Effects of donor age and reproductive history on developmental potential of ovum pickup oocytes in Japanese Black cattle (Wagyu)

The objectives of this study were to analyze the (1) effects of donor age and multiparity on development of in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryos after ovum pickup (OPU), (2) effects of repeated and consecutive OPU-IVF procedures on embryo development, and (3) embryo production from OPU-IVF in donors with differing embryo yields after multiple ovulation and embryo transfer technology (MOET) in Japanese Black cattle (Wagyu). Donors were pre-treated with low-dosage follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH; 200 IU total), and oocytes were collected via OPU and fertilized by IVF to generate blastocysts. The number of oocytes collected per OPU session per donor was lower in heifers (2-4 years old, 5.3 oocytes) than in primiparous and pluriparous cows (2-10 years old, 13.6-19.1 oocytes; P < 0.05). Rates of blastocyst development for oocytes from heifers (33.1%) were lower than for those from cows (2-10 years old, 44.1-54.3%; P < 0.05), and average blastocyst yield/OPU/animal was lower in heifers (3.7) than in 5-6 years old cows (10.1; P < 0.05). Donors undergoing five consecutive OPU-IVF sessions after low-dosage FSH showed similar oocyte retrieval (12.2-15.1 oocytes per OPU/animal), blastocyst development rates (35.6-45.0%), and embryo yield/OPU/animal (4.8-5.8; P > 0.05) across sessions. Additionally, embryo yield from OPU-IVF was significantly improved in animals with previous low embryo yield from MOET (5.9 vs. 2.6, respectively, P < 0.05). These results indicate that Wagyu cows with previous births can be more productive as OPU-IVF donors than heifers, and oocytes from donors undergoing to five consecutive OPU-IVF cycles are competent for embryo development without loss of embryo yield/OPU/animal. Moreover, OPU-IVF can be used for embryo production and breeding from all elite Japanese Black cattle, regardless of previous low embryo yield in routine MOET.

Overcoming the H4K20me3 epigenetic barrier improves somatic cell nuclear transfer reprogramming efficiency in mice

Epigenetic reprogramming during fertilization and somatic cell nuclear transfer (NT) is required for cell plasticity and competent development. Here, we characterize the epigenetic modification pattern of H4K20me3, a repressive histone signature in heterochromatin, during fertilization and NT reprogramming. Importantly, the dynamic H4K20me3 signature identified during preimplantation development in fertilized embryos differed from NT and parthenogenetic activation (PA) embryos. In fertilized embryos, only maternal pronuclei carried the canonical H4K20me3 peripheral nucleolar ring-like signature. H4K20me3 disappeared at the 2-cell stage and reappeared in fertilized embryos at the 8-cell stage and in NT and PA embryos at the 4-cell stage. H4K20me3 intensity in 4-cell, 8-cell, and morula stages of fertilized embryos was significantly lower than in NT and PA embryos, suggesting aberrant regulation of H4K20me3 in PA and NT embryos. Indeed, RNA expression of the H4K20 methyltransferase Suv4-20h2 in 4-cell fertilized embryos was significantly lower than NT embryos. Knockdown of Suv4-20h2 in NT embryos rescued the H4K20me3 pattern similar to fertilized embryos. Compared to control NT embryos, knockdown of Suv4-20h2 in NT embryos improved blastocyst development ratios (11.1% vs. 30.5%) and full-term cloning efficiencies (0.8% vs. 5.9%). Upregulation of reprogramming factors, including Kdm4b, Kdm4d, Kdm6a, and Kdm6b, as well as ZGA-related factors, including Dux, Zscan4, and Hmgpi, was observed with Suv4-20h2 knockdown in NT embryos. Collectively, these are the first findings to demonstrate that H4K20me3 is an epigenetic barrier of NT reprogramming and begin to unravel the epigenetic mechanisms of H4K20 trimethylation in cell plasticity during natural reproduction and NT reprogramming in mice.

Epigenetic dynamics of H4K20me3 modification during oocyte maturation and early reprogramming of somatic cell nuclear transfer goat embryos

OBJECTIVE

We examined the epigenetic dynamics of histone H4K20 trimethylation (H4K20me3), a repressive signature in heterochromatin, during goat oocyte meiosis and the reprogramming of somatic cell nuclear transfer (NT) embryos through the first three cell divisions.

METHODS

Following NT, oocytes were treated with parthenogenetic activation (PA), by 5 µM calcium ionophore A23187 for 5 min followed by incubation in 2.0 mM 6-dimethylaminopurine with 5 µg/mL cycloheximide for 4 h. NT embryos up to 8-celled stage were incubated with H4K20me3 antibody.

RESULTS

Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed the existence of a persistent H4K20me3 signature during oocyte maturation from germinal vesicle phase to metaphase I, anaphase I, telophase I, and metaphase II, with a gradual reduction in staining intensity. NT embryos at the 2-, 4- and 8-celled stage showed lower H4K20me3 intensity than PA and IVF embryos (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that NT embryos exhibit insufficient H4K20me3 modification compared with IVF and PA embryos during early reprogramming, suggesting the existence of a resistant memory of differentiated cell nuclear architecture. These findings help unravel the epigenetic mechanism of histone H4K20me3 in goat nuclear transfer reprogramming.

High-flow nasal cannula therapy for pediatric obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Heated and humidified high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy has been used to manage different respiratory conditions in pediatric patients. However, no review has summarized its efficacy for the management of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, and Google Scholar were searched for all types of studies assessing the efficacy of HFNC for pediatric OSA. We compared pre-treatment and post-treatment obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (OAHI), obstructive hypopnea index (OHI), obstructive apnea index (OAI), SPO2 nadir and SPO2 mean values in a random-effect meta-analysis model.

RESULTS

Six studies reporting data of 67 pediatric patients treated with HFNC were included. Most of the data were from one-time titration. Meta-analysis revealed a statistically significant reduction in OAHI with HFNC therapy (MD: 15.58 95% CI: 8.30, 22.86 I2=77% p=0.001). Similarly, pooled analysis revealed that both OHI (MD: 12.35 95% CI: 0.78, 23.92 I2=98% p=0.04) and OAI (MD: 7.54 95% CI: 2.10, 12.98 I2=79% p=0.007) were significantly reduced with HFNC treatment. Also, HFNC led to statistically significant improvement in SPO2 nadir values (MD: -8.17 95% CI: -10.40, -5.94 I2=21% p<0.00001) but it did not change the mean SPO2 values before and after treatment (MD: -0.85 95% CI: -1.94, 0.25 I2=52% p=0.13).

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence from a limited number of heterogeneous and uncontrolled titration studies indicates that HFNC improves OAHI and minimum oxygen saturation in pediatric patients with OSA. However, further research is required on the long-term efficacy and compliance of HFNC therapy with a focus on different pediatric age groups.

PKC inhibitors regulate stem cell self-renewal by regulating H3K27me3 and H3K9me3

Embryonic stem cell (ESC) research is critical to the scientific community, as their application in regenerative medicine can be widely beneficial. ESCs eventually withdraw from their self-renewal program and subsequently differentiate into specific cell lineages; however, the mechanisms regulating these processes remain unclear. PKC inhibition using 3-[1-[3-(dimethylamino) propyl]-5-methoxy-1H-indol-3-yl]-4-(1H-indol-3-yl)-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione (PKCi) is responsible for the derivation and maintenance of human, rat, and mouse ESCs, but the mechanism by which PKCi maintains stem cell self-renewal is poorly understood. By studying the PKCi stem cell (PKCi-mESC) transcriptome and epigenetic modification, we found the transcriptome of PKCi-mESC differed from 2i stem cells (2i-mESC), with 2010 up-regulated genes and 1784 down-regulated genes. Among them, genes related to core transcription factors, naïve-specific markers, and pluripotency are differentially expressed between the two stem cell lines. We analyzed epigenetic modification of PKCi-mESC and found the distribution of H3K27me3 signal was significantly reduced at transcription start sites (TSSs) throughout the genome and at differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Likewise, the H3K9me3 signal at TSSs throughout the genome was significantly reduced in PKCi-mESC, but the distribution on DEGs is reversed. Kdm4d and Kdm6a knockdown by RNA interference (RNAi) significantly altered the expression of genes related to self-renewal in PKCi-mESC. In conclusion, we revealed PKCi-mESC and 2i-mESC differentially express numerous genes, including stem cell-related genes. Furthermore, PKCi-mESC regulated gene expression through H3K27me3 and H3K9me3 modification, which maintained stem cell self-renewal capacity.

Adenosine diphosphate-ribosylation factor-like 15 can regulate glycolysis and lipogenesis related genes in colon cancer

This study was designed to investigate the potential key genes of ADP-ribosylation factor-like 15 (ARL15) regulating glycolysis and lipogenesis in colon cancer. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and immunohistochemistry were used to observe the expression of ARL15 in 10 normal colon tissues and 10 colon cancer tissues. Immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the expression position of ARL15 in normal human colorectal mucosa cells (FHC) and colon cancer cells (HCT116 and SW620) with a confocal microscope. The ARL15 plasmid and small interfering RNA (siRNA) were constructed. After transfection, the expression levels of glycolysis and lipogenesis regulatory enzymes and messenger RNA (mRNA) transcription of ARL15 in over-expressed and silenced colon cancer cells were detected by Western blotting and real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). High expression of ARL15 in colon cancer tissue and low expression in normal colon tissue, and all expression are in the cytosol. The expression position of ARL15 in the FHC, HCT116, and SW620 cells was consistent and mainly distributed in the cytosol. After the pCMV-3Tag-2-ARL15 plasmid was transfected in HCT116, the protein expressions of FASN, AKT, P-AKT, P-GSK, SREBP-1 (p125) (p<0.01), and AMPK (p<0.001) were higher than those in the control group. The mRNA transcription level of FASN, GSK, AMPKa1, and SREBP-1 gene was higher than control group after the over-expression of ARL15. After the ARL15-siRNA was transfected in HCT116, the protein expression levels of PKM2, PFK, FASN, AKT, P-AKT, P-GSK, and AMPK decreased compared with the control group, (p<0.05). The mRNA transcription level of FASN, GSK, AMPKα1 gene was lower than control group after the low-expression of ARL15 (p<0.05). After adding 2 μM JIB-04, ARL15 in HCT116 showed statistical differences compared with the control group at 12 h, 24 h and 36 h (p<0.05). After adding 2 μM JIB-04, the protein expression levels of AKT, p-GSK, FASN, AMPK and SREBP-1 in HCT116 cells decreased significantly after 24 h. It was also found that the expression levels of AKT, P-GSK, FASN, AMPK and SREBP-1 genes in the dose-adding group were significantly lower than those in the control group. In summary, ARL15 may promote the occurrence of colon cancer by increasing the expression of protein kinase B/AMP-activated protein kinase (AKT/AMPK) downstream regulatory enzymes for glycogenesis and lipogenesis. JIB-04 can target ARL15 and affect its expression as well as the expressions of glucose and lipid metabolity-related proteins in AKT and AMPK signaling pathways.

Efficient mutagenesis targeting the IFNAR1 gene in mice using a combination of Cas9 protein and dual gRNAs

We injected mouse zygotes with combinations of Cas9 protein, Cas9 mRNA, and two gRNAs targeting a single exon of type I interferon receptor (IFNAR1) to determine the gene targeting efficiencies. Cas9 protein produced on-target mutations more efficiently than Cas9 mRNA when each was used with a single gRNA, regardless of which gRNA was used. When Cas9 mRNA and Cas9 protein were co-injected, the on-target efficiency could reach 97.0% when both gRNAs were used, which was higher than when either gRNA was used alone (61.3% and 75.5%, respectively; P<0.05). Co-injection of Cas9 protein with both gRNAs produced the highest on-target mutation rate of any combination (100.0%). Most on-target mutations were deletions of 2 to 113 nucleotides, and there were few off-target mutations in mutant animals. The expression intensity of IFNAR1 was reduced in heterozygous IFNAR1 ^+/- mice (IF) and almost or completely absent in homozygous null IFNAR ^-/- mice compared with that in wild-type mice (IF and Western blot). When both gRNAs targeting IFNAR1 were used simultaneously with two gRNAs targeting FVII, the on-target editing efficiency on each gene was 96.8% and 85.5%, respectively. Co-injection of dual gRNAs and Cas9 protein is an efficient approach for IFNAR1 knockout and multi-gene editing in mice and may be applied in other animal models and breeding livestock.

Site specificity of blastocyst hatching significantly influences pregnancy outcomes in mice

Blastocysts hatch from the zona pellucida (ZP) to enable implantation into the uterine endometrial epithelium, but little is known regarding the effect of hatching sites on pregnancy outcomes. Murine hatching embryos were categorized into five groups based on initial trophectoderm projection (TEP)/ZP position corresponding to the inner cell mass center. In blastocysts (3.5 dpc) post-12 hours in vitro culture, TEP rates of A-site (44.4%) and B-site (38.6%) embryos were higher than those of C-site (12.5%) and D-site (3.1%) embryos, while the O-site (1.4%) was the lowest (P < .05). Post-ET A-site (55.6%) and B-site (65.6%) birth rates were higher than those of C-site embryos (21.3%) and controls (P < .05). Furthermore, live birth rate of B-site embryos remained higher than C-site embryos (68.8% vs 31.3%; P < .05) when both were transferred into the same recipients. Different TEP site blastocysts exhibited different implantation competences: the implantation rate of C-site embryos was lower than that of both A- and B-site groups (67.7% vs 84.3% and 83.2%, respectively; P < .05) at 2 days post-ET. C-site embryos also had a distinctly higher ratio of developmental defects (47.5%) than A- and B-site embryos (22.5% and 14.6%, respectively), with implantation failure mainly associated with poor birth rate, a finding corroborated by differential gene expression analysis such as LIF, LIFR, and S100a9. Surprisingly, acidified Tyrode's solution (AAH)-treated B-site blastocysts had a significantly increased birth rate (77.1%) than C-site (55.3%) and controls (43.4%). Site specificity and differential gene expression during embryo hatching can be applied in ART screening. More importantly, assisted hatching by AAH is effective and feasible for improving pregnancy and term development, particularly at the B-site, for humans and in animal husbandry.

Erratum: Azimuthal Anisotropy at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider: The First and Fourth Harmonics [Phys. Rev. Lett. 92, 062301 (2004)]

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.92.062301.

P–218 Analysis of the occurrence of microbial contamination in IVF culture system and the effect of microorganisms on embryo development and clinical outcomes

Study question

what is the source, prevalence, and influence of microbial contamination on in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer (ET) cycles?

Summary answer

Microbial contamination mainly occurs on Day 2, most caused by Escherichia coli carried with semen. ICSI could prevent contamination effectively and get good clinical outcomes.

What is known already

Microbial contamination occurs in IVF-ET system occasionally, which is hard to stop happening. The IVF culture system and laboratory environment, the patients’ follicular fluid and semen are not absolutely sterile, while the antibiotics in culture medium isn’t effective for all microbe types, and the artificial operations may bring in microbes. Generally, microbial contamination leads to degradation of embryos, reduction the number of embryos available, and infection of female reproductive tract, which would increase the cost of patients’ time, money, and bring psychological damages. A better understanding of embryo contamination in IVF culture system is of added value.

Study design, size, duration

A total of 29583 IVF-ET cycles were enrolled in this prospective observational study, from January 2010 to December 2020, included 70 microbial contamination cycles discovered in Day1-Day3 (D1-D3) of in vitro culture. Follicular fluid and semen saved on oocyte retrieval day, and culture medium contaminated were examined and identified for microorganisms at each contamination cycle.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Compared the contamination rate of different insemination methods (IVF/ICSI/IVF+ICSI), different in vitro culture days (D1-D3), and different samples examination (follicular fluid, semen, culture medium) respectively, identified the source of microorganism types, compared the IVF culture outcomes and clinical outcomes between total contamination group (TC group, 42 cases) and partial contamination group (PC group, 28 cases).

Main results and the role of chance

A total of 70 microbial contamination cases occurred in 29583 oocyte retrieving cycles (0.24%), and it was observed only in IVF embryos but never in ICSI (Intracytoplasmic sperm injection) embryos. 38 contamination cases occurred on D2 with a highest ratio (54.3%) compared to D1 (32.9%) and D3(12.9%); Compared with follicular fluid, semen was the main cause inducing contamination from D1 to D3, and Escherichia coli in semen and culture medium, Enterococcus faecalis in follicular fluid proved to be the most common sources. Compared with TC group, the PC group showed a lower rate of No-available embryos (21.4% vs 81.0%) and a higher rate of blastocyst formation (41.2% vs 28.6%), In addition, the clinical pregnancy rate of PC group was higher than that of TC group in both fresh and frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles (31.3% vs 16.7%, 38.5% vs 0.0%).

Limitations, reasons for caution

Further study is still necessary to better understand the sources that induce microbial contamination embryos, and more efficient methods are required to remove the microbes on these contaminated embryos so as better develop and manage a sterile micro-environment for successful embryo growth.

Wider implications of the findings: The differential embryonic microbe types associated to different IVF culture and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing IVF-ET might have profound implications for understanding the microbial sources and making a better management of IVF culture system.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

POS0664 A MULTICENTER RANDOMIZED STUDY IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS TO COMPARE IGURATIMOD, METHOTREXATE, OR COMBINATION: 52 WEEK EFFICACY AND SAFETY RESULTS OF THE SMILE TRIAL

Background:

Iguratimod (IGU) has demonstrated efficacy and safety for active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in double-blind clinical trials in China and Japan as a new disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD). There are no studies evaluating the radiographic progression of structural joint damage of IGU for the treatment of RA using the mTSS as the primary endpoint.

Objectives:

Our study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of IGU monotherapy and IGU combined methotrexate (MTX) compared with MTX monotherapy, including the inhibitory effects of joint destruction.

Methods:

This randomized, double-blind, parallel-controlled, multicenter study in patients with active RA who have not previously used MTX and biological DMARDs (bDMARDs) (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01548001) was carried out in China. Patients were randomized 1:1:1 to receive IGU 25 mg twice a day (bid), MTX 10mg once a week(qw) for the first 4 weeks and 15 mg once a week(qw) for week 5 to 52, or IGU combined MTX (IGU+MTX) for 52 weeks. The primary endpoints were to assess and compare American College of Rheumatology 20% (ACR20) response and the change of modified total Sharp scoring (mTSS) score over 52 weeks (Intention-to-treat, ITT analysis). The non-inferiority test was used to analyze the difference of ACR20 response at 52 weeks between the IGU monotherapy and the MTX monotherapy arms, and the non-inferiority limit value was 10%. The difference test was used for the comparison between the IGU+MTX and MTX monotherapy arms. Two-way ANOVA was used to analyze the difference of the changes of mTSS score of each arm compared with baseline value (0 week).

Results:

A total of 895 patients were randomized to IGU 25mg bid (n =297), MTX 10-15mg qw(n=293), and IGU+MTX (n=305). Baseline characteristics were comparable between the arms (Table 1).

Table 1.

Demographic and Other Baseline Characteristics (SAS)

IGUMTXIGU+MTXNumber of Subjects297293305Age, mean (SD) years46.87(10.67)47.63(10.70)48.37(10.69)Female/male, %77.44/22.5679.18/20.8278.03/21.97Duration of RA, mean(SD) years11.67±7.1611.60±7.9811.67±7.27CRP, mean(SD) mg/L222.32±35.4720.67±26.6119.74±31.38Tender joint count, mean (SD)14.59±9.1614.83±9.3014.93±9.88Swollen joint count, mean (SD)9.81±6.639.73±7.209.51±6.22DAS28-CRP, mean (SD)5.084±0.9945.102±0.9795.103±0.956HAQ score, mean (SD)15.82±11.2515.24±10.9316.06±10.92

SAS: Safety Analysis Set; CRP: C-reactive protein;

DAS28: disease activity score; HAQ: Health Assessment Questionnaire

The study met its primary endpoints. More concretely, IGU monotherapy and IGU+MTX were found to be superior to MTX at week 52 with a higher ACR20 response of 77.44%(230/297, P=0.0019) and 77.05%(235/305, P=0.0028) versus 65.87%(193/293) (fig 1). As shown in fig 1, the structural remission (ΔmTSS≤0.5) was statistically significant for IGU monotherapy (57.4%, P=0.0308) but not for IGU+MTX arm (55%) versus MTX monotherapy (47.8%).

Overall incidence of the adverse events (AEs) leading to study discontinuation were reported in 13.8% (41/297) in IGU monotherapy arm, 11.26% (33/293) in MTX monotherapy arm and 11.51% (35/305) patients in IGU+MTX arm. The incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADR) leading to study discontinuation were 11.45% (34/297), 8.53% (25/293) and 9.21% (28/305), respectively. There was no one death and no significant difference in all the safety indicators among the three arms.

Conclusion:

Iguratimod alone or in combination with MTX demonstrated superior efficacy with acceptable safety compared to MTX for patients with active RA who have not previously used MTX bDMARDs.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

[FibroTouch diagnostic efficiency and influencing factors for liver fibrosis in autoimmune liver diseases]

FibroTouch (FT) has been used widely in clinic. Studies of the FT diagnostic efficiency and influencing factors of liver stiffness measurement (LSM) of liver fibrosis in autoimmune liver diseases (AILD) have shown that FT has a good diagnostic efficiency and accuracy, especially in AIH. However, for patients with primary biliary cholangitis and overlap syndrome of autoimmune hepatitis, FT results should be vigilant. In addition, the diagnostic efficiency of FT. Notably, when using FT to diagnose AILD, the value of elastic stiffness depends on five influencing factors, such as, age, total bile acid, international standardized ratio, FIB-4 index, and prothrombin time.

Methyl-CpG-binding domain 3 (Mbd3) is an important regulator for apoptosis in mouse embryonic stem cells

Methyl-CpG-binding domain 3 (Mbd3) is a core repressor complex component. Although Mbd3 is required for the pluripotency of embryonic stem cells (ES), the role of Mbd3 in mouse ES (mES) cell apoptosis remains undefined. In this study naïve-state mES were derived and maintained in the presence of a selective protein kinase C pathway inhibitor (PKCi; Gӧ6983) to study the function of Mbd3 during mES apoptosis. Mbd3 overexpression in mES decreased the total cell number and viability, and it also dramatically increased the rate of apoptosis. Further investigation of Mbd3 overexpression revealed a 3-fold increase in the proapoptotic/prosurvival protein ratio (Bax/Bcl-2) and elevated RNA expression levels of apoptosis-related genes, including Bim, Trail, Fasl, and caspase 3, with reduced Bcl-2 RNA expression levels. Removal of PKCi from the mES cell culture resulted in upregulated Mbd3 expression and apoptosis, similar to the effects of Mbd3 overexpression. Furthermore, specific knockdown of endogenous Mbd3 partially rescued the mES apoptosis induced by the removal of PKCi, thus increasing the total cell number and viability while decreasing the rate of apoptosis. Additionally, Bax, Bim, Trail, and caspase 3 RNA expression levels were partially reduced, and that of Bcl-2 was partially increased. Our findings support Mbd3 as a pivotal regulator of apoptosis in mES.

Combined treatment with cysteamine and leukemia inhibitory factor promotes guinea pig oocyte meiosis in vitro

The guinea pig is an excellent but underused animal model due to its reproductive biology, which poses difficulties in inducing superovulation, embryo manipulation in vitro, and embryo transfer. We examined the effects of cysteamine (Cys), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), and Y27632 on guinea pig oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM). Cumulus-oocyte complexes were collected from antral follicles and classified into three different types before IVM. Among type I oocytes, maturation rates to metaphase II (MII) were similar in basal maturation medium and medium supplemented with Cys or LIF (39.5-40.9%), but combined Cys and LIF treatment increased the MII rate to 61.8%. Supplementation with Y27632 alone or in combination with Cys and LIF dramatically reduced the MII rate (27.7-29.7%). Similar trends were observed for type II oocytes, although their overall MII rate was lower than that of type I oocytes. The MII rate was higher among oocytes collected from 2-month-old guinea pigs compared with those from 4-month-old guinea pigs (56.5 vs. 44.8%). The optimal IVM duration was 24 h (52.5%), as 36 or 48 h of IVM reduced the MII rate (32.8-42.5%). Furthermore, Y27632 reduced the presence of microfilaments in oocytes. These findings indicate that combined supplementation of maturation medium with Cys and LIF, but not Y27632, improves the maturation efficiency of guinea pig oocytes. This study provides an important scientific basis for further efforts toward guinea pig in vitro fertilization, cloning, and gene editing by establishing an animal model for human reproduction and related diseases.

Deriving rabbit embryonic stem cells by small molecule inhibitors

We previously developed pluripotent rabbit embryonic stem cells (rbES) using a culture system supplemented with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), noggin and Y-27632 (referred to as iFLY). In present work, we explored multiple approaches to enhance the chance of deriving domed pluripotent rbES cells by inhibition of MEK, GSK, and PKC signaling pathways. Domed stated rbES were derived in defined medium supplemented with 15% KOSR, 10³ IU/mL mouse LIF, 10 ng/mL bFGF and three inhibitors to the MEK (PD0325901, 1 µM), GSK3 (CHIR99021, 3 µM) and PKC (Gö6983, 5 µM) (3i). Domed rbES were passaged every 3-4 days till passage 3-4 for the designated experiments. We showed that bFGF and LIF are indispensable for the derivation and maintenance of rbES; whereas the 3i medium containing inhibitors to the MEK (PD0325901), GSK3 (CHIR99021) and PKC (Gö6983) were necessary for deriving domed rbES. Domed rbES possessed naïve ES markers as Rex1 and ERAS in addition to Oct4, Klf4, Sox 2 and c-myc by RT-PCR. Domed rbES showed positive staining for Rex1, Fgf4, Klf4, Nanog and Oct4 by immunofluorescence chemistry. Further deleting either one factor in 3i medium as CHIR99021, PD0325901, Gö6983 or bFGF resulted in disappearing of domed rbES colonies. The optimal concentrations of 3i contained 0.75 µM PD0325901, 2.25 µM CHIR99021, and 4.5 µM Gö6983. Our work, in combination of different inhibitors for deriving rabbit ES, supports that the network of signal pathways plays an important role in ES self-renew, propagation and maintenance, and sheds light on deriving authentic properties of rbES in an important yet understudied model animal species.

[Protective effect of carbon monoxide releasing molecules 2 on post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction in rats]

Objective: To investigate the protective effect of carbon monoxide releasing molecule 2 (CORM-2) on post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction in rats. Methods: Forty male SD rats which were healthy were randomly divided into 5 groups: sham operated group(sham group), cardiopulmonary resuscitation(PCR) group, DMSO group, inactivated CORM-2(iCORM-2) group and CORM-2 group (n=8 each). Established the model of post-cardiac arrest myocardial dysfunction by intravenous potassium chloride (4 ℃) injection combined with asphyxiation for 4 minutes and then followed by artificial chest compression for 3 minutes. Sham group: rats were instrumented with catheter without inducing cardiac arrest and resuscitation, and intraperitoneal injection of 0.9% normal saline (4 ml/kg) was performed 12 hours before catheterization. CPR group: rats were instrumented with catheters and underwent CPR, and intraperitoneal injection of 0.9% normal saline (4 ml/kg) was performed 12 hours before surgery.CORM-2 group: rats were instrumented with catheters and underwent CPR, intraperitoneally injected the prepared CORM-2 solution (4 mg/kg) at 12 hours before surgery. DMSO group: rats were instrumented with catheters and underwent CPR, intraperitoneally injected the prepared DMSO solution (4 ml/kg) at 12 hours before surgery. iCORM-2 group: rats were instrumented with catheters and underwent CPR, iCORM-2 solution (4 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected at 12 hours before surgery. Hemodynamic data (MAP, +dp/dtmax, -dp/dt) were continuously monitored and recorded for 4 hours after resuscitation (or catheterization) in each group. Myocardial tissue specimen and blood samples were taken after resuscitation (or catheterization). The myocardial ultrastructure was observed by transmission electron microscope. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity was measured by lactate-pyruvate method. Serum creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB) concentration was measured by ELISA. Western blot was used to detect the levels of Caspase-3, Caspase-9 and Cyt-C protein in myocardial tissue. Results: MAP, +dp/dtmax and -dp/dt at 0.5, 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours post resuscitation were significantly lower than those immediately after catheterization in CRP, DMSO, iCORM-2 groups (all P<0.05). MAP at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 4 hours post resuscitation were significantly lower in CRP, DMSO and iCORM-2 groups than those at respective time points in sham group (all P<0.05), while MAP was similar between CORM-2 group and Sham group at these time points (all P>0.05). +dp/dtmax and -dp/dt values at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 4 hours post resuscitation were lower than those at respective time points in sham group and significance was found at 0.5, 1 and 2 hours post resuscitation (both P<0.05), while +dp/dtmax and -dp/dt values were similar between CORM-2 group and sham group at various time points (all P>0.05). Myocardial ultrastructure, especially mitochondrial structural integrity was better preserved in the CORM-2 group than those in the other resuscitation groups at 4 hours after resuscitation. Serum LDH activity and CK-MB concentration were significantly elevated at 4 hours after resuscitation in the CPR group, DMSO group and iCORM-2 group than those in sham group (all P<0.01); CK-MB concentration was also higher in CORM-2 group than that in sham group,and LDH level was similar between CORM-2 group and sham group (P>0.05). Serum LDH activity and CK-MB concentrations were significantly lower in the CORM-2 group than those in the other resuscitation groups (all P<0.01). The myocardial expressions of Caspase-3, Caspase-9 and Cyt-C at 4 hours after resuscitation were significantly higher in the CPR group, DMSO group and iCORM-2 group than those in sham group; the myocardial expressions of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 were significantly higher in CORM-2 group than those in sham group (both P<0.05), while Cyt-C expression was similar between CORM-2 group and sham group. The expressions of the above 3 proteins were significantly lower in the CORM-2 group than those in the other resuscitation groups (all P<0.05). Conclusions: CORM-2 can effectively alleviate post-resuscitation myocardial injury in rats with cardiopulmonary resuscitation and improve cardiac function. Protecting myocardial mitochondria and inhibiting mitochondrial apoptosis pathway may serve as the protective mechanisms in this model.

Abstract P5-12-13: Changing level of serum heat shock protein 90 alpha as a diagnostic and predictive marker in breast cancer: Diagnosis of early breast cancer and prediction of response to neo-adjuvant and surgical therapy

To analyze the correlation of the level of serum heat shock protein 90α (HSP-90α) in healthy and breast cancer patients, studying the evaluation of neoadjuvant efficacy and Clinical value of relapse monitoring.

A total of 102 healthy women were selected, 51 cases of breast benign tumor ,423 cases of female breast cancer all diagnosed by pathology,other system malignancies 62 cases. ALL the serum samples HSP-90αwas detected by double-antibody ELISA. The CEA, CA125,CA15-3 were detected by Roche Cobas ECL analyzer. The ROC curve was used to analyze the effectiveness of serum HSP-90α in the early diagnosis of breast cancer. The dynamic changes of HSP-90αlevel before and after treatment were analyzed by Wilcoxon's rank test. Moreover, we also combine the HSP-90αwith CEA,CA125,CA15-3 to evaluate the clinical value of monitoring the recurrence of breast cancer.

The levels of serum HSP-90α (123.49 ± 105.1ng / ml) in breast cancer patients wes significantly higher than that in healthy controls (40.33 ± 14.18ng / ml), benign breast disease (80.15 ± 103.09ng / ml) and carcinoma in situ (34.7 ± (114.31 ± 146.91ng / ml),the difference was statistically significant (P &lt;0.001). .According to the ROC curve analysis of patients and healthy subjects, the cut-offvalue was set as HSP-90=59.7ng / ml, AUC=0.834, the sensitivity and specificity to diagnosis of breast cancer was 90.3% and 78.6% respectively ,the negative predictive value was 93.88%.The levels of serum HSP-90α was significantly decreased (P &lt;0.05) after tumor resection and the patients who obtain PR from the neoadjuvant chemotherapy. When HSP-90=43.22ng / ml was set as the cut-off value for diagnosing the recurrence of breast cancer, AUC=0.877,the sensitivity and specificity were 95.7% and 74.5% respectively, and the negative predictive value was 96.2%. At the same time, we find that combined HSP-90α with CEA, CA125, CA15-3 can improve the accuracy of recurrence prediction.

Serum HSP-90α has a good clinical diagnostic value in breast cancer and can be used as a recurrence monitoring tool for post-adjuvant treatment patients.

Citation Format: Hu N, Li M, Zhu A, Du F, Yuan P. Changing level of serum heat shock protein 90 alpha as a diagnostic and predictive marker in breast cancer: Diagnosis of early breast cancer and prediction of response to neo-adjuvant and surgical therapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-12-13.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement in atypical valve anatomy using the Lotus valve : A Chinese single-center experience

BACKGROUND

In the West, the safety and efficacy of the Lotus valve have been demonstrated; however, data in the Chinese population are still lacking. Few studies have compared the clinical outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with the Lotus valve in patients with bicuspid or tricuspid aortic valve stenosis. Our aim was to assess TAVR outcomes with the Lotus aortic valve in a Chinese patient cohort.

METHODS

In total, 23 symptomatic, high-surgical risk patients with severe aortic valve stenosis were enrolled. Among them, nine patients (39%) had bicuspid aortic valves, and three patients had a large annulus dimension. The Lotus valve was successfully implanted in all patients. To facilitate accurate positioning, partial re-sheathing was attempted in ten patients (43.5%), while one patient had a full retrieval. One-year clinical follow-up was completed in all patients.

RESULTS

There were no deaths, strokes, or major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events in 22 of the 23 patients at 30 days; the all-cause mortality rate at 1 year was 4.4% (1 of 23 patients). The mean aortic valve gradient decreased from 51.5 ± 8.8 mm Hg at baseline to 13.4 ± 4.9 mm Hg (p < 0.001) and the valve area increased from 0.6 ± 0.2 cm² to 1.5 ± 0.4 cm² (p < 0.001) at 30 days. Paravalvular leakage was absent or mild (22%), and no patient had severe paravalvular leakage. Six patients (26.1%) required a postprocedural pacemaker. There was no difference regarding the procedural and the 1‑year outcomes between patients with bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valve stenosis.

CONCLUSION

Our single-center experience demonstrated that the Lotus valve is feasible and effective for Chinese patients with aortic valve stenosis, including atypical cases with bicuspid aortic valves or large aortic annulus size.

A Review of Magnetic Particle Imaging and Perspectives on Neuroimaging

Magnetic particle imaging is an emerging tomographic technique with the potential for simultaneous high-resolution, high-sensitivity, and real-time imaging. Magnetic particle imaging is based on the unique behavior of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles modeled by the Langevin theory, with the ability to track and quantify nanoparticle concentrations without tissue background noise. It is a promising new imaging technique for multiple applications, including vascular and perfusion imaging, oncology imaging, cell tracking, inflammation imaging, and trauma imaging. In particular, many neuroimaging applications may be enabled and enhanced with magnetic particle imaging. In this review, we will provide an overview of magnetic particle imaging principles and implementation, current applications, promising neuroimaging applications, and practical considerations.

Dynamic patterns of H3K4me3, H3K27me3, and Nanog during rabbit embryo development

Epigenetic modification and expression of key pluripotent factors are critical for development, cell fate determination, and differentiation in early embryos. In this study, we systematically examined the dynamic patterns of histone modifications (H3K4me3 and H3K27me3) and Nanog expression during the development of preimplantation rabbit embryos. Rabbit oocytes, 1-, 2-, 4-, 8-, and 16-cell embryos, morulae, and blastocysts were collected at specific time points following superovulation and assessed for nuclear H3K4me3, H3K27me3, and Nanog expression by immunofluorescence microscopy. The frequency of H3K4me3-positive nuclear staining was highest in oocytes through 4-cell embryos (100%), decreased in 8-cell (97.2%) and 16-cell (94.4%) embryos (P > 0.05), declined dramatically in morulae (86.7%) (1- through 8-cell embryos vs morulae, P < 0.05), and was the lowest in blastocysts (76.2%) (P < 0.05). Nuclear staining of H3K27me3 was negative in oocytes and embryos through the 16-cell stage but was positive in 25.9% of morulae and 34.2% of blastocyst (P < 0.05). Similarly, rabbit oocytes and embryos through the 16-cell stage did not express Nanog, but Nanog was expressed in 24.9% of morulae and 36.5% of blastocysts (P < 0.05). The observed decrease in H3K4me3 and increase in H3K27me3 as development progressed in preimplantation rabbit embryos, together with late Nanog expression, indicates a correlation of these factors with early embryonic cell fate determination and differentiation. Our study provides a specific and dynamic profile of histone modifications and gene expression that will be important for the derivation of rabbit embryonic stem cells and improving rabbit cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer.

Generating Goat Mammary Gland Bioreactors for Producing Recombinant Proteins by Gene Targeting

Exogenous genes can be site-specifically integrated into the genomic DNA of animals by homologous recombination, generating transgenic animals. These animals have a clear hereditary background, although position effects of the exogenous genes and potential functional disruption of host genes can be caused by the genetic inserts. Therefore, the generation of mammary gland bioreactors via gene-targeting methods is a great asset for producing recombinant proteins in milk. Here, we describe a method of generating gene-targeted goats with the human alpha-lactalbumin gene (hα-LA) integrated into the beta-lactoglobulin gene (BLG) locus. The milk from these goats will be less allergenic and will be enriched with components of human milk protein.

Sex-specific aortic root anatomy in patients with bicuspid aortic valve undergoing TAVR in a Chinese cohort

Objectives

The aim of this study is to investigate the sex-specific aortic root anatomy in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV).

Patients and methods

This retrospective study includes 73 consecutive patients with BAV who underwent CT evaluation before transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) between July 2013 and April 2017 in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University.

Result

The size of the annulus, diameter and height of the sinotubular junction (STJ), height of the coronary artery ostia, and dimension of the aorta were measured. Women had significantly smaller annulus parameters (mean diameter: 23.4 ± 1.8 vs. 26.1 ± 2.1 mm; area: 425.3 ± 59.4 vs. 527.4 ± 84.6 mm²; perimeter: 74.3 ± 5.2 vs. 83.2 ± 6.4 mm), and STJ diameter (29.7 ± 3.1 vs. 32.6 ± 4.5 mm) than men (p < 0.01 for all), even after adjustment for their smaller body surface area (BSA). Dimension of aorta and height of right coronary artery were also significantly smaller in women, although not when indexing for the BSA. The left ventricular ejection fraction of women is significantly higher than that of men before discharge (60.2 ± 9.7% vs. 53.7 ± 13.6%, p = 0.01). There were no differences between women and men in the all-cause 30-day and 1‑year mortality.

Conclusion

Women with BAV had smaller annulus and STJ diameter after indexing for BSA, reflecting a sex-specific difference. There were no differences in 30-day and 1‑year mortality between the two groups.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00059-018-4740-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 maintains the propagation and characteristics of hair follicle stem cells

Hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) are an important source for skin tissue engineering studies and clinical applications. Here, we describe a differential enrichment approach to derive HFSCs from hair follicles of vibrissae and ear skin using the Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor Y-27632. In the presence of Y-27632, primary cultured hair follicle cells grew in clustered colonies surrounded by keratinocyte-like cells and simultaneously expressed three HFSC markers: CD34, K15, and ITGB1. HFSCs cultured in medium containing Y-27632 were presented at a stable ratio of 30.7%, 34.1%, and 32.9% after passages 5, 10, and 15, respectively. By contrast, in medium containing epidermal growth factor, clustered HFSC colonies disappeared after 6 passages and lacked HFSC marker expression. After withdrawal of Y-27632 from the medium, HFSCs rapidly differentiated into keratinocyte-like cells. Furthermore, HFSCs derived with Y-27632 formed spherical clusters in collagen matrix in vitro, differentiated into keratinocytes and adipose cells under in vitro induction conditions, and cooperated with fetal dermal cells to regenerate hair follicles in vivo 6 weeks after their intracutaneous injection into immune-deficient mice. These findings suggest that Y-27632 maintains the self-renewal and stemness characteristics of HFSCs during primary skin tissue culture followed by enrichment passaging and that HFSCs derived with Y-27632 possess the differentiation potentials important for tissue engineering and other clinical applications.

[Analysis of the factors affecting the efficacy of (131)I remnant ablation in patients after thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the influential factors of efficacy of the first (131)I ablation therapy for thyroid remnant in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) patients after thyroidectomy. Methods: Eighty-nine PTMC patients who underwent twice (131)I ablation therapy and (131)I whole body follow-up scan ((131)I-WBS) within 5 to 8 months in our department from September 2007 to October 2016 were identified and enrolled in present study. Patients were divided into complete-ablation group and uncomplete-ablation group according to whether or not radioactivity was detected at the thyroid bed in (131)I-WBS. The χ(2) test and multi-variance Binary logistic regression were performed for the factors which might affect the therapeutic efficacy. Results: The first (131)I ablation therapy was successful in 41 of 89 patients (46.07%). Residual thyroid weight was found to be associated with therapeutic efficacy (P<0.05), while gender, age, surgical method, lesions'maximum diameter, with or without LN metastasis, with or without distant metastasis, time of operation from first (131)I treatment, lesions'number, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroglobulin (Tg), the consistency of (131)I-WBS and (99)Tc(m)-pertechnatate, TNM stage, ATA risk, Tg/TSH ratio were not significant associated with therapeutic efficacy. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed in these respects and it indicated that residual thyroid weight and ATA risk were not statistically significant independent variable (P>0.05). Conclusions: Residual thyroid weight might affect efficacy of the first (131)I ablation therapy on thyroid remnant in PTMC patients after thyroidectomy, but it is not an independent factor. Multiple interrelated factors should be considered when predicting the efficacy of the first (131)I ablation therapy.

Plasma Na-K Atpase Inhibitor Activity and Intracellular Ions during Hemodialysis

We have investigated the relationship between plasma Na-K ATPase inhibitor activity (EDLS) and intracellular ions in 37 uremic hemodialysed hypertensive patients, and in 20 normotensive non uremic controls (NC). As compared with the NC population, significantly enhanced values for erythrocyte (RBC) Na, Ca, platelet cytosolic Ca and EDLS were observed in all the uremic patients tested just before a dialysis session, as well as a decrease in RBC Ca ATPase and in the platelet pH. In uremia, significant correlations have been noted between RBC Na and platelet Ca (r = 0.6) or systolic BP (r = 0.45); between platelet Ca and systolic blood pressure (r = 0.8) or diastolic BP (r = 0.5) and between EDLS and RBC Na, Ca or platelet Ca (r = 0.5). Anti-hypertensive treatment has no influence on these parameters. During dialysis, a significant decrease has been noted in RBC Na, Ca, platelet Ca, SBP (only in untreated patients) and EDLS and an increase in RBC Ca ATPase and platelet pH. These modifications are significantly correlated with the weight change.

[Preliminary clinical efficacy of percutaneous transcystic papilla balloon dilation for removing common bile duct stones]

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and preliminary efficacy of percutaneous transcystic papilla balloon dilation for the common bile duct stones. Methods: A total of 11 patients with the common bile duct stones without dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts treated with percutaneous transcystic papilla balloon dilation in multiple center from April 2013 to May 2015 were analyzed retrospectively.In these 11 patients, there were 3 males and 8 females.And the average age was 68(52-91) years old.All patients had no obviously dilated intrahepatic bile duct, 6 patients were not suitable for endoscopic treatment or surgery, 4 patients refused endoscopic or surgical treatment and 1 patient had a history of failed endoscopic treatment.The white blood cell count, CA19-9, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, AST, ALT and serum amylase level were recorded before the procedure, 1 week, and 1 month later.Early complications, such as cholangitis, pancreatitis, hemorrhage, and perforation were evaluated. Results: Technical success was achieved in all the 11 cases.The level of CA19-9, total bilirubin and direct bilirubin decreased significantly 1 week and 1 month after the procedure.One patient suffered from biliary tract infection.No severe complications, such as perforation of biliary or gastrointestinal tract, occurred during the follow up.Common bile duct stone recurred in 1 patient 2 years after the procedure. Conclusions: For cases who are not suitable for endoscopic treatment, surgery, or percutaneous transhepatic approach to treat the common bile duct stones, percutaneous transcystic papilla dilation is technically feasible and safe, and seems to be an appropriate alternative strategy.

Fabrication of HA/PEI-functionalized carbon dots for tumor targeting, intracellular imaging and gene delivery

Carbon quantum dots (CDs) as emerging carbon nano-materials have attracted tremendous attention in biomedical fields due to unique properties.

Efficient generation of FVII gene knockout mice using CRISPR/Cas9 nuclease and truncated guided RNAs

We investigated the effects of 5'-end truncated CRISPR RNA-guided Cas9 nuclease (tru-RGN, 17/18 nucleotides) on genome editing capability in NIH/3T3 cells, and its efficiencies on generating Factor VII (FVII) gene-knockout (KO) mice. In cultured cells, RGNs on-target editing activity had been varied when gRNAs was truncated, higher at Site Two (tF7-2 vs. F7-2, 49.5 vs. 30.1%) while lower in other two sites (Site One, tF7-1 vs.F7-1, 12.1 vs. 23.6%; Site Three, tF7-3 vs.F7-3, 7.7 vs 10.9%) (P < 0.05). Out of 15 predicated off-target sites, tru-RGNs showed significantly decreased frequencies at 5 sites. By microinjecting tru-RGN RNAs into zygotes, FVII KO mice were generated with higher efficiency at Site Two (80.1 vs. 35.8%) and Site One (55.0 vs 3.7%) (P < 0.05), but not at Site three (39.4 vs 27.8%) (P > 0.05) when compared with standard RGN controls. Knockout FVII mice demonstrated a delayed prothrombin time and decreased plasma FVII expression. Our study first demonstrates that truncated gRNAs to 18 complementary nucleotides and Cas9 nucleases, can effectively generate FVII gene KO mice with a significantly higher efficiency in a site-dependent manner. In addition, the off-target frequency was much lower in KO mice than in cell lines via RGN expression vector-mediated genome editing.

Diagnosis of latent tuberculosis by ELISPOT assay and tuberculin skin test

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in college students.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Four hundred and twenty newly admitted college students were enrolled. The Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSpot assay (ELISPOT) was used. Overall, 171 students with ELISPOT assay+/TST+ were monitored for three years to detect active TB disease.

RESULTS

The overall positive rate of ELISPOT assay was 40.7% among TST+ students. The ELISPOT positive rates were 36.9%, 45.4%, and 64.3% in groups of TST induration of 10-14mm, 15-20mm, and ≥20mm, respectively, with a significant difference (χ(2)=10.136, P<0.01) but no significant difference between BCG scar and no scar (41.2% vs. 38.8%; P>0.05). None of the 171 untreated students contracted active TB within the three-year monitoring period.

CONCLUSION

The LTBI rate might be overestimated by TST compared with interferon-γ release assays. On the basis of a close monitoring, few students developed active TB despite a positive result to the TST and ELISPOT assay.

Abstract P3-07-60: Impact of high SPARC expression of a primary tumor as a strong risk factor for disease recurrence and overall survival in patients with triple-negative breast cancer

Background: SPARC (secreted protein acidic and rich in cystein) is a secreted glycoprotein that interacts with extracellular matrix protein and acts as a regulator of critical cellular functions such as proliferation and cell migration. An increasing number of studies have shown altered expression of SPARC in several malignancies. However, the role of this potential biomarker in breast cancer development and progression is controversial. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is known for its poor prognosis and high recurrence probability. There is a need for prognostic biomarkers to guide treatment decisions for this subtype.

Objective: To explore the association between SPARC and the prognosis of triple-negative breast cancer.

Methods: In this study, a total of 211 samples of triple-negative breast lesions from 2004 to 2008 were collected in Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. SPARC expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry using an immunoreactive score (IRS) from patients with up to 10 years clinical follow-up data. The current study set out to examine both the expression of SPARC in primary tumor tissue and to demonstrate if a link existed between the levels of SPARC and the clinical outcome. Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate HRs and 95%CI, stratified on tumor grade, TNM stage, lymph node status and vascular invasion.

Results: High SPARC expression (IRS≥3) was observed in 52.1% of all primary tumors. Patients expressing low levels of SPARC had better disease-free survival (DFS) (HR=0.632, 95%CI:0.405-0.987, P = 0.044) as well as overall survival(OS)(HR=0.576, 95%CI:0.351-0.946, P = 0.029) compared to those with high SPARC expression levels.Furthermore, the presence of high SPARC expression was an independent prognostic factor for both DFS (HR=1.67, 95%CI:1.04-2.69, P=0.034) and OS(HR=1.77, 95%CI:1.04-3.01, P=0.037) of triple-negative breast cancer patients, stratified on tumor grade, TNM stage, lymph node metastasis and vascular invasion, with adjustment for age, hormonal status, tumor size, adjuvant radiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that the presence of higher SPARC expression could be an indicator of high aggressiveness and may be a strong prognostic factor for triple-negative breast cancer.

Citation Format: Zhu A, Yuan P, Du F, Ding X, Xu B. Impact of high SPARC expression of a primary tumor as a strong risk factor for disease recurrence and overall survival in patients with triple-negative breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-07-60.

Hyaluronic acid functionalized nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots for targeted specific bioimaging

Schematic illustration of the preparation of HA-CQDs (A) and the following bioimaging application (B).

Wogonin increases doxorubicin sensitivity by down-regulation of IGF-1R/AKT signaling pathway in human breast cancer

Currently drug resistance has remained a major challenge in successful breast cancer therapy. Wogonin, one of the active components of scutellaria baicalensis, has shown anticarcinogenic, chemopreventive, and immunoregulatory functions. The present study aimed to explore whether wogonin exerted synergistic cytotoxicity with doxorubicin in breast cancer. Our data indicated that wogonin inhibited the proliferation of breast cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Combined treatment with wogonin increased the doxorubicin sensitivity in breast cancer cells. Moreover, administration with wogonin alone or in combination with doxorubicin suppressed the expression of insulin like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) in Bcap-37 and MCF-7 cells. Incubation with insulin like growth factor (IGF) I or IGF-II promoted cell growth, which was reversed by wogonin co-administration. Mechanically, we found that down-regulation of IGF-1R diminished the chemosensitization role of wogonin in breast cancer. In addition, wogonin suppressed the phosphorylation levels of AKT and addition of AKT inhibitor abolished the synergistic cytotoxicity of wogonin and doxorubicin. Taken together, combined treatment with wogonin increased the doxorubicin sensitivity in breast cancer cells through regulation of IGF-1R/AKT signaling pathway. Therefore, these findings demonstrated that combination therapy with wogonin led to better therapeutic effects via regulating IGF-1R/AKT signaling pathway in doxorubicin-based chemotherapy for breast cancer.

Derivation of Rabbit Embryonic Stem Cells from Vitrified-Thawed Embryos

The rabbit is a useful animal model for regenerative medicine. We previously developed pluripotent rabbit embryonic stem cell (rbESC) lines using fresh embryos. We also successfully cryopreserved rabbit embryos by vitrification. In the present work, we combined these two technologies to derive rbESCs using vitrified-thawed (V/T) embryos. We demonstrate that V/T blastocysts (BLs) can be used to derive pluripotent rbESCs with efficiencies comparable to those using fresh BLs. These ESCs are undistinguishable from the ones derived from fresh embryos. We tested the developmental capacity of rbESCs derived from V/T embryos by BL injection experiments and produced chimeric kits. Our work adds cryopreservation to the toolbox of rabbit stem cell research and applications and will greatly expand the available research materials for regenerative medicine in a clinically relevant animal model.

17β-Estradiol up-regulates Nrf2 via PI3K/AKT and estrogen receptor signaling pathways to suppress light-induced degeneration in rat retina

Human age-related retinal diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), are intimately associated with decreased tissue oxygenation and hypoxia. Different antioxidants have been investigated to reverse AMD. In the present study, we describe the antioxidant 17β-estradiol (βE2) and investigate its protective effects on retinal neurons. Fourteen days after ovariectomy, adult Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to 8000-lux light for 12h to induce retinal degeneration. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were assessed by confocal fluorescence microscopy using 2,7-dichlorofluorescein diacetate. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and antioxidant enzyme mRNA expression were detected by real-time PCR. Western blotting was used to evaluate NRF2 activation. NRF2 translocation was determined by immunohistochemistry, with morphological changes monitored by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Following light exposure, βE2 significantly reduced ROS production. βE2 also up-regulated NRF2 mRNA and protein levels, with maximal expression at 4 and 12h post-exposure, respectively. Interestingly, following βE2 administration, NRF2 was translocated from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, primarily in the outer nuclear layer. βE2 also up-regulated NRF2, which triggered phase-2 antioxidant enzyme expression (superoxide dismutases 1 and 2, catalase, glutaredoxins 1 and 2, and thioredoxins 1 and 2), reduced ROS production, and ameliorated retinal damage. However, the beneficial effects of βE2 were markedly suppressed by pretreatment with LY294002 or ICI182780, specific inhibitors of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-Akt (PI3K/AKT), and estrogen receptor (ER) signaling pathways, respectively. Taken together, these observations suggest that βE2 exerts antioxidative effects following light-induced retinal degeneration potentially via NRF2 activation. This protective mechanism may depend on two pathways: a rapid, non-genomic-type PI3K/AKT response, and a genomic-type ER-dependent response. Our data provide evidence that βE2 is a potentially effective in the treatment of retinal degeneration diseases.

Changes in circulating endothelial progenitor cells predict responses of multiple myeloma patients to treatment with bortezomib and dexamethasone

Four cycles of chemotherapy are required to assess responses of multiple myeloma (MM) patients. We investigated whether circulating endothelial progenitor cells (cEPCs) could be a biomarker for predicting patient response in the first cycle of chemotherapy with bortezomib and dexamethasone, so patients might avoid ineffective and costly treatments and reduce exposure to unwanted side effects. We measured cEPCs and stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) in 46 MM patients in the first cycle of treatment with bortezomib and dexamethasone, and investigated clinical relevance based on patient response after four 21-day cycles. The mononuclear cell fraction was analyzed for cEPC by FACS analysis, and SDF-1α was analyzed by ELISA. The study population was divided into 3 groups according to the response to chemotherapy: good responders (n=16), common responders (n=12), and non-responders (n=18). There were no significant differences among these groups at baseline day 1 (P>0.05). cEPC levels decreased slightly at day 21 (8.2±3.3 cEPCs/μL) vs day 1 (8.4±2.9 cEPCs/μL) in good responders (P>0.05). In contrast, cEPC levels increased significantly in the other two groups (P<0.05). SDF-1α changes were closely related to changes in cEPCs. These findings indicate that change in cEPCs at day 21 in the first cycle might be considered a noninvasive biomarker for predicting a later response, and extent of change could help decide whether to continue this costly chemotherapy. cEPCs and the SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis are potential therapeutic targets for improved response and outcomes in MM patients.

Evaluation of a father and son with atypical chronic myeloid leukemia with SETBP1 mutations and a review of the literature

We report the case of a father and son diagnosed with atypical chronic myeloid leukemia (aCML). Both patients harbored SETBP1 mutations, which are present in 24.3% of aCML patients. Moreover, both shared the variant encoding p.Pro737His, but the aCML severity was greater in the son because of the presence of two other missense mutations causing p.Asp868Asn and p.Ser885Arg alterations. SETBP1 mutations may be associated with an adverse prognosis, so their detection would help in the diagnosis of aCML and the determination of a patient's prognosis.

Efficient cryopreservation of mouse embryos by modified droplet vitrification (MDV)

The aim of this study was to assess modified droplet vitrification (MDV) for the cryopreservation of early developmental mouse embryos. Mouse embryos were equilibrated in holding solution for 3 min followed by immersion in vitrification solution for 30-45 s, and then three embryos per 3-μL vitrification droplet were directly dropped into liquid nitrogen. Vitrified embryos were warmed to examine their developmental potential both in vitro and in vivo. The results demonstrated that MDV vitrified and warmed embryos had a survival rate of 98.1-99.6% (P>0.05); however, blastocyst development post warming and culture in vitro demonstrated that vitrified 4-celled, 8-celled, 16-celled, morulae, and blastocyst embryos had significant higher developmental potentials (94.7-99.5%) than those from zygotes (9.2%) and 2-celled embryos (85.7%) (P<0.05). Compared to CryoLoop and CryoTech vitrification, MDV showed similar results with regards to rates of survival, blastocyst development, but with the higher hatching rate (76.1% vs. 64.0-67.3%) (P<0.05). Cryopreservation by MDV resulted in a similar blastocyst developmental potential in 4-celled and 16 celled embryos from ICR (94.7-99.5%), C57BL/6J (94.7-96.4%), and their crossbred F1 strain (97.9-98.9%) (P>0.05). After embryo transfer of vitrified ICR embryos from 4-celled, 16-celled, morulae and blastocyst stage, 40.7-43.7% of the embryos developed into live offspring (P>0.05), but MDV vitrification resulted in the highest birth rate (43.8%) compared to CryoLoop (38.3%) and CryoTech (35.4%) (P<0.05), when 4-celled mouse embryos were used for vitrification. Our study clearly demonstrated that MDV is the most efficient vitrification to cryopreserve embryos at least 4-celled and advanced stages, which can be used to preserve important mouse genomes from different strains and different developmental stages.

MicroRNA-29A/PTEN pathway modulates neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells

PTEN serves as an intrinsic brake on neurite outgrowth, but the regulatory mechanism that governs its action is not clear. In the present study, miR-29a was found to increase neurite outgrowth by decreasing PTEN expression. Results showed that miR-92a-1, miR-29a, miR-92b, and miR-29c expression levels increased during nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced differentiation of PC12 cells. Based on in silico analysis of possible miR-29a targets, PTEN mRNA may be a binding site for miR-29a. A protein expression assay and luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-29a could directly target the 3'-UTRs (untranslated regions) of PTEN mRNA and down-regulate the expression of PTEN. PC12 cells infected with lentiviral pLKO-miR-29a showed far higher levels of miR-29a and Akt phosphorylation level than those infected with control. This promoted neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells. Collectively, these results indicate that miR-29a is an important regulator of neurite outgrowth via targeting PTEN and that it may be a promising therapeutic target for neural disease.