[Role of mitochondrial autophagy and the curative effect of rehmannia glutinosa leaves total glycoside capsules on nucleos(t)ide drug-induced renal injury]

Objective: To study the curative effect of rehmannia glutinosa leaves total glycoside capsules and the role of mitochondrial autophagy on nucleos(t)ide drug-induced renal injury. Methods: Adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) was used to construct a hepatitis B virus (HBV) transgenic mouse model for renal injury. Renal function was measured in each group at one and two weeks of modeling. Mitochondrial autophagy indicators were measured at two weeks of modeling in renal tissue. Transmission electron microscopy was used to detect mitochondrial autophagy phenomena in renal tissue. The model was established for two weeks. Mouse with renal injury were treated with rehmannia glutinosa leaves total glycoside capsules or isotonic saline for eight weeks by intragastric administration. Renal function was measured. Renal tissue morphology was observed. Mitochondrial autophagy indicators were detected in renal tissue. The protective effect of different concentrations of verbascoside (the main active ingredient of rehmannia glutinosa capsule) was observed on HK-2 cell damage induced by ADV. HK-2 cells were divided into control, ADV, and ADV plus verbascoside groups. The effects of verbascoside at different times and concentrations were observed on the HK-2 mitochondrial autophagy indicators. Fifty patients with chronic hepatitis B were collected who presented with renal injury after treatment with nucleos(t)ide analogs. The random number method was used to divide 29 cases into a control group that received conventional treatment. The treatment group of 21 cases was treated with rehmannia glutinosa leaves total glycoside capsules on the basis of the control group. Serum creatinine (Scr) and urinary protein were detected at eight weeks.The χ(2) test or t-test was used for statistical analysis. Results: Compared with the control group, two weeks of modeling in the ADV group induced renal function injury in HBV mice. The expression of autophagy indicators was higher in the renal tissue of the ADV group than that of the control group. Transmission electron microscopy had revealed mitochondrial autophagy in the renal tissue of the ADV group. Compared with the control group, the renal function of HBV mice treated with rehmannia glutinosa leaves total glycoside capsules improved for two months, and the expressions of autophagy indicators were down-regulated.Verbascoside promoted proliferation in ADV-damaged HK-2 cells, and the expression of autophagy indicators was down-regulated compared with the ADV alone group. In 50 patients with renal function injury, the urinary protein improvement was significantly superior in the treatment group than that in the control group, with eighteen and three cases being effective and ineffective in the treatment group and 12 and 17 cases being effective and ineffective in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (χ(2) = 9.975 0, P = 0.001 6). Serum creatinine was decreased in the treatment group compared with the control group, with 11 and 10 cases being effective and ineffective in the treatment group and 12 and 17 cases being effective and ineffective in the control group, with no statistically significant difference (χ(2) = 0.593 5, P = 0.441 1). Conclusion: Rehmannia glutinosa leaves total glycoside capsule can improve the nucleos(t)ide drug-induced renal function injury in chronic hepatitis B, possibly playing a role via inhibiting PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitochondrial autophagy.

Phase I study of peposertib and avelumab with or without palliative radiotherapy in patients with advanced solid tumors

INTRODUCTION

We report results from a phase I, three-part, dose-escalation study of peposertib, a DNA-dependent protein kinase inhibitor, in combination with avelumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, with or without radiotherapy in patients with advanced solid tumors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Peposertib 100-400 mg twice daily (b.i.d.) or 100-250 mg once daily (q.d.) was administered in combination with avelumab 800 mg every 2 weeks in Part A or avelumab plus radiotherapy (3 Gy/fraction × 10 days) in Part B. Part FE assessed the effect of food on the pharmacokinetics of peposertib plus avelumab. The primary endpoint in Parts A and B was dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). Secondary endpoints were safety, best overall response per RECIST version 1.1, and pharmacokinetics. The recommended phase II dose (RP2D) and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) were determined in Parts A and B.

RESULTS

In Part A, peposertib doses administered were 100 mg (n = 4), 200 mg (n = 11), 250 mg (n = 4), 300 mg (n = 6), and 400 mg (n = 4) b.i.d. Of DLT-evaluable patients, one each had DLT at the 250-mg and 300-mg dose levels and three had DLT at the 400-mg b.i.d. dose level. In Part B, peposertib doses administered were 100 mg (n = 3), 150 mg (n = 3), 200 mg (n = 4), and 250 mg (n = 9) q.d.; no DLT was reported in evaluable patients. Peposertib 200 mg b.i.d. plus avelumab and peposertib 250 mg q.d. plus avelumab and radiotherapy were declared as the RP2D/MTD. No objective responses were observed in Part A or B; one patient had a partial response in Part FE. Peposertib exposure was generally dose proportional.

CONCLUSIONS

Peposertib doses up to 200 mg b.i.d. in combination with avelumab and up to 250 mg q.d. in combination with avelumab and radiotherapy were tolerable in patients with advanced solid tumors; however, antitumor activity was limited.

CLINICALTRIALS

GOV IDENTIFIER

NCT03724890.

Increased serum PCSK9 levels are associated with renal function impairment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between serum proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) levels and renal function impairment in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.

METHODS

PCSK9 levels were measured in T2DM patients, streptozotocin plus high-fat diet (STZ + HFD) mice, human proximal tubular epithelial (HK-2) cells treated with high glucose plus palmitic acid (HGPA) and the corresponding control groups. The T2DM patients were further divided into three groups according to serum PCSK9 levels. An analysis of clinical data was conducted, and a binary logistic regression model was used to test the relationship between potential predictors and urine albumin/urine creatinine ratio (UACR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

RESULTS

PCSK9 levels were higher in the DM group than in the control group in humans, mice and HK-2 cells. The systolic blood pressure (SBP), serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), triglyceride (TG), and urine α1-MG/urine creatinine ratio (UαCR) values in PCSK9 tertile 3 were significantly higher than those in PCSK9 tertile 1 (p < 0.05). The DBP and UACR values were significantly higher in PCSK9 tertile 3 than in PCSK9 tertile 1 and PCSK9 tertile 2 (both p < 0.05). In addition, URCR values were significantly higher in PCSK9 tertile 3 and PCSK9 tertile 2 than in PCSK9 tertile 1 (both p < 0.05). Serum PCSK9 levels were positively correlated with SBP, Scr, BUN, TG, URCR, UαCR and UACR but inversely correlated with eGFR. In STZ + HFD mice, serum PCSK9 levels were positively correlated with Scr, BUN and UACR, which was consistent with the findings in the patients. A logistic regression model revealed that serum PCSK9 is an independent risk factor for UACR ≥30 mg/g and eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m². The ROC curve showed that 170.53 ng/mL and 337.26 ng/mL PCSK9 were the best cutoff values for UACR ≥30 mg/g and eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m², respectively.

CONCLUSION

Serum PCSK9 levels are associated with renal function impairment in T2DM patients and in some patients lower PCSK9 may be helpful to decrease chronic kidney disease.

Expression of ICAM-1 and E-selectin in different metabolic obesity phenotypes: discrepancy for endothelial dysfunction

OBJECTIVES

Endothelial dysfunction, the earliest vascular alteration, is a consequence of metabolic disorders associated with obesity. However, it is still unclear whether a proportion of obese individuals without metabolic alterations associated with obesity, defined as "metabolically healthy obesity (MHO)", exhibit better endothelial function. We therefore aimed to investigate the association of different metabolic obesity phenotypes with endothelial dysfunction.

METHODS

The obese participants without clinical cardiovascular disease from the MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) were allocated to the different metabolic obesity phenotypes based on their metabolic status, including MHO and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO). Associations of metabolic obesity phenotypes with the biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction, including soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin), were evaluated using multiple linear regression models.

RESULTS

Plasma levels of sICAM-1 and sE-selectin were respectively measured in 2371 and 968 participants. Compared to the non-obese participants, those with MUO were associated with higher concentrations of sICAM-1 (β 22.04, 95% CI 14.33-29.75, P < 0.001) and sE-selectin (β 9.87, 95% CI 6.00-13.75, P < 0.001) after adjusting for confounders. However, no differences were found for the concentrations of sICAM-1 (β 0.70, 95% CI - 8.91 to 10.32, P = 0.886) and sE-selectin (β 3.69, 95% CI - 1.13 to 8.51, P = 0.133) in the participants with MHO compared to the non-obese participants.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with MUO were associated with elevated biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction, but the association with endothelial dysfunction was not found in those with MHO, indicating that the individuals with MHO might exhibit better endothelial function.

Effectiveness of Bladder Filling Control during Online MR-Guided Adaptive Radiotherapy for Rectum Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

MR-guided adaptive radiotherapy (MRgART) treatment sessions at MR-Linac are time-consuming and changes in bladder filling during the session can impact the treatment dosimetry. In this work, we present the procedure implemented in the clinical workflow to stabilize bladder filling during the MR based adaptive radiotherapy sessions and evaluate its effectiveness and the resulting dosimetric impact on the adaptive plan.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Twenty-five rectum cancer patients treated at 1.5T MR-Linac with a short course radiotherapy (25 Gy in 5 fractions of 5 Gy each) were included in this retrospective study. Patients were treated with the adapt-to-shape workflow consisting of a plan adaptation based on the MRI acquired in each session and optimized on the corresponding MR-based synthetic CT. Considering the significant interval time between the acquisition of the first daily MRI used for plan adaptation, and the beam delivery, a bladder catheter was used to stabilize the bladder filling; the procedure consists of emptying the bladder and refilling it with a well-known amount of physiological solution before each MRI acquisition. Two MRIs were acquired at each session: the first was used for plan adaptation and the second was acquired while approving the adapted plan, to be rigidly registered with the first to ensure the appropriateness of the isodoses on the ongoing delivery treatment. A total of 125 sessions and 250 MRI images and bladder contours were analyzed; for each fraction, the time interval between the first and second MRI and the corresponding bladder volumes were recorded; the consistency of bladder volumes and shapes along each online session was assessed with the dice similarity index (DSC) and Hausdorff distance (HD); the impact on plan dosimetry was evaluated by comparing target and bladder DVH cut off points of the plan on the two different MRI datasets.

RESULTS

The time interval between the first and second MRI, averaged over the 125 sessions is 39.0 min, range (18.6-75.8) min. The changes in bladder volumes, DSC index, HD, and the differences between the bladder and target DVH cut-off points are shown in the table below. The DSC and HD are comparable to inter-observer variability in manual contour segmentation, with an average DSC of 0.91 and average HD of 2.13 mm; the average differences in bladder and target dosimetry remain under 0.63% and 0.10%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The use of a procedure in the clinical workflow of MRgART to stabilize the bladder filling throughout the online session may be helpful to guarantee the accuracy of the ongoing delivered treatment.

Study on the Clinical Use of a Respiratory Navigator Combined with Breath-Hold for MRI- Guided Liver SBRT

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Respiratory movement strongly affects the accuracy of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) of liver malignancies treated without the use of a respiratory gating system. This study investigates the feasibility and advantages of using a respiratory navigator-guided combined with patient breath-hold for liver SBRT in an adaptive magnetic-resonance guided workflow.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Clinical datasets of 10 liver cancer patients treated with 1.5T MR-Linac with respiratory navigator-guided SBRT combined with patient breath-hold were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent simulation CT with and without contrast, and 4D-CT and 3D-T2w MRI without contrast. Patients received a prescription dose ranging from 36 to 50 Gy in 5 to 8 fractions and followed the adapt to shape (ATS) workflow including contours adjustment and a subsequent MR-based synthetic CT (sCT) calculation on the online MRI acquired. The reference treatment plan was optimized on the expiratory phase of the 4D-CT, and during the online session the contours and the adapted plans were performed using the 3D-T2w navigator MRI of the patient's end-expiratory signal; 2D-T2w real-time monitoring MRI was also used as support for the contour's definition. The radiation therapist instructed the patients to hold their breath at the end of the breathing cycle for the time of the beam on. A total of 59 fractions were analyzed. For each fraction the dosimetric parameters of the target and normal liver of the adaptive and reference plans were compared; particularly the volume, the conformity index (CI) and gradient index (GI) for the target, and V5, V10 and Dmean for the normal liver. T-student statistical analysis was performed; a p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

In the free breathing state, the 3D-T2w navigator MRI images enable a clear visualization of the tumor and its boundaries. The average target CI of the adaptive and reference plans is not significantly different (p = 0.448), while the GI is significantly higher (p = 0.043). Normal liver V10 and Dmean are lower and V5 is slightly increased, but without statistical differences. The mean values and standard deviation of the dosimetric parameters of the reference and adapted plans are shown in the Table below.

CONCLUSION

The use of a respiratory navigator combined with the breath-hold for MRI- guided liver SBRT allows clear visualization of the tumor, ensures the accuracy of the delivered dose and may be considered an alternative when the respiratory gating system is not available during MRgART sessions.

Study on Lattice Radiotherapy Treatments (LRT) for Head and Neck Bulky Tumors

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Lattice radiotherapy (LRT) exploits various effects of radiation, such as the bystander effect and the abscopal effect, and consists on the administration of high dose fraction in small areas with large tumor masses, helping to solve the problem of treating bulky disease, especially if it is located in a critical anatomical area. The optimization of LRT treatment plans is challenging due to the difficulty to generate spots of high dose within the tumor with consequent high gradient. This study compares the plan dosimetry and delivery time of two delivery techniques VMAT and CyberKnife for LRT treatments of bulky head and neck lesions.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Six patients with giant head and neck tumors who received LRT at our institution were included in this study. Target and OARs were contoured following international guidelines; to allow easy identification of the desired high gradient zones, an artificial geometrical lattice structure with spherical vertices was arranged inside the target volume (GTV), and the vertices of the lattice representing the high dose boost volumes (GTVboost) were delineated. The GTVboost and GTV were prescribed to receive 12 Gy and 3 Gy, respectively in a single fraction. Separate VMAT and CyberKnife LRT plans were optimized for each patient with lattice vertex of 0.5 diameter and center-to-center distances of 1.5 cm (LRT1.5) and 3 cm (LRT3). The dose heterogeneity was measured as the peak-to-valley dose ratio (PVDR), with the traditional definition being replaced by the D10/D90 ratio, where D10 and D90 represent the doses covering 10% and 90% of the GTV, respectively. For each plan generated, the treatment delivery time, the monitor units (MU), and the PVDR were assessed. Pre-treatment plan verifications were performed with ArcCheck array and Gafchromics film for VMAT and CyberKnife, respectively, using gamma analysis criteria of 3%-3mm.

RESULTS

The mean PVDR obtained for VMAT LRT plans were 2.0 and 2.6 for LRT1.5 and LRT3, respectively, and 3.2 and 4.7, respectively for CyberKnife LRT plans. For each pre-treatment plan dose verification, the gamma passing rate (GPR) was higher than 95.0 %; CyberKnife delivery time and MU were more than 10 times higher than that of VMAT, nevertheless, VMAT had a lower PVDR. The detailed results are shown in the table below.

CONCLUSION

CyberKnife LRT has a strong ability to place the peak dose within the target, generating a higher peak-to-valley dose ratio, however its use is partially invalidated by the long beam delivery times and the resulting high MU number; the use of the VMAT LRT technique allows clinically adequate dosimetry with acceptable delivery times.

[A control study of steroid withdrawal protection strategy after kidney transplantation in children]

Objective: To study the influence of steroid withdrawal protection strategy on height growth in pediatric patients after kidney transplantation. Methods: The prospective cohort study enrolled 40 stage 5 chronic kidney disease children receiving kidney transplantation from July 2017 to September 2022 at Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center. Based on the primary preoperative disease, patients with immune abnormality-associated glomerular diseases or unknown causes were assigned to the steroid maintenance group, in which patients received steroid tapering within 3 months after surgery to a maintenance dose of 2.5 to 5.0 mg/d. While patients with hereditary kidney disease or congenital urinary malformations were assigned to the steroid withdrawal group, in which patients had steroids tapered off within 3 months. The characteristics of height catch-up growth and clinical data were compared between the 2 groups at baseline, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after kidney transplantation. T-test, repeated measurement of variance analysis, Mann-Whitney U test, and Fisher exact test were used for the comparison between the 2 groups. Results: Among the 40 children, 17 were males, 23 were females, 25 were in the steroid withdraw group ((7.8±2.8) years old when receiving kidney transplantation) and 15 cases were in the steroid maintenance group ((7.6±3.5) years old when receiving kidney transplantation). The study population was followed up for (26±12) months. The total dose per unit body weight of steroids in the steroid withdrawal group was lower than that in the steroid maintenance group ((0.13±0.06) vs. (0.36±0.19) mg/(kg·d), t=5.83, P<0.001). The height catch-up rate (ΔHtSDS) in the first year after kidney transplantation in the steroid withdraw and steroid maintenance groups was 1.0 (0.7, 1.4) and 0.4 (0.1, 1.0), respectively; in the second year, the ΔHtSDS in the steroid withdraw group was significantly higher than that in the steroid maintenance group (1.1 (0.2, 1.7) vs. 0.3 (0, 0.8), U=28.00, P=0.039). The HtSDS in the steroid withdrawal group at the five follow-up time points was -2.5±0.8, -2.0±0.8, -1.5±0.8, -1.3±0.9 and -0.5±0.3, respectively, while in the steroid maintenance was -2.4±1.3, -2.2±1.1, -2.0±1.0, -1.8±1.0 and -1.6±1.0, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in HtSDS at different follow-up time points in both 2 groups (F=19.81, P<0.01), but no statistical differences in overall impact between the 2 groups (F=1.13, P=0.204). The steroid treatment was interaction with the increase of follow-up time (F=3.62, P=0.009). At the 24th month after transplantation, the HtSDS in the steroid withdrawal group was significantly higher than that in the steroid maintenance group (P=0.047). Six patients in the steroid withdrawal group experienced antibody-mediated immune rejection (AMR), while 3 did in the steroid maintenance group. Moreover, there was no significant difference in AMR between the two groups (χ2=0.06, P=0.814). Conclusion: The steroid withdrawal protection strategy favors the height catch-up growth in pediatric patients after kidney transplantation and does not increase the risk of postoperative antibody-mediated immune rejection.

PCSK9 causes inflammation and cGAS/STING pathway activation in diabetic nephropathy

Our previous research revealed that an increase in PCSK9 is linked to aggravated inflammation in the kidneys of mice affected by a high-fat diet and streptozotocin (HFD/STZ) or in HGPA-induced HK-2 cells. Furthermore, the cGAS/STING pathway has been reported to be involved in diabetic nephropathy (DN). Therefore, in this study, we aimed to examine the correlation between the proinflammatory effect of PCSK9 and the cGAS/STING pathway in DN. We used PCSK9 mAbs to inhibit PCSK9 in vivo and PCSK9 siRNA in vitro and measured the inflammatory phenotype in HFD/STZ-treated mice or HGPA-induced HK-2 cells, and observed decreased blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, UACR, and kidney injury in response to the PCSK9 mAb in HFD/STZ-treated mice. Moreover, IL-1 β, MCP-1, and TNF-α levels were reduced by the PCSK9 mAb in vivo and PCSK9 siRNA in vitro. We observed increased mtDNA damage and activation of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway during DN, as well as the downstream targets p-TBK1, p-NF-κB p65, and IL-1β. In a further experiment with an HGPA-induced DN model in HK-2 cells, we revealed that mtDNA damage was increased, which led to the activation of the cGAS/STING system and its downstream targets. Notably, the cGAS-STING signaling pathway was inhibited by the PCSK9 mAb in vivo and PCSK9 siRNA in vitro. In addition, inhibition of STING with C-176 in HGPA-induced HK-2 cells markedly blocked inflammation. In conclusion, we report for the first time that PCSK9 triggers mitochondrial DNA damage and activates the cGAS-STING pathway in DN, which leads to a series of inflammation cascades. PCSK9-targeted intervention can effectively reduce DN inflammation and delay its progression. Moreover, the inhibition of STING significantly abrogated the inflammation triggered by HGPA in HK-2 cells.

The transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection from mother-to-infant (MTI) and the susceptibility of offspring to hepatitis B under intrauterine exposure to HBsAg

OBJECTIVE

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes long-term injury to the liver in patients with chronic hepatitis B. It was reported that nearly half of this disease's cases now result from mother-to-infant (MTI) transmission. Therefore, intervention during this period of transmission of HBV could effectively prevent HBV infection in infants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study employed bioinformatics methods to analyze the datasets of MTI hepatitis B transmission obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Through this analysis, we extracted valuable information to identify genes exhibiting differential expression and uncover the associated signal pathways. Ultimately, our investigations into alterations in immune function shed light on the underlying mechanisms of MTI HBV transmission.

RESULTS

There were 593 genes that were significantly differentially expressed (512 up-regulated genes and 81 down-regulated genes) in the offspring CD8+T cells with Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) intrauterine exposure. The pathways enriched for differentially expressed genes have been revealed. Furthermore, we performed a correlation analysis between differentially expressed genes and maternal hepatitis B inheritance via the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and eventually found a high correlation between the cyan module and the shape. Among them, there were 166 genes in the cyan module, which were mainly enriched in the phosphatidylinositol signaling system, glycerolipid metabolism, and other types of O-Glycan biosynthesis.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, we speculated that these signaling pathways and the genes within may be closely related to hepatitis B susceptibility and maternal hepatitis B inheritance. In this study, we showed that differentially expressed genes and signaling pathways may be valuable in preventing MTI transmission of HBV.

[Prevalence of parasitic infections in human stool samples from a hospital in Chenzhou City of Hunan Province]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of parasitic infections in human stool samples from a hospital in Chenzhou City, Hunan Province, so as to provide insights into the management of intestinal parasitic diseases.

METHODS

Stool samples were collected from patients admitted to a hospital in Chenzhou City from September 2020 to March 2021, subjected to physiological saline smearing and microscopy for detection of intestinal parasites. The prevalence of parasitic infections and the species of parasites were descriptively analyzed.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was 1.61% in the 10 728 stool samples, and there were 3 samples with mixed infections of two parasite species. A total of seven parasite species were identified, including Blastocystis hominis (162 cases, 1.55%), Giardia lamblia (5 cases, 0.05%), Dientamoeba fragilis (5 cases, 0.05%), Endolimax nana (one case, 0.01%), Iodamoeba bütschlii (one case, 0.01%), Strongyloides stercoralis (one case, 0.01%) and Trichomonas hominis (one case, 0.01%). The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was significantly higher among women than in men (2.14% vs. 1.25%; χ² = 13.01, P < 0.01), and a high prevalence rate was seen among patients at ages of 20 to 30 years (2.99%) and 80 years and older (2.86%); however, no age-specific prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was detected (χ² = 12.45, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was low among patients admitted to a hospital in Chenzhou City, and gender-specific prevalence was found. Food-borne and opportunistic parasites were predominant intestinal parasites, including B. hominis, G. lamblia and D. fragilis.

Effect of pulmonary function on bone mineral density in the United States: results from the NHANES 2007-2010 study

The relationship between pulmonary function (PF) and bone mineral density (BMD) remains controversial. In the US population, we found a positive association between PF and BMD. Mixed variables such as age, gender, and race may influence this association.

INTRODUCTION

Based on the data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2007 to 2010, this study explored whether there is a correlation between PF (1st second forceful expiratory volume as a percentage of expected value (FEV1(% predicted)), (one-second rate (FEV1/FVC)), and bone mineral density.

METHODS

We evaluated the relationship between PF and BMD in 6327 NHANES subjects (mean age 44.51 ± 15.64 years) from 2007 to 2010. The bone mineral density of the whole femur was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). After adjusting for a wide range of confounders, we examined the relationship between PF and total femur BMD using a multiple linear regression model.

RESULTS

Correction of race, age, alcohol consumption, body mass index (BMI), height, poor income ratio (PIR), total protein, serum calcium, serum uric acid, cholesterol, serum phosphorus, blood urea nitrogen, FEV1(% predicted), and femur BMD were positively correlated (β = 0.032, 95% CI: 0.010-0.054, P = 0.004). FEV1/FVC was positively correlated with spine BMD (β = 0.275 95%CI: 0.102-0.448, P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that PF is positively associated with BMD in the US population. A variety of factors such as race and age influence this relationship. the relationship between PF and BMD needs to be further investigated, including specific regulatory mechanisms and confounding factors.

[Comparative study of decentration, tilt and visual quality after implantation of aspherical intraocular lenses]

Objective: To compare the difference of decentration and tilt among 4 kinds of aspherical intraocular lenses (IOLs), and to analyze their objective visual quality. Methods: Prospective non-randomized controlled clinical trial. Age-related cataract patients who planned to undergo phacoemulsification and IOL implantation in the Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College from April to June in 2020 were divided into ZCB00 group, SN60WF group, A1-UV group, and AO group according to IOL types. Thirty right eyes and thirty left eyes were selected in each group. Before operation and at 1 day, 1 week and 1 month postoperatively, decentration and tilt values were measured by a new swept-source anterior-segment optical coherence tomography device (CASIA2), and wavefront aberrations, objective scatter index (OSI), modulation transfer function cut off frequency (MTF cut off) and Strehl ratio (SR) were also examined. Values of decentration, tilt and visual quality compared among 4 groups were took from the right eye. One-way analysis of variance was used for inter-group comparison, and repeated measurement one-way analysis of variance was used for intra-group comparison. Data between right eyes and left eyes from all the individuals were compared by independent sample t-test. Results: A total of 181 patients (240 eyes) were enrolled, and 169 patients (224 eyes) completed the follow-up (114 right eyes and 110 left eyes). There were 77 males and 92 females, with an age of (69±9) years. There was no significant difference in gender, age, axial length, decentration and tilt of crystalline lens and IOL power among 4 groups (all P>0.05). At 1 day, 1 week and 1 month postoperatively, there was significant difference in decentration value among 4 groups (F=7.11, 6.12, 4.66; all P<0.05). For further pairwise comparison, the decentration value of SN60WF group was higher than that of the other 3 groups at 1 day and 1 week postoperatively, and the decentration value of SN60WF group was (0.259±0.101) mm at 1 month postoperatively, which was higher than that of ZCB00 group (0.177±0.099) mm and AO group (0.163±0.122) mm, and the differences were statistically significant (using SNK-q test, both P<0.05). The IOL tilt value in the ZCB00 group, SN60WF group, A1-UV group, and AO group at 1 month postoperatively were (4.806±1.129)°, (5.080±1.309)°, (4.586±1.338)°, (5.112±1.406)°, respectively. No significant difference in tilt value among 4 groups was found at any time after surgery (all P>0.05). In each group, there was no significant difference in decentration and tilt value at different postoperative time points (all P>0.05). At 1 month postoperatively, there was no significant difference in decentration and tilt at horizontal and vertical directions respectively among 4 groups (all P>0.05), and in each group, there was no significant difference in decentration and tilt value between right eyes and left eyes (all P>0.05), and IOLs tended to tilt towards the inferonasal or inferotemporal direction in both eyes. With 4-mm and 6-mm pupil diameter, there was significant difference in internal (F=131.32, 85.17) and ocular (F=46.64, 47.55) spherical aberration among 4 groups (all P<0.01). For further pairwise comparison, the spherical aberration of AO group was higher than that of the other 3 groups, and the difference was statistically significant (using SNK-q test, all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in OSI, MTF cut off and SR among 4 groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions: The four types of IOLs show decentration and tilt in varying degrees after implantation in the capsular bag, but this difference do not lead to clinical significance. Human eyes have tolerance to mild decentration and tilt of aspheric IOLs, showing good visual quality.

POS0349 DECOY RECEPTOR 3 AND ITS SIGNAL PATHWAY CONTRIBUTE TO PATHOGENESIS IN PRIMARY GOUTY ARTHRITIS

Background

Gouty arthritis (GA) is an autoinflammatory disease caused by the deposition of monosodium urate crystal (MSU) in the joints and surrounding tissues, which lead to a series of complex inflammatory cascade amplification reactions.The clinical symptoms of acute GA attack rapidly, but often alleviate spontaneously within 7 ~ 10 days, which is one of the significant characteristics different from other joint diseases or autoimmune diseases. However, the exact molecular mechanism of its inflammatory self limitation is still unclear. The phenotypic imbalance of Th1 / Th2 cells and the M1/ M2 polarization of macrophages may be involved in the inflammatory self limitation of gout[1].Decoy receptor 3 (DCR3) can differentiate T cells into Th2 phenotype, promote M2 polarization of macrophages, and play the functions of immune regulation and repair[2].DCR3 and its Signal Pathway are involved in the pathogenesis of tumors and a variety of autoimmune diseases, and have become an important research target of tumors and immune related diseases.However, studies on DcR3 related molecular pathway and GA are scarce, and the specific regulatory mechanism is unknown.

Objectives

To assess the contribution of DcR3 and its signal pathway to gout and the clinical importance of these genes in primary gouty arthritis.

Methods

The mRNA expression levels of DCR3 and its signal pathway(DR3, TL1A, Fas, FasL, Ligth, LigthR, LTgthRNA expression levels of DCR3 and its signal pathway(DR3gout and the clinical importance of these genes in primary gouty arthritis.nt research target of tumors and immune related diseases.However, studies on DcR3 related moathway expression levels and laboratory features was analyzed in GA patients.

Results

The expression levels of DCR3, FasL were much lower in the AG and IG group than in the HC groups (p<0.05), and no significant difference was detected between AG and IG groups(P>0.05)(a,e). The expression levels of DR3 were much lower in the AG and IG group than in the HC groups (p<0.05), and much lower in the AG group than in the IG groups (p<0.05)(b). The expression levels of TL1A were much higher in the AG group than in the IG and HC groups (p<0.05), and no significant difference was detected between IG and HC groups(P>0.05)(c).The expression levels of Light, LightR were much lower in the AG group than in the HC groups (p<0.05), and no significant difference was detected between AG and IG groups, IG and HC groups(P>0.05)(f,g).The expression levels of LTlower in the AG and IG group than in the HC groups (p<0.05(p<0.05), and no significant difference was detected between AG and IG groups, IG and HC groups(P>0.05)(h).In GA patients, the levels of DcR3 related molecular pathway gene correlated with laboratory inflammatory and metabolic indexes.

Conclusion

Altered DCR3 and its signal pathway expression suggests that DCR3 related molecular pathway is involved in the pathogenesis of GA and participates in regulating inflammation and metabolism.

References

[1]Desai J, Steiger S, Anders HJ. Molecular Pathophysiology of Gout[J]. Trends Mol Med. 2017 Aug;23(8):756-768. DOI:10.1016/j.molmed.2017.06.005.

[2]Pan YG, Huang MT, Sekar P, et al. Decoy Receptor 3 Inhibits Monosodium Urate-Induced NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation via Reduction of Reactive Oxygen Species Production and Lysosomal Rupture[J]. Front Immunol. 2021 Mar 3;12:638676.DOI:10.3389/fimmu.2021.638676.

Figure 1.

Relative Expression of DcR3 related molecular pathway gene in the PBMCs of Patients.The expression levels of DCR3, FasL were much lower in the AG and IG group than in the HC groups (p<0.05)(a,e). The expression levels of DR3 were much lower in the AG and IG group than in the HC groups (p<0.05), and much lower in the AG group than in the IG groups (p<0.05)(b). The expression levels of TL1A were much higher in the AG group than in the IG and HC groups (p<0.05)(c).The expression levels of Light, LightR were much lower in the AG group than in the HC groups (p<0.05)(f,g).The expression levels of LTβR were much higher in the AG group than in the HC groups (p<0.05)(h).

Acknowledgements

Institute of Research Center of Gout and Hyperuricemia of the Affiliated Hospital, North Sichuan Medical College

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

AB0702 Coexistence of systemic sclerosis and microscopic polyangitis associated with pulmonary renal syndrome: a case report and literature review

Background

Systemic sclerosis is a chronic immune disease characterized by varying degrees of fibrosis of skin and internal organs. Microscopic polyangitis, as a subtype of ANCA associated vasculitis, mainly involves small blood vessels, often manifested as necrotizing glomerulonephritis and pulmonary capillary vasculitis. Pulmonary renal syndrome is characterized by diffuse alveolar hemorrhage based on pulmonary capillary vasculitis and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, which can be derived from a variety of autoimmune diseases, of which ANCA associated vasculitis accounts for about 60%[1]. The cases of coexistence of systemic sclerosis and microscopic polyangitis associated with pulmonary renal syndrome in clinic are rare, which is often dangerous and is easy to miss diagnosis or misdiagnosis.

Objectives

To investigate the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of coexistence of systemic sclerosis (SSC) and microscopic polyangitis（MPA）associated with pulmonary renal syndrome (PRS).

Methods

The clinical data, diagnosis and treatment process of a patient who has SSC combined with MPA and PRS were summarized and analyzed. And the literature was reviewed to explore the correlation of the pathogenesis and clinical experience of SSC complicated with MPA and PRS.

Results

The case is a middle-aged male who was diagnosed as SSc due to the hardening of the skin of both hands，Reynolds phenomenon, the anti-scl-70 antibody are positive. The patient suffered from repeated hemoptysis, progressive dyspnea, severe anemia and renal insufficiency, so he was diagnosed as MPA with PRS. After giving glucocorticoid, immunosuppressant and anti-infection treatment, his condition has improved. A total of 7 case reports were retrieved by reviewing the relevant literature.A total of 7 patients were reported.They were first diagnosed as SSc and then MPA with PRS, of which 4 cases improved after treatment and 3 cases died. Among the dead patients, 1 case was treated with penicillamine for 3 years, and the remaining 2 cases were only treated with steroids without immunosuppressants.In SSc, P-ANCA is closely related to vasculitis, and the prognosis of PRS secondary to P-ANCA may be very poor. Most of the diagnosis of MPA is only after patients have kidney or lung diseases.There is a certain correlation between them in pathogenesis. Glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, biological agents, hemodialysis and plasma exchange are the main treatments.

Conclusion

Although the cases of SSc combined with MPA and PRS are rare, there are still many cases reported,which reminds us: ①When SSc patients have new symptoms such as renal insufficiency or lungs, they should be alert to new entities that may be combined with other autoimmune diseases to avoid missed diagnosis or misdiagnosis.②ANCA should be detected in SSc patients at baseline, which may be related to disease activity.③PRS has rapid progress and high mortality, whcih is an emergency that needs urgent treatment. Such patients should be treated with glucocorticoid, immunosuppression and plasma exchange immediately. However, if patients are complicated with SSc, they need to be extra careful when using high-dose steroids, which increases the risk of renal crisis.

References

[1]de Groot K, Schnabel A. Das pulmorenale Syndrom [Pulmonary-renal syndrome]. Internist (Berl). 2005;46(7):769-782. doi:10.1007/s00108-005-1423-8.

Figure 1.

The contrast of chest CT before and after treatment showed that the exudative lesions of both lungs were significantly absorbed

Figure 2.

Clinical data of systemic sclerosis combined with microscopic polyangitis and pulmonary renal syndrome

Acknowledgements

Institute of Research Center of Gout and Hyperuricemia of the Affiliated Hospital, North Sichuan Medical College

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

AB0112 DECOY RECEPTOR 3 AND ITS SIGNAL PATHWAY CONTRIBUTE TO PATHOGENESIS IN ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS

Background

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic progressive disease with invasion of spine and sacroiliac joint as the main clinical manifestation, which can be combined with systemic inflammation or abnormalities in multiple parts at the same time. There are complex changes of immune function in patients with AS, and its immune and genetic pathogenesis is still unclear. Decoy receptor 3 (DcR3), as a new immune molecule discovered in recent years, plays an important role in regulating T cell activation, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis.Studies have confirmed that DcR3 is involved in the immune disorder process of rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, AS and other autoimmune diseases, so that the role of DcR3 in AS has attracted attention. However, the expression of DcR3 related pathway genes[1-3].However, studies evaluating the DcR3 related pathway genes in AS are scarce.

Objectives

To assess the contribution of DcR3 and its signal pathway to AS and the clinical importance of these genes in AS.

Methods

The mRNA expression levels of DCR3 and its signal pathway(DR3、TL1A、Fas、FasL、Ligth、LigthR、LTgthRNA expresured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 50 AS patients and 50 healthy subjects. The relationship between DCR3 related molecular pathway expression levels and laboratory features was analyzed in AS patients.

Results

The expression levels of DCR3、DR3、Fas、Light were much lower in the AS group than in the HC groups (p<0.05)(a,b,c,d), and the expression levels of LT The relationship between DCR3 related molecular pathway expression l

Conclusion

Compared with HC group, DCR3 and its signal pathway in PBMCs of AS patients are differentially expressed. It is speculated that DcR3 related molecular pathway gene may be involved in the pathogenesis of AS.

Figure 1.

Relative Expression of DcR3 related molecular pathway gene in the PBMCs of Patients. The mRNA levels in PBMCs from AS patients(n=50) and HCs(n=50) were measured by RT-qPCR. The expression levels of DCR3ˎDR3ˎFasˎLight were much lower in the AS group than in the HC groups (p<0.05)(a,b,c,d), and the expression levels of LTβR was much higher in the AS group than in the HC groups (p<0.05)(e).

References

[1]Lee CS, Hu CY, Tsai HF, et al. Elevated serum decoy receptor 3 with enhanced T cell activation in systemic lupus erythematosus. Clin Exp Immunol. 2008;151(3):383-390. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2249.2007.03579.x

[2]Hayashi S, Miura Y, Tateishi K, Takahashi M, Kurosaka M. Decoy receptor 3 is highly expressed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Mod Rheumatol. 2010;20(1):63-68. doi:10.1007/s10165-009-0240-7.

[3]Chen MH, Chen WS, Tsai CY, Liao HT, Chen CH, Chou CT. Overexpression of decoy receptor 3 in synovial tissues of inflammatory arthritis. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2012;30(2):171-177.

Acknowledgements

Institute of Research Center of Gout and Hyperuricemia of the Affiliated Hospital, North Sichuan Medical College

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

A37 EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF RISANKIZUMAB AS MAINTENANCE THERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH CROHN’S DISEASE: 52 WEEK RESULTS FROM THE PHASE 3 FORTIFY STUDY

Background

Risankizumab (RZB), an anti-IL-23 p19 inhibitor, was well-tolerated and superior to placebo (PBO) in inducing clinical remission and endoscopic response in patients (pts) with moderate-to-severe Crohn’s disease (CD) in two phase 3 studies at 12 weeks.

Aims

FORTIFY (NCT03105102), was a 52-week (wk) phase 3 double-blind, re-randomized responder withdrawal study that evaluated the efficacy and safety of continuing RZB as subcutaneous (SC) maintenance therapy versus withdrawal to placebo in pts achieving induction response to RZB

Methods

Week 12 IV RZB responders were re-randomized 1:1:1 to: RZB SC 360mg (N=141), RZB 180mg (N=157), or PBO (withdrawal from IV RZB; N=164) every 8wks for 52wks. Co-primary endpoints were clinical remission (per CD Activity Index [CDAI] (US); or stool frequency/abdominal pain score [SF/APS] (OUS) and endoscopic response at wk52. Other clinical and endoscopic endpoints, inflammatory biomarkers, RZB serum levels, and safety were assessed over time.

Results

Rates of clinical remission (CDAI, SF/APS) and clinical response were similar for RZB and PBO groups through wk24, with rates lower for PBO thereafter. At wk52, clinical remission (CDAI, SF/APS) and endoscopic response rates were significantly higher with RZB 360mg than PBO ( P<0.01); RZB 180mg was superior to PBO for clinical remission per CDAI and endoscopic response ( P<0.01). Endoscopic remission and deep remission rates increased over time with 360mg, remained steady with 180mg, and decreased with PBO. Mean fecal calprotectin (FCP) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels decreased with SC RZB, but increased with PBO, over 52wks. Exposure-adjusted event rates (per 100 pts-years) of serious adverse event (AE) were generally similar among groups (360mg, 21.0 E/100PY and 180mg, 19.5 E/100PY vs PBO, 19.3 E/100PY), as were AEs leading to drug discontinuation (4.8 E/100PY and 2.4 E/100PY vs 3.7 E/100PY), and serious infections (6.0 E/100PY and 3.0 E/100PY vs 5.0 E/100PY).

Conclusions

In pts with moderate-to-severe CD, a robust pharmacodynamic effect on the IL-23 pathway after 12wks RZB IV induction was maintained with RZB SC maintenance therapy. The durability of RZB was demonstrated with high rates of efficacy over the 52-wk study. RZB was superior to PBO for achieving clinical remission and endoscopic response at wk52. Results for the more stringent endpoints (endoscopic remission\deep remission) and persistent improvements in inflammatory biomarkers are consistent with a dose response relationship. Continued RZB SC maintenance treatment was generally safe and well-tolerated.

Funding Agencies

AbbVie

[Distribution and metabolism of toxicants in rats with phenol burn]

Objective: To study the distribution and metabolism of toxicants in rats after phenol burn. Methods: In February 2019, SPF-grade healthy SD male rats were transdermally exposed to 6 mg/kg phenol to create a 5% body surface burn model of rats. High performance liquid chromatography was used to determine phenol content in rat plasma and kidney tissues after 0.25, 0.75, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 h, respectively. The kinetic parameters of phenol were calculated by DAS 2.0 software, and the kidney targeting of phenol was evaluated. Results: The area under the blood concentration-time curve at 0-8 h (AUC(0-8)) of the rat after phenol burn was (28.741±6.485) μg/ml·h, and the area under the blood concentration-time curve from 0 to infinite time (AUC(0-∞)) was (30.354±6.424) μg/ml·h, half-life (t(1/2)) was (2.111±0.632) h, peak concentration (C(max)) was (16.287±4.870) μg/ml, mean residence time (MRT) was (1.854±0.148) h. The target efficiency (DTE) of rat kidney was 2.91. Conclusion: Phenol burn rats have fast percutaneous absorption, rapid elimination of phenol, and have high clearance rate, short MRT, and weak substance accumulation. Phenol has relatively obvious selectivity to the kidneys.

AB0197 EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF HLX01 COMBINED WITH METHOTREXATE IN CHINESE PATIENTS WITH MODERATELY TO SEVERELY ACTIVE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS WHO HAD INADEQUATE RESPONSES TO METHOTREXATE: RESULTS OF A RANDOMISED, DOUBLE-BLIND, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED PHASE 3 STUDY

Background:

Rituximab is an effective therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with inadequate responses to methotrexate (MTX)1, 2. However, it has not been registered or approved in China for the treatment of RA by far. HLX01, an approved rituximab biosimilar (demonstrated in Chinese patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma)3, is thus evaluated in this study for the benefits of Chinese RA patients.

Objectives:

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of HLX01 plus MTX versus placebo plus MTX in Chinese patients with active RA who had inadequate responses to MTX.

Methods:

This was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 study conducted in China (NCT03522415). Eligible patients were randomised 2:1 to receive intravenous infusion of 2×1000 mg HLX01 or placebo on day 1 and day 15. Patients with inadequate responses at week 16 and 20 were allowed to receive rescue treatments. Patients were retreated with or switched to receive (if initially assigned to placebo) 2×1000 mg rituximab at the first day of week 24 and 26. The primary endpoint of this study was the American College of Rheumatology criteria (ACR) 20 response at week 24. Secondary efficacy endpoints were evaluated at week 12, 24, 36 and 48. The safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and immunogenicity of HLX01 were observed and analyzed throughout the study.

Results:

Between May 28, 2018 and Sep 11, 2020, a total of 275 patients (ITT set) were randomised and 263 patients without major protocol deviations were included in per-protocol set (PPS). At week 24, HLX01 showed statistically superior efficacy (p <0.001) to placebo (ACR20: 60.7% vs 35.9% in ITT set, 60.3% vs 37.1% in PPS). Secondary efficacy endpoints were also significantly improved in HLX01 group compared with placebo (Table 1). The overall incidence of serious treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs), adverse drug reactions (ADRs), and TEAEs leading to drug discontinuation were similar among treatment groups, with the most common TEAE been upper respiratory tract infection before (18.1% vs 18.5%) or after (13.0% vs 12.3%) week 24. Serum concentrations, immunogenicity and pharmacodynamics were similar between HLX01 and placebo groups.

Table 1.

Results of secondary efficacy endpoints at week 12, 24, 36 and 48 in ITT set.

DurationSecondary efficacy endpointsACR20 (%)ACR50 (%)ACR70 (%)DAS28-CRP(mean)HAQ-DI(mean)HLX01PlaceboHLX01PlaceboHLX01PlaceboHLX01PlaceboHLX01PlaceboBaseline5.495.431.401.45Week 1248.132.621.910.94.45.43.894.471.021.22Week 2460.735.936.618.515.312.03.394.370.871.22Week 3660.148.946.431.532.217.42.883.510.710.97Week 4873.862.055.240.239.927.22.823.510.721.03

Conclusion:

Comparing with placebo plus MTX, HLX01 plus MTX showed significantly improved clinical outcomes and comparable safety profiles in Chinese patients with moderately to severely active RA who had inadequate responses to MTX, demonstrating HLX01 in combination with MTX as a well-tolerated, safe and efficient treatment option.

References:

[1]Emery P, Deodhar A, Rigby WF, et al. Efficacy and safety of different doses and retreatment of rituximab: a randomised, placebo-controlled trial in patients who are biological naive with active rheumatoid arthritis and an inadequate response to methotrexate (Study Evaluating Rituximab’s Efficacy in MTX iNadequate rEsponders (SERENE)). Ann Rheum Dis. Sep 2010;69(9):1629-35. doi:10.1136/ard.2009.119933.

[2]Rubbert-Roth A, Tak PP, Zerbini C, et al. Efficacy and safety of various repeat treatment dosing regimens of rituximab in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis: results of a Phase III randomized study (MIRROR). Rheumatology (Oxford). Sep 2010;49(9):1683-93. doi:10.1093/rheumatology/keq116.

[3]Shi Y, Song Y, Qin Y, et al. A phase 3 study of rituximab biosimilar HLX01 in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. J Hematol Oncol. Apr 16 2020;13(1):38. doi:10.1186/s13045-020-00871-9.

Acknowledgements:

The authors would like to thank participants in this study and their families. They would also like to acknowledge other investigators and staff at all clinical sites and the members of the Independent Data Monitoring Committee.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

High pressure homogenization inactivation of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in phosphate buffered saline, milk and apple juice

High pressure homogenization (HPH) offers new opportunities for food pasteurization/sterilization. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus suspended in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) buffer, milk and apple juice at initial concentration of ~10⁶ log₁₀ CFU per ml were subjected to HPH treatments up to 200 MPa with inlet temperatures at 4-40°C. After HPH at 200 MPa with the inlet temperature at 40°C, the count of E. coli suspended in PBS, milk and apple juice reduced by 3·42, 3·67 and 3·19 log₁₀ CFU per ml respectively while the count of S. aureus decreased by 2·21, 1·02 and 2·33 log₁₀ CFU per ml respectively suggesting that S. aureus was more resistant. The inactivation data were well fitted by the polynomial equation. Milk could provide a protective effect for S. aureus against HPH. After HPH at 200 MPa with the inlet temperature at 20°C, the cell structure of E. coli was destroyed, while no obvious damages were found for S. aureus.

[Clinical analysis of seven cases with primary hyperoxaluria type 1 in children]

Objective: To investigate the clinical, imaging and molecular characteristics of primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1) in children and to sum up existing evidence for further understanding the phenotype-genotype correlation of infantile PH1. Methods: This retrospective analysis was based on the medical records of children with PH1 diagnosed by gene test in the Department of Nephrology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center from June 2016 to May 2019. Targeted exome sequencing was performed on tubular disease-related genes of the probands and Sanger sequencing was conducted to validate suspected pathogenic variants of family members. Logistic regression analysis of NC and CCr was adopted to show the relation between NC and renal function. The literature review was conducted, and the clinical, imaging and molecular biogenetic characteristics of the disease were analyzed and summarized. Results: A total of 7 children from 6 families were enrolled. The median age of onset was 5 months. The median age of diagnosis was 8 months. Five cases had progressed to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), one case had chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 1, and the other one had CKD stage 2. Four cases died, one case maintained on hemodialysis, and the other two non-dialysis cases were followed up. Among the 7 cases, 4 patients had infantile PH1, 1 patient had child and adolescent type, 1 patient had family type and the other one had unknown classification. There were two siblings (the younger brother had uremia and the sister had normal renal function) who had the delayed diagnosis for 5 and 3 years respectively. All patients in this cohort had proteinuria and microscopic hematuria, but no patients had gross hematuria. Three cases had hypercalciuria. Comprehensive diagnostic imaging evaluation include CT scan, MR scan, radiography and ultrasound led to the diagnosis of nephrocalcinosis (NC) in 5 cases, including 4 cases of simple NL and 1 case of NC with nephrolithiasis (NL), 1 case of multiple NL and 1 case of microcrystal deposition in renal medulla. However, only one case of NC was identified by ultrasound, the other 4 cases of NC were identified by radiograph examination. In the logistic regression analysis involving NC and creatinine clearnce rate (CCr), the results showed that NC was an independent risk factor for renal dysfunction (OR 2.5, 95%CI 0.7-1.2, P<0.05). All the 7 cases had AGXT gene variant, including homozygous variant in 4 cases and compound heterozygous variant in 3 cases. A total of 9 variant genotypes were found, and exon 6 variants were found in 4 children. Among them, there were 3 cases with c.679_680delAA. To our knowledge, both c.679_680delAA and c.190A>T in the cohort have not been reported previously. Conclusions: Infantile PH1 is the most common type of PH1 in children, which progresses rapidly or even begins with renal failure, with poor prognosis. It is also highly heterogeneous in phenotype and genotype. NC is an independent risk factor leading to renal failure. Radiograph examination showed high specificity for the diagnosis of NC. At present, the misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis of PH1 are still common in China. It is of great significance to carry out quantitative determination of uric oxalate in order to reduce the misdiagnosis rate and enhance follow-up technologies for evaluating the therapeutic effect.

Dysregulation of miR-195-5p/-218-5p/BIRC5 axis predicts a poor prognosis in patients with gastric cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) function by negatively regulating their target genes. Aberrant expression of baculoviral IAP repeat containing 5 (BIRC5) is associated with the tumor growth and metastasis, however, the clinical significance of miRNAs/BIRC5 axis in gastric cancer (GC) remains unknown. The association of BIRC5 or miR-195-5p/-218-5p expression levels with the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis in patients with GC was analysed by using a tissue microarray and TCGA dataset. Pearson correlation analysis was used for analysing the correlation of BIRC5 with miR-195-5p/-218-5p expression in GC tissues. Cox proportional hazard regression model was conducted to assess whether BIRC5 or miR-195-5p/-218-5p was an independent prognostic factor in patients with GC. We found that BIRC5 expression levels were increased in GC tissues as compared with the adjacent normal tissues, and acted as an independent prognostic factor of tumor recurrence in patients with GC. Increased expression of BIRC5 was traceable to the dysregulation of miR-195-5p/-218-5p rather than its genetic and epigenetic alterations in GC tissues. MiR-195-5p/-218-5p displayed a negative correlation with BIRC5 expression, and acted as independent prognostic factors of poor prognosis in patients with GC. In conclusion, dysregulation of miR-195-5p/-218-5p/BIRC5 axis predicts a poor prognosis in patients with gastric cancer.

Association on polymorphisms in LncRNA HOTAIR and susceptibility to HNSCC in Chinese population

OBJECTIVE

More and more evidence has shown that the critical functions of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) polymorphism in the carcinogenicity mechanism of a variety of cancers. The association between lncRNA HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR) polymorphism and the risk of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in Chinese population has not been reported. To investigated the effects of HOTAIR polymorphism on cancer susceptibility, the influence of HOTAIR variants on the risk of HNSCC was analyzed in this study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this case-control study, the tagging SNPs (rs874945, rs4759314, and rs7958904) in HOTAIR gene were genotyped in Chinese population consisting of 366HNSCC cases and 732 controls.

RESULTS

It was found that rs4759314 was associated with a significantly increased risk of HNSCC in Chinese population [GG vs. AA: adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01-1.50; additive model: OR = 1.21, 95%CI = 1.01-1.46]. However, there were no significant associations of rs874945 and rs7958904 with HNSCC risk.

CONCLUSIONS

HOTAIR rs4759314 may influence HNSCC susceptibility and serve as a diagnostic biomarker.

P1889Quantitative global proteomics and lysine acetylome analysis of changes in left atrial appendage tissue from valvular heart disease patients with atrial fibrillation

Background

Previous studies have shown that acetylation plays a critical role in regulating the progress of cardiovascular diseases by acetylated histone and non-histones protein. However, the global lysine acetylome during atrial fibrillation (AF) were not fully understood.

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to identify the underlying mechanisms of AF via profiling of the quantitative changes of global proteomics and lysine acetylome in the left atrial appendage (LAA) tissues from valvular heart disease patients with AF.

Methods

This study obtained LAA specimens from patients undergoing cardiac surgery for severe valvular heart disease. The LAA specimens were obtained from both 9 patients with AF and with sinus rhythm (SR). The changes of proteome and acetylome in the AF-LAA vs SR-LAA tissues were studied using dimethyl-labeling, HPLC fractionation, affinity enrichment, LC-MS/MS analysis, database Search and bioinformatic analysis. The acetylated levels of each lysine acetylated site were normalized on the basis of the corresponding protein abundance.

Results

The bioinformatic analysis indicates 294 up-regulated (AF/SR ratio >1.3) proteins and 169 down-regulated (AF/SR ratio <1/1.3) proteins in the AF-LAA vs SR-LAA were detected. Moreover, 3,880 sites in 1,044 proteins were quantified. Motif analysis of the identified acetylated peptides indicated that a total of 14 significantly enriched amino acid sequence motifs from −10 to +10 surrounding the acetylated lysine (Kac) were defined according to 3412 peptides from 1115 proteins. Among the quantified acetylated sites and proteins, 231 up-regulated acetylated sites in 130 proteins and 121 down-regulated acetylated sites in 74 proteins were detected. The enrichment-based clustering analysis showed that energy metabolism and cardiac contraction-related proteins were highly differentially expressed in the AF-LAA vs SR-LAA. Meanwhile, the protein-protein interaction network of the differentially expressed acetylated proteins demonstrated that there were 146 nodes and 569 interactions in the network and quite a lot of interactions in energy metabolism-related proteins and in cardiac contraction-related proteins. Furthermore, the acetylated levels of most differentially expressed energy metabolism-related proteins involving in oxidative phosphorylation, TCA cycle, respiratory ETC, fatty acid metabolism were up-regulated. On the contrary, the acetylated levels of most acetylated sites in differentially expressed cardiac contraction-related proteins including the key contraction proteins were down-regulated.

Interaction network of Ac-proteins

Conclusions

This study details and expands our understanding of the changes of proteome and lysine acetylome in the LAA tissues from valvular heart disease patients with AF. The data suggest important expression differences of acetylated proteins related to energy metabolism and cardiac contraction which may be involved in the matrix of AF formation and maintainence.

Acknowledgement/Funding

This work was supported by the grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (no. 81600273, no. 81570310, no.81770337 and no.81870258)

Construction, identification, and immunogenic assessments of an HSV-1 mutant vaccine with a UL18 deletion

HSV-1 is a mucosal and nerve pathogen, whose morbidity shows an increasing tendency. Although several antiviral drugs exist, there is no cure for viral latency for virtually all carriers. There is an urgent need for an HSV-1 vaccine to control infection and limit its spread and recurrence. The UL18 gene, encoding a vital component of capsids, is one of the essential genes of HSV-1. Deletion of UL18 from HSV-1 may be exploited as a new approach to develop an attenuated vaccine. The purpose of this study was to construct a DNA vaccine with a full-length UL18 gene deletion of the HSV-1 genome that can induce an effective immune response. A UL18-knockdown plasmid (BAC-HSV-1ΔUL18) was constructed using the bacterial markerless gene knockout system, consisting of the functional pREDI plasmid and BAC-HSV-1 plasmid. Mice were immunized weekly for 3 weeks, and at 1 week post immunization, blood and splenocyte samples of vaccinated and control groups of mice were prepared for immunogenicity assessment. The level of immune response was evaluated using a DTH assay, cytokine determination, and splenocyte proliferation assay. Combination of the pREDI plasmid and BAC-HSV-1 plasmid provides an effective bacterial markerless gene knockout system. Using two-step homologous recombination with the UL18 homologous recombination fragment constructed by multistep PCR amplification, BAC-HSV-1ΔUL18 plasmid vaccine was successfully constructed and was found to significantly enhance cellular immune responses.

A long-acting pegylated recombinant human growth hormone (Jintrolong® ) in healthy adult subjects: Two single-dose trials evaluating safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

Jintrolong^® is a pegylated recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) (PEG-rhGH) developed for weekly subcutaneous (sc) injection. The current human tolerability trial and pharmacokinetics (PK) trial evaluated the safety, tolerability and PK of single-dose Jintrolong^® injection in healthy adult subjects.

METHODS

Both trials were single-centre, randomized, open-label and single-dose studies. In the human tolerability trial, 34 healthy subjects were randomized to receive single-dose Jintrolong^® sc injection (0.01, 0.06, 0.2, 0.5 or 0.8 mg/kg) or placebo. In the PK study, 30 healthy male subjects were evenly randomized into 3 groups to receive single-dose Jintrolong^® sc injection (0.1, 0.2 or 0.4 mg/kg), and the subjects receiving 0.4 mg/kg Jintrolong^® were given a single sc injection of conventional rhGH (0.067 mg/kg) after a 14-day washout period. Safety and PK profiles of Jintrolong^® were evaluated.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Jintrolong^® was well tolerated with no serious adverse events or local injection responses. The PK trial showed that the plasma growth hormone concentration elevated quickly and stayed at peak level between 12 and 48 hours post-Jintrolong^® injection, then decreased gradually back to baseline within 168 hours. Compared to single-dose conventional rhGH, Jintrolong^® at all doses demonstrated significantly longer half time and time to maximum plasma concentration, lower clearance and higher systemic drug exposure, indicating prolonged presence of GH in the subjects' circulation. Additionally, systemic exposure to Jintrolong^® increased in a dose-dependent manner.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

Single-dose Jintrolong^® injection was well tolerated in healthy adult subjects, and the maximum tolerable dose was no lower than 0.8 mg/kg. Jintrolong^® was long-acting with the potential for weekly administration.

Preparation, characterization, and pharmacokinetics in swine of a florfenicol enteric formulation prepared using hot-melt extrusion technology

The objective of this work was to manufacture an enteric formulation of florfenicol (FF) using hot-melt extrusion (HME) technology and to evaluate its in vitro dissolution and in vivo pharmacokinetics. For the HME process, hypromellose acetate succinate LG (HPMCAS-LG) was the enteric polymer mixed with FF, and the two components were extruded with a standard screw configuration at a speed of 50 rpm. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were performed to characterize the HME extrudate. The release percentage of the enteric formulation in the acidic stage was <10% of the loaded FF, whereas that in the phosphate buffer stage was >80%. Pharmacokinetic evaluations in swine revealed that the enteric formulation had a longer t_1/2λ and MRT than commercially available FF powder (FULAIKA^® ), indicating that the novel formulation exhibited enteric and sustained release properties. Compared with the commercial product, the relative bioavailability of the enteric formulation reached up to 117.2%. This study suggests that this formulation may have potential for future commercialization.

EZH2 Impairs Human Dental Pulp Cell Mineralization via the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway

The enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a catalytic subunit of PRC2 (polycomb repressor complex 2). It mediates gene silencing via methyltransferase activity and is involved in the determination of cell lineage. However, the function of EZH2 and the underlying mechanisms by which it affects the differentiation of human dental pulp cell (hDPC) have remained underexplored. In this research, we found that EZH2 expression decreased during the mineralization of hDPCs, with attenuated H3K27me3 (trimethylation on lysine 27 in histone H3). Overexpression of EZH2 impaired the odontogenic differentiation of hDPCs, while EZH2 without methyltransferase activity mutation (mutation of suppressed variegation of 3 to 9, enhancer of zeste and trithorax domain, EZH2ΔSET) did not display this phenotype. In addition, siRNA knockdown studies showed that EZH2 negatively modulated hDPC differentiation in vitro and inhibited mineralized nodule formation in transplanted β-tricalcium phosphate / hDPC composites. To further investigate the underlying mechanisms, we explored the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in view of the fact that previous research had documented the essential role that it plays during hDPC mineralization, as well as its links to EZH2 in other cells. We demonstrated for the first time that EZH2 depletion activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and enhanced the accumulation of β-catenin in hDPCs. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis suggested that these effects are attributable to the level of the EZH2-regulated H3K27me3 on the β-catenin promoter. We conclude that EZH2 plays a negative role during the odontogenic differentiation of hDPCs. Suppression of EZH2 could promote hDPC mineralization by epigenetically regulating the expression of β-catenin and activating the Wnt canonical signaling pathway.