Interleukin-4 Restores Insulin Sensitivity in Insulin-Resistant Osteoblasts by Increasing the Expression of Insulin Receptor Substrate 1

Obesity and latent inflammation can give rise to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Here we established an insulin resistance model of osteoblasts to explore the restoration effect of anti-inflammatory interleukin-4 (IL-4) on insulin sensitivity and its mechanism. We found that IL-4 inhibited cell proliferation in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Insulation resistance significantly reduced the phosphorylation levels of the insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1; Tyr612), Akt (Ser473), and AS160 (Ser318) proteins. The addition of IL-4 to the insulin resistance model led to a dose-dependent stimulation of the phosphorylation of IRS1, Akt, and AS160. IL-4 fully restored the activation of the insulin cascade in insulin-resistant cells at the concentration of 50 ng/ml. Additionally, IL-4 promoted the expression of IRS1 in a time-dependent manner. We conjecture that IL-4 restores insulin sensitivity in osteoblasts by upregulating the expression of IRS1. It was also found that IL-4 promoted the expression of osteoprotegerin depending on the time of exposure. This effect may play an important role in the regulation of the energy metabolism in the whole body.

Phase II study of continuous daily sunitinib dosing in patients with previously treated advanced non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Sunitinib malate (SUTENT) has promising single-agent activity given on Schedule 4/2 (4 weeks on treatment followed by 2 weeks off treatment) in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

We examined the activity of sunitinib on a continuous daily dosing (CDD) schedule in an open-label, multicentre phase II study in patients with previously treated, advanced NSCLC. Patients > or =18 years with stage IIIB/IV NSCLC after failure with platinum-based chemotherapy, received sunitinib 37.5 mg per day. The primary end point was objective response rate (ORR). Secondary end points included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), 1-year survival rate, and safety.

RESULTS

Of 47 patients receiving sunitinib, one patient achieved a confirmed partial response (ORR 2.1% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.1, 11.3)) and 11 (23.4%) had stable disease (SD) > or =8 weeks. Five patients had SD>6 months. Median PFS was 11.9 weeks (95% CI 8.6, 14.1) and median OS was 37.1 weeks (95% CI 31.1, 69.7). The 1-year survival probability was 38.4% (95% CI 24.2, 52.5). Treatment was generally well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS

The safety profile and time-to-event analyses, albeit relatively low response rate of 2%, suggest single-agent sunitinib on a CDD schedule may be a potential therapeutic agent for patients with advanced, refractory NSCLC.

Sequence variants in the HLX gene at chromosome 1q41-1q42 in patients with diaphragmatic hernia

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a common birth defect for which few causative genes have been identified. Several candidate regions containing genes necessary for normal diaphragm development have been identified, including a 4-5 Mb deleted region at chromosome 1q41-1q42 from which the causative gene(s) has/have not been cloned. We selected the HLX gene from this interval as a candidate gene for CDH, as the Hlx homozygous null mouse has been reported to have diaphragmatic defects and the gene was described as being expressed in the murine diaphragm. We re-sequenced HLX in 119 CDH patients and identified four novel single nucleotide substitutions that predict amino acid changes: p.S12F, p.S18L, p.D173Y and p.A235V. These sequence alterations were all present in patients with isolated CDH, although patients with both isolated CHD and CDH with additional anomalies were studied. The single-nucleotide substitutions were absent in more than 186 control chromosomes. In-situ hybridization studies confirmed expression of Hlx in the developing murine diaphragm at the site of the junction of the diaphragm and the liver. Although functional studies to determine if these novel sequence variants altered the inductive activity of Hlx on the alpha-smooth muscle actin and SM22alpha promoters showed no significant differences between the variants and wild-type Hlx, sequence variants in HLX may still be relevant in the pathogenesis of CDH in combination with additional genetic and environmental factors.

Administration of sunitinib to patients with non-small cell lung cancer and irradiated brain metastases: A phase II trial

8077

Background: Sunitinib (SU), an oral, multitargeted inhibitor of VEGFRs, PDGFRs, KIT, FLT3, CSF-1R, and RET has promising single-agent antitumor activity in refractory non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (Socinski JCO 2008). Brain metastases (BrMs) occur in ≥25% of NSCLC patients (pts); preclinical data suggest that VEGF signaling is required for the growth of BrMs, and that SU can cross the blood-brain barrier. This study assessed the safety and preliminary efficacy of SU in NSCLC pts with BrMs. Methods: NSCLC pts who had received ≤2 prior systemic therapies and prior whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) were eligible to receive SU at a starting dose of 37.5 mg with continuous daily dosing (CDD) in 4-wk cycles. Antitumor efficacy was based on overall (RECIST) and intracranial (WHO) tumor assessments. Intracranial disease was assessed by MRI. Safety was assessed by monitoring adverse events (AEs) and health-related quality of life was assessed using FACT/NCCN Lung Symptom Index (FLSI) and Brain Symptom Index (FBrSI). Study termination was to occur when 3 cases of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) associated with neurologic deficit were noted. Results: To date, 47 pts, including 28 with adenocarcinoma and 10 with squamous cell carcinoma, received SU for a median of 2 cycles (range: 1, 9). The median age of pts was 61 yrs (range: 35, 75), most were male (n=26, 55%), were ever smokers (n=36, 77%) and all had good performance status (ECOG 0/1). In total, 25 pts (53%) experienced non-neurologic grade (G) 3/4 AEs; the most frequent were fatigue/asthenia and dyspnea. Neurologic AEs occurred in 4 pts (9%), including intracranial pressure increased, mental impairment, and gait disturbance (each n=1 and G1) and 1 pt with G3 convulsion and peripheral motor neuropathy. Importantly, no cases of ICH were noted. Stable disease occurred in 7 (19%) of 36 measurable pts. Median PFS was 10.9 wks (95% CI: 6.4,15.4). Median OS was 19.6 wks (95% CI:13.1, NR). Mean change from baseline in FLSI and FBrSI scores did not differ significantly at any time point. Conclusions: Oral SU 37.5 mg on a CDD schedule had a manageable safety profile in NSCLC pts with BrMs. These data support the investigation of SU in combination with agents with known antitumor activity in pts with BrMs.

[Table: see text]

Sunitinib in combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin in patients with advanced solid tumors: Updated phase I study results

e14509

Background: Sunitinib (SU) is an oral, multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor of VEGFRs, PDGFRs, KIT, FLT3, and RET, approved for the treatment of advanced RCC and imatinib-resistant/intolerant GIST. Safety and antitumor activity of SU in combination with paclitaxel (P) and carboplatin (C) were evaluated. Methods: Successive pt cohorts with advanced solid tumors (STs) received oral SU at 25, 37.5, or 50 mg for 2 wks during 3-wk cycles (Schedule 2/1) or for continuous 3 wk cycles (CDD schedule) with P (175–200 mg/m2) plus C (AUC=6 mg·min/mL) on day 1 of each of 4 cycles. Dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) and adverse events (AEs) were evaluated to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Response was evaluated for pts with measurable disease. Pts with clinical benefit continued on SU after 4 cycles under a continuation protocol. Results: Forty-three pts were enrolled (25 in Schedule 2/1 and 18 in CDD schedule). Median age was 58 yrs (range: 32–76), and 74% of pts had ECOG PS of 1. Tumor types included NSCLC (n=10), SCLC, esophageal, and pancreatic (n=4 of each), and other (n=21). In initial dose escalation cohorts, 4 DLTs were observed out of 23 pts (Heath et al. ASCO 2008). Based on overall tolerability, additional pts were enrolled on both schedules at SU 37.5 mg with P 175 mg/m2 plus C. In these expanded cohorts, 2 more DLTs were observed in Schedule 2/1 (Gr 4 thrombocytopenia) out of 7 pts; dose escalation and further enrollment was stopped (Table). Gr 3/4 AEs (all cohorts) included neutropenia (63%), thrombocytopenia (47%), and leukopenia (35%). Of 35 pts evaluable for response, there were 4 confirmed partial responses and 3 additional patients with unconfirmed PRs. Conclusions: SU in combination with P/C may represent a clinically useful treatment option in pts with advanced STs. The determination of MTD based on observed DLTs/tolerability is ongoing.

[Table: see text]

[Table: see text]

A phase I dose escalation study of sunitinib in combination with gemcitabine + cisplatin for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

18057

Background: Sunitinib malate (SU) is an oral, multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor of VEGFRs, PDGFRs, KIT, RET, and FLT3, approved internationally for the treatment of advanced RCC and imatinib-resistant or -intolerant GIST. SU has also shown single- agent activity in NSCLC. In this study we assess the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics (PK) of SU in combination with gemcitabine (G) and cisplatin (C). Methods: This is a phase I, dose-finding study in pts with untreated, stage IIIB/IV NSCLC not amenable to curative treatment. Planned dose levels include: oral SU (37.5 or 50 mg/day for 2 wks followed by 1 wk off treatment [2/1 schedule]) plus G (1000 or 1250 mg/m2 iv on days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle) and C (80 mg/m2 iv on day 1 of each cycle). SU doses are escalated in serial pt cohorts to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) for both schedules. SU continuous dosing (CD) schedule will also be tested. PK and antitumor efficacy are also assessed. Results: As of Oct 2006, 13 pts were treated on the 2/1 schedule: 6 pts with SU 37.5 mg + G 1000 mg/m2 + C 80 mg/m2, and 7 pts with SU 50 mg + G 1000 mg/m2 + C 80 mg/m2. No dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were observed with SU 37.5 mg, while 2 pts experienced neutropenia and infection as DLTs with SU 50 mg. Grade 3/4 hematological AEs included neutropenia (n=3 at dose level 1 and n=5 at dose level 2), thrombocytopenia (n=1 and 5) and anemia (n=2 and 0). 3 pts achieved a partial tumor response at the SU 50 mg/day dose level. There were no apparent drug-drug interactions between SU in combination with G and C based on their systemic exposures in this study. Conclusions: The combination of SU (37.5 mg) on schedule 2/1 with G (1000 mg/m2) and C (80 mg/m2) in advanced NSCLC appears safe and tolerable in this pt population. Testing with G escalated to 1250 mg/m2 or with SU administered on a CD schedule is ongoing.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Sunitinib as second-line treatment for advanced gastric cancer: preliminary results from a phase II study

4603

Background: Sunitinib malate (SU) is an oral, multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor of VEGFRs, PDGFRs, KIT, RET, and FLT3, approved internationally for the treatment of advanced RCC and imatinib-resistant or -intolerant GIST. We investigated the safety and activity of SU monotherapy in pts with previously-treated gastric cancer. Preliminary results from this open-label, multicenter, phase II study are reported. Methods: Eligibility criteria included measurable stage IV disease; 1 prior chemotherapy regimen; and ECOG PS =1. Pts took SU 50 mg/day for 4 wks followed by 2 wks off treatment in 6-wk cycles. A Simon 2-stage design was used with a target accrual of 38 pts in the first stage, expanding to 63 pts if =2 partial responses (PRs) were observed. The primary endpoint was RECIST-defined objective response rate. Secondary endpoints included duration of response and safety. Pharmacokinetic (PK) Ctrough parameters were also monitored. Results: As of Sept 15 2006, 38 evaluable pts (median age 56 years [range 29–78]; 2–3 metastatic sites [63%]; prior treatment with 5-FU ± platinum [P] [24%], capecitabine ± P [13%], TS-1 ± P [26%], other [37%]) have received a median of 2 SU cycles (range 1–3). Of 21 pts evaluable for efficacy, 1 PR has been confirmed and 8 pts had stable disease (SD), 4 with SD for =2 cycles. The most commonly reported AEs were typically grade 1/2 in severity and included stomatitis, skin discoloration, fatigue, anorexia, diarrhea, hand-foot syndrome (HFS), nausea and vomiting. Grade 3/4 toxicities included HFS (10.5%), fatigue (7.9%), anorexia (7.9%) and mucosal inflammation (5.3%). Grade 3/4 hematologic toxicities included neutropenia (29%), thrombocytopenia (29%) and anemia (11%). 7 pts experienced serious SU- related AEs requiring dose modifications in 3 pts and treatment discontinuation in 1 pt. Preliminary PK investigations indicate that concentrations seen in gastric pts are similar to those seen in other pts treated with SU. Conclusions: These initial findings show that SU is generally well tolerated and may have single-agent antitumor activity in pre-treated gastric cancer pts. Further trials with SU in combination with standard chemotherapy regimens are planned.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A phase I dose escalation study of sunitinib plus capecitabine in patients with advanced solid tumors

3592

Background: Sunitinib malate (SU) is an oral, multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor of VEGFRs, PDGFRs, KIT, RET, and FLT3, approved internationally for the treatment of advanced RCC and imatinib-resistant or -intolerant GIST. This phase I study assesses the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics (PK) of SU in combination with capecitabine (C). Methods: Pts with advanced solid tumors not amenable to curative therapy, previously treated with =2 prior chemotherapy regimens, and ECOG PS =1 were eligible. Prior antiangiogenic therapy was not permitted. Three SU schedules were evaluated: 4 wks on treatment followed by 2 wks off in 6-wk cycles (4/2 schedule); 2 wks on followed by 1 wk off in 3-wk cycles (2/1 schedule), and continuous dosing (CD schedule). In all cases C was administered orally bid on days 1–14. SU and C doses were alternately escalated in serial pt cohorts to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of SU for all schedules using a standard 3 + 3 design. PK and antitumor efficacy were also assessed. Results: A total of 50 pts have been enrolled; 28 pts have been treated on the 4/2 schedule: SU 50 mg + C 1,000 mg/m2, and SU 37.5 mg + C 1,250 mg/m2 were not tolerated. Dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) included: grade 3 myalgia (n=1), grade 3 fatigue (n=2), and grade 3 hand- foot syndrome (n=2). The MTD for the 4/2 schedule was SU 37.5 mg/day + C 1,000 mg/m2. No DLTs nor dose reductions were observed among 9 pts treated at the MTD. Preliminary PK data do not indicate drug-drug interactions between SU and C. 3 pts (1 each with breast cancer, neuroendocrine carcinoma, and thyroid carcinoma) achieved confirmed partial responses. On the 2/1 schedule patients are being accrued to SU 37.5 or 50 mg + C 1,000 mg/m2 and doses of SU 37.5 mg + C 1,000 mg/m2 or SU 25 mg + C 1,250 mg/m2 are being explored on the CD schedule. Conclusions: The combination of SU 37.5 mg/day (4/2 schedule) with C 1,000 mg/m2 in pts with advanced solid tumors appears tolerable. SU may be administered in combination with C with no apparent drug-drug interaction. Subsequent cohorts will define the MTD of SU administered on the 2/1 and CD schedules. Further studies of this combination in breast cancer are warranted.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A phase I dose-escalation and pharmacokinetic (PK) study of sunitinib (SU) plus docetaxel (D) in patients (pts) with advanced solid tumors (STs)

3543

Background: SU is an oral, multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor of VEGFRs, PDGFRs, KIT, RET and FLT3, approved multinationally for the treatment of advanced RCC and imatinib-resistant or -intolerant GIST. In mouse xenograft models of breast cancer, SU enhanced the antitumor activity of D. This study was designed to assess the safety/maximum tolerated doses (MTDs), PK profile and preliminary efficacy of SU+D in pts with advanced STs. Methods: This is a phase I, dose-finding study in pts with advanced STs. The primary objective is to determine the MTD and safety of SU and D administered in combination. Successive cohorts of pts with advanced STs were to receive oral SU at 25, 37.5 or 50 mg daily for 4 wks of a 6-wk cycle (4/2 schedule) or for 2 wks of a 3-wk cycle (2/1 schedule) in combination with IV D at 60 or 75 mg/m2 every 21 days (q21d). The MTD was defined as the highest dose at which 0 of 3 or 1 of 6 pts encountered dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) during cycle 1. Antitumor activity was assessed by CT or MRI scan. Results: 37 pts (most common primary tumor types: mRCC [n=10], NSCLC [n=13]) have been enrolled as of Nov. 2006: 10 pts on the 4/2 schedule and 27 pts on the 2/1 schedule (see table ). The most commonly observed DLT was neutropenia (with or without fever; maximum grade 4), which occurred in 5 pts and was manageable/reversible. There was 1 grade 5 event on the 2/1 schedule (C1D3), of pulseless electrical activity and pulmonary hemorrhage. The MTDs on the 4/2 schedule were SU 25 mg and D 60 mg/m2. The MTDs on the 2/1 schedule were SU 37.5 mg and D 75 mg/m2; PK analysis at this dose level is ongoing. Stable disease has been observed in 5 of 9 evaluable pts (56%) on the 4/2 schedule and 20 of 25 evaluable pts (80%) on the 2/1 schedule at the MTD. Conclusions: The combination of oral SU 37.5 mg/day on the 2/1 schedule with D 75 mg/m2 IV q21d has a manageable safety profile in pts with advanced STs. PK and preliminary efficacy analyses are ongoing to support these dosing combinations for further study.

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Efficacy and safety of continuous daily sunitinib dosing in previously treated advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): Results from a phase II study

7542

Background: Sunitinib malate (SU), an oral, multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor of VEGFRs, PDGFRs, KIT, RET, and FLT3, has demonstrated activity in recurrent advanced NSCLC on the 4/2 schedule (4 weeks [wks] on treatment followed by 2 wks off), with a partial response (PR) rate of 11% (Socinski, ESMO 2006). A continuous dosing (CD) schedule of SU was additionally evaluated for safety and efficacy in this multicenter phase II study. Methods: Eligible patients (pts) had stage IIIB/IV NSCLC previously treated with 1–2 chemotherapy regimens, ECOG PS =1, and adequate organ function. Pts with brain metastases or recent gross hemoptysis were excluded. Pts received oral SU 37.5 mg/day continuously in 4-wk cycles. The primary endpoint was objective response rate per RECIST. Secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival, and safety. Results: Forty-seven pts were treated on the CD schedule: median age 60 yrs (range 37–81); male 57%; ECOG PS 0/1/2 49%/49%/2%; adenocarcinoma 53%, squamous cell carcinoma 15%, other 32%; median number of SU cycles initiated: 3 (range 1–10). One pt (2%) had a confirmed PR and 8 pts (17%) had stable disease >3 months. Median PFS was 12.1 wks (95% CI: 8.6–13.7). SU was generally well tolerated; most adverse events (AEs) were grade 1/2 and included fatigue/asthenia, pain/myalgia, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, dyspnea, and stomatitis/mucosal inflammation. Grade =3 AEs included fatigue/asthenia (15%), hypertension (6%), hypoxia (6%), dyspnea (4%), and hemoptysis (2%). Treatment-related serious AEs included congestive heart failure (CHF; 1 pt), gastrointestinal bleeding (1 pt), hypomagnesemia (1 pt), and hypoxic respiratory failure (1 pt). One pt died due to possible treatment-related CHF. Conclusions: SU on a CD schedule is associated with an acceptable safety profile when administered to previously treated NSCLC pts, and there is documented preliminary evidence of activity, with 1 PR and a median PFS of 12.1 wks. These data support further study of continuous dosing of SU in combination with other treatments for NSCLC.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Collagen implant for treating stress urinary incontinence in women with urethral hypermobility

PURPOSE

We evaluated the use of collagen in women with stress urinary incontinence and urethral hypermobility.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We treated 90 patients with stress urinary incontinence and urethral hypermobility with 1 to 3 injections of Contigen implant (C. R. Bard, Inc., Covington, Georgia) between June 1996 and October 1998. Observations at 3, 6 and 12 months included continence grade, 7-day voiding diaries and quality of life questionnaires. Abdominal leak point pressure was determined at baseline and 12 months.

RESULTS

At the 6-month followup 68 patients remained in the study, of whom 30 (44%) were dry and 24 (35%) were improved. Of the 58 patients who reached the 12-month followup 19 (33%) were dry and 19 (33%) were improved. Considering all patients entered into the study at 6 months 30 (33%) were dry and 24 (27%) were improved. Of the original 90 patients 19 (21%) were dry and 19 (21%) were improved at 12 months. The probability of maintaining initial improvement for 12 months was 44%. The success of bulking agent therapy was not predicted by the initial incontinence grade. Improved continence grade correlated with improved leak point pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

This therapy is appropriate in women with urethral hypermobility who wish to avoid surgical risks and in those in whom surgery is ill advised.

Transient adhesion of platelets in pump-oxygenator systems: influence of SMA and nitric oxide treatments

We employed gamma scintigraphy to quantify the transient accumulations of platelets in pump-oxygenator systems employed in cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). A flat sheet microporous polypropylene membrane oxygenator (Cobe Duo) was employed, with and without siloxane/caprolactone oligomer coating (SMA) (n = 8 each). The effect of nitric oxide gas infusion on platelet deposition was also evaluated for the uncoated Cobe Duo system (n = 10 each). Scintigraphic images of radiolabelled cells were obtained and converted to numbers of all platelets, labeled and unlabeled, adhering to the pump and oxygenator surfaces. These numbers were compared, by study group, for a 90-min period of normothermic CPB in the adult pig, employing standard prime and anticoagulation regimens. Platelets adhered in large numbers to control oxygenators, reaching maxima (> 20% of the circulating platelet mass) 30 min following institution of CPB, and decreasing for the duration of CPB. SMA treatment significantly decreased platelet adhesion following a 5-10-min transient accumulation period. Nitric oxide infusion significantly reduced platelet adhesion throughout the CPB period. Platelet accumulations on the high fluid shear centrifugal pump surfaces increased monotonically to maxima at about the same time as for the oxygenators, but did not decrease thereafter. Higher platelet surface densities were observed on the centrifugal pump surfaces than on the oxygenator surfaces. CPB with the untreated circuit tended to reduce circulating platelet counts vs theoretical values based on hemodilution alone. In contrast, SMA significantly increased the circulating platelet count versus the untreated control group. These results indicate that platelet adherence to the foreign surfaces of CPB equipment are influenced in characteristic ways by time and fluid shear. SMA treatment and nitric oxide infusion both reduce platelet adhesion to oxygenator surfaces. SMA treatment spares these cells for the circulation.

Influence of cardiopulmonary bypass on platelet and neutrophil accumulations in internal organs

The authors employed gamma scintigraphy to quantify the post bypass accumulations of platelets and neutrophils in the lung, liver, and heart of adult pigs subjected to a standard 90 min regimen of normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Coated and uncoated microporous polypropylene oxygenator circuits were studied for Cobe Duo (Arvada, CO) oxygenators (amphophilic silicone-caprolactone oligomer [SMA] coating, n = 8 each) and Medtronic Maxima (Irvine, CA) oxygenators (Carmeda heparin coating, n = 5 each). Images of cells in the organs (deposited + blood pool) were corrected for tissue absorption and other factors and compared for a 2 hr period post CPB, using repeat measures ANOVA and rank tests. Platelet accumulations in internal organs correlated positively with whole blood platelet counts and negatively with platelet deposits in oxygenators during CPB. In general, uncoated CPB circuits significantly reduced platelet and neutrophil accumulations in lung, liver, and heart versus preCPB controls for the post CPB interval, for both systems. The SMA treatment significantly increased platelet accumulations versus uncoated controls in lung, liver, and heart for the 2 hr period, including the majority of the post CPB sampling intervals; platelet densities did not reach preCPB levels. Neutrophil accumulations were unaffected by the SMA coating. Carmeda heparin treatment significantly increased platelet accumulations in the liver, but not lung or heart. Despite preservation of circulating neutrophils observed with the Carmeda heparin treatment, neutrophil accumulations in internal organs were not elevated post CPB.

[Determination of maesopsin in shengdeng (Rhamnella gilgitica Mansf. et Melch) by HPLC]

A reversed-phase HPLC method was developed for the determination of maesopsin, a fliavonoid, in the xylem parts of the traditional Tibetan medicinal herb Shengdeng (Rhamnella gilgitica). An ODS column was used and the mobile phase was methanol-water (28:27) with 0.05 mol/L KH2PO4 (pH4). The detection wavelength was UV 290 nm. The recovery was 98.9% (RSD = 2.1%, n = 6) and the content of maesopsin in Shengdeng was 1.02% (RSD = 0.52%, n = 3).

[Alkaloid production of cultured coptis cells by two-stage suspension-culture]

In this study the asexual cell line H292 induced and selected from Coptis gulinensis had rapid growth rate and could stably produce alkaloids. By the one-stage method, after the cell suspensions were cultured on the same medium for six weeks, the increased dry and fresh weights of the cells were 20.96 g/L and 174.92 g/L respectively. The content of the total alkaloids in the cells was 14.79 mg/g cell dw. Per litter liquid medium could provide 323 mg alkaloid. In contrast, the cells were cultured by two-stage method. After having been cultured on the medium which contributed to the growth of the cells for three weeks, the cells were transferred to the medium which contributed to the production of the alkaloid and cultured for three weeks. Six weeks later, the dry and fresh weights of the cells were 16.72 g/L and 127.44 g/L, respectively. The biomass was lower than that by one-stage method, but the content of the total alkaloids was as high as 31.76 mg/g cell dw, which was much more than that by one-stage method. In addition, the content of the alkaloid in the medium was 25.31 mg/L. Per litter liquid medium could provide 556 mg alkaloid. The total yield of alkaloid obtained by two-stage method was 1.72 times than that by one-stage method.

Platelet and neutrophil distributions in pump oxygenator circuits. III. Influence of nitric oxide gas infusion

The authors used quantitative gamma scintigraphy to evaluate the influence of nitric oxide gas on platelet and neutrophil deposition in Cobe Duo microporous oxygenators during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The effects of nitric oxide gas on circulating platelet and neutrophil counts and platelet function also were assessed. Animals were prepared by standard methods. Cells were harvested, labeled (111 In platelet and 99mTc neutrophil), infused, and recirculated. Nitric oxide gas, a guanylate cyclase pathway promoter, was infused int he Duo gas port at 500 ppm (t = 0-60 min), increased to 1,000 (t = 60-80 min), and stopped (final, 10 min). Images were taken at 10-15 min intervals during CPB. Standard isotope image corrections were made. No differences between nitric oxide gas and control experiments were observed for flow, pressure, hematocrit, or replacement volume. Nitric oxide gas infusion significantly (p < 0.05) reduced both platelet adherence to the oxygenator and in vitro platelet aggregation. Neutrophil adhesion tended to be lower, and circulating platelet and neutrophil counts tended to be higher with nitric oxide gas infusion. Results of in vitro aggregometry studies using rabbit platelets indicate that the class V phosphodiesterase inhibitor zaprinast can strongly enhance the inhibitory effects of nitric oxide. The authors conclude nitric oxide gas is a promising platelet sparing agent in the setting of CPB.

[Callus induction of Coptis species and generation of alkaloids]

Callus induction and tissue culture of six medicinal Coptis species have been carried out and a comparative analysis of berberine, jatrorrhizine, coptisine, palmatine and epiberberine in calli and crude drugs have been made by TLC and HPLC.

Immunogenicity and relative attenuation of different vaccinia-rabies virus recombinants

Immunogenicity and relative attenuation were examined for the following Tian Tan strain vaccinia-rabies recombinant viruses: 1) NGc-1, which coexpresses the glycoprotein (G) and nucleocapsid protein (N) of the rabies virus Challenge Virus Standard (CVS) strain; 2) Nc-1, which expresses the CVS N; 3) Gc-2, Gc-3, Gc-4, and Gc-5, which express CVS G via promoters from different vaccinia strains or from different vaccinia genome loci; 4) Ga-1, which expresses the G of rabies virus strain aG; and 5) Gas-1; which expresses the carboxyltruncated G ectodomain (Gs) of strain aG. All but Nc-1 and Gas-1 induced rabies virus neutralizing antibodies (VNAs) and protected groups of mice at very high frequencies from intramuscular (IM) or intracranial (IC) challenge with CVS or SW1 Shanghai dog street rabies virus (SRV); Nc-1 and Gas-1 were partly protective, more frequently against IM challenge. NGc-1 and Gc-5 appeared to induce high levels of VNAs sooner after immunization than the other constructs in mice. Relative attenuation assessed by IM infection of neonatal mice, IC infection of adult mice, and intradermal infection of rabbits with varying doses was best for NGc-1. All the recombinants were at least 100-fold more attenuated than the parent, Tian Tan vaccinia virus. Gc-2, Gc-3, Gc-4, Gc-5, and NGc-1 induced VNAs after immunization of dogs, and a subset of VNA-positive animals vaccinated with NGc-1 or Gc-3 were protected against an otherwise lethal IM injection of SRV at 21 days after vaccination.

Incontinence after radical prostatectomy: detrusor or sphincter causes

PURPOSE

Prospective studies have shown a high prevalence of decreased compliance immediately after radical prostatectomy, which may be a temporary phenomenon in men in whom incontinence persists for more than 1 year. We examined the video urodynamic records of 74 consecutive men referred to our urodynamic laboratory with incontinence as the predominant symptom following radical prostatectomy to evaluate voiding parameters and bladder function.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The urodynamic assessment was made an average of 3.8 years postoperatively. All men presented with persistent post-prostatectomy incontinence, and 64 underwent radical retropubic and 10 radical perineal prostatectomy.

RESULTS

A total of 42 men (57%) had sphincter weakness alone, 29 (39%) had detrusor instability and/or decreased compliance combined with sphincter weakness and only 3 (4%) had detrusor instability alone. Of 29 men with a combination of factors 8 had decreased compliance, with 3 also having detrusor instability. Anastomotic strictures occurred in 24% of the patients. A total of 31 patients voided by straining without demonstrable detrusor contraction (42% overall).

CONCLUSIONS

Decreased compliance is an infrequent finding after radical prostatectomy. Detrusor abnormalities in general are rarely the sole cause of incontinence, with sphincter weakness being present in the majority of patients.

Stereoselectivity of induction of the retinoblastoma gene product (pRb) dephosphorylation by D-erythro-sphingosine supports a role for pRb in growth suppression by sphingosine

Sphingosine has been shown to inhibit cell growth in many cell lines although the mechanism of this effect remains obscure. More recently, D-erythro-sphingosine has been shown to act as an early inducer of dephosphorylation of the retinoblastoma gene product (pRb) in the lymphoblastic leukemia cell line MOLT-4 [Chao, R., Khan, W., & Hannun, Y.A. (1992) J. Biol. Chem., 267, 23459-23462]. In the current study, the role of the natural D-erythro-sphingosine in regulation of cell growth and pRb dephosphorylation was evaluated using chemically synthesized pure isomers of sphingosine. Of the four possible stereoisomers of sphingosine, D-erythro-sphingosine was most active in inducing dephosphorylation of pRb protein with an EC50% of 0.6 microM whereas its enantiomer L-erythro-sphingosine was 8-fold less potent with an EC50% of 5 microM. The dose responses for inhibition of cell growth were nearly identical to the EC50% for pRb dephosphorylation with D-erythro-sphingosine causing 50% inhibition at 0.6 microM whereas L-erythro-sphingosine was 5-6-fold less potent. All of the stereoisomers were taken up by the cells, and the greater potency of D-erythro-sphingosine was not due to differences in cellular uptake. The metabolism of D-erythro-sphingosine was also studied to evaluate the possible role of sphingosine metabolites on regulation of retinoblastoma protein. Evidence is provided against a role for ceramide or sphingosine 1-phosphate as mediators of the effects of sphingosine on pRb dephosphorylation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Long-term urodynamic follow up in pediatric spinal cord injury

Less than 5% of all spinal cord injuries occur in children under 16 years of age. We have followed up 40 children with spinal cord injury at our medical center. The patients have an average age at presentation of 9.0 years (range newborn to 17 years) and have a mean follow up of 46.1 months (range 1 to 240 months). Twenty-two patients have cervical injuries, 13 thoracic and five have lumbar injuries. Bladder management in this group includes 11 patients with reflex voiding and 29 patients combining anticholinergic medication with intermittent catheterization. Twenty-eight patients have a follow up for more than 1 year. Review of the video urodynamics in this group has shown good function and preservation of the urinary tract in 25 of 28 patients. Treatment failures can be attributed to noncompliance with recommended voiding regimens. Upper tract surveillance using intravenous pyelogram or renal ultrasound has shown preservation of the upper tracts in all patients with anatomically normal lower tracts. We recommend aggressive follow up in this group of patients with yearly renal ultrasound and video urodynamics every 1-2 years to monitor urinary tract function.

Experience with intracavernosal tri-mixture for the management of neurogenic erectile dysfunction

Using papaverine, papaverine/phentolamine, or prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), intracavernosal pharmacotherapy has been successful in treating erectile dysfunction. The limiting factor of using these medicines is intracorporeal fibrosis with the first two and a high cost with PGE1. Our experience with intracavernosal therapy in patients with impotence secondary to neurogenic disease has included 35 men, 30 of whom are spinal cord injured, 3 after radical prostatectomy, 1 with multiple sclerosis, and 1 with lower extremity weakness after surgery. Patients ranged in age from 22 to 59 years, with an average of 36.3 years; mean follow-up was 13.8 months. Intracavernosal therapy has been performed with a tri-mixture of papaverine hydrochloride (smooth muscle relaxant), phentolamine mesylate (alpha-adrenergic blocking agent) and alprostadil (PGE1- a vasodilator and smooth muscle relaxant). Of the patient population, all 35 patients were able to have adequate erections for sexual relations with minimal complications. Acting synergistically, the ingredients promote erectile activity using small doses and without a significant incidence of priapism or fibrosis. Techniques of injection, dosing and followup are discussed.

Fate of upper urinary tracts in patients with indwelling catheters after spinal cord injury

Several modes of urinary tract drainage exist for the spinal cord-injured (SCI) patient, but the use of an indwelling catheter is discouraged. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of our traumatic SCI patients followed twenty years or more since initial injury to compare urinary tract preservation and the incidence of urologic complications in patients with neurogenic bladders voiding spontaneously with those using long-term indwelling catheters. Eighty-one patients with long-term injuries were identified; 73 of them fit the study criteria. Forty-one patients voided spontaneously having a balanced bladder or performing intermittent catheterization or have undergone sphincterotomy or vesicostomy, and 32 had indwelling suprapubic or Foley catheters. Renal function measured by creatinine clearance was similar in both groups: 81.3 +/- 20.2 mL/min for spontaneous voiders and 83.7 +/- 24.9 mL/min for catheterized patients. Review of urinary tract imaging and incidence of complications in both groups was very comparable, with the exception that the catheterized group had a higher prevalence of scarring and calicectasis on radiologic imaging of the upper urinary tracts which was statistically significant. Of the remaining population, in 6 of 81 patients, bladder cancer developed, and they underwent radical cystectomy and urinary diversion and 2 had proximal diversion alone. Of the 6 patients with bladder cancer, 2 were spontaneous voiders with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) developing. Three of the 6 patients had indwelling catheters: in 1 patient TCC developed, in 1 adenocarcinoma, and in 1 squamous cell carcinoma. In 1 patient TCC developed in a defunctionalized bladder after ileal conduit formation. Based on this study, we can conclude that in select groups of SCI patients, the choice of an indwelling catheter may be made if other methods fail, provided patients undergo regular upper urinary tract imaging and cystoscopy.

Sequence elements required for transcriptional activity of the human myoglobin promoter in intact myocardium

To define sequence elements required for myoglobin gene transcription in the intact heart, we examined the expression of a reporter gene under the control of a 380-bp upstream segment (-373 to +7) from the human myoglobin gene in transgenic mouse embryos and after gene transfer into left ventricular myocardium of adult rats. This proximal upstream region was sufficient to direct expression of luciferase selectively in cardiac and skeletal muscle of mouse embryos and to recapitulate the pattern of expression of the endogenous mouse myoglobin gene. This same upstream region was transcriptionally active after injection of plasmid DNA into the left ventricular wall of adult rats. Point mutations within two evolutionarily conserved sequence elements--a cytosine-rich (CCAC-box) motif and an A+T-rich (A/T) motif--severely impaired transcription within the intact heart. Nuclear extracts from neonatal cardiomyocytes contain protein factors that bind to each of these elements in a sequence-specific manner. We conclude that combinatorial interactions between the cognate DNA binding factors that recognize these motifs are necessary for transcriptional activity of the myoglobin upstream region in cardiac muscle.

Continent urinary diversion and diverting colostomy in the therapy of non-healing pressure sores in paraplegic patients

Immobilization and subsequent sacral decubitus or pressure sore formation is a danger faced by the paraplegic. We report on 4 patients treated with non-healing pressure sores. Three male patients had decubiti eroding into the posterior urethra and bladder neck area. One female patient had bladder neck and urethral loss secondary to Foley catheter erosion and a sacral pressure sore. All 4 had non-healing decubiti secondary to urinary contamination and, in addition, gross fecal contamination in the male patients. All patients failed previous muscular flaps and urinary diversion per suprapubic tube. In the male patients, suprapubic continent urinary diversion included bladder neck mobilization, closure of the distal urethra by oversewing and patching with bovine dura, and augmentation of the bladder with a Miami pouch. Fecal diversion was provided with a sigmoid colostomy. In the female patient, continent diversion was performed by forming a Miami pouch. Total diversion allowed healing of the pressure sores and provided a simpler method of personal hygiene. Details of the diversion and case studies will be presented.