Mast cell deficiency prevents BCR::ABL1 induced splenomegaly and cytokine elevation in a CML mouse model.

The persistence of leukemic stem cells (LSCs) represents a problem in the therapy of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Hence, it is of utmost importance to explore the underlying mechanisms to develop new therapeutic approaches to cure CML. Using the genetically engineered ScltTA/TRE-BCR::ABL1 mouse model for chronic phase CML, we previously demonstrated that the loss of the docking protein GAB2 counteracts the infiltration of mast cells (MCs) in the bone marrow (BM) of BCR::ABL1 positive mice. Here, we show for the first time that BCR::ABL1 drives the cytokine independent expansion of BM derived MCs and sensitizes them for FcεRI triggered degranulation. Importantly, we demonstrate that genetic mast cell deficiency conferred by the Cpa3Cre allele prevents BCR::ABL1 induced splenomegaly and impairs the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, we show in CML patients that splenomegaly is associated with high BM MC counts and that upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines in patient serum samples correlates with tryptase levels. Finally, MC-associated transcripts were elevated in human CML BM samples. Thus, our study identifies MCs as essential contributors to disease progression and suggests considering them as an additional target in CML therapy. Mast cells play a key role in the pro-inflammatory tumor microenvironment of the bone marrow. Shown is a cartoon summarizing our results from the mouse model. BCR::ABL1 transformed MCs, as part of the malignant clone, are essential for the elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, known to be important in disease initiation and progression.

Reconstructing spleno-mesenterico-portal cofluence by bifurcated allogeneic vein in local advanced pancreatic cancer-a feasible method to avoid left-sided portal hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Left-sided portal hypertension is usually found in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) with spleno-mesenterico-portal (S-M-P) confluence resection. This study is to explore the outcomes of S-M-P confluence reconstruction after resection by using bifurcated allogeneic vein. METHODS: Clinicopathologic data of patients who underwent extensive PD with S-M-P confluence resection for carcinoma of pancreatic head/uncinate process in our hospital between December 2011 and August 2018 were retrospectively reviewed and clinical outcomes of vein reconstruction after resection were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 37 patients enrolled, S-M-P reconstruction by bifurcated allogeneic vein was performed in 24 cases (group 1) and simply splenic vein ligation in 13 cases (group 2). Items including pathological results, blood loss, and complications were comparable between the two groups, operation time was longer in group 1 (573.8 vs. 479.2 min, p = 0.018). Significantly decreased platelet count (205.9 vs. 133.1 × 109 /L, p = 0.001) and increased splenic volume (270.9 vs. 452.2 ml, p < 0.001) were observed in group 2 at 6 months after operation. The mean splenic hypertrophy ratio was 1.06 in group 1 and 1.63 in group 2, respectively (p < 0.001). There were four patients with varices were found in group 2, none in group 1. CONCLUSIONS: Without increased complications, reconstructing S-M-P confluence by bifurcated allogeneic vein after resection may help to avoid left-sided portal hypertension.

Interleukin-4 Administration or Zinc Supplementation Is Effective in Preventing Zinc Deficiency-Induced Hemolytic Anemia and Splenomegaly.

Nutritional zinc deficiency aggravates inflammation, subsequently causing anemia and splenomegaly in rats; however, the mechanism underlying such splenomegaly remains poorly understood. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the splenomegaly and anemia occurring in zinc-deficient rats and investigate whether these effects of zinc deficiency could be reversed by interleukin (IL)-4 administration or zinc supplementation. Five-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a standard diet; fed a zinc-deficient diet (n = 7 each) and injected with saline or IL-4; or fed a zinc-deficient diet for 6 weeks followed by a standard diet for 4 weeks thereafter. White blood cells, segmented neutrophils, platelets, CD4+ T cells, CD11b/c+ granulocytes, CINC/GRO+ cells, and myeloperoxidase-positive cells in the blood and spleen of the zinc-deficient rats were significantly higher than those in all the other groups. Conversely, red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, lymphocytes, and CD8+ T cells in the blood of the zinc-deficient rats were significantly lower than those in the other groups. Furthermore, serum aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, indirect bilirubin concentrations, and erythrocyte osmotic fragility in the zinc-deficient rats were significantly higher than those in the other groups. Moreover, zinc deficiency significantly decreased the GATA1 protein levels in the spleen. Collectively, these results indicate that zinc deficiency aggravates the inflammatory response and causes hemolytic anemia and splenomegaly. Importantly, IL-4 administration and zinc supplementation can reverse the zinc deficiency-induced hemolytic anemia and splenomegaly.

Bcl-3 inhibits lupus-like phenotypes in BL6/lpr mice.

Bcl-3 is an atypical member of the IκB family that modulates NF-κB activity in nuclei. lpr mice carry the lpr mutation in Fas, resulting in functional loss of this death receptor; they serve as models for lupus erythematosus and autoimmune lymphoproliferation syndrome (ALPS). To explore the biologic roles of Bcl-3 in this disease model, we generated BL6/lpr mice lacking Bcl-3. Unlike lpr mice on an MRL background, BL6/lpr mice present with very mild lupus- or ALPS-like phenotypes. Bcl-3 KO BL6/lpr mice, however, developed severe splenomegaly, dramatically increased numbers of double negative T cells - a hallmark of human lupus, ALPS, and MRL/lpr mice - and exhibited inflammation in multiple organs, despite low levels of autoantibodies, similar to those in BL6/lpr mice. Loss of Bcl-3 specifically in T cells exacerbated select lupus-like phenotypes, specifically organ infiltration. Mechanistically, elevated levels of Tnfα in Bcl-3 KO BL6/lpr mice may promote lupus-like phenotypes, since loss of Tnfα in these mice reversed the pathology due to loss of Bcl-3. Contrary to the inhibitory functions of Bcl-3 revealed here, this regulator has also been shown to promote inflammation in different settings. Our findings highlight the profound, yet highly context-dependent roles of Bcl-3 in the development of inflammation-associated pathology.

Quaternary Ammonium Compound Disinfectants Reduce Lupus-Associated Splenomegaly by Targeting Neutrophil Migration and T-Cell Fate.

Hypersensitivity reactions and immune dysregulation have been reported with the use of quaternary ammonium compound disinfectants (QACs). We hypothesized that QAC exposure would exacerbate autoimmunity associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus). Surprisingly, however, we found that compared to QAC-free mice, ambient exposure of lupus-prone mice to QACs led to smaller spleens with no change in circulating autoantibodies or the severity of glomerulonephritis. This suggests that QACs may have immunosuppressive effects on lupus. Using a microfluidic device, we showed that ambient exposure to QACs reduced directional migration of bone marrow-derived neutrophils toward an inflammatory chemoattractant ex vivo. Consistent with this, we found decreased infiltration of neutrophils into the spleen. While bone marrow-derived neutrophils appeared to exhibit a pro-inflammatory profile, upregulated expression of PD-L1 was observed on neutrophils that infiltrated the spleen, which in turn interacted with PD-1 on T cells and modulated their fate. Specifically, QAC exposure hindered activation of splenic T cells and increased apoptosis of effector T-cell populations. Collectively, these results suggest that ambient QAC exposure decreases lupus-associated splenomegaly likely through neutrophil-mediated toning of T-cell activation and/or apoptosis. However, our findings also indicate that even ambient exposure could alter immune cell phenotypes, functions, and their fate. Further investigations on how QACs affect immunity under steady-state conditions are warranted.

Pathologic angiogenesis in the bone marrow of humanized sickle cell mice is reversed by blood transfusion.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a monogenic red blood cell (RBC) disorder with high morbidity and mortality. Here, we report, for the first time, the impact of SCD on the bone marrow (BM) vascular niche, which is critical for hematopoiesis. In SCD mice, we find a disorganized and structurally abnormal BM vascular network of increased numbers of highly tortuous arterioles occupying the majority of the BM cavity, as well as fragmented sinusoidal vessels filled with aggregates of erythroid and myeloid cells. By in vivo imaging, sickle and control RBCs have significantly slow intravascular flow speeds in sickle cell BM but not in control BM. In sickle cell BM, we find increased reactive oxygen species production in expanded erythroblast populations and elevated levels of HIF-1α. The SCD BM exudate exhibits increased levels of proangiogenic growth factors and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1. Transplantation of SCD mouse BM cells into wild-type mice recapitulates the SCD vascular phenotype. Our data provide a model of SCD BM, in which slow RBC flow and vaso-occlusions further diminish local oxygen availability in the physiologic hypoxic BM cavity. These events trigger a milieu that is conducive to aberrant vessel growth. The distorted neovascular network is completely reversed by a 6-week blood transfusion regimen targeting hemoglobin S to <30%, highlighting the plasticity of the vascular niche. A better insight into the BM microenvironments in SCD might provide opportunities to optimize approaches toward efficient and long-term hematopoietic engraftment in the context of curative therapies.

Gold Nanoparticles Coimmobilized with Small Molecule Toll-Like Receptor 7 Ligand and α-Mannose as Adjuvants.

Adjuvants enhance the immune response during vaccination. Among FDA-approved adjuvants, aluminum salts are most commonly used in vaccines. Although aluminum salts enhance humoral immunity, they show a limited effect for cell-mediated immune responses. Thus, further development of adjuvants that induce T-cell-mediated immune response is needed. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognizing specific pathogen-associated molecular patterns activate innate immunity, which is crucial to shape adaptive immunity. Using TLR ligands as novel adjuvants in vaccines has therefore attracted substantial attention. Among them a small molecule TLR7 ligand, imiquimod, has been approved for clinical use, but its use is restricted to local administration due to unwanted adverse side effects when used systematically. Since TLR7 is mainly located in the endosomal compartment of immune cells, efficient transport of the ligand into the cells is important for improving the potency of the TLR7 ligand. In this study we examined gold nanoparticles (GNPs) immobilized with α-mannose as carriers for a TLR7 ligand to target immune cells. The small molecule synthetic TLR7 ligand, 2-methoxyethoxy-8-oxo-9-(4-carboxy benzyl)adenine (1V209), and α-mannose were coimmobilized via linker molecules consisting of thioctic acid on the GNP surface (1V209-αMan-GNPs). The in vitro cytokine production activity of 1V209-αMan-GNPs was higher than that of the unconjugated 1V209 derivative in mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells and in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In the in vivo immunization study, 1V209-αMan-GNPs induced significantly higher titers of IgG2c antibody specific to ovalbumin as an antigen than did unconjugated 1V209, and splenomegaly and weight loss were not observed. These results indicate that 1V209-αMan-GNPs could be useful as safe and effective adjuvants for development of vaccines against infectious diseases and cancer.

Improvement of the hematologic toxicities of ruxolitinib in patients with MPN-associated myelofibrosis using a combination of thalidomide, stanozolol and prednisone.

Objective: Anemia and thrombocytopenia are the most frequently reported adverse events of ruxolitinib in patients with MPN-associated myelofibrosis (MPN-MF). Although thalidomide, androgens and prednisone have previously demonstrated improvements in myelofibrosis-associated anemia, it is unclear whether these drugs are effective in patients taking ruxolitinib. Method: We conducted a retrospective cohort study to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of combination therapy with low dose thalidomide, stanozolol and prednisone (TSP) in patients with IPSS intermediate-2 or high-risk myelofibrosis (MF) who received ruxolitinib treatment. Results: Sixty-five patients with MPN-MF who took ruxolitinib were enrolled in this retrospective study, of which 46 patients also took TSP while 19 did not take TSP (TSP and non-TSP groups). Within the first 24 weeks, the proportion of patients with anemia response and platelet count increase ≥50 × 109/L were 45.7% and 67.4% in the TSP group as compared to 0% and 10.5% in the non-TSP group (p < 0.001). The mean hemoglobin level in the non-TSP group reached the nadir after approximately 12-16 weeks of therapy, but gradually increased in the TSP group. Conclusion: In summary, TSP regimen can improve anemia and thrombocytopenia during ruxolitinib treatment in patients with MPN-MF, and the associated adverse events were manageable.

Long-Term Results after Diversion Surgery in Extrahepatic Portal Vein Obstruction.

AIM: Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) is a frequent cause of noncirrhotic portal hypertension in children. The aim of this study is to analyze long-term results after diversion surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of EHPVO patients who underwent diversion surgery analyzing number of platelets, leukocytes, prothrombin activity, splenomegaly, and gastrointestinal bleeding 10 years after surgery. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were evaluated, mostly males (64%) and presenting with gastrointestinal bleeding (46%). Mesoportal shunt (Rex) was performed in 19 patients, mesocaval in 7, distal splenorenal in 7, and proximal splenorenal in 3. While comparing mesoportal shunt to the other portosystemic shunts, an increase in platelets was found with every technique, but it was clearly higher in mesoportal shunt. The highest increase was 6 months after surgery (p = 0.0015) as well as prothrombin activity (p = 0.0003). Leukocytes level also increased without statistical significance. Spleen size (cm) and spleen size Z score (SSAZ) decreased significantly 6 months after mesoportal shunt (p = 0.0168). Before surgery, over 94% patients suffered gastrointestinal bleeding, which reduced significantly afterward with bleeding episodes in only four (12%) of them. CONCLUSION: Diversion surgery in EHPVO, especially mesoportal shunt of Rex, improves hepatic function (prothrombin activity), reduces hypersplenism (platelets, leukocytes, and spleen size), and decreases gastrointestinal bleeding episodes.

Both maternal and placental toll-like receptor activation are necessary for the full development of proteinuric hypertension in mice.

OBJECTIVE: Innate immune system activation and excessive inflammation contributes to hypertension during pregnancy (HTN-preg). Activation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs), the primary innate immune system sensor, is evident in women with HTN-preg and is sufficient to induce pregnancy-dependent, proteinuric hypertension in animals. However, whether HTN-preg is a maternal disease, a placental disease, or both is unclear. We hypothesized that activation of TLR3, the double-stranded RNA sensor, in both maternal systemic and placental cells would be necessary for the full development of HTN-preg in mice. STUDY DESIGN: Various mating schemes generated pregnant mice that lacked TLR3 in maternal cells, paternally-derived placental cells, and both. Mice were then injected with a TLR3 agonist on days 13, 15, and 17 of pregnancy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Blood pressure, urinary protein excretion, fetal development, maternal vascular endothelial function, and immune system activation were all assessed and compared between groups. RESULTS: Pregnant mice lacking TLR3 in maternal cells as well as pregnant mice lacking TLR3 in placental cells had significantly attenuated increases in systolic blood pressure, urinary protein excretion, fetal demise, and endothelial dysfunction compared to wild-type pregnant mice following TLR3 activation. Pregnant mice lacking TLR3 in both maternal systemic and placental cells were completely resistant to the hypertension, proteinuria, fetal demise, endothelial dysfunction, splenomegaly, and increases in pro-inflammatory immune cells induced by TLR3 activation. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that both maternal and placental TLR3 activation are crucial for the full development of HTN-preg and that TLR3 antagonists may be beneficial in some women with HTN-preg.

Spleen Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor TAK-659 Prevents Splenomegaly and Tumor Development in a Murine Model of Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Lymphoma.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with several B and epithelial cell cancers. EBV-encoded latent membrane protein 2A (LMP2A) contributes to cellular transformation by mimicking B cell receptor signaling. LMP2A/MYC double transgenic mice develop splenomegaly and B cell lymphoma much faster than MYC transgenic mice do. In this study, we explored the potential therapeutic efficacy of a novel spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) and FLT3 inhibitor TAK-659 for development of a treatment option for EBV-associated malignancies. In our transgenic model, TAK-659 treatment totally abrogated splenomegaly and tumor development in LMP2A/MYC mice in both pretumor and tumor cell transfer experiments. TAK-659 treatment killed tumor cells, but not host cells within the spleen and tumors. Furthermore, TAK-659 treatment abrogated metastasis of tumor cells into bone marrow. Our data also show that TAK-659 inhibits SYK phosphorylation and induces apoptosis in LMP2A/MYC tumor cells at low nanomolar concentrations. Therefore, TAK-659 may provide an effective therapeutic option for treatment of LMP2A-positive EBV-associated malignancies and should be explored further in clinical trials.IMPORTANCE The novel SYK and FLT3 inhibitor TAK-659 prevents the enlargement of spleen and tumor development in a mouse model of EBV-associated lymphoma by counteracting the activation of cellular kinase SYK through the viral LMP2A gene by inducing cell death in tumor cells but not in nontumor cells. These findings indicate that TAK-659 may be a very effective nontoxic therapeutic molecule especially for EBV-positive hematologic malignancies.

Intestinal DMT1 Is Essential for Optimal Assimilation of Dietary Copper in Male and Female Mice with Iron-Deficiency Anemia.

Background: Divalent metal-ion transporter 1 (DMT1) may transport copper, but studies to date on this topic have been equivocal. Previously, an ex vivo experiment showed that intestinal copper transport was impaired in Dmt1-mutant Belgrade rats. Objective: In this study, we tested the hypothesis that intestinal DMT1 transports copper in vivo. Methods: Intestine-specific Dmt1 knockout (Dmt1int/int) mice and normal (control) littermates (Dmt1fl/fl) were used. In study 1, intestinal copper absorption was assessed in 7-wk-old mice of both sexes and genotypes by oral-intragastric gavage of 64Cu under normal and iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) conditions. In study 2, both sexes and genotypes of 8-wk-old mice were fed diets with adequate iron concentrations [72 parts per million (ppm)] plus adequate (9 ppm) or excessive (183 ppm) copper concentrations for 4 wk. Iron- and copper-related physiologic variables were subsequently assessed. Results: Study 1 showed that intestinal copper transport was enhanced in normal (∼11% increase in males, 35% in females) and anemic (∼42% increase in males, 35% in females) Dmt1int/int mice. Study 2 showed that, with adequate copper intakes, serum ceruloplasmin (Cp) activity was decreased (by ∼29% in males and 20% in females) and spleens were enlarged (by 3-fold in both sexes) in Dmt1int/int mice. Higher dietary copper increased hepatic copper concentrations (by ∼3.3-fold in males and 1.5-fold in females), restored serum Cp activity, and mitigated the noted splenomegaly in Dmt1int/int mice. Conclusions: Copper homeostasis was disrupted in Dmt1int/int mice, particularly during IDA, despite the noted increases in intestinal copper transport. This was exemplified by the fact that extra dietary copper was required to restore serum Cp activity (a biomarker of copper status) and reduce the severity of the noted splenomegaly (which could reflect changes in erythropoietic demand) in Dmt1int/int mice. Collectively, these observations show that intestinal DMT1 is essential for the assimilation of sufficient quantities of dietary copper to maintain systemic copper homeostasis during IDA.

Ruxolitinib Rechallenge Can Improve Constitutional Symptoms and Splenomegaly in Patients With Myelofibrosis: A Case Series.

INTRODUCTION: Myelofibrosis (MF) is one of the classic myeloproliferative neoplasms and can occur de novo or following transformation from polycythemia vera (PPV MF) or essential thrombocythemia (PET MF). It can be associated with constitutional symptoms and splenomegaly, both of which can negatively impact quality of life. The only curative option for MF is allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Studies have shown that JAK2 inhibitors such as ruxolitinib are effective in reducing both splenomegaly and symptom burden. Although there is no approved treatment for patients who progress on ruxolitinib, anecdotal evidence suggests patients may respond to a re-challenge of ruxolitinib after drug cessation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a multi-institutional, retrospective case series to study patients who were re-challenged with ruxolitinib after inadequate response to or loss of response with an initial treatment course. Thirteen patients were identified. Six patients had primary MF, 3 patients had PPV MF, and 4 patients had PET MF. Ten patients were JAK2-positive, 2 were CALR-positive, and 1 patient had neither mutation. Nine patients received 1 ruxolitinib re-challenge, and 4 received 2 re-challenges. Response was defined as improvement in constitutional symptoms and/or reduction in spleen size. RESULTS: During the primary treatment course with ruxolitinib, there was improvement in constitutional symptoms and reduction in spleen size in 92% and 85% of patients, respectively. Following cessation of ruxolitinib, all patients received a first re-challenge course with improvement in symptoms and splenomegaly in 92% and 69%, respectively. Of the 4 patients who received a second re-challenge course of ruxolitinib, all had improvements in spleen size and constitutional symptoms. Six patients have continued on a first or second ruxolitinib re-challenge course with good response. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that re-exposure to ruxolitinib following a period of treatment cessation in patients with MF can lead to durable responses with regards to both splenomegaly and symptom burden.

Allylpyrocatechol attenuates methotrexate-induced hepatotoxicity in a collagen-induced model of arthritis.

The cornerstone of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is low dose methotrexate (MTX), but its use is limited by concerns regarding its potential for hepatotoxicity. Allylpyrocatechol (APC), a phytoconstituent sourced from leaves of Piper betle demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiarthritic properties. The present study aimed to evaluate the combined effect of APC and MTX on limiting progression of lipopolysaccharide accelerated collagen-induced arthritis, along with reduction of MTX-induced hepatic damage. A collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model was established by immunising Sprague-Dawley rats with bovine collagen type II (CII) and lipopolysaccharide, followed by a booster dose of CII on day 15. Rats from days 11-27 were administered APC (20 mg/kg), methotrexate (1.5 mg/kg), or a combination of MTX and APC. The combinatorial therapy of APC and MTX significantly improved the parameters of arthritis as evident from the reduction in paw oedema and arthritic score and was endorsed by radiological and histopathological changes. This combination prevented the rise in levels of proinflammatory cytokines, tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 (IL-6). Furthermore, unlike MTX-monotherapy, the APC-MTX combination decreased the associated cachexia, splenomegaly, and oxidative stress. Importantly, the hepatic damage mediated by MTX monotherapy was effectively attenuated by the inclusion of APC. Taken together, antioxidants such as APC when combined with MTX not only potentiated the antiarthritic effect but importantly alleviated the MTX-induced hepatic damage, thus endorsing its effectiveness in preventing progression of articular diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Efficacy and safety of ruxolitinib after and versus interferon use in the RESPONSE studies.

Ruxolitinib was well tolerated and superior to best available therapy (including interferon [IFN]) in controlling hematocrit without phlebotomy eligibility, normalizing blood counts, and improving polycythemia vera-related symptoms in the Study of Efficacy and Safety in Polycythemia Vera Subjects Who Are Resistant to or Intolerant of Hydroxyurea: JAK Inhibitor INC424 (INCB018424) Tablets Versus Best Available Care (RESPONSE) studies. This ad hoc analysis focuses on ruxolitinib in relation to IFN in the RESPONSE studies, with attention on the following: (1) safety and efficacy of ruxolitinib and best available therapy in patients who received IFN before study randomization, (2) safety and efficacy of IFN during randomized treatment in best available therapy arm, and (3) use of ruxolitinib after crossover from best available therapy in IFN-treated patients. IFN exposure before randomization had little effect on the efficacy or safety of ruxolitinib. In the randomized treatment arms, ruxolitinib was superior to IFN in efficacy [hematocrit control (RESPONSE = 60% of ruxolitinib vs 23% of IFN patients; RESPONSE-2 = 62% of ruxolitinib vs 15% of IFN patients)] and was tolerated better in hydroxyurea-resistant or hydroxyurea-intolerant patients. After crossing over to receive ruxolitinib, patients who had initially received IFN and did not respond had improved hematologic and spleen responses (62% of patients at any time after crossover) and an overall reduction in phlebotomy procedures. Rates and incidences of the most common adverse events decreased after crossover to ruxolitinib, except for infections (primarily grade 1 or 2). These data suggest that ruxolitinib is efficacious and well tolerated in patients who were previously treated with IFN. The RESPONSE (NCT01243944) and RESPONSE-2 (NCT02038036) studies were registered at clinicaltrials.gov .

Ultrasound Findings Associated With Antepartum Viral Infection.

This article reviews the sonographic manifestations of fetal infection and the role of ultrasound in the evaluation of the fetus at risk for congenital infection. Several ultrasound findings have been associated with in utero fetal infections. For the patient with a known or suspected fetal infection, sonographic identification of characteristic abnormalities can provide useful information for counseling and perinatal management. Demonstration of such findings in the low-risk patient may serve to identify the fetus with a previously unsuspected infection. The clinician should understand the limitations of ultrasound in the prenatal diagnosis of congenital infection and discuss them with the patient.

Chronic myeloid leukemia patients in Tunisia: epidemiology and outcome in the imatinib era (a multicentric experience).

Data are limited in developing countries regarding the clinicopathologic features and response to therapy of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in the era of imatinib (IM). The objective of this study is to report on the clinicoepidemiologic features of CML in Tunisia, to evaluate the long-term outcome of patients in chronic (CP) or accelerated phase (AP) treated with IM 400 mg daily as frontline therapy, and to determine imatinib's efficacy and safety. From October 2002 to December 2014, 410 CML patients were treated with IM in six Tunisian departments of hematology. Response (hematologic, cytogenetic, and molecular responses) and outcome-overall survival (OS), event-free survival (EFS), and progression-free survival (PFS)-were evaluated. The following prognostic factors were analyzed for their impact on the European leukemia net (ELN) response, OS, EFS, and PFS at 5 years: age, sex, leukocyte count, Sokal score, European Treatment and Outcome Study (EUTOS) score, CML phase, time to starting IM, and impact of adverse events. The median age was 45 years (3-85 years). Two hundred ten (51.2%) patients were male. Splenomegaly was present in 322 of the 410 (79%). Additional cytogenetic abnormalities were encountered in 25 (6.3%) patients. At diagnosis, 379 (92.4%) patients were in CP, 31 (7.6%) were in AP. The Sokal risk was low in 87 (22.5%), intermediate in 138 (35.7%), and high in 164 patients (41.9%). The EUTOS risk was low in 217 (74%), and high in 77 (26%) patients. The rates of cumulative complete cytogenetic response (CCyR), major molecular response (MMR), and molecular response 4/5 log (MR4.5) in CP/AP-CML patients were 72, 68.4, and 46.4%, respectively. The median time to reach CCyR, MMR, and MR4.5 was 6 months (3-51), 18 months (3-72), and 24 months (3-100), respectively. According to the ELN criteria, optimal, suboptimal response, and failure were noted in 206 (51.8%), 61 (15.3%), and 125 (31.4%) patients, respectively. Five-year event-free survival (EFS), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were 81, 90, and 90%, respectively. By multivariate analysis, AP, high EUTOS risk, and baseline WBC ≥ 150G/l remained independent predictive factors of non-optimal response to IM. The adverse events (AE) of IM were moderate and tolerable. With the caveats that the monitoring of the disease was not optimal, response rates were similar to those reported in previous studies. It is clear to us that improvements should be made in treatment of AP-CML and high Sokal risk group of CP-CML. The frontline use of second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) is expected to improve the results of the first-line treatment of these high-risk Tunisian patients, but cost and accessibility of this therapy remain the problems in developing countries.

Optimisation of chloroquine phosphate loaded nanostructured lipid carriers using Box-Behnken design and its antimalarial efficacy.

Chloroquine was once the most widely used antimalarial for nearly eight decades for its safety, efficiency, stability, low cost and finally for its less toxic nature. But its use and efficacy got slowly decreased with the increase of chloroquine resistant strains of Plasmodium species throughout the world. Lipid based nanodrug delivery systems have been very popular in the recent times as they are very less toxic, have drug targeting capabilities and also reduces the dosing frequency by increasing efficacy of the drug. In the present research work, response surface methodology was employed to optimise chloroquine phosphate (CQ) loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) using a modified double emulsion technique. The optimised CQ loaded NLC showed a particle size of 66.50 ± 1.21 nm, PDI of 0.210 ± 0.016, ZP of +38.4 ± 1.44 and EE of 78.2 ± 1.2%, respectively. The in vitro and in vivo antimalarial studies of CQ loaded NLCs showed an enhanced antimalarial efficacy of the nanoformulation with a better suppression of parasitemia and with an increased efficacy of more than 23% in comparison to pure drug. This study demonstrated that by loading a drug into an NLCs system can help in overcoming the problems associated with the present antimalarials available.

Swimming attenuates inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in a rat model of dextran sulfate sodium-induced chronic colitis.

Increasing evidence suggests that regular physical exercise suppresses chronic inflammation. However, the potential inhibitory effects of swimming on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced chronic colitis, and its underlying mechanisms, remain unclear. In this study, rats were orally administered DSS to induce chronic colitis, and subsequently treated with or without swimming exercise. A 7-week swimming program (1 or 1.5 hours per day, 5 days per week) ameliorated DSS-caused colon shortening, colon barrier disruption, spleen enlargement, serum LDH release, and reduction of body weight gain. Swimming for 1.5 hours per day afforded greater protection than 1 hour per day. Swimming ameliorated DSS-induced decrease in crypt depth, and increases in myeloperoxidase activity, infiltration of Ly6G+ neutrophils and TNF-α- and IFN-γ-expressing CD3+ T cells, as well as fecal calprotectin and lactoferrin. Swimming inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine production and decreased the protein expression of phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB p65 and cyclooxygenase 2, whereas it elevated interleukin-10 levels. Swimming impeded the generation of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide; however, it boosted glutathione levels, total antioxidant capacity, and superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities. Additionally, swimming decreased caspase-3 activity and expression of apoptosis-inducing factor, cytochrome c, Bax, and cleaved-caspase-3, but increased Bcl-2 levels. Overall, these results suggest that swimming exerts beneficial effects on DSS-induced chronic colitis by modulating inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis.