LATS1 Promotes B-ALL Tumorigenesis by Regulating YAP1 Phosphorylation and Subcellular Localization

OBJECTIVE

YAP1 plays a dual role as an oncogene and tumor suppressor gene in several tumors; differentiating between these roles may depend on the YAP1 phosphorylation pattern. The specific function of YAP1 in B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), however, is currently unclear. Thus, in the present study, the role of YAP1 in B-ALL was investigated using relevant cell lines and patient datasets.

METHODS

The effects of shRNA-mediated knockdown on YAP1 and LATS1 levels in the NALM6 and MOLT-4 cell lines were examined using Western blotting, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, flow cytometry, immunostaining, and nude mouse subcutaneous tumorigenesis experiments. Gene expression levels of Hippo pathway-related molecules before and after verteporfin (VP) treatment were compared using RNA-Seq to identify significant Hippo pathway-related genes in NALM6 cells.

RESULTS

Patients with ALL showing high YAP1 expression and low YAP1-Ser127 phosphorylation levels had worse prognoses than those with low YAP1 protein expression and high YAP1-Ser127 phosphorylation levels. YAP1-Ser127 phosphorylation levels were lower in NALM6 cells than in MOLT-4 and control cells; YAP1 was distributed in the nuclei in NALM6 cells. Knockdown of YAP1 inhibited MOLT-4 and NALM6 cell proliferation and arrested the NALM6 cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase. Before and after VP treatment, the expression of the upstream gene LATS1 was upregulated; its overexpression promoted YAP1-Ser127 phosphorylation. Further, YAP1 was distributed in the plasma.

CONCLUSION

LATS1 may downregulate YAP1-Ser127 phosphorylation and maintain B-ALL cell function; thus, VP, which targets this axis, may serve as a new therapeutic method for improving the outcomes for B-ALL patients.

Hypofractionated radiotherapy for refractory or relapsed aggressive B-cell lymphoma in the rituximab era

BACKGROUND

Radiotherapy (RT) is an effective and available local treatment for patients with refractory or relapsed (R/R) aggressive B-cell lymphomas. However, the value of hypofractionated RT in this setting has not been confirmed.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed patients with R/R aggressive B-cell lymphoma who received hypofractionated RT between January 2020 and August 2022 at a single institution. The objective response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and acute side effects were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 30 patients were included. The median dose for residual disease was 36 Gy, at a dose per fraction of 2.3-5 Gy. After RT, the ORR and complete response (CR) rates were 90% and 80%, respectively. With a median follow-up of 10 months (range, 2-27 months), 10 patients (33.3%) experienced disease progression and three died. The 1-year OS and PFS rates for all patients were 81.8% and 66.3%, respectively. The majority (8/10) of post-RT progressions involved out-of-field relapses. Patients with relapsed diseases, no response to systemic therapy, multiple lesions at the time of RT, and no response to RT were associated with out-of-field relapses. PFS was associated with response to RT (P = 0.001) and numbers of residual sites (P < 0.001). No serious non-hematological adverse effects (≥ grade 3) associated with RT were reported.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that hypofractionated RT was effective and tolerable for patients with R/R aggressive B-cell lymphoma, especially for those that exhibited localized residual disease.

[The Clinical-Biological Features and Prognosis of Patients with Mantle Cell Lymphoma]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the clinical-biological features and outcomes of patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).

METHODS

The clinical and laboratory data of 104 patients with newly diagnosed MCL who were admitted to the Department of Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital from January 2011 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed, and the efficacy was observed through survival analysis.

RESULTS

Among 104 MCL patients, 88 were male and 16 were female. The median age was 54 (25-79) years old, 93.0% (93/100) of the patients with advanced stage (III and IV stages) and 48.08% (50/104) of the patients with bone marrow infiltration. Patients with Ki-67≥50% had higher WBC counts and LDH levels. Univariate analysis showed that the patients with WBC≥15×109/L, bone marrow involvement, high LDH, high β2-MG levels, Ki-67≥50%, SOX11-, had lower OS and EFS rates (P =0.005, 0.049, 0.033, 0.025, 0.042, 0.018 and 0.001, 0.021, 0.024, 0.035, 0.014, 0.026). The OS rate and EFS rate of patients in R-CHOP and R-Hyper-CVAD treatment groups were significantly higher than those in other treatment groups (P =0.02, 0.002 and P =0.001, 0.001). Patients with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) had higher OS rate and EFS rate (P =0.037, 0.013). Multivariate COX analysis showed that only WBC count, SOX11 expression and whether achieved CR after 4 courses treatment were the independent factors affecting the prognosis.

CONCLUSION

MCL mainly occur in elderly men. There are many factors affecting patients' survival, while WBC≥15×109/L, negative expression of SOX11 and failure to achieve CR after 4 courses of treatment are adverse factors for MCL patients.

[Regulatory Mechanism of Mangiferin Combined with Bortezomib on Malignant Biological Behavior of Burkitt Lymphoma and Its Effect on Expression of CXC Chemokine Receptors]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the effects of mangiferin combined with bortezomib on the proliferation, invasion, apoptosis and autophagy of human Burkitt lymphoma Raji cells, as well as the expression of CXC chemokine receptors (CXCRs) family, and explore the molecular mechanism between them to provide scientific basis for basic research and clinical work of Burkitt lymphoma.

METHODS

Raji cells were intervened with different concentrations of mangiferin and bortezomib alone or in combination, then cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay, cell invasion ability was detected by Transwell chamber method, cell apoptosis was detected by Annexin V/PI double-staining flow cytometry, apoptosis, autophagy and Akt/mTOR pathway protein expression were detected by Western blot, and the expression changes of CXCR family was detected by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR).

RESULTS

Different concentrations of mangiferin intervened Raji cells for different time could inhibit cell viability in a concentration- and time-dependent manner (r =-0.682, r =-0.836). When Raji cells were intervened by combination of mangiferin and bortezomib, compared with single drug group, the proliferation and invasion abilities were significantly decreased, while the apoptosis level was significantly increased (P <0.01). Mangiferin combined with bortezomib could significantly up-regulate the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax and down-regulate the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 after intervention in Raji cells. Caspase-3 was also hydrolyzed and activated, and then induced the apoptosis of Raji cells. Mangiferin combined with bortezomib could up-regulate the expression of LC3Ⅱ protein in Raji cells, and the ratio of LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ in cells was significantly up-regulated compared with single drug or control group (P <0.01). Mangiferin combined with bortezomib could significantly inhibit the phosphorylation levels of Akt and mTOR, inhibit the proliferation and invasion of Raji cells by inhibiting Akt/mTOR pathway, and induce cell autophagy and apoptosis. Mangiferin and bortezomib could down-regulate the expressions of CXCR4 and CXCR7 mRNA after single-agent intervention in Raji cells, and the down-regulations of CXCR4 and CXCR7 mRNA expression were more significant when the two drugs were combined (P <0.01). Mangiferin alone or combined with bortezomib had no significant effect on CXCR5 mRNA expression in Raji cells (P >0.05), while the combination of the two drugs could down-regulate the expression of CXCR3 (P <0.05).

CONCLUSION

Mangiferin combined with bortezomib can synergistically inhibit the proliferation and invasion of Raji cells, and induce autophagy and apoptosis. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, down-regulation of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and up-regulation of pro-apoptotic protein Bax, and the inhibition of the expression of CXCR family.

Synthetic Antibacterial Quaternary Phosphorus Salts Promote Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus-Infected Wound Healing

Background

Drug-resistant microbes pose a global health concern, requiring the urgent development of effective antibacterial agents and strategies in clinical practice. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore novel antibacterial materials to effectively eliminate bacteria. The synthesis of quaternary phosphonium salt in haloargentate systems, wherein the phosphorus atom is represented in a cationic form, is a possible strategy for the development of antibacterial materials.

Methods

Using (triphenyl)phosphonium-based quaternary phosphorus salts with different spacer lengths (n=2, 4, 6) as a template, we designed three kinds of quaternary phosphorus salts as effective antibacterial agents against drug-resistant bacteria.

Results

The synthesized quaternary phosphorus salt of (1,4-DBTPP)Br₂ effectively prevented the formation of the bacterial biofilms, and degraded bacterial membranes and cell walls by promoting the production of reactive oxygen species, which exhibited effective therapeutic effects in a rat model of a superficial wound infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Conclusion

The quaternary phosphorus salt (1,4-DBTPP)Br₂ demonstrated hemocompatibility and low toxicity, revealing its potential in the treatment of clinical infections.

[Oral Mucosal Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Caused by Long-term Oral Methotrexate:Report of One Case]

A case of primary oral mucosal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL)due to long-term use of methotrexate(MTX)for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis(RA)was admitted to the Department of Hematology,Fujian Medical University Union Hospital.We analyzed and discussed the clinical features,diagnosis and treatment,and prognosis of specific malignant lymphoma induced by MTX in this RA patient.Our purpose is to improve the awareness and knowledge of other iatrogenic immunodeficiency-associated lymphoproliferative disorders of clinicians and pathologists.This study provides a new reference for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of MTX-associated DLBCL.

[Inhibitory and Inducing Effects of Emodin Derivative E11 on Proliferation and Apoptosis of Multiple Myeloma Cells]

OBJECTIVE

To screen the most strong emodin derivative inhibiting the proliferation of multiple myeloma(MM) cells and to explore the inhibitory and inducing effects of emodin derivatives on proliferation and apoptosis of MM cell lines RPMI 8226 and U266.

METHODS

Sixteen emodin derivatives were designed and synthesized by using emodin as mother substance, then from which the emodin derivative E11 was screened for experiments. The MTT method and cell colony formation assay were used to observe the effect of E11 on proliferation of RPMI 8226 and U266, the fluorescent microscopy with DAFI staining was used to observed the morphological changes of MM cells treated with emodin dervative 11, the DNA fragmentation detection was used to detect the inducing apoptosis effect of E11 on RPMI 8226 and U266 cells treated with E11.

RESULTS

The MTT assay showed that after the RPMI 8226 cells were treated with 16 kinds of emodin derivatives for 48 hours, the 50% inhibition concentration（IC₅₀） of 14 emodin dervatives was between 0.83-34.68 µmol/L, except E10 and E15 because their IC₅₀ could not be calculated. The IC₅₀ of E11 for RPMI 8226 and U266 cells were 0.831±0.0453 µmol/L and 1.039±0.093 µmol/L, respectively. Cell colony formation assay showed that E11 could inhibit RPMI8226 and U266 cells' colony formation in dose-.and time- dependent manner (r=0.72). Cell apoptosis was observed in RPMI8226 and U266 cells by DAPI staining , and also by the detection of DNA fragmentation.

CONCLUSION

In the synthesis of 16 kinds of emodin derivatives, the inhibitory effect of E11 on prolife-ration of RPMI8226 cell was the strongest. E11 can remarkably inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of RPMI8226 and U266 cells.

Retrospective Analysis of a New Prognostic Score for Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Based on Interim Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography

BACKGROUND

The International Prognostic Index (IPI) scoring system is the most widely used prognostic tool for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL); however, it fails to consistently identify patients with poor outcomes. This retrospective study was undertaken to confirm the clinical value of a new prognostic score and compare it with the IPI.

METHODS

The aim of this single-center study was to confirm the clinical value of a new prognostic score and its association with various clinical features, disease progression, and death in 70 patients with DLBCL who had undergone at least 6 cycles of chemotherapy.

RESULTS

The IPI and the new prognostic index were both associated with 3-year mortality (p ≤ 0.032); however, only the new prognostic index was associated with 3-year progression (p ≤ 0.036). Multivariate analysis showed that the new prognostic index was associated with 3-year progression but not overall survival. The new prognostic score also distinguished 3-year progression-free survival and overall survival in the low- and low-intermediate-risk groups as well as in the low-intermediate- and high-intermediate-risk groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The new prognostic score represents a comprehensive prognostic model superior to the IPI. Prospective studies are necessary to explore whether treatment strategies may be adjusted using this new prognostic score.

Prognostic role of plasma Epstein-Barr virus DNA load for nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Predicting prognosis and treatment outcomes for patients with for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has been difficult due to the heterogeneous nature of the disease This study aimed to evaluate pretreatment copy number of plasma Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA as an outcome marker for survival in NPC.

METHODS

MEDLINE, CENTRAL and Embase databases were searched until April 7, 2015. Included studies were randomized controlled trials, two-arm prospective studies, or retrospective studies in patients with newly diagnosed NPC. The primary outcome was overall survival and secondary outcomes were progression-free, relapse-free, disease-free and distant metastasis-free survival. Sensitivity, quality and publication bias assessments were performed.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies were included in the meta-analysis, with a total of 7698 patients. For overall survival, pooled HR was 3.005 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.245-4.022; P < 0.001), indicating that higher levels of EBV DNA were associated with a greater risk of death. Pooled estimates for relapse-free, disease-free, progression-free and distant metastasis-free survival indicated that higher levels of EBV DNA were associated with an increased risk of relapse, disease recurrence, disease progression and distant metastasis in comparison with lower levels of EBV DNA (P values < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis found that high EBV DNA levels indicate poor prognosis and reduced long-term survival in patients with newly diagnosed NPC; hence, EBV DNA levels are highly prognostic of survival in patients with NPC. None of the included studies used the WHO standard for EBV DNA measurement, indicating a greater need for harmonization in future studies.

[Clinical characteristics and prognosis in 12 patients with adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma confirmed by HTLV-1 provirus gene detection]

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics and prognosis of adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL). Methods: Peripheral blood samples from patients who were suspected as ATLL from March, 2013 to July, 2015, were collected for HTLV-1 provirus genes detection in genomic DNA extraction by PCR. Cases showing positive results were confirmed as ATLL. Clinical and laboratory characteristics, therapeutic outcomes and survival evaluation were collected. Results: 12 out of 23 suspected patients were confirmedly diagnosed as ATLL through HTLV-1 provirus genes detection by PCR. Eight patients were male and four patients were female. Median age was 51 (range 28-66) years old. All of those patients came from coastal cities of Fujian province where a HTLV-1 epidemic area locates. In the subtype classification of these 12 ATLL, 11 patients were classified as acute type and one case as lymphoma type ATLL. As one of the clinical characteristics of ATLL, ' flower cells ', with typical or atypical morphology had been observed in a high rate (81.8%). Clinical symptom such as hepatomegaly, splenomegaly and lymphadenectasis were detected in most of patients, and hypercalcemia and elevated LDH were also noted commonly. The ATLL cells immunophenotype were typical, and the major subtype was CD4+ CD8- type. Confection of hepatitis B virus was detected in a high rate (54.5%). Ten patients received chemotherapy, and 2 cases in complete remission after chemotherapy received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. At the end of the follow-up, 7 cases died, 4 cases survived, 1 case was lost, and the median survival was 2.8 (0.9-10.8) months. We found a case had HTLV-1 provirus negative after transplantation. Conclusion: In the coastal area of Fujian Province, ATLL is not rare. Characteristics of those ATLL are typical. But prognosis is still unsatisfactory.

[Effect of A Novel Emodin Derivative on Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia K562 Cells and Imatinib-resistant K562/G01 Cells]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of a novel emodin derivative E19 on proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction of human chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) cell line K562 and imatinib-resistant CML cell line (K562/G01), and to clarify the involved mechanisms.

METHODS

MTT and colony formation test were used to detect the cell proliferation. Apoptotic induction effects were examined by DAPI staining method and DNA ladder assay. Western blot was performed to detect the changes of P210(Bcr-Abl) protein.

RESULTS

The emodin derivative E19 could efficiently inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in K562 and K562/G01 cells. IC50 of K562 cells and IC50 of K562/G01 cells were (1.20 ± 0.19) µmol/L and (1.22 ± 0.16) µmol/L, respectively. DNA fragmentation in K562 cells and K562/G01 cells confirmed that the E19 induced apoptosis in dose-dependent manner. Western blot showed that emodin derivative inhibited phosphorylation of P210 protein in K562 cells and K562/G01 cells and down-regulated the expression level of P210 in dose- and time-dependent manners.

CONCLUSION

The emodin derivative E19 can efficiently inhibit growth and induce apoptosis of K562 cells and K562/G01 cells, while the inhibition of phosphorylation of P210 protein and down-regulation of P210 protein expression may be involved in these processes.

[Inhibitory effect of pumpkin protein on expression of Notch signal in RPMI8226 myeloma cells]

This study was aimed to explore the inhibitory effect of pumpkin protein (cucurmosin, CUS) on proliferation of RPMI8226 myeloma cells in vitro and its mechanism. Western blot was used to detect the expression level of Notch-1, Jagged-2, P-Akt and NF-KB in the myeloma cells treated by different concentrations of CUS. The results demonstrated that CUS could down-regulate the protein expression levels of Notch1, Jagged-2, P-Akt and NF-KB in the myeloma cells and with time-and concentration-dependent way, at the same time CUS could also decrease the expressions of BCL-2 and P-Akt. It is concluded that CUS can obviously inhibit the RPMI8226 cell proliferation in vitro, down-regulate the expression levels of Notch signal and its down-stream target genes. Therefore, Notch signaling pathway can be used as a new treatment target for multiple myeloma, and CUS may be become a potential new drug for regulating Notch signaling pathway.

[Effect of cucurmosin on chronic myeloid leukemia K562 cell line]

This study was aimed to investigate the antitumor effect of pumpkin protein (cucurmosin, CUS) on subcutaneous transplant tumor in chronic myeloid leukemia K562 cell-NOD/SCID mice and leukemia model. The subcutaneous transplant tumor in K562-NOD/SCID mice and leukemia model were established; using two models, the antitumor activity of CUS in mice was evaluated. The results indicated that the inhibitory rate of 0.5 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg CUS on subcutaneous transplant tumor were 53.45% and 59.43% respectively; survival time of mice received 0.25 mg/kg and 0.5 mg/kg CUS was 39.8 ± 5.5 d and 43.4 ± 6.6 d, antitumor rate was 24.9% and 36% respectively. It is concluded that CUS has significant inhibitory effect on mice with CML cell line K562.

Discovery of somatic mutations in the progression of chronic myeloid leukemia by whole-exome sequencing

We performed whole-exome sequencing in samples representing accelerated phase (AP) and blastic crisis (BC) in a subject with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). A total of 12.74 Gb clean data were generated, achieving a mean depth coverage of 64.45 and 69.53 for AP and BC samples, respectively, of the target region. A total of 148 somatic variants were detected, including 76 insertions and deletions (indels), 64 single-nucleotide variations (SNV), and 8 structural variations (SV). On the basis of annotation and functional prediction analysis, we identified 3 SNVs and 6 SVs that showed a potential association with CML progression. Among the genes that harbor the identified variants, GATA2 has previously been reported to play important roles in the progression from AP to BC in CML. Identification of these genes will allow us to gain a better understanding of the pathological mechanism of CML and represents a critical advance toward new molecular diagnostic tests for the development of potential therapies for CML.

[Expression and significance of stathmin1 in acute leukemia]

This study was aimed to investigate the expression of stathmin1 mRNA and stathmin1 protein in de novo patients with acute leukemia (AL), relapsed patients with AL and complete remission patients with AL, and its clinical significance. The expression of stathmin1 mRNA and stathmin1 protein in peripheral blood samples from 76 cases of AL and 25 healthy persons were examined by fluorescent quantitative PCR (FQ-PCR) and Western blot, respectively. The results showed that the stathmin1 protein expression could not be detected in healthy persons, only the low level of its mRNA could be observed in them. The stathmin1 mRNA expression level in de novo AL patients was higher than that in healthy persons (P < 0.05), the stathmin1 mRNA expression level in relapsed patients with AL was higher than that in de novo patients (P < 0.05), and there was no significant difference of stathmin1 mRNA expression between patients with AML and patients with ALL. The positive rate of stathmin1 protein expression in de novo patients with AL was 89%, while it obviously decreased or did not express in complete remission patients with AL. The stathmin1 protein expression in relapsed patients with AL did not display significant difference as compared with that in de novo patients (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in stathmin1 protein expression between patients with AML and patients with ALL (P > 0.05). It is concluded that stathmin1 protein and mRNA are overexpressed in de novo patients and relapsed patients, and lowly expressed in complete remission patients. Therefore, the stathmin1 may be a new biological marker for evaluation of minimal residual disease.

[Synthesis of emodin derivatives and their inhibiting effects on proliferation of leukemia cell lines]

The aim of this study was to explore the inhibitory effect of newly synthesised emodin derivatives on the proliferation of leukemia cell lines and to select the most effective one from these emodin derivatives for further research. Emodin derivatives were synthesized by modifying the structure of emodin. MTT method was used to detect the proliferative inhibition in leukemia cell lines treated with emodin derivatives. The results showed that the half inhibitory concentration (IC50) for K562 cells treated with emodin derivatives E10-19 for 48 h was 0.84 - 12.01 µmol/L. E19 displayed the best anti-proliferative activity, while E16 and E17 did not show effects on K562 cells. Emodin derivative E19 was chosen for treating U937, NB4, Molt-4 and CA-46 cells, their IC50 for 48 h were 0.85, 0.9, 0.76, 0.8 µmol/L respectively. The IC50 of E19 for LQ2 cells was 3.60 µmol/L, and the IC50 range of E19 for normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells at 48 h was 4.01 - 4.78 µmol/L. It is concluded that emodin derivative E19 can strongly inhibit the growth of leukemia cells and its inhibiting effect on proliferation of leukemia cells has a certain specificity. The specific mechanism of E19 anti-leukemia effect should be further studied.

Baicalin induces apoptosis in leukemia HL-60/ADR cells via possible down-regulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

The effect and possible mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine, baicalin, on the PI3K/ Akt signaling pathway in drug-resistant human myeloid leukemia HL-60/ADR cells have been investigated in this current study.

METHODS

HL-60/ADR cells were treated by 20, 40, 80 μmol/L baicalin followed by cell cycle analysis at 24h. The mRNA expression level of the apoptosis related gene, Bcl-2 and bad, were measured by RT-PCR on cells treated with 80 μmol/L baicalin at 12, 24 and 48hr. Western blot was performed to detect the changes in the expression of the proteins related to HL-60/ADR cell apoptosis and the signaling pathway before and after baicalin treatment, including Bcl-2, PARP, Bad, Caspase 3, Akt, p-Akt, NF-κB, p-NF-κB, mTOR and p-mTOR.

RESULTS

Sub-G1 peak of HL-60/ADR cells appeared 24 h after 20 μmol/L baicalin treatment, and the ratio increased as baicalin concentration increased. Cell cycle analysis showed 44.9% G0/G1 phase cells 24 h after baicalin treatment compared to 39.6% in the control group. Cells treated with 80 μmol/L baicalin displayed a trend in decreasing of Bcl-2 mRNA expression over time. Expression level of the Bcl-2 and PARP proteins decreased significantly while that of the PARP, Caspase-3, and Bad proteins gradually increased. No significant difference in Akt expression was observed between treated and the control groups. However, the expression levels of p-Akt, NF-κB, p-NF-κB, mTOR and p-mTOR decreased significantly in a time-dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that baicalin may induce HL-60/ADR cell apoptosis through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

[Effects of cucurmosin combined with common chemotherapeutics on proliferation and apoptosis of NB4 cells]

This study was aimed to investigate the proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction of cucurmosin (CUS) combined with all trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) or arsenic trioxide (ATO) on human acute promyelocytic leukemia cell line NB4. MTT method was used to determine the proliferative inhibition of CUS combined with ATRA or ATO on NB4 cells, and flow cytometry was used to determine the apoptosis induction effect of CUS combined with ATRA or ATO on NB4 cells. Jin's formula was used to assess the synergistic effect of this combinations. The results showed that, compared with single drug, the proliferation inhibitory ratio and apoptotic ratio of CUS combined with ATRA or ATO on NB4 cells was higher than CUS, ATRA and ATO alone. The synergistic index (q) were all larger than 0.85, and the combined effects were significant at low concentrations. It is concluded that the CUS combined with ATRA or ATO synergistically increases the effects of proliferative inhibition and apoptosis induction on NB4 cells.

[Efficacy of remission induction chemotherapy and prognostic analysis in elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the outcome of remission induction chemotherapy (IC) and prognostic in elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

METHODS

The clinical data of 156 AML patients older than 60 years in the Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital of Fujian Medical University from January 2003 to July 2010 were analyzed retrospectively. 104 patients received cytarabine-based regimens, including protocol DA,IA or CAG,while 52 patients received palliative treatment. The median survival time was compared between patients with and without IC. The prognostic factors were evaluated by using univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

145 (93%) cases were followed-up. The median survival time was 316 days in 96 IC patients, compared with 37 days in 49 PT patients (P < 0.01). Not receiving induction chemotherapy,high-risk karyotype,hyperleukocytosis (> or = 100 x 10(9)/L), Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) > or = 2 were adverse prognostic factors of the survival time with univariate analysis, and all were independent poor factors affecting the survival time with multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

IC can improve outcomes in elderly AML patients. The patients with hyperleukocytosis (> or = 100 x 10(9)/L) , high-risk karyotype, CCI > or = 2 and without receiving IC have poorer prognosis.

[Up-regulation of Stathmin and CrkL protein expressions in adriamycin-resistant leukemia cell line K562/A02]

The purpose of this study was to compare the differences of the protein expression profiles between human myeloid leukemia K562 cells and adriamycin-resistant K562/A02 cells, as well as to select novel resistance-related proteins in myeloid leukemia by means of proteomics. The total cellular proteins were separated from K562 and adriamycin-resistant K562/A02 cells by using technique of two dimensional difference in gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE). Differentially expressed proteins were analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization/time of flight-mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/MS), and by protein database searching. Moreover, the differentially expressed proteins were verified at protein and mRNA levels by Western blot assay and quantitative real time PCR. The results showed that 8 proteins differentially expressed in adriamycin-resistant K562/A02 cells, among them 2 proteins were identified to be down-regulated and 6 to be up-regulated. These identified proteins involved in the cell energy metabolism, cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, signal transduction, gene transcription and translation respectively. The results assayed by Western blot were similar to those detected by 2D-PAGE. Two up-regulated proteins Stathmin and CrkL were selected for verification in K562 and K562/A02 cells. As a result, the results detected by Western blot were identical with results from 2D-DIGE; real time quantitative PCR assay showed that the changes of CrkL at mRNA level were identical with changes at protein level, but no complete identity of Stathmin changes at mRNA level and protein level was observed. It is concluded that the difference of protein expression profile exists in K562 and K562/A02 cells. Stathmin and CrkL proteins may be involved in the drug resistance and suggest a novel clue for the resistant mechanisms in myeloid leukemia, which is worth further to explore.

[Apoptosis-inducing effect of C-MYC siRNA on acute lymphoblastic leukemia Jurkat cell line]

The study was purposed to investigate the effects of C-MYC siRNA on the proliferation and apoptosis of acute lymphoblastic Jurkat cell line. siRNA targeting the site 1545-1565 of C-MYC mRNA was designed and chemically synthesized, then C-MYC siRNA was transfected into Jurkat cells by the transfer agent (HiPerFect Transfection Reagent), the morphological changes were observed under inverted microscope; the tetrazole compound (MTS) was applied to draw the cell growth curve; the cell colony test was used to detect the effect of C-MYC siRNA on the proliferation of Jurkat cells; the flow cytometry and TUNEL method were used to analyze the apoptosis of Jurkat cells. The results showed that after Jurkat cells were treated with different concentrations of C-MYC siRNA, the growth of Jurkat cells was inhibited to various degrees, inhibitory rate was enhanced as C-MYC siRNA concentration increased. C-MYC siRNA also could obviously inhibit the cell clony formation. The apoptosis of cells could be detected by flow cytometry and TUNEL method, the apoptosis rate of cells increased along with prolonging of treatment with C-MYC siRNA. It is concluded that the chemically synthesized C-MYC siRNA can inhibit significantly the proliferation and induce the apoptosis of Jurkat cells.

[Effects of small interference RNA against c-myc on expression of c-myc and h-tert genes in acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell line Jurkat]

This study was purposed to investigate the effect of small interfering RNA against c-myc on c-myc, h-tert gene and protein expressions in acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell line (Jurkat cells), so as to provide new methods and targets for gene therapy of leukemia. The siRNA against target sites 1545-1565 of c-myc mRNA was chemically synthesized and was transfected into Jurkat cells by transfectant. The c-myc, h-tert mRNA and protein expression levels before and after treatment with c-myc siRNA were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. The results showed that c-myc siRNA obviously inhibited the proliferation of Jurkat cells, the half inhibitory concentration (IC50) for 48 hours was about 75 nmol/L. c-myc siRNA could decrease c-myc, h-tert mRNA and C-MYC, h-TERT protein expression levels of Jurkat cells. It is concluded that c-myc siRNA significantly reduce c-myc, h-tert mRNA and protein expression levels through inhibiting c-myc mRNA expression and decreasing intracellular level of C-MYC protein.

[Overview of chronic myelogenous leukemia and its current diagnosis and treatment patterns in 15 hospitals in China.]

OBJECTIVE

To explore demographic characteristics, current diagnosis and treatment patterns of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) patients in China.

METHODS

Data of hospitalized CML patients in 2005 whole year and outpatient information (July 1 through September 30, 2006) from 15 hospitals throughout China were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 1824 CML cases were analyzed, including 722 inpatients and 1102 outpatients. The male/female ratio was 1.78:1. The median age at diagnosis was 40.02 (2.45 - 83.29) years old, 90.41% of the patients were diagnosed at chronic phase. Proportion of accelerated phase or blast crisis patients increased to 21.66% during study period. 93.20% of the patients received blood routine and bone marrow morphologic examination at diagnosis and in monitoring; 70.29% were performed cytogenetic analysis and 51.54% performed molecular measurement in addition. The most common therapy for CML treatment was hydroxycarbamide. The proportion of patients treated with imatinib and interferon was 37.45% and 25.55%, respectively. Of 722 inpatients, 164 (22.72%) received hemotopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The proportions of accelerated phase and blast crisis patients treated with imatinib were 48.28% and 48.42%, respectively, being significantly higher than that of chronic phase patients (35.9%) (P < 0.05). The mean imatinib dosage administered in the three phases patients did not differ significantly. Imatinib resistance rates were 6.87% and 16.28% for outpatient and inpatient, respectively. In the outpatient group, the primary resistance to imatinib occurred comparably to the secondary resistance (68.75%), while primary resistance was predominant in inpatient group (65.71%). The intolerance rates of imatinib for outpatient and inpatient were 3.21%, 11.63%, respectively. The majority of patients treated with imatinb were not monitored in time: 63.38% patients evaluated hematologic response after 3 months of treatment, proportions of patients received cytogenetic examination after 6 months and 12 months of treatment were 41.41% and 27.35%, respectively. Mean cost for HSCT was 213 092 +/- 125 890 RMB.

CONCLUSIONS

CML in China tends to afflict younger population than in Western countries. Most patients were diagnosed in the chronic phase. Due to restriction of financial support, only one third of CML patients were treated with imatinib, and the majority of the treated were not monitored in time. Clinicians should pay attention to resistance and intolerance to imatinib treatment in accelerated phase or blast crisis patients.

[Effect of emodin on induction of apoptosis in jurkat cells and its possible mechanisms]

The aim of study was to investigate the effect of a traditional Chinese medicine, emodin, on proliferation and apoptosis in T lymphocytic leukemic cell line Jurkat and its mechanisms. Cell proliferation inhibition was detected by MTT assay. Cell apoptosis was measured by DNA ladder and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assay. The expressions of related proteins and caspase family members were determined by Western blot. The results showed that emodin inhibited proliferation in Jurkat cells, with an IC50 about 20 micromol/L and induced cell apoptosis in both time-and dose-dependent manners. The expressions of proliferation-related protein C-MYC, hTERT and apoptosis-related protein BCL-2 were down-regulated in a time dependent manner after the treatment with emodin. The expressions of procaspase-3, -8 and -9 all decreased while activated caspase-3 and PARP expressions were up-regulated. It is concluded that emodin can remarkably inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in Jurkat cells. The down-regulation of proliferation-related proteins C-MYC, hTERT and apoptosis-related protein BCL-2 expressions and activation of caspase cascade may be involved in the process of apoptosis.

[Apoptosis of human myeloid leukemia cell line HL-60 cells induced by siRNA targeting gene c-myc]

This study was purposed to investigate the effects of siRNA targeting c-myc on apoptosis induction, proliferation in inhibition as well as c-myc protein and mRNA expression in human myeloid leukemia cell line HL-60 cells. C-myc siRNA synthesized in vitro was transfected into HL-60 cells by liposome. Changes of cell morphology were observed. Growth inhibition was detected by MTT assay and colony formation assay, and cell apoptosis was determined by DNA ladder. The expressions of c-myc mRNA and protein were detected by RT-PCR and Western-blot respectively. The results indicated that c-myc siRNA remarkably inhibited the cell proliferation, with an IC(50) value of 150 nmol/L. Data of DNA ladder showed that HL-60 cells apoptosis could be efficiently induced by c-myc siRNA, the apoptosis rate positively correlated with the time duration of treatment with drugs. The c-myc mRNA and protein expressions on HL-60 cells decreased after treatment with c-myc siRNA, which negatively correlated with time duration of treatment. It is concluded that c-myc siRNA can efficiently induce growth inhibition, decrease the expressions of c-myc mRNA and protein, and induce apoptosis in HL-60 cells.

[Effects of zhiling capsule on the proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction in human small cell lung cancer cell line NCI-H446]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of Zhiling Capsule (ZLC) on the proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction in human small cell lung cancer cell line NCI-H446.

METHODS

According to the different components of ZLC, NCI-H446 cells were treated with traditional Chinese medicine, Western medicine and ZLC compound groups. The rates of cell viability and colony formation were observed by MTT assay and colony formation assay respectively. Cell cycle assay, Bcl-2 protein expression, chondrial transmembrane potential and Caspase-3 activity were detected by flow cytometer. Apoptotic cells were detected by DNA fragmentation assay, Annexin-V FITC staining and TUNEL labeling methods.

RESULTS

After NCI-H446 cells were treated with various concentrations of drug groups, cell growth was significantly inhibited in a dose dependent manner. Cell colony formation was obviously lowered in the same way. The levels of chondrial transmembrane potential and Bcl-2 protein expression were decreased, while the levels of Caspase-3 activity were increased after the treatment. Typical DNA ladder were seen from gel electrophoresis, and apparent apoptotic peaks were observed by flow cytometer. Apoptosis occured in the early and late stage was identified by Annexin-V FITC staining and TUNEL labeling methods respectively. The ZLC compound group has stronger apoptosis induction than the other groups.

CONCLUSION

ZLC could efficiently inhibit growth and induce apoptosis in NCI-H446 cells, which may be related with the down-regulation of chondrial transmembrane potential and Bcl-2 protein expression and the up-regulation of Caspase-3 activity.

[c-myc Antisense Oligodeoxynucleotides Induce Apoptosis of Human Myeloid Leukemia Cell Line HL-60]

In order to study the effects of c-myc antisense phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotide in inducing apoptosis of HL-60 cells, the expression of c-myc mRNA was determined by RT-PCR, the morphologic signs of apoptotic cells were observed by transmission electron microscopy, the proportion of apoptotic cells was detected by flow cytometry, and the DNA fragments were analysed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Results of RT-PCR showed marked decrease of c-myc mRNA expression in AspoI and II treated cells. The level of c-Myc protein was decreased 23.8% and 45.4%, respectively, in cells treated with 5 and 10 micro mol/L AspoI, and 38.4% after treatment of 10 micro mol/L AspoII. The apoptotic rates were 23.97% and 52.6% after 10 micro mol/L AspoI treatment and 28.8% and 45.19% after treatment with AspoII 10 micro mol/L for 48 and 72 hours, respectively. while apoptotic cells did not apear in control and sense oligodeoxynucleotide groups. Electron microscopy observation showed the characteritics of apoptosis. A ladder like pattern of DNA fragments was demonstrated on electrophoretogram. The results suggst that c-myc antisense oligodeoxynucleotides could be highly specific gene agents that can suppress the level of c-myc mRNA, decrease the c-Myc proteins and induce apoptosis of HL-60 cells.

Hemodynamic effects of chronic tetrandrine and propranolol administration on portal hypertensive rats

The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of tetrandrine and propranolol, alone or in combination, on portal hypertensive rats. Portal hypertension was induced by partial portal vein ligation in Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals were allocated into one of the four groups: vehicle group (0.1 N.HCl, 0.7 ml/day), tetrandrine group (50 mg/kg/ day), propranolol group (30 mg/kg/day), and tetrandrine (50 mg/kg/day) plus propranolol (30 mg/kg/day) group. Drug or vehicle was administered by gavage for consecutive 9 days. After 9 days of treatment, the portal venous pressure and mean arterial pressure in each treatment group were significantly lower than those in the vehicle group. The cardiac index was not changed by tetrandrine alone, but reduced in the two groups receiving propranolol alone or in combination. Total peripheral resistance was significantly decreased in the tetrandrine group and significantly increased in the tetrandrine plus propranolol group as compared with the vehicle group. Our results suggested that tetrandrine or propranolol alone induced portal hypotensive effects, with propranolol achieving better antihyperdynamic effects in terms of cardiac index, and in combination propranolol effects predominated over those of tetrandrine.

Portal hypotensive effects of tetrandrine and verapamil in portal hypertensive rats

The portal hypotensive effects of tetrandrine and verapamil (both calcium-channel blockers) were assessed in portal hypertensive rats. Portal hypertension was induced by partial portal vein ligation in Sprague-Dawley rats. Both tetrandrine (4, 8, 16 and 24 mg kg-1) and verapamil (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mg kg-1) induced dose-dependent decreases of portal venous pressure and mean arterial pressure after intravenous infusion. for example, infusion of tetrandrine (16 mg kg-1) induced a maximum reduction of portal venous pressure and mean arterial pressure approximately 1 min after the start of infusion. Portal venous pressure decreased from baseline (12.5 mmHg) to 10.0 mmHg, and mean arterial pressure from baseline (90 mmHg) to 80 mmHg. Heart rate decreased from 250 to 240 beats min-1. At 24 mg kg-1, tetrandrine reduced portal venous pressure and mean arterial pressure to 20.3 +/- 2.4% and 28.4 +/- 1.4% of baseline, respectively. Our results show that both tetrandrine and verapamil induce portal pressure reduction in portal hypertensive animals.

Chronic administration of octreotide increases vascular responsiveness in rats with portal hypertension

1. It has been reported that ortreotide partially corrects the hyperdynamic state in patients and animals with portal hypertension. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether chronic administration of octreotide can increase vascular responsiveness in rats with portal hypertension. 2. Portal hypertension was induced by partial portal vein ligation. Octreotide was given for 9 days subcutaneously (100 micrograms/kg every 12 h) starting 1 day before ligation. The aorta and mesenteric artery were then removed to study contraction after pressure recording. 3. Octreotide treatment significantly reduced portal pressure and plasma glucagon concentrations compared with the vehicle-treated group. Both phenylephrine and vasopressin induced concentration-dependent contractile responses in the aorta and mesenteric artery from both groups. The maximum contractile responses to phenylephrine and vasopressin in aorta and mesenteric artery were significantly greater in the octreotide-treated group than in the vehicle-treated group. The EC50 values for phenylephrine and vasopressin were significantly different in the aorta, but not in the mesenteric artery, but not in the mesenteric artery, between the two groups. In contrast, octreotide treatment did not alter the contractile responsiveness of arteries rom sham-operated rats. 4. These results show that, in rats with portal vein stenosis, octreotide increases arterial contractile responsiveness and reduces portal pressure.

[An improved technique for bloodless hepatic resection on the in situ cold perfused liver]

An improved technique for bloodless hepatic resection using in vivo isolation and asanguinous hypothermic perfusion was described to deal with the huge liver tumour involving the liver hilum, the main hepatic veins and retrohepatic inferior vena cava. The original Fortner's technique was modified, including the incision; isolated cold perfusion of the healthy half of the liver through the portal vein; suprahepatic outlet for the perfusate, and shortened hepatic ischemia time by perfusing hepatic artery prior to the repair or reconstruction of the portal vein. Using this technique, two huge liver tumors were successfully resected, and the indications, intraoperative monitoring and early postoperative courses were discussed.