Circulating inflammation markers and prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Chronic inflammation is thought to influence the risk of prostate cancer. The purpose of this population-based case-control study was to evaluate the association of 48 circulating inflammation markers with prostate cancer, to identify candidate markers for further investigation.

METHODS

Serum samples collected from 235 prostate cancer patients and 198 population-based controls recruited in Örebro County, Sweden, in 1989-1991, were assessed using a multiplex bead-based immunoassay to determine concentrations of 48 circulating inflammation markers. Logistic regression was first used to evaluate the association between individual markers (highest vs lowest concentration quartile) and prostate cancer in unadjusted and mutually adjusted models. Second, patients with inflammatory conditions, metastatic or advanced prostate cancer, were excluded to address the possible influence of systemic disease on inflammation markers.

RESULTS

Individual analyses first identified 21 markers associated with prostate cancer (P < .05), which after mutual adjustment were reduced to seven markers. After the exclusion of men with conditions linked with systemic inflammation, associations between prostate cancer and deviant levels of C-X3-C motif chemokine ligand 1, platelet-derived growth factor subunit B homodimer, interleukin 10, C-C motif chemokine ligand (CCL) 21, and CCL11 remained statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

In this explorative study, we identified candidate inflammation markers of possible importance for prostate cancer pathophysiology, for further evaluation in prospective studies.

Predicting neurological deficit severity due to subarachnoid haemorrhage: soluble CD40 ligand and platelet-derived growth factor-BB

BACKGROUND

Several biological markers can predict outcomes in patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), but markers to predict neurological deficit severity in patients with SAH and poor neurological condition have not yet been established. Soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) are related to the systemic inflammatory response.

OBJECTIVE

In a prospective study, to investigate the relationship between clinical outcomes and blood test results in patients with SAH and severe neurological deficits.

METHODS

We studied 17 patients with Hunt and Hess Grade IV and Fisher Class III neurological deficits who had undergone aneurysmal clipping within 48 hours of onset of SAH. We measured their levels of sCD40L, PDGF-AA, PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB and C-reactive protein (CRP), their white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts and their body temperature. Blood tests were performed at an early time point (Day 0, the day of the SAH before craniotomy) and at a late time point (Day 10). The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of the patients was assessed at Day 60.

RESULTS

Seven patients (41%) were classified as mRS 0-2 (good outcome) and 10 (59%) as mRS 3-5 (poor outcome). The blood levels of sCD40L (P = 0.05), PDGF-BB (P = 0.02) and CRP (P = 0.02), WBC count (P = 0.005) and body temperature (P = 0.01) at the late time point were significantly higher in patients with poor outcomes than in patients with good outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that sCD40L, PDGF-BB, WBC count, CRP and body temperature can predict the neurological outcome in patients with SAH and poor neurological condition.

Carbon-based nanocomposites with aptamer-templated silver nanoclusters for the highly sensitive and selective detection of platelet-derived growth factor

We synthesized two kinds of carbon-based nanocomposites of silver nanoclusters (AgNCs). An aptamer for targeted platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) detection was used as the organic phase to produce AgNCs@Apt, three dimensional reduced graphene oxide@AgNCs@Aptamer (3D-rGO@AgNCs@Apt), and graphene quantum dots@AgNCs@Aptamer (GQD@AgNCs@Apt) nanocomposites. The formation mechanism of the developed nanocomposites was described by detailed characterizations of their chemical and crystal structures. Subsequently, the as-synthesized nanoclusters containing aptamer strands were applied as the sensitive layers to fabricate a novel electrochemical aptasensor for the detection of PDGF-BB, which may be directly used to determine the target protein. Electrochemical impedance spectra showed that the developed 3D-rGO@AgNCs@Apt-based biosensor exhibited the highest sensitivity for PDGF-BB detection among three kinds of fabricated aptasensors, with an extremely low detection limit of 0.82pgmL^-1. In addition, the 3D-rGO@AgNCs@Apt-based biosensor showed high selectivity, stability, and applicability for the detection of PDGF-BB. This finding indicated that the AgNC-based nanocomposites prepared by a one-step method could be used as an electrochemical biosensor for various detection procedures in the biomedical field.

Serum platelet-derived growth factor BB levels: a potential biomarker for the assessment of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B

OBJECTIVES

Few studies have investigated serum levels of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). The present study aimed to determine whether PDGF-BB could serve as a potential biomarker for the detection of liver fibrosis.

METHODS

From October 2013 to August 2015, 465 patients with CHB were enrolled prospectively in this study. All patients underwent liver biopsy and staging based on the Ishak system. The serum PDGF-BB level was measured quantitatively by ELISA.

RESULTS

The serum PDGF-BB level was negatively correlated with fibrosis stage in all patients (p = 0.003, Spearman's rho=-0.16) and was significantly different between fibrosis stages. The areas under the receiver operating characteristics curves (AUROCs) for serum PDGF-BB level and PGT score (a combination of PDGF-BB, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, and platelet levels) were 0.667 and 0.831, respectively, for patients with significant fibrosis and normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. The AUROCs for aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio (APRI) and fibrosis index based on four factors (FIB-4) were 0.823 and 0.821, respectively. Importantly, a cut-off value of 1.05 and 1.43, respectively, resulted in a sensitivity of 0.95 and 0.52, a specificity of 0.29 and 0.95, a positive predictive value of 0.30 and 0.79, and a negative predictive value of 0.96 and 0.86. The rate of correct diagnosis was up to 88.4% when using cut-offs of 1.05 and 1.43 for the absence or presence of significant fibrosis, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum PDGF-BB decreased remarkably as fibrosis progressed, and this could be used as a non-invasive biomarker for the assessment of fibrosis stage in patients with CHB.

Robust nanoplasmonic substrates for aptamer macroarrays with single-step detection of PDGF-BB

An aptamer macroarray on a robust nanoplasmonic substrate with fluorescence enhancement is developed for a single-step sensitive detection of human platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), a predominant cancer biomarker in cancer angiogenesis. A hybrid Au-nanoparticles-poly (dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) as nanoplasmonic substrate is prepared via the in-situ reduction of AuCl4(-) ions in PDMS matrixes onto 96 or 384 well plates. In the absence of target molecules, unfolded PDGF-BB aptamer conjugated with dye TAMRA is electrostatically bound to a positively charged poly-L-lysine (PLL)-coated Au nanocomposites film surface, and the fluorescence enhancement effects can be optimized by varying the distance between TAMRA and the Au nanocomposites film, which is easily adjusted by varying the thickness of the biocompatible poly-(acrylic acid) (PAA/PLL) multilayers, and thus metal-enhanced fluorescence of dye TAMRA conjugated with the aptamer is generated up to 15.2-fold. The interaction of the aptamer to its target induces the reversible conformation change of the aptamer, and consequently, the electrostatic potential is overcome by binding force. As a result, the target-binding interaction of the aptamer causes the irreversible detachment of the aptamer from the nanostructured Au film surface to decrease fluorescence of TAMRA. The aptamer macroarray provides not only the appropriate sensitivity for clinical diagnostics with a wide range of linear detection from 10pg/mL to 10μg/mL, high specificity for PDGF-BB against VEGF-165, VEGF-121, NaCl and IgG, and temporal biological stability, but also a single-step detection. We envision that the efficient and robust aptamer macroarray can be extended to the detection of other biomarkers.

Circulating keratan sulfate as a marker of metabolic changes of cartilage proteoglycan in juvenile idiopathic arthritis; influence of growth factors as well as proteolytic and prooxidative agents on aggrecan alterations

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the plasma keratan sulfate (KS) level as a potential marker of joint damage in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The influence of growth factors as well as proteolytic and prooxidative agents on aggrecan alterations were evaluated in this study.

METHODS

Plasma levels of KS, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB), a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 4 and 5 (ADAMTS-4 and ADAMTS-5), and thiol groups (TG) were quantified in samples obtained from 30 healthy subjects and 30 patients with JIA before and after treatment.

RESULTS

Increased (p<0.01) plasma KS was observed in JIA patients before treatment. Therapy resulted in a decrease in KS level. However, plasma KS level remained higher (p<0.05) than in controls. Increased levels of TGF-β1 (p<0.01) and PDGF-BB (p<0.05) in untreated JIA patients were recorded. Clinical improvement was accompanied by significant decrease in TGF-β1 and PDGF-BB, compared with a pretreatment condition and a control group. The concentrations of proteinases were characterized by different trends of alterations. When the ADAMTS-4 level increased (p<0.01) in the blood of untreated patients, the concentration of ADAMTS-5 was found to be reduced (p<0.0001), compared with controls. JIA treatment resulted in the normalization of ADAMTS-4 level. Plasma TG concentration was decreased only in untreated patients (p<0.05). We have revealed a significant correlation between plasma KS level and ADAMTS-4, TGF-β1, TG, C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma KS level in JIA patients, reflecting the aggrecan structure, indicates that treatment that modifies inflammation simultaneously does not contribute to total regeneration of articular matrix components and signalizes the need for further treatment.

Circulating concentration of markers of angiogenic activity in patients with sarcoidosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Angiogenesis is an important process involved in the pathogenesis of diffuse parenchymal lung diseases. The aim of the study was to compare the angiogenic profile of patients with sarcoidosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) based on analysis of circulating factors.

METHODS

Serum concentrations of angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), follistatin, granulocyte-macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin-8 (IL-8), platelet derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), platelet endothelial cellular adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) and vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) were measured in the patients and the healthy subjects.

RESULTS

Serum concentrations of G-CSF, follistatin, PECAM-1 and IL-8 were significantly higher in the IPF patients in comparison with the control group and the sarcoid patients. PDGF-BB concentrations were also significantly higher in serum of IPF patients than in sarcoid patients, but not than in the controls. In contrast, Ang-2 and VEGF concentrations did not differ significantly between the three groups. In the sarcoid patients, irrespective of the disease activity or the radiological stage, serum concentrations of these cytokines were similar to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that differences may exist in angiogenic activity between patients with parenchymal lung diseases. In contrast to sarcoidosis, IPF is characterized by a higher serum concentration of different molecules involved in the angiogenic processes .

Novel electrochemical dual-aptamer-based sandwich biosensor using molybdenum disulfide/carbon aerogel composites and Au nanoparticles for signal amplification

A new electrochemical aptamer biosensor for the platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) detection has been developed based on the signal amplification of MoS2/carbon aerogel composites (MoS2/CA) and sandwich assay. A facile hydrothermal route assisted by L-cysteine was applied to synthesize CA incorporated flower-like MoS2 with the large surface active sites and good conductivity. The electrochemical aptasensor was constructed by sandwiching the PDGF-BB between a glassy carbon electrode modified with thiol-terminated PDGF-BB aptamer-1 (Apt1)/gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)/MoS2/CA and the AuNPs with thiol-terminated PDGF-BB aptamer-2 (Apt2) and 6-ferrocenyl hexanethiol (Fc). Fc-AuNPs-Apt2 acted as tracer and AuNPs/MoS2/CA were utilized as the biosensor platform to immobilize a large amount of capture aptamers, owing to their layered structure and high surface-to-volume ratio. Based on the sandwich format, a dual signal amplification strategy had been successfully developed with a wide linear response in the range of 0.001-10nM and a limit of detection of 0.3 pM. The developed assay demonstrated good selectivity and high sensitivity, indicating potential applications in bioanalysis and biomedicine.

Standardization of a Protocol for Obtaining Platelet Rich Plasma from blood Donors; a Tool for Tissue Regeneration Procedures

BACKGROUND

To develop a protocol for obtaining autologous platelet rich plasma in healthy individuals and to determine the concentration of five major growth factors before platelet activation. This protocol could be integrated into the guidelines of good clinical practice and research in regenerative medicine.

METHODS

Platelet rich plasma was isolated by centrifugation from 38 healthy men and 42 women ranging from 18 to 59 years old. The platelet count and quantification of growth factors were analyzed in eighty samples, stratified for age and gender of the donor. Analyses were performed using parametric the t-test or Pearson's analysis for non-parametric distribution. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Our centrifugation protocol allowed us to concentrate basal platelet counts from 1.6 to 4.9 times (mean = 2.8). There was no correlation between platelet concentration and the level of the following growth factors: VEGF-D (r = 0.009, p = 0.4105), VEGF-A (r = 0.0068, p = 0.953), PDGF subunit AA (p = 0.3618; r = 0.1047), PDGF-BB (p = 0.5936; r = 0.6095). In the same way, there was no correlation between donor gender and growth factor concentrations. Only TGF-β concentration was correlated to platelet concentration (r = 0.3163, p = 0.0175).

CONCLUSIONS

The procedure used allowed us to make preparations rich in platelets, low in leukocytes and red blood cells, and sterile. Our results showed biological variations in content of growth factors in PRP. The factors influencing these results should be further studied.

Decreased serum platelet derived growth factor BB levels in acute and increased in chronic pancreatitis

AIM: To examine circulating growth factor concentrations in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP), and walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WOPN).

METHODS: Forty patients with mild AP, 40 patients with alcoholic CP, 33 patients with WOPN and 40 healthy subjects were examined. Serum concentrations of platelet derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB), transforming growth factor β-1 (TGFβ-1), chemerin and high-mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 (HMBG1) were assayed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS: Patients with mild AP and those with WOPN had significantly lower serum levels of PDGF-BB compared to healthy subjects (4.0 ± 0.61 ng/mL vs 6.2 ± 0.76 ng/mL, P = 0.027, and 1.60 ± 0.31 ng/mL vs 6.2 ± 0.76 ng/mL, P < 0.001, respectively), while CP was associated with higher serum levels of PDGF-BB (12 ± 1.3 ng/mL vs 6.2 ± 0.76 ng/mL, P < 0.001). Circulating TGFβ-1 and chemerin levels were elevated in CP patients (57 ± 3.6 ng/mL vs 39 ± 3.6 ng/mL, P < 0.001 and 73 ± 7.2 ng/mL vs 48 ± 2.3 ng/mL, P < 0.001, respectively), but not in patients with AP and WOPN. No significant changes in serum HMBG1 levels were found either in patients with AP, WOPN or CP.

CONCLUSION: The serum levels of some growth factors and cytokines differ significantly in AP, WOPN and CP. These data suggest that selected growth factors and cytokines may be considered as potential diagnostic biomarkers in patients with pancreatic diseases.

Dysregulation in microRNA expression is associated with alterations in immune functions in combat veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder

While the immunological dysfunction in combat Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been well documented, the precise mechanisms remain unclear. The current study evaluated the role of microRNA (miR) in immunological dysfunction associated with PTSD. The presence of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and various lymphocyte subsets in blood collected from PTSD patients were analyzed. Our studies demonstrated that the numbers of both PBMC and various lymphocyte subsets increased significantly in PTSD patients. When T cells were further analyzed, the percentage of Th1 cells and Th17 cells increased, regulatory T cells(Tregs) decreased, while Th2 cells remained unaltered in PTSD patients. These data correlated with increased plasma levels of IFN-γ and IL-17 while IL-4 showed no significant change. The increase in PBMC counts, Th1 and Th17 cells seen in PTSD patients correlated with the clinical scores. High-throughput analysis of PBMCs for 1163 miRs showed that the expression of a significant number of miRs was altered in PTSD patients. Pathway analysis of dysregulated miRs seen in PTSD patients revealed relationship between selected miRNAs and genes that showed direct/indirect role in immunological signaling pathways consistent with the immunological changes seen in these patients. Of interest was the down-regulation of miR-125a in PTSD, which specifically targeted IFN-γ production. Together, the current study demonstrates for the first time that PTSD was associated with significant alterations in miRNAs, which may promote pro-inflammatory cytokine profile. Such epigenetic events may provide useful tools to identify potential biomarkers for diagnosis, and facilitate therapy of PTSD.

Baseline levels and temporal stability of 27 multiplexed serum cytokine concentrations in healthy subjects

BACKGROUND

Cytokines are humoral molecules that elicit regulatory function in immunologic pathways. The level and type of cytokine production has become critical in distinguishing physiologic from pathologic immune conditions. Cytokine profiling has become an important biomarker discovery tool in monitoring of the immune system. However, the variations in cytokine levels in individual subjects over time in healthy individuals have not been extensively studied. In this study, we use multiplex bead arrays to evaluate 27 analytes in paired serum samples taken seven days apart from 144 healthy individuals in order to assess variations over a short time period.

METHODS

Fluorescent bead-based immunoassay (Luminex) was used to measure 27 analytes in serum samples. Measurements were performed on matched samples from 144 healthy donors. To assess inter-plate variability, one arbitrarily selected serum sample was analyzed on each of the first ten plates as bridge sample.

RESULTS

Using the bridge sample, we showed minimal inter-plate variations in the measurement of most analytes. In measurement of cytokines from the 144 patients at two time points, we found that three cytokines (IL-2, IL-15 and GM-CSF) were undetectable and five analytes (RANTES, MCP-1, VEGF, MIP-1β and PDGF-BB) showed significant difference in concentrations at Day 0 compared to Day 7.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study demonstrated higher variations in cytokine levels among individuals than were observed for samples obtained one week apart from identical donors. These data suggest that a serum sample from each subject for use as a baseline measurement is a better control for clinical trials rather than sera from a paired cohort.

The significance of PDGF expression in serum of colorectal carcinoma patients--correlation with Duke's classification. Can PDGF become a potential biomarker?

BACKGROUND

The expression of serum angiogenic factors has been associated with tumor dissemination and poor prognosis in multiple cancer types. However, it is still unclear whether these angiogenic molecules can be used as an independent molecular marker or in correlation with other parameters for predicting the prognosis of colorectal carcinoma (CRC)patients.

METHODS

Protein expression was evaluated in 28 CRC and 10 control cases using Angiogenesis Fast Quant technology.

RESULTS

In this study, we found downregulation of PDGF-bb protein expression in the serum of patients with colorectal cancer compared with the control group. Thus, PDGF-bb might play an essential function in the progression of CRC.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicated that the PDGF-bb protein expression might be an independent prognostic marker or in association with other parameters for CRC patients.

Increased serum and musculotendinous fibrogenic proteins following persistent low-grade inflammation in a rat model of long-term upper extremity overuse

We examined the relationship between grip strength declines and muscle-tendon responses induced by long-term performance of a high-repetition, low-force (HRLF) reaching task in rats. We hypothesized that grip strength declines would correlate with inflammation, fibrosis and degradation in flexor digitorum muscles and tendons. Grip strength declined after training, and further in weeks 18 and 24, in reach limbs of HRLF rats. Flexor digitorum tissues of reach limbs showed low-grade increases in inflammatory cytokines: IL-1β after training and in week 18, IL-1α in week 18, TNF-α and IL-6 after training and in week 24, and IL-10 in week 24, with greater increases in tendons than muscles. Similar cytokine increases were detected in serum with HRLF: IL-1α and IL-10 in week 18, and TNF-α and IL-6 in week 24. Grip strength correlated inversely with IL-6 in muscles, tendons and serum, and TNF-α in muscles and serum. Four fibrogenic proteins, TGFB1, CTGF, PDGFab and PDGFbb, and hydroxyproline, a marker of collagen synthesis, increased in serum in HRLF weeks 18 or 24, concomitant with epitendon thickening, increased muscle and tendon TGFB1 and CTGF. A collagenolytic gelatinase, MMP2, increased by week 18 in serum, tendons and muscles of HRLF rats. Grip strength correlated inversely with TGFB1 in muscles, tendons and serum; with CTGF-immunoreactive fibroblasts in tendons; and with MMP2 in tendons and serum. Thus, motor declines correlated with low-grade systemic and musculotendinous inflammation throughout task performance, and increased fibrogenic and degradative proteins with prolonged task performance. Serum TNF-α, IL-6, TGFB1, CTGF and MMP2 may serve as serum biomarkers of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, although further studies in humans are needed.

Serum platelet-derived growth factor and fibroblast growth factor in patients with benign and malignant ovarian tumors

BACKGROUND

New biological markers with predictive or prognostic value are highly warranted in the treatment of ovarian cancer. The platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) system and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) system are important components in tumor growth and angiogenesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pre-surgery peripheral blood samples were collected consecutively from 213 patients (42 with normal ovaries, 54 with benign, 21 with borderline, and 96 with malignant ovarian tumors) undergoing surgery for an untreated pelvic mass. Serum PDGF-AA, PDGF-BB, and FGF2 were quantified on a Luminex analyzer.

RESULTS

Median PDGF-AA, PDGF-BB, and FGF2 levels were higher in patients with ovarian cancer than in those with borderline tumors, and normal ovaries, and PDGF-BB and FGF2 were also higher as compared to patients with benign tumors. PDGF-AA and PDGF-BB were associated with FIGO stage and residual tumor and PDGF-BB was associated with histological subtype.

CONCLUSION

PDGF-AA, PDGF-BB, and FGF2 are up-regulated in ovarian cancer and levels of serum PDGF-AA and PDGF-BB seem to be associated with stage and residual tumor in ovarian cancer.

[Anti-angiogenesis effect of metronomic chemotherapy in multiple myeloma patients]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate effects of low-dose cyclophosphamide and prednisone (CP) metronomic chemotherapy on microvessel density of bone marrow, serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB)in multiple myeloma (MM) patients.

METHODS

54 refractory or relapsed MM patients were treated with CP metronomic chemotherapy consisted of oral cyclophosphamide (CTX, 50 mg/d) and prednisone (Pred, 15 mg/d). Bone marrow and peripheral blood of each patient were collected before and 2, 4, 6 months after treatment. Among the 37 assessable patients, 30 cases were responsive with the response rate of 81.08%. Another 17 cases were follow-uped less than 6 months or failure to obtain serum samples or lost to follow-up. Microvessel density of bone marrow was measured by immunohistochemistry and serum VEGF/PDGF-BB expression was analyzed by ELISA in the 37 assessable patients.

RESULTS

2, 4, 6 months following CP metronomic chemotherapy, microvessel densities of bone marrow in the responders were 33.1 ± 4.8/HP, 24.8 ± 3.7/HP, 19.7 ± 2.1/HP respectively; the expressions of VEGF were (394 ± 57) ng/L, (268 ± 32) ng/L and (217 ± 20) ng/L respectively; the expressions of PDGF-BB were (304 ± 31) ng/L, (274 ± 31) ng/L and (196 ± 22) ng/L respectively. After CP metronomic chemotherapy, there were significantly lower of microvessel density, VEGF and PDGF-BB levels than pretreatment \[MVD 48.5 ± 5.9/HP, VEGF (517 ± 60) ng/L, PDGF-BB (484 ± 60) ng/L\]in the responders (P < 0.01). While in the non-responders, after treated by CP metronomic chemotherapy for 2 months, microvessel density, the expression of VEGF and the expression of PDGF-BB were 32.5 ± 4.7/HP, 512 ± 39 ng/L and (452 ± 39) ng/L respectively. There were no significant changes of MVD, VEGF and PDGF-BB levels compared with pretreatment \[MVD 33.2 ± 5.6/HP,VEGF (498 ± 55) ng/L, PDGF-BB (488 ± 44) ng/L\] (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggested that continuous low-dose CP metronomic chemotherapy could decrease microvessel density of bone marrow in MM patients. Furthermore, it down-regulated expression of serum VEGF and PDGF-BB to exert its anti-angiogenesis in MM.

Evaluation of a previously suggested plasma biomarker panel to identify Alzheimer's disease

There is an urgent need for biomarkers in plasma to identify Alzheimer's disease (AD). It has previously been shown that a signature of 18 plasma proteins can identify AD during pre-dementia and dementia stages (Ray et al, Nature Medicine, 2007). We quantified the same 18 proteins in plasma from 174 controls, 142 patients with AD, and 88 patients with other dementias. Only three of these proteins (EGF, PDGF-BB and MIP-1δ) differed significantly in plasma between controls and AD. The 18 proteins could classify patients with AD from controls with low diagnostic precision (area under the ROC curve was 63%). Moreover, they could not distinguish AD from other dementias. In conclusion, independent validation of results is important in explorative biomarker studies.

Treadmill exercise improved adriamycin-induced nephropathy

Adriamycin nephropathy (AN) or doxorubicin-induced chronic kidney disease (DRCKD) has several strengths as an experimental model of renal diseases involving glomerulosclerosis, tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis. Exercise has shown to be beneficial to many chronic diseases. We hypothesize that treadmill exercise may improve AN, and an investigation was carried out with the AN SD rat model. Treadmill exercise was conducted three times per week, each time for 30 and 60 min. DR induced swelling of glomeruli, collagen deposition in the interstitium and renal cortex, and increased the serum levels of MDA, IL-6, PDGF-BB, MMP-2, MMP-9, TGF-beta, p-PDGFR, uric acid, serum cholesterol, triglycerides, BUN, creatinine, blood platelet count, ratio of kidney to body weight, glomerular volume, and urinary BUN and protein. Conversely, levels of serum SOD, TNF-alpha, p-PI3K, p-Akt, albumin, WBC, RBC, and urinary creatinine were decreased. Treadmill exercise ameliorated most of these damaging effects, better outcome was found for the 60-min exercise training. Conclusively, the endurance exercise is more associated with the normalization of signaling expressions involving TGF-beta, PDGF-BB, p-PDGFR, p-PI3K, and p-Akt, which may help CKD patients to restore cell survival, proliferation, and growth. As rehabilitation is a personalized medicine, an appropriate design to fit individual feasibility has to be well figured out.

[Clinical effects of qianggan capsule on the liver tissue pathology and PDGF-BB, TGF-beta1, TIMP-1, and MMP-1 factors in patients with chronic hepatitis B]

OBJECTIVE

To study the therapeutic efficacy of Qianggan Capsule (QC) in treating patients Seventy pa-with chronic hepatitis B fibrosis from the pathological aspect and serum fibrosis markers.

METHODS

patients with chronic hepatitis B were randomly assigned to two groups, the treated group (45 cases) and the control group (25 cases). QC was given to patients in the treated group, while glucurone and compound vitamin B were given to those in the control group. The therapeutic course for both groups was 6 months. The therapeutic effect was assessed by determination of fibrosis markers including serum levels of platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta1), matrix metalloproteinases-1 (MMP-1), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) and serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), total bilirubin (TBIL), albumin (ALB), and prothrombin time (PT) were completed 1 month before treatment and at the end of the trial respectively.

RESULTS

(1) Serum levels of ALT, TBIL, PT decreased obviously and the serum ALB level obviously increased in both groups (all P<0.05), showing no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). (2) Hepatic fibrosis markers: Serum levels of PDGF-BB, TGF-1P3, and TIMP-1 significantly decreased, and serum MMP-1 level markedly increased in the treated group more than before treatment (all P<0.05). No significant difference was shown between before and after treatment in each index of the control group (P>0.05). Serum levels of PDGF-BB, TGF-beta1, and TIMP-1 were obviously lower and the serum MMP-1 level was obviously higher in the treated group than in the control group after treatment (all P<0.05). (3) Hepatic histopathological results: The hepatic inflammatory necrosis activity and the hepatic fibrosis degree in the treated group were significantly improved (P<0.05), with the total effective rate of the hepatic necrosis activity improvement being 40.00% and that of the hepatic fibrosis degree being 57.78%. But there was no obvious improvement in the hepatic inflammatory necrosis activity or the hepatic fibrosis degree in the control group (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

QC could effectively improve serological indices and pathological indices of chronic hepatitis B fibrosis patients, showing better therapeutic effect in reversing hepatic fibrosis and alleviating hepatic inflammatory necrosis.

Increase in serum platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB reflects lymph node involvement in esophageal cancer patients independently from platelet count

AIM

To evaluate clinical significance and diagnostic utility of increase in serum PDGF-BB (sPDGF-BB) in esophageal cancer, which have not been addressed yet despite the relevance of PDGF axis in this cancer type.

METHODS

Immunoenzymatically assessed sPDGFBB was related to clinicopathological features, and inflammatory, angiogenic, and lymphangiogenic indices in 84 patients with esophageal cancer and 47 controls. Its diagnostic utility was evaluated by receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis.

RESULTS

sPDGF-BB was significantly higher in esophageal cancer patients than controls (3.76 vs. 2.66 μg/l, p = 0.0001) and corresponded with the disease advancement. Of evaluated clinicopathological features, lymph node metastases and distant metastases were independently associated with an increase in sPDGF-BB; however, only the association with lymph node metastases persist adjustment to platelets. In univariate analysis, sPDGF positively correlated with platelets (r=0.70, p < 0.0001), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A (r=0.50, p < 0.0001), VEGF-C (r=0.57, p < 0.0001), white blood cells (r=0.32, p = 0.004), C-reactive protein (r=0.34, p = 0.004), IL-6 (r=0.35, p = 0.003), and IL-8 (r=0.45, p < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, VEGF-C and platelets were independently associated with sPDGF-BB explaining 61% in its variability. With >2.845 μg/l cut-off, over 76% of patients had elevated sPDGF-BB. Its accuracy as lymph node metastases marker was 75%, sensitivity and specificity corresponding with >3.029 μg/l cut-off were 84 and 61%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

sPDGF-BB owns potential as a possible lymph node metastases marker and might be considered as a diagnostic tool in preliminary evaluation of esophageal cancer patients identifying those likely to be burdened with lymph node metastases, the disease recurrence monitoring, and/or preselecting patients for PDGF-directed cancer therapies.

[Expression and clinical implication of platelet-derived growth factor-D and platelet-derived growth factor-beta in childhood IgA nephropathy]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical implication of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-D and PDGF-beta in IgA nephropathy in childhood.

METHODS

Forty-seven children with IgA nephropathy and 26 controls were enrolled for study, and their serum, urine and renal biopsy specimens were examined. The patients were divided into control group [including serum, urine specimens of 13 healthy children and 13 renal biopsy samples of non-IgA nephropathy in children], mild proliferation (MP) group (13 patients), focal proliferation (FP) group (19 patients), and proliferation sclerosis (PS) group (15 patients). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemistry were used to determine contents of PDGF-D, PDGF-beta and PDGF-B in blood, urine and renal tissues. The levels of 24-hour urinary protein excretion, serum albumin (Alb), serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr) were also determined.

RESULTS

Compared with control group, levels of PDGF-D and PDGF-B were progressively elevated in blood and urine of IgA nephropathy children with increase in severity of glomerular damage (all P<0.01). Serum as well as urinary PDGF-D and PDGF-B levels were positively correlated with 24-hour urinary protein excretion (PDGF-D blood: r=0.546, urine: r=0.760; PDGF-B blood: r=0.634, urine: r=0.577, respectively, P<0.01), while negatively correlated with serum Alb levels in IgA nephropathy patients (PDGF-D blood: r=-0.649, urine: r=-0.528; PDGF-B blood: r=-0.613, urine: r=-0.531, respectively, P<0.01). Contents of PDGF-D and PDGF-beta in renal tissue were much higher than those of control group (P<0.01). Along with the increase in severity of glomerular pathology, their contents increased gradually. PDGF-B was only significantly expressed in renal tissue in FP group and PS group.

CONCLUSION

PDGF-D might significantly enhance the development of mesangial proliferation and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. In comparison with PDGF-B, PDGF-D appears to reflect more sensitive to the severity and prognosis of IgA nephropathy.

Comparative analysis of serum proteomes: discovery of proteins associated with osteonecrosis of the femoral head

No means exist to evaluate the activity status, turnover, and prognosis of idiopathic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (IONFH) except for X-ray evidence of segmental collapse as a very good marker for prognosis. Moreover, the only current method for diagnosis of this disease is through physical examination and diagnostic imaging results, and no serum biochemical markers exist. A comparative analysis of serum proteomes was performed to discover proteins associated with osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) patterns of human sera from 10 patients with IONFH and 10 normal subjects were analyzed. The differentially expressed spots were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), and 7 proteins were found. The expression levels of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), bone-carboxyglutamate protein (BGP), c-sis, and an unknown protein were downregulated in the sera of patients with IONFH, whereas the other 3 proteins, including plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1), crosslaps, and anti-p53 antibody, were upregulated. To examine their applicability as diagnostic markers, levels of the 6 identified proteins in serum were validated from patients with IONFH, osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and fracture using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. It was found that only serum levels of t-PA, PAI-1, crosslaps, and anti-p53 antibody in patients with IONFH were always significantly different from those in patients with OA, RA, and fracture. These results suggest that serum levels of t-PA, PAI-1, crosslaps, and anti-p53 antibody could be used as noninvasive diagnostic biomarkers for IONFH.