Passive anti-sunlight glare traffic signs with non-axisymmetric freeform lens design.

This paper proposes a passive optical brightening element design, a non-axisymmetric freeform lens (NAFL), arranged and assembled on a traditional traffic sign. NAFL is the first optical design which can effectively solve the traffic problem that direct sunlight affects the driver's inability to look directly at the traffic sign. The NAFL can converge the sunlight behind the traffic sign and diverge forward to 150 meters away. In this way, the NAFL array combinations on the traffic sign can directly rely on sunlight as image information pixels. According to the simulation, the optical efficiency of the NAFL can be as high as 81.5%. Besides, the angular tolerance is also analyzed to evaluate the working hours of the NAFL. Finally, we made the prototype and proved that such passive brightening components could effectively improve the traffic sign's visibility in harsh sunlight.

Human intrahepatic regulatory T cells are functional, require IL-2 from effector cells for survival, and are susceptible to Fas ligand-mediated apoptosis.

UNLABELLED: Regulatory T cells (Treg ) suppress T effector cell proliferation and maintain immune homeostasis. Autoimmune liver diseases persist despite high frequencies of Treg in the liver, suggesting that the local hepatic microenvironment might affect Treg stability, survival, and function. We hypothesized that interactions between Treg and endothelial cells during recruitment and then with epithelial cells within the liver affect Treg stability, survival, and function. To model this, we explored the function of Treg after migration through human hepatic sinusoidal-endothelium (postendothelial migrated Treg [PEM Treg ]) and the effect of subsequent interactions with cholangiocytes and local proinflammatory cytokines on survival and stability of Treg . Our findings suggest that the intrahepatic microenvironment is highly enriched with proinflammatory cytokines but deficient in the Treg survival cytokine interleukin (IL)-2. Migration through endothelium into a model mimicking the inflamed liver microenvironment did not affect Treg stability; however, functional capacity was reduced. Furthermore, the addition of exogenous IL-2 enhanced PEM Treg phosphorylated STAT5 signaling compared with PEMCD8. CD4 and CD8 T cells are the main source of IL-2 in the inflamed liver. Liver-infiltrating Treg reside close to bile ducts and coculture with cholangiocytes or their supernatants induced preferential apoptosis of Treg compared with CD8 effector cells. Treg from diseased livers expressed high levels of CD95, and their apoptosis was inhibited by IL-2 or blockade of CD95. CONCLUSION: Recruitment through endothelium does not impair Treg stability, but a proinflammatory microenvironment deficient in IL-2 leads to impaired function and increased susceptibility of Treg to epithelial cell-induced Fas-mediated apoptosis. These results provide a mechanism to explain Treg dysfunction in inflamed tissues and suggest that IL-2 supplementation, particularly if used in conjunction with Treg therapy, could restore immune homeostasis in inflammatory and autoimmune liver disease. (Hepatology 2016;64:138-150).

Single-gene association between GATA-2 and autoimmune hepatitis: A novel genetic insight highlighting immunologic pathways to disease.

Background & Aims Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), an immune-mediated liver disease, originates as a consequence of interacting genetic and environmental risk factors. Treatment remains non-specific and prone to side effects. Deficiencies in regulatory T cell (Treg) function are hypothesized to contribute to the pathogenesis of AIH. Methods We describe an adult patient who presented with AIH in the context of monocytopenia. The patient was characterized by GATA2 gene sequencing, flow cytometry of peripheral blood for leucocyte subsets, ELISA for serum Flt-3 ligand, and immunohistochemistry of liver biopsy tissue. Results Sequencing confirmed a GATA2 mutation. Peripheral Treg were absent in the context of a preserved total T cell count. Immunostaining for the Treg transcription factor FOXP3 was reduced in liver tissue as compared to a control AIH specimen. There were marked deficiencies in multiple antigen-presenting cell subsets and Flt-3 ligand was elevated. These findings are consistent with previous reports of GATA2 dysfunction. Conclusions The association of a GATA2 mutation with AIH is previously unrecognized. GATA2 encodes a hematopoietic cell transcription factor, and mutations may manifest as monocytopenia, dendritic and B cell deficiencies, myelodysplasia, and immunodeficiency. Tregs may be depleted as in this case. Our findings provide support for the role of Tregs in AIH, complement reports of other deficiencies in T cell regulation causing AIH-like syndromes, and support the rationale of attempting to modulate the Treg axis for the therapeutic benefit of AIH patients.

A peptide derived from TIMP-3 inhibits multiple angiogenic growth factor receptors and tumour growth and inflammatory arthritis in mice.

The binding of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) on the surface of vascular endothelial cells stimulates many steps in the angiogenic pathway. Inhibition of this interaction is proving of value in moderating the neovascularization accompanying age-related macular degeneration and in the treatment of cancer. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-3 (TIMP-3) has been shown to be a natural VEGFR-2 specific antagonist-an activity that is independent of its ability to inhibit metalloproteinases. In this investigation we localize this activity to the C-terminal domain of the TIMP-3 molecule and characterize a short peptide, corresponding to part of this domain, that not only inhibits all three VEGF-family receptors, but also fibroblast growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor receptors. This multiple-receptor inhibition may explain why the peptide was also seen to be a powerful inhibitor of tumour growth and also a partial inhibitor of arthritic joint inflammation in vivo.

Senescent cell-derived extracellular vesicles as potential mediators of innate immunosenescence and inflammaging.

Ageing is accompanied by a decline in immune function (immunosenescence), increased inflammation (inflammaging), and more senescent cells which together contribute to age-related disease and infection susceptibility. The innate immune system is the front-line defence against infection and cancer and is also involved in the removal of senescent cells, so preventing innate immunosenescence and inflammaging is vital for health in older age. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) modulate many aspects of innate immune function, including chemotaxis, anti-microbial responses, and immune regulation. Senescent cell derived EVs (SEVs) have different cargo to that of non-senescent cell derived EVs, suggesting alterations in EV cargo across the lifespan may influence innate immune function, possibly contributing to immunosenescence and inflammaging. Here we review current understanding of the potential impact of miRNAs, lipids and proteins, found in higher concentrations in SEVs, on innate immune functions and inflammation to consider whether SEVs are potential influencers of innate immunosenescence and inflammaging. Furthermore, senolytics have demonstrated an ability to return plasma EV content closer to that of non-senescent EVs, therefore the potential use of senotherapeutics (senolytics and senostatics) to ameliorate the effects of SEVs on immunosenescence and inflammaging is also considered as a possible strategy for extending health-span in older adults.

Influence of scar age, laser type and laser treatment intervals on paediatric burn scars: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Laser therapy has emerged to play a valuable role in the treatment of paediatric burn scars; however, there is heterogeneity in the literature, particularly concerning optimal timing for initiation of laser therapy. This study aims to investigate the effect of factors such as scar age, type of laser and laser treatment interval on burn scar outcomes in children by meta-analysis of previous studies. Methods: A literature search was conducted across seven databases in May 2022 to understand the effects of laser therapy on burn scar outcomes in paediatric patients by metanalysis of standardized mean difference (SMD) between pre- and post-laser intervention. Meta-analyses were performed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software version 4.0. Fixed models were selected when there was no significant heterogeneity, and the random effects model was selected for analysis when significant heterogeneity was identified. For all analyses, a p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Seven studies were included in the meta-analysis with a total of 467 patients. Laser therapy significantly improved Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS)/Total Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (Total POSAS), vascularity, pliability, pigmentation and scar height of burn scars. Significant heterogeneity was found between the studies and thus subgroup analyses were performed. Early laser therapy (<12 months post-injury) significantly improved VSS/POSAS scores compared to latent therapy (>12 months post-injury) {SMD -1.97 [95% confidence interval (CI) = -3.08; -0.87], p < 0.001 vs -0.59 [95%CI = -1.10; -0.07], p = 0.03} as well as vascularity {SMD -3.95 [95%CI = -4.38; -3.53], p < 0.001 vs -0.48 [95%CI = -0.66; -0.30], p < 0.001}. Non-ablative laser was most effective, significantly reducing VSS/POSAS, vascularity, pliability and scar height outcomes compared to ablative, pulse dye laser and a combination of ablative and pulse dye laser. Shorter treatment intervals of <4 weeks significantly reduced VSS/POSAS and scar height outcomes compared to intervals of 4 to 6 weeks. Conclusions: Efficacy of laser therapy in the paediatric population is influenced by scar age, type of laser and interval between laser therapy application. The result of this study particularly challenges the currently accepted initiation time for laser treatment. Significant heterogeneity was observed within the studies, which suggests the need to explore other confounding factors influencing burn scar outcomes after laser therapy.

Severe thermal and major traumatic injury results in elevated plasma concentrations of total heme that are associated with poor clinical outcomes and systemic immune suppression.

Background: Traumatic and thermal injuries result in a state of systemic immune suppression, yet the mechanisms that underlie its development are poorly understood. Released from injured muscle and lysed red blood cells, heme is a damage associated molecular pattern with potent immune modulatory properties. Here, we measured plasma concentrations of total heme in over 200 traumatic and thermally-injured patients in order to examine its relationship with clinical outcomes and post-injury immune suppression. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 98 burns (≥15% total body surface area) and 147 traumatically-injured (injury severity score ≥8) patients across the ultra-early (≤1 hour) and acute (4-72 hours) post-injury settings. Pro-inflammatory cytokine production by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenged whole blood leukocytes was studied, and plasma concentrations of total heme, and its scavengers haptoglobin, hemopexin and albumin measured, alongside the expression of heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). LPS-induced tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) production by THP-1 cells and monocytes following in vitro heme treatment was also examined. Results: Burns and traumatic injury resulted in significantly elevated plasma concentrations of heme, which coincided with reduced levels of hemopexin and albumin, and correlated positively with circulating levels of pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines. PBMCs isolated from trauma patients 4-12 and 48-72 hours post-injury exhibited increased HO-1 gene expression. Non-survivors of burn injury and patients who developed sepsis, presented on day 1 with significantly elevated heme levels, with a difference of 6.5 µM in heme concentrations corresponding to a relative 52% increase in the odds of post-burn mortality. On day 1 post-burn, heme levels were negatively associated with ex vivo LPS-induced TNF-α and interleukin-6 production by whole blood leukocytes. THP-1 cells and monocytes pre-treated with heme exhibited significantly reduced TNF-α production following LPS stimulation. This impairment was associated with decreased gene transcription, reduced activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and an impaired glycolytic response. Conclusions: Major injury results in elevated plasma concentrations of total heme that may contribute to the development of endotoxin tolerance and increase the risk of poor clinical outcomes. Restoration of the heme scavenging system could be a therapeutic approach by which to improve immune function post-injury.

Vascular adhesion protein-1 blockade in primary sclerosing cholangitis: Open-label, multicenter, single-arm, phase II trial.

BACKGROUND: Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a progressive inflammatory liver disease characterized by biliary and liver fibrosis. Vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1) is important in the inflammatory process driving liver fibrosis. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of VAP-1 blockade with a monoclonal antibody (timolumab, BTT1023) in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis. METHODS: BUTEO was a prospective, single-arm, open-label, multicenter, phase II trial, conducted in 6 centers in the United Kingdom. Patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis aged 18-75 years had an alkaline phosphatase value of >1.5 times the upper limit of normal. The dose-confirmatory stage aimed to confirm the safety of timolumab through the incidence of dose-limiting toxicity and sufficient trough levels of circulating antibody to block VAP-1 function. The primary outcome of the dose-expansion portion of the trial was patient's response to timolumab at day 99, as measured by a reduction in serum alkaline phosphatase by 25% or more from baseline to day 99. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients were recruited: 7 into the initial dose-confirmatory stage and a further 16 into an expansion stage. Timolumab (8 mg/kg) was confirmed to be safe for the duration of administration with sufficient circulating levels. Only 2 of the 18 evaluable patients (11.1%) achieved a reduction in alkaline phosphatase levels of 25% or more, and both the proportion of circulating inflammatory cell populations and biomarkers of fibrosis remained unchanged from baseline. CONCLUSIONS: The BUTEO trial confirmed 8 mg/kg timolumab had no short-term safety signals and resulted in sufficient circulating levels of VAP-1 blocking timolumab. However, the trial was stopped after an interim assessment due to a lack of efficacy as determined by no significant change in serum liver tests.

Angiopoietin 2 stimulates TIE2-expressing monocytes to suppress T cell activation and to promote regulatory T cell expansion.

Angiopoietin 2 (ANGPT2) is a proangiogenic cytokine whose expression is often upregulated by endothelial cells in tumors. Expression of its receptor, TIE2, defines a highly proangiogenic subpopulation of myeloid cells in circulation and tumors called TIE2-expressing monocytes/macrophages (TEMs). Genetic depletion of TEMs markedly reduces tumor angiogenesis in various tumor models, emphasizing their essential role in driving tumor progression. Previously, we demonstrated that ANGPT2 augments the expression of various proangiogenic genes, the potent immunosuppressive cytokine, IL-10, and a chemokine for regulatory T cells (Tregs), CCL17 by TEMs in vitro. We now show that TEMs also express higher levels of IL-10 than TIE2(-) macrophages in tumors and that ANGPT2-stimulated release of IL-10 by TEMs suppresses T cell proliferation, increases the ratio of CD4(+) T cells to CD8(+) T cells, and promotes the expansion of CD4(+)CD25(high)FOXP3(+) Tregs. Furthermore, syngeneic murine tumors expressing high levels of ANGPT2 contained not only high numbers of TEMs but also increased numbers of Tregs, whereas genetic depletion of tumor TEMs resulted in a marked reduction in the frequency of Tregs in tumors. Taken together, our data suggest that ANGPT2-stimulated TEMs represent a novel, potent immunosuppressive force in tumors.

Influence of scar age, laser type and laser treatment intervals on adult burn scars: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: The study aims to identify whether factors such as time to initiation of laser therapy following scar formation, type of laser used, laser treatment interval and presence of complications influence burn scar outcomes in adults, by meta-analysis of previous studies. METHODS: A literature search was conducted in May 2022 in seven databases to select studies on the effects of laser therapy in adult hypertrophic burn scars. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022347836). RESULTS: Eleven studies were included in the meta-analysis, with a total of 491 patients. Laser therapy significantly improved overall VSS/POSAS, vascularity, pliability, pigmentation and scar height of burn scars. Vascularity improvement was greater when laser therapy was performed >12 months (-1.50 [95%CI = -2.58;-0.42], p = 0.01) compared to <12 months after injury (-0.39 [95%CI = -0.68; -0.10], p = 0.01), the same was true for scar height ((-1.36 [95%CI = -2.07; -0.66], p<0.001) vs (-0.56 [95%CI = -0.70; -0.42], p<0.001)). Pulse dye laser (-4.35 [95%CI = -6.83; -1.86], p<0.001) gave a greater reduction in VSS/POSAS scores compared to non-ablative (-1.52 [95%CI = -2.24; -0.83], p<0.001) and ablative lasers (-0.95 [95%CI = -1.31; -0.59], p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Efficacy of laser therapy is influenced by the time lapse after injury, the type of laser used and the interval between laser treatments. Significant heterogeneity was observed among studies, suggesting the need to explore other factors that may affect scar outcomes.

SMOOTH protocol: A pilot randomised prospective intra-patient single-blinded observational study for examining the mechanistic basis of ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser therapy in treating hypertrophic scarring.

BACKGROUND: Burn injuries are the fourth most common type of trauma and are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. The impact of burn injury is clinically significant as burn injuries often give rise to exuberant scarring. Hypertrophic scarring (HTS) is a particular concern as up to 70% of burns patients develop HTS. Laser therapy is used for treating HTS and has shown positive clinical outcomes, although the mechanisms remain unclear limiting approaches to improve its effectiveness. Emerging evidence has shown that fibroblasts and senescent cells are important modifiers of scarring. This study aims to investigate the cellular kinetics in HTS after laser therapy, with a focus on the association of scar reduction with the presence of senescent cells. METHODS: We will conduct a multicentre, intra-patient, single-blinded, randomised controlled longitudinal pilot study with parallel assignments to achieve this objective. 60 participants will be recruited to receive 3 interventional ablative fractional CO2 laser treatments over a 12-month period. Each participant will have two scars randomly allocated to receive either laser treatment or standard care. Biopsies will be obtained from laser-treated, scarred-no treatment and non-scarred tissues for immune-histological staining to investigate the longitudinal kinetics of p16INK4A+-senescent cells and fibroblast subpopulations (CD90+/Thy1+ and αSMA+). Combined subjective scar assessments including Modified Vancouver Scar Scale, Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale and Brisbane Burn Scar Impact Profile; and objective assessment tools including 3D-Vectra-H1 photography, DermaScan® Cortex, Cutometer® and ColoriMeter®DSMIII will be used to evaluate clinical outcomes. These will then be used to investigate the association between senescent cells and scar reduction after laser therapy. This study will also collect blood samples to explore the systemic biomarkers associated with the response to laser therapy. DISCUSSION: This study will provide an improved understanding of mechanisms potentially mediating scar reduction with laser treatment, which will enable better designs of laser treatment regimens for those living with HTS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04736251.

Infectious bursal disease DNA vaccination conferring protection by delayed appearance and rapid clearance of invading viruses.

The present study was undertaken to determine the kinetics of viral load and immune response in protection against infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) by DNA vaccination. Chickens were DNA-vaccinated and challenged with IBDV one week after the third vaccination. Tissues were collected at 12 hours postinfection (HPI), 1 day postinfection (DPI), 3, 5, 7 and 10 DPI. The vaccinated chickens had less viral RNA, with delayed appearance and shorter duration in the bursa of Fabricius, spleen, and cecal tonsil than the challenged control chickens. Their ELISA and neutralizing antibody titers were decreased at 12 HPI and significantly lower (P < 0.05) than those in the challenged control chickens at later time points. Their spleen IFNγ expression was up-regulated compared to that in the DNA-vaccinated chickens without IBDV challenge. These results indicate that DNA vaccination confers protection against IBDV challenge by delayed appearance and rapid clearance of the invading viruses.

Intrahepatic macrophage populations in the pathophysiology of primary sclerosing cholangitis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease characterized by progressive inflammatory and fibrotic injury to the biliary tree. We sought to further delineate the contribution of macrophage lineages in PSC pathobiology. METHODS: Human liver tissues and/or blood samples from patients with PSC, primary biliary cholangitis, other non-cholestatic/non-autoimmune diseases, including alcohol-related liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, as well as normal liver, were sourced from our liver transplantation program. Liver fibrosis was studied using Van Gieson staining, while the frequencies of infiltrating monocyte and macrophage lineages, both in the circulation and the liver, were investigated by flow cytometry, including the expression of TGR-5, a G protein-coupled receptor (GPBAR1/TGR-5). RESULTS: Significantly higher frequencies of CD68+CD206+ macrophages were detected in the livers of patients with PSC (median 19.17%; IQR 7.25-32.8%; n = 15) compared to those of patients with other liver diseases (median 12.05%; IQR 5.61-16.03%; n = 12; p = 0.0373). CD16+ monocytes, including both intermediate (CD14+CD16++) and non-classical (CD14dimCD16++) monocytes, were preferentially recruited into chronically diseased livers, with the highest recruitment ratios in PSC (median 15.83%; IQR 9.66-29.5%; n = 15), compared to other liver diseases (median 6.66%; IQR 2.88-11.64%, n = 14, p = 0.0152). The expression of TGR-5 on CD68+ intrahepatic macrophages was increased in chronic liver disease; TGR-5 expression on intrahepatic macrophages was highest in PSC (median 36.32%; IQR 17.71-63.61%; n = 6) and most TGR-5+ macrophages were CD68+CD206+ macrophages. CONCLUSIONS: Underlying a potential role for macrophages in PSC pathobiology, we demonstrate, using patient-derived tissue, increased CD16+ monocyte recruitment and a higher frequency of CD68+CD206+ macrophages in the livers of patients with PSC; the CD68+CD206+ macrophage subset was associated with significantly higher TGR-5 expression in PSC. LAY SUMMARY: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease associated with progressive inflammation of the bile duct, leading to fibrosis and end-stage liver disease. In this study we explore the role of a type of immune cell, the macrophage, in contributing to PSC as a disease, hoping that our findings direct scientists towards new treatment targets. Our findings based on human liver and blood analyses demonstrate a greater frequency of a particular subset of immune cell, the CD68+CD206+ macrophage, with significantly higher TGR-5 expression on this subset in PSC.

Investigating the safety and activity of the use of BTT1023 (Timolumab), in the treatment of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (BUTEO): A single-arm, two-stage, open-label, multi-centre, phase II clinical trial protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a progressive inflammatory liver disease characterised by relentless liver fibrosis and a high unmet need for new therapies. Preventing fibrosis represents an important area of interest in the development of vital new drugs. Vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1) drives inflammation in liver disease, and provision of an antibody against VAP-1 blunts fibrosis in murine models of liver injury. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: BUTEO is a single-arm, two-stage, open-label, multi-centre, phase II clinical trial. Up to 59 patients will receive treatment with anti-VAP monoclonal antibody, BTT1023, over a 78-day treatment period. Adults with PSC and a serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) of at least 1.5 times the upper limit of normal will be included. Our primary outcome measure is a reduction in ALP by >25% from baseline to Day 99. Secondary outcome measures include safety and tolerability, changes pre therapy/post therapy in circulating serum VAP-1 as well as imaging findings. The first patient participant was recruited on 08 September 2015. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This protocol has been approved by the Research Ethics Committee (REC, reference 14/EM/1272). The first REC approval date was 06 January 2015 with three subsequent approved amendments. This article refers to protocol V3.0, dated 16 March 2016. Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publication and presentation at international conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial is registered with the European Medicines agency (EudraCT: 2014-002393-37), the National Institute for Health Research (Portfolio ID: 18051) and ISRCTN: 11233255. The clinicaltrials.gov identifier is NCT02239211. Pre-results.

In Vivo Effects of Free Form Astaxanthin Powder on Anti-Oxidation and Lipid Metabolism with High-Cholesterol Diet.

Astaxanthin extracted from Pomacea canaliculata eggs was made into free-form astaxanthin powder (FFAP) and its effects on lipid metabolism, liver function, antioxidants activities and astaxanthin absorption rate were investigated. 45 hamsters were split into 5 groups and fed with normal diet, high-cholesterol control (0.2% cholesterol), 1.6FFAP (control+1.6% FFAP), 3.2FFAP (control+3.2% FFAP) and 8.0FFAP (control+8.0% FFAP), respectively, for 6 weeks. FFAP diets significantly decreased the liver total cholesterol, triglyceride levels and increased liver fatty acids (C20:5n3; C22:6n3) compositions. It decreased plasma alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. In terms of anti-oxidative activities, we found 8.0 FFAP diet significantly decreased plasma and liver malonaldehyde (4.96±1.96 µg TEP eq./mL and 1.56±0.38 µg TEP eq./g liver) and liver 8-isoprostane levels (41.48±13.69 µg 8-ISOP/g liver). On the other hand, it significantly increased liver catalase activity (149.10±10.76 µmol/min/g liver), Vitamin C (2082.97±142.23 µg/g liver), Vitamin E (411.32±81.67 µg/g liver) contents, and glutathione levels (2.13±0.42 mg GSH eq./g liver). Furthermore, 80% of astaxanthin absorption rates in all FFAP diet groups suggest FFAP is an effective form in astaxanthin absorption. Finally, astaxanthin was found to re-distribute to the liver and eyes in a dose dependent manner. Taken together, our results suggested that the appropriate addition of FFAP into high cholesterol diets increases liver anti-oxidative activity and reduces the concentration of lipid peroxidase and therefore, it may be beneficial as a material in developing healthy food.

Macrophage delivery of an oncolytic virus abolishes tumor regrowth and metastasis after chemotherapy or irradiation.

Frontline anticancer therapies such as chemotherapy and irradiation often slow tumor growth, but tumor regrowth and spread to distant sites usually occurs after the conclusion of treatment. We recently showed that macrophages could be used to deliver large quantities of a hypoxia-regulated, prostate-specific oncolytic virus (OV) to prostate tumors. In the current study, we show that administration of such OV-armed macrophages 48 hours after chemotherapy (docetaxel) or tumor irradiation abolished the posttreatment regrowth of primary prostate tumors in mice and their spread to the lungs for up to 27 or 40 days, respectively. It also significantly increased the lifespan of tumor-bearing mice compared with those given docetaxel or irradiation alone. These new findings suggest that such a novel, macrophage-based virotherapy could be used to markedly increase the efficacy of chemotherapy and irradiation in patients with prostate cancer.

Plasticity in tumor-promoting inflammation: impairment of macrophage recruitment evokes a compensatory neutrophil response.

Previous studies in the K14-HPV/E(2) mouse model of cervical carcinogenesis demonstrated that infiltrating macrophages are the major source of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), a metalloprotease important for tumor angiogenesis and progression. We observed increased expression of the macrophage chemoattractant, CCL2, and its receptor, CCR2, concomitant with macrophage influx and MMP-9 expression. To study the role of CCL2-CCR2 signaling in cervical tumorigenesis, we generated CCR2-deficient K14-HPV/E(2) mice. Cervixes of CCR2-null mice contained significantly fewer macrophages. Surprisingly, there was only a modest delay in time to progression from dysplasia to carcinoma in the CCR2-deficient mice, and no difference in end-stage tumor incidence or burden. Moreover, there was an unexpected persistence of MMP-9 activity, associated with increased abundance of MMP-9(+) neutrophils in tumors from CCR2-null mice. In vitro bioassays revealed that macrophages produce soluble factor(s) that can suppress neutrophil dynamics, as evidenced by reduced chemotaxis in response to CXCL8, and impaired invasion into three-dimensional tumor masses grown in vitro. Our data suggest a mechanism whereby CCL2 attracts proangiogenic CCR2(+) macrophages with the ancillary capability to limit infiltration by neutrophils. If such tumor-promoting macrophages are suppressed, MMP-9(+) neutrophils are then recruited, providing alternative paracrine support for tumor angiogenesis and progression.

Direct activation of HSP90A transcription by c-Myc contributes to c-Myc-induced transformation.

The c-myc proto-oncogene encodes a ubiquitous transcription factor involved in the control of cell growth and differentiation and implicated in inducing tumorigenesis. Understanding the function of c-Myc and its role in cancer depends upon the identification of c-Myc target genes. Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is involved in the folding of proteins such as signal transduction molecules (Src, Raf1, cdk4) and steroid receptors and in enhancing the activity of telomerase and nitric-oxide synthase. Here we show that c-Myc directly activates HSP90A transcription. c-Myc-mediated induction of HSP90A transcription occurs in different tissues, is independent of cell proliferation, and is mediated by a c-Myc binding site in the proximal promoter region of HSP90A gene. Overexpression of HSP90A in Rat1a cells induces transformation. Short interference RNA of HSP90A/Hsp86alpha reduces transformation activity in HeLa and RatMyc cells. These results indicate that by induction of HSP90A c-Myc may control the activity of multiple signal pathways involved in cellular transformation.