Risk of Radiation-Associated Secondary Malignancies among Patients with Breast Cancer Harboring TP53 Germline Variants

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Radiation-associated malignancies are rare and poorly understood. TP53 encodes a multifunctional protein that maintains genome integrity and is the most common somatically mutated gene in cancer. Germline pathogenic variants of TP53 predispose carriers to several cancers comprising the Li-Fraumeni syndrome. It is hypothesized that carriers are also at increased risk of radiotherapy (RT)-associated secondary malignancies; however, reports are mixed. We evaluated the risk of secondary malignancies after breast RT among patients with Li-Fraumeni syndrome.

MATERIALS/METHODS

This multi-institutional cohort study included carriers of TP53 germline variants who underwent surgical treatment for breast cancer between 1980 and 2020. Patients were stratified based on germline TP53 classification (pathogenic variants [PV] vs variants of uncertain significance [VUS]). The primary outcome of interest was the cumulative incidence risk of developing an in-field secondary cancer after radiotherapy for primary breast carcinoma.

RESULTS

Ninety-one patients (57 PV and 34 VUS) were evaluated with a median age of 36 years (interquartile range [IQR] 31, 42) and a median follow up of 7.9 years (IQR 4.7, 14.4). Among those with PV who received RT (n = 22), 4 secondary non-breast cancers developed in the radiation field (15-year cumulative incidence 19% [95% CI: 4-43%]), whereas, among those with PV who did not receive RT (n = 35), 0 secondary non-breast cancers were observed in the treated breast (15-year cumulative incidence 0%; p = 0.043). We observed 3 radiation-associated sarcomas among patients with PV who received RT (15-year risk 12% [95% CI 2-33%]) compared with 0 among those who did not receive RT (p = 0.08). No RT-associated sarcomas were observed among 18 patients with TP53 VUS who received RT. RT was not associated with overall survival, despite higher T and N breast cancer stage among those receiving RT (p = 0.33). As expected, patients with PV were more likely than those with VUS to develop any secondary cancer following breast cancer treatment (15-year risk: 54% [95% CI: 33-72%] vs. 14% [95% CI: 3-36%]).

CONCLUSION

Carriers of pathogenic variants of TP53 are at elevated risk of developing secondary malignancies after breast cancer treatment. This population is at particular risk of developing in-field secondary cancers following RT. This iatrogenic risk must be weighed against the anticipated therapeutic benefit of tumor control. Shared decision making is crucial in the radiotherapeutic management of breast cancer patients harboring the Li-Fraumeni syndrome.

Feasibility of whole genome and transcriptome profiling in pediatric and young adult cancers

The utility of cancer whole genome and transcriptome sequencing (cWGTS) in oncology is increasingly recognized. However, implementation of cWGTS is challenged by the need to deliver results within clinically relevant timeframes, concerns about assay sensitivity, reporting and prioritization of findings. In a prospective research study we develop a workflow that reports comprehensive cWGTS results in 9 days. Comparison of cWGTS to diagnostic panel assays demonstrates the potential of cWGTS to capture all clinically reported mutations with comparable sensitivity in a single workflow. Benchmarking identifies a minimum of 80× as optimal depth for clinical WGS sequencing. Integration of germline, somatic DNA and RNA-seq data enable data-driven variant prioritization and reporting, with oncogenic findings reported in 54% more patients than standard of care. These results establish key technical considerations for the implementation of cWGTS as an integrated test in clinical oncology.

Cancer whole-genome and transcriptome sequencing (cWGTS) has been challenging to implement in clinical settings. Here, the authors develop a workflow to deliver robust cWGTS analyses and reports within clinically-relevant timeframes for paediatric, adolescent and young adult solid tumour patients.

Feasibility and clinical utility of cancer whole genome and transcriptome sequencing for pediatric and young adult solid tumors

3063

Background: Next generation sequencing (NGS) assays have accelerated the identification of mutations and potential matched targeted therapies for patients with cancer. However, a significant proportion of patients do not derive clinical benefit from targeted panel sequencing approaches. Cancer whole genome and transcriptome sequencing (cWGTS) offers the opportunity to fully characterize tumors, but are challenged by significant cost and computational resource requirements, concerns of assay sensitivity, and the need to deliver curated results within clinically relevant time frames. We performed a prospective study to evaluate the feasibility and utility of cWGTS in pediatric and young adults with solid tumors. Methods: We developed an automated analytical workflow (Isabl) for the QC and processing of cWGTS data to include ensembl variant calling for germline and somatic substitutions, indels, and structural variants; fusion genes; gene expression; and mutation signatures. Treatment biomarkers were annotated using OncoKB with generation of a clinical prototype report. We tested the feasibility of cWGTS implementation, evaluated its analytical validity compared to standard diagnostic assays, and characterized the clinical utility of incremental findings in a prospective study of children and young adults treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Results: A total of 114 patients were enrolled. Standard NGS assays (MSK-IMPACT, MSK-Fusion) identified clinically relevant biomarkers in 22% of cases. The cWGTS process was completed, from sample acquisition to summary report, in less than 12 days. Comparison against clinically reported NGS results demonstrated high precision and recall for reported mutations (98.8%) with high concordance across variant allele representations (r2> 0.73). cWGTS identified additional oncogenic mutations not captured by targeted sequencing in 49% of patients. Furthermore, incremental findings, beyond those identified by NGS assays, of direct clinical relevance (diagnostic, prognostic, therapy guiding) were identified in 26% of patients. Importantly, < 5% of the incremental findings would have been captured by whole exome or transcriptome sequencing alone. Of possible therapeutic relevance, cWGTS analyses revealed a significantly higher tumor mutation burden than previously reported (range: 0 - 11.23). Conclusions: We demonstrate feasibility, analytical validity and clinical utility of cWGTS approaches in pediatric and young adult cancer patients, with nearly half of all patients having incremental findings that were not captured by standard targeted NGS approaches.

Early age of onset and broad cancer spectrum persist in MSH6 and PMS2-associated Lynch syndrome

10516

Background: Recently updated NCCN guidelines for management of germline MSH6 and PMS2 pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variant carriers suggest a more modest phenotype with later onset colorectal cancer (CRC) and limited extra-colonic cancers compared to other Lynch Syndrome (LS) genes. However, data are limited, and a comprehensive understanding of the risk spectrum and age of cancer onset is critical for cancer screening and risk-reduction. We sought to characterize MSH6 and PMS2-associated cancers and age of diagnosis in those with mismatch repair deficient (MMRD)/ microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) tumors, a hallmark of LS pan-cancer. Methods: Pts consented to IRB-approved protocols of tumor/germline sequencing or to a prospective registry of LS pts at a single institution from 2/2005-01/2021 were reviewed to identify those with germline heterozygous MSH6/ PMS2 P/LP variants; pts with constitutional MMRD (CMMRD) were excluded. In cancer-affected pts, tumors were evaluated for MSI and/or MMR protein expression via immunohistochemistry. Tumor types were tabulated, and clinical variables were correlated with MMR/MSI status using non-parametric tests. Results: We identified 243 pts (159 female, 94 male) with P/LP germline MSH6/PMS2 variants, and 186 (77%) pts had a confirmed cancer [ MSH6 111/148 (75%); PMS2 75/95 (79%)]. Overall, 51 (21%) pts had multiple primary cancers, 35 (24%) in MSH6 and 16 (17%) in PMS2 (p = 0.20), resulting in 261 total tumors, 160 in MSH6 and 101 in PMS2. Of the 191 tumors with molecular assessment, 118 (62%) were MMRD/MSI-H, including CRC (n = 54), endometrial (EC, n = 34), small bowel (SBA, n = 6), ovarian (OC, n = 5), urothelial (n = 5), pancreato-biliary (n = 4), gastroesophageal (n = 3), non-melanoma skin (n = 3), prostate (n = 2), breast (n = 1), and brain (n = 1). While CRC and EC were more likely to be MMRD/MSI-H (79% each) compared to other cancers (37%) (p < 0.001 overall, p = 0.001 for MSH6, and p < 0.001 for PMS2), 25% of all MMRD/MSI-H tumors in both genes were comprised of non-CRC/EC cancers. Notably, there were 6 SBAs (5 in PMS2, 1 in MSH6), and all were MMRD/MSI-H. There were 17 OCs (12 in PMS2, 5 in MSH6), and of the 12 that underwent molecular assessment, 5 (41.7%) were MMRD/MSI-H (3 PMS2, 2 MSH6). Among MMRD/MSI-H CRC and EC, median age of diagnosis was 51.5 (range 27-80) and 55 (range 39-74) respectively, with 9/54 (17%) of CRC (4 in MSH6, 5 in PMS2) diagnosed < age 35, the suggested upper threshold for initiation of colonoscopy per NCCN. Conclusions: Despite being lower penetrance LS-associated genes, pts with MSH6/PMS2 P/LP variants remain at risk for a broad-spectrum of cancers and very early-onset CRC, with 17% of MMRD/MSI-H CRC presenting prior to upper threshold of initiation of colonoscopic screening per NCCN.

Disparities in pan-cancer patients undergoing germline cancer risk assessment by self-reported race/ethnicity and ancestry

10508

Background: Disparities in access to germline testing for cancer patients (pts) have been demonstrated; however, disparities in post-testing care are unknown. We sought to evaluate germline findings and subsequent genetic counseling/care in cancer pts undergoing tumor-germline sequencing to explore differences by self-reported ancestry. Methods: Pan-cancer pts were prospectively consented to tumor-normal sequencing via a custom NGS panel (MSK-IMPACT) from 1/2015-12/2019 inclusive of germline analysis up to 88 genes. Germline analysis was performed as a research non-billable test in 97.5% of cases. Referral to clinical genetics service (CGS) was recommended for all pts with a new positive (likely pathogenic/pathogenic) germline variant (PV). Ancestry was defined using self-reported Federal definitions of race/ethnicity and designations of Ashkenazi Jewish (AJ) ancestry. Pts were categorized into mutually exclusive groups: AJ, White, Non-White (Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic, Other), and unknown. All pts self-identifying as Hispanic were classified as such, regardless of race. Abstracted data on germline findings and downstream CGS follow-up were compared across groups using non-parametric statistical tests. Results: Among the 15,775 pts in this cohort (59.6% White, 15.7% AJ, 20.5% Non-White [6.9% Asian, 6.8% Black, 6.7% Hispanic, 0.1% Other], and 4.2% unknown), 2663 (17%) had a PV. AJ pts had the highest rates of PV (n = 683, 27.6%), and Non-White pts had a lower proportion of PV (n = 433, 13.6%) compared to Whites (n = 1451, 15.5%), p < 0.01, with differences mostly due to increased prevalence of moderate/low penetrance variants in White and AJ pts . These findings were consistent across multiple tumor types. Prior knowledge of the PV (424/2663, 16%) was more common in Non-White (19.9%) and AJ (19.2%) than White pts (13.4%), p < 0.01. Among 2239 pts with new PV, all were referred to CGS, and 1652 (73.8%) pts were seen. Non-White pts had lower rates of completing visits (67.7%) than White (73.7%) and AJ pts (78.8%), p < 0.01, with the lowest rates occurring in Black (63%) and Hispanic (68.1%) pts. All pts without a visit (n = 587) received a close out letter including 139 pts (6.2% of pts with new PV) who had no documentation of receipt of results in the medical record. Higher rates of non-disclosure were observed in Non-White (6.7%) compared to White (5.4%) and AJ (3.4%) pts with new PV, p = 0.032; non-disclosure did not vary by gene penetrance. There was a non-significant trend towards lower rates of cascade testing at CGS in Asian and Black pts with ongoing analysis. Conclusions: Even when traditional barriers to genetic testing were minimized, Non-White pts were less likely to receive recommended cancer genetics follow-up for subsequent cancer risk counseling, with potential implications for oncological care, cancer risk reduction, and at-risk family members.

Prevalence and clinical characterization of MMR-D/MSI extra-colonic cancers among germline PMS2 mutation carriers

1527

Background: PMS2-associated Lynch syndrome (LS) may have a more modest phenotype than that associated with other mismatch repair (MMR) genes ( MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, EPCAM). Recent studies suggest limited extra-colonic cancers, and modified risk-reducing measures can be provided. Understanding the spectrum of risk is of critical importance as some LS-associated cancers do not have effective screening, requiring risk-reducing surgery (endometrial, ovarian). As MMR-deficiency (MMRD)/ microsatellite instability (MSI) is associated with LS pan-cancer, we sought to characterize PMS2-associated malignancies according to MMR/MSI status. Methods: Review of cancer patients (pts) consented to an IRB-approved protocol of tumor/germline next-generation sequencing (NGS) identified 43 germline heterozygous PMS2 mutation carriers. Tumors were evaluated for MSI via MSIsensor and/or corresponding MMR protein expression via immunohistochemical staining (IHC). Clinical variables were correlated with MMR/MSI status, comparing via Chi-square or standard T-test. Results: There were > 10 tumor types; 69.8% (30/43) were extra-colonic cancers (endometrial (n = 4), ovarian (n = 6), small bowel (n = 3), urothelial (n = 2), pancreas (n = 3), prostate (n = 3), breast (n = 3), brain (n = 3), biliary (n = 1), spindle cell sarcoma (n = 1), and hepatoblastoma (n = 1)). 46.5% (20/43) of tumors were MMRD/MSI. 61.5% (8/13) of colorectal cancers (CRC) were MMRD/MSI, compared to 40% (12/30) of extra-colonic tumors. All endometrial and small bowel cancers were MMRD/MSI. Of 6 ovarian cancers, 3 were clear-cell, 1 endometrioid, and 2 high-grade serous (HGS). The only MMRD/MSI ovary tumor was HGS. 73.9% (17/23) of pts with MMRP/MSS tumors had recurrent/metastatic disease vs 30% (6/20) of pts with MMRD/MSI tumors ( p= 0.004). Mean age at diagnosis did not differ significantly between MMRP/MSS and MMRD/MSI groups (49 vs. 57, respectively, p= 0.146). 11.6% (5/43) of pts had a prior cancer, with only one patient having prior CRC. Pts with extra-colonic tumors were less likely to meet clinical pt and family history LS testing criteria than those with CRC (63.3% (19/30) vs. 7.7% (1/13); p< 0.001). Conclusions: While PMS2-related LS may have a more modest clinical phenotype, in this single-institution study, 60% (12/20) of patients with MMRD/MSI tumors presented with extra-colonic cancers. We caution counseling pts with PMS2-associated LS about reduced extra-colonic risk until more complete information about penetrance, spectrum, and age distribution of cancer is available.

Prospective agnostic germline testing in pediatric cancer patients

1589

Background: We report our large cohort of pediatric cancer patients undergoing prospective agnostic germline sequencing. Our dataset is a significant addition to the 1,573 children reported to date who have undergone agnostic germline sequencing in previous large sequencing studies, each with ascertainment bias. Methods: 676 patients with pediatric solid tumors underwent matched tumor-normal targeted DNA sequencing from July 2015 to February 2020. At least 76 genes associated with cancer predisposition were analyzed in the germline, and variants were classified per American College of Medical Genetics guidelines. Pathogenic and likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants were reported to patients/families, who were offered genetic counseling and cascade testing with screening recommendations and referral to a surveillance clinic as appropriate. Results: One or more P/LP variants were found in 17% (115/676) of individuals when including low, moderate and high penetrance mutations in recessive and dominant genes, or 12% (81/676) when including moderate and high penetrance mutations in dominant genes. P/LP variants were detected in 40% (21/53) of patients with retinoblastomas, 8% (13/161) with neuroblastomas/ganglioneuroblastomas, 13% (14/112) with brain/spinal tumors, 8% (20/245) with sarcomas, and 12% (13/105) with other solid tumors. The most frequent mutations were in RB1 (n = 28) and TP53 (n = 8) in patients with associated tumors. Of patients with moderate/high penetrance mutations, 30% (24/81) had unexpected tumor types, with potential therapeutic relevance in 58% (14/24) including BRCA1 n = 2, BRCA2 n = 3, RAD51D n = 1, ATM n = 1 MLH1 n = 1, MSH2 n = 1, MSH6 n = 1, PMS2 n = 3, and SUFU n = 1. Two patients received immunotherapy based on their germline finding. Conclusions: P/LP germline variants are frequently present in patients with pediatric cancer. We are contributing significantly to the cohort size of agnostic sequencing in pediatric cancers. Our experience is similar to other studies with a ~12% detection rate of moderate and high penetrance mutations. Moderate/high penetrance mutations were concordant with the patient’s cancer history in 70% of cases, higher than previously reported, likely due to an enrichment of retinoblastoma. While many mutations are identified in patients with associated tumor types, a large proportion of mutations are unexpected based on the patient’s history. Clinical actionability of these findings may include screening, risk reduction, family planning, and increasingly targeted therapies.

Targeted therapy based on germline analysis of tumor-normal sequencing (MSK-IMPACT) in a pan-cancer population

1500

Background: Tumor mutational profiling for identification of somatic alterations for targeted treatment is increasingly being performed in advanced cancer patients (pts). We sought to assess the clinical utility of germline mutation profiling for targeted therapeutic interventions in a pan-cancer patient population. Methods: All pts who had germline genetic testing through a prospective protocol via a next-generation sequencing panel (MSK-IMPACT) were identified (N=11,975) from 2015-5/2019. The medical record of pts with likely pathogenic/pathogenic germline (LP/P) alterations in genes with known therapeutic targets were reviewed to identify germline-targeted treatment either in a clinical or research setting. Results: We identified 2,043 (17.1%) pts who harbored LP/P variants in a cancer predisposition genes including 777 (6.5%) in genes with potentially targetable therapeutic implications: 416 BRCA1/2, 149 DNA mismatch repair genes (Lynch syndrome, LS), 122 ATM, 45 PALB2, 26 RAD51C/D, 7 RET, 4 TSC, 3 PTCH1, 2 ALK, 1 EGFR, 1 MET and 1 KIT. Of those with advanced disease (n=554), 45.3% received targeted therapeutic treatment (Table) including 50.9% BRCA1/2, 58.3% LS (67.4% of microsatellite-high LS cases), 41.7% PALB2, 36.8% RAD51C/D and 19.3% ATM carriers. Of patients receiving a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor (PARP-I) in the setting of a BRCA1/2 mutation, 55.1% had breast or ovarian cancer; however, 44.8% had other tumors, including pancreas, prostate, bile duct, gastric, wherein the drug was given in a research setting. Among PALB2 pts receiving PARP-Is, 53.3% (8/15) had breast or pancreas cancer; 46.7% had cancer of the prostate, ovary or unknown primary. Conclusions: In our pan-cancer analysis, 6.5% of pts harbored a targetable germline variant highlighting the importance of germline analysis in advanced cancer pts for selection of both FDA-approved treatments and clinical trial participation with germline-targeted therapeutics. [Table: see text]

Characterization of patients with multiple primary tumors

1502

Background: 17% of patients (pts) with a cancer diagnosis in the U.S. have a prior malignancy. We sought to characterize pts with multiple (≥2) primary cancers (MPC) & identify potential drivers of cancer risk to guide management. Methods: Pts prospectively consented (1/2013-2/2019) to tumor-normal sequencing via custom targeted NGS panel. A subset consented to testing of >76 germline cancer predisposition genes. IARC 2004 rules for defining MPC were applied.Age adjusted gender specific standardized incidence ratios (SIR) for cancer event combinations occurring in at least 5pt were calculated using R statistical package. Results: Of 24417 pts sequenced, 4341 had MPC (18%). (Table) 3465 (80%) had 2, 4% had >4 cancers. Cancer pairs where SIR of 2nd cancer was higher than expected included: colon-colon, prostate-pancreas, bladder-prostate in men & lung-lung, breast-pancreas, thyroid-pancreas in women. 1580 (36%) pts had germline testing; 324 (21%) had 361 pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants (vts). Of these, 157 (48%), 66(20%), pts had high, moderate penetrance vts. The remainder had low penetrance, recessive or vts of uncertain utility. Of pts with high penetrance vt, 132 (84%) had at least one tumor type concordant with germline findings. Conclusions: 18% of pts in this cohort had MPC. There was a significant excess over expected incidence in some cancer combinations. Of pts with germline testing, 21% had a P/LP vt, with most (69%) being high or moderate penetrance. Assessment for loss of heterozygosity in tumor & germline sequencing of the full MPC cohort is ongoing. [Table: see text]

Uptake of oophorectomy in women with findings on multigene panel testing: Results from the Prospective Registry of Multiplex Testing (PROMPT)

1508

Background: With the expansion of multigene panel testing for cancer susceptibility, increasing numbers of patients are identified with pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants (P/LP V) in genes which do not have a clearly actionable increased risk of ovarian cancer (OC) (lifetime risk of OC >5%). However, there is concern that patients and/or providers may ascribe OC risk to such genetic findings with the potential for unnecessary oophorectomy (ooph). Methods: The Prospective Registry of Multiplex Testing (PROMPT) is an online registry for individuals with a genetic alteration detected on multiplex panel testing for cancer susceptibility. Participants self-enroll and complete baseline and annual follow-up questionnaires. PROMPT has enrolled 7388 participants (6936; 93.9% women) since September 2014. Results: 1566 women in the PROMPT registry reported ooph, the indications for which were reported as either cancer treatment (n=481, 30.7%) or benign disease (n=432, 27.6%). An additional 186 (12.8%) reported PV in genes associated with lifetime OC risk >5% ( BRCA1, BRCA2, RAD51C, RAD51D, BRIP, or Lynch syndrome genes). The remaining 467 did not have guideline based indications for ooph due to OC risk and are described further here. 92 (19.7%) had a variant of uncertain significance (VUS) in genes associated with OC, 241 (51.6%) had a personal history of breast cancer (BC) and no VUS in OC genes, and 119 (25.5%) had no personal history of BC and no VUS in OC genes. The majority of women had no family history (FH) of OC in first or second degree relatives (Table). Most ooph occurred prior to age 50. Of the 405 women with CHEK2 P/LP, 11.4% reported ooph (59% under age 50 when age known), as did 13.2% (of 228) with CHEK2 VUS, 8.8% (of 261) with ATM P/LP (66.7% under age 50), and 8.3% (of 387) with ATM VUS. In addition, of the 184 women with PALB2 P/LP, 14.1% reported ooph (35.3% under age 50) as did 11.6% (of 198) with PALB2 VUS. Of those who reported provider discussions, 47.2% stated “my provider recommended this” (including >60% in the OC gene VUS group) and an additional 25.2% stated “my provider presented this as an option, but not a requirement”. In those with no FH of OC, 45.8% stated that their provider recommended ooph. Conclusions: 10-15% of women with PV/VUS in genes not associated with a high risk of OC reported ooph without a clear indication. [Table: see text]

Prospective Registry of Multiplex Testing (PROMPT): Follow-up

1527

Background: Prospective Registry of Multiplex Testing (PROMPT) is an online registry for individuals who have had multiplex panel testing for cancer susceptibility. The main objective of this registry is to ascertain families to allow penetrance calculations for mutations in less well characterized genes. Methods: Since September 2014, health care providers and commercial laboratories have given PROMPT information with the test results to eligible individuals. Participants with pathogenic mutations or variants of unknown significance in cancer susceptibility genes have self-enrolled in PROMPT. We have sent annual follow-up surveys to participants to capture updated personal and family histories, additional genetic testing in the family, and changes in cancer screening patterns. Results: To date, 5800 participants have enrolled in PROMPT and 2321 follow-up surveys are completed. Of those eligible for follow-up, 1980 (44%) have completed at least one survey. 134 (5.8%) reported a new cancer diagnosis since baseline. Breast cancer (37, 27.6%) and non-Melanoma skin cancer (35, 26.2%) were the most commonly reported new diagnoses. 5.7% of participants with an ATM variant, 5.2% of those with a BRCA2 variant, and 4.3% of those with a CHEK2 variant and at least one follow-up survey have reported a new primary cancer diagnosis (excluding non-Melanoma skin cancer). In addition, 70 (3%) participants reported a cancer recurrence since time of last follow-up. Bone (9, 12.9%) and liver (8, 11.4%) were the most common recurrence sites. 12.7% of those with a TP53 variant, 7.1% of those with a BARD1 variant, and 3.3% of those with an ATM variant and at least one follow-up survey have reported a recurrence. 59 (2.5%) participants had additional clinical genetic testing, and 555 (24%) participants reported clinical genetic testing of family members. Conclusions: PROMPT collects updated health information from participants to achieve the primary goal of determining cancer incidence among carriers of different mutations. Moreover, PROMPT has increased participant contacts through use of annual follow-up surveys and gene-specific surveys with subsets of participants. Ongoing efforts include obtaining pathology reports of new and recurrent cancer diagnoses on study.

Tumor testing in men with prostate cancer to predict for germline DNA-damage repair mutations

229

Background: Current guidelines recommend genetic testing for patients (pts) who have BRCA1/2 mutations on tumor-only testing, where germline is not subtracted. The clinical utility of this approach, and possible inclusion of other DDR genes associated with cancer susceptibility, has not been examined in men with prostate cancer. Methods: Pts with mostly advanced prostate cancer were prospectively enrolled to a matched tumor-germline DNA sequencing protocol and consented for disclosure of germline results. Germline analysis was done with an institutional, CLIA-certified next generation sequencing (NGS) platform (MSK-IMPACT) and analyzed for likely pathogenic or pathogenic germline mutations in at least 76 cancer susceptibility genes. Clinical data was retrieved from the medical record. We report on the frequencies in the germline and in the tumor of a subset of DDR genes. Results: 1243 men had analysis of both germline and tumor. Median age 64 (range 35-90). 12% had a second malignancy and 40% reported a relative with prostate cancer. 19% were of Ashkenazi Jewish (AJ) descent. 330 (27%) had any mutation in BRCA1/2, ATM, CHEK2, PALB2, RAD51C, RAD51D, MSH2, MSH6, MLH1, PMS2. 127 (10%) had a germline mutation, of which 36% were AJ founder mutations. For each gene, the percentage of mutations found in germline and tumor is shown in the table. Conclusions: Of prostate cancer pts found to have any DDR mutation on tumor-germline testing, 29% had a germline mutation. Proportion of germline mutations was highest for PALB2, CHEK2 and BRCA2. These findings not only support germline testing when BRCA1/2 mutations are found tumor-only sequencing, but also support germline testing when other DDR mutations are seen. Clinical trial information: NCT01775072. [Table: see text]

Somatic tumor profiling of DNA mismatch repair (MMR) deficient endometrial cancers (EC)

e17121

Background: Approximately 20% of EC have loss of MMR ( MSH2, MSH6, MLH1, PMS2) protein expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The majority have somatic MLH1/PMS2 loss, driven by MLH1 promoter hypermethylation. For the remaining patients (pts), germline testing for Lynch Syndrome (LS) is recommended. However, half do not have a corresponding germline mut. This is considered “Lynch-like syndrome” (LLS) & clinical management is challenging. We sought to determine if tumor profiling could identify somatic mut potentially underpinning loss of protein expression. Methods: Per institutional standard, all EC, regardless of age or family history undergo reflex LS screening with IHC for MMR protein expression. Pts consented to IRB approved protocols. Tumor-normal sequencing was performed via custom next-generation sequencing panel (MSK-IMPACT). Electronic medical records were reviewed. Results: 16 pt have completed tumor sequencing, median age 53 (35-83), 6 (38%) < 50 yrs at diagnosis. 2 had personal history of additional cancer (DCIS, ovary), none had first degree relative with colon or EC. A mix of EC histologies was represented: 10 endometrioid (all grades), 2 clear cell, 4 mixed. There were no serous cancers. There were median 58 mut (9-546), 14 (88%) had hyper or ultra mutated EC. 5 EC were driven by somatic POLE mut (3 known hotspot, 1 likely pathogenic), all ultra-mutated phenotype, resulting in multiple somatic MSH6 muts with isolated IHC MSH6 loss. 4 EC had MSH2/MSH6 IHC loss with corresponding double somatic mut in MSH2. 5 had one somatic mut corresponding to the MMR protein loss, assessment of LOH in these cases is pending. Two cases are unexplained: 40 yo with IHC MLH1 loss, 47mut; 69 yo, IHC MSH6 loss, 12 mut. In this cohort of LLS, somatic muts were frequently observed in ARID1A (13,81%), PTEN (10,63%) & PIK3CA(9,56%), in keeping with non serous histologies. Conclusions: In line with our prior report that pt with LLS had benign personal & family cancer histories compared with LS pts, we have identified that in 56% of LLS EC either POLE mut or double somatic MMR mut likely underpins the MMR IHC loss. As such, in these LLS EC cases, somatic tumor profiling may help to rule out LS. Further testing is ongoing to increase cohort size.

A case report of concurrent embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in an adult without identifiable cancer predisposition

Background

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Rhabdomyosarcoma, the most common soft tissue sarcoma of childhood. makes up less than 1% of solid malignancies in adults with around 400 new cases each year in the United States. They have not previously been reported concurrently.

Case presentation

A 37 year old woman presented with painful enlarging leg mass. Biopsy of the mass was consistent with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. Staging imaging revealed a PET avid anterior mediastinal lymph node. Excisional biopsy of this mass was consistent with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Hybridization capture-based next-generation DNA sequencing did not reveal shared somatic tumor mutations. Germline analysis did not show identifiable aberrations of TP53 or other heritable cancer susceptibility genes. She was treated with a personalized chemotherapy regimen combining features of R-CHOP and Children’s Oncology Group ARST 0331.

Conclusions

This case illustrates a unique clinical entity successfully treated with a personalized chemotherapeutic regimen.

Abstract P2-09-24: Information preferences and short-term psychological responses to multiplex genetic testing among individuals at risk for hereditary breast cancer

Background: Multiplex genetic testing involves the simultaneous analysis of a panel of known cancer susceptibility genes. Although efficient and cost-effective, multiplex testing presents several challenges for patients and clinicians: these tests provide information about high and moderate penetrance genes of varying clinical utility, patients cannot choose which specific genes are tested, and multiple variants of uncertain significance can be identified at once. Multiplex testing is being increasingly integrated into clinical care, yet little is known about patients' preferences, uptake, or psychological responses to these tests.

Methods: To address this gap, we examined two data sources: Sample A) a cross-sectional clinical ascertainment of 189 patients evaluated for hereditary breast and other cancer syndromes (89% female), and Sample B) an ongoing prospective research study of multiplex testing among 194 breast cancer patients and survivors who previously received uninformative BRCA1/2 results (99% female, 84% white, ages 27-76, 60% had BRCA1/2 testing in the past year).

Results: In Sample A, 32% declined clinical multiplex testing in favor of more targeted testing. Female patients were more likely than males to decline (p=0.004). Self-reported reasons for declining included: concerns about uncertain clinical utility of moderate penetrance genes (51% of patients) and variants of uncertain significance (38%), feeling emotionally overwhelmed (23%), and not seeing the value of multiplex testing (20%). In Sample B, participants were allowed to select which information to receive from a multiplex test; 16% chose to learn less than all of the information available (e.g., not genes unrelated to breast/ovarian cancer, not genes without established clinical utility, not CDH1 or TP53). Information preferences were unrelated to demographic (age, race, time since cancer diagnosis and BRCA1/2 testing) and self-reported psychological factors (baseline genetic testing-related distress, uncertainty, and positive experiences; anxiety; depression). Participants who chose to learn all possible information reported greater concerns about their children's cancer risk than did those who chose to learn less information (p=0.01). Participants reported a small increase in both genetic testing-related distress and positive experiences from before testing to 1 week after receiving results (p&lt;0.001). In multivariable analyses controlling for baseline psychological functioning, only non-white race was consistently associated with significantly increased post-result anxiety, depression, and genetic testing-related distress and uncertainty. Participants who had BRCA1/2 testing one or more years ago also reported fewer positive experiences 1 week after receiving results.

Conclusions: Together, these findings demonstrate that a sizable minority of patients have important concerns regarding multiplex tests that may limit their uptake of this novel testing, and suggest that some patients may prefer to customize the specific risk information provided. Results also highlight characteristics of those at risk for poorer emotional outcomes following testing; these individuals may benefit from additional support in this context.

Citation Format: Robson ME, Gaissert P, Salo-Mullen EE, Amoroso K, Sheehan M, Berliner JL, Trottier M, Arnold AG, Sekhri N, Marcell V, Siegel B, Harlan Fleischut M, Hay JL, Walsh MF, Kauff ND, Stadler ZK, Offit K, Hamilton JG. Information preferences and short-term psychological responses to multiplex genetic testing among individuals at risk for hereditary breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-09-24.

Extracellular pressure stimulates colon cancer cell proliferation via a mechanism requiring PKC and tyrosine kinase signals

Pressure in colonic tumours may increase during constipation, obstruction or peri-operatively. Pressure enhances colonocyte adhesion by a c-Src- and actin-cytoskeleton-dependent PKC-independent pathway. We hypothesized that pressure activates mitogenic signals.

METHODS

Malignant colonocytes on a collagen I matrix were subjected to 15 mmHg pressure. ERK, p38, c-Src and Akt phosphorylation and PKCalpha redistribution were assessed by western blot after 30 min and PKC activation by ELISA. Cells were counted after 24 h and after inhibition of each signal, tyrosine phosphorylation or actin depolymerization.

RESULTS

Pressure time-dependently increased SW620 and HCT-116 cell counts on collagen or fibronectin (P < 0.01). Pressure increased the SW620 S-phase fraction from 28 +/- 1 to 47 +/- 1% (P = 0.0002). Pressure activated p38, ERK, and c-Src (P < 0.05 each) but not Akt/PKB. Pressure decreased cytosolic PKC activity, and translocated PKCalpha to a membrane fraction. Blockade of p38, ERK, c-Src or PI-3-K or actin depolymerization did not inhibit pressure-stimulated proliferation. However, global tyrosine kinase blockade (genistein) and PKC blockade (calphostin C) negated pressure-induced proliferation.

CONCLUSIONS

Extracellular pressure stimulates cell proliferation and activates several signals. However, the mitogenic effect of pressure requires only tyrosine kinase and PKCalpha activation. Pressure may modulate colon cancer growth and implantation by two distinct pathways, one stimulating proliferation and the other promoting adhesion.

Influence of gender and diabetes on vascular and myocardial contractile function

Premenopausal women have a lower cardiovascular risk than men or postmenopausal women. However, this "female advantage" is lost in diabetes, a condition characterized by cardiac and vascular contractile dysfunction. This study was designed to compare the influence of diabetes on vascular and myocardial contractile function between genders. Adult male and female rats were made diabetic with streptozotocin (55 mg/kg) and maintained for 8 weeks. Tension development was examined in thoracic aortic rings and left ventricular papillary muscles. KCl-induced vasoconstriction, acetylcholine (ACh)-induced endothelium dependent or sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-induced endothelium-independent vasorelaxation, duration and maximal velocity of myocardial contraction and relaxation duration (TPT/RT90 and +/- VT) were similar between males and females. Diabetes augmented KCl-induced vasoconstriction at low doses, reduced SNP-induced vasorelaxation and had little effect on ACh-induced vasorelaxation in aortic rings from both genders. Diabetes prolonged TPT and RT90 in both genders, and reduced +/- VT in males but not females. Acute increase in extracellular Ca2+ (2.7 mM to 5.4 mM) shortened TPT in diabetic myocardium from both genders, whereas it had no effect on other myocardial mechanical indices in normal or diabetic groups of either gender. In addition, acute exposure to the Na+/K(+)-ATPase inhibitor ouabain shortened TPT/RT90 and enhanced +/- VT in myocardium from normal female, whereas it had no effect on male or diabetic myocardium. In conclusion, these data suggest that in the vasculature, there is no difference in diabetes-induced contractile dysfunction between genders, however several gender-specific differences are evident in the myocardium.

Vascular insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 resistance in female obese Zucker rats

Because insulin resistance/diabetes may cause inordinate vascular complications in females, we have investigated the effects of insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) on vascular reactivity in 12-week-old female Zucker obese (Ob) rats, a rodent model of insulin resistance and its lean (Ln) age-matched counterpart. Endothelium intact aortic rings from Ob animals and their Ln littermates (12 weeks of age) were subjected to contractile concentration responses to phenylephrine (PE) followed by relaxation to isoproterenol (Iso), with and without preincubation for 2 hours with cholera toxin (CTX; 1 microg/mL) or pertussis toxin (PTX; 2 microg/mL) and before and after incubation with either insulin or IGF-1 (100 nmol/L) for 1 hour. Systolic blood pressure was higher (138 +/- 3 v. 109 +/- 4 mm Hg; P <.0001) in the 12-week-old Ob rats. Contractile responses to PE were similar in both groups; however, both insulin and IGF-1 induced a paradoxical increase (P <.001) in contraction in Ob vasculature (929 +/- 92 v. 679 +/- 25 mg, respectively). CTX alone decreased contraction in the Ob (P <.02) and PTX in the Ln (P <.02), but there were no interactions between either IGF-1 or insulin and the toxins. Marked impairment of relaxation to Iso was seen in aortic rings of these female Ob rats (ED(50) = 2.6 micromol/L v. 418 nmol/L, P =.0002), an effect exacerbated by preincubation with either insulin or IGF-1 (P =.0001). Again, no role for G-proteins could be demonstrated. Insulin-dependent glucose uptake was severely impaired (P <.05) in aortic segments of the Ob insulin-resistant rats. Insulin receptor binding, tyrosine kinase activity (TKA), and abundance of several G-protein alpha subunits (inhibitory and stimulatory) in solubilized arterial membrane preparations (assessed by Western blot) were comparable in the 2 groups. These results indicate that resistance to the vascular actions of insulin/IGF-1 in female Ob rats is a postreceptor event that parallels glucose uptake resistance and is independent of G-proteins.

Parathyroid carcinoma: diagnosis and management

Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare and difficult diagnosis to make based on the histological features alone. We review five cases of parathyroid carcinoma in the past 30 years and the clinical and biochemical features that facilitate the making of the diagnosis. A favourable outcome can be expected with adequate surgical treatment.

Reduced contractile response to insulin and IGF-I in ventricular myocytes from genetically obese Zucker rats

Obesity plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Resistance to insulin is commonly seen in metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) mimics insulin in many tissues and has been shown to enhance cardiac contractile function and growth. Because IGF-I resistance often accompanies resistance to insulin, we sought to determine whether IGF-I-induced myocardial contractile was elevated and whether heart and kidney size were enlarged in obese compared with lean rats. The myocyte contraction profile in the obese rats showed a decreased peak shortening associated with prolonged relengthening and normal shortening duration, a pattern similar to that observed in diabetes. IGF-I (1-500 ng/ml) caused a dose-dependent increase in peak shortening in lean but not obese animals, but it did not alter the duration of shortening and relengthening. Consistent with contractile data, IGF-I induced a dose-dependent increase in Ca(2+) transients only in myocytes of lean rats. IGF-I receptor mRNA levels were significantly reduced in obese rat hearts. These results suggest that the IGF-I-induced cardiac contractile responses are attenuated in the Zucker model of obesity. The mechanisms underlying this alteration may be related to the decreased receptor number and/or changes in intracellular Ca(2+) handling in these animals.

Basal and ethanol-induced cardiac contractile response in lean and obese Zucker rat hearts

Obesity plays a pivotal role in metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Certain types of obesity may be related to alcohol ingestion, which itself leads to impaired cardiac function. This study analyzed basal and ethanol-induced cardiac contractile response using left-ventricular papillary muscles and myocytes from lean and obese Zucker rats. Contractile properties analyzed include: peak tension development (PTD), peak shortening amplitude (PS), time to PTD/PS (TPT/TPS), time to 90% relaxation/relengthening (RT(90)/TR(90)) and maximal velocities of contraction/shortening and relaxation/relengthening (+/-VT and +/-dL/dt). Intracellular Ca(2+) transients were measured as fura-2 fluorescence intensity (DeltaFFI) changes and fluorescence decay time (FDT). In papillary muscles from obese rats, the baseline TPT and RT(90) were significantly prolonged accompanied with low to normal PTD and +/-VT compared to those in lean rats. Muscles from obese hearts also exhibited reduced responsiveness to postrest potentiation, increase in extracellular Ca(2+) concentration, and norepinephrine. By contrast, in isolated myocytes, obesity reduced PS associated with a significant prolonged TR(90), normal TPS and +/-dL/dt. Intracellular Ca(2+) recording revealed decreased resting Ca(2+) levels and prolonged FDT. Acute ethanol exposure (80-640 mg/dl) caused comparable concentration-dependent inhibitions of PTD/PS and DeltaFFI, associated with reduced +/-VT in both groups. Collectively, these results suggest altered cardiac contractile function and unchanged ethanol-induced depression in obesity.

Augmentation of the inotropic response to insulin in diabetic rat hearts

Insulin participates in the modulation of myocardial function, but its inotropic action in diabetes mellitus is not fully clear. In the present study, we examined contractile responses to insulin in left-ventricular papillary muscles and ventricular myocytes isolated from hearts of normal or short-term (5-7 days) streptozotocin-induced (65 mg/kg) diabetic rats. Mechanical properties of papillary muscles and ventricular myocytes were evaluated using a force transducer and an edge-detector, respectively. Contractile properties of papillary muscles or cardiac myocytes, electrically stimulated at 0.5 Hz, were analyzed in terms of peak tension development (PTD) or peak twitch amplitude (PTA), time-to-peak contraction (TPT) and time-to-90% relaxation (RT90). Intracellular Ca2+ transients were measured as fura-2 fluorescence intensity change (deltaFFI). Insulin (1-500 nM) had no effect on PTD in normal myocardium, whereas it produced a positive inotropic response in preparations from diabetic animals, with a maximal increase of 11%. Insulin did not modify TPT or RT90 in either group. Further studies revealed that insulin enhanced cell shortening in diabetic but not normal myocytes, with a maximal increase of 21%. Consistent with its action on the mechanical properties of papillary muscles and cardiac myocytes, insulin also induced a dose-dependent increase in the intracellular Ca2+ transient in diabetic but not normal myocytes. Collectively, these data suggest that the myocardial contractile response to insulin may be altered in diabetes.

Troglitazone and vascular reactivity: role of glucose and calcium

We sought to determine whether insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and an insulin-sensitizing agent, troglitazone, have additive vasodilatory effects and the possible involvement of intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and/or glucose utilization in these effects. Contractile responses to norepinephrine (NE) and potassium chloride (KCl), as well as relaxation to endothelium-dependent (acetylcholine [Ach]) and -independent (sodium nitroprusside [NaNP]) agents, were examined in rat tail artery rings in the presence of insulin/IGF-1 and/or troglitazone. Endothelium-intact tail artery rings stretched to 1 g tension were preincubated with troglitazone (3 micromol/L) and/or insulin/IGF-1 (100 nmol/L) prior to addition of graded doses of NE and KCI. A 90-minute exposure to troglitazone attenuated the maximal contraction to graded doses of NE and KCI (P<.0001). Incubation in glucose-free medium decreased the responses only to NE; troglitazone further attenuated the NE-induced contraction (P = .001). In submaximally precontracted endothelium-intact rings, troglitazone increased the relaxation both to NaNP (P<.0001) and to Ach (P = .001). Contraction experiments in depolarizing KCI (25 mmol/L) or Ca2+ -free buffer showed that troglitazone and insulin have a similar Ca2+ dependency. In conclusion, troglitazone, like insulin/IGF-1, attenuates responses to vasoactive agonists through a Ca2+ -dependent mechanism that may require the presence of glucose but is independent of insulin action and nitric oxide (NO) production.

Insulin potentiates platelet-derived growth factor action in vascular smooth muscle cells

Correlative studies have indicated that hyperinsulinemia is present in many individuals with atherosclerosis. Insulin resistance has also been linked to cardiovascular disease. It has proved to be difficult to decipher whether hyperinsulinemia or insulin resistance plays the most important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. In this study, we demonstrate that insulin increases the amount of farnesylated p21Ras in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), thereby augmenting the pool of cellular Ras available for activation by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). In VSMC incubated with insulin for 24 h, PDGF's influence on GTP-loading of Ras was significantly increased. Furthermore, in cells preincubated with insulin, PDGF increased thymidine incorporation by 96% as compared with a 44% increase in control cells (a 2-fold increment). Similarly, preincubation of VSMC with insulin increased the ability of PDGF to stimulate gene expression of vascular endothelial growth factor 5- to 8-fold. The potentiating influence of insulin on PDGF action was abrogated in the presence of a farnesyltransferase inhibitor. Thus, the detrimental influence of hyperinsulinemia on the arterial wall may be related to the ability of insulin to augment farnesyltransferase activity and provide greater amounts of farnesylated p21Ras for stimulation by various growth promoting agents.

Altered inotropic response to IGF-I in diabetic rat heart: influence of intracellular Ca2+ and NO

Normally, insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) exerts positive effects on cardiac growth and myocardial contractility, but resistance to its action has been reported in diabetes. This study was designed to determine whether IGF-I-induced myocardial contractile action is altered in diabetes as a result of an intrinsic alteration of contractile properties at the cellular level. Contractile responses to IGF-I were examined in left ventricular papillary muscles and ventricular myocytes from normal and short-term (5-7 days) streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Mechanical properties of muscles and myocytes were evaluated using a force transducer and an edge detector, respectively. Preparations were electrically stimulated at 0.5 Hz, and contractile properties analyzed include peak tension development (PTD) or peak twitch amplitude (PTA), time to peak contraction/shortening, and time to 90% relaxation/relengthening. Intracellular Ca2+ transients were measured as fura 2 fluorescence intensity changes. IGF-I (1-500 ng/ml) caused a dose-dependent increase in PTD and PTA in preparations from normal but not diabetic animals. IGF-I did not alter time to peak contraction/shortening or time to 90% relaxation/relengthening. Pretreatment with the NO synthase inhibitor Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (100 microM) attenuated IGF-I-induced increases in PTD in normal myocardium but unmasked a positive inotropic action in diabetic animals. Pretreatment with Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester blocked IGF-I-induced increases in PTA in single myocytes. Consistent with its inotropic actions on muscles and myocytes, IGF-I induced a dose-dependent increase in Ca2+ transients in normal but not diabetic myocytes. These results suggest that the IGF-I-induced inotropic response is depressed in diabetes because of an intrinsic alteration at the myocyte level. Mechanisms underlying this alteration in IGF-I-induced myocardial response may be related to changes in intracellular Ca2+ and/or NO production in diabetes.

Calcium and protein kinase C mediate high-glucose-induced inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase in vascular smooth muscle cells

Abnormal vascular smooth muscle (VSMC) proliferation is a key feature in diabetes-associated atherosclerotic disease. Since nitric oxide inhibits VSMC tone, migration, adhesion, and proliferation, we examined the effects of high glucose on IL-1beta-induced NO release from VSMCs in culture. Confluent smooth muscle cells, preincubated with either 5 mmol/L (mM) or 20 mmol/L (mM) glucose for 48 hours, were stimulated with IL-1beta. Nitrite was measured in the culture medium after 24 hours. IL-1beta-induced a 15-fold increase in NO production in normal glucose medium. Glucose (10 to 30 mmol/L (mM)) significantly reduced the response to IL-1beta. High glucose (20 mmol/L (mM)) inhibited IL-1beta-evoked NO production by approximately 50%. IL-1beta-stimulated [3H] citrulline-forming activity of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) was also significantly lower in high-glucose-exposed cells, and this was reflected in diminished cellular levels of NOS protein. To assess the role of protein kinase C (PKC), membrane PKC activity was measured, and glucose (20 mmol/L (mM)) significantly increased it. Immunoblotting of the membranes revealed a glucose-induced increase in the PKC betaII isoform. 1,2-Dioctanoyl-glycerol, a PKC activator, mimicked the high-glucose effect on IL-1beta-induced NO release, while staurosporine, a PKC inhibitor, reversed it. The role of calcium in the glucose-mediated inhibition of cytokine-induced NO release was determined by treatment with BAPTA, an intracellular chelator of calcium. BAPTA partially reversed the inhibitory effects of glucose. Increasing intracellular calcium by A23187, an ionophore or thapsigargin, an inhibitor of endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase, significantly decreased IL-1beta-induced NO release and NOS expression. These results indicate that glucose-induced inhibition of IL-1beta-stimulated NO release and NOS expression may be mediated by PKC activation and increased intracellular calcium.

IGF-I regulation of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase in rat arterial smooth muscle

Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) is vasodilatory and mitogenic for vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Alteration in VSMC Na(+)-K(+)-adenosinetriphosphatase (Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase) activity is hypothesized to underlie abnormal vascular tone and growth in hypertension and diabetes. Therefore, we investigated effects of IGF-I on Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity in rat aortic VSMC. IGF-I increases pump activity in a dose- and time-dependent manner: the minimal dose required was 10(-10) M, and the minimal time required was 20 min (at 10(-8) M) to increase activity. Similar effects persisted through 12 h. In Na(+)-loaded cells, IGF-I does not further stimulate activity. Blockade of Na+/H+ exchange attenuates IGF-I-induced increases in activity after 30 min but has no effect after 12 h. Northern blot analyses reveal that expression of the alpha 1- and the alpha 2-subunits of the pump were unaffected by IGF-I. Plasma membrane alpha 1- and alpha 2-protein were also unaffected, suggesting translocation of preformed pools was not responsible for the increases. Inhibitors revealed that neither tyrosine kinase activity, RNA transcription, protein synthesis, nitric oxide synthase activity, or protein kinase C activity mediated this IGF-I effect. Therefore, IGF-I regulates Na pump activity in the short term by an Na+/H+ exchange-dependent but transcription/translocation-independent mechanism. These data suggest that IGF-I, known to be produced by VSMC, may regulate tone and growth responses abnormal in disease states such as hypertension and diabetes.

Troglitazone reduces contraction by inhibition of vascular smooth muscle cell Ca2+ currents and not endothelial nitric oxide production

The insulin-sensitizing compound troglitazone has evolved into a promising therapeutic agent for type II diabetes. It improves insulin sensitivity and lipoprotein metabolic profiles and lowers blood pressure in humans and rodents. Because troglitazone has insulin-like effects on a number of tissues, we hypothesized that it may reduce vascular tone through stimulation of endothelial-derived nitric oxide (NO) production or by diminution of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i). Our results show that troglitazone decreases norepinephrine-induced contractile responses in the rat tail artery, an effect not reversed by the NO inhibitor L-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME). In contrast, troglitazone significantly inhibited L-type Ca2+ currents in freshly dissociated rat tail artery and aortic VSMCs and in cultured VSMCs. The data suggest that troglitazone attenuates vascular contractility via a mechanism involving VSMC [Ca2+]i but independent from endothelial generation of NO. Because insulin has been shown to affect vascular tone by both of these mechanisms, troglitazone only partially mimics insulin action in this tissue.

Insulin like growth factor 1 increases vascular smooth muscle nitric oxide production

Insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) vasodilates, increases blood flow and lowers blood pressure; nitric oxide (NO) has been suggested to mediate some of these effects. We studied the role of IGF-1 in the regulation of NO production in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). IGF-1 induced a concentration and time-dependent increase in NO release from endothelium-denuded aortic rings. Pre-incubation with cycloheximide or aminoguanidine blocked IGF-1-stimulated NO release. In addition, a six-fold increase in NO production by VSMC was seen upon incubation with IGF-1. These results suggest that IGF-1 induces NO release in VSMC through a process that involves new protein synthesis and the inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase.

Influence of sex, diabetes and ethanol on intrinsic contractile performance of isolated rat myocardium

The influence of sex on intrinsic contractile performance, diabetes-induced myocardial mechanical dysfunction and the inotropic response to clinically relevant concentrations of ethanol (ETOH) was studied using weight-matched streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. After 8 weeks, isolated left-ventricular papillary muscles stimulated at 0.5 Hz, were studied under isometric conditions at Lmax. Peak developed tension, time-to-peak tension (TPT), time-to-90% relaxation (RT90), and the maximum velocities of tension development and rate of tension decay were assessed at baseline and in response to changes in stimulation frequency and varying extracellular calcium concentrations. In male but not in female rats, body weight and heart size were significantly correlated with glycemic status. In both sexes, diabetes was associated with prolongation of baseline TPT and RT90 values. However, diabetes-induced prolongations of contraction and relaxation duration were greater in papillary muscles obtained from male than in those from female animals. The negative staircase effect of increasing the frequency of stimulation was not influenced by sex or the diabetic state. Similarly, neither the positive, inotropic effect of increasing extracellular calcium nor the negative inotropic effect of ethanol was modified by sex or experimental diabetes. Our results suggest that: 1) myocardium from female rats is resistant to diabetes-induced myocardial dysfunction and 2) neither baseline developed tension, calcium-mediated nor ethanol-induced inotropic responsiveness are influenced by sex or experimental diabetes.

Central IGF-1 decreases systemic blood pressure and increases blood flow in selective vascular beds

IGF-1 and its receptors have been identified in many tissues including the central nervous system (CNS). We have previously demonstrated that injection of insulin directly into the cerebral ventricles (ICV) is followed by a drop in mean arterial pressure (MAP) associated with an increase in skeletal muscle blood flow. Given the similarities between the IGF-1 and insulin molecules and their respective receptors, we have investigated the effect of ICV administration of IGF-1 on systemic blood pressure and blood flow in selected vascular beds. ICV cannulas were implanted into normal rats and the animals were allowed to recover for 3 to 4 days. The femoral artery and vein were cannulated for blood pressure monitoring and blood sampling and blood flow probes placed around the iliac, the renal and the superior mesenteric artery were used to assess regional blood flow. ICV injection of IGF-1 resulted in a significant decrease in MAP with a nadir at 15 minutes and a gradual return to baseline by 60 minutes; heart rate increased 40 minutes after the injection. IGF-1 significantly enhanced vascular flow and conductance in the iliac, but not in the renal and superior mesenteric arteries. The effects of IGF-1 were much smaller than those observed previously with equimolar amounts of insulin. We conclude that IGF-1 can decrease MAP by selectively increasing blood flow to skeletal muscle through a direct action on the central nervous system.

Insulin-like growth factor I diminishes in vivo and in vitro vascular contractility: role of vascular nitric oxide

Although most insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) in the circulation is generated by the liver, the hormone is also produced locally by the vasculature, suggesting its potential importance in regulation of regional blood flow. Accordingly, we studied the effects of in vivo exposure to IGF-I (5.1 nmol, i.v.) as well as in vitro incubation (100 nM) on endothelium-intact rat tail artery contractile responses to KCl and norepinephrine (NE). Systemic administration of IGF-I resulted in transient lowering of blood pressure, with maximal reduction occurring at 15 min and a return to baseline by 60 min. Maximal contractility of rings removed from animals 90 min after a bolus injection of IGF-I, when blood pressure had returned to normal, was significantly reduced for both KCl (58%) and NE (51%) without a change in sensitivity. Similar data were obtained when rings from untreated animals were preincubated in vitro for 90 min; maximal contractility in response to KCl was decreased by 31% and that to NE by 22%. L-Nitroarginine methyl ester, an inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) production, administered in vivo before IGF-I or added to the bath buffer reversed the attenuation. The nearly identical in vivo and in vitro results suggest that the observed diminution in contractility is a direct effect of IGF-I on the vasculature, probably mediated in large part by the release of NO. This idea is supported by our observation that IGF-I stimulates NO production in intact vessels. Further, the latency required indicates that rather complex mechanisms involving actions common on both receptor- and nonreceptor-mediated events are initiated by IGF-I and/or NO.

Effects of metformin on tyrosine kinase activity, glucose transport, and intracellular calcium in rat vascular smooth muscle

Metformin enhances peripheral insulin action and reduces blood pressure in hypertensive rats. Our group has previously reported that insulin and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1) attenuate both agonist-induced vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) contraction and associated increases in cytosolic free calcium ([Ca]i). Thus, changes in insulin actions may explain in part metformin's vascular effects. However, metformin's mechanism of action at the vasculature had not been elucidated. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether metformin evokes alterations in VSMC insulin and IGF-I receptors, glucose transport, and/or [Ca]i. We quantitated hormone binding and tyrosine kinase (TK) activity in partially purified insulin and IGF-I receptors prepared from metformin-treated (100 microM) and control rat aortic VSMC in culture. Glucose transport was assessed by 2-deoxyglucose uptake. Metformin exposure for 24 h 1) increased basal TK activity (metformin, 3.49 +/- 0.39; control, 1.77 +/- 0.39 pmol 32P incorporated/mg protein; P < 0.01) without changes in insulin-or IGF-I stimulated TK activity, 2) increased 2-deoxyglucose transport in a dose-dependent manner, 3) decreased thrombin-induced elevation in [Ca]i (metformin, 10.3%; control, 35.3% over basal; P < 0.05), These insulin/IGF-I-like effects of metformin may help explain some of its vascular actions.

Metabolic abnormalities in cardiac ischemia

Epidemiologic studies have shown a variety of metabolic abnormalities to be risk factors for coronary heart disease. Many of these metabolic risk factors coexist and may have as a common denominator the presence of insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. Indeed, clinical studies have demonstrated relationships among blood pressure levels, plasma insulin, fibrinogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor, factor VIII, triglycerides, and total cholesterol levels and other metabolic risk factors. Individuals with hyperinsulinemia generally have low levels of high-density lipoprotein, plasminogen activators, and endothelial relaxing factors as well. New pharmacologic and hygienic treatment strategies that enhance insulin sensitivity and help correct lipoprotein metabolism and other metabolic abnormalities will be critical in maximizing coronary risk reduction in persons with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or a family history of premature coronary heart disease.

A 54-month evaluation of a popular very low calorie diet program

BACKGROUND

Thirty-three percent of the adult American population over the age of 20 is obese. Many attempts to treat this increasingly occurring problem have had poor results. Both achieving weight loss and maintaining weight loss are difficult; however, current treatments appear more effective in achieving weight loss than in maintaining weight loss. The current study followed a cohort of patients to analyze weight maintenance and predictors of weight maintenance in a 26-week, formula-based, very low calorie diet program.

METHODS

The study population consisted of a consecutive sample of 145 overweight patients who entered a very low calorie diet program and were contacted at 54 months after program entry.

RESULTS

For men, the average initial weight loss at program termination was 27.2 kg (22% of original weight) and for women, 19.3 kg (18.8% of original weight). At 54 months after program entry, the average maintained loss was 5.1 kg (4.3% of original weight), at a cost of $630 per kg of long-term weight loss. There was no significant difference in maintained weight loss between men and women. Twenty-six percent of patients maintained a medically significant weight loss of 10% of entry weight. Subjects who exercised regularly maintained an average of 9.6 kg compared with 1.3 kg for nonexercisers. Those who attended the program for a longer period, and exercised more, maintained their weight better. The 54-month weight loss was similar to that seen at 30 months but markedly less than that at 18 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Very low calorie diet programs have limited long-term success that may not justify the risk of adverse effects and high costs. Longer program attendance and continued exercise are associated with improved weight maintenance. Evaluation of dietary programs should be based on a sample of consecutive patients followed for a minimum of 2 years after program completion.

Doxazosin lowers blood pressure and improves insulin responses to a glucose load with no changes in tyrosine kinase activity or insulin binding

alpha-Adrenergic blockers have shown favorable metabolic effects. We evaluated the glucose and insulin responses to a glucose load and lipid profiles in 36 diabetic hypertensive patients before and after 8 weeks of doxazosin administration. To evaluate insulin action at the cellular level, erythrocyte insulin binding and tyrosine kinase (TK) activity were measured in 12 of these patients. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures decreased significantly (P < .0001) after 8 weeks of doxazosin therapy. Doxazosin administration significantly reduced the integrated insulin response (area under the curve [AUC]-insulin: 6093 +/- 894 to 5260 +/- 807; P = .04) and the insulin/glucose index (I/G) at 90 and 120 min after a glucose load (at 90 min, 0.230 +/- 0.055 v 0.180 +/- 0.04, P < .05; at 120 min, 0.275 +/- 0.071 v 0.173 +/- 0.036, P < .05). HDL3 level increased from 31.1 +/- 1.5 mg% to 34 +/- 1.6 mg% (P < .05) after doxazosin. Erythrocyte insulin binding and tyrosine kinase activity were not significantly altered after doxazosin. No significant correlation was found between the insulin or glucose responses and the insulin receptor binding or tyrosine kinase activity before and after treatment.

Thirty-month evaluation of a popular very-low-calorie diet program

OBJECTIVE

To analyze weight maintenance, cost, and predictors of weight maintenance in a formula-based very-low-calorie diet program.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Consecutive sample of patients evaluated at 30 months after program entry at a community hospital in Orange Park, Fla.

PATIENTS

Consecutive sample of 306 patients who entered a very-low-calorie diet program. Of these, 255 met inclusion criteria.

INTERVENTION

Patients entered a 26-week very-low-calorie diet program. At 30 months after program entry, questionnaires were mailed. Data were collected via telephone interview, as needed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Initial and maintained weight loss, and association of weight loss to the following factors: insurance coverage, continued exercising, weeks attended, exit weight in relation to ideal weight, and cost per kilogram of weight loss.

RESULTS

Medically significant weight loss of 10% was initially achieved by 90% of patients and maintained by 33%. The average initial weight loss was 21.4 kg and the maintained weight loss was 6.5 kg for all patients. For those who remained in the program 19 weeks (61%), the initial weight loss was 25.6 kg and the maintained weight loss was 9.2 kg. Exercisers maintained more than twice as much weight loss as nonexercisers. Men lost a larger percentage of weight (22% vs 19%) and maintained more of that loss (29.5% vs 8.3%). Maintenance was not associated with insurance coverage and at how close patients came to achieving ideal weight. The cost was $396 per kilogram of weight loss maintained. An improved sense of well-being was expressed by 71% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Very-low-calorie diet programs can be effective in maintaining a medically significant weight loss in some patients at 30 months after program entry. Longer attendance and regular exercise help weight maintenance. The high costs and rate of weight regain indicate the need to find a more affordable and effective strategy for weight loss and maintenance.

Altered platelet calcium metabolism as an early predictor of increased peripheral vascular resistance and preeclampsia in urban black women

BACKGROUND

Although preeclampsia is an important and relatively common medical problem, its pathophysiology remains unresolved and the search for a biochemical marker that precedes the hemodynamic abnormalities of preeclampsia continues. We designed a study to investigate the hemodynamic changes that characterize preeclampsia and to evaluate the metabolism of platelet intracellular calcium as a possible predictor of the development of preeclampsia.

METHODS

Hemodynamic measurements and spectrofluorometric determinations of the levels of intracellular calcium in platelets in the basal state and after stimulation with an agonist were performed in 48 nulliparous black women during each trimester of pregnancy. The data on the 14 women (29 percent) in whom preeclampsia developed were then compared with the data on the other 34, who served as normotensive controls.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the two groups in the basal levels of intracellular calcium at any time. In contrast, the levels measured after arginine vasopressin was administered during the first trimester indicated an exaggerated response in the group with preeclampsia as compared with the control group (1494 +/- 388 [+/- SEM] percent vs. 545 +/- 55 percent of base line; P less than 0.0002), which was sustained through the second and third trimesters. All but three of the women with preeclampsia had responses higher than the highest response among the controls. Platelet intracellular calcium responses to arginine vasopressin during the first trimester were a sensitive predictor of the subsequent development of preeclampsia (P less than 0.00009). Although vascular resistance was similar in the two groups during the first trimester, it subsequently decreased in the control group (P less than 0.02) but not in the group with preeclampsia.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that preeclampsia is characterized by the absence of the normal pregnancy-related decrease in vascular resistance, which is preceded in most instances by an exaggerated response of platelet intracellular calcium to arginine vasopressin early in pregnancy. We therefore propose that an increase in the sensitivity of platelet calcium to arginine vasopressin can be used as an early predictor of subsequent preeclampsia.

Impaired calcium metabolism associated with hypertension in Zucker obese rats

Recent data from our laboratory indicate that reduced membrane Ca-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity in non-insulin-dependent diabetics may be responsible for increases in intracellular calcium and, consequently, for elevated vascular resistance. Since obesity is frequently associated with hypertension, even before the development of overt diabetes, we evaluated blood pressure and erythrocyte cation levels and membrane Na/K-ATPase and Ca-ATPase in Zucker obese rats and their lean controls (n = 10 per group). Intra-arterial blood pressure, determined via a femoral cannula, demonstrated elevated systolic and diastolic pressure in the obese rats (P less than .05). There were no significant differences in Na/K-ATPase between groups, but there was a decrease in Ca-ATPase (P less than .01) in the obese rats and an increase in tissue and cellular calcium content (P less than .05). These data demonstrate a specific impairment in membrane Ca-ATPase activity in obese rats they may have caused the observed increase in cellular calcium and, consequently, increased blood pressure. These phenomena may result from impaired insulin activation of membrane Ca-ATPase in these insulin-resistant animals.

Effects of normal pregnancy on cellular cation metabolism and peripheral vascular resistance

Normal pregnancy is associated with a poorly understood loss of vascular responsiveness to the pressor effects of infused angiotensin II. Since cellular cation metabolism appears to be a critical determinant of basal vascular tone and vascular reactivity, we have evaluated platelet ionized calcium, erythrocyte sodium, calcium and magnesium levels, and erythrocyte Ca-ATPase and Na/K ATPase activity in 15 normal black pregnant women (37.5 +/- 0.6 weeks gestation) and 10 normal age-matched nonpregnant black women. Plasma levels of factors potentially affecting vascular reactivity (endoxin, renin activity (PRA), and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP] were measured by RIA and peripheral vascular resistance by biolectrical impedance. Peripheral vascular resistance was almost twice as high (P less than .003) in the normal group as in the pregnant women. Intracellular calcium concentrations were not significantly different in erythrocytes or platelets of the two groups. Although erythrocyte membrane Ca-ATPase was similar, Na/K ATPase activity was significantly higher in the pregnant subjects than in the nonpregnant controls, and intracellular sodium was lower. All three measured plasma factors, ANP, endoxin and PRA, were significantly elevated in the pregnant women. Our results suggest that the decrease in peripheral vascular resistance seen in normal pregnancy is probably not the result of alterations in cellular cation concentrations and/or cell membrane pump activity. However, the significant correlation between vascular reactivity and circulating ANP indicates this potent vasodilator may play a role in the observed decrease in peripheral vascular resistance associated with pregnancy.

Erythrocyte cation metabolism in preeclampsia

To determine if there are abnormalities in cellular cation regulation in pregnancy-induced hypertension, erythrocyte intracellular levels of calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium and circulating parathyroid hormone and "endoxin" were examined in 13 women with pregnancy-induced hypertension and 34 control subjects matched for gestational age (greater than or equal to 35 weeks). Both endoxin and parathyroid hormone levels were higher in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension than in control subjects (endoxin, 294 +/- 34 vs. 210 +/- 19 pg/ml, p less than 0.05; parathyroid hormone, 0.65 +/- 0.05 vs. 0.60 +/- 0.03 ng/ml); the increase was significant only for endoxin. Intracellular calcium was higher in the patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension (0.033 +/- 0.010 vs. 0.015 +/- 0.001 mEq/L, p less than 0.05, in the patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension and control patients, respectively) but intracellular sodium, potassium, and magnesium levels were not different. This intracellular calcium elevation may be caused directly by the increase in parathyroid hormone or indirectly by the observed elevation in endoxin. Our data indicate that the observed effect is specific because no changes in intracellular sodium, potassium, or magnesium levels were found.

Salt sensitivity in blacks. Salt intake and natriuretic substances

Accumulating evidence suggests that hypertension in blacks is manifested in part by impaired renal excretion of salt. Consequently, this study was performed to determine if hypertensive and normotensive black subjects differ in their ability to generate known natriuretic substances. Fourteen normotensive and 11 hypertensive blacks were maintained on constant metabolic diets containing either 40 or 180 mmol of salt per day for 14 days each. During the last 4 days of each salt intake period, urine was collected for measurement of sodium, dopamine, and norepinephrine. On the last day of each 14-day dietary period, blood pressures were measured, blood was collected for measurement of plasma atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) and aldosterone, and urine was collected over 2 hours for measurement of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Both the normotensive and the hypertensive groups manifested salt sensitivity; their mean arterial pressure rose by 7 +/- 0.2 and 6 +/- 0.2%, respectively, when salt intake was increased from 40 to 180 mmol/day. The hypertensive group exhibited decreased (p less than 0.05) dopamine excretion as compared with the normotensive group for both dietary salt intakes. Plasma ANF levels increased (p less than 0.05) in the hypertensive group, but not in the normotensive group, with increasing dietary salt. Plasma aldosterone and urinary norepinephrine and PGE2 were comparable in the two groups for both dietary salt intakes. These data suggest that salt sensitivity is not unique to hypertensive blacks but occurs in normotensive blacks as well. Decreased renal production of dopamine may be a pathogenic factor in the development and maintenance of hypertension in blacks.

Glucagon binding to liver membranes of Mt-T-W15 tumor-bearing and hypophysectomized rats. A possible role for insulin and growth hormone

To assess the effect of the endocrine environment and, more specifically, of growth hormone and insulin on glucagon receptors, we studied 125I-glucagon binding to liver membranes in five groups of rats: (1) controls, (2) streptozocin (STZ)-treated, (3) tumor-bearing (growth hormone-producing, Mt-T-W15), (4) STZ-treated tumor-bearing, and (5) hypophysectomized rats. Glucagon binding was decreased in tumor-bearing, hypophysectomized, and STZ-treated rats. Basal and glucagon-stimulated cAMP levels were determined in isolated hepatocytes. The basal cAMP levels were increased in STZ-treated, tumor-bearing, STZ-treated tumor-bearing, and hypophysectomized animals. All groups responded and produced more cAMP in response to glucagon stimulation, although the maximal response was greater in STZ-treated, tumor-bearing STZ-treated, and hypophysectomized groups than in the controls. Our data confirm that hyperglucagonemia downregulates the hepatic glucagon receptors and suggest that insulin and growth hormone may play a stimulatory role in their regulation. The results also suggest that the downregulation of glucagon receptors is not directly correlated to the basal or glucagon-stimulated cAMP levels.