Effect of WW Domain-Containing Oxidoreductase Gene Polymorphism on Clinicopathological Characteristics of Patients with EGFR Mutant Lung Adenocarcinoma in Taiwan.

Lung adenocarcinoma is the most common histological type of non-small cell lung cancer, which accounts for the majority of lung cancers. Previous studies have showed that dysregulation of WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) participates in the generation of several cancer types, including lung cancer. However, whether these WWOX polymorphisms are related to the clinical risk of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated lung adenocarcinoma is worthy of investigation. The present study examined the relationship between the WWOX single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs11545028, rs12918952, rs3764340, rs73569323, and rs383362) and the clinicopathological factors in lung adenocarcinoma patients with or without EGFR mutations. We found that there was no significant difference in the genotype distribution of WWOX polymorphism between EGFR wild-type and EGFR mutant in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Our results demonstrated that the presence of at least one G genotype (CG and GG) allele on WWOX rs3764340 was associated with a significantly higher risk of nearby lymph node involvement in those patients harboring EGFR mutations (odds ratio (OR) = 3.881, p = 0.010) compared with the CC genotype. Furthermore, in the subgroup of lung adenocarcinoma patients with the EGFR-L858R mutation, both WWOX rs3764340 C/G (OR = 5.209, p = 0.023) and rs73569323 C/T polymorphisms (OR = 3.886, p = 0.039) exhibited significant associations with the size of primary tumors and the invasion of adjacent tissues. In conclusion, these data indicate that WWOX SNPs may help predict tumor growth and invasion in patients with EGFR mutant lung adenocarcinoma, especially those with the EGFR-L858R mutant in Taiwan.

Cedrus atlantica Extract Suppress Glioblastoma Growth through Promotion of Genotoxicity and Apoptosis: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant primary brain tumor in humans, exhibiting highly infiltrative growth and drug resistance to conventional chemotherapy. Cedrus atlantica (CAt) extract has been shown to decrease postoperative pain and inhibit the growth of K562 leukemia cells. The aim of this study was to assess the anti-GBM activity and molecular mechanism of CAt extract in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that CAt extract greatly suppressed GBM cells both in vitro and in vivo and enhanced the survival rate in subcutaneous and orthotopic animal models. Moreover, CAt extract increased the level of ROS and induced DNA damage, resulting in cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase and cell apoptosis. Western blotting results indicated that CAt extract regulates p53/p21 and CDK4/cyclin D1 protein expression and activates extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis. Furthermore, CAt extract enhanced the cytotoxicity of Temozolomide and decreased AKT/mTOR signaling by combination treatment. In toxicity assays, CAt extract exhibited low cytotoxicity toward normal cells or organs in vitro and in vivo. CAt extract suppresses the growth of GBM by induction of genotoxicity and activation of apoptosis. The results of this study suggest that CAt extract can be developed as a therapeutic agent or adjuvant for GBM treatment in the future.

Positively Charged Nanoparticle Delivery of n-Butylidenephthalide Enhances Antitumor Effect in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second and sixth leading cause of cancer death in men and woman in 185 countries statistics, respectively. n-Butylidenephthalide (BP) has shown anti-HCC activity, but it also has an unstable structure that decreases its potential antitumor activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the cell uptake, activity protection, and antitumor mechanism of BP encapsulated in the novel liposome LPPC in HCC cells. BP/LPPC exhibited higher cell uptake and cytotoxicity than BP alone, and combined with clinical drug etoposide (VP-16), BP/LPPC showed a synergistic effect against HCC cells. Additionally, BP/LPPC increased cell cycle regulators (p53, p-p53, and p21) and decreased cell cycle-related proteins (Rb, p-Rb, CDK4, and cyclin D1), leading to cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase in HCC cells. BP/LPPC induced cell apoptosis through activation of both the extrinsic (Fas-L and Caspase-8) and intrinsic (Bax and Caspase-9) apoptosis pathways and activated the caspase cascade to trigger HCC cell death. In conclusion, the LPPC complex improved the antitumor activity of BP in terms of cytotoxicity, cell cycle regulation and cell apoptosis, and BP/LPPC synergistically inhibited cell growth during combination treatment with VP-16 in HCC cells. Therefore, BP/LPPC is potentially a good candidate for clinical drug development or for use as an adjuvant for clinical drugs as a combination therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Novel function of PERP-428 variants impacts lung cancer risk through the differential regulation of PTEN/MDM2/p53-mediated antioxidant activity.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Identifying genetic risk factors and understanding their mechanisms will help reduce lung cancer incidence. The p53 apoptosis effect is related to PMP-22 (PERP), a tetraspan membrane protein, and an apoptotic effector protein downstream of p53. Although historically considered a tumor suppressor, PERP is highly expressed in lung cancers. Stable knockdown of PERP expression induces CL1-5 and A549 lung cancer cell death, but transient knockdown has no effect. Interestingly, relative to the PERP-428GG genotype, PERP-428CC was associated with the highest lung cancer risk (OR = 5.38; 95% CI = 2.12-13.65, p < 0.001), followed by the PERP-428CG genotype (OR = 2.34; 95% CI = 1.55-3.55, p < 0.001). Ectopic expression of PERP-428G, but not PERP-428C, protects lung cancer cells against ROS-induced DNA damage. Mechanistically, PERP-428 SNPs differentially regulate p53 protein stability. p53 negatively regulates the expression of the antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT) and glutathione reductase (GR), thereby modulating redox status. p53 protein stability is higher in PERP-428C-expressing cells than in PERP-428G-expressing cells because MDM2 expression is decreased and p53 Ser20 phosphorylation is enhanced in PERP-428C-expressing cells. The MDM2 mRNA level is decreased in PERP-428C-expressing cells via PTEN-mediated downregulation of the MDM2 constitutive p1 promoter. This study reveals that in individuals with PERP-428CC, CAT/GR expression is decreased via the PTEN/MDM2/p53 pathway. These individuals have an increased lung cancer risk. Preventive antioxidants and avoidance of ROS stressors are recommended to prevent lung cancer or other ROS-related chronic diseases.

Effects of NAC and Gallic Acid on the Proliferation Inhibition and Induced Death of Lung Cancer Cells with Different Antioxidant Capacities.

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a recognized antioxidant in culture studies and treatments for oxidative stress-related diseases, but in some cases, NAC is a pro-oxidant. To study the effect of NAC on cell proliferation in the presence or absence of ROS stress, we used the stable ROS generator gallic acid (GA) to treat CL1-0 lung cancer cell models with different antioxidant activities. Different antioxidant activities were achieved through the ectopic expression of different PERP-428 single nucleotide polymorphisms. GA increased ROS levels in CL1-0/PERP-428C cells and caused cell death but had no effect on CL1-0/PERP-428G cells within 24 h. We found that 0.1 mM NAC eliminated GA-induced growth inhibition, but 0.5 mM NAC enhanced GA-induced CL1-0/PERP-428C cell death. However, in the absence of GA, NAC exceeding 2 mM inhibited the growth of CL1-0/PERP-428G cells more significantly than that of CL1-0/PERP-428C cells. Without GA, NAC has an antioxidant effect. Under GA-induced ROS stress, NAC may have pro-oxidant effects. Each cell type has a unique range of ROS levels for survival. The levels of ROS in the cell determines the sensitivity of the cell to an antioxidant or pro-oxidant. Cells with different antioxidant capacities were used to show that the intracellular ROS level affects NAC function and provides valuable information for the adjuvant clinical application of NAC.

Cedrol suppresses glioblastoma progression by triggering DNA damage and blocking nuclear translocation of the androgen receptor.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor with great invasiveness and resistance to chemotherapy, which presents a treatment challenge. In this study, we investigated the antitumor effect of Cedrol, a sesquiterpene alcohol isolated from Cedrus atlantica, against GBM cells in vitro and in vivo. Cedrol was found to potently inhibit cell growth and induce intracellular ROS generation and DNA damage response. In addition, Cedrol induced significant G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis via the extrinsic (Fas/FasL/Caspase-8) and intrinsic (Bax/Bcl-2/Caspase-9) pathways. In addition, Cedrol had a synergistic effect with temozolomide (TMZ) and reduced drug resistance by blockage of the AKT/mTOR pathway. Cedrol suppressed tumor growth in both orthotopic and xenograft GBM animal models with low or no short-term acute toxicity or long-term accumulative toxicity. In a molecular docking study, Cedrol targeted the androgen receptor (AR), and reduced DHT-mediated AR nuclear translocation, downstream gene KLK3/TMPRSS2 expression and cell proliferation. Our study demonstrates that Cedrol may be a potential candidate for drug development for single or combination treatment with TMZ in GBM therapy.

Cedrol, a Sesquiterpene Alcohol, Enhances the Anticancer Efficacy of Temozolomide in Attenuating Drug Resistance via Regulation of the DNA Damage Response and MGMT Expression.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a common and aggressive brain tumor with a median survival of 12-15 months. Temozolomide (TMZ) is a first-line chemotherapeutic agent used in GBM therapy, but the occurrence of drug resistance limits its antitumor activity. The natural compound cedrol has remarkable antitumor activity and is derived from Cedrus atlantica. In this study, we investigated the combined effect of TMZ and cedrol in GBM cells in vitro and in vivo. The TMZ and cedrol combination treatment resulted in consistently higher suppression of cell proliferation via regulation of the AKT and MAPK signaling pathways in GBM cells. The combination treatment induced cell cycle arrest, cell apoptosis, and DNA damage better than either drug alone. Furthermore, cedrol reduced the expression of proteins associated with drug resistance, including O6-methlyguanine-DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT), multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1), and CD133 in TMZ-treated GBM cells. In the animal study, the combination treatment significantly suppressed tumor growth through the induction of cell apoptosis and decreased TMZ drug resistance. Moreover, cedrol-treated mice exhibited no significant differences in body weight and improved TMZ-induced liver damage. These results imply that cedrol may be a potential novel agent for combination treatment with TMZ for GBM therapy that deserves further investigation.

Antitumor Effects of N-Butylidenephthalide Encapsulated in Lipopolyplexs in Colorectal Cancer Cells.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common type of cancer and the second most common cause of cancer-related death in the world. N-Butylidenephthalide (BP), a natural compound, inhibits several cancers, such as hepatoma, brain tumor and colon cancer. However, due to the unstable structure, the activity of BP is quickly lost after dissolution in an aqueous solution. A polycationic liposomal polyethylenimine and polyethylene glycol complex (LPPC), a new drug carrier, encapsulates both hydrophobic and hydrophilic compounds, maintains the activity of the compound, and increases uptake of cancer cells. The purpose of this study is to investigate the antitumor effects and protection of BP encapsulated in LPPC in CRC cells. The LPPC encapsulation protected BP activity, increased the cytotoxicity of BP and enhanced cell uptake through clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Moreover, the BP/LPPC-regulated the expression of the p21 protein and cell cycle-related proteins (CDK4, Cyclin B1 and Cyclin D1), resulting in an increase in the population of cells in the G0/G1 and subG1 phases. BP/LPPC induced cell apoptosis by activating the extrinsic (Fas, Fas-L and Caspase-8) and intrinsic (Bax and Caspase-9) apoptosis pathways. Additionally, BP/LPPC combined with 5-FU synergistically inhibited the growth of HT-29 cells. In conclusion, LPPC enhanced the antitumor activity and cellular uptake of BP, and the BP/LPPC complex induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, thereby causing death. These findings suggest the putative use of BP/LPPC as an adjuvant cytotoxic agent for colorectal cancer.

Targeting a cysteine protease from a pathobiont alleviates experimental arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Several lines of evidence suggest that the pathobiont Porphyromonas gingivalis is involved in the development and/or progression of auto-inflammatory diseases. This bacterium produces cysteine proteases, such as gingipain RgpA, endowed with the potential to induce significant bone loss in model systems and in patients. OBJECTIVE: We sought to gain further insight into the role of this pathobiont in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to identify novel therapeutic targets for auto-inflammatory diseases. METHODS: We profiled the antibody response to RgPA-specific domains in patient sera. We also tested the potential protective effects of RgpA domains in an experimental arthritis model. RESULTS: Pre-immunization of rats with purified recombinant RgpA domains alleviated arthritis in the joints of the rodents and reduced bone erosion. Using a functional genomics approach at both the mRNA and protein levels, we report that the pre-immunizations reduced arthritis severity by impacting a matrix metalloprotease characteristic of articular injury, a chemokine known to be involved in recruiting inflammatory cells, and three inflammatory cytokines. Finally, we identified an amino acid motif in the RgpA catalytic domain of P. gingivalis that shares sequence homology with type II collagen. CONCLUSION: We conclude that pre-immunization against gingipain domains can reduce the severity of experimentally induced arthritis. We suggest that targeting gingipain domains by pre-immunization, or, possibly, by small-molecule inhibitors, could reduce the potential of P. gingivalis to translocate to remote tissues and instigate and/or exacerbate pathology in RA, but also in other chronic inflammatory diseases.

Lung Tumorigenesis Alters the Expression of Slit2-exon15 Splicing Variants in Tumor Microenvironment.

Slit2 expression is downregulated in various cancers, including lung cancer. We identified two Slit2 splicing variants at exon15-Slit2-WT and Slit2-ΔE15. In the RT-PCR analyses, the Slit2-WT isoform was predominantly expressed in all the lung cancer specimens and in their normal lung counterparts, whereas Slit2-ΔE15 was equivalently or predominantly expressed in 41% of the pneumothorax specimens. A kRasG12D transgenic mice system was used to study the effects of tumorigenesis on the expressions of the Slit2-exon15 isoforms. The results revealed that a kRasG12D-induced lung tumor increased the Slit2-WT/Slit2-ΔE15 ratio and total Slit2 expression level. However, the lung tumors generated via a tail vein injection of lung cancer cells decreased the Slit2-WT/Slit2-ΔE15 ratio and total Slit2 expression level. Interestingly, the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung inflammation also decreased the Slit2-WT/Slit2-ΔE15 ratio. Since Slit2 functions as an anti-inflammatory factor, the expression of Slit2 increases in kRasG12D lungs, which indicates that Slit2 suppresses immunity during tumorigenesis. However, an injection of lung cancer cells via the tail vein and the LPS-induced lung inflammation both decreased the Slit2 expression. The increased Slit2 in the tumor microenvironment was mostly Slit2-WT, which lacks growth inhibitory activity. Thus, the results of our study suggested that the upregulation of Slit2-WT, but not Slit2-ΔE15, in a cancer microenvironment is an important factor in suppressing immunity while not interfering with cancer growth.

The role of Slit-Robo signaling in the regulation of tissue barriers.

The role of Slit/Robo signaling has extended from initial axon repulsion in the developing nervous system to organ morphogenesis, cancer development and angiogenesis. Slit/Robo signaling regulates similar pathways within these processes. Slit/Robo ensures the homeostasis of the dynamic interaction between cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. The dysregulation of Slit/Robo signaling damages the tissue barrier, resulting in developmental abnormalities or disease. Here, we summarize how Slit/Robo controls kidney morphogenesis and describe the dual roles of Slit/Robo signaling in the regulation of tumorigenesis and angiogenesis.

The Chinese medicine JC-001 enhances the chemosensitivity of Lewis lung tumors to cisplatin by modulating the immune response.

BACKGROUND: JC-001 is a Chinese medicine that can modulate the immunity in Hepa 1-6 tumor-bearing mice, and we questioned whether JC-001 can serve as efficient adjuvant chemotherapy. We aimed to identify a novel approach for enhancing cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) (CDDP)-based chemotherapy by immunomodulation. METHODS: The anti-tumor activity in vitro was determined based on foci formation and a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. A LLC1 tumor xenograft model was used to analyze the activity of tumor rejection in vivo. The tumors were analyzed through hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining and cytokine arrays. RESULTS: JC-001 suppressed foci formation and reduced the viability of Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC1) cells in vitro. JC-001 suppressed LLC1 tumor growth in immunodeficient BALB/c nude mice and in immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice to an even greater extent. Furthermore, JC-001 up-regulated interferon-γ expression in the tumor microenvironment, enhanced the Th1 response in tumor-bearing mice, and increased the chemosensitivity of LLC1 tumors to CDDP chemotherapy. The results of our study suggest that JC-001 is associated with low cytotoxicity and can significantly suppress tumor growth by enhancing the Th1 response. CONCLUSION: JC-001 is a Chinese medicine with potential clinical applications in CDDP-based chemotherapeutic regimens.

Antitumor Activity of the Chinese Medicine JC-001 Is Mediated by Immunomodulation in a Murine Model of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

JC-001 is a Chinese medicine that has been used to treat liver disease; however, its significance in cancer treatment has not been characterized. In this study, we used an immunocompetent tumor model to characterize the antitumor activity of JC-001. A total of 48 Hepa 1-6 tumor-bearing C57BL/6 mice were randomly grouped into 4 groups and treated with H2O or JC-001 via oral administration. After hepatoma cell lines, including HepG2, Hep3B, SK-Hep-1, and Hepa 1-6, underwent 96 hours of JC-001 treatment, a low cytotoxic effect was observed. In contrast, no direct cytotoxic effect of JC-001 on a normal human liver cell line, THLE-3, was observed under the same incubation conditions. Using a murine tumor model, we found that tumor growth could be inhibited by JC-001 in C57BL/6 mice but not in immunodeficient mice. Histopathological analysis of tumors from C57BL/6 mice revealed immune cell infiltration in tumors from the JC-001-treated group, as observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining; in addition, Ki67, hypoxia-inducible factor-1-α, and high mobility group box 1 expression levels were suppressed in the tumors. Both the coculture assay and murine spleen mRNA quantitative PCR analyses demonstrated that JC-001 could suppress Th17 immunity. Our data suggest that JC-001 is a Chinese medicine with low cytotoxicity that can significantly suppress tumor growth by immune regulation. This herbal remedy has great potential for future clinical application in hepatoma therapy.

Integrin ß3 and CD44 levels determine the effects of the OPN-a splicing variant on lung cancer cell growth.

Osteopontin (OPN), a phosphorylated glycoprotein, is frequently overexpressed in cancer. Among the three OPN isoforms, OPN-a is the most highly expressed in lung cancer cell lines and lung tumors. Overexpression of OPN-a greatly reduced CL1-5 lung adenocarcinoma cell growth, but had no effect on growth in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells. Examination of the expression of integrins and CD44, which are possible OPN-a receptors, revealed that differences in integrin ß3 levels might explain this discrepancy between CL1-5 and A549 cells. When integrin ß3 was ectopically expressed in A549 cells, OPN-a inhibited their growth, whereas OPN-a increased cell growth following integrin ß3 knockdown in CL1-5 cells. This OPN-a-induced increase in growth appeared to result from activation of the CD44/NFκB pathway. Our results demonstrated that OPN-a inhibits growth of cells with high integrin ß3 levels and increases growth via activation of the CD44/NFκB pathway in cells with low integrin ß3 levels. Thus, OPN-a, integrin ß3, and CD44 interact to affect lung cancer cell growth, and this study may aid in the development of cancer treatment strategies involving these molecules.

Lumbrokinase attenuates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting TLR4 signaling.

Lumbrokinase, a novel antithrombotic agent, purified from the earthworm Lumbricus rubellus, has been clinically used to treat stroke and cardiovascular diseases. However, inflammatory responses associated with the cardioprotective effect of lumbrokinase remain unknown. In this study, the signaling pathways involved in lumbrokinase-inhibited expressions of inflammation mediators were investigated in rats subjected to myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury. The left main coronary artery of anesthetized rats was subjected to 1h occlusion and 3h reperfusion. The animals were treated with/without lumbrokinase and the severities of I-R-induced arrhythmias and infarction were compared. Lumbrokinase inhibited I-R-induced arrhythmias and reduced mortality, as well as decreased the lactate dehydrogenase levels in carotid blood. Lumbrokinase also inhibited the enhancement of I-R induced expressions of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 through toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway. Moreover, our results demonstrated that stimulation with lumbrokinase decreases the phosphorylation of JNK, IκB, and NF-κB. These findings suggested that lumbrokinase is a potent cardioprotective drug in rats with I-R injury. The cardioprotective effects of lumbrokinase may be correlated with its inhibitory effect on the I-R-induced expressions of COX-2, iNOS and MMP-9, mediated by TLR4 signaling through JNK and NF-κB pathways.

Cytoplasmic localization of Nrf2 promotes colorectal cancer with more aggressive tumors via upregulation of PSMD4.

Differences in subcellular localization of Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) have been associated with poor outcomes in human cancers. However, the prognostic value of subcellular localization of Nrf2 in colorectal cancer and the underlying mechanism in tumor invasion remain unknown. We enrolled tumors from colorectal patients to evaluate Nrf2, NQO1, and HO-1 expression by immunohistochemistry. NQO1 and HO-1 positive tumors showed nearly complete expression of Nrf2 in the nucleus and/or showed partial expression in the nucleus/cytoplasm (nNrf2); however, tumors negative for NQO1 and HO-1 showed almost complete expression of Nrf2 in the cytoplasm and/or partial expression in the nucleus/cytoplasm (cNrf2). Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis indicated poorer overall survival in patients with cNrf2 tumors than with nNrf2 tumors. Cell models provided evidence that cNrf2, rather than nNrf2, was responsible for cell invasion and soft agar growth triggered by activation of the NF-κB/AKT/ß-catenin cascade. Mechanistically, cNrf2 persistently increased PSMD4 expression by the HIF1α/ß-catenin axis, whereas PSMD4 reciprocally enhanced Nrf2 nuclear export by increasing CRM1 expression through p53 degradation. The mechanistic action of the cell model was further confirmed with a nude mouse animal model in which xenograft tumors induced by cNrf2 were nearly completely suppressed by the proteasomal inhibitor carfilzomib or the ß-catenin inhibitor XAV939. We therefore suggest that PSMD4 or ß-catenin might be potential targets for suppressing tumor aggressiveness, and consequently, improving outcomes in patients whose tumors express cNrf2.

The differential roles of Slit2-exon 15 splicing variants in angiogenesis and HUVEC permeability.

Slit2, a secreted glycoprotein, is down-regulated in many cancers. Slit2/Robo signaling pathway plays an important, but controversial, role in angiogenesis. We identified splicing variants of Slit2 at exon 15, Slit2-WT and Slit2-ΔE15, with differential effects on proliferation and invasive capability of lung cancer cells. The aim of this study was to elucidate the differential roles of these exon 15 splicing variants in angiogenesis. Our results revealed that both Slit2-WT and Slit2-ΔE15 inhibit motility of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The conditioned medium (CM) collected from CL1-5/VC or CL1-5/Slit2-WT lung adenocarcinoma cells blocked HUVEC tube formation and angiogenesis on chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay when compared with untreated HUVECs and CAM, respectively. However, CM of CL1-5/Slit2-ΔE15 restored the quality of tubes and the size of vessels. Although both Slit2-WT and Slit2-ΔE15 inhibited permeability induced by CM of cancer cells, Slit2-ΔE15 exhibited stronger effect. These results suggested that Slit2-ΔE15 plays important roles in normalization of blood vessels by enhancing tube quality and tightening endothelial cells, while Slit2-WT only enhances tightening of endothelial cells. It appears that Robo4 is responsible for Slit2 isoform-mediated inhibition of permeability, while neither Robo1 nor Robo4 is required for Slit2-ΔE15-enhanced tube quality. The results of this study suggest that Slit2-ΔE15 splicing form is a promising molecule for normalizing blood vessels around a tumor, which, in turn, may increase efficacy of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor is a target of 17-Allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin and enhances its anticancer activity in lung adenocarcinoma cells.

We have demonstrated that aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is overexpressed in lung adenocarcinoma (AD). AhR is usually associated with heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) in the cytoplasm. 17-Allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG), an Hsp90 inhibitor, is currently under evaluation for its anticancer activity in clinical trials. Here we investigated whether AhR plays a role in 17-AAG-mediated anticancer activity by functioning as a downstream target or by modulating its anticancer efficacy. AhR expression in lung AD cells was modulated by siRNA interference or overexpression. Tumor growth was determined with colony formation in vitro or in vivo. Anticancer activity of 17-AAG was determined by measuring cell viability, cell cycle distribution, and expression of cell cycle regulators. Proteins and mRNA levels were examined by immunoblotting and the real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, respectively. In this study, AhR overexpression positively modulated growth of lung AD cells, at least partially, via RelA-dependent mechanisms. Although treatment with 17-AAG reduced AhR levels and AhR-regulated gene expression in lung AD cells, AhR expression increased anticancer activity of 17-AAG. In addition, 17-AAG treatment reduced cell viability, CDK2, CDK4, cyclin E, cyclin D1, and phosphorylated Rb levels in AhR-expressing lung AD cells. NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1), which is regulated by AhR, was shown to increase anticancer activity of 17-AAG in cells. Knockdown of NQO1 expression attenuated the reduction of cell cycle regulators by 17-AAG treatment in AhR overexpressed cells. We demonstrated that AhR protein not only functions as a downstream target of 17-AAG, but also enhances anticancer activity of 17-AAG in lung AD cells.

Significant association of elevated concentration of plasma YKL-40 with disease severity in patients with pelvic inflammatory disease.

INTRODUCTION: To date, no study reports the implication of YKL-40 in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Therefore, we investigate the levels of plasma YKL-40 in patients with PID and further associate its expression with the severity of disease. METHODS: We designed a hospital-based case-control study with approximate 1:1 ratio and consecutively recruited 64 patients with PID and 70 control women. We collected blood samples from 64 women with PID before and after they received treatment and 70 control women to detect levels of plasma YKL-40 and C-reactive protein (CRP) as well as white blood cell and neutrophil counts. RESULTS: The results revealed that levels of plasma YKL-40 were significantly elevated in patients with PID as compared to those in controls (38.36 vs. 21.69 ng/ml, P = 0.001) but the significant difference was restricted to women aged 30 years or old after age stratification (56.75 vs. 23.61 ng/ml, P ≤ 0.001). It declined significantly after they received treatment (median: 38.36 vs. 27.54 ng/ml; P ≤ 0.001). Although both plasma YKL-40 and CRP were elevated in patients with tubo-ovarian abscess, PID patients with surgery exhibited higher YKL-40 concentration than those without surgery (median: 82.05 vs. 30.19 ng/ml, P = 0.005) and only plasma YKL-40 was significantly associated with the length of the hospital stay (P ≤ 0.001, R = 0.604). CONCLUSION: We conclude that once individuals are diagnosed to have PID, YKL-40 may act as a biomarker to predict the severity and clinical outcome of the disease.