such as melanoma. Pulsed MMW-induced heating of tumors allows for reaching high peak temperatures without overheating surrounding tissues. Herein, for the first time, we evaluate apoptotic and heat shock responses of melanoma cells exposed in vitro to continuous (CW) or pulsed-wave (PW) amplitude-modulated MMW at 58.4 GHz with the same average temperature rise. Using an ad hoc exposure system, we generated 90 min pulse train with 1.5 s pulse duration, period of 20 s, amplitude of 10 °C, and steady-state temperature at the level of cells of 49.2 °C. The activation of Caspase-3 and phosphorylation of HSP27 were investigated using fluorescence microscopy to monitor the spatial variation of cellular response. Our results demonstrate that, under the considered exposure conditions, Caspase-3 activation was almost 5 times greater following PW exposure compared to CW. The relationship between the PW-induced cellular response and SAR-dependent temperature rise was non-linear. Phosphorylation of HSP27 was 58% stronger for PW compared to CW. It exhibits a plateau for the peak temperature ranging from 47.7 to 49.2 °C. Our results provide an insight into understanding of the cellular response to MMW-induced pulsed heating.

Predictors of Local Control of Brain Metastasis Treated With Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy

BACKGROUND

Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT) has been used to treat recurrent brain metastasis after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Little is known about how best to assess the efficacy of treatment, specifically the ability of LITT to control local tumor progression post-SRS.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the predictive factors associated with local recurrence after LITT.

METHODS

Retrospective study with consecutive patients with brain metastases treated with LITT. Based on radiological aspects, lesions were divided into progressive disease after SRS (recurrence or radiation necrosis) and new lesions. Primary endpoint was time to local recurrence.

RESULTS

A total of 61 consecutive patients with 82 lesions (5 newly diagnosed, 46 recurrence, and 31 radiation necrosis). Freedom from local recurrence at 6 mo was 69.6%, 59.4% at 12, and 54.7% at 18 and 24 mo. Incompletely ablated lesions had a shorter median time for local recurrence (P &lt; .001). Larger lesions (&gt;6 cc) had shorter time for local recurrence (P = .03). Dural-based lesions showed a shorter time to local recurrence (P = .01). Tumor recurrence/newly diagnosed had shorter time to local recurrence when compared to RN lesions (P = .01). Patients receiving systemic therapy after LITT had longer time to local recurrence (P = .01). In multivariate Cox-regression model, the HR for incomplete ablated lesions was 4.88 (P &lt; .001), 3.12 (P = .03) for recurrent tumors, and 2.56 (P = .02) for patients not receiving systemic therapy after LITT. Complication rate was 26.2%.

CONCLUSION

Incompletely ablated and recurrent tumoral lesions were associated with higher risk of treatment failure and were the major predicting factors for local recurrence. Systemic therapy after LITT was a protective factor regarding local recurrence.

Mathematical Models of Cell Response Following Heating

The cells of the cardiovascular system can experience temperature excesses of a few degrees during a diseased state or of tens of degrees during a thermal therapy treatment. These raised temperatures may be acute or of long duration. The multiple cell lines that compose each tissue then react, in approximate order of increasing thermal insult, by expressing heat shock proteins, undergoing apoptosis, or suffering necrosis. Mathematical models of the response of cells could aid in planning and designing thermal therapies. The multi-factor nature of the cell response makes it challenging to develop such models. The models most used clinically are mathematically simple and based on the response of representative tissues. The model that might provide the most fundamental understanding of the biochemical response of cells requires many parameters, some of which are difficult to measure. None of the semi-empirical models that provide improved prediction of cell fate have been widely accepted to plan therapies. There remain great opportunities for developing mathematical models cell response.

Nano-therapeutic cancer immunotherapy using hyperthermia-induced heat shock proteins: insights from mathematical modeling

BACKGROUND

Nano-therapeutic utilizing hyperthermia therapy in combination with chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation is known to treat various types of cancer. These cancer treatments normally focus on reducing tumor burden. Nevertheless, it is still challenging to confine adequate thermal energy in a tumor and obtain a complete tumor ablation to avoid recurrence and metastasis while leaving normal tissues unaffected. Consequently, it is critical to attain an alternative tumor-killing mechanism to circumvent these challenges. Studies have demonstrated that extracellular heat shock proteins (HSPs) activate antitumor immunity during tumor cell necrosis. Such induced immunity was further shown to assist in regressing tumor and reducing recurrence and metastasis. However, only a narrow range of thermal dose is reported to be able to acquire the optimal antitumor immune outcome. Consequently, it is crucial to understand how extracellular HSPs are generated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this work, a predictive model integrating HSP synthesis mechanism and cell death model is proposed to elucidate the HSP involvement in hyperthermia cancer immune therapy and its relation with dead tumor cells. This new model aims to provide insights into the thermally released extracellular HSPs by dead tumor cells for a more extensive set of conditions, including various temperatures and heating duration time.

RESULTS

Our model is capable of predicting the optimal thermal parameters to generate maximum HSPs for stimulating antitumor immunity, promoting tumor regression, and reducing metastasis. The obtained nonlinear relation between extracellular HSP concentration and increased dead cell number, along with rising temperature, shows that only a narrow range of thermal dose is able to generate the optimal antitumor immune result.

CONCLUSION

Our predictive model is capable of predicting the optimal temperature and exposure time to generate HSPs involved in the antitumor immune activation, with a goal to promote tumor regression and reduce metastasis.

Subthreshold Photocoagulation Using Endpoint Management in the PASCAL® System for Diffuse Diabetic Macular Edema

We evaluated subthreshold photocoagulation using endpoint management (EPM) for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). The study enrolled 10 eyes from 10 patients (6 men and 4 women) with DME. The entry criteria included central macular thickness (CMT) ≥ 300 μm and decimal visual acuity (VA) ≤ 0.5. The primary endpoints were VA (logMAR) and CMT at 6 months follow-up. Secondary endpoints included fundus autofluorescence, macular volume (MV), and macular sensitivity (MS). We used the PASCAL Streamline Yellow® (wavelength, 577 nm) system to perform grid pattern laser photocoagulation at 50% of the threshold (size, 100 μm; duration, 0.015 s; spacing, 0.5; and energy, 4.5-7.8 mJ). At 6 months posttreatment, CMT was significantly decreased, while there were no significant changes in macular sensitivity, mean BCVA (logMAR), or macular volume. Autofluorescence imaging revealed no changes after treatment in 6 of 10 eyes. No eyes exhibited subjective symptoms of scotoma after photocoagulation. Optical coherence tomography showed the complete resolution of macular edema in 4 eyes (40%) after a single treatment; MS was increased in all 4 of these eyes at 6 months posttreatment. In conclusion, subthreshold photocoagulation using EPM is safe and effective for DME treatment and preserves MS. This trial is registered with UMIN000012401.

Photothermal ablation of inflammatory breast cancer tumor emboli using plasmonic gold nanostars

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is rare, but it is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer. IBC has a unique presentation of diffuse tumor cell clusters called tumor emboli in the dermis of the chest wall that block lymph vessels causing a painful, erythematous, and edematous breast. Lack of effective therapeutic treatments has caused mortality rates of this cancer to reach 20%–30% in case of women with stage III–IV disease. Plasmonic nanoparticles, via photothermal ablation, are emerging as lead candidates in next-generation cancer treatment for site-specific cell death. Plasmonic gold nanostars (GNS) have an extremely large two-photon luminescence cross-section that allows real-time imaging through multiphoton microscopy, as well as superior photothermal conversion efficiency with highly concentrated heating due to its tip-enhanced plasmonic effect. To effectively study the use of GNS as a clinically plausible treatment of IBC, accurate three-dimensional (3D) preclinical models are needed. Here, we demonstrate a unique in vitro preclinical model that mimics the tumor emboli structures assumed by IBC in vivo using IBC cell lines SUM149 and SUM190. Furthermore, we demonstrate that GNS are endocytosed into multiple cancer cell lines irrespective of receptor status or drug resistance and that these nanoparticles penetrate the tumor embolic core in 3D culture, allowing effective photothermal ablation of the IBC tumor emboli. These results not only provide an avenue for optimizing the diagnostic and therapeutic application of GNS in the treatment of IBC but also support the continuous development of 3D in vitro models for investigating the efficacy of photothermal therapy as well as to further evaluate photothermal therapy in an IBC in vivo model.

A novel temperature-responsive micelle for enhancing combination therapy

A novel thermosensitive polymer p(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-poly[ethylene glycol] methyl ether acrylate)-block-poly(epsilon-caprolactone), p(NIPAAM-co-PEGMEA)-b-PCL, was synthesized and developed as nanomicelles. The hydrophobic heat shock protein 90 inhibitor 17-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin and the photosensitizer cyanine dye infrared-780 were loaded into the core of the micelles to achieve both chemotherapy and photothermal therapy simultaneously at the tumor site. The release of the drug could be controlled by varying the temperature due to the thermosensitive nature of the micelles. The micelles were less than 200 nm in size, and the drug encapsulation efficiency was >50%. The critical micelle concentrations were small enough to allow micelle stability upon dilution. Data from cell viability and animal experiments indicate that this combination treatment using photothermal therapy with chemotherapy had synergistic effects while decreasing side effects.

Comparison of Radiofrequency and Electrocautery With Conventional Scalpel Incisions

PURPOSE

The disadvantages of conventional scalpels, including insufficient control of bleeding, prompted us to search for new alternative methods such as electrosurgery and radiosurgery. In this study, the conventional scalpel was compared with radiosurgery and electrosurgery for wound healing with assessment of lateral heat production, inflammation, and instrument performance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Incisions were made in the palatal mucosa of 42 Wistar rats using a scalpel, electrocautery instrument, or radiofrequency instrument. Postoperative hemostasis, tissue coagulation, and tissue sticking were measured, and pain evaluation through weight loss was recorded. Gingival biopsy specimens from the surgical area were obtained at the time of surgery and 2, 4, 7, and 14 days postoperatively and were evaluated immunohistochemically for inducible nitric oxide synthase and heat shock protein 70. Kruskal-Wallis, 1-way analysis of variance, and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for statistical evaluation.

RESULTS

The rats in the electrosurgery and radiosurgery groups had aggressively greater weight loss when compared with the scalpel group in the first 7 days. Hemostasis was better in the electrocautery group, tissue coagulation was greater in the radiofrequency group (P < .001), and tissue sticking was lesser in the scalpel group (P < .001) compared with the other groups. Inducible nitric oxide synthase expression and heat shock protein 70 expression were similar in all 3 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Electrosurgery performed better regarding hemostasis, whereas a scalpel was superior in terms of tissue sticking and tissue coagulation. Radiosurgery was superior regarding hemostasis when compared with a conventional scalpel, but it was not as successful as electrosurgery.

Changes in expression of monocarboxylate transporters, heat shock proteins and meat quality of Large White Yorkshire and Ghungroo pigs during hot summer period

OBJECTIVE

Present study explores the effect of hot summer period on the glycolytic rate of early post-mortem meat quality of Ghungroo and Large White Yorkshire (LWY) pig and comparative adaptability to high temperature between above breeds by shifting the expression of stress related genes like mono-carboxylate transporters (MCTs) and heat shock proteins (HSPs).

METHODS

Healthy pigs of two different breeds, viz., LYW and Ghungroo (20 from each) were maintained during hot summer period (May to June) with a mean temperature of about 38°C. The pigs were slaughtered and meat samples from the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscles were analyzed for pH, glycogen and lactate content and mRNA expression. Following 24 h of chilling, LD muscle was also taken from the carcasses to evaluate protein solubility and different meat quality measurements.

RESULTS

LWY exhibited significantly (p<0.01) higher plasma cortisol and lactate dehydrogenase concentration than Ghungroo indicating their higher sensitivity to high temperature. LD muscle from LWY pigs revealed lower initial and ultimate pH values and higher drip loss compared to Ghungroo, indicating a faster rate of pH fall. LD muscle of Ghungroo had significantly lower lactate content at 45 min postmortem indicating normal postmortem glycolysis and much slower glycolytic rate at early postmortem. LD muscle of LWY showed rapid postmortem glycolysis, higher drip loss and higher degrees of protein denaturation. Ghungroo exhibited slightly better water holding capacity, lower cooking loss and higher protein solubility. All HSPs (HSP27, HSP70, and HSP90) and MCTs (MCT1, MCT2, and MCT4) in the LD muscle of pigs inclined to increase more in Ghungroo than LWY when exposed to high temperature.

CONCLUSION

Effect of high temperature on the variation of HSPs and MCTs may play a crucial role in thermal tolerance and adaptation to different climatic conditions, pH regulation, muscle acidification, drip loss, protein denaturation and also in postmortem meat quality development.

Sublethal Photothermal Stimulation with a Micropulse Laser Induces Heat Shock Protein Expression in ARPE-19 Cells

Purpose/Aim of the Study. Subthreshold micropulse diode laser photocoagulation is an effective treatment for macular edema. The molecular mechanisms underlying treatment success are poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated the effects of sublethal laser energy doses on a single layer of densely cultured ARPE-19 cells as a model of the human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Materials and Methods. A single layer of densely cultured human ARPE-19 cells was perpendicularly irradiated with a micropulse diode laser. Nonirradiated cells served as controls. Sublethal laser energy was applied to form a photocoagulation-like area in the cultured cell layers. Hsp70 expression was evaluated using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemistry. Results. Photocoagulation-like areas were successfully created in cultured ARPE-19 cell layers using sublethal laser energy with our laser irradiation system. Hsp70 mRNA expression in cell layers was induced within 30 min of laser irradiation, peaking at 3 h after irradiation. This increase was dependent on the number of laser pulses. Hsp70 upregulation was not observed in untreated cell layers. Immunostaining indicated that Hsp70 expression occurred concentrically around laser irradiation sites and persisted for 24 h following irradiation. Conclusion. Sublethal photothermal stimulation with a micropulse laser may facilitate Hsp70 expression in the RPE without inducing cellular damage.

Neuron-Specific Enolase, S100 Calcium-Binding Protein B, and Heat Shock Protein 70 Levels in Patients With Intracranial Hemorrhage

The authors evaluated neuron-specific enolase (NSE), S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B), and heat shock protein 70 (HSP 70) levels and their relationships with in-hospital mortality, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores, and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores. In total, 35 patients older than 18 years were presented to our emergency department and were diagnosed with non-traumatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and 32 healthy controls were included. Blood samples were drawn on days 0 and 5. S100 calcium-binding protein B and HSP levels were significantly higher in patients than in controls on days 0 and 5. Neuron-specific enolase levels were higher in patients than in controls on day 0, but there was no significant difference on day 5. S100 calcium-binding protein B was negatively correlated with GCS, whereas it was positively correlated with NIHSS and bleeding volume. There was also a negative correlation between NSE and GCS, but it was not statistically significant. In addition, no significant correlation was found in terms of bleeding volume or NIHSS. Heat shock protein 70 was negatively correlated with GCS and positively correlated with bleeding volume and NIHSS, but these results were not statistically significant. S100 calcium-binding protein B and HSP 70 levels were significantly higher in those who died compared with survivors. The areas under the curve of S100 B, NSE, and HSP 70 for mortality were 0.635, 0.477, and 0.770, respectively. Neuron-specific enolase, S100B, and HSP 70 levels are simple, inexpensive, and objective measures in cases of ICH. These tests can be used to support an assessment for screening ICH patients with clinical scoring systems, such as GCS and NIHSS.

Acetyl salicylic acid protected against heat stress damage in chicken myocardial cells and may associate with induced Hsp27 expression

We investigated whether acetyl salicylic acid (ASA) protects chicken myocardial cells from heat stress-mediated damage in vivo and whether the induction of Hsp27 expression is connected with this function. Pathological changes, damage-related enzyme levels, and Hsp27 expression were studied in chickens following heat stress (40 ± 1 °C for 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, or 24 h, respectively) with or without ASA administration (1 mg/kg BW, 2 h prior). Appearance of pathological lesions such as degenerations and karyopyknosis as well as the myocardial damage-related enzyme activation indicated that heat stress causes considerable injury to the myocardial cells in vivo. Myocardial cell injury was most serious in chickens exposed to heat stress without prior ASA administration; meanwhile, ASA pretreatment acted protective function against high temperature-induced injury. Hsp27 expression was induced under all experimental conditions but was one-fold higher in the ASA-pretreated animals (0.3138 ± 0.0340 ng/mL) than in untreated animals (0.1437 ± 0.0476 ng/mL) 1 h after heat stress exposure, and such an increase was sustained over the length of the experiment. Our findings indicate that pretreatment with ASA protects chicken myocardial cells from acute heat stress in vivo with almost no obvious side effects, and this protection may involve an enhancement of Hsp27 expression. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying this effect require further investigation.

Quantitative proteomics of heat-treated human cells show an across-the-board mild depletion of housekeeping proteins to massively accumulate few HSPs

Classic semiquantitative proteomic methods have shown that all organisms respond to a mild heat shock by an apparent massive accumulation of a small set of proteins, named heat-shock proteins (HSPs) and a concomitant slowing down in the synthesis of the other proteins. Yet unexplained, the increased levels of HSP messenger RNAs (mRNAs) may exceed 100 times the ensuing relative levels of HSP proteins. We used here high-throughput quantitative proteomics and targeted mRNA quantification to estimate in human cell cultures the mass and copy numbers of the most abundant proteins that become significantly accumulated, depleted, or unchanged during and following 4 h at 41 °C, which we define as mild heat shock. This treatment caused a minor across-the-board mass loss in many housekeeping proteins, which was matched by a mass gain in a few HSPs, predominantly cytosolic HSPCs (HSP90s) and HSPA8 (HSC70). As the mRNAs of the heat-depleted proteins were not significantly degraded and less ribosomes were recruited by excess new HSP mRNAs, the mild depletion of the many housekeeping proteins during heat shock was attributed to their slower replenishment. This differential protein expression pattern was reproduced by isothermal treatments with Hsp90 inhibitors. Unexpectedly, heat-treated cells accumulated 55 times more new molecules of HSPA8 (HSC70) than of the acknowledged heat-inducible isoform HSPA1A (HSP70), implying that when expressed as net copy number differences, rather than as mere "fold change" ratios, new biologically relevant information can be extracted from quantitative proteomic data. Raw data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD001666.

A comparative study on the expression profile of MCTs and HSPs in Ghungroo and Large White Yorkshire breeds of pigs during different seasons

Thermal stress has a significant adverse effect on commercial swine production but it is not easy to measure. Animals may adapt to stress conditions by an alteration in the expression of stress-related genes such as heat shock proteins (HSPs) and monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs). The present study presents a comparative analysis of seasonally varied effects on the expression profiles of HSPs (27, 70, and 90) and MCTs (1, 2, and 4) transcripts in thigh muscle and colon tissue of Ghungroo and Large White Yorkshire (LWY) breeds of pig. By real-time polymerase chain reaction, the mRNA expression of HSP27 and HSP90 genes was found to be higher in both thigh muscle and colon tissue in Ghungroo compared to Large White Yorkshire pigs during the summer. However, the relative expression of HSP70 was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in Ghungroo compared to Large White Yorkshire pigs during both seasons in both thigh muscle and colon tissue. The expression of HSP90 was higher in Ghungroo when compared to LWY though the variation was non-significant (P > 0.05) in the colon during different seasons. However, in Ghungroo, the mRNA expression of MCT1 was found to be significantly (P < 0.05) higher in thigh muscle and colon regions during the summer compared to LWY, whereas MCT2 was expressed more in the colon in LWY compared to Ghungroo during the summer. The relative expression of mRNA of MCT4 was found to be significantly (P < 0.05) higher in thigh region in both summer and winter in Ghungroo compared with LWY. Thus, the study demonstrated that both HSPs and MCTs gene expression during thermal stress suggests the possible involvement of these genes in reducing the deleterious effect of thermal stress, thus maintaining cellular integrity and homeostasis in pigs. These genes could be used as suitable markers for the assessment of stress in pigs.

Overexpression of DNAJC12 predicts poor response to neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with rectal cancer

Genes associated with protein folding have been found to have certain prognostic significance in a subset of cancers. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical impact of DNAJC12 expression in patients with rectal cancers receiving neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) followed by surgery. Through data mining from a public transcriptomic dataset of rectal cancer focusing on genes associated with protein folding, we found that DNAJC12, a member of the HSP40/DNAJ family, was the most significant such gene correlated with the CCRT response. We further evaluated the expression of DNAJC12 by immunohistochemistry in the pre-treatment tumor specimens from 172 patients with rectal cancers. From this set, we statistically analyzed the association of DNAJC12 expression with various clinicopathological factors, tumor regression grade, overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and local recurrence-free survival (LRFS). High expression of DNAJC12 was significantly associated with advanced pre- and post-treatment tumor status (P<0.001), advanced pre- and post-treatment nodal status (P<0.001), increased vascular invasion (P=0.015), increased perineural invasion (P=0.023) and lower tumor regression grade (P=0.009). More importantly, high expression of DNAJC12 was found to be correlated with poor prognosis for OS (P=0.0012), DFS (P<0.0001) and LRFS (P=0.0001). In multivariate analysis, DNAJC12 overexpression still emerged as an independent prognosticator for shorter OS (P=0.040), DFS (P<0.001) and LRFS (P=0.016). The data indicate that DNAJC12 overexpression acts as a negative predictive factor for the response to neoadjuvant CCRT and was significantly associated with shorter survival in patients with rectal cancers receiving neoadjuvant CCRT followed by surgery.

Cellular responses and HSP70 expression during wound healing in Holothuria tubulosa (Gmelin, 1788)

Wound repair is a key event in the regeneration mechanisms of echinoderms. We studied, at the behavioural, cellular and molecular levels, the wound healing processes in Holothuria tubulosa after injuries to the body wall. The experiments were performed for periods of up to 72 h, and various coelomocyte counts, as well as the expression of heat shock proteins (HS27, HSP70 and HSP90), were recorded. Dermal wound healing was nearly complete within 72 h. In the early stages, we observed the injured animals twisting their bodies to keep their injuries on the surface of the water for the extrusion of the buccal pedicles. At the cellular level, we found time-dependent variations in the circulating coelomocyte counts. After injury, in particular, we observed a significant increase in spherule cells at 2.5 h post-injury. Using the western blot method, we observed and reported that the wounds produced, compared with controls, a significant increase in HSP27 and HSP70 expression in coelomocytes, whereas HSP70 was increased in scar tissue and HSP90 was increased only in cell-free coelomic fluid. These results highlight that the wounds were responsible for the stress condition with the induction of cellular and biochemical responses.

The role of ubiquitin ligases in cardiac disease

Rigorous surveillance of protein quality control is essential for the maintenance of normal cardiac function, while the dysregulation of protein turnover is present in a diverse array of common cardiac diseases. Central to the protein quality control found in all cells is the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS). The UPS plays a critical role in protein trafficking, cellular signaling, and most prominently, protein degradation. As ubiquitin ligases (E3s) control the specificity of the UPS, their description in the cardiomyocyte has highlighted how ubiquitin ligases are critical to the turnover and function of the sarcomere complex, responsible for the heart's required continuous contraction. In this review, we provide an overview of the UPS, highlighting a comprehensive overview of the cardiac ubiquitin ligases identified to date. We then focus on recent studies of new cardiac ubiquitin ligases outlining their novel roles in protein turnover, cellular signaling, and the regulation of mitochondrial dynamics and receptor turnover in the pathophysiology of cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac atrophy, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Protein Quality Control, the Ubiquitin Proteasome System, and Autophagy".

Spatial and temporal measurements of temperature and cell viability in response to nanoparticle-mediated photothermal therapy

Aim: Nanoparticle-enhanced photothermal therapy is a promising alternative to tumor resection. However, quantitative measurements of cellular response to these treatments are limited. This article introduces a Bimodal Enhanced Analysis of Spatiotemporal Temperature (BEAST) algorithm to rapidly determine the viability of cancer cells in vitro following photothermal therapy alone or in combination with nanoparticles. Materials & methods: To illustrate the capability of the BEAST viability algorithm, single wall carbon nanohorns were added to renal cancer (RENCA) cells in vitro and time-dependent spatial temperature maps measured with an infrared camera during laser therapy were correlated with post-treatment cell viability distribution maps obtained by cell-staining fluorescent microscopy. Conclusion: The BEAST viability algorithm accurately and rapidly determined the cell viability as a function of time, space and temperature.

Original submitted 13 July 2011; Revised submitted 12 March 2012; Published online 20 July 2012

Heat stress induces epithelial plasticity and cell migration independent of heat shock factor 1

Current cancer therapies including cytotoxic chemotherapy, radiation and hyperthermic therapy induce acute proteotoxic stress in tumour cells. A major challenge to cancer therapeutic efficacy is the recurrence of therapy-resistant tumours and how to overcome their emergence. The current study examines the concept that tumour cell exposure to acute proteotoxic stress results in the acquisition of a more advanced and aggressive cancer cell phenotype. Specifically, we determined whether heat stress resulted in an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and/or the enhancement of cell migration, components of an advanced and therapeutically resistant cancer phenotype. We identified that heat stress enhanced cell migration in both the lung A549, and breast MDA-MB-468 human adenocarcinoma cell lines, with A549 cells also undergoing a partial EMT. Moreover, in an in vivo model of thermally ablated liver metastases of the mouse colorectal MoCR cell line, immunohistological analysis of classical EMT markers demonstrated a shift to a more mesenchymal phenotype in the surviving tumour fraction, further demonstrating that thermal stress can induce epithelial plasticity. To identify a mechanism by which thermal stress modulates epithelial plasticity, we examined whether the major transcriptional regulator of the heat shock response, heat shock factor 1 (HSF1), was a required component. Knockdown of HSF1 in the A549 model did not prevent the associated morphological changes or enhanced migratory profile of heat stressed cells. Therefore, this study provides evidence that heat stress significantly impacts upon cancer cell epithelial plasticity and the migratory phenotype independent of HSF1. These findings further our understanding of novel biological downstream effects of heat stress and their potential independence from the classical heat shock pathway.

DNAJC25 is downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma and is a novel tumor suppressor gene

HSP40, also known as DnaJ, is one of the subfamilies of the heat shock protein family. DnaJ/Hsp40 proteins act as co-chaperones by binding to the chaperone Hsp70 through their J domain and stimulating ATP hydrolysis to aid protein translation, folding, unfolding, translocation and degradation. They are implicated in various human diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. In the present study, we cloned and identified a new gene, DnaJ (HSP40) homolog, subfamily C, member 25 (DNAJC25), which is localized to the cytoplasm. Real-time PCR revealed that the expression of DNAJC25 is particularly high in the liver and is down-regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) compared with adjacent normal tissues. The overexpression of DNAJC25 led to an inhibition of colony growth both in quantity and size. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that DNAJC25 also significantly increased cell apoptosis. Our data, therefore, indicate that DNAJC25 plays an important role in hepatocellular carcinogenesis, and should be further studied as a potential tumor suppressor candidate.

Modulation of heat shock protein response in SH-SY5Y by mobile phone microwaves

AIM

To investigate putative biological damage caused by GSM mobile phone frequencies by assessing electromagnetic fields during mobile phone working.

METHODS

Neuron-like cells, obtained by retinoic-acid-induced differentiation of human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, were exposed for 2 h and 4 h to microwaves at 1800 MHz frequency bands.

RESULTS

Cell stress response was evaluated by MTT assay as well as changes in the heat shock protein expression (Hsp20, Hsp27 and Hsp70) and caspase-3 activity levels, as biomarkers of apoptotic pathway. Under our experimental conditions, neither cell viability nor Hsp27 expression nor caspase-3 activity was significantly changed. Interestingly, a significant decrease in Hsp20 expression was observed at both times of exposure, whereas Hsp70 levels were significantly increased only after 4 h exposure.

CONCLUSION

The modulation of the expression of Hsps in neuronal cells can be an early response to radiofrequency microwaves.