Development and verification of the coaxial heterogeneous hyperspectral imaging system

A hyperspectral imaging system (HIS) is a helpful tool that acquires spatial and spectral information from a target. This study developed a coaxial heterogeneous HIS (CHHIS) to collect spectral images with wavelengths ranging from 400 to 1700 nm. In this system, a visible (VIS) spectrometer and a short-wave infrared (SWIR) spectrometer are combined with a coaxial optical path to share the same field of view. This structure reduces the complexity of spatial registration and maintains the scanning duration of two spectrometers as that of a single spectrometer. The spectrometers are also replaceable for extending the detecting spectral range of the system. The calibration methodologies, including spatial correction, spectral calibration, and reflectance calibration, were developed for this system. The signal-to-noise ratio of VIS and SWIR spectrometers in the CHHIS was up to 40 and 60 dB when the exposure time of the VIS and SWIR imaging sensors was 1000 and 10 ms, respectively. When the target distance was at 600 mm, the spatial error of VIS and SWIR images in the scanning direction was less than 1 pixel; these results proved that the system was stable.

MART-10, a 1α,25(OH)2D3 Analog, Potently Represses Metastasis of ER+ Breast Cancer Cells with VEGF-A Overexpression

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer ranks second in the list of cancer-related deaths for women. Even under multidisciplinary treatment, 25-50% of patients with breast cancer still ultimately develop metastasis, leading to poor prognosis. In addition to inducing angiogenesis, vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) is believed to directly increase cancer cell metastatic potential and overexpression of VEGF-A is associated with higher invasiveness of breast cancer. 1α,25(OH)₂D₃, the active form of vitamin D, and its analogs have been widely applied as anticancer agents in the past.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Western blot, migration and invasion assays, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and immunofluorescent stain were applied in this study.

RESULT

VEGF-A increased cell migration and invasion in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer MCF-7 cells. VEGF-A induced an autocrine loop in MCF-7 cells as VEGF-A treatment increased both VEGF-A expression and secretion. The expression of VEGF receptor type 2 (VEGFR2) and neuropilin 1 was also up-regulated by VEGF-A in MCF-7 cells. In addition, F-actin synthesis and LIM domain kinase 1 (LIMK-1) phosphorylation were increased by VEGF-A. VEGF-A also increased β-catenin expression and nuclear translocation of both β-catenin and nuclear factor-ĸB (NF-ĸB), indicating increased β-catenin and NF-ĸB activity. 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ and MART-10, an analog of 1α,25(OH)₂D₃, effectively repressed VEGF-A-induced MCF-7 cell migration and invasion and other VEGF-A-induced effects on MCF-7 cells, with MART-10 being more potent than 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ Conclusion: MART-10 can be deemed as a promising agent for prevention and treatment of metastasis of ER+ breast cancer with VEGF-A overexpression.

Clinical and Environmental Correlates of Serum BDNF: A Descriptive Study with Plausible Implications for AD Research

BACKGROUND

Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may play a central role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) through neurotrophic effects on basal cholinergic neurons. Reduced serum levels of BDND are observed among AD patients and may predict AD risk. Nevertheless, knowledge about factors associated with its levels in blood is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To identify clinical and demographic correlates of serum BDNF levels.

METHODS

BDNF was measured from serum collected between 1992-1996 and 1998-2001 in participants from the Original and Offspring cohorts of the Framingham Study, respectively. A cross-sectional analysis was done to evaluate the relationship between clinical measures and BDNF levels using standard linear regression and stepwise models. Analyses were conducted in the total sample and separately in each cohort, and were adjusted for age and sex.

RESULTS

BDNF was measured in 3,689 participants (mean age 65 years, 56% women; 82% Offspring). Cigarette smoking and high total cholesterol were associated with elevated BDNF levels, and history of atrial fibrillation was associated with decreased levels. Elevated BDNF levels were related to greater physical activity and lower Tumor Necrosis Factor-α levels in Offspring. Stepwise models also revealed associations with statin use, alcohol consumption and Apolipoprotein Eε4 genotype.

CONCLUSION

Serum BDNF correlates with various metabolic, inflammatory and life-style measures which in turn have been linked with risk of AD. Future studies of serum BDNF should adjust for these correlates and are needed to further explore the underlying interplay between BDNF and other factors in the pathophysiology of cognitive impairment and AD.

1α,25(OH)2D3 Analog, MART-10, Inhibits Neuroendocrine Tumor Cell Metastasis After VEGF-A Stimulation

AIMS

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) are usually diagnosed in an advanced stage. Most patients with PanNETs die of metastasis. Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) is a strong stimulator of angiogenesis and tumor metastasis. We aimed to investigate the effect of MART-10 [19-nor-2α-(3-hydroxypropyl)-1α,25(OH)₂D₃], a 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 (1α,25(OH)₂D₃) analog, on PanNET cell metastasis after VEGF-A stimulation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Migration and invasion assays, western blot, and immunofluorescent staining were applied in this study.

RESULTS

VEGF-A increased PanNET cell migration and invasion, which was attenuated by 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ and MART-10. VEGF-A treatment stimulated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of PanNET cells. During this process, expression of snail family transcriptional repressor 1 and 2, and fibronectin was up-regulated. 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ and MART-10 counteracted VEGF-A-induced EMT. In addition, expression of neuropilin 1, a key protein in VEGF-A signaling, was down-regulated by 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ and MART-10. Furthermore, synthesis of F-actin was increased by VEGF-A and reduced by 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ and MART-10.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that MART-10 could be deemed a promising drug for PanNET treatment.

MART-10 represses cholangiocarcinoma cell growth and high vitamin D receptor expression indicates better prognosis for cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a devastating disease due to no effective treatments available. Since the non-mineral functions of vitamin D emerges, 1α,25(OH)₂D₃, the active form of vitamin D, has been applied in anti-cancer researches. In this study, we demonstrated that both the 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ analog, MART-10, and 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ possessed anti-growth effect on human CCA cells with MART-10 much more potent than 1α,25(OH)₂D₃. The growth inhibition of both drugs were mediated by induction of G0/G1 cell cycle arrest through upregulation of p27 and downregulation of CDK4, CDK6, and cyclin D3. Human neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) was found to be involved in 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ and MART-10 meditated growth inhibition for CCA as knockdown of NGAL decreased Ki-67 expression in SNU308 cells and rendered SNU308 cells less responsive to 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ and MART-10 treatment. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) knockdown partly abolished MART-10-induced inhibition of NGAL and cell growth in SNU308 cells. The xenograft animal study demonstrated MART-10 could effectively repressed CCA growth in vivo without inducing obvious side effects. The IHC examination of human CCA specimen for VDR revealed that higher VDR expression was linked with better prognosis. Collectively, our results suggest that MART-10 could be a promising regimen for CCA treatment.

Genomewide meta-analysis identifies loci associated with IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels with impact on age-related traits

The growth hormone/insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) axis can be manipulated in animal models to promote longevity, and IGF‐related proteins including IGF‐I and IGF‐binding protein‐3 (IGFBP‐3) have also been implicated in risk of human diseases including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer. Through genomewide association study of up to 30 884 adults of European ancestry from 21 studies, we confirmed and extended the list of previously identified loci associated with circulating IGF‐I and IGFBP‐3 concentrations (IGF1, IGFBP3,GCKR,TNS3, GHSR, FOXO3, ASXL2, NUBP2/IGFALS, SORCS2, and CELSR2). Significant sex interactions, which were characterized by different genotype–phenotype associations between men and women, were found only for associations of IGFBP‐3 concentrations with SNPs at the loci IGFBP3 and SORCS2. Analyses of SNPs, gene expression, and protein levels suggested that interplay between IGFBP3 and genes within the NUBP2 locus (IGFALS and HAGH) may affect circulating IGF‐I and IGFBP‐3 concentrations. The IGF‐I‐decreasing allele of SNP rs934073, which is an eQTL of ASXL2, was associated with lower adiposity and higher likelihood of survival beyond 90 years. The known longevity‐associated variant rs2153960 (FOXO3) was observed to be a genomewide significant SNP for IGF‐I concentrations. Bioinformatics analysis suggested enrichment of putative regulatory elements among these IGF‐I‐ and IGFBP‐3‐associated loci, particularly of rs646776 at CELSR2. In conclusion, this study identified several loci associated with circulating IGF‐I and IGFBP‐3 concentrations and provides clues to the potential role of the IGF axis in mediating effects of known (FOXO3) and novel (ASXL2) longevity‐associated loci.

25(OH)D Is Effective to Repress Human Cholangiocarcinoma Cell Growth through the Conversion of 25(OH)D to 1α,25(OH)₂D₃

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a devastating disease without effective treatments. 1α,25(OH)₂D₃, the active form of Vitamin D, has emerged as a new anti-cancer regimen. However, the side effect of hypercalcemia impedes its systemic administration. 25(OH)D is biologically inert and needs hydroxylation by CYP27B1 to form 1α,25(OH)₂D₃, which is originally believed to only take place in kidneys. Recently, the extra-renal expression of CYP27B1 has been identified and in vitro conversion of 25(OH)D to 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ has been found in some cancer cells with CYP27B1 expression. In this study, CYP27B1 expression was demonstrated in CCA cells and human CCA specimens. 25(OH)D effectively represses SNU308 cells growth, which was strengthened or attenuated as CYP27B1 overexpression or knockdown. Lipocalcin-2 (LCN2) was also found to be repressed by 25(OH)D. After treatment with 800 ng/mL 25(OH)D, the intracellular 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ concentration was higher in SNU308 cells with CYP27B1 overexpression than wild type SNU308 cells. In a xenograft animal experiment, 25(OH)D, at a dose of 6 μg/kg or 20 μg/kg, significantly inhibited SNU308 cells’ growth without inducing obvious side effects. Collectively, our results indicated that SNU308 cells were able to convert 25(OH)D to 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ and 25(OH)D CYP27B1 gene therapy could be deemed as a promising therapeutic direction for CCA.

1α,25(OH)2D3 Analog, MART-10, Inhibits Neuroendocrine Tumor Cell Growth Through Induction of G0/G1 Cell-cycle Arrest and Apoptosis

BACKGROUND

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are the second most common digestive malignancy. For advanced NETs, survival is not satisfactory. Vitamin D has emerged as a promising anticancer drug.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cell proliferation assay, western blot, flow cytometry, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assays were applied.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that RIN-m cells, neuroendocrine tumor cells, expressed vitamin D receptor (VDR) and VDR expression increased with increasing exposure to 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1α,25(OH)2D3] or MART-10, a 1α,25(OH)2D3 analog. MART-10 had anti-growth effect on RIN-m cells comparable to those of 1α,25(OH)2D3 The growth inhibition of both drugs was mediated by induction of cell-cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase and apoptosis. Western blot assay further revealed that this G0/G1 arrest was due to the up-regulation of p27 and down-regulation of cyclin dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), with MART-10 also reducing CDK6. Apoptosis induction was further supported by increased cleaved caspase-3 expression after treatment.

CONCLUSION

MART-10 appears to be a promising regimen for NET treatment.

Circulating vascular endothelial growth factor and the risk of cardiovascular events

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relation of circulating concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) for the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) in a large community-based sample.

METHODS

We prospectively assessed the relation of circulating VEGF concentrations with the incidence of CVD among 3041 Framingham Heart Study participants (mean age 63.4±11.1 years, 59% women). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were estimated adjusting for standard risk factors to VEGF quartiles to incident CVD. Restricted cubic splines were used to examine the linearity of the association.

RESULTS

After a mean follow-up of 8.8 (±2.8) years, 527 individuals experienced a first CVD event. Compared with participants in the first VEGF quartile, individuals in the second VEGF quartile had a 34% increased risk for future CVD (HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.74; p value=0.03) and individuals in third quartile had a 59% higher risk (HR 1.59; 95% CI 1.23 to 2.05, p value=0.0003). Individuals in the highest VEGF quartile had a similar cardiovascular risk as compared with those in the lowest VEGF quartile (HR 1.18, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.53, p value=0.21). Evaluation of restricted cubic splines confirmed the nonlinear, inverted U-shaped relation of serum VEGF and CVD events (p<0.0001 for model fit, p=0.006 for non-linearity).

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating VEGF concentrations exhibit a complex non-linear (inverted U-shaped) relation with the risk of developing CVD events, with the lowest risk experienced at the lower and upper end of the distribution. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain to be elucidated.

MART-10, a newly synthesized vitamin D analog, represses metastatic potential of head and neck squamous carcinoma cells

Even with multidisciplinary treatment, the prognosis and quality of life of patients diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are still not satisfactory. Previously, 19-Nor-2α-(3-hydroxypropyl)-1α,25(OH)₂D₃ (MART-10), the new brand 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ analog, has been demonstrated to be an effective drug to inhibit HNSCC growth in vitro. Since most cancer patients die of metastasis, in this study, the antimetastatic effect of MART-10 on HNSCC was investigated. Our results reveal that both 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ and MART-10 effectively repressed the migration and invasion of HNSCC cells, with MART-10 being much more potent than 1α,25(OH)₂D₃. The antimetastatic effect of 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ and MART-10 was mediated by attenuation of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), which was supported by the finding that the expression of EMT-inducing transcriptional factors, Sail and Twist, was inhibited by 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ and MART-10. The upregulation of E-cadherin and downregulation of N-cadherin in FaDu cells induced by both drugs further confirmed the repression of EMT. In addition, 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ and MART-10 treatment inhibited intracellular MMP-9 expression and extracellular MMP activity in FaDu cells. Collectively, our results suggest that the less-calcemia 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ analog, MART-10, is a promising drug for HNSCC treatment. Further clinical studies are warranted.

Susceptibility to Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage: a Cluster Analysis with a Large Sample

We investigated the responses of indirect markers of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) among a large number of young men (N=286) stratified in clusters based on the largest decrease in maximal voluntary contraction torque (MVC) after an unaccustomed maximal eccentric exercise bout of the elbow flexors. Changes in MVC, muscle soreness (SOR), creatine kinase (CK) activity, range of motion (ROM) and upper-arm circumference (CIR) before and for several days after exercise were compared between 3 clusters established based on MVC decrease (low, moderate, and high responders; LR, MR and HR). Participants were allocated to LR (n=61), MR (n=152) and HR (n=73) clusters, which depicted significantly different cluster centers of 82%, 61% and 42% of baseline MVC, respectively. Once stratified by MVC decrease, all muscle damage markers were significantly different between clusters following the same pattern: small changes for LR, larger changes for MR, and the largest changes for HR. Stratification of individuals based on the magnitude of MVC decrease post-exercise greatly increases the precision in estimating changes in EIMD by proxy markers such as SOR, CK activity, ROM and CIR. This indicates that the most commonly used markers are valid and MVC orchestrates their responses, consolidating the role of MVC as the best EIMD indirect marker.

The Vitamin D Analog, MART-10, Attenuates Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells Metastatic Potential

Regarding breast cancer treatment, triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a difficult issue. Most TNBC patients die of cancer metastasis. Thus, to develop a new regimen to attenuate TNBC metastatic potential is urgently needed. MART-10 (19-nor-2α-(3-hydroxypropyl)-1α,25(OH)₂D₃), the newly-synthesized 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ analog, has been shown to be much more potent in cancer growth inhibition than 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ and be active in vivo without inducing obvious side effect. In this study, we demonstrated that both 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ and MART-10 could effectively repress TNBC cells migration and invasion with MART-10 more effective. MART-10 and 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ induced cadherin switching (upregulation of E-cadherin and downregulation of N-cadherin) and downregulated P-cadherin expression in MDA-MB-231 cells. The EMT(epithelial mesenchymal transition) process in MDA-MB-231 cells was repressed by MART-10 through inhibiting Zeb1, Zeb2, Slug, and Twist expression. LCN2, one kind of breast cancer metastasis stimulator, was also found for the first time to be repressed by 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ and MART-10 in breast cancer cells. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activity was also downregulated by MART-10. Furthermore, F-actin synthesis in MDA-MB-231 cells was attenuated as exposure to 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ and MART-10. Based on our result, we conclude that MART-10 could effectively inhibit TNBC cells metastatic potential and deserves further investigation as a new regimen to treat TNBC.

MART-10, the new brand of 1α,25(OH)2D3 analog, is a potent anti-angiogenic agent in vivo and in vitro

BACKGROUND

Angiogenesis is the hall marker for cancer growth and metastasis. Thus, anti-angiogenesis emerges as a new way to treat cancer. 1α,25(OH)2D3 is recently getting popular due to the non-mineral functions, which have been applied fore cancer treatment. The newly-synthesized 1α,25(OH)2D3 analog, MART-10, has been proved to be much more potent than 1α,25(OH)2D3 regarding inhibiting cancer cells growth and metastasis without inducing hypercalcemia in vivo. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of MART-10 and 1α,25(OH)2D3 on angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS AND RESULTS

MART-10 and 1α,25(OH)2D3 were able to repress VEGFA-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) migration, invasion and tube formation, but not proliferation, with MART-10 much more potent than 1α,25(OH)2D3. The Chick Chorioallantoic Membrane (CAM) assay and matrigeal angiogenesis assay further confirmed the in vivo more potent anti-angiogenesis effect of MART-10. MART-10 inhibited the VEGFA-induced HUVECs angiogenesis process through downregulation of Akt and Erk 1/2 phosphorylation. The VEGFA-VEGFR2 (VEGF receptor 2) axis is the main signal transducing pathway to stimulate angiogenesis. A positive autocrine manner was found for the first time in HUVECs as treated by VEGFA, which induced VEGFA expression and secretion, and VEGFR2 expression. MART-10 and 1α,25(OH)2D3 were demonstrated to be able to repress this positive autocrine manner, thus inhibiting angiogenesis.

CONCLUSIONS

MART-10 and 1α,25(OH)2D3 both are effective anti-angiogenesis agents. Given MART-10 is much more potent than 1α,25(OH)2D3 and active in vivo without obvious side effect, MART-10 should be deemed as a promising anti-cancer agent.

Comparison of amoxicillin + clavulanate with or without intranasal fluticasone for the treatment of uncomplicated acute rhinosinusitis in children

AIM

Intranasal corticosteroids (INS) have been proven effective in controlling postnasal drip, decreasing inflammatory response, reducing nasal swelling, and increasing aeration of the sinuses such that INS are recommended as treatment of sinusitis.

METHODS

Fifty children with acute rhinosinusitis, 50 children with acute rhiniosinusitis and allergic rhinitis (AR), and 20 rhiniosinusitis children as control were selected for investigation. Each group had a single-blind treatment of three types: with coamoxiclav only, with coamoxiclav plus INS, and with matched placebo (without antibiotics and INS) for two weeks. Nasal symptoms were then evaluated. The outcome was measured by using major symptom score (MSS) after treatment for 14 days.

RESULTS

Therapeutic effectiveness was 92% in rhinosinusitis patients treated with co-amoxiclav and 84% in those treated with co-amoxiclav plus INS. Among patients with sinusitis combined with AR, therapeutic efficacy was 88% for those treated with co-amoxiclav and 96% for those treated with co-amoxiclav plus INS. Only 30% of the symptoms were reduced in the placebo group.

CONCLUSION

There are no statistical differences in the acute sinusitis group treated with co-amoxiclav with or without INS. In the sinusitis with AR group, the efficacy of co-amoxiclav with INS is higher than in children treated with co-amoxiclav alone.

Hepatocellular carcinoma cells express 25(OH)D-1α-hydroxylase and are able to convert 25(OH)D to 1α,25(OH)₂D, leading to the 25(OH)D-induced growth inhibition

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most diagnosed liver cancer without effective treatments available for advanced HCC. Vitamin D is getting popular due to its anti-cancer characteristics. However, the clinical application of 1α,25(OH)2D, the active form of vitamin, is hampered by its hypercalcemia side effect. 1α,25(OH)2D is converted from 25(OH)D, the index of serum vitamin D status, by CYP27B1, which is originally found in kidneys but recently detected in non-renal tissues. 25(OH)D has been shown to repress some cancers expressing CYP27B1 due to the local conversion of 25(OH)D to 1α,25(OH)2D, which works in a intra-, auto-, or paracrine manner and thus minimizes the risk of hypercalcemia. In this study, we found CYP27B1 expression in human hepatocyte, HCC, and HepG2 cells. As we treated HepG2 cells with 25(OH)D, the 1α,25(OH)2D target gene CYP24A1 expression was increased and was further upregulated as CYP27B1 transfection or downregulated as CYP27B1 knockdown. Other 1α,25(OH)2D target genes in HepG2 cells, p21 and p27 were also stimulated by 25(OH)D after CYP27B1 transfection. Further, 25(OH)D could inhibit HepG2 cells growth, which was potentiated by CYP27B1 transfection. Collectively, we showed for the first time that HCC expressed CYP27B1 and was able to covert 25(OH)D to 1α,25(OH)2D in vitro, thus responsive to 25(OH)D treatment. Our data justifies the application of 25(OH)D and CYP27B1 gene transfection therapy in further HCC treatment studies.

MART-10, the vitamin D analog, is a potent drug to inhibit anaplastic thyroid cancer cell metastatic potential

The survival rate of anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is still very poor due to its fast growth and high metastatic potential. Currently, no effective treatment is available. The active form of vitamin D3, 1α,25(OH)2D3, has been shown to have a anti-metastatic effect in pre-clinical studies, however induction of hypercalcemia hampered its clinical application. The new class of less-calcemic vitamin D analog, 19-nor-2α-(3-hydroxypropyl)-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (MART-10), is much more potent than 1α,25(OH)2D3 to repress cancer growth and metastasis in a variety of cancers. In this study, we demonstrated that both 1α,25(OH)2D3 and MART-10 could effectively inhibit the migration and invasion of ATC cells, 8305C and 8505C, with MART-10 much more potent than 1α,25(OH)2D3. The anti-metastatic effect of 1α,25(OH)2D3 and MART-10 on ATC cells is mediated by reversal of cadherin switch (upregulation of E-cadherin and downregulation of N-cadherin), which led to the attenuation of EMT process, and decrease of F-actin formation. We further showed that the expressions of Slug, the EMT-related transcriptional factor, and MMP-9 were inhibited by 1α,25(OH)2D3 and MART-10 in 8505C cells, but not in 8303C cells. Since metastasis is the important cause of ATC-related death, our results strongly encourage the further in vivo study of MART-10 application against ATC.

Chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic effect of dietary supplementation of vitamin D on cholangiocarcinoma in a Chemical-Induced animal model

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is an aggressive cancer. Vitamin D supplementation is getting popular due to its anti-tumor functions after conversion to its active form, 1α,25(OH)₂D. Here, we show that dietary supplementation with 6 IU/g of vitamin D greatly suppressed ICC initiation and progression without apparent toxicity in a chemically induced rat model. Microarray analysis of rat ICC tissues showed vitamin D supplementation modulated the expressions of several unique genes, including lipocalin 2 (Lcn2), confirmed by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Further, 53 of 80 human ICC specimens (66%) exhibited high LCN2 expression and LCN2 knockdown in SNU308 cells decreased cell growth and migration, suggesting LCN2 be an oncogene in human ICC. As human ICC SNU1079 cells were treated by 1α,25(OH)₂D₃, LCN2 expression and cell proliferation were attenuated. The downregulation of LCN2 expression was blunted when vitamin D receptor (VDR) was knocked down, implicating that the in vivo Lcn2 downregulation is a direct consequence of vitamin D supplementation

Our results support the prevailing concept that vitamin D status is negatively associated with cancer incidence and mortality and suggest LCN2 may be a potential target against ICC. Further studies of application of vitamin D or its analogs against ICC are warranted.

Circulating Fat-Soluble Vitamin Concentrations and Nutrient Composition of Aquatic Prey Eaten by American Oystercatchers (Haematopus palliatus palliatus) in the Southeastern United States

The American oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus palliatus) is currently listed as a species of high concern by the United States Shorebird Conservation Plan. Because nutritional status directly impacts overall health and reproduction of individuals and populations, adequate management of a wildlife population requires intimate knowledge of a species' diet and nutrient requirements. Fat-soluble vitamin concentrations in blood plasma obtained from American oystercatchers and proximate, vitamin, and mineral composition of various oystercatcher prey species were determined as baseline data to assess nutritional status and nutrient supply. Bird and prey species samples were collected from the Cape Romain region, South Carolina, USA, and the Altamaha River delta islands, Georgia, USA, where breeding populations appear relatively stable in recent years. Vitamin A levels in blood samples were higher than ranges reported as normal for domestic avian species, and vitamin D concentrations were lower than anticipated based on values observed in poultry. Vitamin E levels were within ranges previously reported for avian groups with broadly similar feeding niches such as herons, gulls, and terns (eg, aquatic/estuarine/marine). Prey species (oysters, mussels, clams, blood arks [Anadara ovalis], whelks [ Busycon carica ], false angel wings [ Petricola pholadiformis ]) were similar in water content to vertebrate prey, moderate to high in protein, and moderate to low in crude fat. Ash and macronutrient concentrations in prey species were high compared with requirements of carnivores or avian species. Prey items analyzed appear to meet nutritional requirements for oystercatchers, as estimated by extrapolation from domestic carnivores and poultry species; excesses, imbalances, and toxicities-particularly of minerals and fat-soluble vitamins-may warrant further investigation.

Synthesis and metabolic studies of 1α,2α,25-, 1α,4α,25- and 1α,4β,25-trihydroxyvitamin D3

Three different A-ring perhydroxylated trihydroxyvitamin D3 metabolites were synthesized from their appropriate A-ring precursors and CD-ring for their potential therapeutic applications. We first chemically synthesized 1α,2α,25-trihydroxyvitamin D3 [1α,2α,25(OH)3D3] to study its VDR binding affinity because this metabolite is a product of recombinant human CYP3A4 catalysis when 2α-(3-hydroxypropoxy)-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (O2C3), a more potent vitamin D receptor (VDR) binder than 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1α,25(OH)2D3], is used as the substrate. We found that this metabolite retained 27.3% of the VDR binding affinity compared to 1α,25(OH)2D3. The kcat/Km value of CYP24A1 for 1α,2α,25(OH)3D3 is 60% of that for 1α,25(OH)2D3. Since the biological activity and the metabolic fate of a naturally occurring C4-hydroxylated vitamin D2 metabolite found in the serum of rats treated with pharmacological doses of vitamin D2 have never been described, we next synthesized 1α,4α,25-trihydroxyvitamin D3 and its diastereoisomer, 1α,4β,25-trihydroxyvitamin D3, to study their metabolism and biological activities. Both 4-hydroxylated isomers showed weaker VDR binding affinity than 1α,25(OH)2D3. Although either 4-hydroxylated isomer can be metabolized by CYP24A1 almost at the same level as 1α,25(OH)2D3, their metabolic patterns catalyzed by uridine 5'-diphosphoglucuronosyltransferase (UGT) are different; only the 4α-hydroxylated analog can be metabolized by UGT to produce a glucuronate conjugate. The results provide important information for the synthesis of new novel chemotherapeutic vitamin D analogs which would be less subjective to degradation and therefore more bioavailable than 1α,25(OH)2D3. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled '17th Vitamin D Workshop'.

Circulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentrations and the risk of cardiovascular disease in the community

Background

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a pleiotropic peptide involved in maintaining endothelial integrity. It is unknown if circulating BDNF levels are associated with risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Methods and Results

We prospectively investigated the association of circulating BDNF levels with cardiovascular events and mortality in 3687 participants (mean age 65 years, 2068 women) from the Framingham Heart Study (FHS). Using a common nonsynonomous single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the BDNF gene (rs6265), we then performed a Mendelian randomization experiment in the CARDIoGRAM (Coronary ARtery DIsease Genome‐Wide Replication And Meta‐Analysis) consortium (>22 000 coronary artery disease [CAD] cases, >60 000 controls) to investigate whether SNP rs6265 was associated with CAD in CARDIoGRAM and, if so, whether the effect estimate differed from that predicted based on FHS data. On follow‐up (median 8.9 years), 467 individuals (261 women) in FHS experienced a CVD event, and 835 (430 women) died. In multivariable‐adjusted Cox regression, serum BDNF was associated inversely with CVD risk (hazard ratio [HR] per 1‐SD increase 0.88, 95% CI 0.80 to 0.97, P=0.01) and with mortality (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.80 to 0.93, P=0.0002). SNP rs6265 was associated with BDNF concentrations (0.772 ng/mL increase per minor allele copy) in FHS. In CARDIoGRAM, SNP rs6265 was associated with CAD (odds ratio 0.957, 95% CI 0.923 to 0.992), a magnitude consistent with the predicted effect (HR per minor allele copy 0.99, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.0; P=0.06 for difference between predicted and observed effect).

Conclusion

Higher serum BDNF is associated with a decreased risk of CVD and mortality. Mendelian randomization suggests a causal protective role of BDNF in the pathogenesis of CVD.

19-Norvitamin D analogs for breast cancer therapy

The active form of vitamin D3, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1α,25(OH)2D3 or calcitriol), is known to inhibit the proliferation and invasiveness of many types of cancer cells, including breast, colon, pancreatic, prostate, and liver cancer cells. These findings support the use of 1α,25(OH)2D3 for the treatment of these types of cancer. However, 1α,25(OH)2D3 can cause hypercalcemia, so analogs of 1α,25(OH)2D3 that are less calcemic but exhibit more potent anti-tumor activity would be good candidates as therapeutic agents. Therefore, a series of 19-norvitamin D analogs, in which the methylidene group on C19 is replaced with 2 hydrogen atoms, have been synthesized by several laboratories. In our laboratory, we have designed and synthesized a series of 2α-functional group substituted 19-norvitamin D3 analogs and examined their anti-proliferative activity. Among them, 2α- and 2β-(3-hydroxypropyl)-1α,25-dihydroxy-19-norvitamin D3 (MART-10 and MART-11) were found to be the most promising. Here, we review the rationale and approaches for the synthesis of different 19-norvitamin D analogs, and the pre-clinical studies using these analogs in breast cancer cells, in particular, we chose MART-10 for its potential application to the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.

Potent antiproliferative effects of 25-hydroxy-16-ene-23-yne-vitamin D₃ that resists the catalytic activity of both CYP27B1 and CYP24A1

The potency of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) is increased by several fold through its metabolism into 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1α,25(OH)2D3) by cytochrome P450 27B1 (CYP27B1). Thus, the pivotal role of 1α-hydroxylation in the activation of vitamin D compounds is well known. Here, we examined the metabolism of 25-hydroxy-16-ene-23-yne-vitamin D3 (25(OH)-16-ene-23-yne-D3), a synthetic analog of 25(OH)D3 in a cell-free system and demonstrated that 25(OH)-16-ene-23-yne-D3 is neither activated by CYP27B1 nor inactivated by cytochrome P450 24A1 (CYP24A1). These findings were also confirmed in immortalized normal human prostate epithelial cells (PZ-HPV-7) which are known to express both CYP27B1 and CYP24A1, indicating that the structural modifications featured in 25(OH)-16-ene-23-yne-D3 enable the analog to resist the actions of both CYP27B1 and CYP24A1. To provide intelligible structure-function information, we also performed molecular docking analysis between the analog and CYP27B1. Furthermore, 25(OH)-16-ene-23-yne-D3 was found to suppress the growth of PZ-HPV-7 cells with a potency equivalent to 1α,25(OH)2D3. The antiproliferative activity of 25(OH)-16-ene-23-yne-D3 was found to be vitamin D receptor (VDR)-dependent as it failed to inhibit the growth of mammary tumor cells derived from VDR-knockout mice. Furthermore, stable introduction of VDR into VDR-knockout cells restored the growth inhibition by 25(OH)-16-ene-23-yne-D3. Thus, we identified 25-hydroxy-16-ene-23-yne-vitamin D3 as a novel non-1α-hydroxylated vitamin D analog which is equipotent to 1α,25(OH)2D3 in its antiproliferative activity. We now propose that the low potency of the intrinsic VDR-mediated activities of 25(OH)D3 can be augmented to the level of 1α,25(OH)2D3 without its activation through 1α-hydroxylation by CYP27B1, but by simply preventing its inactivation by CYP24A1.

Correlation of localized glaucomatous visual field defects and spectral domain optical coherence tomography retinal nerve fiber layer thinning using a modified structure-function map for OCT

PURPOSE

To study the correlation between glaucomatous visual field (VF) defects assessed by standard automated perimetry (SAP) and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thinning measured by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) using a modified OCT-based peripapillary RNFL structure-function map.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Perimetric glaucoma patients and age-matched normal control subjects were recruited from a university hospital clinic. All eyes underwent testing with the Spectralis spectral domain OCT and SAP on the same day. An OCT-based correspondence map, which correlated VF areas with peripapillary RNFL sectors was created to evaluate the relationship between glaucomatous RNFL thinning and VF loss in six nerve fiber layer bundle areas. Correlations of RNFL thinning with corresponding VF defects were examined using Spearman rank-order correlations. To demonstrate the association between localized VF defects and RNFL thickness, the theoretical curves were made according to an established log-linear model. The measured RNFL thickness values and VF defects were presented in the same scatterplot for each sector.

RESULTS

Fifty-six glaucoma patients and 85 normal subjects were included in the study. Significant association between localized VF loss and RNFL thinning was found in corresponding areas. Data from the current study fit well with established log-linear models, which compare RNFL thickness values with VF defects.

CONCLUSION

Analysis of RNFL thinning in eyes with localized glaucomatous VF defects showed good structure-function correlation in a new OCT-based structure-function correspondence map.

Vitamin D Status, Receptor Gene Polymorphisms, and Supplementation on Tuberculosis: A Systematic Review of Case-Control Studies and Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the impacts of vitamin D status, supplementation and vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms on tuberculosis (TB).

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of published studies pertaining to case-control and randomized-control trials from 2002 to 2014 using the PubMed database.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Individuals with TB have lower vitamin D status than healthy individuals. Some VDR gene polymorphisms are associated with increased susceptibility to TB while others may not. Supplementation with vitamin D leads to improved clinical outcomes. However, further studies with a larger patient population and different ethnicities are needed to confirm these effects.

Synthesis and characterization of Pt nanoparticles with different morphologies in mesoporous silica SBA-15 for methanol oxidation reaction

Mesoporous SBA-15 silica materials functionalized with and without carboxylic acid groups were used to effectively control the morphology of Pt crystals, and the materials thus obtained were applied to methanol oxidation reactions. The Pt particles aggregated to form long spheroids inside the channels in pure SBA-15. When carboxylic acid groups were utilized, the SBA-15(-COOH) material facilitated the formation of higher Pt surface area, smaller Pt nanoparticles and nearly spherical shape due to the strong interaction between Pt(4+) ions and carboxylic acid on SBA-15. The Pt(4+) ions on the SBA-15(-COOH) material can be directly transformed to reduced Pt particles during calcination. The methanol oxidation activity on a Pt surface is strongly dependent on the shape of Pt particles. The near-spherical Pt nanoparticles on the SBA-15(-COOH) exhibited higher catalytic activity during methanol oxidation than Pt catalysts on unmodified SBA-15. The near-spherical Pt particles on the SBA-15(-COOH) contained large numbers of terrace sites on their surfaces, which led to high efficiency during methanol oxidation.

The vitamin D analog, MART-10, represses metastasis potential via downregulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in pancreatic cancer cells

Pancreatic cancer (PDA) is a devastating disease and there is no effective treatment available at present. To develop new regiments against PDA is urgently needed. Previously we have shown that vitamin D analog, MART-10 (19-nor-2α-(3-hydroxypropyl)-1α,25(OH)2D3), exerted potent antiproliferative effect on PDA in vitro and in vivo without causing hypercalcemia. Since metastasis is the major cause of PDA-related death, we therefore investigate the anti-metastasis effect of MART-10 on PDA. Our results showed that both 1α,25(OH)2D3 and MART-10 repressed migration and invasion of BxPC-3 and PANC cells with MART-10 much more potent than 1α,25(OH)2D3. 1α,25(OH)2D3 and MART-10 inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in pancreatic cancer cells through downregulation of Snail, Slug, and Vimentin expression in BxPC-3 and PANC cells. MART-10 further blocked cadherin switch (from E-cadherin to N-cadherin) in BxPC-3 cells. The F-actin synthesis in the cytoplasm of BxPC-3 cells was also repressed by 1α,25(OH)2D3 and MART-10 as determined by immunofluorescence stain. Both 1α,25(OH)2D3 and MART-10 decreased MMP-2 and -9 secretion in BxPC-3 cells as determined by western blot and zymography. Collectively, MART-10 should be deemed as a promising regimen against PDA.

CYP24A1 as a potential target for cancer therapy

Increasing evidence has accumulated to suggest that vitamin D may reduce the risk of cancer through its biologically active metabolite, 1α,25(OH)2D3, which inhibits proliferation and angiogenesis, induces differentiation and apoptosis, and regulates many other cellular functions. Thus, it is plausible to assume that rapid clearance of 1α,25(OH)2D3 by highly expressed CYP24A1 could interrupt the normal physiology of cells and might be one cause of cancer initiation and progression. In fact, enhancement of CYP24A1 expression has been reported in literature for many cancers. Based on these findings, CYP24A1-specific inhibitors and vitamin D analogs which are resistant to CYP24A1-dependent catabolism might be useful for cancer treatment. CYP24A1-specific inhibitor VID400, which is an azole compound, markedly enhanced and prolonged the antiproliferative activity of 1α,25(OH)2D3 in the human keratinocytes. Likewise, CYP24A1-resistant analogs such as 2α-(3-hydroxypropoxy)-1α,25(OH)2D3 (O2C3) and its C2-epimer ED-71 (Eldecalcitol), and 19nor- 2α-(3-hydroxypropyl)-1α,25(OH)2D3 (MART-10) showed potent biological effects. Our in vivo studies using rats revealed that MART-10 had a low calcemic effect, which is a suitable property as an anticancer drug. Much lower affinity of MART-10 for vitamin D binding protein (DBP) as compared with 1α,25(OH)2D3 may be related to its more potent cellular activities. Based on these results, we conclude that (1) high affinity for VDR, (2) resistance to CYP24A1-dependent catabolism, (3) low affinity for DBP, and (4) low calcemic effect may be required for designing potent vitamin D analogs for cancer treatment.

Effects of sheng hua tang on uterine involution and ovarian activity in postpartum dairy cows

The effects of Sheng Hua Tang (SHT) on uterine involution and ovarian activity were investigated in postpartum dairy cows. SHT (70 g) was given to dairy cows (n = 10) to evaluate its effects for five days from the first postpartum day. Postpartum cows fed with a basal diet without SHT were used as the control group (n = 10). Ultrasounds and blood tests were recorded for four weeks from postpartum day seven with a 3-d interval. The results showed that the areas and diameters of endometria were significantly (p<0.01) reduced in the group that received SHT compared to the control group on the seventh postpartum day. The group that received SHT had an intrauterine fluid volume mean of 1.2±0.6 cm(3), which was significantly lower than that of the control group, 2.3±0.8 cm(3) (p<0.01) on the 13th postpartum day. In addition, the uterine tension score was a mean of 1.0±0.0 in the group that received SHT, which was also significantly lower than that of the control group, 1.5±0.5 (p<0.01) on the 19th postpartum day. Taken together, the Chinese herbal medicine remedy, SHT, promoted uterine involution and ovarian activity in postpartum dairy cows.

Insulin-like growth factor-1 and risk of Alzheimer dementia and brain atrophy

OBJECTIVE

To relate serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) to risk of Alzheimer disease (AD) dementia and to brain volumes in a dementia-free community sample spanning middle and older ages.

METHODS

Dementia-free Framingham participants from generation 1 (n = 789, age 79 ± 4 years, 64% women) and generation 2 (n = 2,793, age 61 ± 9 years, 55% women; total = 3,582, age 65 ± 11 years, 57% women) had serum IGF-1 measured in 1990-1994 and 1998-2001, respectively, and were followed prospectively for incident dementia and AD dementia. Brain MRI was obtained in stroke- and dementia-free survivors of both generations 1 (n = 186) and 2 (n = 1,867) during 1999-2005. Baseline IGF-1 was related to risk of incident dementia using Cox models and to total brain and hippocampal volumes using linear regression in multivariable models adjusted for age, sex, APOE ε4, plasma homocysteine, waist-hip ratio, and physical activity.

RESULTS

Mean IGF-1 levels were 144 ± 60 μg/L in generation 1 and 114 ± 37 μg/L in generation 2. We observed 279 cases of incident dementia (230 AD dementia) over a mean follow-up of 7.4 ± 3.1 years. Persons with IGF-1 in the lowest quartile had a 51% greater risk of AD dementia (hazard ratio = 1.51, 95% confidence interval: 1.14-2.00; p = 0.004). Among persons without dementia, higher IGF-1 levels were associated with greater total brain volumes (β/SD increment in IGF-1 was 0.55 ± 0.24, p = 0.025; and 0.26 ± 0.06, p < 0.001, for generations 1 and 2, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Lower serum levels of IGF-1 are associated with an increased risk of developing AD dementia and higher levels with greater brain volumes even among middle-aged community-dwelling participants free of stroke and dementia. Higher levels of IGF-1 may protect against subclinical and clinical neurodegeneration.

Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor and the risk for dementia: the Framingham Heart Study

IMPORTANCE

In animal studies, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been shown to impact neuronal survival and function and improve synaptic plasticity and long-term memory. Circulating BDNF levels increase with physical activity and caloric restriction, thus BDNF may mediate some of the observed associations between lifestyle and the risk for dementia. Some prior studies showed lower circulating BDNF in persons with Alzheimer disease (AD) compared with control participants; however, it remains uncertain whether reduced levels precede dementia onset.

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether higher serum BDNF levels in cognitively healthy adults protect against the future risk for dementia and AD and to identify potential modifiers of this association.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Framingham Study original and offspring participants were followed up from 1992 and 1998, respectively, for up to 10 years. We used Cox models to relate BDNF levels to the risk for dementia and AD and adjusted for potential confounders. We also ran sensitivity analyses stratified by sex, age, and education, as well as related BDNF genetic variants to AD risk. This community-based, prospective cohort study involved 2131 dementia-free participants aged 60 years and older (mean [SD] age, 72 [7] years; 56% women).

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Ten-year incidence of dementia and AD.

RESULTS

During follow-up, 140 participants developed dementia, 117 of whom had AD. Controlling for age and sex, each standard-deviation increment in BDNF was associated with a 33% lower risk for dementia and AD (P = .006 and P = .01, respectively) and these associations persisted after additional adjustments. Compared with the bottom quintile, BDNF levels in the top quintile were associated with less than half the risk for dementia and AD (hazard ratio, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.28-0.85; P = .01; and hazard ratio, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.24-0.86; P = .02, respectively). These associations were apparent only among women, persons aged 80 years and older, and those with college degrees (hazard ratios for AD: 0.65, [95% CI, 0.50-0.85], P = .001; 0.63 [95% CI, 0.47-0.85], P = .002; and 0.27 [95% CI, 0.11-0.65], P = .003, respectively). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor genetic variants were not associated with AD risk.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Higher serum BDNF levels may protect against future occurrence of dementia and AD. Our findings suggest a role for BDNF in the biology and possibly in the prevention of dementia and AD, especially in select subgroups of women and older and more highly educated persons.

Effects of sunlight on behavior and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in two species of Old World fruit bats

It has long been accepted that most vertebrate animals meet their vitamin D requirements from exposure of skin to UV-B (UV-B) radiation. Many factors affect this endogenous synthesis of vitamin D, including season, latitude, time of day, age, presence of hair, and degree of skin pigmentation. Most bats roost in dark places by day and forage at night, and thus have little or no potential for sunlight exposure. Notwithstanding, some tropical species are diurnal and are known to roost in the canopy of trees where they may be exposed to sunlight for up to 12 h each day. In this study, two species of captive tropical bats (both species are active at night but one, Rousettus aegyptiacus, roosts in caves, tombs, and buildings, whereas the other, Pteropus hypomelanus, roosts in trees) were evaluated for their ability to endogenously synthesize vitamin D. Following timed periods of sunlight exposure, blood plasma was analyzed using a competitive protein binding assay (CPBA) to determine concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], the major circulating vitamin D metabolite. The ability to photoconvert provitamin D (7-dehydrocholesterol, 7-DHC) in the sub-tropical winter was determined using sunlight exposed borosilicate samples of 7-DHC in hourly increments. Finally, both species were evaluated in their preference for a roost site by the release of individuals into sunlight or shade in timed trials.

OUR RESULTS SUPPORT THE HYPOTHESES

(1) when exposed to natural sunlight, both species exhibited an ability to endogenously synthesize vitamin D, although significant differences were found between the two, (2) photoconversion of 7-DHC to previtamin D3 is possible during the mid-day hours of a sub-tropical winter day and (3) captive, cave roosting R. aegyptiacus will choose shaded roost sites while captive P. hypomelanus will show no preference for either shade or sun.

MART-10, a less calcemic vitamin D analog, is more potent than 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in inhibiting the metastatic potential of MCF-7 breast cancer cells in vitro

With the recent advance in breast cancer therapy, the survival rate of breast cancer patients has improved greatly. In spite of the progress, 25-50% of breast cancer patients eventually will develop metastasis. Due to limited early detection methods, metastasis is usually diagnosed at the late stages beyond recovery likely due to resistance to currently available breast cancer therapies. Thus, a new strategy to prevent cancer cell growth and repress tumor metastasis is desirable. The active form of vitamin D3, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1α,25(OH)2D3], has anti-invasion and anti-migration properties in pre-clinical studies, yet its clinical application has been hampered by its hypercalcemic side effect. Previously, we have demonstrated that a new class of less-calcemic vitamin D analog, 19-nor-2α-(3-hydroxypropyl)-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (MART-10), is 1000-fold more active than 1α,25(OH)2D3 in suppressing MCF-7 cells growth through cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction. In the current study, we show for the first time that MART-10 is more active than 1α,25(OH)2D3 in preventing MCF-7 cell invasion and migration likely mediated through the upregulation of E-cadherin, and the downregulation of Snail, Slug, and Twist, the transcription factors implicated in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), as well as MMP-13. Based on the current in vitro and the highly anti-tumor characteristics of MART-10 in a pancreatic xenograft model, MART-10 is deemed as a promising candidate for breast cancer treatment. Further in vivo animal study comparing MART-10 with 1α,25(OH)2D3 and other potent and less calcemic analogs of vitamin D is warranted.

Interaction between serum BDNF and aerobic fitness predicts recognition memory in healthy young adults

Convergent evidence from human and non-human animal studies suggests aerobic exercise and increased aerobic capacity may be beneficial for brain health and cognition. It is thought growth factors may mediate this putative relationship, particularly by augmenting plasticity mechanisms in the hippocampus, a brain region critical for learning and memory. Among these factors, glucocorticoids, brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hormones that have considerable and diverse physiological importance, are thought to effect normal and exercise-induced hippocampal plasticity. Despite these predictions, relatively few published human studies have tested hypotheses that relate exercise and fitness to the hippocampus, and none have considered the potential links to all of these hormonal components. Here we present cross-sectional data from a study of recognition memory; serum BDNF, cortisol, IGF-1, and VEGF levels; and aerobic capacity in healthy young adults. We measured circulating levels of these hormones together with performance on a recognition memory task, and a standard graded treadmill test of aerobic fitness. Regression analyses demonstrated BDNF and aerobic fitness predict recognition memory in an interactive manner. In addition, IGF-1 was positively associated with aerobic fitness, but not with recognition memory. Our results may suggest an exercise adaptation-related change in the BDNF dose-response curve that relates to hippocampal memory.

MART-10, a novel vitamin D analog, inhibits head and neck squamous carcinoma cells growth through cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 with upregulation of p21 and p27 and downregulation of telomerase

For the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), surgery in combination with radiation therapy is the current standard treatment. However, the complex anatomy and important functions over the head and neck region often make HNSCC patients with severe comorbidities. Even after aggressive treatment, the 5year survival for HNSCC patients is only around 61%. Thus, new therapeutic regimens against HNSCC are urgently needed. 1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1α,25(OH)2D3] is a potent anti-tumor agent in a variety of pre-clinical studies, but its clinical application is impeded by hypercalcemic side effect. A new class of less-calcemic 1α,25(OH)2D3 analog, MART-10 (19-nor-2α-(3-hydroxypropyl)- 1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3), has been shown to be much more potent than 1α,25(OH)2D3 in inhibiting cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo without inducing hypercalcemia. In this study, we compared the antiproliferative activity of MART-10 with 1α,25(OH)2D3 and the mechanism responsible for the inhibition in FaDu and SCC-25 squamous carcinoma cells. Our results demonstrate that MART-10 is more potent than 1α,25(OH)2D3 in suppressing FaDu and SCC-25 cell growth through greater cell cycle arrest at G0/G1, accompanied by a greater downregulation of ki-67 expression and upregulation of p21 and p27. We also showed that telomerase expression in SCC-25 was suppressed to a greater extent by MART-10 than by 1α,25(OH)2D3. Thus, given the previously-proven in vivo antitumor effect and safety of MART-10 and bleak background of HNSCC, based on our current result, we concluded that MART-10 has a potential as a chemo-preventive and - therapeutic agent to treat HNSCC.

Moxifloxacin modifies corneal fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation is associated with scarring, an important issue in corneal surgery. Moxifloxacin (MOX), commonly applied to prevent post-operative infection, would benefit more if it modifies fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation other than antimicrobial activity. Our purpose was to explore whether MOX has anti-fibrotic effect in human corneal fibroblasts (HCFs).

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

HCFs were incubated in MOX-containing medium concurrently with TGF-β1 (co-treatment), before (pretreatment) or after (post-treatment) adding TGF-β1. HCF contractility was evaluated with a type I collagen gel contraction assay. Expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Smad2, phospho-Smad2-Ser467, Smad4 and Smad7 was determined by immunoblotting. Formation of α-SMA-positive filaments and distribution of active Smad2 were observed under confocal microscopy. Expression of TGF-β receptor types I (TGFBR1) and II (TGFBR2) was assessed with flow cytometry.

KEY RESULTS

MOX did not affect gel contractility or α-SMA filament formation in HCFs without TGF-β1 stimulation. MOX did, however, retard HCF-containing gel contractility and α-SMA filament formation following TGF-β1 stimulation in the pretreatment and co-treatment groups but not in the post-treatment group. MOX blocked the expression of Smad2, phospho-Smad2-Ser467 and TGFBR1 under TGF-β1 incubation. Additionally, MOX enhanced Smad7 expression in TGF-β1-incubated HCFs, but did not interfere with TGF-β-triggered Smad2 nuclear translocation or Smad4 expression.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

MOX inhibited TGF-β-induced fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation via blocking TGFBR1 and enhancing Smad7 expression. MOX should be used before or during surgery to achieve these effects. These results suggest a de novo mechanism by which MOX participates in corneal wound healing.

Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor and vascular endothelial growth factor levels are associated with risk of stroke and vascular brain injury: Framingham Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a major neurotrophin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have a documented role in neurogenesis, angiogenesis, and neuronal survival. In animal experiments, they impact infarct size and functional motor recovery after an ischemic brain lesion. We sought to examine the association of serum BDNF and VEGF with the risk of clinical stroke or subclinical vascular brain injury in a community-based sample.

METHODS

In 3440 Framingham Study participants (mean age, 65±11 years; 56% women) who were free of stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA), we related baseline BDNF and logVEGF to risk of incident stroke/TIA. In a subsample with brain MRI and with neuropsychological tests available (n=1863 and 2104, respectively; mean age, 61±9 years, 55% women, in each), we related baseline BDNF and logVEGF to log-white matter hyperintensity volume on brain MRI, and to visuospatial memory and executive function tests.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 10 years, 193 participants experienced incident stroke/TIA. In multivariable analyses adjusted for age, sex, and traditional stroke risk factors, lower BDNF and higher logVEGF levels were associated with an increased risk of incident stroke/TIA (hazard ratio comparing BDNF Q1 versus Q2-Q4, 1.47; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-2.00; P=0.012 and hazard ratio/SD increase in logVEGF, 1.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.40; P=0.012). Persons with higher BDNF levels had less log-white matter hyperintensity volume (β±SE=-0.05±0.02; P=0.025), and better visual memory (β±SE=0.18±0.07; P=0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Lower serum BDNF and higher VEGF concentrations were associated with increased risk of incident stroke/TIA. Higher levels of BDNF were also associated with less white matter hyperintensity and better visual memory. Our findings suggest that circulating BDNF and VEGF levels modify risk of clinical and subclinical vascular brain injury.

Evaluation of the potential therapeutic role of a new generation of vitamin D analog, MART-10, in human pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in vivo

Pancreatic cancer is a lethal disease with no known effective chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and most patients are diagnosed in the late stage, making them unsuitable for surgery. Therefore, new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1α,25(OH)2D3] is known to possess antitumor actions in many cancer cells in vitro and in vivo models. However, its clinical use is hampered by hypercalcemia. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness and safety of a new generation, less calcemic analog of 1α,25(OH)2D3, 19-nor-2α-(3-hydroxypropyl)-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (MART-10), in BxPC-3 human pancreatic carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrate that MART-10 is at least 100-fold more potent than 1α,25(OH)2D3 in inhibiting BxPC-3 cell proliferation in a time- and dose-dependent manner, accompanied by a greater upregulation of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p21 and p27 and a greater downregulation of cyclin D3 and cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 5, leading to a greater increase in the fraction of cells in G0/G1 phase. No induction of apoptosis and no effect on Cdc25 phosphatases A and C were observed in the presence of either MART-10 or 1α,25(OH)2D3. In a xenograft mouse model, treatment with 0.3 µg/kg body weight of MART-10 twice/week for 3 weeks caused a greater suppression of BxPC-3 tumor growth than the same dose of 1α,25(OH)2D3 without inducing hypercalcemia and weight loss. In conclusion, MART-10 is a promising agent against pancreatic cancer growth. Further clinical trial is warranted.

A cross-sectional study of osteocalcin and body fat measures among obese adolescents

Osteocalcin (OCN), a marker of osteoblast activity, has been implicated in the regulation of energy metabolism by the skeleton and thus may affect body fat measures.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the relationships of OCN to body fat measures and whether they vary according to markers of energy and vitamin D metabolism.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Data were obtained from 58 obese adolescents aged 13-17.9 years (38 females, 8 black or African-American). Total fat mass (FM) [dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)] and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) [computerized axial tomography (CT)] were calculated. Blood tests included leptin, OCN, 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], parathyroid hormone (PTH), thyroid function tests, and triglycerides. Markers of glucose metabolism were obtained from fasting and OGTT samples.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents with 25(OH)D <20 ng mL(-1) were considered deficient (n = 17/58); none had high PTH (PTH ≥ 65 pg mL(-1) ). OCN was associated with lower VAT (-84.27 ± 33.89 mm(2) ) and BMI (-0.10 ± 0.05 kg m(-2) ), not FM (P = 0.597) in a core model including age, sex, race, geographic latitude, summer, height z-score, and tanner stage. Adding 25(OH)D deficiency and PTH attenuated the inverse association of OCN to VAT. There was a significant interaction of OCN and 25(OH)D deficiency on FM (0.37 ± 0.18 kg, P = 0.041) and BMI (0.28 ± 0.10 kg m(-2) , P = 0.007) in this adjusted model, which was further explained by leptin. Adding A1C to the core model modified the relationship of OCN to VAT (-93.08 ± 35.05 mm(2) , P = 0.011), which was further explained by HOMA-IR. In summary, these findings provide initial evidence for a relationship between OCN and body fat measures that is dependent on energy metabolism and vitamin D status among obese adolescents.

Abstract 82: Serum VEGF Levels Alter Risk of Stroke: the Framingham Heart Study

Objective: To examine the association of serum VEGF levels with incident stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) in a large, community-based cohort.

Background: VEGF, an endothelial growth factor promotes angiogenesis and neurogenesis and has demonstrated neuroprotective properties in animal experiments. However, high circulating VEGF levels have also been observed in patients with vascular risk factors, atherosclerosis and in small studies of acute stroke. There have been no studies examining the association of serum VEGF with the risk of stroke in a community-based sample.

Methods: In 3440 stroke/TIA-free FHS participants (mean age 65+11yrs, 56%W), we related baseline VEGF (log-transformed) to risk of incident stroke/TIA. To examine the incremental utility of VEGF over age-, sex- and baseline Framingham Stroke Risk Profile (FSRP) in predicting stroke/TIA, we also calculated the net reclassification improvement (NRI).

Results: During a median follow-up of 10 years, 193 participants experienced incident stroke/TIA (129 ischemic strokes). In multivariable analyses adjusted for age-, sex- and traditional stroke risk factors (as identified by the FSRP), higher logVEGF levels were associated with an increased risk of incident stroke/TIA (HR/1SD increase in logVEGF: 1.21, 95%CI: 1.04-1.40, p=0.012). This was also true for incident ischemic stroke events (HR/1SD increase in logVEGF: 1.21 95%CI: 1.01-1.44 p=0.04). In reclassification analyses, logVEGF, when added to a risk assessment model based on the FSRP resulted in significant improvement of risk prediction with NRI of 0.046 (p=0.036).

Interpretation: After adjusting for traditional stroke risk factors, higher VEGF concentrations were associated with increased risk of incident stroke/TIA, suggesting that VEGF may serve as a novel risk marker for stroke/TIA and to improve risk stratification permitting more targeted preventive interventions.

Human cytochrome P450-dependent differential metabolism among three 2α-substituted-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) analogs

Our previous studies revealed that C2α-substituted-1α,25(OH)(2)D(3) analogs had unique biological activities. For example, 19-nor-2α-(3-hydroxypropyl)-1α,25(OH)(2)D(3) (MART-10), which has a high affinity for vitamin D receptor (VDR), is more bioavailable and more potent than 1α,25(OH)(2)D(3) in inhibiting cancer cell growth and invasion because of its weaker binding to vitamin D binding protein (DBP), and more resistance to CYP24A1-dependent metabolism. In this study, we examined the metabolism of MART-10 and two other 2α-substituted analogs, 2α-(3-hydroxypropoxy)-1α,25(OH)(2)D(3) (O2C3) and 2α-(3-hydroxypropyl)-1α,25(OH)(2)D(3) (O1C3) by using human liver microsomes and human P450s. We demonstrated that O2C3 was converted to 1α,2α,25(OH)(3)D(3) in human liver microsomes, whereas both O1C3 and MART-10 were hardly metabolized. The metabolism of O2C3 was significantly inhibited by ketoconazole, and the recombinant human CYP3A4 converted O2C3 to 1α,2α,25(OH)(3)D(3), which suggests that CYP3A4 is responsible for the metabolism of O2C3 in human liver. The k(cat)/K(m) values of CYP3A4 for O1C3 and MART-10 are much smaller than that for O2C3. The k(cat)/K(m) values of human CYP24A1 for the three analogs are 1% (MART-10), 3% (O2C3), and 4% (O1C3) of that for 1α,25(OH)(2)D(3), indicating that MART-10 is the most resistant to CYP24A1 hydroxylation. On the other hand, 1α,2α,25(OH)(3)D(3), the metabolite of O2C3 by CYP3A4, was metabolized by CYP24A1 via multiple pathways similar to 1α,25(OH)(2)D(3), which suggests that O2C3 can be metabolized by two sequential hydroxylations, first by CYP3A4 and then by CYP24A1 in human body. These results suggest that modification at C-2α position and C-19 demethylenation markedly change metabolic profiles and biological activities of vitamin D analogs.

The anti-cancer actions of vitamin D

Vitamin D3 is biologically inert. To become active, it requires two successive hydroxylation steps catalyzed by two cytochrome P450 enzymes, first to synthesize the pro-hormone 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] and then the active hormone 1α,25- dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1α,25(OH)2D3]. 1α,25(OH)2D3 has high affinity for the vitamin D receptor (VDR), a transcription factor and a member of the steroid receptor superfamily. Through VDR, 1α,25(OH)2D3 regulates more than 200 genes in mammals, including those involved in the calcium and phosphorus homeostasis, immune function, reproduction, cardiovascular, central nerve system, inflammation, angiogenesis, and cellular proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Due to its versatile roles in maintaining and regulating normal cellular phenotypes and functions, 1α,25(OH)2D3 has been implicated as an anti-cancer agent. In fact, ecological and epidemiologic data have linked vitamin D deficiency with the incidence and mortality of many types of cancer. More importantly, in vitro and in vivo animal model studies have clearly demonstrated the anti-tumor effects of vitamin D. In this review, we describe the anticancer actions of vitamin D, with special emphasis on different pathways underlying the VDR-mediated genomic as well as less-defined non-genomic actions of vitamin D.

Effects of caffeinated coffee consumption on intraocular pressure, ocular perfusion pressure, and ocular pulse amplitude: a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

To examine the effects of caffeinated coffee consumption on intraocular pressure (IOP), ocular perfusion pressure (OPP), and ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) in those with or at risk for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

METHODS

We conducted a prospective, double-masked, crossover, randomized controlled trial with 106 subjects: 22 with high tension POAG, 18 with normal tension POAG, 20 with ocular hypertension, 21 POAG suspects, and 25 healthy participants. Subjects ingested either 237 ml of caffeinated (182 mg caffeine) or decaffeinated (4 mg caffeine) coffee for the first visit and the alternate beverage for the second visit. Blood pressure (BP) and pascal dynamic contour tonometer measurements of IOP, OPA, and heart rate were measured before and at 60 and 90 min after coffee ingestion per visit. OPP was calculated from BP and IOP measurements. Results were analysed using paired t-tests. Multivariable models assessed determinants of IOP, OPP, and OPA changes.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in baseline IOP, OPP, and OPA between the caffeinated and decaffeinated visits. After caffeinated as compared with decaffeinated coffee ingestion, mean mm Hg changes (± SD) in IOP, OPP, and OPA were as follows: 0.99 (± 1.52, P<0.0001), 1.57 (± 6.40, P=0.0129), and 0.23 (± 0.52, P<0.0001) at 60 min, respectively; and 1.06 (± 1.67, P<0.0001), 1.26 (± 6.23, P=0.0398), and 0.18 (± 0.52, P=0.0006) at 90 min, respectively. Regression analyses revealed sporadic and inconsistent associations with IOP, OPP, and OPA changes.

CONCLUSION

Consuming one cup of caffeinated coffee (182 mg caffeine) statistically increases, but likely does not clinically impact, IOP and OPP in those with or at risk for POAG.

Vitamin D status among 4-month-old infants in New England: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Concerns over vitamin D deficiency in infants and children recently prompted the American Academy of Pediatrics to recommend increased supplementation. Few studies have examined vitamin D status in the same infants over time. Also, while many researchers label "breastfeeding" as a risk factor for vitamin D deficiency, few differentiate between any breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding, and supplemented or unsupplemented breastfeeders.

OBJECTIVE

To determine predictors of 25(OH)D deficiency at 4 months in a group of children previously tested at birth.

METHODS

We enrolled newborns from 2005 to 2007 at an urban Boston hospital. Maternal and infant blood samples were collected within 72 hours of birth. At 4 months, we obtained a second infant blood sample.

RESULTS

At 4 months, 11.9% of the 177 infants were vitamin D deficient compared to 37.5% at birth (25(OH)D <20 ng/mL). Median 25(OH)D was 35.2 ng/mL (range, 5-100.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 32.8-37.6). At 4 months, 40% of unsupplemented infants were deficient. Lack of supplementation was significantly associated with increased risk of deficiency (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 19.3; 95% CI, 4.80-77.2). Being outside at least 10 minutes a day, once per week, was protective (AOR, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.02-0.66), as was increasing gestational age (AOR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.19-0.69). In 48.4% of patients, physicians failed to prescribe vitamin D at 2 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite inconsistent supplementation, a smaller proportion of infants were vitamin D deficient at 4 months than at birth. While supplemented breastfed infants were not at risk of deficiency, unsupplemented exclusively breastfed infants were at high risk of severe deficiency.