CEREBROVASCULAR DYSFUNCTION AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS IN PRE-CLINICAL MODELS: INSIGHTS FROM A SCOPING REVIEW

While existing literature supports associations between cerebrovascular dysfunction and the emergence of depression and depressive symptoms, relatively little is known about underlying mechanistic pathways that may explain potential relationships. As such, an integrated understanding of these relationships in pre-clinical models could provide insight into the nature of the relationship, basic mechanistic linkages and areas in which additional investment should be targeted. This scoping review was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE and Scopus to outline the relationship between depressive symptoms and cerebrovascular dysfunction in pre-clinical animal models with additional focus on the areas above. From 3438 articles initially identified, 15 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. All studies reported a positive association between the severity of markers for cerebrovascular dysfunction and that for depressive symptoms in rodent models and this spanned all models for either pathology. Specific mechanistic links between the two such as chronic inflammation, elevated vascular oxidant stress, and altered serotonergic signaling were highlighted. Notably, almost all studies addressed outcomes in male animals, with a near complete lack of data from females, and there was little consistency in terms of how cerebrovascular dysfunction was assessed. Across nearly all studies was a lack of clarity for any "cause and effect" relationship between depressive symptoms and cerebrovascular dysfunction. At this time, it is reasonable to conclude that a correlative relationship clearly exists between the two and future investigation will be required to parse out more specific aspects to this relationship.

Assessments of Perfusion, Blood Flow, and Vascular Structure in Ambulatory Subjects: Guidance for Translational Research Scientists

Research involving human subjects in ambulatory settings is a critical link in the chain comprising translational research, spanning preclinical research to human subject and patient cohort studies. There are presently a wide array of techniques and approaches available to investigators wishing to study blood flow, perfusion, and vascular structure and function in human subjects. In this multi-sectioned review, we discuss capillaroscopy, carotid intima-media thickness, flow-mediated dilation, laser Doppler flowmetry, near-infrared spectroscopy, peripheral arterial tonometry, pulse wave velocity, retinal fundus imaging, and vascular plethysmography. Each section contains a general overview and the physical basis of the technique followed by a discussion of the procedures involved and the necessary equipment, with attention paid to specific requirements or limitations. Subsequently, we detail which aspects of vascular function can be studied with a given technique, the analytical approach to the collected data, and the appropriate application and limitation(s) to the interpretation of the data collected. Finally, a modified scoping review provides a summary of how each assessment technique has been applied in previous studies. It is anticipated that this review will provide an efficient source of information and insight for preclinical investigators seeking to add translational aspects to their research programs.

Abstract POSTER-BIOL-1307: Bioenergetic adaptations in chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells

While, normal cells primarily rely on mitochondrial oxidative phosporylation (OXPHOS), cancer cells are known to preferentially take up glucose to produce energy using aerobic glycolysis pathway, described as the ‘Warburg effect’. Recently, this view that all cancer cells are dependent on glycolysis is being challenged. We examined the bioenergetic characteristics of a panel of 10 human ovarian cancer cell lines and 2 immortalized ovarian surface epithelial cell lines, using the Seahorse XF Extracellular Flux analyzer to measure glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration in real time using the outputs of extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) respectively. The mitochondrial bioenergetics was read by taking baseline OCR following sequential addition of oligomycin, FCCP and rotenone/antimycin, which inhibit mitochondrial ATP synthase, uncouple mitochondrial OXPHOS and induce maximal respiration respectively. Glycolytic profile (ECAR) was generated after keeping the cells glucose free followed by sequential addition of glucose to induce glycolysis, oligomycin and 2-deoxy glucose to inhibit glycolysis. The OCR profile showed ovarian cancer cells lines to have diverse mitochondrial bioenergetics and diverse ability to use glycolysis. The OCR:ECAR ratio showed varied bioenergetic organization, with some cells relying heavily on glycolysis or OXPHOS, but most using both pathways equally. A significant positive correlation (correlation coefficient 0.7705; p=0.003) was observed between mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis, confirming that glycolysis dependent cells have lower ATP-linked respiration rates. A similar diversity was observed in the mRNA expression of glycolytic (Glut1 and LDH) and mitochondrial (PGC-1α and CoxVb) genes. These findings highlight the actuality of extreme heterogeneity observed in cancer cells. A unique observation was the distinctive behavior of chemosensitive and resistant cell line pairs. Our panel contained a set of (i) cisplatin sensitive A2780 and resistant C200 cell lines and (ii) taxol sensitive PEO1 and resistant PEO4 cell lines. The resistant cells (C200 and PEO4) displayed higher ECAR and OCR profile compared to the sensitive cells (A2780 and PEO1), indicating an increased utilization of both energy pathways. The OCR:ECAR ratio suggested the sensitive cell lines to be glycolytic and the resistant cell lines to be highly metabolically active. This was further supported by increased mitochondrial function in the resistant cells, measured in terms of augmented fatty acid oxidation and mitochondrial potential in the resistant cells. On inhibition of glycolysis, the resistant cells were able to increase OX-PHOS and maintain their growth, whereas sensitive cells could not increase OX-PHOS and ceased growth. This led us to a novel hypothesis that chemo-resistant ovarian cancer cells exhibit greater plasticity than normal and sensitive cells, making them more adaptable to rearrange their metabolic phenotype according to microenvironment changes and stress, giving them a selective advantage to overcome adverse conditions. Thus, the metabolic diversity could be a means of selecting resilient chemo-resistant cells over a period of cytotoxic insults.

Citation Format: J. Chhina, S. Dar, M. Deshpande, S. Giri, A. Munkarah, R. Rattan. Bioenergetic adaptations in chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 10th Biennial Ovarian Cancer Research Symposium; Sep 8-9, 2014; Seattle, WA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2015;21(16 Suppl):Abstract nr POSTER-BIOL-1307.

Micro syndrome in Muslim Pakistan children

OBJECTIVE

To date, Micro syndrome has been reported in only three children from one family. We describe an additional 14 children from 11 families.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Fourteen children from 11 families attending one of five British hospitals.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The following features were documented: pre- and postoperative eye findings, electrophysiologic analysis, systemic abnormalities, development, neuroimaging, genealogy, geographic origin of family.

RESULTS

We expand and modify the description of ocular and electrophysiologic findings in Micro syndrome. The eye findings of microphakia, microphthalmos, characteristic lens opacity, and atonic pupils were the presenting feature in all infants and were the most reliable diagnostic signs in the immediate postnatal period. Cortical visual impairment, microcephaly, and developmental delay were not always detectable initially; they developed in all children by 6 months of age. Microgenitalia were a useful diagnostic clue in affected males only. Therefore, eye features were more consistently useful in determining diagnosis than dysmorphology or brain imaging. The families of all the children originate from the Muslim population of Northern Pakistan. Inheritance is likely to be autosomal recessive.

CONCLUSIONS

Micro syndrome usually presents to the ophthalmologist, who may be able to make the diagnosis on the basis of characteristic eye findings combined with ethnic origin. Initially, the nature and severity of nonophthalmic features are not apparent. Early diagnosis of the underlying condition is important to guide management of the cataracts, glaucoma, and developmental delay. It is helpful for the family and medical staff to be aware of the low level of vision that develops despite optimal ophthalmic intervention. Genetic counseling extending into the wider family is particularly important in view of the high rate of consanguinity.

Surgical excision of subfoveal neovascular membranes

BACKGROUND

Subfoveal choroidal neovascular membranes (CNV) are a cause of significant visual impairment. Laser treatment of such lesions results in visual loss. Surgical excision of CNV may allow stabilisation or improvement of vision. A series of results of surgical excision are presented.

METHODS

The records for 43 eyes of 40 consecutive patients undergoing surgical excision of CNV not associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) were reviewed retrospectively. Statistical analyses of the relationship between pre-operative factors and post-operative visual results were made. Improvement or worsening of visual acuity was defined as a change of more than 2 lines of Snellen acuity.

RESULTS

In 79.1% of patients visual acuity was improved or unchanged following surgery, and in 20.9% there was a reduction of Snellen acuity. There was no statistically significant association between visual outcome and age, gender, duration of visual symptoms, cause of CNV, presence of subretinal haemorrhage, elevation of retina by subretinal fluid, prior laser surgery, or the presence of pre-operative or intraoperative subretinal haemorrhage. There was a possible association between the non-use of gas tamponade and an increased chance of reduced vision. Visual loss was more likely in those eyes with good pre-operative visual acuity. Recurrence of CNV was noted in 10 (23%) eyes; repeat surgery was not associated with a worse visual outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical excision of CNV not related to AMD is a promising technique. More meaningful assessment of visual function in these patients will allow refinement of case selection.