Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Show: 20 | 50 | 100
Results 1 - 17 de 17
Filter
1.
Ann Epidemiol ; 872023 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37714416

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To assess changes in the COVID-19 mortality rate and disparities over variants or waves by industry. METHODS: We identified COVID-19 deaths that occurred between January 2020 and May 2022 among California workers aged 18-64 years using death certificates, and estimated Californians at risk using the Current Population Survey. The waves in deaths were wave 1: March-June 2020, wave 2: July-November 2020, wave 3/Epsilon and Alpha variants: December 2020-May 2021, wave 4/Delta variant: June 2021-January 2022, and wave 5/Omicron variant: February-May 2022. We used Poisson regression to generate wave-specific mortality rate ratios (MRR) and included an interaction term between industry and wave in different models to assess significance of the change in MRR. RESULTS: In all waves of the pandemic, healthcare, other services, manufacturing, transportation, and retail trade industries had higher mortality rates than the professional, scientific, and technical industry. The healthcare industry had the highest relative rate earlier in the pandemic, while other services, utilities, and accommodation and food services industries had substantial increases in MRR in later waves. CONCLUSIONS: Industries that consistently had disproportionate COVID-19 mortality may have benefitted from protections that consider workers' increased exposure and vulnerability to severe outcomes.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Humans , Retrospective Studies , SARS-CoV-2 , California/epidemiology
2.
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep ; 71(33): 1052-1056, 2022 Aug 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35980867

ABSTRACT

Work-related factors can contribute to risk for exposure to and infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and subsequent COVID-19-attributable outcomes, including death. Comparing COVID-19 metrics across industries can help identify workers at highest risk. Elevated COVID-19 mortality rates have been reported among all transportation workers, as well as specifically in public transportation industries (1-3). The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) calculated public transportation industry-specific COVID-19 outbreak incidence during January 2020-May 2022 and analyzed all laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 deaths among working-age adults in California to calculate public transportation industry-specific mortality rates during the same period. Overall, 340 confirmed COVID-19 outbreaks, 5,641 outbreak-associated cases, and 537 COVID-19-associated deaths were identified among California public transportation industries. Outbreak incidence was 5.2 times as high (129.1 outbreaks per 1,000 establishments) in the bus and urban transit industry and 3.6 times as high in the air transportation industry (87.7) as in all California industries combined (24.7). Mortality rates were 2.1 times as high (237.4 deaths per 100,000 workers) in transportation support services and 1.8 times as high (211.5) in the bus and urban transit industry as in all industries combined (114.4). Workers in public transportation industries are at higher risk for COVID-19 workplace outbreaks and mortality than the general worker population in California and should be prioritized for COVID-19 prevention strategies, including vaccination and enhanced workplace protection measures.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Adult , California/epidemiology , Disease Outbreaks/prevention & control , Humans , Industry , SARS-CoV-2
3.
Am J Public Health ; 112(8): 1180-1190, 2022 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35830667

ABSTRACT

Objectives. To describe which industries have the highest burden of COVID-19 outbreaks in California. Methods. We assigned US census industry codes to COVID-19 outbreaks reported to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) from January 1, 2020, to August 31, 2021, and determined numbers of outbreaks, numbers of outbreak-associated cases, and outbreak incidence levels by industry. We determined characteristics of outbreak-associated cases using individual case data linked to COVID-19 outbreaks. Results. Local health departments reported 19 893 COVID-19 outbreaks and 300 379 outbreak-associated cases to CDPH. The most outbreaks (47.8%) and outbreak-associated cases (54.8%) occurred in the health care and social assistance sector, where outbreak incidence levels were highest in skilled nursing facilities and residential care facilities (1306 and 544 outbreaks per 1000 establishments, respectively). High proportions of outbreaks also occurred in the retail trade (8.6%) and manufacturing (7.9%) sectors. Demographics of outbreak-associated cases varied across industries. Conclusions. Certain California industries, particularly in the health care, manufacturing, and retail sectors, have experienced a high burden of COVID-19 outbreaks during the pandemic. Public Health Implications. Tracking COVID-19 outbreaks by industry may help target prevention efforts, including workforce vaccination. (Am J Public Health. 2022;112(8):1180-1190. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2022.306862).


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , COVID-19/epidemiology , California/epidemiology , Disease Outbreaks/prevention & control , Humans , Pandemics/prevention & control , Workplace
4.
PLoS One ; 17(3): e0266058, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35349589

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Information on U.S. COVID-19 mortality rates by occupation is limited. We aimed to characterize 2020 COVID-19 fatalities among working Californians to inform preventive strategies. METHODS: We identified laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 fatalities with dates of death in 2020 by matching death certificates to the state's COVID-19 case registry. Working status for decedents aged 18-64 years was determined from state employment records, death certificates, and case registry data and classified as "confirmed working," "likely working," or "not working." We calculated age-adjusted overall and occupation-specific COVID-19 mortality rates using 2019 American Community Survey denominators. RESULTS: COVID-19 accounted for 8,050 (9.9%) of 81,468 fatalities among Californians 18-64 years old. Of these decedents, 2,486 (30.9%) were matched to state employment records and classified as "confirmed working." The remainder were classified as "likely working" (n = 4,121 [51.2%]) or "not working" (n = 1,443 [17.9%]) using death certificate and case registry data. Confirmed and likely working COVID-19 decedents were predominantly male (76.3%), Latino (68.7%), and foreign-born (59.6%), with high school or less education (67.9%); 7.8% were Black. The overall age-adjusted COVID-19 mortality rate was 30.0 per 100,000 workers (95% confidence interval [CI], 29.3-30.8). Workers in nine occupational groups had age-adjusted mortality rates higher than this overall rate, including those in farming (78.0; 95% CI, 68.7-88.2); material moving (77.8; 95% CI, 70.2-85.9); construction (62.4; 95% CI, 57.7-67.4); production (60.2; 95% CI, 55.7-65.0); and transportation (57.2; 95% CI, 52.2-62.5) occupations. While occupational differences in mortality were evident across demographic groups, mortality rates were three-fold higher for male compared with female workers and three- to seven-fold higher for Latino and Black workers compared with Asian and White workers. CONCLUSION: Californians in manual labor and in-person service occupations experienced disproportionate COVID-19 mortality, with the highest rates observed among male, Latino, and Black workers; these occupational group should be prioritized for prevention.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Adolescent , Adult , Educational Status , Employment , Female , Hispanic or Latino , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Occupations , Young Adult
5.
Emerg Infect Dis ; 28(1): 9-19, 2022 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34932449

ABSTRACT

State and local health departments established the California Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and Respiratory Virus Sentinel Surveillance System to conduct enhanced surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory pathogens at sentinel outpatient testing sites in 10 counties throughout California, USA. We describe results obtained during May 10, 2020‒June 12, 2021, and compare persons with positive and negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR results by using Poisson regression. We detected SARS-CoV-2 in 1,696 (19.6%) of 8,662 specimens. Among 7,851 specimens tested by respiratory panel, rhinovirus/enterovirus was detected in 906 (11.5%) specimens and other respiratory pathogens in 136 (1.7%) specimens. We also detected 23 co-infections with SARS-CoV-2 and another pathogen. SARS-CoV-2 positivity was associated with male participants, an age of 35-49 years, Latino race/ethnicity, obesity, and work in transportation occupations. Sentinel surveillance can provide useful virologic and epidemiologic data to supplement other disease monitoring activities and might become increasingly useful as routine testing decreases.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Coinfection , Adult , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Polymerase Chain Reaction , SARS-CoV-2 , Sentinel Surveillance
6.
BMJ Open ; 9(8): e029616, 2019 08 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31455706

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The aims of our study were to describe current hepatitis B prevalence among Vietnamese Americans and to examine predictors of hepatitis B risk in this specific ethnic community. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis of data from a community-based screening program. SETTING: This analysis was based on hepatitis screening community events in Southern California. PARTICIPANTS: 2508 Vietnamese Americans in Southern California. OUTCOME MEASURES: Serological tests for hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B surface antibody, and total hepatitis B core antibody were used to classify participants as one of four hepatitis B infection statuses: currently infected, previously infected, susceptible, or immune due to a previous hepatitis B vaccination. RESULTS: Across 2508 participants, 9.0% were currently infected with hepatitis B and 17.7% were at risk for hepatitis B. Females and those reporting a previous hepatitis B vaccination were at significant decreased risk of hepatitis B (OR=0.48, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.69 and OR=0.53, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.93, respectively) whereas those born outside of the USA and with a family history of the disease showed substantial increased risk (OR=13.36, 95% CI 1.62 to 110.05 and OR=4.68, 95% CI 2.66 to 8.22, respectively). Among those who reported a previous hepatitis B vaccination, less than half (42.9%) possessed the protective antibodies that result from a hepatitis B vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Vietnamese Americans remain disproportionately burdened by hepatitis B. Public health efforts that focus on improving hepatitis B awareness and vaccination knowledge and that are tailored to specific high-risk subgroups, such as immigrants and those with infected family members, could help in addressing the disease's burden in this high-prevalence population.


Subject(s)
Asian , Hepatitis B/epidemiology , Adult , Aged , California/epidemiology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Hepatitis B Antibodies/blood , Hepatitis B Vaccines , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Prevalence , Risk Factors , Vaccination/statistics & numerical data , Vietnam/ethnology
7.
Psychiatry Res ; 262: 488-493, 2018 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28939393

ABSTRACT

Pathological hoarding-related beliefs, such as need to control possessions, and inflated sense of responsibility over possessions, have been used to explain the development of symptoms of hoarding disorder (HD). While these beliefs have been the focus of the current standard treatment for HD, it is of significant clinical interest to further examine other constructs that may be linked to, or may underliethese beliefs, as well as the pathology of HD. To this end, the current study aimed to build on existing findings regarding the relationship of compromised self-identity with HD. Specifically, we investigated the relationship between self-criticism, shame, hoarding beliefs, and severity of HD symptoms among 104 treatment-seeking individuals with HD. We found that self-criticism and shame are positively associated with HD symptoms and hoarding related beliefs. Moreover, our data shed light on how these factors are connected by elucidating the indirect effects of self-criticism and shame on HD symptoms, mediated through beliefs about inflated sense of responsibility over possessions. The findings have implications for future research to examine interventions targeting compromised self-identity, including self-criticism and shame, among individuals with HD.


Subject(s)
Hoarding Disorder/physiopathology , Self-Assessment , Shame , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged
8.
Brain ; 136(Pt 5): 1415-31, 2013 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23604491

ABSTRACT

The proteasome is the major protein degradation system within the cell, comprised of different proteolytic subunits; amyloid-ß is thought to impair its activity in Alzheimer's disease. Neuroinflammation is a prominent hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, which may implicate an activation of the immunoproteasome, a specific proteasome variant induced by immune signalling that holds slightly different proteolytic properties than the constitutive proteasome. Using a novel cell-permeable proteasome activity probe, we found that amyloid-ß enhances proteasome activity in glial and neuronal cultures. Additionally, using a subunit-specific proteasome activity assay we showed that in the cortex of the APPswePS1dE9 plaque pathology mouse model, immunoproteasome activities were strongly increased together with increased messenger RNA and protein expression in reactive glia surrounding plaques. Importantly, this elevated activity was confirmed in human post-mortem tissue from donors with Alzheimer's disease. These findings are in contrast with earlier studies, which reported impairment of proteasome activity in human Alzheimer's disease tissue and mouse models. Targeting the increased immunoproteasome activity with a specific inhibitor resulted in a decreased expression of inflammatory markers in ex vivo microglia. This may serve as a potential novel approach to modulate sustained neuroinflammation and glial dysfunction associated with Alzheimer's disease.


Subject(s)
Alzheimer Disease/metabolism , Neuroglia/metabolism , Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex/metabolism , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Alzheimer Disease/immunology , Animals , Cells, Cultured , Enzyme Activation/immunology , Female , Humans , Male , Mice , Mice, Transgenic , Middle Aged , Neuroglia/immunology , Tumor Cells, Cultured
9.
Exp Hematol Oncol ; 2(1): 2, 2013 Jan 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23305345

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In clinical and experimental settings, antibody-based anti-CD20/rituximab and small molecule proteasome inhibitor (PI) bortezomib (BTZ) treatment proved effective modalities for B cell depletion in lymphoproliferative disorders as well as autoimmune diseases. However, the chronic nature of these diseases requires either prolonged or re-treatment, often with acquired resistance as a consequence. METHODS: Here we studied the molecular basis of acquired resistance to BTZ in JY human B lymphoblastic cells following prolonged exposure to this drug and examined possibilities to overcome resistance by next generation PIs and anti-CD20/rituximab-mediated complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). RESULTS: Characterization of BTZ-resistant JY/BTZ cells compared to parental JY/WT cells revealed the following features: (a) 10-12 fold resistance to BTZ associated with the acquisition of a mutation in the PSMB5 gene (encoding the constitutive ß5 proteasome subunit) introducing an amino acid substitution (Met45Ile) in the BTZ-binding pocket, (b) a significant 2-4 fold increase in the mRNA and protein levels of the constitutive ß5 proteasome subunit along with unaltered immunoproteasome expression, (c) full sensitivity to the irreversible epoxyketone-based PIs carfilzomib and (to a lesser extent) the immunoproteasome inhibitor ONX 0914. Finally, in association with impaired ubiquitination and attenuated breakdown of CD20, JY/BTZ cells harbored a net 3-fold increase in CD20 cell surface expression, which was functionally implicated in conferring a significantly increased anti-CD20/rituximab-mediated CDC. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that acquired resistance to BTZ in B cells can be overcome by next generation PIs and by anti-CD20/rituximab-induced CDC, thereby paving the way for salvage therapy in BTZ-resistant disease.

10.
Methods Mol Biol ; 930: 253-73, 2013.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23086845

ABSTRACT

Biomarkers are characteristics objectively measured and evaluated as indicators of: normal biologic processes, pathogenic processes, or pharmacologic response(s) to a therapeutic intervention. In environmental research and risk assessment, biomarkers are frequently referred to as indicators of human or environmental hazards. Discovering and implementing new biomarkers for toxicity caused by exposure to a chemical either from a therapeutic intervention or accidentally through the environment continues to be pursued through the use of animal models to predict potential human effects, from human studies (clinical or epidemiologic) or biobanked human samples, or the combination of all such approaches. The key to discovering or inferring biomarkers through computational means involves the identification or prediction of the molecular target(s) of the chemical(s) and the association of these targets with perturbed biological pathways. Two examples are given in this chapter: (1) inferring potential human biomarkers from animal toxicogenomics data, and (2) the identification of protein targets through computational means and associating these in one example with potential drug interactions and in another case with increasing the risk of developing certain human diseases.


Subject(s)
Biomarkers/metabolism , Animals , Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions , Endpoint Determination , Gene Regulatory Networks , Humans , Mice , Rats
11.
Autophagy ; 8(12): 1873-4, 2012 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22995770

ABSTRACT

The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib has shown remarkable clinical success in the treatment of multiple myeloma. However, the efficacy and mechanism of action of bortezomib in solid tumor malignancies is less well understood. In addition, the use of this first-in-class proteasome inhibitor is limited by several factors, including off-target effects that lead to adverse toxicities. We recently reported the impact and mechanisms of carfilzomib and oprozomib, second-in-class proteasome inhibitors with higher specificities and reduced toxicities, against head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Carfilzomib and oprozomib potently inhibit HNSCC cell survival and the growth of HNSCC tumors. Both compounds promote upregulation of proapoptotic BIK and antiapoptotic MCL1, which serves to mediate and attenuate, respectively, the killing activities of these proteasome inhibitors. Both compounds also induce complete autophagic flux that is partially dependent on activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) and upregulation of ATF4. Carfilzomib- and oprozomib-induced autophagy acts to promote HNSCC cell survival. Our study indicates that the therapeutic benefit of these promising proteasome inhibitors may be improved by inhibiting MCL1 expression or autophagy.


Subject(s)
Activating Transcription Factor 4/metabolism , Autophagy/drug effects , Boronic Acids/pharmacology , Oligopeptides/pharmacology , Proteasome Inhibitors/pharmacology , Pyrazines/pharmacology , Unfolded Protein Response/drug effects , Boronic Acids/therapeutic use , Bortezomib , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/drug therapy , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Survival/drug effects , Head and Neck Neoplasms/drug therapy , Head and Neck Neoplasms/pathology , Humans , Models, Biological , Oligopeptides/therapeutic use , Proteasome Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Pyrazines/therapeutic use , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck
12.
Clin Cancer Res ; 18(20): 5639-49, 2012 Oct 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22929803

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Carfilzomib is a selective, irreversible inhibitor of the chymotrypsin-like activity of the proteasome and is undergoing clinical evaluation in myeloma. ONX 0912 (oprozomib) is an orally bioavailable derivative. The activities of carfilzomib and ONX 0912 against solid tumor malignancies are less well understood. We investigated the impact and mechanisms of action of carfilzomib and ONX 0912 in preclinical models of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: The effects of carfilzomib and ONX 0912 on HNSCC cell survival and xenograft tumor growth were evaluated. The impact and mechanisms of both agents on apoptosis and autophagy induction were also investigated. The contribution of the unfolded protein response (UPR) to autophagy induction and the role of autophagy in attenuating HNSCC cell death were determined. RESULTS: Carfilzomib and ONX 0912 potently induced apoptosis in HNSCC cell lines via upregulation of pro-apoptotic Bik. Upregulation of Mcl-1 by these agents served to dampen their efficacies. Carfilzomib and ONX 0912 also induced autophagy, mediated, in part, by activation of the UPR pathway involving upregulation of ATF4 transcription factor. Autophagy induction served a prosurvival role. Oral administration of ONX 0912 inhibited the growth of HNSCC xenograft tumors in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that carfilzomib and ONX 0912 are potently active against HNSCC cells, and the activities of these agents can be enhanced via suppression of Mcl-1 or inhibition of autophagy. Oral ONX 0912 exhibits in vivo activity against HNSCC tumors and may represent a useful therapeutic agent for this malignancy.


Subject(s)
Head and Neck Neoplasms , Neoplasms, Squamous Cell , Oligopeptides/administration & dosage , Animals , Antinematodal Agents/administration & dosage , Apoptosis/drug effects , Autophagy/drug effects , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Proliferation/drug effects , Cell Survival/drug effects , Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/drug effects , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects , Head and Neck Neoplasms/drug therapy , Head and Neck Neoplasms/metabolism , Head and Neck Neoplasms/pathology , Humans , Mice , Myeloid Cell Leukemia Sequence 1 Protein , Neoplasms, Squamous Cell/drug therapy , Neoplasms, Squamous Cell/metabolism , Neoplasms, Squamous Cell/pathology , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/metabolism , Transplantation, Heterologous , Unfolded Protein Response
13.
J Pharmacol Exp Ther ; 341(1): 174-82, 2012 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22235146

ABSTRACT

Bortezomib (BTZ), a registered proteasome inhibitor (PI) for multiple myeloma, has also been proposed as a potential antirheumatic agent. Its reported side effects, however, make it unappealing for long-term administration, and resistance may also develop. To overcome this, second-generation PIs became available. Here, we investigated whether a novel class of peptide epoxyketone-based PIs, including carfilzomib, N-((S)-3-methoxy-1-(((S)-3-methoxy-1-(((S)-1-((R)-2-methyloxiran-2-yl)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxopropan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxopropan-2-yl)-2-methylthiazole-5-carboxamide (ONX0912), and (S)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-N-((S)-1-((S)-2-methyloxiran-2-yl)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)-2-((S)-2-(2-morpholinoacetamido)propanamido)propanamide (ONX0914), might escape two established BTZ-resistance mechanisms: 1) mutations in the proteasome ß5 subunit (PSMB5) targeted by these PIs, and 2) drug efflux mediated by ATP-binding cassette transporters. THP1 myeloid sublines with acquired resistance to BTZ (54- to 235-fold) caused by mutations in the PSMB5 gene displayed marked cross-resistance but less pronounced cross-resistance to carfilzomib (9- to 32-fold), ONX0912 (39- to 62-fold), and ONX0914 (27- to 97-fold). As for ATP-binding cassette transporter-mediated efflux, lymphoid CEM/VLB cells with P-glycoprotein (Pgp)/multidrug resistance 1 overexpression exhibited substantial resistance to carfilzomib (114-fold), ONX0912 (23-fold), and ONX0914 (162-fold), whereas less resistance to BTZ (4.5-fold) was observed. Consistently, ß5 subunit-associated chymotrypsin-like proteasome activity was significantly less inhibited in these CEM/VLB cells. Ex vivo analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from therapy-naive patients with rheumatoid arthritis revealed that, although basal Pgp levels were low, P-glycoprotein expression compromised the inhibitory effect of carfilzomib and ONX0914. However, the use of P121 (reversin 121), a Pgp transport inhibitor, restored parental cell inhibitory levels in both CEM/VLB cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. These results indicate that the pharmacologic activity of these PIs may be hindered by drug resistance mechanisms involving PSMB5 mutations and PI extrusion via Pgp.


Subject(s)
ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1/physiology , Arthritis, Rheumatoid/metabolism , Leukocytes, Mononuclear/metabolism , Mutation/genetics , Proteasome Inhibitors , Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy , Arthritis, Rheumatoid/immunology , Boronic Acids/pharmacology , Boronic Acids/therapeutic use , Bortezomib , Cell Line, Tumor , Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects , Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/physiology , HEK293 Cells , Humans , Leukocytes, Mononuclear/drug effects , Leukocytes, Mononuclear/immunology , Oligopeptides/pharmacology , Oligopeptides/therapeutic use , Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex/genetics , Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex/metabolism , Pyrazines/pharmacology , Pyrazines/therapeutic use , Treatment Outcome
14.
Biochem Pharmacol ; 83(2): 207-17, 2012 Jan 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22027222

ABSTRACT

The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib, registered for Multiple Myeloma treatment, is currently explored for activity in solid tumors including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here we studied the proteasome-based mechanisms underlying intrinsic and acquired bortezomib resistance in NSCLC cells. Various NSCLC cell lines displayed differential intrinsic sensitivities to bortezomib. High basal chymotrypsin- and caspase-like proteasome activities correlated with bortezomib resistance in these cells. Next, via stepwise selection, acquired bortezomib resistant cells were obtained with 8-70-fold increased resistance. Cross-resistance was found to proteasome inhibitors specifically targeting ß-subunits, but not to the novel α-subunit-specific proteasome inhibitor (5AHQ). Consistently, bortezomib-resistant cells required higher bortezomib concentrations to induce G2/M arrest and apoptosis. Interestingly, bortezomib concentration-dependent caspase cleavage, Mcl-1 and NOXA accumulation remained intact in resistant H460 and SW1573 cells, while A549 resistant cells displayed different expression profiles suggesting additional and more protein specific adaptations. Furthermore, bortezomib-resistant cells exhibited increased levels of both constitutive and immuno-ß-subunits. Sequence analysis of the bortezomib-binding pocket in the ß5-subunit revealed Ala49Thr, Met45Val and Cys52Phe substitutions that were not previously described in solid tumors. Bortezomib-resistant cells displayed reduced catalytic proteasome activities and required higher bortezomib concentrations to achieve comparable inhibition of proteasome activity. Taken together, these findings establish that high basal levels of proteasome activity correlate with intrinsic bortezomib resistance. Furthermore, acquired bortezomib resistance in NSCLC is associated with proteasome subunit overexpression and emergence of mutant ß5-subunits that likely compromise bortezomib binding. α-Subunit-specific proteasome inhibitors, however, can efficiently bypass this resistance modality.


Subject(s)
Boronic Acids/pharmacology , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/drug therapy , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/enzymology , Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects , Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy , Lung Neoplasms/enzymology , Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex/physiology , Pyrazines/pharmacology , Bortezomib , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/genetics , Cell Line, Tumor , Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/physiology , Humans , Lung Neoplasms/genetics , Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex/genetics , Protein Binding/physiology
15.
Curr Opin Drug Discov Devel ; 13(1): 50-65, 2010 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20047146

ABSTRACT

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a holistic approach to health that attempts to bring the body, mind and spirit into harmony. TCM is an essential part of the healthcare system in several Asian countries, and is considered a complementary or alternative medical system in most Western countries. An integration of the traditional Chinese and Western systems of medicine has begun in multiple medical centers internationally, and there is increasing evidence that several herbs and combinations of herbs used in TCM impart important pharmacological effects. The number of databases and compilations of herbs, herbal formulations, phytochemical constituents and molecular targets is increasing, primarily because of the widespread use of TCM in combination with Western drugs. The continued popularity of herbal remedies worldwide suggests that evidence-based research in this field, as well as information regarding the potential efficacy and safety of phytochemical constituents in herbs and TCM formulations, are essential, particularly when TCM is used in combination with other drugs. Herb-drug interactions are similar to drug-drug interactions in terms of their effects on ADME properties. Improvements in the knowledge of the molecular targets and metabolic pathways, as well as of the synergistic and inhibitory effects associated with important phytochemicals from herbs and herbal formulations, will lead to the development of rational approaches for the safe combination of healthcare systems from different cultures.


Subject(s)
Herb-Drug Interactions/physiology , Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods , Medicine, Chinese Traditional/statistics & numerical data , Western World , Animals , Chemistry, Pharmaceutical , Databases, Factual/statistics & numerical data , Drug Interactions , Drug and Narcotic Control , History, 20th Century , History, 21st Century , History, Ancient , Humans , Medicine, Chinese Traditional/history , Phytotherapy/history , Phytotherapy/methods , Structure-Activity Relationship
16.
J Exp Med ; 198(5): 809-21, 2003 Sep 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-12953096

ABSTRACT

T cell-specific adaptor protein (TSAd) is a T lineage-restricted signaling adaptor molecule that is thought to participate in the assembly of intracellular signaling complexes in T cells. Previous studies of TSAd-deficient mice have revealed a role for TSAd in the induction of T cell interleukin 2 secretion and proliferation. We now show that TSAd-deficient mice are susceptible to lupus-like autoimmune disease. On the nonautoimmune-prone C57BL/6 genetic background, TSAd deficiency results in hypergammaglobulinemia that affects all immunoglobulin (Ig)G subclasses. Older C57BL/6 TSAd-deficient mice (1 yr of age) accumulate large numbers of activated T and B cells in spleen, produce autoantibodies against a variety of self-targets including single stranded (ss) and double stranded (ds) DNA, and, in addition, develop glomerulonephritis. We further show that immunization of younger C57BL/6 TSAd-deficient mice (at age 2 mo) with pristane, a recognized nonspecific inflammatory trigger of lupus, results in more severe glomerulonephritis compared with C57BL/6 controls and the production of high titer ss and ds DNA antibodies of the IgG subclass that are not normally produced by C57BL/6 mice in this model. The development of autoimmunity in TSAd-deficient mice is associated with defective T cell death in vivo. These findings illustrate the role of TSAd as a critical regulator of T cell death whose absence promotes systemic autoimmunity.


Subject(s)
Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing , Carrier Proteins/immunology , Hypergammaglobulinemia/immunology , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/immunology , T-Lymphocytes/immunology , Animals , Autoimmune Diseases/immunology , Autoimmune Diseases/pathology , CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology , Carrier Proteins/genetics , Cell Death , Disease Models, Animal , Hypergammaglobulinemia/genetics , Immunoglobulin G/blood , Immunoglobulin G/classification , Immunoglobulin M/blood , Interleukin-2/metabolism , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/pathology , Lymphocyte Activation , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Mice, Knockout , Signal Transduction/immunology
17.
Ginecol. & obstet ; 45(3): 187-93, jul. 1999. tab
Article in Spanish | LILACS, LIPECS | ID: lil-270773

ABSTRACT

Objetivo: Verificar cuál es la mejor vía de culminación del parto podálico. Diseño: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo comparativo en el Hospital Sergio E. Bernales durante 1998, en recién nacidos por vía abdominal y vaginal, con la finalidad de demostrar si la cesárea es la mejor vía de resolución del parto en presentación podálica. Se evaluó 58 recién nacidos de parto podálico por vía vaginal y 73 por vía abdominal, que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Resultados: El Apgar al minuto fue significativamente mejor (p menor 0,01) en los nacidos por cesárea (80,8 por ciento), presentando los recién nacidos deprimidos (19,2 por ciento) una rápida recuperación a los 5 minutos (17,8 por ciento), a diferencia de los nacidos por vía vaginal, que presentaron significativamente mayor depresión al minuto (53,4 por ciento), persistiendo a los 5 minutos (8,6 por ciento). Las complicaciones neonatales prosparto vaginal (36,2 por ciento) son significativamente mayores (p menor 0,01) que por vía abdominal (20,5 por ciento), presentando una tasa de mortalidad neonatal precoz altamente significativa (p menor 0,01) (61 por ciento), siendo la asfixia la causa principal (3,4 por ciento). Conclusión: Los recién nacidos de parto podálico por cesárea nacen en mejores condiciones y con menores complicaciones cuando se les compara con los nacidos por vía vaginal. Se sugiere evaluar los riesgos y beneficios perinatales de la cesárea en la presentación podálica.


Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Infant, Newborn , Morbidity , Natural Childbirth/adverse effects , Natural Childbirth , Natural Childbirth/statistics & numerical data , Cesarean Section/statistics & numerical data , Cesarean Section , Infant, Newborn , Prospective Studies , Hospitals, State
SELECTION OF CITATIONS
SEARCH DETAIL
...