Measuring quantitative proteomic distance between Spanish beef breeds

Estimates of quantitative proteomic distance between populations have not been reported to date. Here, quantitative proteomic distances between three Spanish bovine breeds (Asturiana de los Valles, AV; Retinta, RE; and Rubia Gallega, RG) were estimated from two-dimensional electrophoresis profiles of meat samples of longissimus thoracis muscle at 2 h post-mortem. Statistically significant distances were detected between AV/RG and the most genetically different RE breed, using the novel QD measure of quantitative proteomic distance. In total, 18 differentially abundant myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic proteins/isoforms contributing to proteomic distances between breeds were confidently identified by tandem mass spectrometry. The fast skeletal myosin regulatory light chain 2 followed by other five interacting proteins exhibited the most pronounced relative change between breeds. In addition, most differentially represented proteins could be associated with variations in meat tenderness. Therefore, they could be candidate biomarkers for molecular breeding programs and authentication of the three Spanish beef breeds.

Cardiac safety of docetaxel/cyclophosphamide/trastuzumab (DCH) as adjuvant therapy for HER-2 (+) early stage breast cancer

e11577

Background: The addition of trastuzumab to adjuvant chemotherapy is standard for Her2(+) breast cancer. In our practice, adjuvant docetaxel/cyclophosphamide (DC) + 1 yr of trastuzumab is offered to pts with low-risk Her2(+) disease. Although the HERA trial allowed the use of a variety of chemotherapy regimens to combine with trastuzumab, it predates the acceptance of DC as an adjuvant care-standard and therefore the safety profile of DCH has not been reported. Methods: We conducted a two-center, retrospective cohort study including all pts treated with adjuvant DCH between 12/06 and 3/08 to assess its safety profile. Using the CTCAE criteria, records were screened for toxicity from DCH initiation to the present. The primary outcome was cardiac toxicity defined as clinical CHF or a confirmed significant LVEF decline (≥ 16% decrease in EF from baseline or EF < 50% + ≥ 10% decrease from baseline). Results: 27 pts, mean age 54, were identified with a median follow-up of 23.4 months (range 12.2- 42.0 months). The mean tumor size was 1.4 cm (0.5–4.3 cm) with 84% hormone receptor(+), 96% node(-) and 100% Her2(+) by FISH or IHC. 52% of pts received DCH concurrently and 48% received trastuzumab following DC. Baseline mean EF was 65% (53–86%). EF assessments were performed every 3 months/pt. 7.4% and 11.1% of pts had a prior history of anthracycline exposure or cardiac disease respectively. 11.1% of pts experienced a significant LVEF decline occurring on ≥ 2 sequential EF measurements. The trastuzumab discontinuation rate was 3.7% (1 pt). No pt developed clinical CHF. 88% of pts have now completed trastuzumab therapy. 33% of pts received pegfilgrastim with chemotherapy. 25% of pts experienced grade III-IV neutropenia. Grade III-IV anemia and thrombocytopenia were not observed. Trastuzumab-related infusion reactions were observed in 1 pt and did not warrant drug discontinuation. At this time all pts are alive and no patient has experienced disease recurrence. Conclusions: The DCH regimen, given in sequence or concomitantly, appears to be a safe and effective adjuvant treatment for women with Her2(+) disease. Along with docetaxel/carboplatin/trastuzumab, DCH represents another acceptable non-anthracycline containing regimen for low-risk, Her2(+) pts.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Prevalence of mutations in TSHR, GNAS, PRKAR1A and RAS genes in a large series of toxic thyroid adenomas from Galicia, an iodine-deficient area in NW Spain

OBJECTIVE

Toxic thyroid adenoma (TA) is a common cause of hyperthyroidism. Mutations in the TSH receptor (TSHR) gene, and less frequently in the adenylate cyclase-stimulating G alpha protein (GNAS) gene, are well established causes of TA in Europe. However, genetic causes of TA remain unknown in a small percentage of cases. We report the first study to investigate mutations in TSHR, GNAS, protein kinase, cAMP-dependent, regulatory, type I alpha (PRKAR1A) and RAS genes, in a large series of TA from Galicia, an iodine-deficient region in NW Spain.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Eighty-five TA samples were obtained surgically from 77 hyperthyroid patients, operated on for treatment of non-autoimmune toxic nodular goitre. After DNA extraction, all coding exons of TSHR, GNAS and PRKAR1A genes, and exons 2 and 3 of HRAS, KRAS and NRAS were amplified by PCR and sequenced. Previously unreported mutants were cloned in expression vectors and their basal constitutive activities were determined by quantification of cAMP response element (CRE)-luciferase activity in CO7 cells transfected with wild-type and mutant plasmids.

RESULTS

TSHR gene mutations were found in 52 (61.2%) samples, GNAS gene mutations in 4 (4.71%) samples and no PRKAR1A or RAS mutations were found. Only three previously unreported mutations were found, two affecting the TSHR, A623F and I635V, and one affecting the G-protein alpha-subunit (Gsalpha), L203P. All mutant proteins showed higher CRE-luciferase activity than their wild-type counterparts.

CONCLUSIONS

TA in a hyperthyroid population living in Galicia, a Spanish iodine-deficient region, harbours elevated frequencies of TSHR and GNAS mutations activating the cAMP pathway. However, the genetic cause of TA was undetermined in 34% of the TA samples.

Effect of long-term strength training on glucose metabolism. Implications for individual impact of high lean mass and high fat mass on relationship between BMI and insulin sensitivity

The aim of this study was to examine the independent effect of high lean mass on glucose metabolism, as well as its consequences on the classic relationship between BMI and insulin sensitivity (SI) in 3 groups: 1) 8 strength-trained males with BMI >27 kg/m2 (athletes); 2) 10 sedentary males with BMI >27 kg/m2 (obese); and 3) 12 sedentary males with BMI 22-25 kg/m2 (control). Body composition was measured with impedance analysis. Iv glucose tolerance test was performed at 09:00 h after overnight fast. Estimation of insulin sensitivity and glucose effectiveness by Minimal Model Approach. Plasma glucose and insulin determination by glucose-oxidase and RIA respectively. BMI and lean mass (LM) were greater in athletes than in controls, but there were no differences in fat mass (FM), basal glucose (Gb), basal insulin (Ib), glucose tolerance (Kg), SI, glucose effectiveness (Sg), acute insulin response to glucose (AIRG) and leptin. Obese showed greater FM, leptin, lb and AIRG than athletes, while SI was lower; BMI, LM, Gb, Kg and Sg were similar. BMI, FM, LM, Ib, AIRG and leptin were lower in controls than in obese, while SI index was greater; Gb, Sg and Kg were similar. We found that: 1) Resistance exercise does not modify glucose effectiveness, but can improve insulin sensitivity through FM reduction (LM augmentation alone has no effect on glucose metabolism); and 2) High BMI causes insulin resistance only if it depends on adipose tissue hypertrophy.

Effect of resistance exercise (body building) training on serum leptin levels in young men. Implications for relationship between body mass index and serum leptin

Available data about the influence of exercise on leptin level are controversial, and there are no studies concerning leptin levels in trained men with low fat mass plus large increase of muscle. 65 healthy young male matched for age were separated in three groups. 1) 25 non-professional body builders; 2) 21 mild overweight sedentary subjects; 3) 19 normal weight sedentary controls. Body composition was determined by bioelectrical impedance. Serum leptin was measured in duplicate by RIA.

STATISTICS

Student's t and Pearson's test. Athletes showed similar BMI than overweight subjects: 26.98+/-0.49 vs 27.12+/-0.41 but lower fat mass: 12.53+/-0.96 vs 16.16+/-1.01 % (p=0.0064) and lower leptin: 4.66+/-0.51 vs 7.31+/-0.76 microg/l (p=0.014). Athletes showed higher BMI than controls: 26.98+/-0.49 vs 23.08+/-0.30 (p<0.0001) but similar fat mass: 12.53+/-0.96 vs 12.48+/-0.73% and leptin: 4.66+/-0.51 vs 4.79+0.58 microg/l. Overweight subjects showed higher BMI than controls: 27.12+/-0.41 vs 23.08+/-0.30 (p<0.0001), higher fat mass: 16.16+/-1.01 vs 12.48+/-0.73% (p=0.0064) and higher leptin: 7.31+/-0.76 vs 4.79+/-0.589 microg/l (p=0.014). When leptin was calculated by fat mass no differences were observed between the three groups. There was a significant correlation between leptin and fat mass in all groups. Leptin correlated with BMI in overweight subjects (r=0.438, p=0.0463), but this correlation was not observed either in athletes or in controls. In conclusion 1) regardless of the high BMI characteristic of body builders, no correlation was observed with leptin; 2) trained state induced by resistance exercise does not influence leptin production independently of variations in body composition.

[Differentiated carcinoma of the thyroid gland in an area of endemic goiter. Clinical study and prognostic correlation]

OBJECTIVE

Differentiated thyroid Carcinoma is a relatively frequent malignant neoplasia with three histologic types: papillary, follicular, and Hürtle cell carcinoma. Although papillary is the most common type, in endemic goitre areas the frequency of follicular type increases. Up to now, the only European studies about clinical aspects of differentiated thyroid carcinoma in endemic goitre areas are those performed in the Bavarian region until 1983. As the province of Orense (assistance zone concerning to the Hospital Virgen del Cristal) is a zone of endemic goitre, we have analyzed clinical presentation features and prognostic correlation factors in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma living in this area.

DESIGN

Retrospective study. Variables analyzed: 1) Age. 2) Sex. 3) Histologic type. 4) Tumor size. 5) Stage. 6) Presence of multinodular goitre. 7) Posttherapeutic disease persistence. 8) Recurrence. 9) Distant metastases. 10) Death attributed to thyroid carcinoma.

PATIENTS

61 cases of differentiated thyroid carcinoma, detected from 1983 to 1993. Mean follow-up period: 5 years (minimum 1, maximum 21). All patients were treated with total thyroidectomy followed by radioiodine ablation.

RESULTS

67.2% of papillary, 31.2% of follicular and 1.6% of Hürtle cell carcinoma. Male/female ratio: 1/4. Mean age: 48.8 +/- 2.9 (M +/- ESM) in papillary and 55 +/- 3.2 in follicular. Tumor size was smaller in papillary: 2.2 +/- 0.2 vs 6.2 +/- 0.5 cm (p < 0.001). Papillary type was detected more frequently than follicular in stages I, II and III, whereas follicular prevailed in stage IV (p < 0.03). Positive correlation between age and size in papillary: r = 0.393 (p < 0.01) and similar tendency in follicular: r = 0.423 (p = 0.057). Multinodular goitre was more frequent in follicular: 47% vs 25% (p = 0.02). Free of disease cases after treatment: 81% of papillary (p < 0.05) and 42% of follicular. Stage correlated independently with disease persistence after treatment (p = 0.0006). Age was minor in free of disease group: 50.0 +/- 3.8 vs 65.3 +/- 3.8 (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

In our area, papillary is the most common type, but follicular proportion is higher than reported from non endemic goitre areas. PC is a small tumor detected in stage I, whereas FC is large and detected in stage IV. Tumor stage is an independent prognostic factor. Frequent presence of multinodular goitre in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma suggests that in zones of endemic goitre, clinical attitude in multinodular goitre and solitary nodule must be similar.

Light and electron microscopic immunocytochemical localization of two major proteins in garlic bulb

Garlic is known as a potent spice and a medicine with broad therapeutic properties ranging from antibacterial to anticancer, antidiabetic, and anticoagulant. Two major proteins of 40 KD and 14 KD constituting approximately 96% of total garlic proteins have been recently purified at our Institute. This immunocytochemical and ultrastructural study revealed that the 40 KD protein was localized in the parenchyma sheath cells (PSC) of garlic bulbs, whereas the 14 KD protein was present in the cortical cells (CC). Immunogold electron microscopy study indicated that the 40 KD protein was specifically localized in the globular granules of the cytoplasmic area of PSC. Each globular granule was amorphous and homogenous with membrane limiting its outermost layer. The yellowish color of PSC in freshly cut slices of garlic bulb suggested that PSC may have sulfur-containing compounds such as allicin, the primary contributor of the pungency and medicinal properties of garlic. Ellman's reagent test quantitatively revealed that there were 17.8 n moles sulfhydryl (SH)/ml of 40 KD garlic protein. Microtubule tubulin in mitotic figures from PHA-stimulated human short-term whole blood cultures reacted strongly with antitubulin antibody but reacted negatively with anti-40 KD garlic protein antibodies and therefore was not related to the 40 KD garlic protein immunocytochemically.