Characterization and Functional Analysis of Chalcone Synthase Genes in Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum)

Chalcone synthase (CHS) is the first key enzyme-catalyzing plant flavonoid biosynthesis. Until now, however, the blueberry CHS gene family has not been systematically characterized and studied. In this study, we identified 22 CHS genes that could be further classified into four subfamilies from the highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) genome. This classification was well supported by the high nucleotide and protein sequence similarities and similar gene structure and conserved motifs among VcCHS members from the same subfamily. Gene duplication analysis revealed that the expansion of the blueberry CHS gene family was mainly caused by segmental duplications. Promoter analysis revealed that the promoter regions of VcCHSs contained numerous cis-acting elements responsive to light, phytohormone and stress, along with binding sites for 36 different types of transcription factors. Gene expression analysis revealed that Subfamily I VcCHSs highly expressed in fruits at late ripening stages. Through transient overexpression, we found that three VcCHSs (VcCHS13 from subfamily II; VcCHS8 and VcCHS21 from subfamily I) could significantly enhance the anthocyanin accumulation and up-regulate the expression of flavonoid biosynthetic structural genes in blueberry leaves and apple fruits. Notably, the promoting effect of the Subfamily I member VcCHS21 was the best. The promoter of VcCHS21 contains a G-box (CACGTG) and an E-box sequence, as well as a bHLH binding site. A yeast one hybridization (Y1H) assay revealed that three anthocyanin biosynthesis regulatory bHLHs (VcAN1, VcbHLH1-1 and VcbHLH1-2) could specifically bind to the G-box sequence (CACGTG) in the VcCHS21 promoter, indicating that the expression of VcCHS21 was regulated by bHLHs. Our study will be helpful for understanding the characteristics and functions of blueberry CHSs.

Comparison of Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activities in Differentially Pigmented Cerasus humilis Fruits

Chinese dwarf cherry (Cerasus humilis) is a wild fruit tree and medicinal plant endemic to China. Its fruits are rich in various bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids and carotenoids, which contribute greatly to their high antioxidant capacity. In this study, the contents of bioactive substances (chlorophyll, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, anthocyanin, total flavonoids, and total phenols), antioxidant capacities, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonicacid) (ABTS+) scavenging ability, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)) in differentially pigmented C. humilis fruits of four varieties were determined and compared. The results revealed that anthocyanin, total flavonoids and total phenols were the three main components responsible for the antioxidant activity of C. humilis fruits. 'Jinou No.1' fruits with dark red peel and red flesh had the highest contents of anthocyanin, total flavonoids, and total phenols, as well as the highest antioxidant capacities; 'Nongda No.5' fruits with yellow-green peel and yellow flesh had the highest contents of carotenoids and chlorophyll, while 'Nongda No.6' fruit had the highest ascorbic acid content. To further reveal the molecular mechanism underlying differences in the accumulation of carotenoids and flavonoids among differentially pigmented C. humilis fruits, the expression patterns of structural genes involved in the biosynthesis of the two compounds were investigated. Correlation analysis results revealed that the content of carotenoids in C. humilis fruits was very significantly positively correlated with the expression of the ChCHYB, ChZEP, ChVDE, ChNSY, ChCCD1, ChCCD4, ChNCED1, and ChNCED5 genes (p < 0.01) and significantly negatively correlated with the expression of ChZDS (p < 0.05). The anthocyanin content was very significantly positively correlated with ChCHS, ChFLS, and ChUFGT expression (p < 0.01). The total flavonoid content was very significantly positively correlated with the expression of ChCHS, ChUFGT, and ChC4H (p < 0.01) and significantly positively correlated with ChFLS expression (p < 0.05). This study can provide a basis for understanding the differences in the accumulation of bioactive substances, and is helpful for clarifying the mechanisms underlying the accumulation of various carotenoids and flavonoids among differentially pigmented C. humilis fruits.

Influences of Jujube Witches' Broom (JWB) Phytoplasma Infection and Oxytetracycline Hydrochloride Treatment on the Gene Expression Profiling in Jujube

Jujube witches' broom disease (JWB), caused by Candidatus Phytoplasma ziziphi, is the most destructive phytoplasma disease threatening the jujube industry. Tetracycline derivatives treatments have been validated to be capable of recovering jujube trees from phytoplasma infection. In this study, we reported that oxytetracycline hydrochloride (OTC-HCl) trunk injection treatment could recover more than 86% of mild JWB-diseased trees. In order to explore the underlying molecular mechanism, comparative transcriptomic analysis of healthy control (C group), JWB-diseased (D group) and OTC-HCl treated JWB-diseased (T group) jujube leaves was performed. In total, 755 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 488 in 'C vs. D', 345 in 'D vs. T' and 94 in 'C vs. T', were identified. Gene enrichment analysis revealed that these DEGs were mainly involved in DNA and RNA metabolisms, signaling, photosynthesis, plant hormone metabolism and transduction, primary and secondary metabolisms, their transportations, etc. Notably, most of the DEGs identified in 'C vs. D' displayed adverse change patterns in 'D vs. T', suggesting that the expression of these genes was restored after OTC-HCl treatment. Our study revealed the influences of JWB phytoplasma infection and OTC-HCl treatment on gene expression profiling in jujube and would be helpful for understanding the chemotherapy effects of OTC-HCl on JWB-diseased jujube.

Analysis of dietary patterns on cardiovascular risks in children: from a cross-sectional and a longitudinal study

OBJECTIVES

Diet is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), while the evidence about the relationship between dietary pattern (DP) and CVD in children is scarce. This study aims to explore the association between DP and CVD risk in children.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional and longitudinal study.

METHODS

This research was conducted among 4351 children aged 6-12 years old in 2014, then the subgroup children in 2014 were followed up in 2019. Dietary intakes were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. DP was clustered based on 15 food items, and finally, four main DPs were obtained.

RESULTS

Four major DPs were identified: (1) low intake of nuts and algae pattern, (2) low-energy intake pattern, (3) high-energy intake pattern, and (4) regular DP. Compared with the regular diet pattern, the low intake of nuts and algae pattern was associated with the increased risk of higher systolic blood pressure (107.71 mm Hg vs 105.78 mm Hg, P < 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (64.98 mm Hg vs 63.91 mm Hg, P = 0.0056), hypertension (odds ratio [OR]:1.44, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10, 1.88; P = 0.0036), dyslipidemia (OR: 2.41, 95% CI: 1.28, 4.52; P = 0.0194), and obesity (OR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.16, 1.89; P = 0.0003) in children from a cross-sectional aspect in 2014 and it was also found associated with an increased risk of hypertension (OR: 2.67, 95% CI: 1.45, 4.92; P = 0.0017) in 2019.

CONCLUSIONS

Low nuts and algae intake combinations in children seemed associated with increased CVD risk. Such findings are imperative for national development of dietary recommendation for the prevention of CVDs.

Characterization of Banana SNARE Genes and Their Expression Analysis under Temperature Stress and Mutualistic and Pathogenic Fungal Colonization

SNAREs (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive-factor attachment protein receptors) are engines for almost all of the membrane fusion and exocytosis events in organism cells. In this study, we identified 84 SNARE genes from banana (Musa acuminata). Gene expression analysis revealed that the expression of MaSNAREs varied a lot in different banana organs. By analyzing their expression patterns under low temperature (4 °C), high temperature (45 °C), mutualistic fungus (Serendipita indica, Si) and fungal pathogen (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Cubense Tropical Race 4, FocTR4) treatments, many MaSNAREs were found to be stress responsive. For example, MaBET1d was up-regulate by both low and high temperature stresses; MaNPSN11a was up-regulated by low temperature but down-regulated by high temperature; and FocTR4 treatment up-regulated the expression of MaSYP121 but down-regulated MaVAMP72a and MaSNAP33a. Notably, the upregulation or downregulation effects of FocTR4 on the expression of some MaSNAREs could be alleviated by priorly colonized Si, suggesting that they play roles in the Si-enhanced banana wilt resistance. Foc resistance assays were performed in tobacco leaves transiently overexpressing MaSYP121, MaVAMP72a and MaSNAP33a. Results showed that transient overexpression of MaSYP121 and MaSNPA33a suppressed the penetration and spread of both Foc1 (Foc Race 1) and FocTR4 in tobacco leaves, suggesting that they play positive roles in resisting Foc infection. However, the transient overexpression of MaVAMP72a facilitated Foc infection. Our study can provide a basis for understanding the roles of MaSNAREs in the banana responses to temperature stress and mutualistic and pathogenic fungal colonization.

Influences of Serendipita indica and Dictyophorae echinovolvata on the Growth and Fusarium Wilt Disease Resistance of Banana

Simple Summary

By using ‘Zhongjiao No.3’ and ‘Zhongjiao No.4’ banana seedlings as plant materials, we investigated the influences of Serendipita indica and bamboo fungus (Dictyophorae echinovolvata) culture substrates on the growth and wilt disease resistance of banana. S. indica colonization significantly enhanced the growth of the two banana cultivars, while banana seedlings grown in nutrient soil containing bamboo fungus culture substrates inoculated with D. echinovolvata showed suppressed growth. Moreover, both S. indica colonization and D. echinovolvata culture substrates addition can alleviate the disease symptoms caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 (FocTR4), and their combined application showed the best disease resistance enhancement effect. The results obtained in this study can provide a basis for the application of S. indica and bamboo fungus in the prevention and control of banana Fusarium wilt disease in the future.

Abstract

Recently, many control methods have been tried and applied in the Fusarium wilt disease control of banana and have achieved definite progresses. In this study, by using ‘Zhongjiao No.3’ and ‘Zhongjiao No.4’ banana seedlings as materials, the effects of Serendipita indica and bamboo fungus (Dictyophorae echinovolvata) culture substrates on the growth and Fusarium wilt disease resistance of banana were investigated. Results showed that the plant height, leaf length, leaf width, root length and root thickness, aboveground part fresh weight, root fresh weight, and relative chlorophyll content and nitrogen content in leaves of banana seedlings colonized with S. indica were all greater than those of non-colonized controls, while these parameters of banana seedlings grown in nutrient soil containing D. echinovolvata culture substrates were significantly suppressed. Both S. indica non-colonized and colonized seedlings cultivated in nutrient containing 1/4 D. echinovolvata culture substrates showed much milder symptoms compared with those cultivated in normal nutrient soil, indicating that the addition of bamboo fungus substrates to the soil can enhance the Fusarium wilt resistance of banana. The results obtained in this study can provide a basis for the application of S. indica and bamboo fungus in the prevention and control of banana Fusarium wilt disease.

[The application of narrative therapy in convalescent patients with occupational acute chemical toxic encephalopathy]

Objective: To explore the effects of narrative therapy on cognition, emotion and treatment satisfaction of convalescent patients with occupational acute chemical toxic encephalopathy. Methods: From June to July 2019, 60 convalescent patients with occupational chemical poisoning encephalopathy were randomly divided into narrative group and control group, with 30 cases in each group. The control group received routine clinical treatment. On the basis of receiving the original clinical treatment, patients in the narrative group added narrative treatment once a week to explain discomfort in specific life situations through conversation from the perspective of disease and psychology. 30 min each time for 6 weeks. The patients were investigated with Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA scale) every 2 weeks to evaluate the degree of cognitive impairment. The changes of depression, anxiety and treatment satisfaction were investigated before and after intervention. Results: There was no significant difference in MoCA scores between the two groups before intervention (P>0.05) . After 6 weeks of treatment, MoCA scores of narrative group and control group gradually increased with the extension of treatment time, and the increase degree of MoCA score of narrative group was greater than that of control group (P<0.01) . Before intervention, there was no significant difference in depression, anxiety score, prevalence and satisfaction index between narrative group and control group (P>0.05) . After the intervention, the scores and prevalence of depression and anxiety in the narrative group were significantly lower than those in the control group, and the scores of feeling in the process of seeing a doctor and how to obtain their own disease information were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Narrative therapy can improve the cognitive function and emotion of patients with occupational chemical poisoning, and improve the treatment satisfaction of patients.

THE EFFECT OF ADIPONECTIN VIA REGULATING THE BONE MICROENVIRONMENT OXIDATIVE STRESS ON OSTEOGENESIS IN TYPE 2 DIABETIC RATS

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of adiponectin on osteogenesis in type 2 diabetic rats.

METHODS

The 4th-week-old male SD rats were divided into normal control group (n=18) and diabetic model group (n = 42). Type 2 diabetes was induced by high-fat and high-sugar diet and intraperitoneal injection of a low dose of streptozotocin (STZ). The successfully-induced diabetic rats were divided into diabetic group (DM=18) and adiponectin intervention group (APN=18). APN group was injected with APN 10 μg/kg*d. The rats were separately sacrificed at the 4^th, 8^th and 12^th week after the intervention. Bone microstructure and adipose tissue were observed via HE staining. Bone marrow was extracted from one side of the femur, and the supernatant was achieved by centrifugation. After BMD assessed by DXA, the other side of the femur was for further HE staining. Runx-2 expression in the bone marrow cells was detected by RT-PCR. BALP and AOPPs in bone marrow supernatant were assayed by ELISA. AGEs were detected by immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTS

With the feeding time over, blood glucose, AOPP, and AGEs were increased, and Runx-2 mRNA, BALP, BMD were decreased in diabetic rat group(P<0.05). Oxidative stress (OS) maker (AOPP) was decreased and osteogenesis makers (Runx2 mRNA, BALP) were increased after intervention with exogenous adiponectin (P<0.05). At the 8^th and 12^th week, the trabecular bone became thinner and broken, and the fat cell number increased in all 3 groups, especially in the DM group. The adiponectin intervention group showed that the trabecular bone structure was moderately restored.

CONCLUSIONS

OS is obvious in bone micro-environment in diabetic rats. OS may have an inhibitory effect on regulation of osteogenic differentiation factor Runx2, causing down regulation of osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. Adiponectin may improve OS response and protect the bone structure.

Regulator of cullins-1 (ROC1) negatively regulates the Gli2 regulator SUFU to activate the hedgehog pathway in bladder cancer

BACKGROUND

The regulator of cullins-1 (ROC1) is an essential subunit in the cullin-RING ligase (CRL) protein complex and has been shown to be critical in bladder cancer cell survival and progression. This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism of ROC1 action in the malignant progression of bladder cancer.

METHODS

This study utilized ex vivo, in vitro, and in vivo nude mouse experiments to assess the underlying mechanisms of ROC1 in bladder cancer cells. The expression of the components of the sonic hedgehog (SHH) pathway was determined by western blot analysis. ROC1 expression in human tumors was evaluated by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

ROC1 overexpression promoted the growth of bladder cancer cells, whereas knockdown of ROC1 expression had the opposite effect in bladder cancer cells. Mechanistically, ROC1 was able to target suppressor of fused homolog (SUFU) for ubiquitin-dependent degradation, allowing Gli2 release from the SUFU complex to activate the SHH pathway. Furthermore, knockdown of SUFU expression partially rescued the ROC1 knockdown-suppressed SHH activity as well as cancer cell growth inhibition. In ex vivo experiments, tissue microarray analysis of human bladder cancer specimens revealed a positive association of ROC1 expression with the SHH pathway activity.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that dysregulation of the ROC1-SUFU-GLI2 axis plays an important role in bladder cancer progression and that targeting ROC1 expression is warranted in further investigations as a novel strategy for the future control of bladder cancer.

Effect of NF-κB inhibitor on Toll-like receptor 4 expression in left ventricular myocardium in two-kidney-one-clip hypertensive rats

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of an inhibitor of NF-κB, PDTC (pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate), on TLR4 (Toll-like receptor 4) expression in the left ventricle of Goldblatt hypertension rats.

MATERIALS AND AND METHODS

Goldblatt rat model of two-kidney, one-clip (2K1C) hypertension was established in 70 healthy male rats. The rats were randomly divided into sham operation group (S group, n=20), non-drug intervention hypertension group (H group, n=25), and PDTC intervention group (P group, n=25). P group was injected with PDTC. The clip was inserted in the left renal artery of H group and P group (2K1C). Eight weeks after the operation, the rats were sacrificed and the samples of the left ventricle were collected. The concentration of AngII in the left ventricle was assessed by radioimmunoassay. RT-PCR was used to examine the mRNA expression of TLR4 in the left ventricle. Immunohistochemistry was adopted to examine the location of TLR4 and NF-κB in the myocardium. Victoria blue-Ponceau staining of Cardiac collagen was used to evaluate the degree of myocardial fibrosis.

RESULTS

Eight weeks after the operation, caudal SBP, meridional end-systolic stress, left ventricular mass index, relative wall thickness, cardiac fibrosis degree, and the concentration of AngII in the left ventricle in P group were significantly lower than those in H group (p<0.01). In cardiac myocytes of S group and P group, TLR4 expression was diffused and presumably cytoplasmic. TLR4 mRNA expression in P group was significantly lower than that of H group (p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

PDTC not only inhibited the activation of NF-κB, but decreased TLR4 expression and AngII content, indicating that the inflammatory signals and oxidative stress mediated by TLR4/NF-κB are involved in the occurrence and development of left ventricular remodeling. Intervention with TLR4/NF-κB and anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative therapy may be a new target to reverse left ventricular remodeling.

Effect of ticagrelor and clopidogrel on platelet aggregation function after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with acute coronary syndrome

In this study, phosphorylation levels of vasodilator stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) were detected by flow cytometry (FCM) to investigate the effects of ticagrelor and clopidogrel on platelet aggregation function (PAF) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Interaction of obesity with smoking and inflammatory arthropathies increases the risk of periprosthetic joint infection: a propensity score matched study in a Chinese Han population

BACKGROUND

Although a large number of studies have identified obesity as an independent risk factor for the development of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), the synergistic impacts of obesity with other factors on PJI remain unknown. Additionally, few studies have specifically explored the risk factors of PJI within a Chinese population.

AIMS

To investigate the association between obesity and PJI in a Chinese population, and identify synergistic impacts of obesity with other risk factors on the development of PJI.

METHODS

Three hundred and seven patients at a single institution with a diagnosis of PJI following primary total hip or knee arthroplasty, treated from 2008 to 2015, were identified. Each case was matched with two controls who did not develop PJI after primary total hip or knee arthroplasty in the study period using propensity score matching for several important parameters. Multi-variable logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between body mass index (BMI) and the risk of developing PJI. Interaction and stratified analyses were conducted according to age, sex, type of surgery, smoking status, alcohol use, diabetes, inflammatory arthritis, liver disease and renal disease.

FINDINGS

The multiple logistic analyses showed that obesity was associated with increased risk of PJI [odds ratio (OR) 2.48; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.66-3.69]. When analysed as a continuous variable, BMI was also associated with increased risk of PJI (OR per 1 kg/m² increase in BMI 1.08; 95% CI 1.02-1.14). In the interaction analysis, patients who were obese and smoked had a higher OR of developing PJI than non-smokers who were obese (OR 3.54 vs 1.55, P-value for interaction=0.031). Similarly, the OR was much higher for patients with both obesity and inflammatory arthritis than for patients who were obese with no history of inflammatory arthritis (OR 3.9 vs 1.55, P-value for interaction=0.029). No other significant interactions were found in the association between obesity and PJI.

CONCLUSION

Obesity is an independent risk factor for the development of PJI in the Chinese Han population. Surgeons should be aware that obese patients who smoke or have inflammatory arthritis are at additional increased risk of PJI.

Expression of IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 in cattle placenta during early pregnancy

Interferon-tau (IFNT), a type I interferon, is an antiluteolytic factor secreted by trophoderm during pregnancy. IFNT transmitted signals or stimulated the expression of some factors to build maternal recognition and keep pregnancy by binding its receptors, IFNT receptor 1(IFNAR1) and IFNT receptor 2 (IFNAR2). Up to now, the expression model and roles of IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 in placenta have not been investigated in cattle. In this study, the localization and expression of IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 in the cattle placenta at days 18-50 of pregnancy were detected by histological examination, immunofluorescence staining and real-time qPCR. The results showed that IFNAR1 mainly distributed in chorioallantoic membrane, endometrial epithelium, cotyledon and caruncle during the early pregnancy of cattle with change in time- and position-dependent. IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 mRNA expression were mainly detected in chorioallantoic membrane and cotyledon, and markedly increased along with pregnancy process. Moreover, the mRNA expression level of IFNAR1 in chorioallantoic membrane and cotyledon was higher than that of IFNAR2. IFNAR mRNA was also expressed in caruncle tissues, which experienced a tendency of decrease from days 21 to 36, followed by increase after days 36. These results provide morphological basis and quantitative data for investigating the roles of IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 on development of cattle placenta and pregnancy maintenance.

[Infection of chronic otitis media with Acinetobacter：6 cases report]

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics, diagnostic methods and prognosis of patients with chronic otitis media with Acinetobacter infection. Method:Retrospective analysis of clinical data of 6 cases of chronic otitis media complicated with Acinetobacter infection. Including history, clinical manifestations, laboratory examination, audiology, inner ear, CT, MRI imaging characteristics, treatment and prognosis of etc. to summarize the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of chronic otitis media with Acinetobacter infection. Result:The age was between 17 years old and 61 years old (Median age 30 years) .Two of them was male and 4 were female. Four cases were had underlying diseases. Five cases with main symptom of cholesteatoma, 1 case with earache symptoms, and 1 case with facial paralysis symptoms. Four cases had vary degrees of physical decline and destruction of bone. After surgery treatment, five patients improved ear pus, among 3 cases was cured, 2 cases of recurrence. Conclusion:Chronic otitis media with Acinetobacter infection occurs in the patient with elderly, poor physical constitution. However, the recurrence rate of conventional treatment is higher. The disease has high misdiagnosis rate. Operation combined with sensitive antibiotic therapy is a radical cure method.

Green synthesis of reduced graphene oxide and its reinforcing effect on natural rubber composites

A green and facile approach to produce graphene using an environmentally friendly reagent, namely proanthocyanidin (PC) as a reducing agent was developed. The obtained graphene (PC-rGO) was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, confirming the effective reduction of GO. With the incorporation of PC-rGO into natural rubber (NR) latex, NR/PC-rGO composites were then prepared by an ultrasonically assisted latex mixing and the co-coagulation. The results show that PC-rGO presents a good dispersion and exfoliation in the NR matrix, contributing to an increase in the mechanical performance. Compared with neat NR, the tensile strength, modulus at 300%, and tear strength for NR composites containing 0.9 phr PC-rGO were increased by 50.2%, 154.9% and 65.2%, respectively. With increasing PC-rGO loading, cross-link density and storage modulus of NR composites increase because of the formation of cross-link points and physical interaction between PC-rGO and the matrix.

Vasonatrin peptide, a new regulator of adiponectin and interleukin-6 production in adipocytes

BACKGROUND

In addition to lipolytic function, ANP plays regulatory roles in the production of various adipokines including adiponectin, leptin, and interleukins. However, the adipose effects of vasonatrin peptide (VNP), a new manmade natriuretic peptide, are largely unknown.

AIM

The aim of the present study was to identify the roles of VNP on adipokines production, as well as signaling pathways involved. MATERIAL, SUBJECTS, AND METHODS: 3T3-L1 cells were differentiated into adipocytes and exposed to various concentrations of VNP. Quantitative PCR and immunoassays were performed to determine the mRNA and protein levels of adiponectin and interleukin-6 (IL-6), respectively. The involved signaling pathway was identified by radioimmunoassay to detect the levels of intracellular cyclic GMP (cGMP), mimicking experiments using 8-brcGMP (a membrane-permeable cGMP analog). Also, blocking experiments were performed using HS-142-1, an antagonist of particulate guanylyl cyclase-coupled natriuretic peptide receptor (NPR), or KT-5823, the cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) inhibitor.

RESULTS

VNP markedly enhanced adiponectin mRNA expression, as well as protein secretion, however, suppressed IL-6 production in mature adipocytes. In addition, VNP significantly increased the intracellular levels of cGMP. The effects of VNP were mimicked by 8-br-cGMP, whereas inhibited by HS-142-1, or KT-5823.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, VNP regulates adiponectin and IL-6 production in adipocytes via guanylyl cyclase-coupled NPR/cGMP/PKG pathway.

Use of bortezomib (BOR) pharmacogenomics (PG) to identify mechanisms of drug resistance and predict survival in multiple myeloma (MM) treated with total therapy 3 (TT3)

8538

Background: The prognosis of patients with MM is best captured by gene expression profiling (GEP) analysis of CD138-purified plasma cells (PC), distinguishing a high-risk group of 15% with dismal survival using a 70-gene baseline risk model (BLR). Translational research in TT3 was designed to investigate whether short-term BOR-induced GEP alterations could advance our understanding of BOR's novel mechanism of action. Methods: PG studies were performed as part of two TT3 trials (TT3a, n=303; TT3b, n=177), obtaining PC prior to and 48hr after a BOR test-dose (1.0mg/m2), which was accomplished in 142 patients in TT3a (training set) and 127 in TT3b (test set). Among 1051 genes significantly altered post-BOR in TT3a, 80 were identified as being significantly associated with EFS. A continuous risk score was calculated and an optimal cut-point for EFS separation determined. The independent prognostic power of the binary risk score was tested in TT3b. Multivariate analyses (MV) were employed to determine post-BOR risk (PBR) in relationship to standard prognostic variables and BLR. Results: The discriminatory power in TT3a (3-yr OS: 95% v 45%, p<0.0001; 3-yr EFS: 90% v 35%, p<0.0001) was confirmed in TT3b (18-mo OS: 100% v 65%, p=0.0004; 18-mo EFS: 95% v 45%, p<0.0001). Evaluating PBR in the context of BLR, 12/26 in TT3a and 7/21 in TT3b deemed as having low BLR had high PBR; conversely, 8/126 in TT3a and 14/106 in TT3b deemed as having high BLR had low PBR. In the context of our 8 molecular subgroup model, high PBR was over-represented in the Proliferation (PR) subgroup (7/15 in TT3a, 8/18 in TT3b) and absent in the Low Bone disease (LB) group (0/28). On MV, PBR was an independent adverse variable for both OS and EFS in TT3a (OS: HR=3.17, p=0.006, R2=55%; EFS: HR=4.40, p<0.001, R2=48%) and in TT3b (OS: HR=13.00, p=0.002, R2=48%; EFS: HR=15.57, p<0.001, R2=55%). Proteasome genes ranked first among those differentially up-regulated by BOR. Conclusions: PG identified a powerful 80-gene PBR model with unprecedented prognosis-discriminating power, dispelling BLR from MV analysis by altering BLR designation mainly from low to high risk. High PBR (18%) could be traced to up-regulation of proteasome genes, the target of BOR.

[Table: see text]

Role of T-cell immunity to embryonal stem (ES) cell antigen SOX2 in the progression of myeloma

8522

Background: Clinical outcome in patients (pts) with asymptomatic plasma-proliferative disorders, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and asymptomatic myeloma (AMM), is highly variable. There is a need to identify specific tumor or host related features that predict the risk of disease progression. In prior studies, we have shown that patients with MGUS commonly mount a T cell immune response against SOX2, an antigen critical for pluripotency of ES cells. Methods: Patients with MGUS/AMM were enrolled in a prospective observational clinical protocol (SWOG S0120). All patients underwent detailed staging evaluation at registration and were observed without therapy. The presence of T cell immunity to SOX2 in freshly isolated blood / marrow mononuclear cells was analyzed using an overlapping peptide library at study entry. Results: Anti-SOX2 T cell responses were detected in 39/109 (36%) pts tested. Progression to symptomatic MM was observed in only 2 of 39 patients with anti-SOX2 immunity compared to 17 of 59 pts lacking these responses, resulting in 2-yr progression-free survival 96 v 63% (p=0.003). Responses to viral antigens and polyclonal mitogens as controls were preserved in patients lacking SOX2 immunity indicating that the absence of immunity to SOX2 was not due to global immune-suppression. Immunity to SOX2 correlated with features of lower risk including serum-M component < 1.5 g/dL (p=0.008), marrow plasmacytosis < 10% (p<0.001) and normal serum free light chain ratio (p=0.01). Conclusions: These data demonstrate in the context of a prospective trial that T cell immunity to stem cell genes strongly correlates with a reduced risk of progression to clinical myeloma. These data point to SOX2 as a potential target for the prevention of disease progression in MGUS/AMM.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Bone marrow microenvironment (ME) associated genes identified prior to all altered 48 hours after bortexomib test-dose application and prognosis of multiple myeloma (MM) treated with total therapy 3 (TT3)

8520

Background: Total Therapy 3 (TT3) incorporated bortezomib (BOR) to co-target ME that plays an important role in MM progression and drug resistance. Consenting patients received a BOR test dose of 1mg/m2 to determine whether ME alterations induced 48hr post-BOR could clarify the drug's in-vivo mechanism of action in the context of achieving MM control. Methods: Bone marrow biopsies were obtained at baseline (BL) prior to and 48hr after BOR (PB) in 70 of 303 patients receiving TT3a (training set) and in 45 of 177 patients enrolled in TT3b (test set). Among 608 ME genes distinguishing BL and PB training samples, 58 were identified as being significantly linked to short event-free survival (EFS). A summary score was computed based on the percent change of these 58 genes (PB-ME-S). Additionally, 20 ME genes were selected whose BL expression predicted OS, arriving at a BL score (BL-ME-S). Results: Applying the PB-ME-S score, 3-yr OS and EFS estimates were 96% and 96% among the 49 patients with low PB-ME-S and 50% and 38% in the 21 with high PB-ME-S (both p<0.0001). Follow-up is too short to validate the PB-ME-S model in the test set of 45 patients in TT3b. The BL-ME-S distinguished OS and EFS in the training set of 70 patients, with 3-yr OS and EFS estimates of 92% and 91% among the 50 patients with low and 54% and 45% in the 20 patients with high BL-ME-S (both P<0.0001). These data were validated in 113 patients with only BL-ME data: 3-yr OS and EFS were 90% and 85% among the 89 patients with low as opposed to 70% and 55% among the 14 patients with high BL-ME-S (p=0.001, p=0.002). TT3 survival was independently significantly affected by PB-ME-S (OS: HR=12.74, p=0.002; EFS: HR=14.32, p<0.001) and BL-ME-S (EFS: HR=3.10, p=0.045), whereas the univariately significant role of BL-PC-S for both endpoints could not be confirmed on multivariate analysis. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first report documenting a validated prognostic role of ME for cancer survival. Key genes shared by both PB-ME-S and BL-ME-S models are involved in endothelial and mesenchymal stem-cell signaling, the details of which will be reported at the meeting.

[Table: see text]

Gene delivery by the hSP-B promoter to lung alveolar type II epithelial cells in LAL-knockout mice through bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

Tissue damage and inflammation promote bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) to differentiate into a variety of cell types in residing tissues. BMSCs can stably maintain their plasticity and are an ideal cell population for delivery of therapeutic genes to non-hematopoietic tissues. Using lacZ as a reporter gene, we demonstrated that the lung-specific human surfactant protein B (hSP-B) 1.5-kb promoter is able to deliver the lacZ gene into the lung of lysosomal acid lipase (LAL) gene-knockout (lal-/-) mice by beta-galactosidase staining, flow cytometry and double immunofluorescence staining. Around 10-18% alveolar type II epithelial cells (AT II cells) exhibited positive lacZ gene expression after 8 weeks of BMSC injection in recipient lal-/- mice. The wild-type mice exhibited no expression after the same treatment. BMSCs from hSP-B 1.5-kb lacZ transgenic mice entered and repopulated in lal-/- bone marrow. The study supports a concept that pulmonary inflammation caused by LAL deficiency can trigger BMSC residing in lal-/- bone marrow, migrating into the lung and converting into residential AT II cells. The hSP-B 1.5 kb promoter is an ideal tool to deliver therapeutic genes into AT II cells through BMSCs to cure pulmonary inflammation-triggered diseases.

Soy protein and bone mineral density in older men and women: A randomized trial

OBJECTIVE

Test the hypothesis that soy isoflavone supplementation preserves bone mineral density (BMD) in men and women.

METHODS

We conducted a controlled, parallel-arm, double-blinded trial with 145 participants, 50-80 years, with random assignment to soy beverage daily for 12 months. Active treatment (+ISO) received soy protein containing 83 mg isoflavones (45.6 mg genistein, 31.7 mg daidzein), aglycone units; the comparison group (-ISO) received soy protein containing 3mg isoflavones. We measured BMD using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at the total hip and posterior-anterior spine (L1-L4) at baseline in 22 women and 123 men, and at 12 months in 13 women and 98 men. We used linear mixed models to test for an isoflavone effect on percentage BMD change from baseline in spine and hip.

RESULTS

Among all participants, mean percent change in spine BMD (+/-S.E.) was 0.16+/-0.44 in -ISO (P=0.10) at 12 months. Treatment effects on spine BMD were significantly greater in women than men (P=0.01). At 12 months, in women, mean percent change was 0.58+/-0.70 in +ISO and -1.84+/-0.86 in -ISO (P=0.05); among men it was 1.32+/-0.53 in +ISO and 0.31+/-0.48 in -ISO (P=0.16). By comparison, percent change in hip BMD was similar in the treatment groups, and was not different between men and women. Mean percent change in hip BMD from baseline to 12 months was 0.54+/-0.38 in +ISO and -0.13+/-0.36 in -ISO (P=0.20) among all participants.

CONCLUSIONS

Soy protein containing isoflavones showed a modest benefit in preserving spine, but not hip BMD in older women.

Histochemical analysis of lymphatic endothelial cells in the pancreas of non-obese diabetic mice

We studied the relationship between insulitic development and function-structural changes of pancreatic lymphatics in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice using combined 5'-nucleotidase (5'-Nase) enzyme histochemical and secondary lymphoid tissue chemokine (SLC/CCL21) immunohistochemical methods. Interlobular lymphatic vessels were positive for 5'-Nase throughout the pancreas, and dependent on both blood vessels and pancreatic ducts. Intralobular initial lymphatics were rare and occasionally ran in the neighbourhood of islets. During the non-insulitic stage, the 5'-Nase-reactive product was evenly distributed on the surface of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) with weak expression of CCL21. The activity of 5'-Nase on lymphatic vessels became slightly reduced as insulitis developed. The increasing blood glucose values appeared to be consistent with an increasing CCL21 expression by the endothelial lining, especially on the surface of LECs adjacent to the infiltrated islets and tissues. Lymphocytes and dendritic cells (DCs) were frequently located in the connective tissue, surrounding the lymphatic wall with deposition of 5'-Nase precipitates. As the infiltration became severe, lymphocytes and DCs accumulated within lymphatic vessels and expressed high levels of CCL21. The most significant finding was that many DCs adhered to lymphatic vessels, transmigrating via the thin and indented endothelial walls. The activity of 5'-Nase was increased on the adhesion surface between DCs (or lymphocytes) and LECs. The latter were characterized by open intercellular junctions and obvious cytoplasmic protrusions. These results suggest that LECs closely interact with DCs and lymphocytes, and play a key role in the migration of DCs and lymphocytes via lymphatic vessels during the pathological processes of insulitis in NOD mice.

Isolation and characterization of the major form of human MUC18 cDNA gene and correlation of MUC18 over-expression in prostate cancer cell lines and tissues with malignant progression

Ectopical expression of huMUC18, a cell adhesion molecule in the immunoglobulin gene superfamily, causes a non-metastatic human melanoma cell line to become metastatic in a nude mouse system. To determine if MUC18 expression correlates with the development and malignant progression of prostate cancer, we investigated differential expression of human MUC18 (huMUC18) in normal prostate epithelial cells, prostate cancer cell lines, and prostatic normal and cancer tissues. We cloned and characterized the human MUC18 (huMUC18) cDNA gene from three human prostate cancer cell lines and three human melanoma cell lines. The cDNA sequences from the six human cancer cell lines were identical except differences in one to five nucleotides. The deduced amino acid sequences of the longest ORF were 646 amino acids that were identical in these cDNAs except for one to three amino acid residues. The amino acid sequences of all our huMUC18 cDNA genes are similar to that cloned by other group (GenBank access #M28882) except differences in the same seven amino acids. We conclude that huMUC18 cDNA gene reported here represents the gene product from a major allele. The MUC18 mRNA and protein was expressed in three metastatic prostate cancer cell lines (TSU-PR1, DU145, and PC-3), but not in one non-metastatic prostate cancer cell line (LNCaP.FGC). The expression of huMUC18 in these four cell lines is positively related to their extent of in vitro motility and invasiveness and in vivo metastasis in nude mice. HuMUC18 protein was also expressed at high levels in extracts prepared from tissue sample sections containing high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), but weakly expressed in extracts prepared from cultured primary normal prostatic epithelial cells and the normal prostate gland. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that huMUC18 was expressed at higher levels in the epithelial cells of high-grade PIN and prostatic carcinomas, and in cells of a perineural invasion, a lymph node, and a lung metastases compared to that in normal or benign hyperplastic epithelium (BPH). We therefore conclude that MUC18 expression is increased during prostate cancer initiation (high grade PIN) and progression to carcinoma, and in metastatic cell lines and metastatic carcinoma. Increased expression of MUC18 is implicated to play an important role in developing and malignant progression of human prostate cancer. Furthermore, the lacking of predominant cytoplasmic membrane expression of MUC18 appeared to correlate with malignant progression of prostate cancer.

Expression of a human cell adhesion molecule, MUC18, in prostate cancer cell lines and tissues

BACKGROUND

Over expression of huMUC18, a cell adhesion molecule in the immunoglobulin gene superfamily, causes a non-metastatic human melanoma cell line to become metastatic in a nude mouse system. To determine if MUC18 expression correlates with the malignant progression of prostate cancer, we investigated differential expression of human MUC18 (huMUC18) in normal prostate epithelial cells, prostate cancer cell lines, and prostatic normal and cancer tissues.

METHODS

RT-PCR and Western blot analyses were used to analyze the expression of MUC18 mRNA and protein in four human prostate cancer cell lines, cultured primary normal prostate epithelial cells, normal prostate and malignant prostate tissues. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the expression of MUC18 antigen in prostatic tissues at different stages of malignancy.

RESULTS

Human MUC18 mRNA and protein was expressed in three different prostate cancer cell lines (TSU-PR1, DU145, and PC-3), but not in one prostate cancer cell line (LNCaP.FGC). HuMUC18 protein was also expressed at high levels in extracts prepared from tissue sample sections containing high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), but weakly expressed in extracts prepared from either cultured primary normal prostatic epithelial cells or the normal prostate gland. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that huMUC18 was expressed at higher levels in the epithelial cells of high-grade PIN and prostatic carcinomas and in cells of a lymph node metastasis compared to that in normal or benign hyperplastic epithelium (BPH).

CONCLUSIONS

We therefore conclude that MUC18 is expressed at higher levels in pre-malignant and malignant prostatic epithelium, including metastasis. We suggest that over-expression of MUC18 may be a new marker of human prostate cancer and also implicates its possible role in development and progression of prostate cancer.

Variations in cardiac diastolic function in hypertensive patients with different left ventricular geometric patterns

To evaluate the alteration of cardiac function in hypertensive patients with different left ventricular geometric patterns. Echocardiography was used to study left ventricular geometry and cardiac diastolic function in 117 cases of essential hypertension, with 45 normal cases as controls. Echocardiographic date were used to calculated the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and relative wall thickness (RWT), which values in turn were used to divide the subjects into four groups. The left atrial dimension of the group, with the exception of these hypertensives who showed normal geometry, was larger than that of the control group. The damage of peak of E velocity, peak of A velocity, E/A and the slope between the E and F points (E to F slope) were greater than in hypertension than in the control group. The concentric hypertrophy group and eccentric hypertrophy group suffered more serious damage of left ventricular diastolic function than the concentric remodeling group, and damage of left ventricular diastolic function in the concentric remodeling group was greater than that in the normal geometry group. The degree of cardiac diastolic function damage differed among patients with different left ventricular geometric patterns, when the cardiac structure was changed, the degree of cardiac diastolic function damage increased.

Neuronal signals regulate neurotrophin expression in oligodendrocytes of the basal forebrain

Previous studies suggest that oligodendrocytes express trophic molecules, including neurotrophins. These molecules have been shown to influence nearby neurons. To determine whether neuronal signals may, in turn, affect oligodendrocyte-derived trophins, we examined regulation of nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) mRNA expression in cultured oligodendrocytes of the basal forebrain. Neuronal signals had distinct effects on individual neurotrophins. KCl elicited increases in BDNF mRNA, but did not affect expression of NGF or NT-3. The cholinergic agonist, carbachol, increased expression of NGF, but did not affect expression of BDNF or NT-3. Glutamate elicited a decrease in BDNF, but did not affect expression of NGF or NT-3. This glutamate effect is not due to toxicity, since the number of total cells was unchanged, while the number of mature myelin basic protein positive (MBP+) cells increased. Our observations suggest that individual neuronal signals distinctly influence the trophic function of oligodendrocytes.

[Clinical significance of CD44 expression in ovarian epithelial tumors]

OBJECTIVE

To study the clinical significance of the adhesion molecule CD44 expression in ovarian epithelial tumors and its relation to the clinical manifestation of ovarian cancer.

METHODS

The expression of CD44 protein and mRNA was examined by immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, nested PCR and densitometric scanning. The correlation between CD44 expression and clinicopathological features was analyzed.

RESULTS

In comparison with benign ovarian tumors, CD44H protein expression was significantly higher in ovarian cancer in terms of positive rate as well as the level of expression. The levels of mRNA expression in ovarian cancer positively correlated with the grade and stage. The CD44H mRNA expression level in primary tumor correlated with that in the metastatic lesions. High levels of expression of CD44H mRNA predicted poor survival probability. The expression rate of CD44V3, CD44V4/5 and CD44V6 protein was 21.2%, 19.2% and 15.4% respectively in ovarian cancer as compared to 3.1%, 12.5% and 0 in benign tumors. There was significant difference between the two groups in CD44V6.

CONCLUSION

Epithelial carcinoma of ovary expresses high level of CD44H. The amount of CD44H mRNA expression increased with progression of ovarian cancer. It can serve as a predictor of prognosis. It may play an important role in the peritoneal dissemination of ovarian cancer. Expression of CD44V6 is characteristic of malignant ovarian epithelial tumor.

A Bayesian approach to finite mixture models in bioassay via data augmentation and Gibbs sampling and its application to-insecticide resistance

After continued treatment with an insecticide, within the population of the susceptible insects, resistant strains will occur. It is important to know whether there are any resistant strains, what the proportions are, and what the median lethal doses are for the insecticide. Lwin and Martin (1989, Biometrics 45, 721-732) propose a probit mixture model and use the EM algorithm to obtain the maximum likelihood estimates for the parameters. This approach has difficulties in estimating the confidence intervals and in testing the number of components. We propose a Bayesian approach to obtaining the credible intervals for the location and scale of the tolerances in each component and for the mixture proportions by using data augmentation and Gibbs sampler. We use Bayes factor for model selection and determining the number of components. We illustrate the method with data published in Lwin and Martin (1989).

[Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in human esophageal biopsies from carcinoma and precancerous lesions]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the possible role of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in esophageal carcinogenesis.

METHODS

iNOS expressions in normal epithelial cells(NC), hyperplastic cells(HC), atypical hyperplastic cells(AHC) from grade I to III, carcinoma in situ(CIS), squamous cell carcinoma(SCC), and adenocarcinoma(ADC) were detected with immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

The positive rates of immunohistochemistry staining was 0 for NC, 2.5% for HC, 4.0%, 7.5% and 2.5% for AHC grade I to III respectively, 1.4% for CIS, 8.5% for SCC and 71.4% for ADC.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a high expression of iNOS in human esophageal adenocarcinomas. Frequent expression of iNOS may be a potential event in ADC carcinogenesis. There is no correlation between iNOS and SCC carcinogenesis.

Time-course changes in left ventricular geometry and function during the development of hypertension in Dahl salt-sensitive rats

Serial changes of left ventricular (LV) geometry and function during the development of hypertension were studied in 50 Dahl salt-resistant (DR) and 88 Dahl salt-sensitive (DS) rats fed an 8% NaCl diet beginning at the age of 6 weeks. Echocardiography at 6, 8, 11, 13, 14, 15, and 18 weeks and in vivo invasive hemodynamic determination at 6, 8, 11, 14, and 18 weeks were performed. After 11 weeks, 33 DS rats were observed for survival analysis. The survival analyses showed that the incidence of death was 57.6% due to heart failure, 27.3% due to stroke, and 15.2% due to sudden death. However, death in the early stages of hypertension was due almost entirely to sudden death or stroke. A high value of relative wall thickness (RWT) and a small end-diastolic dimension were predictive of sudden death and stroke, but LV mass (LVM) was not. Concerning the change in LV geometric patterns, LVM continued to increase to 18 weeks. The RWT increased or remained at a plateau up to 13 weeks, and then progressively decreased after 13 weeks. In contrast, LV function was hyperdynamic between 8 and 11 weeks when compared to DR rats. However, after 13 weeks, all hemodynamic variables of DS rats deteriorated progressively, and all DS rats died of heart failure. Thus, our study indicates that the cardiovascular events associated with the progression of hypertension vary widely according to the stage of hypertension and that RWT is more sensitive in predicting LV conditions than LVM in hypertension.

Relation between left ventricular geometric alteration and extracardiac target organ damage in hypertensive patients

To study the relation between left ventricular geometric alteration and extracardiac target organ damage in hypertensive patients. A retrospective study of 298 patients with essential hypertension was performed. Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and relative wall thickness (RWT) were calculated using echocardiographic data. Patients were divided into four groups based on their left ventricular geometric pattern as determined using LVMI and RWT. Each of the four left ventricular geometric patterns was associated with a different degree of extracardiac organ damage. In multivariate analysis, LVMI and RWT showed strong, significant correlation to retinal changes and increases in serum creatinine levels, respectively. Alteration of left ventricular geometry resulted in an increase in the degree of extracardiac target organ damage. Echocardiographic classification of left ventricular geometry can further stratify hypertensive patients according to risk, and possibly according to the indications for intensive treatment.

Relationship between hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy and levels of endothelin and nitric oxide

To investigate the relationship between hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and levels of endothelin (ET) and nitric oxide (NO), and to provide an experimental basis for prevention and treatment of hypertensive LVH. Fifty eight hypertensive patients and 14 healthy controls were studied. All patients were examined by echocardiography. Left ventricular mass (LVM) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were calculated using Devereux RB formula. Hypertensive patients were divided into a LVH (+) group (n= 21) and a LVH (-) group (n=37), and the levels of endothelin and nitric oxide in the peripheral venous blood were measured. The mean ET level was significantly higher in the LVH (+) group than in LVH (-) group (p < 0.05), but the NO level was significantly lower in the LVH (+) group. The ET/NO ratio was significantly higher in the LVH (+) group than in LVH (-) group (p< 0.01). For the stepwise multiple regression analysis, the LVMI of hypertensive patients served as a dependent variable, and age, sex, BMI, MAP, ET, NO, and ET/NO served as independent variables. Only MAP, ET, and NO were found to have significant correlation to hypertensive LVH. ET had a significant positive correlation, and NO a significant negative relation to LVMI, but ET/NO showed no correlation to hypertensive LVH. ET and NO are involved in hypertensive LVH; the independent action of ET and NO in the pathogenesis of hypertensive LVH may weaken the relation between ET/NO and hypertensive LVH.

[Antitumor effect of peri-cryosurgical immunotherapy]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the anti-tumor effect of combined cryosurgery and immunotherapy in mice.

METHODS

C57BL/6 mice bearing B16 melanoma were randomly divided into 3 groups: (1) peri-cryosurgical immunotherapy group, (2) cryosurgery group, (3) immunotherapy group and (4) saline group.

RESULTS

The tumor size on day 35 was 0.4 cm3 in group 1, 1.1 in group 2, 1.9 in group 3, and 3.9 in group 4 of mice. The survival period was 71, 62, 53 and 46 days, respectively. None in group 3 and 4 was cured, while 14% of mice in group 2 and 50% in group 1 were tumor tree. In tumor-free mice, no tumor cell in the primary tumor sites was found by light and electron microscopy 3 months later.

CONCLUSION

The combined use of cryosurgery and immunotherapy is curative in 50% of mice bearing established B16 melanoma.

[Significance of telomerase activity detection by fine-needle aspiration in patients with breast cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To study the telomerase activity in samples of breast fine-needle-aspiration specimens and to investigate its potential clinical implications.

METHODS

Ninety nine fine-needle aspiration specimens from 83 patients with breast cancers, 12 with benign lesions and 4 with breast inflammation, were studied for the presence of telomerase activity by a PCR-based telomere repeat amplification protocol (PCR-TRAP).

RESULTS

Among 83 fine-needle aspiration specimens from patients with breast cancer, telomerase activity was detected in 61 of 69 cytologic-positive specimens, 5 of 7 cytologic-suspicious specimens and 4 of 7 cytologic-negative specimens. Sensitivity of telomerase activity detection was 84.3% (70/83); the coincidence rate between telomerase detection and cytologic confirmation was 77.1% (64/83). Of 12 specimens from patients with benign breast lesions, 4 were positive for telomerase activity, but 4 specimens from patients with breast inflammation were all negative. The Combined use of cytological and telomerase detection can improve the detection rates from 83.1% (69/83) to 93.9% (78/83).

CONCLUSION

Detection of telomerase in breast tissue samples by fine-needle aspiration is a sensitive and specific method, which implies that it would be helpful in preoperative cytological diagnosis of breast cancer.