Mechanisms of transcriptional activation of bcl-2 gene expression by 17beta-estradiol in breast cancer cells

bcl-2 gene expression is induced by 17beta-estradiol (E2) in T47D and MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, and the mechanism of E2 responsiveness was further investigated by analysis of the bcl-2 gene promoter. The -1602 to -1534 distal region (bcl-2j) of the promoter was E2-responsive; however, in gel mobility shift assays, the estrogen receptor alpha (ER(alpha)) did not bind [(32)P]bcl-2j, whereas Sp1 protein formed a retarded band complex. Further analysis demonstrated that the upstream region (-1603 to -1579) of the bcl-2 gene promoter contained two GC/GA-rich sites at -1601 (5'-GGGCTGG-3') and -1588 (3'-GGAGGG-5') that bound Sp1 protein. Subsequent studies confirmed that transactivation by E2 was dependent on ER(alpha)/Sp1 interactions with both GC-rich sites, and this was confirmed by in vitro footprinting. In contrast, a 21-base pair E2-responsive downstream region (-1578 to -1534) did not bind Sp1 or ER(alpha) protein; however, analysis of a complex binding pattern with nuclear extracts showed that ATF-1 and CREB-1 bound to this motif. These data coupled with results of transient transfection studies demonstrated that transcriptional activation by E2 of the -1578 to -1534 region of the bcl-2 gene promoter was dependent on induction of cAMP and subsequent activation through a cAMP response element. Thus, hormone regulation of bcl-2 gene expression in breast cancer cells involves multiple enhancer elements and E2-mediated transactivation does not require direct binding of the estrogen receptor with promoter DNA.

Penetrating esophageal injuries: multicenter study of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to define the period of time after which delays in management incurred by investigations cause increased morbidity and mortality. The outcome study is intended to correlate time with death from esophageal causes, overall complications, esophageal related complications, and surgical intensive care unit length of stay.

METHODS

This was a retrospective multicenter study involving 34 trauma centers in the United States, under the auspices of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Multi-institutional Trials Committee over a span of 10.5 years. Patients surviving to reach the operating room (OR) were divided into two groups: those that underwent diagnostic studies to identify their injuries (preoperative evaluation group) and those that went immediately to the OR (no preoperative evaluation group). Statistical methods included Fisher's exact test, Student's T test, and logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The study involved 405 patients: 355 male patients (86.5%) and 50 female patients (13.5%). The mean Revised Trauma Score was 6.3, the mean Injury Severity Score was 28, and the mean time interval to the OR was 6.5 hours. There were associated injuries in 356 patients (88%), and an overall complication rate of 53.5%. Overall mortality was 78 of 405 (19%). Three hundred forty-six patients survived to reach the OR: 171 in the preoperative evaluation group and 175 in the no preoperative evaluation group. No statistically significant differences were noted in the two groups in the following parameters: number of patients, age, Injury Severity Score, admission blood pressure, anatomic location of injury (cervical or thoracic), surgical management (primary repair, resection and anastomosis, resection and diversion, flaps), number of associated injuries, and mortality. Average length of time to the OR was 13 hours in the preoperative evaluation group versus 1 hour in the no preoperative evaluation group (p < 0.001). Overall complications occurred in 134 in the preoperative evaluation group versus 87 in the no preoperative evaluation group (p < 0.001), and 74 (41%) esophageal related complications occurred in the preoperative evaluation group versus 32 (19%) in the no preoperative evaluation group (p = 0.003). Mean surgical intensive care unit length of stay was 11 days in the preoperative evaluation group versus 7 days in the no preoperative evaluation group (p = 0.012). Logistic regression analysis identified as independent risk factors for the development of esophageal related complications included time delays in preoperative evaluation (odds ratio, 3.13), American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Organ Injury Scale grade >2 (odds ratio, 2.62), and resection and diversion (odds ratio, 4.47).

CONCLUSION

Esophageal injuries carry a high morbidity and mortality. Increased esophageal related morbidity occurs with the diagnostic workup and its inherent delay in operative repair of these injuries. For centers practicing selective management of penetrating neck injuries and transmediastinal gunshot wounds, rapid diagnosis and definitive repair should be made a high priority.

Crosstalk between estrogen receptor alpha and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in breast cancer cells involves unidirectional activation of proteasomes

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is an environmental toxin that activates the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and disrupts multiple endocrine signaling pathways. T47D human breast cancer cells express a functional estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) and AhR, and treatment of these cells with 17beta-estradiol (E2) or TCDD resulted in a rapid proteasome-dependent decrease in immunoreactive ERalpha and AhR proteins (>60-80%), respectively. E2 did not affect the AhR, whereas TCDD induced proteasome-dependent degradation of both the AhR and ERalpha in T47D and MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, and these responses were specifically blocked by proteasome inhibitors. Thus, TCDD-induced degradation of ERalpha may contribute to the antiestrogenic activity of AhR agonists and this pathway may be involved in AhR-mediated disruption of other endocrine responses.

Inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor expression in HEC1A endometrial cancer cells through interactions of estrogen receptor alpha and Sp3 proteins

Treatment of HEC1A endometrial cancer cells with 10 nm 17beta-estradiol (E2) resulted in decreased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA expression, and a similar response was observed using a construct, pVEGF1, containing a VEGF gene promoter insert from -2018 to +50. In HEC1A cells transiently transfected with pVEGF1 and a series of deletion plasmids, it was shown that E2-dependent down-regulation was dependent on wild-type estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) and reversed by the anti-estrogen ICI 182, 780, and this response was not affected by progestins. Deletion analysis of the VEGF gene promoter identified an overlapping G/GC-rich site between -66 to -47 that was required for decreased transactivation by E2. Protein-DNA binding studies using electrophoretic mobility shift and DNA footprinting assays showed that both Sp1 and Sp3 proteins bound this region of the VEGF promoter. Coimmunoprecipitation and pull-down assays demonstrated that Sp3 and ERalpha proteins physically interact, and the interacting domains of both proteins are different from those previously observed for interactions between Sp1 and ERalpha proteins. Using a dominant negative form of Sp3 and transcriptional activation assays in Schneider SL-2 insect cells, it was confirmed that ERalpha-Sp3 interactions define a pathway for E2-mediated inhibition of gene expression, and this represents a new mechanism for decreased gene expression by E2.

Differential activation of wild-type and variant forms of estrogen receptor alpha by synthetic and natural estrogenic compounds using a promoter containing three estrogen-responsive elements

Structure-dependent estrogen receptor alpha (ER alpha) agonist and antagonist activities of synthetic and natural estrogenic compounds were investigated in human HepG2, MDA-MB-231 and U2 cancer cell lines. Compounds used in this study include 4'-hydroxytamoxifen, ICI 182,780, bisphenol-A (BPA), 2',4',6'-trichloro-4-biphenylol (3Cl-PCB-OH), 2',3',4',5'-tetrachloro-4-biphenylol (4Cl-PCB-OH), p-t-octylphenol, p-nonylphenol, naringenin, kepone, resveratrol, and 2,2-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane (HPTE). Cells were transfected with a construct (pERE(3)) containing three tandem estrogen responsive elements (EREs) and either wild-type estrogen receptor alpha (ER-wt) or variants expressing activation function-1 (ER-AF1) or AF-2 (ER-AF2). The ER agonist activities of the synthetic mono and dihydroxy aromatic compounds are comparable in all three-cell lines, whereas the activities of naringenin, kepone and resveratrol are dependent on cell context and expression of wild-type or variant forms of ER alpha. In contrast, the ER antagonist activities for these compounds were highly complex and, with the exception of 3Cl-PCB-OH, all compounds inhibited E2-induced wild-type or variant ER action. Results of this in vitro study suggest that the estrogenic and antiestrogenic activity of structurally diverse synthetic and natural estrogenic compounds is complex, and this is consistent with published data that often give contradictory results for these compounds.

Stapled versus sutured gastrointestinal anastomoses in the trauma patient: a multicenter trial

BACKGROUND

Construction of gastrointestinal anastomoses utilizing stapling devices has become a familiar procedure. In elective surgery, studies have shown no significant differences in complications between stapled and sutured anastomoses. Controversy has recently arisen regarding the accurate incidence of complications associated with anastomoses in the trauma patient. The objective of this multi-institutional study was to determine whether the incidence of postoperative complications differs between stapled and sutured anastomoses following the emergent repair of traumatic bowel injuries.

METHODS

Using a retrospective cohort design, all trauma registry records from five Level I trauma centers over a period of 4 years were reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 199 patients with 289 anastomoses were identified. A surgical stapling device was used to create 175 separate anastomoses, while a hand-sutured method was employed in 114 anastomoses. A complication was defined as an anastomotic leak verified at reoperation, an intra-abdominal abscess, or an enterocutaneous fistula. The mean abdominal Abbreviated Injury Scale score and Injury Severity Score were similar in the two cohort groups. Stapling and suturing techniques were evenly distributed in both small and large bowel repairs. Seven of the total 175 stapled anastomoses and none of the 114 hand-sewn anastomoses resulted in a clinically significant leak requiring reoperation (RR = undefined, 95% CI 1.08-infinity, p = 0.04). Each anastomotic leak occurred in a separate individual. Nineteen stapled anastomoses and four sutured anastomoses were associated with an intra-abdominal abscess (RR = 2.7, 95% CI 0.96-7.57, p = 0.04). Enterocutaneous fistula formation was not statistically associated with either type of anastomoses (stapled cohort = 3 of 175 and sutured cohort = 2 of 114). Overall, 22 (13%) stapled anastomoses and 6 (5%) sutured anastomoses were associated with an intra-abdominal complication (RR = 2.08, 95% CI 0.89-4.86, p = 0.076).

CONCLUSION

Anastomotic leaks and intra-abdominal abscesses appear to be more likely with stapled bowel repairs compared with sutured anastomoses in the injured patient. Caution should be exercised in deciding to staple a bowel anastomosis in the trauma patient.

Stroking human jejunal mucosa induces 5-HT release and Cl- secretion via afferent neurons and 5-HT4 receptors

5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) release and neural reflex pathways activated in response to mucosal stroking were investigated in muscle-stripped human jejunum mounted in modified Ussing chambers. The mucosa was stroked with a brush at 1/s for 1-10 s. Mucosal stroking resulted in a significant increase in the concentration of 5-HT in the mucosal bath within 5 min. It also was associated with a reproducible positive change (Delta) in short-circuit current (Isc), which was abolished by inhibitors of chloride secretion. Capsaicin and hexamethonium significantly inhibited the DeltaIsc but not the release of 5-HT. The DeltaIsc was inhibited by TTX but not by atropine. It was also inhibited by the 5-HT(3,4) receptor antagonist tropisetron (10 microM) and the 5-HT(4,3) receptor antagonist SDZ-205-557 (10 microM) but not by preferential antagonists of 5-HT(1P), 5-HT(2A), or 5-HT3 receptors. These results suggest that mucosal stroking induces release of mucosal 5-HT, which activates a 5-HT4 receptor on enteric sensory neurons, evoking a neuronal reflex that stimulates chloride secretion.

Nitric oxide is a neurotransmitter in the chloride secretory response to serotonin in rat colon

BACKGROUND

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) has been shown to induce chloride secretion through a nonadrenergic/noncholinergic neural pathway, mediated by a 5-HT(3) receptor. We hypothesized that 5-HT(3)-induced Cl(-) secretion is ultimately mediated by nitric oxide (NO).

METHODS

Unstripped sheets of rat distal colon were mounted in Ussing chambers and short-circuited. The 5-HT(3) receptor agonist, 2-methyl-5-HT, was added in the absence and presence of the NO synthase inhibitor, L-NAME. Companion studies involved the addition of sodium nitroprusside to tissue that was incubated with or without tetrodotoxin.

RESULTS

L-NAME caused a significant reduction in the 2-methyl-5-HT-induced change in circuit current, in a concentration-dependent manner. Sodium nitroprusside caused a change in circuit current over baseline in 5 minutes. The addition of tetrodotoxin did not significantly alter the change in circuit current; however, the apical Cl(-) channel blocker, anthracene-9-carboxylic acid, abolished this response.

CONCLUSIONS

Neurally mediated Cl(-) secretion in response to 2-methyl-5-HT is inhibited by an NO synthase inhibitor. Exogenous NO mimics this response, which is unaffected by tetrodotoxin. These data suggest that neurally mediated serotoninergic Cl(-) secretion is, in part, mediated by NO. The ability of exogenous NO to induce a change in circuit current in the presence of tetrodotoxin suggests that NO is a final neurotransmitter in this neural-mucosal reflex and therefore acts directly on the enterocyte to induce secretion.

Transcriptional activation of deoxyribonucleic acid polymerase alpha gene expression in MCF-7 cells by 17 beta-estradiol

Treatment of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells with 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) results in increased DNA synthesis and cell proliferation and enhanced enzyme activities associated with purine/pyrimidine biosynthesis. The mechanism of enhanced DNA polymerase alpha activity was investigated by analysis of the promoter region of this gene. E(2) induced luciferase (reporter gene) activity in MCF-7 cells transfected with pDNAP1, pDNAP2, and pDNAP3 containing -1515 to +45, -248 to +45 and -116 to +45 inserts from the DNA polymerase alpha gene promoter, whereas no induction was observed with pDNAP4 (-65 to +45 insert). The induction response was dependent on cotransfection with estrogen receptor alpha (ER(alpha)), and transactivation was also observed with a mutant ER(alpha) that did not express the DNA-binding domain. Subsequent functional, DNA binding, and DNA footprinting studies showed that a GC-rich region at -106 to -100 was required for E(2)-mediated transactivation, and Sp1 protein, but not ER(alpha), bound this sequence. Transcriptional activation of DNA polymerase alpha by E(2) is associated with ER(alpha)/Sp1 action at a proximal GC-rich promoter sequence, and this gene is among a growing list of E(2)-responsive genes that are induced via ER(alpha)/Sp1 protein interactions that do not require direct binding of the hormone receptor to DNA.

Implication of basement membrane development on the underlying scar in partial-thickness burn injury

There is increasing evidence from the scientific literature that the developing epithelial basement membrane has the potential to influence the underlying dermis. The most rapidly dividing and active cell within the skin complex is the basal cell of the epidermis. The basal cell is well known to produce numerous protein factors which influence cellular growth and differentiation. The underlying dermal fibroblasts, by comparison, are relatively static. The concept that basal cells have an influence on the dermal and overall skin environment via the extracellular expression of proteins in the extracellular matrix, is gaining increased interest. A hypertrophic scar is a dermal phenomenon resulting from an imbalance in collagen production and maturation. Although the collagen is produced by the fibroblast, the extracellular matrix is an area where the epidermal cells have a potential influence. It is therefore the purpose of this paper to explore the idea that the cultured epithelial autograft may have an influence on the quality of scarring.

Enrollment of adolescents aged 16-17 years old in microbicide trials: an evidence-based approach

PURPOSE

This article explores the ethics and feasibility of enrolling adolescent females in microbicide trials using data from 16- to 17-year-old participants of the Phase 3 trial of the candidate vaginal microbicide, Carraguard.

METHODS

Secondary analysis was conducted to compare health, behavioral, and operational outcomes between 16- to 17-year-olds and 18- to 19-year-olds screened for and enrolled in the trial. Analytical approaches included Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, Cox proportional hazards modeling, and generalized estimating equations for nonsurvival end points.

RESULTS

Results reveal no significant differences between the two age groups for health (sexually transmitted infection, adverse event), risk behavior, or operational (adherence, follow-up) outcomes. However, data suggest that after 1 year of trial participation, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and pregnancy incidence were higher and increased more rapidly for the 16- to 17-year-olds than for 18- to 19-year-olds; this finding is entirely consistent with other incidence data for HIV infection among South African youth and cannot be attributed to study participation without a comparison outside the trial.

CONCLUSIONS

Data from the Carraguard trial provide no evidence that inclusion of 16- to 17-year-olds in the trial had any detrimental effect on trial participants or on the conduct of research. These data provide an argument motivating the inclusion of sexually active adolescents aged 16-17 years into future trials in order to avoid delaying access to an effective product for adolescents at high risk of HIV acquisition. Careful support for adolescent-inclusive protocols (including appropriate counseling) must be incorporated into study design.

Very early analysis of graft establishment after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation using the polymerase chain reaction

We have used minisatellite polymorphisms flanking the apolipoprotein B locus and PCR to demonstrate the emergence of donor specific alleles in peripheral blood at 3-7 d post allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). This technique affords a very early indication of the establishment of stable engraftment, and may identify patients at risk of graft failure or leukaemic relapse. Patterns of T-cell chimaerism in the first 7-14 d following transplantation may be closely associated with the development of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), the graft versus leukaemia (GVL) effect and graft rejection and future application of this technique to the investigation of early T-cell chimaerism may give further insights into these immunologically mediated events.

Adolescent Mothers in Eastern and Southern Africa: An Overlooked and Uniquely Vulnerable Subpopulation in the Fight Against HIV

PURPOSE

Adolescent girls (10-19 years) in Eastern and Southern Africa face a high risk of pregnancy and HIV infection. However, few studies have examined whether the profound developmental, social, and economic changes that accompany adolescent motherhood contribute to HIV risk. This study examines the intersection between adolescent motherhood and HIV infection across 10 Eastern and Southern African countries, where over half of all HIV infections occur among adolescent girls.

METHODS

To evaluate whether adolescent motherhood is associated with HIV infection, we used Demographic and Health Survey data on girls (15-19 years) with HIV test results (N = 19,932) from Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. We examined unweighted bivariate and multivariable associations between adolescent motherhood and HIV using mixed effects logistic regression models that included a country-level random intercept. We examined heterogeneity in the association by testing country-level random slopes using a likelihood ratio test and used intraclass correlation to measure the proportion of total variance explained at the country level.

RESULTS

Nearly one fifth of adolescent girls were mothers (range: 9.80%-38.90%), and the HIV prevalence among all adolescent girls was 3.3% (range: 1.03%-10.07%). Relative to nonmothers, adolescent mothers were, on average, older, poorer, and more likely to be married, rural dwellers, and household heads. Adolescent motherhood was positively associated with HIV infection in bivariate and multivariable analyses (odds ratio: 1.87; 95% confidence interval: 1.57-2.23; adjusted odds ratio: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.24-1.89).

DISCUSSION

Among adolescents with HIV test results, we observed a robust association between adolescent motherhood and HIV infection across 10 high-burden countries.

Both serotonin and a nitric-oxide donor cause chloride secretion in rat colonocytes by stimulating cGMP

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have demonstrated that an antagonist of nitric oxide synthase inhibits neurally mediated chloride secretion in response to serotonin (5-HT). The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that chloride secretion in rat colonocytes that were caused by stimulation of neural 5-HT receptors is mediated by way of a nitrergic pathway that involves the activation of guanylate cyclase.

METHODS

The nitric oxide (NO) donor, diethylenetriamine/NO (DNO), was added to an enriched suspension of rat colonocytes that were preloaded with (36)Cl(-). In parallel experiments, DNO (1 micromol/L) was added to cells that were pretreated with the specific inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase, NS2028 (2 micromol/L). In additional studies, the neural 5-HT(3) receptor agonist, 2-methyl-5-HT (10 micromol/L), was added to the serosal surface of muscle-stripped sheets of rat colonic mucosa that were mounted in Ussing chambers under voltage clamp conditions, both in the absence and presence of NS2028 (20 mircro).

RESULTS

DNO induced 18.0% +/- 8.0% greater (36)Cl(-) efflux than controls (P <.05; n = 14 animals). This efflux was abolished by previous treatment with NS2028. In the chamber experiments, 2-methyl-5-HT induced electrogenic chloride secretion that was significantly inhibited by previous treatment with NS2028 (2.2 +/- 0.5 microA/cm(2) vs 13.1 +/- 2.1 microA/cm(2); P <.001; n = 9 animals).

CONCLUSIONS

The predominant secretomotor neurotransmitter that mediates the chloride secretory effects of 5-HT in vitro is nitric oxide. Both the secretory effect initiated at the 5-HT(3) receptor on enteric neurons and at the NO(-) receptor on the rat colonocytes are mediated through the activation of intracellular guanylate cyclase and the production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate.

Enhancing the prediction of hospitalization from a COVID-19 agent-based model: A Bayesian method for model parameter estimation

Agent-based models (ABMs) have become a common tool for estimating demand for hospital beds during the COVID-19 pandemic. A key parameter in these ABMs is the probability of hospitalization for agents with COVID-19. Many published COVID-19 ABMs use either single point or age-specific estimates of the probability of hospitalization for agents with COVID-19, omitting key factors: comorbidities and testing status (i.e., received vs. did not receive COVID-19 test). These omissions can inhibit interpretability, particularly by stakeholders seeking to use an ABM for transparent decision-making. We introduce a straightforward yet novel application of Bayes' theorem with inputs from aggregated hospital data to better incorporate these factors in an ABM. We update input parameters for a North Carolina COVID-19 ABM using this approach, demonstrate sensitivity to input data selections, and highlight the enhanced interpretability and accuracy of the method and the predictions. We propose that even in tumultuous scenarios with limited information like the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, straightforward approaches like this one with discrete, attainable inputs can improve ABMs to better support stakeholders.

The impact of a wireless telecommunication system on time efficiency

With the increased acuity of patients and the resultant complexity of care required, effective and efficient communication among patients, nurses, and physicians is a critical variable in patient outcomes. In recognition of the need for rapid communication between health professionals, University Hospital in Denver, Colorado, instituted a wireless telecommunication system on two medical-surgical nursing units. Evaluation research of this innovation in practice revealed a significant time savings by both nurses and clerical staff members. This time savings translates into improved patient care because skilled personnel have more time available for direct patient care.

Inhibition of elastolysis by proteinase inhibitors from chick plasma and aorta

Chick plasma contains inhibitor(s) against trypsin and elastase which also appear to retard the degradation of tropoelastin by arterial tissue extracts. Chick aorta extracts also contain similar inhibitors against elastase and trypsin. Both levels of the plasma inhibitor(s) and inhibitor(s) extracted from thoracic aorta increase during early stages of growth and maturation. There is a three- to four-fold increase in the levels of the inhibitor(s) in chick plasma and aorta between one to four weeks after hatching. Of particular interest are the observations that the presence of the inhibitor(s) retards the conversion of soluble elastin (tropoelastin) to smaller elastin peptides. Subsequently, it is speculated that in addition to other vital roles, such proteinase inhibitors may also act in regulating elastogenesis and elastin fiber formation.

Neuro emotional technique effects on brain physiology in cancer patients with traumatic stress symptoms: preliminary findings

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to characterize the neurophysiological and clinical effects that may result from the neuro emotional technique (NET) in patients with traumatic stress symptoms associated with a cancer-related event. We hypothesized that self-regulatory processing of traumatic memories would be observable as physiological changes in key brain areas after undergoing the NET intervention and that these changes would be associated with improvement of traumatic stress symptoms.

METHODS

We enrolled 23 participants with a prior cancer diagnosis who expressed a distressing cancer-related memory that was associated with traumatic stress symptoms of at least 6 months in duration. Participants were randomized to either the NET intervention or a waitlist control condition. To evaluate the primary outcome of neurophysiological effects, all participants received functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during the auditory presentation of both a neutral stimulus and a description of the specific traumatic event. Pre/post-comparisons were performed between the traumatic and neutral condition, within and between groups. Psychological measures included the Impact of Event Scale (IES), State Trait Anxiety Index (STAI), Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI)-18, and Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory (PTCI).

RESULTS

The initial fMRI scans in both groups showed significant increases in the bilateral parahippocampus and brainstem. After NET, reactivity in the parahippocampus, brainstem, anterior cingulate, and insula was significantly decreased during the traumatic stimulus. Likewise, participants receiving the NET intervention had significant reductions (p < 0.05) compared to the control group in distress as measured by the BSI-18 global severity index, anxiety as measured by the STAI, and traumatic stress as measured by the IES and PTCI.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is an initial step towards understanding mechanistic features of the NET intervention. Specifically, brain regions involved with traumatic memories and distress such as the brainstem, insula, anterior cingulate gyrus, and parahippocampus had significantly reduced activity after the NET intervention and were associated with clinical improvement of symptoms associated with distressing recollections.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

This preliminary study suggests that the NET intervention may be effective at reducing emotional distress in patients who suffer from traumatic stress symptoms associated with a cancer-related event.

Epidermal-derived factors in the treatment of a chronic leg ulcer

An illustration of the problems associated with the management of chronic wounds and a novel approach using autologous epidermal-derived factors

Changes in cerebellar functional connectivity and autonomic regulation in cancer patients treated with the Neuro Emotional Technique for traumatic stress symptoms

PURPOSE

A growing number of research studies have implicated the cerebellum in emotional processing and regulation, especially with regard to negative emotional memories. However, there currently are no studies showing functional changes in the cerebellum as a result of treatment for traumatic stress symptoms. The Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) is an intervention designed to help improve symptoms related to traumatic stress using an integrative approach that combines emotional, cognitive, and motor processing, with a particular focus on autonomic nervous system regulation. In this study, we evaluated whether the NET intervention alters functional connectivity in the brain of patients with traumatic stress symptoms associated with a cancer-related event. We hypothesized that the NET intervention would reduce emotional and autonomic reactivity and that this would correlate with connectivity changes between the cerebellum and limbic structures as well as the brain stem.

METHODS

We enrolled patients with a prior cancer diagnosis who experienced distressing cancer-related memories associated with traumatic stress symptoms of at least 6 months in duration. Participants were randomized to either the NET intervention or a waitlist control. To evaluate the primary outcome of neurophysiological effects, all participants received resting-state functional blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) before and after the NET intervention. In addition, autonomic reactivity was measured using heart rate response to the traumatic stimulus. Pre/post comparisons were performed between the NET and control groups.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated significant changes in the NET group, as compared to the control group, in the functional connectivity between the cerebellum (including the vermis) and the amygdala, parahippocampus, and brain stem. Likewise, participants receiving the NET intervention had significant reductions in autonomic reactivity based on heart rate response to the traumatic stimulus compared to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is an initial step towards establishing a neurological signature of treatment effect for the NET intervention. Specifically, functional connectivity between the cerebellum and the amygdala and prefrontal cortex appear to be associated with a reduction in autonomic reactivity in response to distressing cancer-related memories.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

This study contributes to the understanding of possible mechanisms by which interventions like NET may help reduce emotional distress in cancer patients who suffer from traumatic stress symptoms.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide is a neuropeptide mediator of the secretory response to serotonin in rat

BACKGROUND

The chloride secretory response to serotonin (5-HT) has nonneural and neural mechanisms, the latter mediated through a 5-HT(3) receptor. We hypothesized that 5-HT(3)-induced C1(-) secretion is partially mediated by VIP as a neurosecretory transmitter. Therefore it should be inhibited by a VIP receptor antagonist, VIP 6-28. Furthermore, exogenous VIP should induce secretion in the presence of tetrodotoxin (TTX).

METHODS

Unstripped sheets of rat colon (n = 6) were mounted in Ussing chambers. The 5-HT(3) receptor agonist 2-Me-5-HT (10 microM) was added in the absence and presence of VIP 6-28 (30 microM). In companion studies VIP (1 microM) was added to tissue with or without TTX. Changes in short-circuit current (DeltaI(SC)) were recorded and repeat-measure ANOVA was used to analyze data.

RESULTS

Addition of 2-Me-5-HT induced a rise in DeltaI(SC) seen in controls at 1 to 5 min (3.2 +/- 1.5 to 12.3 +/- 3.7 microA/cm(2), P < 0.02). VIP 6-28 blunted DeltaI(SC) (1.2 +/- 0.4 to 3.7 +/- 1.3 microA/cm(2), P < 0.01). VIP caused DeltaI(SC) to increase above baseline in 15 min (4.7 +/- 2.6 to 10.4 +/- 3.0 microA/cm(2), P < 0.01). The addition of TTX prior to VIP did not alter DeltaI(SC).

CONCLUSION

Activation of the neural 5-HT(3) receptor by 2-Me-5-HT induces a secretory response in rat colon that is inhibited by a VIP receptor antagonist. Exogenous VIP mimics this response and is unaffected by TTX. VIP is a likely nonadrenergic, noncholinergic neurotransmitter in this pathway.

Alterations in Functional Connectivity Measured by Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and the Relationship With Heart Rate Variability in Subjects After Performing Orgasmic Meditation: An Exploratory Study

Background: We measured changes in resting brain functional connectivity, with blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), associated with a creative meditation practice that is augmented by clitoral stimulation and is designed to not only achieve a spiritual experience but to help individuals manage their most intimate personal relationships. Briefly, the meditative state is attained by both the male and female participants while the male stimulates the woman’s clitoris. The goal of this practice, called orgasmic meditation (OM), according to the practitioners is not sexual, but to use the focus on clitoral stimulation to facilitate a meditative state of connectedness and calm alertness between the two participants.

Methods: fMRI was acquired on 20 pairs of subjects shortly following one of two states that were randomized in their order – during the OM practice or during a neutral condition. The practice is performed while the female is lying down on pillows with the clitoris exposed. During the practice, the male performs digital stimulation of the clitoris for 15 min. Resting BOLD image acquisition was performed at completion of the practice to assess changes in functional connectivity associated with the performance of the practice.

Results: The results demonstrated significant changes (p < 0.05) in functional connectivity associated with the OM compared to the neutral condition. For the entire group there was altered connectivity following the OM practice involving the left superior temporal lobe, the frontal lobe, anterior cingulate, and insula. In female subjects, there was altered connectivity involving the cerebellum, thalamus, inferior frontal lobe posterior parietal lobe, angular gyrus, amygdala and middle temporal gyrus, and prefrontal cortex. In males, functional connectivity changes involved the supramarginal gyrus, cerebellum, and orbitofrontal gyrus, cerebellum, parahippocampus, inferior temporal gyrus, and anterior cingulate.

Conclusion: Overall, these findings suggest a complex pattern of functional connectivity changes occurring in both members of the couple pair that result from this unique meditation practice. The changes represent a hybrid of functional connectivity findings with some similarities to meditation based practices and some with sexual stimulation and orgasm. This study has broader implications for understanding the dynamic relationship between sexuality and spirituality.