Molecular authentication of Panax ginseng species by RAPD analysis and PCR-RFLP

In order to develop convenient and reproducible methods for the identification of ginseng drugs at a DNA level, randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analyses were applied within Panax species. To authenticate Panax ginseng among ginseng populations, RAPD analysis was carried out using a 20 mer-random primer. The similarity coefficients among the DNA of ginseng plants analyzed were low, ranging from 0.197 to 0.491. In addition, by using PCR-RFLP analysis, very different fingerprints were obtained within Korean ginseng plants. These results suggest that these methods are able to authenticate the concerned Panax species. Broader application of this approach to authenticate other morphologically similar medicinal materials is rationalized.

Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of p53 induces gene-specific transcriptional repression of MTA1

The metastasis-associated protein 1 (MTA1) is overexpressed in various human cancers and is closely connected with aggressive phenotypes; however, little is known about the transcriptional regulation of the MTA1 gene. This study identified the MTA1 gene as a target of p53-mediated transrepression. The MTA1 promoter contains two putative p53 response elements (p53REs), which were repressed by the p53-inducing drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Notably, 5-FU treatment decreased MTA1 expression only in p53 wild-type cells. p53 and histone deacetylases 1/2 were recruited, and acetylation of H3K9 was decreased on the promoter region including the p53REs after 5-FU treatment. Proteomics analysis of the p53 repressor complex, which was pulled down by the MTA1 promoter, revealed that the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) was part of the complex. Interestingly, p53 was poly(ADP-ribose)ylated by PARP-1, and the p53-mediated transrepression of the MTA1 gene required poly(ADP-ribose)ylation of p53. In summary, we report a novel function for poly(ADP-ribose)ylation of p53 in the gene-specific regulation of the transcriptional mode of p53 on the promoter of MTA1.

Efficacy of TB-PCR using EBUS-TBNA samples in patients with intrathoracic granulomatous lymphadenopathy

BACKGROUND

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is widely used to perform mediastinal lymph node sampling. However, little information is available on polymerase chain reaction for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB-PCR) using EBUS-TBNA samples in patients with intrathoracic granulomatous lymphadenopathy (IGL).

METHODS

A retrospective study using a prospectively collected database was performed from January 2010 to December 2014 to evaluate the efficacy of the TB-PCR test using EBUS-TBNA samples in patients with IGL. During the study period, 87 consecutive patients with isolated intrathoracic lymphadenopathy who received EBUS-TBNA were registered and 46 patients with IGL were included.

RESULTS

Of the 46 patients with IGL, tuberculous lymphadenitis and sarcoidosis were diagnosed in 16 and 30 patients, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of TB-PCR for tuberculous lymphadenitis were 56, 100, 100, and 81%, respectively. The overall diagnostic accuracy of TB-PCR for tuberculous lymphadenitis was 85%. In addition, seven (17%) patients had non-diagnostic results from a histological examination and all of them had non-diagnostic microbiological results of an acid-fast bacilli smear and culture. Four (57%) of the seven patients with non-diagnostic results had positive TB-PCR results, and anti-tuberculosis treatment led to clinical and radiological improvement in all of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

TB-PCR using EBUS-TBNA samples is a useful laboratory test for diagnosing IGL. Moreover, this technique can prevent further invasive evaluation in patients whose histological and microbiological tests are non-diagnostic.

Effect of Polygala tenuifolia root extract on the tumor necrosis factor-alpha secretion from mouse astrocytes

We investigated whether an aqueous extract of Polygala tenuifolia root (PTAE) inhibits secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) from primary cultures of mouse astrocytes. PTAE dose-dependently inhibited the TNF-alpha secretion by astrocytes stimulated with substance P (SP) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Interleukin-1 (IL-1) has been shown to elevate TNF-alpha secretion from LPS-stimulated astrocytes while having no effect on astrocytes in the absence of LPS. We therefore also investigated whether IL-1 mediated inhibition of TNF-alpha secretion from primary astrocytes by PTAE. Treatment of PTAE to astrocytes stimulated with both LPS and SP decreased IL-1 secretion to the level observed with LPS alone. Moreover, incubation of astrocytes with IL-1 antibody abolished the synergistic co-operative effect of LPS and SP. These results suggest that PTAE may inhibit TNF-alpha secretion by inhibiting IL-1 secretion and that PTAE has an anti-inflammatory activity on the central nervous system curing some pathological disease states.

The temporal relationship among anti-parasite immune elements expressed during the early phase of infection of the rat with Trichinella spiralis

Immunological parameters were measured during the first 20 days of infection with Trichinella spiralis in the rat. Expulsion of adult worms was complete by day 15 postinfection. Eosinophil and neutrophil numbers rose in the blood of infected rats above preinfection levels on days 3 and 6, respectively, and remained high to day 20 postinfection. Release of cytokines by Trichinella-antigen-stimulated mesenteric lymph node cells was measured, and a significant elevation in interferon (IFN)-gamma release was detected during the early stage of infection. Although initiated later, interleukin (IL)-10 release showed a pattern similar to IFN-gamma. Biphasic release of IL-5 was seen with significant elevation above the preinfection level on day 3 and after day 6 postinfection to the end of the study. IL-4 and IL-2 showed biphasic secretion as well, with the level of IL-4 high in the early and middle part of infection, while the level of IL-2 was detectable only at days 2, 3 and 6 postinfection. Serum anti-parasite IgE rose above preinfection levels after day 6 postinfection. Anti-parasite Ig-positive mesenteric lymph node (MLN) cells were evident by day 3 postinfection for IgM, and day 9 postinfection for IgA and total IgG. The number of Ig-positive MLN cells for all antibody classes returned to preinfection levels by day 20 postinfection. Evaluation of the temporal interactions of the key anti-parasite immune components with which the host engages Trichinella shows a complex interplay between Th1 and Th2 helper subsets.

Combining ADA, protein and IFN-gamma best allows discrimination between tuberculous and malignant pleural effusion

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to assess the usefulness of various enzymes, cytokines and biochemical studies of pleural fluid for the differential diagnosis of tuberculosis from malignant pleural effusions, and to clarify the role of combining diagnostic tests.

METHODS

The study group included 39 cases with tuberculous effusions and 31 cases with malignant effusions, whose diagnoses were confirmed by pleural biopsy, cytology or microbiological methods. We compared pleural fluid levels of ADA, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, pH, protein, glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, amylase and lactic dehydrogenase between tuberculous and malignant effusions. Using stepwise logistic regression analysis, we evaluated the benefit of combining various parameters. Receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curves of ADA, cytokines and equations generated from regression analyses were plotted and compared with the area under curve(AUC). Cut-off values showing the best diagnostic accuracy were selected and compared.

RESULTS

Compared to malignant effusion, tuberculous effusion showed significantly higher levels of ADA, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha and IL-2. There was a good correlation between IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha. By stepwise logistic regression analysis, IFN-gamma, protein and ADA were independent variables predicting tuberculous from malignant effusions. The diagnostic accuracy and AUC of regression equation was greater than any other single parameters.

CONCLUSION

For the differential diagnosis of tuberculosis and malignant pleural effusions, combining ADA, protein and IFN-gamma best allows discrimination.

Depression is a major determinant of both disease-specific and generic health-related quality of life in people with severe COPD

The quality of life of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) decreases significantly as the disease progresses; those with severe COPD are affected most. This article investigates predictors of the disease-specific and generic health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients with severe COPD. This multicentre prospective cross-sectional study enrolled 80 patients with severe COPD. At enrolment, all patients completed a disease-specific instrument, the St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and a generic instrument, the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36). The data were analyzed by Pearson’s correlation and multiple linear regression. The mean age of the patients was 66 ± 8 years; 93% were males. The SGRQ and SF-36 scores were not influenced by age or sex. Depression, dyspnea, the number of exacerbations, and exercise capacity significantly predicted the total SGRQ score (p < 0.05). Depression was the strongest determinant of the total SGRQ score. The SF-36 physical component summary scores were related to depression, dyspnea, and the number of exacerbations (p < 0.05). In comparison, the SF-36 mental component summary scores were related to depression and anxiety (p < 0.05). Depression is a significant determinant of both the disease-specific and generic HRQL in patients with severe COPD. Screening and early intervention for depression in patients with severe COPD could improve the HRQL.

Inhibition of immunologic and nonimmunologic stimulation-mediated anaphylactic reactions by water extract of white eggplant (solanum melongena)

We investigated the effect of water extract of Solanum melongena(SMWE) on immunologic and nonimmunologic stimulation-mediated anaphylactic reactions. Nonimmunologic anaphylactic reaction was induced by compound 48/80 injection. Oral administration of SMWE (1 g kg(-1)) completely inhibited compound 48/80-induced anaphylactic reaction. Immunologic anaphylactic reaction was generated by sensitizing the skin with anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE followed 48 h later with an injection of antigen. Oral administration of SMWE (0.01--1 g kg(-1)) significantly inhibited passive cutaneous anaphylactic reaction activated by anti-DNP IgE to between 83.10 +/- 1.67% and 70.17 +/- 2.17%. SMWE (0.01--1 mg ml(-1)) also inhibited histamine release activated by compound 48/80 to between 93 +/- 2.65 and 70 +/- 1.50%. Moreover, SMWE (0.01--1 mg ml(-1)) had a significant inhibitory effect on IgE-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha secretion from rat peritoneal mast cells. These results indicate that SMWE inhibits immunologic and nonimmunologic stimulation-mediated anaphylactic reactions and TNF-alpha secretion from mast cells.

FDG PET/CT in the detection of pancreatic metastasis in a patient with follicular thyroid carcinoma and negative I-131 whole body scan findings

We identified a rare follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) metastasis to the pancreas in a patient of FTC. A 65-year-old woman presented at our hospital for evaluation of a pancreatic mass. She had a history of FTC. After total thyroidectomy, I-131 whole body scan showed increased I-131 uptake in the thyroid bed, but there was no evidence of distant metastasis. However, F-18 FDG PET/CT showed a mass with FDG uptake in the pancreatic head. Follow-up PET/CT showed FDG uptake in the pancreatic head and thyroid bed. Pylorus preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed. Histopathological examination supported the diagnosis of metastatic FTC to pancreas.

Daeganghwal-tang inhibits the stem cell factor-induced migration and inflammatory cytokines secretion in mast cells

Traditional Oriental medicinal prescription, Daeganghwal-tang (DGHT) has been used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Korea. However, its effect in experimental models remains unknown. Recent reports suggest that in patients with RA, synovial mast cells increase in number and show signs of activation and inflammatory cytokines secretion. Our results show that stem cell factor (SCF) is a potent chemotactic factor for the mast cells in vitro. The chemotactic response to SCF was blocked by DGHT. When DGHT (1mg/ml) was added, the secretion of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta and IL-6 was inhibited by 60.1, 81.8, 72.5%, respectively in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated HMC-1 cells. In addition, the expression of TNF-alpha mRNA in HMC-1 cells was inhibited by DGHT (1mg/ml). These findings indicate that DGHT inhibits SCF-induced migration and PMA plus calcium ionophore-stimulated inflammatory cytokines secretion in mast cells.

Clinical Application of the Quick Sepsis-Related Organ Failure Assessment Score at Intensive Care Unit Admission in Patients with Bacteremia: A Single-Center Experience of Korea

Background

We evaluated the clinical usefulness of the quick Sepsis-Related Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) score (based on the 2016 definition of sepsis) at intensive care unit admission in Korean patients with bacteremia.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed clinical data from 236 patients between March 2011 and February 2016. In addition to the qSOFA, the Modified Early Warning score (MEWS) and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria were calculated.

Results

The patients' median age was 69 years, and 61.0% were male. Of the patients, 127 (53.8%) had a qSOFA score ≥2 points. They had significantly higher rates of septic shock, thrombocytopenia, and hyperlactatemia, and increased requirements for ventilator care, neuromuscular blocking agents, vasopressors, and hemodialysis within 72 hours after intensive care unit admission. They also had a significantly higher 28-day mortality rate. When analyzed using common thresholds (MEWS ≥5 and ≥2 SIRS criteria), patients with a MEWS ≥5 had the same results as those with a qSOFA score ≥2 (P < 0.05). However, patients with ≥2 SIRS criteria showed no significant differences.

Conclusions

Our results show that a qSOFA score ≥2 at admission is a useful screening tool for predicting disease severity and medical resource usage within 72 hours after admission, and for predicting 28-day mortality rates in patients with bacteremia. In addition, qSOFA scores may be more useful than SIRS criteria in terms of prognostic utility.

Prediction of the B{c}{*} mass in full lattice QCD

By using the highly improved staggered quark formalism to handle charm, strange, and light valence quarks in full lattice QCD, and NRQCD to handle bottom valence quarks, we are able to determine accurately ratios of the B meson vector-pseudoscalar mass splittings, in particular, [m(B{c}{*})-m(B{c})]/[m(B{s}{*})-m(B{s})]. We find this ratio to be 1.15(15), showing the "light" quark mass dependence of this splitting to be very small. Hence we predict m(B{c}{*})=6.330(7)(2)(6) GeV, where the first two errors are from the lattice calculation and the third from existing experiment. This is the most accurate prediction of a gold-plated hadron mass from lattice QCD to date.

Juniper oil inhibits the heat shock-induced apoptosis via preventing the caspase-3 activation in human astrocytes CCF-STTG1 cells

BACKGROUND

Brain astrocytes play a pivotal role in neuronal activities.

METHODS

An investigation was undertaken to determine whether juniper oil inhibits heat shock-induced apoptosis of astrocytes.

RESULTS

Juniper oil inhibited the heat shock-induced apoptosis in human astrocyte CCF-STTG1 cells. Pretreatment of the cells with juniper oil inhibited the heat shock-induced DNA fragmentation and condensation of nuclear chromatin. Juniper oil alone did not affect the apoptosis. Juniper oil inhibited the heat shock-induced caspase-3 activation and poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) fragmentation in the human astrocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

Juniper oil may inhibit the apoptosis of astrocytes by preventing the caspase-3 activation.

Percutaneous Cardiopulmonary Support Experience of a National University Hospital in Busan

Objectives Cardiopulmonary support has been used to treat the patients with refractory cardiogenic shock since 1950s. In advent of portable system its use has been widened considerably. In this retrospective study, we report our single center experience concerning possible indications, complications and outcomes of percutanous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS) Methods From January 2013 to March 2014, we searched the patients who were supported by PCPS system by reviewing the medical records in cardiology department at our Hospital. Infectious organism was limited to what was identified within 2 weeks after weaning of PCPS. Results A total of 9 patients were supported by PCPS with CAPIOX CX® system (Terumo inc., Tokyo, Japan) initially for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction/non ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in 4 patients, myocarditis in 3 patients, valvular heart disease in 1 patient, and acute respiratory distress syndrome in 1 patient. The mean duration of PCPS support was 79.1±76.6 hours and 5 of them were recovered and discharged alive. All the patients needed transfusions of various forms of blood products. And there was one major stroke and one hyperbilirubinemia in related to PCPS treatment. Conclusions PCPS treatment was a valuable means to treat the patients with cardiovascular collapse, but not without costs. Efforts to reduce its associated complications should be made to improve outcomes.

Abstract B169: Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) correlates with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumor growth in thyroid cancer cell lines

Hypoxia is essential for microenvironment to induce tumor metastasis. Intratumoural hypoxia, followed by stabilization and activation of the HIF-1α transcription complex, is one of the most important mechanisms that promotes metastasis and thereby, increases tumor aggressiveness. EMT (epithelial to mesenchymal transition), one of the central mechanisms that induces invasion and metastasis of tumors. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible role of HIF-1α as one of the microenvironmental influences driving metastatic progression by induction of epithelial to mesenchymal transition in thyroid cancer. In vitro studies revealed a functionally active HIF-1a pathway in several types of thyroid cells with transcriptional activation observed after hypoxia or overexpression. Knock-down of HIF-1α or overexpression of HIF-1α in thyroid cancer cells suggested that HIF-1α promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastastic phenotypes in follicular thyroid cancer cell lines, especially. HIF-1α increases the expression of Vimentin, N-cadherin, Snail, Slug, Twist, MMP2, VEGF but not E-cadherin. Also, wound healing assay and in vitro migration assays showed that the cell migration ability was increased in a HIF1α- dependent manner. Furthermore, knock-down of HIF-1α leads to decreased tumor growth and regulates the expression of EMT marker genes in thyroid tumor xenograft mouse model. Taken together, these results suggest that the HIF-1 signaling induces EMT and metastasis through the regulation of various EMT regulators in vitro as well as in vivo study.

Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):B169.

Citation Format: YJ Yang, HJ Na, Ws Kim, Jp Bong, Sj Baek, Jw Kim, Jh Park, Dy Shin, Hj Hong, Jh Kwon, Ej Lee, Yw Koh, Ec Choi. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) correlates with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumor growth in thyroid cancer cell lines. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2013 Oct 19-23; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):Abstract nr B169.

Abstract A90: Feedback activation of EGFR drives resistance to BRAF(V600E) inhibition in breast cancer

Purpose: The BRAFV600E mutation has shown significant activity in the several tumor types, including breast, melanoma, and colorectal cancer. The selective inhibitor of BRAFV600, PLX4032 (vemurafenib), has shown clinical response in patients with BRAFV600Emelanoma, especially but not in 20-40% of patients despite the presence of a BRAFV600E. Thus, it is important to understand the molecular mechanisms of resistance to improve outcomes in patient with BRAF mutation. We aimed to investigate the cause of the limited therapeutic effect of PLX4032 in cancers harboring the mutant BRAFV600E gene.

Experiment Design: We investigated the correlation between RTK pathway activation and sensitivity to PLX4032 in several types of cancer cell lines harboring the BRAFV600E. Cell lines were exposed to PLX4032 and pharmacologic inhibitors and in combination with each other to inhibit RTK signaling. Cell survival and apoptosis were measured using MTT assay, Annexin V/PI staining, and colony forming assay. Real-time PCR, Western blots were performed to determine possible mechanisms of resistance and predictors of synergy.Results: In a comparison with BRAFV600E cancer cells, we show that PLX4032-resistant MDA-MB breast cancer cells have the enhanced level of p-EGFR in the presence of PLX4032. PLX4032 treatment causes a rapid feedback activation of EGFR and up-regulation of AKT in MDA-MB cells, which supports continued proliferation in the presence of BRAFV600E inhibition. We show that EGFR activation acquired resistance to BRAF inhibition using EGFR inhibitor. Gefitinib, EGFR inhibitor, shows strong synergy with a BRAFV600E inhibitor in short-time and long-time treatment. In addition, we investigated that rapid feedback activation of EGFR regulates the expression of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) regulators by

Real-time PCR, which resulted in high migratory potentials in invasion assay and wound healing assay. These results provide rational therapeutic strategies for clinical studies in this poor prognosis subtype of BRAFV600E inhibitor.

Conclusions: Our data suggest that BRAFV600E mutant breast cancers, for which there are currently no targeted treatment options available, might benefit from combination therapy consisting of BRAF and EGFR inhibitors.

Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):A90.

Citation Format: Yj Yang, HJ Na, Ws Kim, JP Bong, SJ Beak, Jw Kim, Jk Park, Hj Hong, Dy Shin, Jh Kwon, Ej Lee, Yw Koh, Ec Choi. Feedback activation of EGFR drives resistance to BRAF(V600E) inhibition in breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2013 Oct 19-23; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A90.

3-carene supresses inflammatory cytokine interleukin-4, interleukin-5 and interleukin-13 in a murine model of asthma

Asthma is a common airway disease associated with allergic inflammation. Environmental factors, such as pollens, pollution, insect-borne antigens, or commercial chemicals, cause this disease. The common symptoms of this airway allergic reaction are increasing mucus, narrowing of the airway wall, coughing, and chest tightness. Medications, such as steroids, alleviate the disease but with severe side effects. Several studies have reported the anti-inflammatory effects of tree-based essential oil components, particularly 3-carene. Therefore, this study used 3-carene to determine if it alleviates asthmatic symptoms in the murine model. First, BALB/c mice were sensitized to an ovalbumin and aluminium hydroxide mixture on day 7th and 14th. From days 21st to 23rd, the mice were challenged with 3-carene and budesonide. The lung trachea, plasma, and bronchiolar lavage fluid (BAL fluid) were collected on day 24. The 3-carene treatment suppressed the cytokine gene expression, such as interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, and IL-13, reducing the lung epithelial cell thickness in the asthmatic model. These results suggest that essential oil 3-carene has an anti-asthmatic effect.