A Photograph-Based Visualization and Prediction Framework for Radiation-Induced Dermatitis

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

This study aimed to suggest a photograph-based prediction system for acute radiation-induced dermatitis (RID), which can be applied to notify patients about the risk of the development of skin discomfort during radiotherapy.

MATERIALS/METHODS

The proposed system compared the spatial dose distribution with the RID region using the following methods. Skin photographs of patients were taken using an RGB-depth camera to acquire the shape information of RID. The skin surface data measured from the camera was registered with the shape of the external body contour using an iterative closest point algorithm. Spatial dose distribution of skin was extracted from the external body contour to a depth of 2 mm and projected onto the plane of the skin photograph using a transformation matrix for skin depth data. To compare the spatial distribution of skin dose with the shape of RID, the region of RID in patients' skin was delineated on photographs into three toxicity symptoms referring to the CTCAE criteria grade 1 (skin redness), grade 2 (dry desquamation), and grade 3 (moist desquamation). The degree of overlap between the shape of each RID and skin dose distribution was evaluated using the dice similarity coefficient (DSC). Threshold doses for predicting RID occurrence were estimated by skin isodose lines with the highest DSC. The developed system was validated using data from 19 patients who received volumetric modulated arc therapy for head-neck cancer at a single institution.

RESULTS

Threshold doses for RID grades 1, 2, and 3 were estimated using 18, 18, and 2 individual RID labels delineated on skin photographs, respectively. Isodose lines with the highest DSC for RID grades 1, 2, and 3 were calculated as 26.0 Gy, 36.5 Gy, and 54.0 Gy, respectively. A strong overlap (average DSC > 0.6) was observed between isodose skin lines and the shape of RID labels in all RID grades.

CONCLUSION

Assessing the spatial information of skin dose can be helpful in predicting acute RID. The region of RID shows a strong similarity with the skin dose distribution in head-neck patients. Visualization of skin dose on the patient photograph is potent to patient education for preparing the cosmetic discomfort during radiotherapy, which may lead to the improvement of the patient satisfaction in treatment.

A New Approach to Quantify and Grade Radiation Dermatitis Using Deep-Learning Segmentation in Skin Photographs

AIMS

Objective evaluation of radiation dermatitis is important for analysing the correlation between the severity of radiation dermatitis and dose distribution in clinical practice and for reliable reporting in clinical trials. We developed a novel radiation dermatitis segmentation system based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to consistently evaluate radiation dermatitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The radiation dermatitis segmentation system is designed to segment the radiation dermatitis occurrence area using skin photographs and skin-dose distribution. A CNN architecture with a dilated convolution layer and skip connection was designed to estimate the radiation dermatitis area. Seventy-three skin photographs obtained from patients undergoing radiotherapy were collected for training and testing. The ground truth of radiation dermatitis segmentation is manually delineated from the skin photograph by an experienced radiation oncologist and medical physicist. We converted the skin photographs to RGB (red-green-blue) and CIELAB (lightness (L^∗), red-green (a^∗) and blue-yellow (b^∗)) colour information and trained the network to segment faint and severe radiation dermatitis using three different input combinations: RGB, RGB + CIELAB (RGBLAB) and RGB + CIELAB + skin-dose distribution (RGBLAB_D). The proposed system was evaluated using the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), sensitivity, specificity and normalised Matthews correlation coefficient (nMCC). A paired t-test was used to compare the results of different segmentation performances.

RESULTS

Optimal data composition was observed in the network trained for radiation dermatitis segmentation using skin photographs and skin-dose distribution. The average DSC, sensitivity, specificity and nMCC values of RGBLAB_D were 0.62, 0.61, 0.91 and 0.77, respectively, in faint radiation dermatitis, and 0.69, 0.78, 0.96 and 0.83, respectively, in severe radiation dermatitis.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that CNN-based radiation dermatitis segmentation in skin photographs of patients undergoing radiotherapy can describe radiation dermatitis severity and pattern. Our study could aid in objectifying the radiation dermatitis grading and analysing the reliable correlation between dosimetric factors and the morphology of radiation dermatitis.

Adjuvanticity of Processed Aloe vera gel for Influenza Vaccination in Mice

The effectiveness of current influenza vaccines is considered suboptimal, and 1 way to improve the vaccines is using adjuvants. However, the current pool of adjuvants used in influenza vaccination is limited due to safety concerns. Aloe vera, or aloe, has been shown to have immunomodulatory functions and to be safe for oral intake. In this study, we explored the potential of orally administered processed Aloe vera gel (PAG) as an adjuvant for influenza vaccines in C57BL/6 mice. We first evaluated its adjuvanticity with a split-type pandemic H1N1 (pH1N1) Ag by subjecting the mice to lethal homologous influenza challenge. Oral PAG administration with the pH1N1 Ag increased survival rates in mice to levels similar to those of alum and MF59, which are currently used as adjuvants in influenza vaccine formulations. Similarly, oral PAG administration improved the survival of mice immunized with a commercial trivalent influenza vaccine against lethal homologous and heterologous virus challenge. PAG also increased hemagglutination inhibition and virus neutralization Ab titers against homologous and heterologous influenza strains following immunization with the split-type pH1N1 Ag or the commercial trivalent vaccine. Therefore, this study demonstrates that PAG may potentially be used as an adjuvant for influenza vaccines.

Overview of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists for the Treatment of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

BACKGROUND

It is estimated that 29.1 million people or 9.3% of the US population have diabetes, which contributes to considerable medical and financial burden. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is characterized by insulin resistance and insulin secretion impairment leading to hyperglycemia. The presence of insulin resistance is strongly correlated with obesity.

OBJECTIVE

This article reviews the available glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and their role in the management of patients with diabetes, to help guide the selection of the most suitable agent for the individualized treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes.

DISCUSSION

This article reviews the evidence from phase 3 clinical trials for each of the 5 GLP-1 receptor agonists by comparing them against one another and with other existing therapies, including metformin, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, and sulfonylureas. Incretin-based therapies have emerged as attractive agents for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. They target the GLP-1 hormone, which is partly responsible for insulin release and for attenuating hyperglycemia during meals (ie, the incretin effect). The 2 classes of incretin-based therapy currently available are GLP-1 receptor agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors, which prevent the breakdown of GLP-1. Both classes are attractive options, given their glucose-lowering effects without the adverse effects of hypoglycemia and weight gain. The different mechanisms of action of these therapies result in generally greater efficacy with GLP-1 receptor agonists, albeit at the expense of slightly increased gastrointestinal symptoms. These agents exert their effects by improving glucose-dependent insulin release, suppressing glucagon release, suppressing hepatic glucose output, and decreasing the rate of gastric emptying, thereby reducing appetite. Currently, 5 GLP-1 receptor agonists are available, including exenatide, liraglutide, albiglutide, dulaglutide, and lixisenatide; semaglutide may soon become available as the newest agent. With the exception of the investigational oral semaglutide, which has shown promising results, the other 5 agents are administered as subcutaneous injections, at different dosing intervals.

CONCLUSION

Currently, 5 GLP-1 receptor agonists are available for use in the United States. Although they are all in the same drug class, some significant differences exist among the various GLP-1 receptor agonists. The choice of a specific GLP-1 receptor agonist will depend on the patient preferences, potential adverse effects, and cost.

Prevention of azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate-induced mouse colon carcinogenesis by processed Aloe vera gel

The preventive effect of a processed Aloe vera gel (PAG) on colon carcinogenesis was examined using an azoxymethane (AOM)-initiated and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-promoted mouse colon carcinogenesis model. Oral administration of PAG (200, or 400mg/kg/day) significantly reduced the multiplicity of colonic adenomas and adenocarcinomas compared with the AOM/DSS only-treated mice. In the mice treated with 400mg/kg of PAG, adenoma and adenocarcinoma development was reduced to 80% and 60%, respectively, compared to 100% in the PAG-untreated AOM/DSS-treated mice. Western blot analysis using colon extracts showed that PAG reduced the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), resulting in the inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 expression. PAG appeared to inhibit the NF-κB activation through the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma. PAG also inhibited the expression and phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, which is known to connect inflammation and cancer. In addition, PAG inhibited cell cycle progression-inducing cellular factors, such as extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2, cyclin-dependent kinase 4, and cyclin D1. On the other hand, PAG increased the expression of Caudal-related homeobox transcription factor 2, which is known to be a tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer. These findings show that PAG suppresses colitis-related colon carcinogenesis by inhibiting both chronic inflammation and cell cycle progression in the colon.

From the Cover: Ethylmercury-Induced Oxidative and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Mediated Autophagic Cell Death: Involvement of Autophagosome-Lysosome Fusion Arrest

Ethylmercury (EtHg) is derived from the degradation of thimerosal, the most widely used organomercury compound. In this study, EtHg-induced toxicity and autophagy in the mouse kidney was observed and then the mechanism of toxicity was explored in vitro in HK-2 cells. Low doses of EtHg induced autophagy without causing any histopathological changes in mouse kidneys. However, mice treated with high doses of EtHg exhibited severe focal tubular cell necrosis of the proximal tubules with autophagy. EtHg dose-dependently increased the production of reactive oxygen species, reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential, activated the unfolded protein response, and increased cytosolic Ca²⁺levels in HK-2 cells. Cell death induced by EtHg exposure was caused by autophagy and necrosis. N-acetyl cysteine and 4-phenylbutyric acid attenuated EtHg-induced stress and ameliorated the autophagic response in HK-2 cells. Furthermore, EtHg blocked autophagosome fusion with lysosomes, which was demonstrated via treatment with wortmannin and chloroquine. Low doses of EtHg and rapamycin, which resulted in minimal cytotoxicity, increased the levels of the autophagic SNARE complex STX17 (syntaxin 17)-VAMP8-SNAP29 without altering mRNA levels, but high dose of EtHg was cytotoxic. Inhibition of autophagic flux by chloroquin increased autophagosome formation and necrotic cell death in HK-2 cells. Collectively, our results show that EtHg induces autophagy via oxidative and ER stress and blockade of autophagic flux. Autophagy might play a dual role in EtHg-induced renal toxicity, being both protective following treatment with low doses of EtHg and detrimental following treatment with high doses.

Induction of mast cell degranulation by triterpenoidal saponins obtained from Cimicifugae rhizoma

Cimicifugae rhizoma has been widely used as a traditional herbal medicine to treat inflammation and menopausal symptoms. In this study, we found that some of the triterpenoidal saponins purified from the ethanol extract of Cimicifugae rhizoma dramatically induced histamine release. The structure-related induction of mast cell degranulation by them and the mechanism of action were determined. β-Hexosaminidase release in HMC-1 cells was increased in a concentration-dependent manner, with maximal 6.5- and 8.5-fold increases, by 200 μg/mL 24-epi-7,8-didehydrocimigenol-3-O-xyloside (comp 1) and cimigenol 3-O-beta-d-xyloside (comp 4) compared with those treated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and A23187 (PMACI), respectively. However, β-hexosaminidase release was not changed by 7,8-dihydrocimigenol (comp 3), or 23-OAc-shengmanol-3-O-xyloside (comp 7). These triterpenoidal saponins changed neither the intracellular Ca(2+ )level nor the activation of PKC, both of which play essential roles in histamine release. However, cromolyn and ketotifen, membrane stabilizers, effectively inhibited the β-hexosaminidase release induced by comp 1 or comp 4 by 39 and 45%, respectively. Collectively, xylose on the cimigenol-related backbone among triterpene glycosides isolated from Cimicifugae rhizoma may play an important role in activating mast cells and induction of degranulation partly via membrane destabilization of mast cells.

Physical and Antibacterial Properties of Gold-Poly(ethyl methacrylate) Nanocomposites Prepared by In-Situ Polymerization

In this paper, the physical and antimicrobial properties of gold-poly(ethyl methacrylate) nanocomposites (Au-PEMA) are evaluated. Characterization of gold nanoparticles was carried out based on UV-Vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The specimens were characterized by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). We identified the thermal stability of Au-PEMA nanocomposites and the inhibitory effect of live bacterial attachment of Au-PEMA nanocomposites against S. mutans was also evaluated.

Comparison of two different S-1 plus cisplatin dosing schedules as first-line chemotherapy for metastatic and/or recurrent gastric cancer: a multicenter, randomized phase III trial (SOS)

BACKGROUND

Five-weekly S-1 plus cisplatin (SP5) is one of the standard first-line regimens for advanced gastric cancer (GC), proven in a Japanese phase III study. To enhance the dose intensity of cisplatin, 3-weekly S-1 plus cisplatin (SP3) was developed.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This multicenter, randomized, open-label, phase III study evaluated whether SP3 (S-1 80 mg/m(2)/day on days 1-14 and cisplatin 60 mg/m(2) on day 1) was noninferior/superior to SP5 (S-1 80-120 mg/day on days 1-21 and cisplatin 60 mg/m(2) on day 1 or 8) in terms of progression-free survival (PFS). Chemotherapy-naive patients with metastatic, recurrent gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma were randomized 1 : 1 to receive either SP3 or SP5. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00915382).

RESULTS

Between February 2009 and January 2012, 625 patients were randomized at 42 sites in Korea and Japan. With a median follow-up duration of 32.4 months (range, 13.3-48.6 months) in surviving patients, SP3 was not only noninferior but also superior to SP5 in terms of PFS [median 5.5 versus 4.9 months; hazard ratio (HR) = 0.82; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68-0.99; P = 0.0418 for superiority). There was no difference in overall survival (OS) between the groups (median 14.1 versus 13.9 months; HR = 0.99; 95% CI 0.81-1.21; P = 0.9068). In patients with measurable disease, the response rates were 60% in the SP3 arm and 50% in the SP5 arm (P = 0.065). Both regimens were generally well tolerated, but grade 3 or higher anemia (19% versus 9%) and neutropenia (39% versus 9%) were more frequent in SP3.

CONCLUSIONS

SP3 is superior to SP5 in terms of PFS. However, since the improvement in PFS was only slight and there was no difference in OS, both SP3 and SP5 can be recommended as first-line treatments for patients with advanced GC.

Diagnosis and treatment of patients with thyroid cancer

BACKGROUND

Thyroid cancer is the most common malignancy of the endocrine system, representing 3.8% of all new cancer cases in the United States and is the ninth most common cancer overall. The American Cancer Society estimates that 62,450 people in the United States will be diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2015, and 1950 deaths will result from the disease.

OBJECTIVE

To review the current approach to the diagnosis and treatment of patients with thyroid cancer.

DISCUSSION

Over the past 3 decades, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of people diagnosed with thyroid cancer, which may be attributable to the wide use of imaging studies, including ultrasounds, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography scans that incidentally detect thyroid nodules. Thyroid cancer is divided into several main types, with papillary thyroid cancer being the most common. The treatment options for patients with thyroid cancer include the surgical removal of the entire thyroid gland (total thyroidectomy), radioactive iodine therapy, and molecular-targeted therapies with tyrosine kinase inhibitors. This article summarizes the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer, with recommendations from the American Thyroid Association regarding thyroid nodules and differentiated thyroid cancer. Recently approved drugs and treatment trends are also explored.

CONCLUSION

The prognosis and treatment of thyroid cancer depend on the tumor type and its stage at the time of diagnosis. Many thyroid cancers remain stable, microscopic, and indolent. The increasing treatment options for patients with thyroid cancer, including therapies that were recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, have kept the mortality rate from this malignancy low, despite the increase in its incidence. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can improve prognosis and reduce mortality.

A new pH sensitive fluorescent and white light emissive material through controlled intermolecular charge transfer

A new, pH dependent and water-soluble, conjugated oligomer (amino, trimethylammonium oligophenylene vinylene, ATAOPV) was synthesized with a quaternary ammonium salt and an aromatic amine at the two ends of a π-conjugated oligomer, thus creating a strong dipole across the molecule. A unique white light LED is successfully fabricated from a stimuli responsive organic molecule whose emission properties are dominated by the pH value of the solution through controlled intermolecular charge transfer.

Peripubertal administration of icariin and icaritin advances pubertal development in female rats

Epimedii Herba is a traditional medicinal herb used in Korea and China and exerts estrogenic activity. In this study, we investigated the effect of peripubertal administration of Epimedii Herba on pubertal development in female rats using a modified protocol of the rodent 20-day pubertal female assay. Female Sprague-Dawley rats (21 days old after weaning, 10 rats per group) were divided into five groups: saline (Con), ethinyl estradiol (E2), Epimedii Herba ext (Ext), icariin (ICI), and icaritin (ICT), which were administered by oral gavage (E2 by subcutaneous injection) from postnatal day (PND) 21 through PND40. The time to vaginal opening (VO) was shorter for the Epimedii groups, particularly for the ICT group (p<0.05). Treatment with ICI and ICT significantly increased the duration of the estrus cycle (ICI, 2.78 days; ICT, 4.0 days; control, 1.78 days). Ovary weight was reduced by E2 treatment and increased by the Ext, ICI, and ICT treatments while the weight of the uterus and pituitary glands increased significantly only in the E2 and ICT groups. Although Epimedii Herba displayed relatively weak estrogenic activity, its repeated administration could affect pubertal development in female rats.

2,3,6-Trisubstituted quinoxaline derivative, a small molecule inhibitor of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway, suppresses cell proliferation and enhances radiosensitivity in A549/Wnt2 cells

GDK-100017, a 2,3,6-trisubstituted quinoxaline derivative, reduced β-catenin-T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor (TCF/LEF)-dependent transcriptional activity and inhibited cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner with an IC₅₀ value of about 10 μM in A549/Wnt2 cells. GDK-100017 down-regulated the expression of Wnt/β-catenin pathway target genes such as cyclin D1 and Dkk1 but not c-myc or survivin. GDK-100017 inhibited cell proliferation by arresting the cell cycle in the G1 phase not only in A549/wnt2 cells but also in SW480 colon cancer cells. In addition to its wnt signaling inhibitory properties, GDK-100017 also enhanced the radiosensitivity of the A549 human NSCLC line. These results suggest that GDK-100017 possesses potential anti-cancer activity by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway, blocking the β-catenin-TCF/LEF interaction, and enhancing radiosensitivity.

Effects of a new sustained-release microsphere formulation of exenatide, DA-3091, on obese and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease mice

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a new sustained-release (SR) microsphere formulation of exenatide, DA-3091, on body weight gain and hepatic injury in high fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice and high sucrose diet (HSD)-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) mice. Then, we determined whether DA-3091 has the potency as a drug for the treatment of metabolic disease. In obese mice, after 8-week treatment, the body weight gain was significantly more suppressed by both 1 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg of DA-3091, monthly subcutaneous administered, than by 10 mg/kg/day of sibutramin, a drug against obesity. In NAFLD mice, a significant reduction in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, representative markers of hepatic injury, was observed after biweekly subcutaneous administration of 1 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg of DA-3091 for 8 weeks. A significant reduction in hepatic lipid accumulation was observed in DA-3091 treated groups as well. Based on these results, it is demonstrated that DA-3091 has the potency as a drug for the treatment of metabolic disease.

A tobacco CBL-interacting protein kinase homolog is involved in phosphorylation of the N-terminal domain of the cucumber mosaic virus polymerase 2a protein

The replication and transcription of cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) are catalyzed by multi-protein complex RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), which is composed of the viral-encoded 1a and 2a proteins with host factors. We have reported that the N-terminal region of the polymerase 2a protein, composed of 126 amino acids, is required for interaction with the helicase 1a protein, and that the phosphorylation of the region abrogated interaction with the 1a protein, suggesting a mechanism of resistance in host plants against viral infection. Here, we found that three protein 2a kinases, of 60, 55, and 38 kDa, co-purified with the tobacco membrane fraction in an in-gel kinase assay. By yeast two-hybrid library screening using the N-terminal 126 amino acids of 2a as a bait, we identified CBL-interacting protein kinase 12 (NtCIPK12) corresponding to 55 kDa protein 2a kinase. The bacterially expressed protein kinase showed protein 2a kinase (t2aK) activity in vitro. We found that NtCIPK12 stabilized upon CMV infection at the post-translational level, and accumulated more heavily to the membrane than in the cytosol.

Mixture of three amino acids as stabilizers replacing albumin in lyophilization of new third generation recombinant factor VIII GreenGene F

A formulation with stabilizers replacing albumin was developed for lyophilization of recombinant factor VIII (FVIII), GreenGene F (WHO INN: beroctocog alfa), to achieve stability and eliminate safety issues of blood-derived albumin. L-Arginine (hydrophilic amino acid, positively charged side chain), L-glutamic acid (hydrophilic amino acid, negatively charged side chain), and L-isoleucine (hydrophobic amino acid, nonpolar) were selected as stabilizers, and the mixture of the three amino acids were optimized. The mixture had results comparative with albumin and other commonly used stabilizers showing good preservation of recombinant FVIII during lyophilization, robust stability with consistently high recovery of FVIIII, very low aggregate formation, and good storage stability without alterations in protein characteristics. In vivo test results showed that the efficacy was maintained and had no signs of toxicity. The study demonstrated that the three amino acid mixture acts as a good stabilizer for lyophilization of recombinant FVIII and as a safe excipient.

Effect of chemotherapy on the outcome of self-expandable metallic stents in gastric cancer patients with malignant outlet obstruction

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM

Chemotherapy has been suggested to affect the outcome of pyloric stent placement. This study aimed to investigate the association between the response to chemotherapy and pyloric stent outcome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data from 113 patients with inoperable gastric cancer who received chemotherapy after pyloric stent placement at the National Cancer Center hospital were analyzed retrospectively. Chemotherapy response was assessed using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the effect of chemotherapy response on the complications of stents.

RESULTS

The stent migration rate was 15.9% (18/113) and the re-stenosis rate was 30.1% (34/113). The response rates to chemotherapy were higher in the first-line group than in the salvage chemotherapy group (second-line or more) (44.8% [26/58] vs. 3.6% [2/55], respectively; P < 0.001). The proportion of patients with long time-to-progression (> 8 weeks) was also higher in the first-line than the salvage chemotherapy group (81.0% [47 /58] vs. 61.8% [34 /55], respectively; P = 0.036). Although, the response to chemotherapy was not associated with stent migration or re-stenosis, a long time-to-progression (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 0.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.13-0.67) and first-line chemotherapy (aHR = 0.45, 95%CI 0.22-0.93) were protective factors against re-stenosis in the multivariate analysis. In patients who received first-line chemotherapy, the median duration of patency of covered and uncovered stents was 20 weeks (95%CI 11-29) and 33 weeks (95 %CI 18-48), respectively (P = 0.317).

CONCLUSIONS

A long time-to-progression and first-line chemotherapy were significant protective factors against re-stenosis. In chemotherapy-naïve gastric cancer patients with pyloric obstruction, placement of an uncovered stent followed by chemotherapy can be considered to increase stent patency.

Structural identification and biological activity of positional isomers of long-acting and mono-PEGylated recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor with trimeric-structured methoxy polyethylene glycol N-hydroxysuccinimidyl functional group

The individual positional isomers from the mono-PEGylated recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) were successfully isolated with additional strong cation exchange chromatography using Source 15S. The three isolated individual positional isomers were found to be homogeneous by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), analytical size exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography (SE-HPLC), and analytical cation exchange HPLC (CIE-HPLC) and were also characterized with respect to site of PEGylation by enzymatic digestion with endoproteinase Lys-C and N-terminal sequencing. In addition, in vitro biological activity was determined by cell proliferation assay. It was determined that the three isolated individual positional isomers were PEGylated at Lys35, Met(N-terminal), and Lys17 of the rhG-CSF molecule with a 23-kDa trimer-structured methoxy polyethylene glycol N-hydroxysuccinimidyl functional group (mPEG-NHS). All individual positional isomers (Lys35-PEGylated rhG-CSF, Met(N-terminal)-PEGylated rhG-CSF, and Lys17-PEGylated rhG-CSF) retained in vitro biological activity and were found to be 18.5%, 37.6%, and 7.1%, respectively, compared with the rhG-CSF molecule. The significantly different in vitro biological activities observed in the individual positional isomers could be presumably due to interference of receptor binding or active sites on the rhG-CSF molecule. In conclusion, the individual positional isomers isolated from the mono-PEGylated rhG-CSF were well characterized with respect to the site of PEGylation involving Lys35, Met(N-terminal), and Lys17. This characterization of the individual positional isomers would be critical to provide a basis for establishing consistency in the manufacturing process.

Anti-inflammatory activity of 6-hydroxy-2,7-dimethoxy-1,4-henanthraquinone from tuberous roots of yam (Dioscorea batatas) through inhibition of prostaglandin D₂ and leukotriene C₄ production in mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells

6-Hydroxy-2,7-dimethoxy-1,4-phenanthraquinone (PAQ) isolated from the tuberous roots of Yam (Dioscorea batatas) inhibited cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) dependent prostaglandin D(2) (PGD(2)) generation in mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells in a concentration-dependent manner with IC(50) values of 0.08 μM and 0.27 μM, respectively. In the Western blotting with specific anti-COX-2 antibodies, the decrease of the quantity of PGD(2) was accompanied by a decrease in the COX-2 protein level. But PAQ did not affect COX-1 protein level. In addition, this compound inhibited 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) dependent production of leukotriene C(4) in a dose-dependent manner, with an IC(50) of 0.032 μM. These results demonstrate that PAQ has a dual COX-2/5-LOX inhibitory activity. This compound also inhibited the degranulation reaction in a dose-dependent manner with an IC(50) of 2.7 μM. Thus, these results suggest that PAQ may be useful in regulating mast cell-mediated inflammatory diseases.

Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of processed Aloe vera gel in a mouse model of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

The effects of processed Aloe vera gel (PAG) on the course of established diet-induced non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) were studied in C57BL/6J mice. NIDDM was induced in C57BL/6J mice by feeding them a high-fat diet. Mice exhibiting diet-induced obesity (DIO) with blood glucose levels above 180mg/dl were selected to examine the antidiabetic effects of PAG. Oral administration of PAG for 8 weeks reduced circulating blood glucose concentrations to a normal level in these DIO mice. In addition, the administration of PAG significantly decreased plasma insulin. The antidiabetic effects of PAG were also confirmed by intraperitoneal glucose tolerance testing. PAG appeared to lower blood glucose levels by decreasing insulin resistance. The administration of PAG also lowered triacylglyceride levels in liver and plasma. Histological examinations of periepididymal fat pad showed that PAG reduced the average size of adipocytes. These results demonstrate that the oral administration of PAG prevents the progression of NIDDM-related symptoms in high-fat diet-fed mice, and suggest that PAG could be useful for treating NIDDM.

Simultaneous determination of phenolic acids and phthalide compounds by liquid chromatography for quality assessment of Rhizoma cnidii

This paper describes a simple, rapid, and validated reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method developed for the determination of 4 major bioactive constituents, namely, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, senkyunolide A, and Z-ligustilide in Rhizoma Cnidii extract. A Capcell Pak C18 chromatographic column (150 x 4.6 mm, 3 microm) was used with mobile phases consisting of 0.1% formic acid, acetonitrile, and methanol at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min and UV detection at 285 nm. Comprehensive validation of the method included evaluation of linearity, repeatability, recovery, and stability. Excellent linear behavior (r2>0.99) was observed over the concentration range of 2-100 microg/mL for the compounds under investigation. Repeatability and accuracy were evaluated by intra- and interday assays; the relative standard deviation (RSD) values were < or = 5.37% and accuracies ranged from 97.1 to 104.9%. Recoveries of the compounds ranged from 94.2 to 104.2% with RSD values of < or = 9.50%. The developed method was successfully applied to the analysis of ethanolic extracts of Rhizoma Cnidii samples. As a result, the concentrations of chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, Z-ligustilide, and senkyunolide A were determined to be 0.84-5.35, 0.45-1.65, 0.74-4.39, and 0.32-1.14 mg/g herb, respectively. Thus, the developed method was found to be accurate and reproducible and is considered suitable for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of Rhizoma Cnidii for bioactive compounds.

Simultaneous Determination of Phenolic Acids and Phthalide Compounds by Liquid Chromatography for Quality Assessment of Rhizoma Cnidii

This paper describes a simple, rapid, and validated reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method developed for the determination of 4 major bioactive constituents, namely, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, senkyunolide A, and Z-ligustilide in Rhizoma Cnidii extract. A Capcell Pak C18 chromatographic column (150 4.6 mm, 3 m) was used with mobile phases consisting of 0.1 formic acid, acetonitrile, and methanol at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min and UV detection at 285 nm. Comprehensive validation of the method included evaluation of linearity, repeatability, recovery, and stability. Excellent linear behavior (r2 &gt;0.99) was observed over the concentration range of 2100 g/mL for the compounds under investigation. Repeatability and accuracy were evaluated by intra- and interday assays; the relative standard deviation (RSD) values were 5.37 and accuracies ranged from 97.1 to 104.9. Recoveries of the compounds ranged from 94.2 to 104.2 with RSD values of 9.50. The developed method was successfully applied to the analysis of ethanolic extracts of Rhizoma Cnidii samples. As a result, the concentrations of chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, Z-ligustilide, and senkyunolide A were determined to be 0.845.35, 0.451.65, 0.744.39, and 0.321.14 mg/g herb, respectively. Thus, the developed method was found to be accurate and reproducible and is considered suitable for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of Rhizoma Cnidii for bioactive compounds.

Effects of CYP2C19 and MDR1 genotype on the eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori infection by triple therapy with pantoprazole, amoxycillin and clarithromycin

BACKGROUND

CYP2C19 polymorphism plays an important role in the metabolism of proton pump inhibitors. The multidrug resistance (MDR)1 genotype is associated with the successful eradication of Helicobacter pylori. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of CYP2C19 and MDR1 genotypes on the eradication rate of H. pylori using a pantoprazole-based triple therapy.

METHODS

A total of 210 patients infected with H. pylori were treated with 40 mg pantoprazole, 500 mg clarithromycin and 1000 mg amoxicillin twice daily for 7 days. The CYP2C19 genotype was determined with polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. The MDR1 C3435T polymorphism was identified by PCR-based allele-specific amplification (PCR-ASA).

RESULTS

Of the 210 patients who completed the study, 174 (82.9%, 95.0% confidence interval [CI], 77.8-88.0%) achieved successful eradication after the first cycle of therapy. The eradication rates for H. pylori were 86.7%, 81.1% and 82.1% in the homozygous extensive, heterozygous extensive and poor metabolizer groups, respectively (P = 0.65). Moreover, the cure rates in the CC, CT, and TT groups were 82.7%, 84.4% and 76.9%, respectively (P = 0.66). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that endoscopic diagnosis was a significant independent risk factor for treatment failure.

CONCLUSION

The eradication rates of H. pylori by pantoprazole, amoxicillin and clarithromycin were not significantly different among the CYP2C19 and MDR1 genotypes. Hence, the cure rate of H. pylori in the Korean population was no different for the CYP2C19 and MDR1 genotypes.

Crystal structures of substrate and inhibitor complexes of ribose 5-phosphate isomerase A from Vibrio vulnificus YJ016

Ribose-5-phosphate isomerase A (RpiA) plays an important role in interconverting between ribose-5-phosphate (R5P) and ribulose-5-phosphate in the pentose phosphate pathway and the Calvin cycle. We have determined the crystal structures of the open form RpiA from Vibrio vulnificus YJ106 (VvRpiA) in complex with the R5P and the closed form with arabinose-5-phosphate (A5P) in parallel with the apo VvRpiA at 2.0 A resolution. VvRpiA is highly similar to Eschericihia coliRpiA, and the VvRpiA-R5P complex strongly resembles the E. coli RpiA-A5P complex. Interestingly, unlike the E. coli RpiA-A5P complex, the position of A5P in the VvRpiA-A5P complex reveals a different position than the R5P binding mode. VvRpiA-A5P has a sugar ring inside the binding pocket and a phosphate group outside the binding pocket: By contrast, the sugar ring of A5P interacts with the Asp4, Lys7, Ser30, Asp118, and Lys121 residues; the phosphate group of A5P interacts with two water molecules, W51 and W82.

Isolation and identification of a novel microorganism producing the immunosuppressant tacrolimus

An extensive screening program has isolated a novel microorganism capable of over-producing tacrolimus, an effective immunosuppressant with a superior potency relative to cyclosporine A. The initial screening step based on anti-fungal activity against Aspergillus niger ATCC 6275, a FK506 sensitive test strain, resulted in the isolation of 127 Actinomycetes from Korean soil samples. Subsequent T-cell proliferation assay demonstrated that among the 127 Actinomycetes isolated, only one strain exhibited immunosuppressive activity. Examination of the general taxonomical characteristics and data from the phylogenetic sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene led to identification of the isolate as a strain of Streptomyces clavuligerus. The immunosuppressive activity of this newly isolated strain, S. clavuligerus CKD1119 was confirmed to be identical to that of tacrolimus. Moreover, a 7 l jar fermentor experiment using the isolate yielded a peak titer of 58 mg/l for FK-506 production after 8 d of culture in production medium.

Identification of amino acid sequences determining interaction between the cucumber mosaic virus-encoded 2a polymerase and 3a movement proteins

The cucumber mosaic virus (CMV)-encoded 3a movement protein (MP) is indispensable for CMV movement in plants. We have previously shown that MP interacts directly with the CMV-encoded 2a polymerase protein in vitro. Here, we further dissected this interaction and determined the amino acid sequences that are responsible for the MP and 2a polymerase protein interaction. Both the N-terminal 21 amino acids and the central GDD motif of the 2a polymerase protein were important for interacting with the MP. Although each of the regions alone was sufficient for the interaction with MP, quantitative yeast two-hybrid analyses showed that they acted synergistically to enhance the binding affinity. The MP N-terminal 20 amino acids were sufficient for interacting with the 2a polymerase protein, and the serine residue at position 14 played a critical role in the interaction. Multiple sequence alignment showed that the 2a protein interacting regions and the serine at position 14 in the MP are highly conserved among subgroup I and II CMV isolates.

Simultaneous quantitation of five flavonoid glycosides in Herba Epimedii by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

A rapid and accurate reversed-phase liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method has been developed and validated for the quantitative determination of five flavonoid glycosides, icariin, epimedin A, epimedin B, epimedin C and hyperin in Herba Epimedii. Chromatographic separations were performed using a C(18) narrow-bore HPLC column; a mixture of an aqueous solution of ammonium formate (pH 4.0) and acetonitrile was used as the mobile phase, with compounds detected in the positive ion mode with multiple-reaction monitoring using a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer equipped with an electrospray ionisation interface. This method for the determination of the reported flavonoid glycosides was accurate and reproducible, with a lower limit of quantication of 0.5 microg/mL. The standard calibration curves for the above-mentioned compounds were linear (r(2) > 0.998) over the concentration range 0.5-10.0 microg/mL. The relative standard deviations for intra- and inter-day precision over the concentration range for the flavonoid glycosides were lower than 7.8% with accuracy between 90.1 and 111.0%. The established method was successfully applied to the quality assessment of samples of Herba Epimedii collected from Korea and China.

Lipase activity and tacrolimus production in Streptomyces clavuligerus CKD 1119 mutant strains

The effect of carbon sources on tacrolimus production by a mutant strain of Streptomyces clavuligerus CKD 1119, an isolate from soil, was examined. Among the carbohydrates and oils tested in this work, a mixed carbon source of soluble starch and corn oil was the best. An analysis of the culture kinetics also showed that, in contrast to the carbohydrates, the corn oil was consumed later in the antibiotic production phase, implying that the oil substrate was the principal carbon source for the biosynthesis of tacrolimus, and this was directly proven by experiments using 14C-glucose and 14C-oleate substrates. Furthermore, corn oil induced the formation of lipase by the mutant strain, whereas the addition of glucose significantly repressed lipase activity. The lipase activity exhibited by the FK-506-overproducing mutants was also observed to be directly proportional to their tacrolimus yield, indicating that a high lipase activity is itself a crucial factor for tacrolimus production. A feasibility study with a 200-l pilot-scale fermentor and the best strain (Tc-XII- 15322) identified in this work revealed a high volumetric and specific productivity of about 495 mg/l and 0.34 mg/mg dry mycelium, respectively.

Effects of N-terminal modification of recombinant human cytochrome P450 1A2 on catalytic activity

1. The high-level expression of mammalian cytochrome P450 in bacteria usually requires modification of the amino-terminal region of the enzyme. The effect of altering amino acids in the N-terminus of human recombinant CYP1A2 on its catalytic activity was investigated herein. 2. Rates of 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylation by CYP1A2a (a form made by altering the amino acids LLL of CYP1A2 to RER at positions 3-5) in reconstituted systems were significantly low compared with those of other CYP1A2 N-terminal variants at a low ratio of cytochrome P450 to NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase, but not at higher reductase concentrations. 3. CYP1A2a-dependent ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase activity in a cumene hydroperoxide-supported system was approximately 2-fold higher than other CYP1A2 N-terminal variants. 4. Our results suggest that modification of three N-terminal amino acids in CYP1A2 alters the interaction between CYP1A2 and the reductase in reconstituted phospholipid vesicles and in the bicistronic membranes.

Comparison of prostate cancer cell lines for androgen receptor-mediated reporter gene assays

In order to select a better prostate cancer cell model for androgen receptor (AR)-mediated reporter gene assays, we assessed the androgen response characteristics of three cell lines, LNCaP, PC3/AR(+) and 22Rv1, in this study. Both the mRNA and the proteins of AR and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) were expressed in all three cell lines. Among the three cell lines, only in LNCaP cells, DHT concentration-dependently stimulated proliferation. DHT induced the luciferase activity in three cell lines which were transiently transfected with pMMTV-Luc, in a concentration-dependent manner. The maximum induction was 24.0-fold and 13.4-fold in 22Rv1 and in the LNCaP respectively. PC3/AR(+) were more sensitive to respond to DHT at a minimal concentration of 10(-12)M by 14.0-fold induction. The transcriptional activity induced with 10(-8)M DHT was inhibited about 50-75% in the PC3/AR(+) and 22Rv1, and 98% in the LNCaP, by vinclozolin. Dexamethasone concentration-dependently induced the luciferase activity in PC3 and 22Rv1, but not in the LNCaP. However, the response to dexamethasone in 22Rv1 was very weak compared to DHT. The (anti)androgencity of seven pyrethroids was assessed via an AR-mediated luciferase reporter assay. None of them showed the androgenic action in all three cell lines. Permethrin inhibited the DHT induced luciferase activity about 22%, 35.8% and 75.5% in 22Rv1, PC3/AR(+) and LNCaP, respectively. Based on results from in this study and cell line character, 22Rv1 cells seemed to be an appropriate model for the screening of androgenic endocrine disruptors, although it needs further studies with other steroid receptor and thyroid receptor.

Antitumor activity of the novel human cytokine AIMP1 in an in vivo tumor model

Although AIMP1 (previously known as p43) is one of three auxiliary proteins bound to a macromolecular aminoacyl tRNA complex, it is also secreted as a cytokine controlling both angiogenesis and immune responses. Here we show that systemically administered purified recombinant human AIMP1 had anti-tumor activity in mouse xenograft models. In Meth A-bearing Balb/c mice, tumor volume increased about 28 fold in the vehicle treatment group, while an increase of about 16.7 fold was observed in the AIMP1-treated group. We also evaluated the anti-tumor activity of AIMP1 in combination with a sub-clinical dose of the cytotoxic anti-tumor drug, paclitaxel. The growth of NUGC-3 human stomach cancer cells was suppressed by 84% and 94% by the combinations of 5 mg/kg paclitaxel + 25 mg/kg AIMP1 (p = 0.03), and 5 mg/kg paclitaxel + 50 mg/kg AIMP1 (p = 0.02), respectively, while 5 mg/kg paclitaxel alone suppressed growth by only 54% (p = 0.02). A similar cooperative effect of AIMP1 and paclitaxel was observed in a lung cancer xenograft model. These results suggest that AIMP1 may be useful as a novel anti-tumor agent.

The novel antioxidant 3-O-caffeoyl-1-methylquinic acid induces Nrf2-dependent phase II detoxifying genes and alters intracellular glutathione redox

Induction of detoxifying phase II genes by chemopreventive agents represents a coordinated protective response against oxidative stress and neoplastic effects of carcinogens. We have earlier shown that a novel antioxidant from the bamboo leaves constituent 3-O-caffeoyl-1-methylquinic acid (MCGA3) induces heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and protects endothelial cells from ROS-induced endothelial injury. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the induction mechanism of HO-1 and other phase II genes by MCGA3 in human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs). Using Northern blotting and RT-PCR, we found that treatment of HUVECs with MCGA3 increased, in a dose and time-dependent manner, steady-state mRNA levels of the selected phase II genes including HO-1, ferritin, gamma-glutamylcysteine lygase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione transferase, which were dependent on Nrf2 nuclear translocation. The observed phase II gene induction by MCGA3 was found to be associated with MCGA3-mediated cytoprotective activity, ROS-scavenging potency, and the increase in the cellular levels of both reduced (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG). Interestingly, exposure to MCGA3 resulted in a decreased ratio of GSH/GSSG, which was negatively related with mRNA level of phase II genes. By employing N-acetylcysteine and GSH biosynthetic enzyme inhibitors as well as prooxidants, hemin and H(2)O(2), we show that a decreased intracellular GSH/GSSG homeostasis, at least in part, may be involved in the MCGA3-mediated phase II gene induction and Nrf2 translocation, although the attenuation of HO-1 expression with SP 600125 supports a partial involvement of JNK signaling.

Effects of hydroxyl group numbers on the B-ring of 5,7-dihydroxyflavones on the differential inhibition of human CYP 1A and CYP1B1 enzymes

Flavonoids are polyphenols composed of two aromatic rings (A, B) and a heterocyclic ring (C). In order to determine the effects of the number of hydroxyl groups in the B-ring of the flavonoids on human cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1 family enzymes, we evaluated the inhibition of CYP1A-dependent 7-ethoxyresorufin omicron-deethylation activity by chrysin, apigenin and luteolin, using bacterial membranes that co-express human CYP1A1, CYP1A2, or CYP1B1 with human NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase. Chrysin, which possesses no hydroxyl groups in its B-ring, exhibited the most pronounced inhibitory effects on CYP1A2-dependent EROD activity, followed by apigenin and luteolin. On the contrary, CYP1A1-mediated EROD activity was most potently inhibited by luteolin, which is characterized by two hydroxyl groups in its B-ring, followed by apigenin and chrysin. However, all of the 5,7-dihydroxyflavones were determined to similarly inhibit CYP1B1 activity. Chrysin, apigenin, and luteolin exhibited a mixed-type mode of inhibition with regard to CYP1A2, CYP1B1, and CYP1A1, with apparent Ki values of 2.4, 0.5, and 2.0 microM, respectively. These findings suggested that the number of hydroxyl groups in the B-ring of 5,7-dihydroxyflavone might have some influence on the degree to which CYP1A enzymes were inhibited, but not on the degree to which CYP1B1 enzymes were inhibited.

In vitro and in planta interaction evidence between Nicotiana tabacum thaumatin-like protein 1 (TLP1) and cucumber mosaic virus proteins

Using a yeast two-hybrid system, we identified a plant cellular factor that interacts with the proteins of the Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV). Initially 14 candidate genes were isolated from Nicotiana tabacum, using a full-length CMV 1a gene as bait. Among the candidate genes, two were encoding thaumatin-like proteins (TLP), and were designated as Nicotiana tabacum thaumatin-like protein 1 (NtTLP1). Consistent with this observation, recombinant GST-NtTLP1 protein, which was expressed and purified in E. coli, bound tightly to CMV 1a in vitro. In planta interaction was also verified via co-immunoprecipitation. Additionally, NtTLP1 specifically interacted with the CMV movement-related proteins, movement protein and coat protein, in yeast. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis showed that the expression of NtTLP1 increased as the result of CMV inoculation.

Evidence for interaction between the 2a polymerase protein and the 3a movement protein of Cucumber mosaic virus

The genome of Cucumber mosaic virus consists of three single-stranded RNA molecules, RNAs 1, 2 and 3. RNAs 1 and 2 encode the 1a and 2a proteins, respectively, which are necessary for replication of the viral genome and have been implicated in movement of the viral RNAs in plants. The 3a movement protein (MP), encoded by RNA 3, is essential for transferring the RNA genomes from infected cells to adjacent cells across the plasmodesmata. Far-Western analysis demonstrated that bacterially expressed 2a polymerase protein directly interacted with the MP. Interaction was confirmed in a yeast two-hybrid assay, and co-immunoprecipitation analysis showed that the MP interacted only with the 2a polymerase protein. A yeast three-hybrid assay showed that the 1a–2a protein interaction relevant for replicase complex formation was not affected by the MP. Although the MP has no affinity for the 1a protein, it interacted indirectly with the 1a protein via the 2a polymerase protein. These results suggest that the replicase complex may be involved in movement through its interaction with the MP.

Effects of 2,4-D and DCP on the DHT-induced androgenic action in human prostate cancer cells

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and its metabolite 2,4-dichlorophenol (DCP) are used extensively in agriculture as herbicides, and are suspected of potential endocrine disruptor activity. In a previous study, we showed that these compounds exhibited synergistic androgenic effects by co-treatment with testosterone in the Hershberger assay. To elucidate the mechanisms of the synergistic effects of these compounds on the androgenicity of testosterone, the androgenic action of 2,4-D and DCP was characterized using a mammalian detection system in prostate cancer cell lines. In in vitro assay systems, while 2,4-D or DCP alone did not show androgenic activity, 2,4-D or DCP with 5alpha-dihydroxytestosterone (DHT) exhibited synergistic androgenic activities. Co-treatment of 10 nM 2,4-D or DCP with 10 nM DHT was shown to stimulate the cell proliferation by 1.6-fold, compared to 10 nM DHT alone. In addition, in transient transfection assays, androgen-induced transactivation was also increased to a maximum of 32-fold or 1.28-fold by co-treatment of 2,4-D or DCP with DHT, respectively. However, 2,4-D and DCP exerted no effects on either mRNA or protein levels of AR. In a competitive AR binding assay, 2,4-D and DCP inhibited androgen binding to AR, up to 50% at concentrations of approximately 0.5 microM for both compounds. The nuclear translocation of green fluorescent protein-AR fusion protein in the presence of DHT was promoted as the result of the addition of 2,4-D and DCP. Collectively, these results that 2,4-D and DCP enhanced DHT-induced AR transcriptional activity might be attributable, at least in part, to the promotion of AR nuclear translocation.

Identification of optimal molecular size of modified Aloe polysaccharides with maximum immunomodulatory activity

Polysaccharides isolated from the gel of Aloe species have been known to have diverse biological activities, including immunomodulatory and antitumor activities. The molecular size-immunomodulatory activity relationship of modified Aloe polysaccharide (MAP) was examined in this study. Crude MAP (G2E1) was prepared from the gel of Aloe vera that was partially digested with cellulase. Proteins in crude MAP were removed by passage through a DEAE-Sephacel column, and then the protein-free MAP (G2E1D) was further separated into three fractions, G2E1DS3 molecular weight (MW > or = 400 KDa), G2E1DS2 (5 KDa < or = MW < or = 400 KDa), G2E1DS1 (MW < or = 5 KDa), by Sephacryl column chromatography and ultrafiltration. Immunomodulatory activities of MAP preparations were examined on a mouse macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7 cells, and in ICR strain of mouse implanted with sarcoma 180 cells. We found that polysaccharides between 400 and 5 KDa exhibit the most potent macrophage-activating activity as determined by increased cytokine production, nitric oxide release, expression of surface molecules, and phagocytic activity. In accordance with the in vitro activity, polysaccharides between 400 and 5 KDa also exhibited the most potent antitumor activity in vivo.

Construction of bacterial artificial chromosome library from electrochemical microorganisms

A microbial fuel cell is a device that directly converts metabolic energy into electricity, using electrochemical technology. The analysis of large genome fragments recovered directly from microbial communities represents one promising approach to characterizing uncultivated electrochemical microorganisms. To further assess the utility of this approach, we constructed large-insert (140 kb) bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) libraries from the genomic DNA of a microbial fuel cell, which had been operated for three weeks using acetate media. We screened the expression of several ferric reductase activities in the Escherichia coli host, in order to determine the extent of heterologous expression of metal-ion-reducing enzymes in the library. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences recovered from the BAC libraries indicates that they contain DNA from a wide diversity of microbial organisms. The constructed bacterial library proved a powerful tool for exploring metal-ion reductase activities, providing information on the electron transport pathway of electrochemical microbial (ECM) organisms.

Structure-related cytotoxicity and anti-hepatofibric effect of asiatic acid derivatives in rat hepatic stellate cell-line, HSC-T6

The structural relationship of 16 asiatic acid (AA) derivatives, including AA and asiaticoside (AS) to cytotoxicity and anti-hepatofibrotic activity in HSC-T6 cells, were investigated. Cytotoxicities of AA derivatives varied from 5.5 microM to over 2000 microM of IC50 depending on AA functional group modifications. Substituting the hydroxyl group at the C(2) to N[triple bond]C and substituting bulky groups for dihydroxyl groups at (3), (23) of the A-ring increased the cytotoxicity, but keto group at C(11) and benzoyl ester at C(2) were greatly reduced it. Modification of the carboxylic acid group at C28 also reduced the cytotoxicity. The collagen synthesis determined by hydroxyproline content in the cells was inhibited from a maximum of 48% (Zlx-i-85 and 87) to 15% (AS) by AA derivatives. The anti-hepatofibrotic effect of these compounds might be due to the reduced expression of prolyl 4-hydroxylase alpha and beta subunits and TIMP2. However, the inhibition of collagen by asiaticoside derivatives did not show any structural-activity relationship.

Comparison of anti-androgenic activity of flutamide, vinclozolin, procymidone, linuron, and p, p′-DDE in rodent 10-day Hershberger assay

The rodent Hershberger assay proposed by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is in the process of the validating a test method to detecting the androgenic or anti-androgenic compounds. The aim of this study was to compare the anti-androgenic properties of flutamide, vinclozolin, procymidone, linuron, and p,p'-DDE in a 10-day Hershberger assay. In the present study, we used immature Sprague-Dawley male rats castrated at 6 weeks of age. Testosterone propionate (TP) was subcutaneously injected for 10 consecutive days at doses of 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, or 1.6 mg/kg per day. To compare the anti-androgenic activity of test compounds, flutamide (1, 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg per day), a pure androgen antagonist was used as a positive control, and administered by oral gavage after TP (0.4 mg/kg per day) treatment. In addition, vinclozolin (25, 50, or 100 mg/kg per day), procymidone (25, 50, or 100 mg/kg per day), linuron (25, 50, or 100 mg/kg per day), and p,p '-DDE (25, 50, or 100 mg/kg per day) were also administered by oral gavage after TP (0.4 mg/kg per day) treatment. As expected, TP dose-dependently increased accessory sex organ weights, and statistically significant effects were observed at doses of 0.1 (only seminal vesicles) or 0.2mg/kg per day and above. Serum testosterone levels increased significantly at 0.4 mg/kg per day and above, while serum LH levels were decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Flutamide significantly inhibited the TP-induced re-growth of seminal vesicles, ventral prostate, and Levator ani plus bulbocavernosus muscles (LABC) at 1mg/kg per day and above, and Cowper's glands and glans penis at 5mg/kg per day and above. In contrast to accessory sex organ weights, flutamide did not affect the serum testosterone levels compared to the control at any concentration, but serum LH levels were significantly increased at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg per day. Similar to flutamide, vinclozolin caused a statistically significant decrease in the weights of seminal vesicles (to 65 and 40% of the control), ventral prostate (to 66 and 51% of the control), LABC (to 81 and 66% of the control), and Cowper's glands (to 81 and 65% of the control) at 50 and 100 mg/kg per day, respectively. Glans penis weight was also significantly reduced (to 79% of the control), but only at 100 mg/kg per day. The most pronounced effects were observed in the procymidone treatment groups. Procymidone significantly inhibited TP-induced re-growth of accessory sex organs at 25mg/kg per day and above, whereas glans penis weight significantly decreased (to 69% of the control), but only at 100 mg/kg per day. Linuron also inhibited TP-induced re-growth of the seminal vesicles (to 72 and 53% of the control), ventral prostate (to 75 and 62% of the control), Cowper's glands (to 74 and 61% of the control) at 50 and 100 mg/kg per day, respectively. LABC (to 65% of the control) and glans penis (to 80% of the control) weights were significantly reduced, but only at 100 mg/kg per day. In case of p,p'-DDE, seminal vesicle weights were significantly decreased at 50 (to 66% of the control) and 100 mg/kg per day (to 58% of the control). In addition, ventral prostate (to 79% of the control), LABC (to 75% of the control), and Cowper's gland (to 82% of the control) weights were reduced, but only at 100 mg/kg per day. On the contrary, no statistically significant differences in serum testosterone or LH levels were observed versus the control. p,p'-DDE significantly increased liver weight in a dose-dependent manner, without affecting on body weights. Our results indicate that procymidone may act as a stronger androgen receptor (AR) antagonist than vinclozolin, linuron, or p,p'-DDE. We conclude that the 10-day Hershberger assay is a sensitive method for detecting potential anti-androgenic compounds.