Comparison between irradiating and autoclaving citrus wastes as substrate for solid-state fermentation by Aspergillus aculeatus

Agricultural or food processing wastes cause serious environmental burden and economic losses. Solid-state fermentation using these wastes is an attractive option to valorize these wastes. However, conventional autoclaving of substrate may degrade nutrients and generate toxins. Unsterilization of the substrate will cause undesired microbial contamination. Therefore, we compared irradiation with autoclaving to treat citrus wastes as substrate for solid-state fermentation by Aspergillus aculeatus. By comparing microbial growth, enzymes tested and medium consumption, irradiated substrate had higher biomass and extracellular protein, more sugar consumption and higher enzyme production than those with autoclaved substrate. Irradiation prevented the generation of cell-inhibiting components such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) whereas preserved the flavonoids well that are often enzyme inducers. These findings suggest that irradiation of agricultural and food processing wastes as substrate has advantages over autoclaving for solid-state fermentation. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study proposes irradiation as an alternative to sterilize agricultural residues rich in nutrients and thermosensitive compounds, such as citrus wastes for fungal solid-state fermentation and production of enzymes.

Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics of 3 g of Ceftolozane/Tazobactam in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Multiple-Dose Study

Ceftolozane/tazobactam is an antibacterial approved at 1.5 g (1g/0.5 g) every 8 hours (q8h); higher doses may provide additional benefits in difficult-to-treat infections. We conducted a phase I trial in healthy adults evaluating safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of 3 g (2 g/1 g) ceftolozane/tazobactam administered q8h for 10 days. Sixteen participants were randomized (2:1:1) to 3 g ceftolozane/tazobactam, 1.5 g ceftolozane/tazobactam, or placebo. Participants underwent regular safety and plasma drug level assessments, with a follow-up safety visit 7 days after completion. No adverse events (AEs) were reported with placebo; 75% of participants in the 1.5-g and 50% in the 3-g arm experienced AEs. AE types were similar between the ceftolozane/tazobactam groups; all AEs were mild. No participants experienced clinically meaningful laboratory assessment or electrocardiogram abnormalities. Both ceftolozane and tazobactam exhibited dose-proportional pharmacokinetics without accumulation and without substantial differences in clearance and volume of distribution between groups. In the 3-g group, mean ceftolozane parameters were: peak concentration 104 μg/mL (day 1), 112 μg/mL (day 10); half-life 3 hours (day 10); area under the concentration-time curve (AUC_(0-t) ) 272 μg·h/mL (day 1), 300μg·h/mL (day 10). Mean tazobactam parameters were: peak concentration 28 μg/mL (day 1), 26 μg/mL (day 10); half-life 1 hour (day 10); AUC_(0-t) 47μg·h/mL (day 1), 41μg·h/mL (day 10). Administration of 3 g ceftolozane/tazobactam q8h for 10 days was safe and well tolerated in healthy volunteers.

Pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of ceftolozane/tazobactam in healthy Japanese, Chinese, and white subjects

Ceftolozane/tazobactam, a novel antibacterial with potent activity against Gram-negative pathogens, was developed for treatment of complicated urinary tract infections, including pyelonephritis, and intra-abdominal infections. A phase 1 pharmacokinetic (PK) study of ceftolozane/tazobactam in healthy Japanese, Chinese, and white volunteers was conducted to assess the potential effect of ethnicity on PK. The PK of ceftolozane, tazobactam, and tazobactam metabolite M1 was compared after single 1.5- and 3-g intravenous doses of ceftolozane/tazobactam. Ten Japanese, nine Chinese, and ten white subjects were enrolled, and 27 completed all doses of study medication. Dose-normalized PK parameters for ceftolozane and tazobactam were similar among Japanese, Chinese, and white subjects (at 1.5-g and 3-g doses, ceftolozane area under the plasma concentration-time curve from zero to infinity [AUC_0-∞ ] = 166.3, 165.9, and 185.5 h μg/mL, respectively, and 157.7, 158.5, and 181.2 h μg/mL, respectively; tazobactam AUC_0-∞ = 48.5, 43.2, and 50.1 h μg/mL, respectively, and 47.3, 43.7, and 50.0 h μg/mL, respectively. The 90% CIs of their ratio estimates were within the range 0.80 to 1.25 with the exception of AUC_0-∞ for ceftolozane after the 3-g dose (0.79). The cumulative amount of ceftolozane and tazobactam excreted in urine was similar among ethnic groups. For all groups, treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) were mild; no deaths or serious AEs were reported. The PK of ceftolozane/tazobactam was approximately dose proportional (i.e. doubling the dose approximately doubles the exposure) and similar among the groups. No dosage adjustment is needed for ceftolozane/tazobactam in Japanese and Chinese patients.

Endothelial CXCR7 regulates breast cancer metastasis

Atypical chemokine receptor CXCR7 (ACKR3) functions as a scavenger receptor for chemokine CXCL12, a molecule that promotes multiple steps in tumor growth and metastasis in breast cancer and multiple other malignancies. While normal vascular endothelium expresses low levels of CXCR7, marked upregulation of CXCR7 occurs in tumor vasculature in breast cancer and other tumors. To investigate effects of endothelial CXCR7 in breast cancer, we conditionally deleted this receptor from vascular endothelium of adult mice, generating CXCR7^ΔEND/ΔEND animals. CXCR7^ΔEND/ΔEND mice appeared phenotypically normal, although these animals exhibited a modest 35 ± 3% increase in plasma CXCL12 as compared with control. Using two different syngeneic, orthotopic tumor implant models of breast cancer, we discovered that CXCR7^ΔEND/ΔEND mice had significantly greater local recurrence of cancer following resection, elevated numbers of circulating tumor cells, and more spontaneous metastases. CXCR7^ΔEND/ΔEND mice also showed greater experimental metastases following intracardiac injection of cancer cells. These results establish that endothelial CXCR7 limits breast cancer metastasis at multiple steps in the metastatic cascade, advancing understanding of CXCL12 pathways in tumor environments and informing ongoing drug development targeting CXCR7 in cancer.

Population pharmacokinetics of ceftolozane/tazobactam in healthy volunteers, subjects with varying degrees of renal function and patients with bacterial infections

Ceftolozane/tazobactam is a novel antipseudomonal cephalosporin and β-lactamase inhibitor in clinical development for treatment of complicated urinary tract (cUTI) and intra-abdominal (cIAI) infections and nosocomial pneumonia. The population pharmacokinetics of ceftolozane/tazobactam were characterized in healthy volunteers, subjects with varying degrees of renal function, and patients with cIAI or cUTI. Serum concentration data from 376 adults who received ceftolozane/tazobactam in doses ranging from 500 to 3000 mg were analyzed to identify factors contributing to the pharmacokinetic variability. Ceftolozane/tazobactam pharmacokinetics were well described by a linear two-compartment model with first-order elimination and moderate between-subject variability in both clearance and volume of distribution (Vc). For both ceftolozane and tazobactam, clearance was highly correlated with renal function with creatinine clearance influencing exposure, and infection influencing Vc. Body weight was an additional covariate affecting the Vc of ceftolozane. Other covariates tested, such as age, body weight, sex, ethnicity, and presence of infection, had no clinically relevant effects on exposure. The final pharmacokinetic models adequately described the plasma concentrations of ceftolozane and tazobactam and form the basis for further modeling and simulation including evaluation of probability of target attainment in a diverse population with varying demographics, degrees of renal function, and infection status.

MK-0457, an Aurora kinase and BCR-ABL inhibitor, is active in patients with BCR-ABL T315I leukemia

MK-0457, an Aurora kinase and BCR-ABL inhibitor, was studied on a Phase I/II study in 77 patients with refractory hematologic malignancies. The average number of cycles per patient was 3 (range 1-21). Maximum tolerated doses for a 5-day short infusion and continuous infusion regimens were 40 mg/m(2)/h and 144 mg/m(2)/h, respectively. Drug-related adverse events (AEs) included transient mucositis and alopecia. Eight of 18 patients with BCR-ABL T315I-mutated chronic myelogenous leukemia (44%) had hematologic responses and one of three patients (33%) with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia obtained complete remission. MK-0457 has important activity in patients with leukemias expressing the highly resistant T315I BCR-ABL mutation.

Dose-dependent binding of AZD3783 to brain 5-HT1B receptors in non-human primates and human subjects: a positron emission tomography study with [11C]AZ10419369

RATIONALE

The serotonin 5-HT(1B) receptor is a potential target for the pharmacologic treatment of depression. Positron emission tomography (PET) determination of 5-HT(1B) receptor occupancy with drug candidates targeting this receptor in non-human primate and human subjects may facilitate translation of research from animal models and guide dose selection for clinical studies. AZD3783 is a recently developed, orally bioavailable 5-HT(1B) receptor antagonist with potential antidepressant properties.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the relationship between plasma concentration of AZD3783 and occupancy at primate brain 5-HT(1B) receptors using PET and the radioligand [(11)C]AZ10419369.

METHODS

PET studies with [(11)C]AZ10419369 were performed in three non-human primates at baseline and after intravenous injection of AZD3783. Subsequently, PET measurements were undertaken in six human subjects at baseline and after administration of different single oral doses of AZD3783 (1-40 mg).

RESULTS

After administration in non-human primates and human subjects, AZD3783 reduced regional [(11)C]AZ10419369 binding in a dose-dependent and saturable manner. The AZD3783 plasma concentration required for 50% receptor occupancy (K (i,plasma)) for monkeys was 25 and 27 nmol/L in occipital cortex and striatum, respectively. Corresponding estimates for human occipital cortex and ventral striatum were 24 and 18 nmol/L, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The potential antidepressant AZD3783 binds in a saturable manner to brain 5-HT(1B) receptors with a similar in vivo affinity for human and monkey receptors. [(11)C]AZ10419369 can be successfully used to determine occupancy at brain 5-HT(1B) receptors in vivo and constitutes a useful tool for dose selection in clinical studies with 5-HT(1B) receptor compounds.

Inhibition of capsaicin-induced increase in dermal blood flow by the oral CGRP receptor antagonist, telcagepant (MK-0974)

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

* Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) was first described as a potent vasodilator. * CGRP is also increasingly recognized as a key player in the pathophysiology of migraine, and CGRP receptor antagonists potentially offer a new approach for treating migraine. * A novel pharmacodynamic assay to measure CGRP receptor antagonist activity non-invasively in humans has been developed, which involves measuring the increase in dermal blood flow induced by topical application of capsaicin on the forearm.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

* This study shows that the novel oral CGRP receptor antagonist, telcagepant, inhibits the increases in dermal blood flow induced by the topical application of capsaicin on the human forearm. * This experimental medicine model may have utility to assist in dose selection for the development of CGRP receptor antagonists.

AIMS

To evaluate inhibition of capsaicin-induced increase in dermal blood flow (DBF) following telcagepant (MK-0974), a potent and selective orally bioavailable calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist being developed for the acute treatment of migraine.

METHODS

A three-period crossover study in 12 healthy adult men. Each subject received a single oral dose of telcagepant 300 mg, telcagepant 800 mg or placebo at 0 h, followed 0.5 and 3.5 h later by two topical doses of 300 and 1000 microg capsaicin per 20 microl water-ethanol mixture. Capsaicin was applied at two sites on the volar surface of the subjects' left and right forearms. DBF was assessed by laser Doppler perfusion imaging immediately before ('baseline'), and 0.5 h after each capsaicin application at 1 and 4 h. Plasma samples to determine telcagepant concentrations were collected immediately after laser Doppler perfusion imaging. A pharmacodynamic model was developed to explore the relationship between plasma concentration and inhibition of capsaicin-induced increase in DBF.

RESULTS

Geometric mean plasma concentrations after dosing with 300 mg and 800 mg telcagepant were 720 and 1146 nm, respectively, at 1 h, vs. 582 and 2548 nm, respectively, at 4 h. The pharmacodynamic model suggested that the EC(90) for telcagepant inhibition of capsaicin-induced increases in DBF was 909 nm.

CONCLUSIONS

Telcagepant inhibits the increases in DBF induced by the topical application of capsaicin on the human forearm. This experimental medicine model may have utility to assist in dose selection for the development of CGRP receptor antagonists.

Linking the epigenetic 'language' of covalent histone modifications to cancer

Covalent modifications of histones, such as acetylation, methylation, and phosphorylation, and other epigenetic modulations of the chromatin, such as methylation of DNA and ATP-dependent chromatin reorganisation, can play a major part in the multistep process of carcinogenesis, with far-reaching implications for human biology and human health. This review focuses on how aberrant covalent histone modifications may contribute to the development of a variety of human cancers, and discusses the recent findings with regard to potential therapies.

Deciphering cancer complexities in genetically engineered mice

Because the pRb pathway is disrupted in most solid human cancers, we have generated genetically engineered mouse cancer models by inactivating pRb function in several cell types, including astrocytes and mammary, prostate, ovarian, and brain choroid plexus epithelia. In every case, proliferation and apoptosis are acutely induced, predisposing to malignancy. Cell type dictates the pathways involved in tumor progression. In the astrocytoma model, we developed strategies to induce events in the adult brain, either throughout the tissue or focally. Both K-Ras activation and Pten inactivation play significant roles in progression. In the prostate model, adenocarcinoma progression depends on Pten inactivation. However, nonautonomous induction of p53 in the mesenchyme leads to evolution of both compartments, with p53 loss occurring in the mesenchyme. Thus, studies in these models continue to identify key tumorigenesis mechanisms. Furthermore, we are hopeful that the models will provide useful preclinical systems for diagnostic and therapeutic development.

Differential expression of HOX genes in neoplastic and non-neoplastic human astrocytes

HOX genes are a large family of regulatory genes implicated in the control of developmental processes. HOX genes are involved in malignant transformation and progression of different types of tumour. Despite intensive efforts to delineate the expression profiles of HOX genes in other cell types, nothing is known regarding the global expression profile of these genes in normal human astrocytes and astrocytomas. The present study has analysed the expression profile of the 39 class I HOX genes in normal human astrocytes (NHA and E6/E7), two well-established glioblastoma cell lines (U-87 MG and U-1242-MG), as well as neoplastic (WHO grades II/III and IV) and non-neoplastic temporal lobe specimens with hippocampal sclerosis and medically intractable epilepsy. RT-PCR, quantitative real-time PCR, immunocytochemistry, and western blot analyses revealed differential expression of nine HOX genes (A6, A7, A9, A13, B13, D4, D9, D10, and D13) in normal human astrocytic cell lines and non-neoplastic temporal lobe specimens. The data show that HOX genes are differentially expressed in neoplastic and non-neoplastic astrocytes and that multiple HOX genes are overexpressed in glioblastoma cell lines, astrocytomas (II/III), and glioblastoma multiforme. The differential expression of HOX genes in normal and neoplastic astrocytes suggests a role for these genes in brain tumourigenesis.

A phase I clinical and pharmacokinetic (PK) trial of the aurora kinase (AK) inhibitor MK-0457 in cancer patients

3009

Background: The AKs are essential for mitotic progression, spindle formation, centrosome maturation, chromosomal segregation, and cytokinesis. Elevated expression occurs frequently in tumors. MK-0457 (VX-680) is a potent AK inhibitor, with Ki values of 0.66, 18 and 4.6 nM for AKs A, B and C, respectively. MK-0457 inhibits proliferation of transformed cells in vitro (IC50’s 15–113 nM), and induces colon and pancreatic cancer xenograft regressions. Methods: After IRB approval, consenting patients (pts) with refractory solid tumors (median 3 prior regimens, range 2–6) and adequate hematologic and organ function were enrolled using an accelerated dose escalation scheme with 1–2 pts/dose level until ≥ grade 2 toxicity, followed by 3–6 pts/level. MK-0457 was administered by continuous 5-day intravenous infusion every 28 days. Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was grade 3 non-hematologic or grade 4 hematologic toxicity ≥ 5 days, or grade 4 febrile neutropenia (FN) during cycle 1. PKs were collected pre-dose through 168 h and analyzed for MK-0457 and metabolites by HPLC/mass spec. Steady state volume of distribution (Vdss), clearance (CL), maximal concentration (Cmax) and terminal half-life (t1/2) were determined by WinNonLin. Results: 16 pts received MK-0457 dosed at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 mg/m2/h. Median number of cycles was 2 (range 1–6). DLT was asymptomatic neutropenia ≥ 5 days at 12 mg/m2/h. At 8 mg/m2/h, 1 pt experienced FN in cycle 2; a second developed a grade 2 allergic reaction. Three pts achieved stable disease as best response, and two of them completed 6 cycles. Plasma concentrations reached steady state rapidly (i.e., within 24 h) and declined biexponentially after the end of infusion; after a rapid initial decay, a slower decaying terminal phase demonstrated a t1/2 ∼15 h. PK parameters include Vdss = 237 ± 107 (SD) L/m2 and CL = 517 ± 141 ml/min/m2. At 8 mg/m2/h, Cmax was ∼650 nM. Conclusion: MK-0457 is generally well tolerated and achieves plasma levels similar to those causing regressions in xenografts. CL is high and exposures achieved are roughly dose proportional. Because 8 mg/m2/h was well tolerated in heavily pre-treated pts, escalation to 10 mg/m2/h is underway. Baseline tumor samples will be assessed for predictive biomarkers at the recommended phase II dose.

[Table: see text]

Linking the epigenetic 'language' of covalent histone modifications to cancer

Covalent modifications of histones, such as acetylation, methylation, and phosphorylation, and other epigenetic modulations of the chromatin, such as methylation of DNA and ATP-dependent chromatin reorganisation, can play a major part in the multistep process of carcinogenesis, with far-reaching implications for human biology and human health. This review focuses on how aberrant covalent histone modifications may contribute to the development of a variety of human cancers, and discusses the recent findings with regard to potential therapies.

[Radiotherapy for 308 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)]

BACKGROUND

To analyze the survival results retrospectively of the patients with NSCLC treated by radiotherapy alone and the clinical factors affecting the survival results.

METHODS

Three hundred and eight patients with NSCLC from January, 1985 to December, 1991 were included in this study (stage I, 11 cases; stage II, 68 cases; stage IIIA, 155 cases; stage IIIB, 74 cases). All patients were confirmed by pathology and cytology. They were treated by 10 MV-X ray or cobalt-60, conventionally fractionated, with weekly dose 7-11.5 Gy. In 47 patients of them treatment planning system was used at the beginning or in the middle of radiotherapy as to have the primary lesion and mediastinum in the full course of radiotherapy. In the rest of patients whose mediastinal dose was 40Gy by anterior and posterior fields, irradiation dose to the spinal cord was avoided and irradiation dose to the primary lesion got to the definitive treatment. The survival rate was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier and tested by Log-rank.

RESULTS

The median survival was 10 months. The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 43%, 15% and 9% respectively. The earlier the clinical stage, the better the prognosis (P=0.0001). The survival rate of the patients with complete remission at the end of radiotherapy was better than that of the patients with residual tumor (P=0.0001). The survival of the patients with weekly dose larger than 10 Gy was better ( P=0.0461). There was no relationship among the survival rate and the total dose and mediastinal dose.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show the survival rate of patient with NSCLC treated by radiotherapy alone was related to clinical stage, instant response and weekly dose, but not to the total dose and the mediastinal dose.

BRCA1 deficient embryonic stem cells display a decreased homologous recombination frequency and an increased frequency of non-homologous recombination that is corrected by expression of a brca1 transgene

BRCA1 is a nuclear phosphoprotein that has been classified as a tumor suppressor based on the fact that women carrying a mutated copy of the BRCA1 gene are at increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. The association of BRCA1 with RAD51 has led to the hypothesis that BRCA1 is involved in DNA repair. We describe here the generation and analysis of murine embryonic stem (ES) cell lines in which both copies of the murine homologue of the human BRCA1 gene have been disrupted by gene targeting. We show that exogenous DNA introduced into these BRCA1 deficient cells by electroporation is randomly integrated into the genome at a significantly higher rate than in wild type ES cells. In contrast, integration of exogenous DNA by homologous recombination occurs in BRCA1 deficient cells at a significantly lower rate than in wild type controls. When BRCA1 expression is re-established at 5-10% of normal levels by introduction of a Brca1 transgene into BRCA1 deficient ES cells, the frequency of random integration is reduced to wild type levels, although the frequency of homologous recombination is not significantly improved. These results suggest that BRCA1 plays a role in determining the response of cells to double stranded DNA breaks.

Progressive degeneration of dopamine system functions after transient cerebral oligemia in rats

A reduction in cerebral blood flow to oligemic levels was achieved in pentobarbital-anesthetized adult rats by clamping both carotid arteries (BCCA) for 60 min. To assess the extent to which the animals' dopaminergic system was affected over an increasing time span, their spontaneous locomotor activity in an unfamiliar environment and in response to the subcutaneous administration of apomorphine was tested at various times after either BCCA or sham operation. Eight to 14 days after the operation, it was possible to observe a diminished locomotor activity in response to apomorphine injection in BCCA as compared with sham-operated animals, while oral stereotypical behavior such as licking was increased. At 3 months, there was only a subtle decrease in apomorphine-induced locomotor activity, and stereotypical behavior was similar in both groups. At 7 months, the BCCA rats covered shorter distances than sham-operated controls during the habituation phase; after apomorphine injection, more stereotypic movements, such as, e.g., sniffing, were observed, and less running. Twelve months after surgery, no further differences could be observed between the two groups during the habituation phase, but the injection of apomorphine led to increased stereotypic sniffing movements, rearing and locomotor activity in BCCA animals to a greater extent than in the controls. At 12 months, sensorimotor disturbances elicited by the rota rod test, which were only transiently observed at 11 weeks and 7 months, did not appear any different from the normal age-related motor decline of the sham-operated controls. The animals' motor co-ordination in the chimney test was not significantly disturbed during the time between 7 and 12 months after surgery. At 15 months, nocturnal locomotor activities in BCCA rats were significantly decreased. In situ hybridization (ISH) histochemistry revealed decreased D1 receptor mRNA (D1RmRNA) in striatal neurons 19 months after surgery, while D2 receptor mRNA (D2RmRNA) and the neuronal number remained the same. The present results show that just as is already known for the immature rat brain, the adult rat brain, too, reacts to a transient decrease in its blood supply by appearance of long-lasting alterations in function, and that even a single oligemic episode is capable of inducing progressive dopaminergic dysfunctions and ultimately the partial loss of striatal D1RmRNA.

[Influences of acetylcholine, glutamic acid and GABA on the neuronal firings in ventromedial thalamic nucleus]

In this study, it was shown that the neuronal spontaneous firings of ventromedial thalamic nucleus (VM) in rats were increased by acetylcholine (ACH) and glutamic acid (GLU) applied microiontophoretically with an intensity-dependent manner. Both gamma-animobutyric acid (GABA) and baclofen inhibited the spontaneous firings in majority of VM neurons, but the effect of GABA was rapid and short-lasting, while that of baclofen was slow and long-lasting. GABA could reverse the effects of ACH and GLU. The majority of VM neuronal firing rates could be enhanced by bicuculine, while atropine and MK801 had little effect. The results indicate an important convergence of GLUergic, GABAergic and cholinergic activities in the same VM neurons and GABAergic activities tonically inhibit the VM neurons.