Dual bronchodilatory and pulmonary anti-inflammatory activity of RO5024118, a novel agonist at vasoactive intestinal peptide VPAC2 receptors.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Vasoactive intestinal peptide is expressed in the respiratory tract and induces its effects via its receptors, VPAC(1) and VPAC(2). RO5024118 is a selective VPAC(2) receptor agonist derived via chemical modification of an earlier VPAC(2) agonist, RO0251553. In the present studies, we characterized the pharmacological activity of RO5024118. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Stability of RO5024118 to human neutrophil elastase was assessed. Bronchodilatory activity of RO5024118 was investigated in guinea pig and human isolated airway smooth muscle preparations and in a guinea pig bronchoconstriction model. Pulmonary anti-inflammatory activity of RO5024118 was investigated in a lipopolysaccharide mouse model and in a porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) rat model. KEY RESULTS: RO5024118 demonstrated increased stability to neutrophil elastase compared with RO0251553. In human and guinea pig isolated airway preparations, RO5024118 induced bronchodilatory effects comparable with RO0251553 and the long-acting ß-agonist salmeterol and was significantly more potent than native vasoactive intestinal peptide and the short-acting ß-agonist salbutamol. In 5-HT-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs, RO5024118 exhibited inhibitory activity with similar efficacy as, and longer duration than, RO0251553. In a lipopolysaccharide-mouse model, RO5024118 inhibited neutrophil and CD8(+) cells and myeloperoxidase levels. In rats, intratracheal instillation of PPE induced airway neutrophilia that was resistant to dexamethasone. Pretreatment with RO5024118 significantly inhibited PPE-induced neutrophil accumulation. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: These results demonstrate that RO5024118 induces dual bronchodilatory and pulmonary anti-inflammatory activity and may be beneficial in treating airway obstructive and inflammatory diseases. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed section on Analytical Receptor Pharmacology in Drug Discovery. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2010.161.issue-6.

A high-density, integrated genetic linkage map of lettuce (Lactuca spp.).

An integrated map for lettuce comprising of 2,744 markers was developed from seven intra- and inter-specific mapping populations. A total of 560 markers that segregated in two or more populations were used to align the individual maps. 2,073 AFLP, 152 RFLP, 130 SSR, and 360 RAPD as well as 29 other markers were assigned to nine chromosomal linkage groups that spanned a total of 1,505 cM and ranged from 136 to 238 cM. The maximum interval between markers in the integrated map is 43 cM and the mean interval is 0.7 cM. The majority of markers segregated close to Mendelian expectations in the intra-specific crosses. In the two L. saligna x L. sativa inter-specific crosses, a total of 155 and 116 markers in 13 regions exhibited significant segregation distortion. Data visualization tools were developed to curate, display and query the data. The integrated map provides a framework for mapping ESTs in one core mapping population relative to phenotypes that segregate in other populations. It also provides large numbers of markers for marker assisted selection, candidate gene identification, and studies of genome evolution in the Compositae.

Effects of hydroxurea, stem cell factor, and erythropoietin in combination on fetal hemoglobin in the baboon.

OBJECTIVE: Augmentation of the level of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) is considered therapeutic for patients with sickle cell disease. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of treatment with a combination of erythropoietin (Epo), stem cell factor (SCF), and hydroxyurea (HU) on HbF levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effect of treatment with a combination of Epo, SCF, and HU on HbF, F-cell numbers, and globin chain synthesis was evaluated in a baboon model. RESULTS: Treatment with a combination of SCF+Epo resulted in a two-fold increase in HbF, F-cells, and F-reticulocytes compared to Epo alone. The combination of SCF+Epo+HU resulted in an additional two-fold increase in HbF, whereas F-cells and F-reticulocytes increased only 25% compared to the SCF+Epo regimen. Measurement of differential globin chain synthesis indicated that the SCF+Epo+HU treatment also increased the I gamma/V gamma (homologous to human G gamma and A gamma) synthetic ratio toward the fetal ratio. CONCLUSIONS: HU can effectively augment growth factor-induced HbF synthesis in vivo. Because I gamma/V gamma ratios are unaffected by erythropoietic stress and similar increases in this ratio have only been observed following administration of 5-azacytidine, we suggest that these two agents may share a common mechanism of action involving the recruitment of a similar target cell population to terminal erythroid differentiation.

Recombination and spontaneous mutation at the major cluster of resistance genes in lettuce (Lactuca sativa).

Two sets of overlapping experiments were conducted to examine recombination and spontaneous mutation events within clusters of resistance genes in lettuce. Multiple generations were screened for recombinants using PCR-based markers flanking Dm3. The Dm3 region is not highly recombinagenic, exhibiting a recombination frequency 18-fold lower than the genome average. Recombinants were identified only rarely within the cluster of Dm3 homologs and no crossovers within genes were detected. Three populations were screened for spontaneous mutations in downy mildew resistance. Sixteen Dm mutants were identified corresponding to spontaneous mutation rates of 10(-3) to 10(-4) per generation for Dm1, Dm3, and Dm7. All mutants carried single locus, recessive mutations at the corresponding Dm locus. Eleven of the 12 Dm3 mutations were associated with large chromosome deletions. When recombination could be analyzed, deletion events were associated with exchange of flanking markers, consistent with unequal crossing over; however, although the number of Dm3 paralogs was changed, no novel chimeric genes were detected. One mutant was the result of a gene conversion event between Dm3 and a closely related homolog, generating a novel chimeric gene. In two families, spontaneous deletions were correlated with elevated levels of recombination. Therefore, the short-term evolution of the major cluster of resistance genes in lettuce involves several genetic mechanisms including unequal crossing over and gene conversion.

Histone deacetylase inhibitors increase p21(WAF1) and induce apoptosis of human myeloma cell lines independent of decreased IL-6 receptor expression.

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors cause growth arrest and apoptosis of cancer cells by both p21-dependent and independent mechanisms. Decreased expression of growth factor receptors may be a key factor in the p21-independent mechanism, although this has not been directly tested. We have tested the effects of sodium butyrate and trichostatin A on human myeloma cell lines and have observed G1 arrest and apoptosis associated with increased expression of p21(WAF1), Bax, Rb dephosphorylation, and decreased IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) expression. Experiments to determine the role of disruption of IL-6 signaling as a result of decreased IL-6 receptor expression in mediating these effects were conducted using a stable transfectant of the OPM-2 line which constitutively expressed the IL-6 receptor. Our results indicated that decreased IL-6R expression was not required for induction of p21(WAF1) or apoptosis. Thus, HDAC inhibitors appear to activate multiple cellular pathways, leading to growth arrest and apoptosis, and their use in the treatment of myeloma, particularly in combination with other agents, warrants further investigation.

2-deoxy 5-azacytidine and fetal hemoglobin induction in sickle cell anemia.

Augmentation of the fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels is of therapeutic benefit in patients with sickle cell anemia. Hydroxyurea (HU), by increasing HbF, lowers rates of pain crisis, episodes of acute chest syndrome, and requirements for blood transfusions. For patients with no HbF elevation after HU treatment, augmentation of HbF levels by 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-CdR, decitabine) could serve as an alternate mode of treatment. Eight adult patients participated in a dose-escalating phase I/II study with 5-aza-CdR at doses ranging from 0.15 to 0.30 mg/kg given 5 days a week for 2 weeks. HbF, F cell, F/F cell, gamma-globin synthesis ratio, complete blood count, and chemistry were measured. The average gamma-globin synthesis relative to non-alpha-globin synthesis prior to therapy was 3.19% +/- 1.43% and increased to 13.66% +/- 4.35% after treatment. HbF increased from 3.55% +/- 2.47% to 13.45% +/- 3.69%. F cells increased from 21% +/- 14.8% to 55% +/- 13.5% and HbF/F cell increased from 17% to 24%. In the HU nonresponders HbF levels increased from 2.28% +/- 1.61% to 2.6% +/- 2.15% on HU, whereas on 5-aza-CdR HbF increased to 12.70% +/- 1.81%. Total hemoglobin increased by 1 g/dL in 6 of 8 patients with only minor reversible toxicities, and all patients tolerated the drug. Maximum HbF was attained within 4 weeks of treatment and persisted for 2 weeks before falling below 90% of the maximum. Therefore 5-aza-CdR could be effective in increasing HbF in patients with sickle cell anemia who failed to increase HbF with HU. Demonstration of sustained F levels with additional treatment cycles without toxicity is currently being performed.

Growth inhibition of a human myeloma cell line by all-trans retinoic acid is not mediated through downregulation of interleukin-6 receptors but through upregulation of p21(WAF1).

All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) has previously been shown to inhibit the growth of OPM-2 human myeloma cells. The growth inhibition was postulated to result from a transcriptional downregulation of interleukin-6 receptor alpha (IL-6Ralpha) with IL-6Rbeta (gp130) unaffected. To formally test this hypothesis, an expression vector designed for constitutive IL-6Ralpha expression was constructed and used for transfection of OPM-2 cells. Six stable transfectants were cloned. The expression of IL-6Ralpha was shown by immunofluorescence with anti-IL-6Ralpha antibody and 125I-IL-6 binding. In five of six transfectant clones, cellular IL-6Ralpha was 1.5- to 6-fold higher than the parental cells, with the ligand binding affinity unchanged. While ATRA reduced IL-6Ralpha expression in the parental OPM-2 cells, it enhanced its expression in these five transfectants. The clonogenic growth of these transfectants, however, remained strongly inhibited by ATRA. Further analysis, comparing the parental OPM-2 cells and a representative transfectant, clone C5, showed that IL-6 caused rapid tyrosine phosphorylation of gp130 in both OPM-2 and C5 clones. Pretreatment with ATRA greatly reduced IL-6-induced gp130 phosphorylation in OPM-2 cells, reflecting a reduction in cellular IL-6Ralpha. In contrast, IL-6-induced gp130 phosphorylation was not reduced by ATRA pretreatment in C5 cells, indicating that the expressed IL-6Ralpha was functional. Similar to OPM-2 cells, C5 cells were sensitive to growth inhibition by dexamethasone, which was entirely reversed by exogenous IL-6, suggesting that the IL-6 postreceptor signal transduction remained intact. ATRA was further shown to upregulate p21(WAF1) expression and cause dephosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein (pRB) in both OPM-2 and C5 cells. Exogenous IL-6 also failed to reverse these effects of ATRA. Thus, the growth inhibitory activity of ATRA is not mediated through cellular IL-6Ralpha downregulation and is likely to result from a direct upregulation of p21(WAF1) and consequent dephosphorylation of pRB.

Inhibition of myeloma cell growth by all-trans retinoic acid is associated with upregulation of p21WAF1 and dephosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein.

Retinoic acid and dexamethasone, in combination, inhibit the growth of human myeloma cell lines in a synergistic manner. Previously, we observed that all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) caused G1 arrest and inhibited clonogenic growth of the OPM-2 human myeloma cell line. This was associated with downregulation of the IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) gp80 protein, while autocrine IL-6 production and gp130 were not affected. Growth inhibition was not reversed by the addition of exogenous IL-6 or forced, constitutive expression of the IL-6 receptor gp80 protein, suggesting that the mechanism of action of ATRA may be due to effects on the post-receptor pathway. Therefore, in this study we have investigated whether growth arrest was associated with changes in the level of phosphorylation of the RB protein. ATRA decreased the level of phosphorylation of the RB protein at doses > 5 x 10(-9) M and also induced a five fold increase in p21WAF1, while levels of p27KIP1 and CDK2 were unchanged. The ATRA-mediated increase in p21 preceded the change in RB phosphorylation and G1 arrest and was not reversed by the addition of exogenous IL-6. The levels of CDK2 activity were inhibited approximately 60% in ATRA-treated cells, suggesting that the increased p21 levels were sufficient to inhibit CDK activity and cause RB hypophosphorylation. Increased levels of p21 have recently been observed in human myeloma cells exposed to dexamethasone, and we suggest that the common ability of these two agents to inhibit myeloma cell growth depends on their induction of p21.

The major resistance gene cluster in lettuce is highly duplicated and spans several megabases.

At least 10 Dm genes conferring resistance to the oomycete downy mildew fungus Bremia lactucae map to the major resistance cluster in lettuce. We investigated the structure of this cluster in the lettuce cultivar Diana, which contains Dm3. A deletion breakpoint map of the chromosomal region flanking Dm3 was saturated with a variety of molecular markers. Several of these markers are components of a family of resistance gene candidates (RGC2) that encode a nucleotide binding site and a leucine-rich repeat region. These motifs are characteristic of plant disease resistance genes. Bacterial artificial chromosome clones were identified by using duplicated restriction fragment length polymorphism markers from the region, including the nucleotide binding site-encoding region of RGC2. Twenty-two distinct members of the RGC2 family were characterized from the bacterial artificial chromosomes; at least two additional family members exist. The RGC2 family is highly divergent; the nucleotide identity was as low as 53% between the most distantly related copies. These RGC2 genes span at least 3.5 Mb. Eighteen members were mapped on the deletion breakpoint map. A comparison between the phylogenetic and physical relationships of these sequences demonstrated that closely related copies are physically separated from one another and indicated that complex rearrangements have shaped this region. Analysis of low-copy genomic sequences detected no genes, including RGC2, in the Dm3 region, other than sequences related to retrotransposons and transposable elements. The related but divergent family of RGC2 genes may act as a resource for the generation of new resistance phenotypes through infrequent recombination or unequal crossing over.

Modulation of interleukin-6/interleukin-6 receptor cytokine loop in the treatment of multiple myeloma.

Interluekin-6 (IL-6)/IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) play a major role in autocrine/paracrine growth regulation of myeloma cells and are the central mediators for bone destruction and other systemic manifestations of multiple myeloma. Modulation of the IL-6/IL-6R cytokine loop thus represents a rational therapeutic approach. We updated and reviewed the studies on the agents that targeted IL-6/IL-6R modulation and the results of selected clinical trials. Extensive in vitro studies with human myeloma cell lines or primary myeloma explants have shown that components of this cytokine loop could be modulated by various agents, and such modulation is associated with inhibition of myeloma cell growth. The purported mechanisms of action of these agents, down-regulation or neutralization of IL-6 and/or IL-6R and the interruption of IL-6 binding to IL-6R or gp 130 signal transducer, with possible exception for glucocorticoids and specific antibodies, remain to be formally proven. Clinical trials showed largely limited benefits of these agents. Given tumor cell heterogeneity and the complexity of inter-connected cytokine network in vivo, the future emphasis should be on the strategy of combination treatment that would modulate this cytokine loop at multiple sites. Further advances in delineating IL-6 and related cytokine signal transduction pathways should also suggest other targets for therapeutic intervention.

Tomato Prf is a member of the leucine-rich repeat class of plant disease resistance genes and lies embedded within the Pto kinase gene cluster.

In tomato, resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) strains expressing the avirulence gene avrPto requires the presence of at least two host genes, designated Pto and Prf. Here we report that Prf encodes a protein with leucine-zipper, nucleotide-binding, and leucine-rich repeat motifs, as are found in a number of resistance gene products from other plants. prf mutant alleles (4) were found to carry alterations within the Prf coding sequence. A genomic fragment containing Prf complemented a prf mutant tomato line both for resistance to Pst strains expressing avrPto and for sensitivity to the insecticide Fenthion. Prf resides in the middle of the Pto gene cluster, 24 kb from the Pto gene and 500 bp from the Fen gene.

Inhibition of myeloma cell growth by dexamethasone and all-trans retinoic acid: synergy through modulation of interleukin-6 autocrine loop at multiple sites.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6)/IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) plays a major role in autocrine/paracrine growth regulation of myeloma cells. We investigated the effect of dexamethasone and all-trans retinoic acid, previously shown to modulate IL-6/IL-6R, on the in vitro growth of a human myeloma cell line, OPM-2. Both agents inhibited the clonogenic growth and 3H-thymidine incorporation in a concentration-dependent fashion. Isobologram and median effect analysis showed a strong synergy between these two agents with a combination index in the range of 0.2 to 0.6. Both agents decreased the labeling index and the cell fraction in S and G2/M phases, suggesting a block in G1-S phase transition. The clonogenic growth was stimulated by exogenous IL-6 and was inhibited by monoclonal antibody to IL-6, suggesting an autocrine function of IL-6. The effect of dexamethasone but not all-trans retinoic acid was completely reversed by exogenous IL-6. Dexamethasone increased, while all-trans retinoic acid reduced, IL-6R but not gp130 mRNA expression. Their combination caused a net reduction in IL-6R mRNA. Cellular IL-6R density was altered correspondingly without changes in the binding affinity. IL-6 mRNA expression was reduced by dexamethasone and the combination, but was not affected by retinoic acid alone. However, IL-6 secretion into culture supernatant was abolished by both agents. A survey of 4 additional human myeloma cells showed that 1 was sensitive to both, 1 was sensitive to one agent only, and 2 were resistant to both. The study demonstrates the possibility of regulating myeloma cell growth through modulation of IL-6/IL-6R autocrine/paracrine loop and the principle of achieving a synergistic effect by blocking this loop at multiple sites.

Increased binding of Sp1 to the gamma-globin gene promoter upon site-specific cytosine methylation.

We have studied the effect of site-specific cytosine methylation on the binding of nuclear proteins to the gamma-globin promoter region from -71 to -34. This sequence was recently shown to contain a stage selector element responsible for increased transcription from the gamma compared to the beta promoter when both are linked to Locus Control Region enhancer sequences. We observed that Sp1 binding to this sequence is increased upon site-specific cytosine methylation, such that only methylation of the cytosine in the -50 CpG dinucleotide effects Sp1 binding. Methylation of the distal C of the Hpall site has no effect. The possible functional role of Sp1 as a repressor of gamma-globin synthesis is discussed.

The 87-kD A gamma-globin enhancer-binding protein is a product of the HOXB2(HOX2H) locus.

Developmental regulation of globin gene expression may be controlled by developmental stage-specific nuclear proteins that influence interactions between the locus control region and local regulatory sequences near individual globin genes. We previously isolated an 87-kD nuclear protein from K562 cells that bound to DNA sequences in the beta-globin locus control region, gamma-globin promoter, and A gamma-globin enhancer. The presence of this protein in fetal globin-expressing cells and its absence in adult globin-expressing cells suggested that it may be a developmental stage-specific factor. A lambda gt11 K562 cDNA clone encoding a portion of the HOXB2 (formerly HOX2H) homeobox gene was isolated on the basis of the ability of its beta-galactosidase fusion protein to bind to the same DNA sequences as the 87-kD K562 protein. Because no other relationship had been established between the 87-kD K562 protein and the HOXB2 protein other than their ability to bind ot the same DNA sequences, we have investigated whether the two proteins are related antigenically. Our data show that antisera produced against the HOXB2-beta-gal fusion protein and a synthetic HOXB2 decapeptide react specifically with an 87-kD protein from K562 nuclear extract, showing that the 87-kD K562 nuclear protein is a product of the HOXB2 locus, and is the first demonstration of cellular HOXB2 protein.

Fetal hemoglobin reactivation in baboon and man: a short perspective.

Present concepts of the mechanism of reactivation of synthesis of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) in the adult under conditions of erythropoietic stress are briefly reviewed. Since HbF can be considered an effective natural antisickling agent, the reactivation of its synthesis in patients with sickle cell anemia as a desirable therapeutic goal has been extensively explored since the discovery in 1982 that 5-azacytidine increases HbF levels in the baboon. Hydroxyurea (HU) has become the most widely used agent, although its effectiveness in increasing HbF levels and the number of F cells is highly variable. Recent investigations are cited showing that other agents such as butyrate, and the addition of recombinant hemopoietic growth factors, such as erythropoietin and stem cell factor, especially in combination with HU, offer important therapeutic possibilities. Transacting nuclear proteins are briefly discussed as possibly having a future role in the efforts of stimulating gamma-chain synthesis.

Treatment of open fractures of the tibial shaft with the use of interlocking nailing without reaming.

Fifty open fractures of the tibial shaft that were treated with débridement and interlocking nailing without reaming were followed for an average of twelve months. Most of the fractures were the result of high-energy trauma, and 68 per cent of the fracture wounds were grade III. Forty-eight (96 per cent) of the fifty fractures united at an average of seven months; there were no malunions. There were four infections (8 per cent), all at the sites of grade-III fractures. Locking screws broke in five tibiae (10 per cent), but the breakage did not result in a loss of reduction. Three nails broke, two at the sites of ununited fractures and one at the site of a healed fracture. These results are comparable with, or better than, those obtained with other forms of fixation, including immobilization with a cast, unlocked intramedullary nailing, and external fixation.

A homeodomain protein binds to gamma-globin gene regulatory sequences.

Developmental regulation of gamma-globin gene expression probably occurs through developmental-stage-specific trans-acting factors able to promote the interaction of enhancer elements located in the far upstream locus control region with regulatory elements in the gamma gene promoters and 3' A gamma enhancer located in close proximity to the genes. We have detected a nuclear protein in K562 and baboon fetal bone marrow nuclear extracts capable of binding to A+T-rich sequences in the locus control region, gamma gene promoter, and 3' A gamma enhancer. SDS/polyacrylamide gel analysis of the purified K562 binding activity revealed a single protein of 87 kDa. A K562 cDNA clone was isolated encoding a beta-galactosidase fusion protein with a DNA binding specificity identical to that of the K562/fetal bone marrow nuclear protein. The cDNA clone encodes a homeodomain homologous to the Drosophila antennapedia protein.

Mechanical characterization of femoral interlocking intramedullary nailing systems.

The most important mechanical characteristics of a nailing system are related to its stiffness (rigidity) and strength. This study evaluates the properties of three commercially available interlocking intramedullary nail systems using standardized test methods. An understanding of the mechanical properties along with the clinical data will assist the surgeon in choosing the optimum implant. Testing indicates that the bending strength and stiffness of the Grosse & Kempf, the AO/ASIF Universal, and the Russell-Taylor interlocking intramedullary nail designs are comparable. It is therefore not surprising that all of these nail systems have excellent clinical results. However, the nonslotted design is approximately 30 times more resistant to torsional loading than either the partially slotted design of the Grosse & Kempf nail or the fully slotted design of the AO/ASIF nail. The clinical relevance of the torsional values may not be known until a long-term comparison of the complication rates for these different systems is available. Analysis of screw design reveals a tradeoff in bending strength when compared to amount of bone purchase. The bending strength of fully threaded screws (allowing bicortical fixation) is less than that of partially threaded screws (allowing only unicortical fixation), which shows that for the implants tested, increased bone purchase requires a compromise in strength for similar sized screws.

Non-traumatic atlantoaxial subluxation in an adult secondary to retropharyngeal abscess.

Non-traumatic atlantoaxial subluxation in an adult due to retropharyngeal abscess has been only sporadically reported. This article presents such a case treated non-surgically, with discussion of clinical presentation, diagnosis, pathogenesis, and treatment. The differential diagnosis of non-traumatic atlantoaxial subluxation is presented for review.