Analysis of the Mechanism of Action of Kushen in the Treatment of Tuberculosis Based on Network Pharmacology

Context

Drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB), especially multidrug-resistant TB, has continued to increase and pan-drug-resistant TB and even fully drug-resistant TB have emerged, bringing great challenges to the treatment of TB. Development of new, safe, and effective antituberculosis drugs is an urgent need.

Objective

The study intended to evaluate the use of the network pharmacology method to comprehensively and systematically analyze the network relationship of Kushen's main components, targets, and signaling pathways, aiming to provide new ideas and clues for an in-depth study of the mechanism of Kushen's main components in the treatment of pulmonary TB.

Design

The research team performed a Network pharmacology analysis.

Setting

The study took place in the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine at the Third People's Hospital of Yichang City in Yichang, Hubei, China.

Outcome Measures

The research team: (1) screened Kushen's active ingredients and related targets using the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology (TCMSP) database and analysis platform; (2) used the GeneCards database and the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database to search for disease targets, (3) connected the active ingredient's targets to the disease targets to obtain predictive targets for Kushen to act against TB, (4) used the STRING database to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network map, (5) used the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) to subject the intersecting genes to gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses, and (6) used the TCMSP and Protein Data Bank (PDB) databases to dock the active ingredients with target-protein molecules.

Results

The research team found 45 active ingredients for Kushen and 177 target-protein genes related to active ingredients. The PPI network map of the Kushen-TB targets and found that the top 10 targets of Kushen were: (1) mitogen-activated protein kinase 8 (MAPK8); (2) protein kinase B (AKT1); (3) MAPK1, (4) estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), (5) rel avian reticuloendotheliosis viral oncogene homolog A (RELA), (6) interleukin-6 (IL6), (7) MYC proto-oncogene, basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor MYC), (8) retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRA), (9) FOS proto-oncogene activator protein 1 (AP-1) transcription factor subunit (FOS), and (10) JUN proto-oncogene AP-1 transcription factor subunit (JUN). The KEGG analysis suggested that Kushen can intervene in TB through the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) signaling pathway.

Conclusions

The network pharmacology analysis showed that Kushen's active ingredients can play a role in the treatment of TB through the HIF-1 signaling pathway.

The effect of edaravone combined with DL-3-N-butylphthalide on the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-10, neuron-specific enolase and effect in patients with acute cerebral infarction

This study observed the effects of edaravone combined with Dl-3-N-butylphthalide (NBP) on the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and its therapeutic effect in patients with acute cerebral infarction (ACI). The purpose of this study was to explore whether edaravone combined with NBP could improve the neurological function of patients with ACI. A total of 86 patients with ACI were enrolled in this study; 43 patients were randomly assigned to the control group and treated with edaravone only, while the other 43 patients were assigned to the intervention group and treated with a combination of edaravone and NBP. The course of treatment lasted 14 days, and the basic drug treatment was the same in both groups. The effective rate of activity of daily living scores (ADL) was significantly higher in the intervention than in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). After the treatment had been administered, the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale scores of the two groups were lower than before the treatment, and the scores were lower in the intervention compared with the control group; the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). After the treatment had been administered, the serum levels of TNF-α and NSE were significantly lower in the intervention than in the control group, and the serum IL-10 level was significantly higher in the intervention than in the control group; the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Edaravone combined with NBP improved the neurological function of patients with ACI, improved their quality of life, significantly decreased the serum levels of TNF-a and NSE, increased the serum IL-10 level, and had a better effect. This combination therapy method can be adopted in clinics to treat patients with ACI.

Leaky Mode Resonance-Induced Sensitive Ultraviolet Photodetector Composed of Graphene/Small Diameter Silicon Nanowire Array Heterojunctions

Ultraviolet photodetectors (UVPDs) based on wide band gap semiconductors (WBSs) are important for various civil and military applications. However, the relatively harsh preparation conditions and the high cost are unfavorable for commercialization. In this work, we proposed a non-WBS UVPD by using a silicon nanowire (SiNW) array with a diameter of 45 nm as building blocks. Device analysis revealed that the small diameter SiNW array covered with monolayer graphene was sensitive to UV light but insensitive to both visible and infrared light illumination, with a typical rejection ratio of 25. Specifically, the responsivity, specific detectivity, and external quantum efficiency under 365 nm illumination were estimated to be 0.151 A/W, 1.37 × 10¹² Jones, and 62%, respectively, which are comparable to or even better than other WBS UVPDs. Such an abnormal photoelectrical characteristic is related to the HE_1m leaky mode resonance (LMR), which is able to shift the peak absorption spectrum from near-infrared to UV regions. It is also revealed that this LMR is highly dependent on the diameter and the period of the SiNW array. These results show narrow band gap semiconductor nanostructures as promising building blocks for the assembly of sensitive UV photodetectors, which are very important for various optoelectronic devices and systems.

Filterless Discrimination of Wavelengths in the Range from Ultraviolet to Near-Infrared Light Using Two PdSe2/Thin Si/PdSe2 Heterojunction Photodetectors

In this study, we present a wavelength sensor that is capable of distinguishing the spectrum in the range from ultraviolet (UV) to near-infrared (NIR) light. The filterless device is composed of two horizontally stacking PdSe₂/20 μm Si/PdSe₂ heterojunction photodetectors with a photovoltaic (PV) behavior, which makes it possible for the device to work at 0 bias voltage. Due to the relatively small thickness of Si and the wavelength-dependent absorption coefficient, the two PdSe₂/20 μm Si/PdSe₂ photodetectors according to theoretical simulation display a sharp contrast in distribution of the photoabsorption rate. As a result, the photocurrents of both photodetectors evolve in completely different ways with increasing wavelengths, leading to a monotonic decrease in the photocurrent ratio from 6800 to 22 when the wavelength gradually increases from 265 to 1050 nm. The corresponding relationship between both the photocurrent ratio and wavelength can be easily described by the monotonic function, which can help to precisely determine the wavelength in the range from 265 to 1050 nm, with an average relative error less than ±1.6%. It is also revealed that by slightly revising the monotonic function, the wavelength in other different temperatures can also be estimated.

Detection of wavelength in the range from ultraviolet to near infrared light using two parallel PtSe2/thin Si Schottky junctions

A wavelength sensor as a representative optoelectronic device plays an important role in many fields including visible light communication, medical diagnosis, and image recognition. In this study, a wavelength-sensitive detector with a new operation mechanism was reported. The as-proposed wavelength sensor which is composed of two parallel PtSe₂/thin Si Schottky junction photodetectors is capable of distinguishing wavelength in the range from ultraviolet to near infrared (UV-NIR) light (265 to 1050 nm), in that the relationship between the photocurrent ratio of both photodetectors and incident wavelength can be numerically described by a monotonic function. The unique operation mechanism of the thin Si based wavelength sensor was unveiled by theoretical simulation based on Synopsys Sentaurus Technology Computer Aided Design (TCAD). Remarkably, the wavelength sensor has an average absolute error of ±4.05 nm and an average relative error less than ±0.56%, which are much better than previously reported devices. What is more, extensive analysis was performed to reveal how and to what extent the working temperature and incident light intensity, and the thickness of the PtSe₂ layer will influence the performance of the wavelength sensor.

Direct Tellurization of Pt to Synthesize 2D PtTe2 for High-Performance Broadband Photodetectors and NIR Image Sensors

Platinum telluride (PtTe₂) has garnered significant research enthusiasm owing to its unique characteristics. However, large-scale synthesis of PtTe₂ toward potential photoelectric and photovoltaic application has not been explored yet. Herein, we report direct tellurization of Pt nanofilms to synthesize large-area PtTe₂ films and the influence of growth conditions on the morphology of PtTe₂. Electrical analysis reveals that the as-grown PtTe₂ films exhibit typical semimetallic behavior, which is in agreement with the results of first-principles density functional theory (DFT) simulation. Moreover, the combination of multilayered PtTe₂ and Si results in the formation of a PtTe₂/Si heterojunction, exhibiting an obvious rectifying effect. Moreover, the PtTe₂-based photodetector displays a broadband photoresponse to incident radiation in the range of 200-1650 nm, with the maximum photoresponse at a wavelength of ∼980 nm. The R and D* of the PtTe₂-based photodetector are found to be 0.406 A W^-1 and 3.62 × 10¹² Jones, respectively. In addition, the external quantum efficiency is as high as 32.1%. On the other hand, the response time of τ_rise and τ_fall is estimated to be 7.51 and 36.7 μs, respectively. Finally, an image sensor composed of a 8 × 8 PtTe₂-based photodetector array was fabricated, which can record five near-infrared (NIR) images under 980 nm with a satisfying resolution. The result demonstrates that the as-prepared PtTe₂ material will be useful for application in NIR optoelectronics.

Sensitive Deep Ultraviolet Photodetector and Image Sensor Composed of Inorganic Lead-Free Cs3Cu2I5 Perovskite with Wide Bandgap

In this work, a sensitive deep ultraviolet (DUV) light photodetector based on inorganic and lead-free Cs₃Cu₂I₅ crystalline film derived by a solution method was reported. Optoelectronic characterization revealed that the perovskite device exhibited nearly no sensitivity to visible illumination with wavelength of 405 nm but exhibited pronounced sensitivity to both DUV and UV light illumination with response speeds of 26.2/49.9 ms for rise/fall time. The I_light/I_dark ratio could reach 127. What is more, the responsivity and specific detectivity were calculated to be 64.9 mA W^-1 and 6.9 × 10¹¹ Jones, respectively. In addition, the device could keep its photoresponsivity after storage in air environment for a month. It is also found that the capability of Cs₃Cu₂I₅ crystalline film device can readily record still DUV image with acceptable resolution. The above results confirm that the DUV photodetector may hold great potential for future DUV optoelectronic device and systems.

[Effects of cluster needling at the scalp points on the expression of ChAT and AchE of hippocampus in rats with Alzheimer's disease]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effects of cluster needling at the scalp points on the expression of choline acetyl transferase (ChAT) and choline cholinesterase (AchE).

METHODS

A total of 60 Wistar rats were randomized into a sham-operation group, a model group, a medication group and a cluster needling group, 15 rats in each one. In the model group, the medication group and the cluster needling group, the models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) were established by the orienteering injection with Aβ1-42 in the bilateral hippocampal CA1 in the rats. In the sham-operation group, the distilled water was injected in bilateral hippocampus of rats. In the medication group, the lavage with aricept was adopted for the basic treatment, once a day, for 4 weeks consecutively. In the cluster needling group, on the base of the treatment as the medication group, the cluster needling at the scalp points was adopted, once a day, 6 times a week, for 4 weeks totally. In the sham-operation group and the model group, the normal feeding was provided. After intervention, the learning and memory ability was measured with Morris water maze in the rats of each group. The changes in the hippocampal gross structure were observed with HE staining. The changes in the positive expressions of hippocampal ChAT and AchE were determined with the immunohistochemical method.

RESULTS

Compared with the sham-operation group, the escape latency was prolonged and the percentage of the second quadrant and the frequency of platform leaping were reduced in the rats of the model group (all P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the escape latency was shortened and the percentage of the second quadrant and the frequency of platform leaping were increased in the rats of the cluster needling group and the medication group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the medication group, the escape latency was shortened and the percentage of the second quadrant and the frequency of platform leaping were increased in the rats of the cluster needling group (all P<0.05). Compared with the sham-operation group, the expression of ChAT was decreased and that of AchE increased in the model group (both P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the difference was not significant in ChAT expression (P>0.05) and the expression of AchE was reduced (P<0.05) in the medication group; the expression of ChAT was increased (P<0.05) and that of AchE decreased (P<0.01) in the cluster needling group. Compared with the medication group, the expression of ChAT was increased and that of AchE decreased in the cluster needling group (both P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The effect mechanism of cluster needling at the scalp points on AD could be related to the up-regulation of ChAT expression and down-regulation of AchE expression in the hippocampus. The combined treatment with the cluster needling and aricept achieves the better therapeutic effect on AD.

High-Performance Photocoupler Based on Perovskite Light Emitting Diode and Photodetector

Photocoupler is a kind of semiconductor optoelectronic device that integrates light-emitting device (LED) and photodetector. It has found wide application in various fields because of its capability to transmit the electrical signal through the conversion of the electricity-light-electricity. Herein, we report the fabrication of a new photocoupler by simply integrating perovskite quantum dots LED and perovskite photodetector on a glass substrate. The as-fabricated photocoupler showed outstanding characteristics with high current transfer ratio (CTR) of 3.35%, which is highly competitive in comparison with other materials based devices. Furthermore, the perovskite photocoupler had a fast response speed of 8 μs/8.26 μs. By further adding an amplification circuit, the CTR could be enhanced by around 50 times to 172.6%. These results indicate that the present perovskite-based photocouplers may find potential application in future integrated circuit and optoelectronic system.

Silicon/Perovskite Core-Shell Heterojunctions with Light-Trapping Effect for Sensitive Self-Driven Near-Infrared Photodetectors

In this article, we fabricated a sensitive near-infrared (NIR) light detector by directly coating a layer of Cs-doped FAPbI₃ perovskite film onto vertical Si nanowire (SiNW) array. The as-assembled SiNW array/perovskite core-shell heterojunction exhibits a typical rectifying characteristic in darkness and distinct photoresponse characteristics under light illumination. Owning to the remarkable photovoltaic effect, the heterojunction can work as a self-driven NIR detector without an exterior energy supply. Further photoresponse investigation reveals that the photodetector is sensitive in a wide wavelength range with maximum sensitivity at ∼850 nm. The responsivity ( R) and specific detectivity ( D*) are estimated to be 14.86 mA W^-1 and 2.04 × 10¹⁰ Jones at 0 V bias, respectively, which can be improved to 844.33 mA W^-1 and 3.2 × 10¹¹ Jones at a bias voltage of -0.9 V. In addition, the present device also possesses distinct advantages of a large I_light/ I_dark ratio exceeding 10⁴, swift response rate with rise/decay times of 4/8 μs, and relatively good ambient stability. According to our numerical simulation based on finite element method, the superior device performance is associated with strong light-trapping effect in such unique core-shell heterojunction array.

Ultrafast, Self-Driven, and Air-Stable Photodetectors Based on Multilayer PtSe2/Perovskite Heterojunctions

We report on the large-scale synthesis of polycrystalline multilayer PtSe₂ film with typical semimetallic characteristics. With the availability of the large-area film, we constructed a heterojunction composed of multilayer PtSe₂ and Cs-doped FAPbI₃, which can function as a self-driven photodetector in a broadband wavelength from the ultraviolet to the near-infrared region. Further photoresponse analysis revealed that the heterojunction device showed outstanding photosensitive characteristics with a large I_light/ I_dark ratio of 5.7 × 10³, high responsivity of 117.7 mA W^-1, and decent specific detectivity of 2.91 × 10¹² Jones at zero bias. More importantly, the rise/fall times were estimated to be 78/60 ns, rendering our device the fastest device among perovskite-2D photodetectors reported to date. In addition, it was also observed that the PtSe₂/perovskite photodetector can almost retain its photoresponse properties after storage in ambient conditions for 3 weeks. This study suggests the potential of the present PtSe₂/perovskite heterojunction for future air-stable ultrafast photodetecting applications.

Mesoporous anodic α-Fe2O3 interferometer for organic vapor sensing application

Mesoporous α-Fe₂O₃ interferometers with well-resolved optical fringes can display high sensitivity to organic vapors.

High-Performance Red-Light Photodetector Based on Lead-Free Bismuth Halide Perovskite Film

In this study, we developed a sensitive red-light photodetector (RLPD) based on CsBi₃I₁₀ perovskite thin film. This inorganic, lead-free perovskite was fabricated by a simple spin-coating method. Device analysis reveals that the as-assembled RLPD was very sensitive to 650 nm light, with an on/off ratio as high as 10⁵. The responsivity and specific detectivity of the device were estimated to be 21.8 A/W and 1.93 × 10¹³ Jones, respectively, which are much better than those of other lead halide perovskite devices. In addition, the device shows a fast response (rise time: 0.33 ms; fall time: 0.38 ms) and a high external quantum efficiency (4.13 × 10³%). It is also revealed that the RLPD has a very good device stability even after storage for 3 months under ambient conditions. In summary, we suggest that the CsBi₃I₁₀ perovskite photodetector developed in this study may have potential applications in future optoelectronic systems.

Adenovirus-mediated thymidine kinase gene therapy in combination with topotecan for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer: 2.5-year follow-up

OBJECTIVE

Patients with recurrent ovarian cancer were treated intraperitoneally (ip) with a replication-deficient recombinant adenovirus (ADV) containing the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene. Vector delivery was followed by intravenous administration of an antiherpetic prodrug and a topoisomerase I inhibitor.

METHODS

Ten patients with stage IIIc epithelial ovarian cancer underwent secondary debulking to < or =0.5 cm residual tumor. Patients with normal ip flow received delivery of ip ADV. Two patients each were treated on dose level 1 (2 x 10(10) vector particles), dose level 2 (2 x 10(11)), and dose level 3 (2 x 10(12)); four patients were on dose level 4 (2 x 10(13)). Acyclovir and topotecan were started 24 h after vector delivery. Five patients underwent second-look surgery about 4 weeks after application of gene therapy (GT).

RESULTS

At the time of the second-look surgery, two out of five patients were free of tumor. Four weeks after GT none of the peritoneal biopsies showed residual vector DNA. Patients pretreated with an average of three different chemotherapeutic drugs and two different chemotherapy regimens had a median overall survival (OS) of 18.5 months. Three patients are still alive 30, 30, and 31 months after GT.

CONCLUSION

With the combination of secondary optimal debulking, GT, and topotecan, median OS was about one-third longer than in previously reported second-and third-line trials. Survival was comparable to that of patients of other studies with secondary cytoreductive surgery in combination with chemotherapy.

Adenovirus-mediated suicide gene therapy for bladder cancer: comparison of the cytomegalovirus- and Rous sarcoma virus-promoter

BACKGROUND

To compare efficacy and toxicity of the human cytomegalovirus-immediate-early (CMV) promoter and the Rous-sarcoma-virus (RSV) promoter to express thymidine kinase (tk) for adenovirus-mediated suicide gene therapy of experimental bladder cancer in vivo and in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vitro: 3 human (5637, RT-4 and TCC-SUP) and one murine (MBT-2) bladder cancer cell line were exposed to ADV/RSV-tk or ADV/CMV-tk vectors and cell survival was determined. In vivo: Subcutaneous tumors were established and adenovirus vectors were injected 10 days later.

RESULTS

In vitro: ADV/CMV-tk was up to 4 times more potent in terms of cell killing than ADV/RSV-tk. In vivo: ADV/CMV-tk had a three-fold higher antitumor potency per viral particle as compared to ADV/RSV-tk. Higher doses of ADV/CMV-tk caused treatment-associated hepatotoxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results confirm the efficacy of adenovirus-mediated tk suicide gene therapy in the treatment of experimental bladder cancer. Dose-related toxicity was greater with the use of ADV/CMV-tk, but lower doses achieved the same efficacy as ADV/RSV-tk.

Thymidine kinase gene therapy with concomitant topotecan chemotherapy for recurrent ovarian cancer

INTRODUCTION

Patients with recurrent ovarian cancer were treated with a replication-deficient recombinant adenovirus containing the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) followed by administration of an anti-herpetic prodrug and topotecan.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 10 patients with stage IIIc epithelial ovarian cancer underwent secondary debulking to < or =0.5 cm residual tumor. Patients with normal i.p. flow received i.p. delivery of adenovirus. Two patients each were treated on dose level 1 (2 x 10(10) vector particles (VP)), dose level 2 (2 x 10(11) VP), and dose level 3 (2 x 10(12) VP); four patients were treated on dose level 4 (2 x 10(13) VP). Acyclovir and topotecan were started 24 hours after vector delivery.

RESULTS

No patient treated at any dose level incurred unanticipated toxic effects, and all side effects resolved. The most common adverse event was myelosuppression: grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia with grade 2-4 anemia in three patients and grade 3 or 4 neutropenia in eight patients. Three patients developed thrombocytosis and three patients had a mild elevation of serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase/alanine aminotransferase. Temperature elevations that were not associated with detectable infection occurred in two patients.

DISCUSSION

I.p. delivery of adenoviral vector with concomitant topotecan chemotherapy was well tolerated without significant lasting toxicities. Side effects were independent of the dose of adenoviral vector.

Androgen receptor gene mutations do not occur in ovarian cancer

Genetic alterations have been frequently found in ovarian cancer. There is some indirect evidence indicating that mutation of the steroid receptor genes may play a role in the carcinogenesis of ovarian cancer. Human androgen receptor (hAR) gene mutations have been found in up to 50% of hormone-relapsed prostate cancer. The role of hAR mutation and its association with decreased expression in ovarian cancer has never been elucidated. In this study mutations of hAR gene in 38 human ovarian cancer cell lines with different AR expression pattern were studied using SSCP. No mutation of the hAR gene was found. Mutation of hAR gene is an infrequent event and therefore unlikely to be involved in the development of ovarian cancer. The decreased expression of hAR in advanced ovarian tumor is not due to genetic aberration of hAR. Mutation screening of hAR may not provide any information for risk assessment of developing ovarian cancer.

Thymidine kinase (TK) gene therapy of solid tumors: valacyclovir facilitates outpatient treatment

BACKGROUND

In a Phase I study replication-deficient adenovirus containing the herpes simplex virus (HSV) thymidine kinase (TK) gene (AdV-HSV-TK) was instilled intraperitoneally in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. Patients were treated with Acyclovir (ACV) or Valacyclovir (VCV) as enzymatic substrates. The purpose of this study was to compare serum levels of ACV and VCV.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The antiherpetic prodrug and Topotecan (1.0 mg/m2 over 30 minutes each day for 5 days) were started 24 hours after vector application. Eight patients received ACV (15 mg/kg i.v. over one hour every 8 hours for 42 doses), two patients were started on ACV for 5 days and then switched to oral VCV (2 g every 8 hours for a total of 42 doses). Blood samples were obtained 20 minutes prior to each drug.

RESULTS

Serum levels of ACV and VCV (converted to ACV) were comparable.

CONCLUSIONS

Suicide gene therapy with TK is under investigation in a variety of solid tumors. Replacing ACV by VCV will offer a cost-effective alternative and will significantly reduce duration of hospital stay improving quality of life and facilitating an outpatient gene therapy concept.

Molecular aspects of ovarian cancer. Is gene therapy the solution?

Genetic abnormalities of cancer cells are complex and usually nonspecific. Genetic anomalies specific to ovarian cancer have not been reported. This article focuses on what molecular anomalies are known in ovarian cancer and describes the first trials that have used transfer of genes to reestablish a normal cellular function in this disease. Suicide gene therapy has been the prototype of this new therapeutic approach.

Telomere length in human white blood cells remains constant with age and is shorter in breast cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Telomeres, which are TTAGGG repeats at the end of the eukaryotic chromosome, are essential for complete DNA replication. Telomere length has been reported to decrease in peripheral WBC, unlike the telomerase activity found in these cells. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether telomere length in WBC is indeed age dependent and could serve as a genetic marker in breast or ovarian cancer.

METHODS

Five age groups: 20-29; 30-39; 4049; 50-59 and > or = 60 years were examined. The cancer patients were 18 women with ovarian cancer and 18 women with breast cancer. Southern blot analysis of the DNA from peripheral white blood cells (WBC) was performed using 32P-labeled (TTAGGG)3 probe. Blots were scanned in a phosphoimager and analyzed by computer-assisted image analysis.

RESULTS

No statistically significant correlation was observed between telomere length and age in either healthy females or cancer patients. However, significantly shorter median telomere length was found in WBC obtained from breast cancer patients as compared to healthy individuals and ovarian cancer patients.

CONCLUSIONS

It is concluded that telomere length in WBC is not age dependent, but is significantly shorter in breast cancer patients.

Improvement of gene therapy for ovarian cancer by using acyclovir instead of ganciclovir in adenovirus mediated thymidine kinase gene therapy

Adenovirus(ADV) mediated thymidine kinase(TK) gene therapy followed by ganciclovir(GCV) administration is widely used in different types of cancer. ACV shares the same mechanism of selective cell killing in ADV/TK positive cells as GCV and can be used at 4.5 times higher doses in patients without significant side effects. An increased dose of TK substrate is associated with improved bystander effect and more efficient cell killing. Toxicity and cell killing efficacy were assessed using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide(MTT) based assay in three ovarian cancer cell lines with different proliferation patterns. At the same concentration, equal or higher cell killing efficacy and bystander effect were observed using ACV rather than GCV. 2.5 and 5 times (25 micrograms/ml and 50 micrograms/ml) higher concentrations of ACV always resulted in more effective cell killing than GCV (10 micrograms/ml, P < 0.01). Our data indicate that replacing GCV with ACV in the ADV-TK gene therapy may increase the treatment effect without increasing toxicity.

Human epithelial ovarian cancer xenotransplants into nude mice can be cured by adenovirus-mediated thymidine kinase gene therapy

BACKGROUND

Adenovirus-mediated suicide gene therapy of ovarian cancer has effective anti-tumor effects in vitro and in vivo. By transduction of ovarian adenocarcinoma with the Herpes Simplex Thymidine Kinase gene and subsequent treatment with the antiviral agent ganciclovir, prolongation of survival has been described in nude mice. So far, however, in animal models of solid tumors no cures have been reported after gene therapy.

METHODS

In a prospective randomized experimental design 76 mice with xenotransplanted serous ovarian carcinoma were treated with three different doses of ADV/RSV-TK at three different time points followed by intraperitoneal ganciclovir administration. The experiment was designed to show significance of survival differences upon doubling of the number of survived days at a p-value of 0.05 with a power of 80%. The endpoint of the trial was survival.

RESULTS

Treatment response was seen in all treated animals evident by significant prolongation of survival. Treatment response was dependent on the therapeutic viral dose and the tumor burden of the animal at the time of treatment. Two out of eight mice with early disease have now survived ten months without evidence of disease with untreated animals dying after nineteen days. Subcutaneous tumor development at the injection site was the reason of death in the remaining six mice of this group.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraperitoneal ADV/RSV-TK suicide gene therapy of epithelial ovarian cancer in combination with ganciclovir administration can cure nude mice with early disease. This treatment modality may lend itself to incorporation into the current treatment concept of human ovarian malignancy. Clinical trials are warranted.

Chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter--transcription factor (COUP-TF) expression in human endometrial cancer cell lines

COUP-TF is an orphan member of the steroid receptor superfamily. COUP-TF down-regulates hormonal induction by other steroid receptors involved in cell proliferation and differentiation. Previous study has suggested a role in gynecological adenocarcinoma. In the present study we evaluated COUP-TF expression in endometrial cancer. Fourteen permanent endometrial cancer cell lines were established front the primary site of 14 endometrial cancer patients. Immunocytochemistry for COUP-TF-like activity was performed using an affinity selected polyclonal rabbit-derived antibody in an immunoperoxidase staining technique. The staining intensity and cell surface area were quantified by image analysis. By immunostain 2 cell lines were COUP-TF (+), 6 (+ +) and 6 (+ + +). Quantitative differences in staining intensity and cell surface area were not significant in these groups. All cell lines tested were immunocytochemically negative for estrogen and progesterone receptors. COUP-TF is a new factor involved in endometrial cancer cell differentiation and growth, especially in estrogen receptor negative tumors.

Adenovirus-mediated thymidine kinase gene transduction in human epithelial ovarian cancer cell lines followed by exposure to ganciclovir

In an effort to develop gene therapy for ovarian cancer efficacy and toxicity of adenovirus-mediated transfer of the HSV-TK gene followed by administration of ganciclovir were studied in two human epithelial ovarian cancer cell lines Ov-ca-2774 and Ov-ca-1225. 100% transduction was achieved in both cell lines at MOIs of 7 and 15 as demonstrated by X-Gal staining. No toxicity of virus alone was observed at MOIs up to 30. GCV was not toxic up to 200 micrograms/ml. Cell killing efficacy was shown to be dependent on MOI as well as GCV dose. The "bystander effect" of ADV/RSV-TK was quantified by mixing experiments and found to be dependent on the proportion of ADV/RSV-TK positive cells as well as the GCV dosage. Similar results were observed in both cell lines. ADV/RSV-TK mediated gene therapy may be a promising approach in ovarian cancer.

Subcellular localization of accumulated p53 in ovarian cancer cells

Inactivation of the tumor suppressor gene p53 is frequently associated with ovarian cancer. Accumulation of stabilized p53 protein is a common feature in this tumor type. Underlying mutations in the p53 core region can lead to loss of the normal conformational state or loss of residues necessary for DNA binding and transcriptional regulation. Five HPV-free ovarian cancer cell lines established in our laboratory with and without immunocytochemically detectable p53 expression were selected for the correlation of subcellular localization of aberrant p53 and the type of gene mutation. The expression level regarding staining intensity and proportion of cells accumulating p53 was characterized employing an immunoreactive score. Two cell lines with point missense mutations in the core region showed strong nuclear or nuclear plus cytoplasmic staining. One cell line with exclusive staining of the cytoplasm contained a deletion of the major nuclear localization signal. Among two cell lines without p53 accumulation, one contained a microdeletion resulting in a frame shift, the other carried the wild-type sequence. The MDM2 oncogene was not amplified and its gene product was not overexpressed. In ovarian cancer, inactivated p53 can accumulate in both major cell compartments depending on the type of the underlying mutation.

In vivo gene therapy of ovarian cancer by adenovirus-mediated thymidine kinase gene transduction and ganciclovir administration

Efficacy and toxicity of adenovirus-mediated transfer of the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene followed by administration of ganciclovir were studied in vivo. A human epithelial ovarian cancer animal model was established in nude mice using the serous ovarian adenocarcinoma cell line Ov-ca-2774. Intraperitoneal (ip) injection of 1 x 10(8) Ov-ca-2774 cells resulted in tumor growth and formation of malignant ascites in all 15 animals. In a prospective randomized experimental design mice were treated 1, 3, or 7 days after ip injection of 1 x 10(8) cells with ip injection of 2 x 10(8), 6.7 x 10(8), or 2 x 10(9) pfu ADV.RSV-TK followed by administration of ganciclovir (10 microgram /ml, ip, bid) for 6 consecutive days. End points were survival and toxicity. Mice treated with GCV or HSV-TK alone died from 14.4 +/- 1.7 to 19.5 +/- 3.5 days after treatment as did untreated controls. No toxicity of ADV.RSV-TK was found up to 2 x 10(9) pfu (2 x 10(11) particles). The mice with the highest tumor burden treated with the lowest viral dose lived significantly longer than controls (P < 0.05). Median survival in all other groups of mice treated with ADV.RSV-TK plus GCV was even longer (P < 0.01). Treatment benefit was dependent on ADV/RSV-TK dose and tumor burden. Adenovirus-mediated thymidine kinase gene therapy is a realistic approach to ovarian cancer treatment that warrants investigation in the clinical setting.

Glycolipid patterns during Xenopus embryo development

Glycolipid patterns have been studied during the first six days of Xenopus embryo development. Glycolipid contents showed a sharp increase more evident after the third day of development. Glucosylceramide and sulphatide are not only the most represented species, but also those which exhibit a statistically significant percentage change during early development. Among gangliosides, GD3 is the most represented specie. Two polysialylated gangliosides with not yet established structures are also present.

p53 mutant His175 identified in a newly established fallopian tube carcinoma cell line secreting interleukin 6

Fallopian tube carcinoma is a lethal gynecologic malignancy. Etiologic factors are unknown. No experimental data on molecular alterations exist so far. For an in vitro model, we established the permanent human tubal carcinoma cell line FT-MZ-1. The median doubling time was 14 days with 24.2% in S phase. A point missense mutation of the p53 tumor suppressor gene resulting in the His175 mutant was identified. Aberrant p53 protein accumulated in nucleus and cytoplasm. FT-MZ-1 substantially secreted interleukin 6 (Il-6) coinciding with the inactivation of p53 as a transrepressor on the Il-6 gene promoter.

Multiplex PCR screening detects small p53 deletions and insertions in human ovarian cancer cell lines

Mutations at the p53 tumor suppressor gene locus are a frequent genetic alteration associated with human ovarian carcinoma. Little information exists regarding whether mutational events occur other than point mutations and large deletions, causing loss of heterozygosity. Small intragenic deletions and insertions in the p53 gene have been observed in various human neoplasias. We developed a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (MPCR) screening assay to amplify the complete p53 coding region from genomic DNA in a single step. Deletions and/or insertions were found in six out of 11 newly established ovarian carcinoma cell lines. MPCR detected deletions as small as 2 bp, as confirmed by nucleotide sequence analysis. Most of the observed alterations (6/7) were homozygous or hemizygous. Structural aberrations of the p53 gene possibly leading to loss of p53 cell cycle control may be a consequence of a slipped-mispairing mechanism in rapid DNA replication during repetitious ovulation and wound repair of ovarian epithelial cells. MPCR may be a valuable tool for screening for possible p53 deletion and insertion mutations not only in ovarian cancer but also in other malignancies.

Alterations of serum phospholipids in patients with multiple sclerosis

The total phospholipids in serum and the percentages of major phospholipid classes of phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanol-amine (PE) and sphingomyelin (SM) were studied based on 21 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and 18 healthy subjects. Serum samples were extracted with isopropanol, then major phospholipid classes were separated by thin-layer chromatography, finally, the samples were quantitated by CS-910 densitometer. Though the results were insignificantly different in the concentration of total phospholipid between the MS patients and the controls, there was partial reduction of the concentrations of PS and PE (P < 0.01), moreover, the percentages of PS and PE were relatively lower, correspondingly, the percentage of PC was higher as compared with control group. The results suggest that there should exist an abnormality in the metabolism of phospholipids in patients with MS in the sense of the alterations of phospholipid compositions in serum samples.