[Feasibility study of immediate breast reconstruction with fusion fascia combined with implants]

Objective: To investigate the oncologic and surgical safety of the fused fascia method for immediate breast reconstruction with implants. Methods: The clinical data of 343 patients with immediate breast reconstruction with implants in Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital from 2014-2017 were retrospectively analyzed to compare the 5-year local recurrence-free survival, 5-year disease-free survival and 5-year overall survival of patients with breast reconstruction by fusion fascia and other methods, and to analyze the complication incidences of implant removal between different implant groups. Results: Of the 343 patients with breast reconstruction, 95 were in the fused fascia group (fascia group) and 248 were in the non-fascia group (25 in the bovine pericardial patch group and 223 in the muscle flap group). At a median follow-up of 49 months, the differences in 5-year local recurrence-free survival (90.1% and 94.9%, respectively), 5-year disease-free survival (89.2% and 87.6%, respectively), and 5-year overall survival (95.2% and 95.1%, respectively) between patients in the fascial and non-fascial groups were not statistically significant (P>0.05). The complication incidence of implant removal was 24.0% (6/25) in the patch group and 2.1% (2/95) and 2.2% (5/223) in the fascia and muscle flap groups, respectively. Conclusion: Immediate breast reconstruction with fused fascial combined with implant is safe and feasible, less invasive than muscle flaps, more economical and with fewer complications than patches.

[Status of fungal sepsis among preterm infants in 25 neonatal intensive care units of tertiary hospitals in China]

Objective: To analyze the prevalence and the risk factors of fungal sepsis in 25 neonatal intensive care units (NICU) among preterm infants in China, and to provide a basis for preventive strategies of fungal sepsis. Methods: This was a second-analysis of the data from the "reduction of infection in neonatal intensive care units using the evidence-based practice for improving quality" study. The current status of fungal sepsis of the 24 731 preterm infants with the gestational age of <34⁺⁰ weeks, who were admitted to 25 participating NICU within 7 days of birth between May 2015 and April 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. These preterm infants were divided into the fungal sepsis group and the without fungal sepsis group according to whether they developed fungal sepsis to analyze the incidences and the microbiology of fungal sepsis. Chi-square test was used to compare the incidences of fungal sepsis in preterm infants with different gestational ages and birth weights and in different NICU. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to study the outcomes of preterm infants with fungal sepsis, which were further compared with those of preterm infants without fungal sepsis. The 144 preterm infants in the fungal sepsis group were matched with 288 preterm infants in the non-fungal sepsis group by propensity score-matched method. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the risk factors of fungal sepsis. Results: In all, 166 (0.7%) of the 24 731 preterm infants developed fungal sepsis, with the gestational age of (29.7±2.0) weeks and the birth weight of (1 300±293) g. The incidence of fungal sepsis increased with decreasing gestational age and birth weight (both P<0.001). The preterm infants with gestational age of <32 weeks accounted for 87.3% (145/166). The incidence of fungal sepsis was 1.0% (117/11 438) in very preterm infants and 2.0% (28/1 401) in extremely preterm infants, and was 1.3% (103/8 060) in very low birth weight infants and 1.7% (21/1 211) in extremely low birth weight infants, respectively. There was no fungal sepsis in 3 NICU, and the incidences in the other 22 NICU ranged from 0.7% (10/1 397) to 2.9% (21/724), with significant statistical difference (P<0.001). The pathogens were mainly Candida (150/166, 90.4%), including 59 cases of Candida albicans and 91 cases of non-Candida albicans, of which Candida parapsilosis was the most common (41 cases). Fungal sepsis was independently associated with increased risk of moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (adjusted OR 1.52, 95%CI 1.04-2.22, P=0.030) and severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) (adjusted OR 2.55, 95%CI 1.12-5.80, P=0.025). Previous broad spectrum antibiotics exposure (adjusted OR=2.50, 95%CI 1.50-4.17, P<0.001), prolonged use of central line (adjusted OR=1.05, 95%CI 1.03-1.08, P<0.001) and previous total parenteral nutrition (TPN) duration (adjusted OR=1.04, 95%CI 1.02-1.06, P<0.001) were all independently associated with increasing risk of fungal sepsis. Conclusions: Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis are the main pathogens of fungal sepsis among preterm infants in Chinese NICU. Preterm infants with fungal sepsis are at increased risk of moderate to severe BPD and severe ROP. Previous broad spectrum antibiotics exposure, prolonged use of central line and prolonged duration of TPN will increase the risk of fungal sepsis. Ongoing initiatives are needed to reduce fungal sepsis based on these risk factors.

[A multicenter, double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial comparing ergometrine with oxytocin and oxytocin alone for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage at cesarean section]

Objective: To compare oxytocin combined with ergometrine with oxytocin alone in terms of primary prophylaxis for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) at the time of cesarean section (CS). Methods: This was a multicenter double-blind randomized controlled interventional study comparing ergometrine combined with oxytocin and oxytocin alone administered at CS. From December 2018 to November 2019, a total of 298 parturients were enrolled in 16 hospitals nationwide. They were randomly divided into experimental group (ergometrine intra-myometrial injection following oxytocin intravenously; 148 cases) and control group (oxytocin intra-myometrial injection following oxytocin intravenously; 150 cases) according to 1∶1 random allocation. The following indexes were compared between the two groups: (1) main index: blood loss 2 hours (h) after delivery; (2) secondary indicators: postpartum blood loss at 6 h and 24 h, placental retention time, incidence of PPH, the proportion of additional use of uterine contraction drugs, hemostatic drugs or other hemostatic measures at 2 h and 24 h after delivery, the proportion requiring blood transfusion, and the proportion of prolonged hospital stay due to poor uterine involution; (3) safety indicators: nausea, vomiting, dizziness and other adverse reactions, and blood pressure at each time point of administration. Results: (1) The blood loss at 2 h after delivery in the experimental group [(402±18) ml] was less than that in the control group [(505±18) ml], and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). (2) The blood loss at 6 h and 24 h after delivery in the experimental group were less than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the incidence of PPH, the proportion of additional use of uterine contraction drugs, hemostatic drugs or other hemostatic measures at 2 h and 24 h after delivery, the proportion requiring blood transfusion, and the proportion of prolonged hospital stay due to poor uterine involution (all P>0.05). (3) Adverse reactions occurred in 2 cases (1.4%, 2/148) in the experimental group and 1 case (0.7%, 1/150) in the control group. There was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). The systolic blood pressure within 2.0 h and diastolic blood pressure within 1.5 h of drug administration in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05), but the blood pressure of the two groups were in the normal range. Conclusion: The use of ergometrine injection in CS could reduce the amount of PPH, which is safe and feasible.

Polygalasaponin F protects hippocampal neurons against glutamate-induced cytotoxicity

Excess extracellular glutamate leads to excitotoxicity, which induces neuronal death through the overactivation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs). Excitotoxicity is thought to be closely related to various acute and chronic neurological disorders, such as stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. Polygalasaponin F (PGSF) is a triterpenoid saponin monomer that can be isolated from Polygala japonica, and has been reported to protect cells against apoptosis. To investigate the mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of PGSF against glutamate-induced cytotoxicity, PGSF-pretreated hippocampal neurons were exposed to glutamate for 24 hours. The results demonstrated that PGSF inhibited glutamate-induced hippocampal neuron death in a concentration-dependent manner and reduced glutamate-induced Ca²⁺ overload in the cultured neurons. In addition, PGSF partially blocked the excess activity of NMDARs, inhibited both the downregulation of NMDAR subunit NR2A expression and the upregulation of NMDAR subunit NR2B expression, and upregulated the expression of phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate-responsive element-binding protein and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. These findings suggest that PGSF protects cultured hippocampal neurons against glutamate-induced cytotoxicity by regulating NMDARs. The study was approved by the Institutional Animal Care Committee of Nanchang University (approval No. 2017-0006) on December 29, 2017.

miR-129-5p suppresses breast cancer proliferation by targeting CBX4

Deregulation of microRNA (miRNA) is closely related to cancer development and progression. Our previous study identified that miR-129-5p suppresses proliferation and metastasis in breast cancer cells. Herein, we determined that CBX4 is a miR-129-5p target gene. CBX4 is up-regulated in breast cancer tissues and while its over-expression promotes cell proliferation, its knockdown suppresses cell proliferation in breast cancer cells. Furthermore, CBX4 mediates miR-129-5p-induced inhibition of cell proliferation and negatively correlates with the expression of miR-129-5p expression. These combined results suggest that CBX4 is an oncogene in breast cancer cells, and that it may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for breast cancer treatment.

miR-361-5p suppresses lung cancer cell lines progression by targeting FOXM1

Lung cancer is the most common type of cancer and the leading cause of death in worldwide. MicroRNAs are known to be key players in a variety of biological processes, including tumorigenesis. In present study, we investigated the effect of miR-361-5p on lung cancer progression. We found that miR-361-5p was down-regulated in lung cancer. Overexpression of miR-361-5p suppressed lung cancer proliferation and invasion. Mechanistically, FOXM1 was identified as a direct target of miR-361-5p. Furthermore, miR-361-5p inhibits EMT-like phenotype through down-regulation of FOXM1 expression in lung cancer cells. In conclusion, our results indicated that miR-361-5p acts as a tumor suppressor in lung cancer.

Biological characteristics of osteoclast exosomes and their role in the osteogenic differentiation of somatic cells prior to osteogenesis

This study aimed to investigate the biological characteristics of osteoclast exocrine bodies and their role in the differentiation of somatic cells, so as to find out the key factors involved in osteoclast exosomatic growth and osteogenesis. RANKL (Receptor Activator for Nuclear Factor-κ B Ligand) induced factor was used to induce the osteoclast differentiation of Raw 264.7 cells, and TRAP (Tartrate resistant acid phosphatase) staining was employed to identify induced cells. Ultra-filtration centrifugation was used to separate OC-exosomes from osteoclast supernatant, while Western blot was employed to detect the expression characteristics of exosomal proteins CD9 and CD63. PKH67 labeled exosomes were observed to target kusao cells, which were divided into 3 groups, i.e., the complete medium group (group A), the osteoblast induced group (group B), and the osteogenesis induced liquid + OC-exosomes group (group C). The medium was changed on the next day and after 14-day culture. Using Western blot, alizarin red staining and Von Kossa silver staining, the role of OC-exosomes in the differentiation of kusao cells was clarified. Results showed that TRAP staining showed osteoclasts as irregular and TRAP positive giant cells with a red multicore and a large volume. Microcapsule membrane structures with a uniform size were detected in osteoclast supernatant, and the expression of CD9 and CD63 proteins was confirmed by Western blot. In addition, the Western blot results showed that the expression of RUNX2 (Runt-related transcription factor 2) protein in group B was 1.254 times of that in group A and 2.636 times of that in group C. Furthermore, alizarin red staining showed that the ratios of calcium salt deposition area to the total area in group A, group B and group C were 0.208%, 3.469%, and 20.724%, respectively. Von Kossa silver staining showed that the ratios of calcium salt deposition area to the total area in group A, group B and group C were 0.064%, 2.636%, and 20.872%, respectively. To sum up, OC-exosomes can promote the osteogenic differentiation of osteoblast cells (kusao cells).

[The effect of axillary lymph node status on the prognosis of patients with local-regional recurrence after breast-conserving surgery]

Objective: To investigate the effect of axillary lymph node status in evaluating the prognosis of patients with local recurrence after breast-conserving surgery. Methods: The clinical data of 72 patients with local-regional recurrence who had undergone breast-conserving therapy in Tianjin Cancer Hospital from February 2001 to December 2009 were collected and retrospectively analyzed. These patients were divided into axillary lymph node positive group (23 cases) and negative group (49 cases), according to their axillary lymph node status. Results: Among 72 patients, 21 cases were local recurrence, 35 cases were regional recurrence, and 16 cases were local-regional recurrence. In the axillary lymph node positive group, 7 cases were local recurrence, 10 cases were regional recurrence, 6 cases were local-regional recurrence. In the axillary lymph node negative group, 14 cases were local recurrence, 25 cases were regional recurrence, 10 cases were local-regional recurrence. There was no significant difference between these two groups (P=0.807). Moreover, no significant differences of the age, recurrent site, estrogen receptor (ER) and/or progesterone receptor (PR) status, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) status, disease-free period, local and systemic therapeutic effect, non-distant metastasis survival between these two groups were observed (P>0.05). However, the overall survival of axillary lymph node positive group after recurrence was significantly lower than that of negative group (P=0.014). Cox multivariate analysis showed that recurrent site is an independent prognostic factor of disease-free survival of patients with regional recurrence after breast-conserving surgery (OR=2.050, P=0.002). The axillary lymph node status and recurrent site were independent prognostic factors of overall survival of these patients (OR=3.469, P=0.003; OR=3.676, P<0.001). Conclusions: Axillary lymph node status is an independent factor of overall survival of patients with regional recurrence after breast-conserving surgery, but it is marginally related with their non-distant metastasis survival.

[The Role of Supraclavicular lymph node dissection in Breast Cancer Patients with Synchronous Ipsilateral Supraclavicular Lymph Node Metastasis]

Objective: In this study, we evaluated the effect of supraclavicular lymph node dissection in breast cancer patients who presented with ipsilateral supraclavicular lymph node metastasis (ISLM) without distant metastasis. Methods: A total of 90 patients with synchronous ISLM without distant metastasis between 2000 and 2009 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were retrospectively divided into two groups, namely supraclavicular lymph node dissection group(34 patients) and non-dissection group(56 patients), according to whether they underwentsupraclavicular lymph node dissection or not.The Kaplan-Meier method was applied to analyze the locoregional relapse free survival (LRFS) and overall survival(OS). Results: Median follow-upwas 85 months(range, 6 to 11 months). Local recurrence in 32 cases, 47 cases of distant metastasis, of which 25 patients were accompanied by both locoregional relapse and distant metastasis. Of the 32 patients with locoregional relapse, 11 patients were in the lymph node dissection group and 21 patients in the control group. Of the 47 patients with distant metastases, 17 were treated with lymph node dissection, 30 in the control group. Thirty-two patients died in the whole group and 16 patients underwentlymph node dissection and 16 patients didn't. There was no significant difference between the rate of 5-year LRFS and 5-year OS (P=0.359, P=0.246). For patients of ER negative, the 5-year loco-regional relapse free survival rates were 63.7% and 43.3% in supraclavicular lymph node dissection group and control group, respectively. The 5-year overall survival rates were 52.1% and 52.3%, respectively, and there were no statistically significant differences (P=0.118, P=0.951). For patients of PR negative, the 5-yearloco-regional relapse free rates were 59.8% and 46.2%, respectively, and the 5-year overall survival rates were 50.6% and 43.2%, respectively, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (P=0.317, P=0.973). The 5-year recurrence-free survival rates of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive patients were 61.2% and 48.0%(P=0.634), respectively, and the 5-year overall survival rates were 37.2% and 65.4%(P=0.032). Forty-seven patients suffered distant metastases and the 5-year metastases free survival rates were 37.3% and 38.5% in supraclavicular lymph node dissection group and control group, respectively. Conclusion: Supraclavicular lymph node dissection maybe an effective approach to improve the loco-regional control for the patients with ISLM, especially for ER negative and PR negative subtypes, but it might has adverseeffects for the patients with negative HER2 status.

[Impact of immediate breast reconstruction on the onset of adjuvant chemotherapy and on the postoperative complications]

Objective: To explore the impact of immediate breast reconstruction on the onset of adjuvant chemotherapy and on the postoperative complications. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data from female breast cancer patients treated by either modified radical mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction(IBR) ( n=108) or modified radical mastectomy alone(n=115), followed by adjuvant chemotherapy at our department between January 2011 and December 2012. Results: There was no significant difference in the overall complication rates between the IBR group and modified radical mastectomy group (49.1% vs. 52.2%, P=0.87). However, more secondary surgery was applied in the IBR group than the modified radical mastectomy group (13.0% vs. 1.7%, P=0.001). However, the incidence of hematoma in the modified radical mastectomy group was significantly higher than the IBR group (17.4% vs. 4.6%, P=0.003). There was a significant difference in the onset of adjuvant chemotherapy between the IBR group and modified radical mastectomy group (21 days vs. 11days, P<0.001). Conclusions: Immediate breast reconstruction has no significant impact on the overall complication rate, but increases the incidence of secondary surgery, especially after the initiation of chemotherapy. In addition, it slightly delays adjuvant chemotherapy in the patients.

Alleviation of spinal cord injury by Ginkgolide B via the inhibition of STAT1 expression

Ginkgolide B has been known to inhibit cell apoptosis by modulating multiple cytokines and plays an important role in neuroprotection. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) has been studied in a spinal cord injury (SCI) model. However, the role of Ginkgolide B in SCI treatment remains unclear. This study investigated the potential mechanism of Ginkgolide B using an SCI rat model. SD rats were used to generate an SCI model followed by Ginkgolide B injection (4 mg/kg) for 14 days. Spinal cord tissue samples were examined using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The expression of STAT1 was determined by western blot. Using a dyskinesia scale, intervention with Ginkgolide B significantly decreased the severity of SCI. H&E staining revealed less nuclear condensation and cell necrosis in SCI rats after treatment with Ginkgolide B. STAT1 expression was significantly increased in SCI model rats, but was lower after Ginkgolide B treatment. Therefore, Ginkgolide B can effectively inhibit STAT1 expression and alleviate SCI.

A new perspective on the IIIC staging in Chinese patients with primary breast cancer: Single-center experiences

PURPOSE

The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate whether Stage IIIC (TanyN3M0) breast cancer can be classified further into subgroups with different prognosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and thirty-two patients with Stage IIIC breast cancer at Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital were analyzed. The disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated by Kaplan-Meier method for lymph node ratio (LNR) and the number of positive lymph node (PLN). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine the optimal cut-off value of the LNR and PLN. The univariate and multivariate analysis were applied to identify the prognostic factors.

RESULTS

The results showed that the optimal cut-off value of LNR value was 0.65, and the optimal cut-off value of PLN was 15. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed the higher value of LNR or PLN was correlated with shortened DFS (P = 0.002, P = 0.008, respectively) and OS (P < 0.001, P = 0.001, respectively). In multivariate survival analysis, the value of LNR and PLN were still remained as independent prognostic factors for DFS (P = 0.014, P = 0.013, respectively) and OS (P = 0.004, P = 0.002, respectively).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the value of LNR or PLN could be used as a new significant prognostic biomarker for Stage IIIC breast cancer patients. Stage IIIC breast cancer patients with lower value of LNR or PLN may be down staged.

P3-07-03: One-Step Nucleic Acid Amplification (OSNA) for the Diagnosis of Sentinel Lymph Nodes of Breast Cancer – Results of the China Multicenter Study CBCSG-001c

Background

With the adoption of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy as the standard of care, there is an increasing need for the rapid and accurate intra-operative diagnosis of SLNs. CBCSG-001c was a prospective multicenter trial to validate the One-step nucleic acid amplification (OSNA) assay in China. The primary endpoint was the concordance rates of intraoperative OSNA assay with the in-depth permanent histological analyses based both on cases and SLNs.

Methods: From Feb. to Dec. 2010, 1188 SLNs from 552 breast cancer patients were enrolled in the CBCSG-001c study at 5 centers. SLNs were cut into alternating ∼2mm sections. One half of the sections were sampled for H&E, with 4 sections at different intervals. The other half was fully tested with the OSNA assay. Predetermined cutoffs were calibrated so only metastases &gt;0.2 mm were detected.

Results: The concordance rate was 89.1% (95% CI, 86.3−91.5%), sensitivity 87.7% (95% CI, 81.0−92.7%), and specificity 89.6% (95% CI, 86.3−92.4%) based on 552 cases, and the concordance rate was 91.4% (95% CI, 89.7−92.9%), sensitivity 83.7% (95% CI, 77.7−88.6%), and specificity 92.9% (95% CI, 91.1−94.4%) based on the 1188 SLNs. This quantitative molecular assessment allows the distinction of the size of the metastasis, and the PPV of OSNA [++] for macrometastases was 83.2% (95% CI, 75.0- 89.1%). Discordant results were thought to be partly due to the fact that different tissue sections were used for OSNA assay and histology, and SLNs with ITCs were not considered as histological positive nodes. After discordant case investigation, the senstivity of OSNA assay was significantly higher than that of intraoprative frozen section and touch imprint cyctology.

Discussion: As the largest OSNA study to date, our results, together with that of Japan, Germany, and France study, proved the OSNA assay based on CK19 mRNA expression to be a reliable and standardized tool for the intraoperative detection of SLN metastases of breast cancer patients as compared to in-depth permanent histology. The high sensitivity of OSNA assay means reducing the risk of second operation for ALND, medical care costs and patients anxiety.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-07-03.

A vacuum pressure sensor based on ZnO nanobelt film

A vacuum pressure sensor was fabricated by assembling ZnO nanobelt film on the interdigital electrodes, and the current–voltage characteristics were measured with an Agilent semiconductor parameter tester. Under different pressures of 1.0 × 10(3), 6.7 × 10(−3), 8.2 × 10(−4) and 9.5 × 10(−5) mbar, the currents are 8.71, 28.1, 46.1 and 89.6 nA, and the pressure sensitive resistances are 1150, 356, 217 and 112 MΩ, respectively. In the range of 10(−5)–10(3) mbar the smaller the pressure is, the higher the current is. The pressure sensitive resistance of the vacuum pressure sensor increases linearly with the logarithmic pressure, and the measurement range is at least one order of magnitude wider than that of the previous sensors. Under the final pressure, the vacuum pressure sensor has maximum sensitivity (9.29) and power consumption of 0.9 μW. The sensitivity is larger than that of the previous sensor based on a ZnO single nanowire at that pressure, and the power consumption is much lower than that for the sensor based on a ZnO nanowire array. The pressure sensitive mechanism is reasonably explained by using oxygen chemisorption and energy band theory.

Cytokine-induced metabolic dysfunction of MIN6 beta cells is nitric oxide independent

BACKGROUND

An important obstacle to islet transplantation is graft injury due to local production of cytokines generated by host nonspecific inflammatory responses. The detrimental effects that cytokines impart on metabolic function have been associated with nitric oxide (NO) production and apoptosis. We tested the in vitro effects of interleukin (IL)-1 beta, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)alpha, and interferon (IFN)gamma on glucose-stimulated insulin release in the MIN6 beta-cell line and correlated metabolic dysfunction with NO production and rates of apoptosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MIN6 cells were cultured in the presence of IL-1 beta, TNFalpha, and/or IFN gamma. Insulin release was determined by radioimmunoassay. NO production was determined by the Griess reaction. Apoptosis was determined by measuring the sub-G(1) phase of DNA content of MIN6 cells by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Cytokine-induced suppression of glucose-stimulated insulin release was enhanced in a time-dependent manner. NO production was stimulated by IL-1 beta and augmented by TNFalpha and IFN gamma. N(G)-Monomethyl-l-arginine (l-NMMA) blocked cytokine-induced NO production but only partially attenuated suppression of glucose-stimulated insulin release. Apoptosis increased in the presence of cytokines and was slightly reduced when NO production was specifically inhibited.

CONCLUSIONS

Proinflammatory cytokines suppressed glucose-stimulated insulin release in MIN6 cells. The dominant mechanisms involved NO-independent pathways.

Expression of a dominant negative inhibitor of NF-kappaB protects MIN6 beta-cells from cytokine-induced apoptosis

BACKGROUND

Islet graft injury by cytokines released from inflammatory cells (macrophages) that infiltrate the transplant site is an important mechanism of early islet transplant dysfunction. This detrimental "cytokine effect" is thought to be mediated by NF-kappaB-dependent up-regulation of iNOS gene expression and increased nitric oxide (NO) production by the islet. We attempted to make a beta-cell resistant to cytokine-induced apoptosis by transfecting the parent line with a dominant negative inhibitor of NF-kappaB.

METHODS

A flag-tagged IkappaBalphaM cDNA subcloned into an SFFV-neo vector was used to transfect parent beta-Cell line MIN6. MIN6 and the resultant mutant (2Bm) were cultured for 24 h in a cytokine mixture including IL-1beta (50 units/mL), TNF-alpha (1000 units/mL), and IFN-gamma (750 units/mL) and cotreated with either the iNOS inhibitor L-NMMA (1 mM) or the caspase inhibitor Z-VAD (0.1 mM). NF-kappaB translocation was determined by gel shift. Nitrite production was determined by the Griess reaction. Apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

When treated with cytokine 2Bm demonstrated significantly less NF-kappaB nuclear translocation, nitrite production, and apoptosis than parent MIN6. The rate of apoptosis in cytokine-treated 2Bm was a third less than that for cytokine-treated MIN6 and was similar to MIN6 cotreated with L-NMMA. Z-VAD cotreatment completely eliminated apoptosis in both MIN6 and 2Bm.

CONCLUSIONS

Cytokine-induced cell death in the MIN6 beta-cell line involves mechanisms that are, in part, NF-kappaB and NO dependent. Inhibition of NF-kappaB and NO production by the dominant negative inhibitor of NF-kappaB is cytoprotective. This type of genetic modification may prove to be one avenue for improving efficacy of islet transplantation.

Ornithine decarboxylase in human brain: influence of aging, regional distribution, and Alzheimer's disease

Although experimental animal data have implicated ornithine decarboxylase, a key regulatory enzyme of polyamine biosynthesis, in brain development and function, little information is available on this enzyme in normal or abnormal human brain. We examined the influence, in autopsied human brain, of postnatal development and aging, regional distribution, and Alzheimer's disease on the activity of ornithine decarboxylase. Consistent with animal data, human brain ornithine decarboxylase activity was highest in the perinatal period, declining sharply (by approximately 60%) during the first year of life to values that remained generally unchanged up to senescence. In adult brain, a moderately heterogeneous regional distribution of enzyme activity was observed, with high levels in the thalamus and occipital cortex and low levels in cerebellar cortex and putamen. In the Alzheimer's disease group, mean ornithine decarboxylase activity was significantly increased in the temporal cortex (+76%), reduced in occipital cortex (-70%), and unchanged in hippocampus and putamen. In contrast, brain enzyme activity was normal in patients with the neurodegenerative disorder spinocerebellar ataxia type I. Our demonstration of ornithine decarboxylase activity in neonatal and adult human brain suggests roles for ornithine decarboxylase in both developing and mature brain function, and we provide further evidence for the involvement of abnormal polyamine system activity in Alzheimer's disease.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of human cysticercosis in a community of Shandong, China

A community-based seroepidemiologic survey on Taenia solium cysticercosis in humans was carried out in Shandong Province, China. Blood specimens from 2,898 residents were collected and examined for anti-cysticercus antibody. Information on demographic and potential risk factors was obtained using a standardized questionnaire. The overall seroprevalence of cysticercosis was 3.2%. Seropositivity tended to increase with age ranging from 1.8% in children under 6 years of age to 5.7% in those over 60 years old. Distance between village residence and the town of the community was negatively associated with seropositivity (Chi-square for trend test p = 0.02). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified four risk factors for cysticercosis infection in the community: defecating indiscriminately (OR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.01-1.81), being unable to identify diseased pork (OR = 4.09, 95% CI 1.53-10.97), raising pigs (OR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.09-1.69), and more than 60 years old (OR = 1.49, 95% CI 1.10-2.02. These findings have implications for developing appropriate strategies for the control of Taenia solium cysticercosis in the community.