Differentiation Induction of Mesenchymal Stem Cells by a Au Delivery Platform.

Au decorated with type I collagen (Col) was used as a core material to cross-link with stromal cell-derived factor 1α (SDF1α) in order to investigate biological performance. The Au-based nanoparticles were subjected to physicochemical determination using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were used to evaluate the biocompatibility of this nanoparticle using the MTT assay and measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Also, the biological effects of the SDF-1α-conjugated nanoparticles (Au-Col-SDF1α) were assessed and the mechanisms were explored. Furthermore, we investigated the cell differentiation-inducing potential of these conjugated nanoparticles on MSCs toward endothelial cells, neurons, osteoblasts and adipocytes. We then ultimately explored the process of cell entry and transportation of the nanoparticles. Using a mouse animal model and retro-orbital sinus injection, we traced in vivo biodistribution to determine the biosafety of the Au-Col-SDF1α nanoparticles. In summary, our results indicate that Au-Col is a promising drug delivery system; it can be used to carry SDF1α to improve MSC therapeutic efficiency.

Involvement of Mitochondrial Damage and Oxidative Stress in Apoptosis Induced by Betulin Plus Arsenic Trioxide in Neuroblastoma Cells.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Arsenic trioxide (As2O3), a potent toxin in traditional Chinese medicine, has been utilized as an anticancer agent in Chinese culture for over a millennium. Betulin, commonly extracted from the bark of birch trees, has been identified for its pharmacological properties, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antiviral activities. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and underlying anticancer signaling cascade induced by As2O3 and betulin in neuroblastoma cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: SK-N-SH cells were treated with As2O3 with or without betulin. Cell viability and apoptotic signaling were assessed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, measurement of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) loss and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and quantitative western blotting analysis. Student's t-test in addition to one- or two-way analysis of variance was used to examine significant differences between comparison groups. RESULTS: The combined treatment of As2O3 plus betulin was more effective than single treatments in suppressing cell viability and induction of apoptosis, which correlated well with elevated ROS levels. The apoptotic signaling cascade of As2O3 plus betulin was revealed as ROS elevation and relative loss of MMP, leading to the cleavage of caspase-3 and -9. As2O3 plus betulin treatment also reduced the expression of BCL2 apoptosis regulator, BH3-interacting domain death agonist, and BCL2-like-1. CONCLUSION: The novel combination of As2O3 plus betulin has the potential to serve as a practical anti-neuroblastoma drug.

Role of Matrix Metallopeptidase-2 Genotypes in Taiwanese Patients With Colorectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) has been reported to plays a critical role in the metastatic behaviors of cancer via regulation of the extracellular matrix. However, its genotypes have seldom been examined in colorectal cancer (CRC). We examined the role of MMP2 promoter -1306 (rs243865) and -735 (rs2285053) genotypes in colorectal cancer (CRC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Genotypes of MMP2 were determined by typical polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methodology in 362 CRC cases and 362 age-, sex- and behavior-matched controls. RESULTS: The genotypic analysis showed that MMP2 -1306 CT and TT genotypes were significantly associated with an increased CRC risk (odds ratios=1.41 and 3.55, 95% confidence intervals=1.02-1.96 and 1.75-7.19, and p=0.0482 and p=0.0004, respectively). The allelic frequency analysis showed that the T allele for MMP2 -1306 increased CRC risk (odds ratio=1.71, 95% confidence interval=1.32-2.23, p=4.89×105). Stratification analysis showed that MMP2 -1306 genotypes were specifically associated with alcohol drinking, and metastatic status among patients with CRC. There was no association with MMP2 -735. CONCLUSION: The MMP2 -1306 genotype serves as a novel predictive marker for CRC risk among Taiwanese, and patients who have a tendency to undergo metastasis.

Predictors for self-discontinuation of anti-osteoporosis medication: A hospital-based real-world study.

Osteoporotic fractures have a tremendous impact on quality of life and may contribute to fatality, but half of patients may discontinue their anti-osteoporosis medication. The study aimed to investigate the factors associated with the persistence of anti-osteoporosis medication. Between June 2016 and June 2018, we recruited 1195 participants discontinuing prior anti-osteoporosis medication. Telephone interviews were conducted to discern the reasons for discontinuation. Comparisons among groups and risks of self-discontinuation were analyzed. Among 694 patients who have no records of continuing anti-osteoporosis medication, 374 (54%) self-discontinued, 64 (9.2%) discontinued due to physicians' suggestion, and 256 (36.8%) with unintended discontinuation. Among patients with self-discontinuation, 173 (46.3%) forgot to visit outpatient clinics; 92 (24.5%) discontinued because of medication-related factors; 57 (15.2%) thought the severity of osteoporosis had improved and therefore discontinued; 30 (8%) stopped due to economic burden; 22 (5.9%) were lost to follow-up because of newly diagnosed diseases other than osteoporosis. Additionally, older age, male gender, calcium supplement, teriparatide therapy and hip fractures in teriparatide users were associated with adherence to anti-osteoporosis drugs. In conclusion, our results indicate that younger age, female gender, non-use of calcium supplements, and anti-resorptive medication were independent risk factors associated with drug discontinuation. Identifying high-risk patients and providing timely health education are crucial for adherence to anti-osteoporosis medication.

Cordyceps militaris Reduces Oxidative Stress and Regulates Immune T Cells to Inhibit Metastatic Melanoma Invasion.

In this study, the water extract of Cordyceps militaris (Linn.) Link (CM) was used as a functional material to investigate the inhibitory mechanisms on B16F10 and lung metastatic melanoma (LMM) cells. Reducing power, chelating ability, and 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays were applied for antioxidative capacities, and we obtained positive results from the proper concentrations of CM. To examine the ability of CM in melanoma proliferation inhibition and to substantiate the previous outcomes, three cellular experiments were performed via (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, MTT, a tetrazole) assay, cell migration, and invasion evaluation. The addition of CM to the incubation medium increased the number of CD8+ T cells significantly, which improved the immunogenicity. This study showed that CM exhibits various biological capabilities, including antioxidation, anti-tumor, tumor invasion suppression, and T cytotoxic cell activity promotion.

The Contribution of Interleukin-8 Rs4073 Genotypes to Triple Negative Breast Cancer Risk in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most challenging breast cancer types. Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a pro-tumorigenic cytokine, promoting tumor proliferation and migration. This study aimed to examine the contribution of IL-8 rs4073 genotypes to breast cancer risk and provide a summary of related literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: IL-8 genotypic profiles were determined among 1,232 breast cancer cases and 1,232 controls via polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methodology. RESULTS: The IL-8 rs4073 AT and AA genotypes had significantly lower prevalence in the case group compared to control group. Allelic frequency analysis showed that individuals carrying the A allele have relatively decreased risk for breast cancer. The stratification analysis showed that IL-8 rs4073 genotypes were protective markers for those with younger (≤55) age. CONCLUSION: IL-8 rs4073 A allele is a novel predictor for breast cancer, especially TNBC.

Phenethyl Isothiocyanate Suppresses the Proinflammatory Cytokines in Human Glioblastoma Cells through the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB Signaling Pathway In Vitro.

Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), extracted from cruciferous vegetables, showed anticancer activity in many human cancer cells. Our previous studies disclosed the anticancer activity of PEITC in human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) 8401 cells, including suppressing the cell proliferation, inducing apoptotic cell death, and suppressing cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, PEITC also inhibited the growth of xenograft tumors of human glioblastoma cells. We are the first to investigate PEITC effects on the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling pathway and the effects of proinflammatory cytokines on glioblastoma. The cell viability was analyzed by flow cytometric assay. The protein levels and mRNA expressions of cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) reader and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, respectively. Furthermore, nuclear factor-kappa B- (NF-κB-) associated proteins were evaluated by western blotting. NF-κB expression and nuclear translocation were confirmed by confocal laser microscopy. NF-κB binding to the DNA was examined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Our results indicated that PEITC decreased the cell viability and inhibited the protein levels and expressions of IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α genes at the transcriptional level in GBM 8401 cells. PEITC inhibited the binding of NF-κB on promoter site of DNA in GBM 8401 cells. PEITC also altered the protein expressions of protein kinase B (Akt), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and NF-κB signaling pathways. The inflammatory responses in human glioblastoma cells may be suppressed by PEITC through the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway. Thus, PEITC may have the potential to be an anti-inflammatory agent for human glioblastoma in the future.

Favorable Biological Performance Regarding the Interaction between Gold Nanoparticles and Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are well known to interact with cells, leading to different cell behaviors such as cell proliferation and differentiation capacity. Biocompatibility and biological functions enhanced by nanomedicine are the most concerning factors in clinical approaches. In the present research, AuNP solutions were prepared at concentrations of 1.25, 2.5, 5 and 10 ppm for biocompatibility investigations. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy was applied to identify the presence of AuNPs under the various concentrations. Dynamic Light Scattering assay was used for the characterization of the size of the AuNPs. The shape of the AuNPs was observed through a Scanning Electron Microscope. Afterward, the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were treated with a differentiation concentration of AuNP solutions in order to measure the biocompatibility of the nanoparticles. Our results demonstrate that AuNPs at 1.25 and 2.5 ppm could significantly enhance MSC proliferation, decrease reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and attenuate platelet/monocyte activation. Furthermore, the MSC morphology was observed in the presence of filopodia and lamellipodia while being incubated with 1.25 and 2.5 ppm AuNPs, indicating that the adhesion ability was enhanced by the nanoparticles. The expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2/9) in MSCs was found to be more highly expressed under 1.25 and 2.5 ppm AuNP treatment, relating to better cell migrating ability. Additionally, the cell apoptosis of MSCs investigated with Annexin-V/PI double staining assay and the Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) method demonstrated the lower population of apoptotic cells in 1.25 and 2.5 ppm AuNP treatments, as compared to high concentrations of AuNPs. Additionally, results from a Western blotting assay explored the possibility that the anti-apoptotic proteins Cyclin-D1 and Bcl-2 were remarkably expressed. Meanwhile, real-time PCR analysis demonstrated that the 1.25 and 2.5 ppm AuNP solutions induced a lower expression of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IFN-γ, IL-6 and IL-8). According to the tests performed on an animal model, AuNP 1.25 and 2.5 ppm treatments exhibited the better biocompatibility performance, including anti-inflammation and endothelialization. In brief, 1.25 and 2.5 ppm of AuNP solution was verified to strengthen the biological functions of MSCs, and thus suggests that AuNPs become the biocompatibility nanomedicine for regeneration research.

Evaluation of the Biocompatibility and Endothelial Differentiation Capacity of Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Polyethylene Glycol Nanogold Composites.

Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) such as atherosclerosis, where inflammation occurs in the blood vessel wall, are one of the major causes of death worldwide. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)-based treatment coupled with nanoparticles is considered to be a potential and promising therapeutic strategy for vascular regeneration. Thus, angiogenesis enhanced by nanoparticles is of critical concern. In this study, Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) incorporated with 43.5 ppm of gold (Au) nanoparticles was prepared for the evaluation of biological effects through in vitro and in vivo assessments. The physicochemical properties of PEG and PEG-Au nanocomposites were first characterized by UV-Vis spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFMs). Furthermore, the reactive oxygen species scavenger ability as well as the hydrophilic property of the nanocomposites were also investigated. Afterwards, the biocompatibility and biological functions of the PEG-Au nanocomposites were evaluated through in vitro assays. The thin coating of PEG containing 43.5 ppm of Au nanoparticles induced the least platelet and monocyte activation. Additionally, the cell behavior of MSCs on PEG-Au 43.5 ppm coating demonstrated better cell proliferation, low ROS generation, and enhancement of cell migration, as well as protein expression of the endothelialization marker CD31, which is associated with angiogenesis capacity. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory and endothelial differentiation ability were both evaluated through in vivo assessments. The evidence demonstrated that PEG-Au 43.5 ppm implantation inhibited capsule formation and facilitated the expression of CD31 in rat models. TUNEL assay also indicated that PEG-Au nanocomposites would not induce significant cell apoptosis. The above results elucidate that the surface modification of PEG-Au nanomaterials may enable them to serve as efficient tools for vascular regeneration grafts.

Interaction of DNA Repair Gene XPC With Smoking and Betel Quid Chewing Behaviors of Oral Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) is reported to play important roles in DNA integrity and genomic instability, however, the contribution of XPC to oral carcinogenesis is largely uncertain. Therefore, we aimed at examining the contribution of XPC genotypes to oral cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The genotypes of XPC rs2228001 and rs2228000 were examined among 958 oral cancer patients and 958 control subjects by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methodology and corresponding DNA repair capacity was checked. RESULTS: First, the percentages of XPC rs2228001 AC and CC were higher among oral cancer patients than controls. Second, no significant association was observed regarding XPC rs2228000. Third, there was a synergistic influence of smoking and betel quid chewing behaviors and XPC rs2228001 genotype on oral cancer risk. Last, functional experiments showed DNA repair capacity was lower for AC/CC carriers than AA carriers. CONCLUSION: XPC rs2228001 C allele, which was associated with decreased DNA repair capacity, may interact with smoking and betel quid chewing behaviors on oral cancer risk.

Low Bone Mineral Density and Calcium Levels as Risks for Mortality in Patients with Self-Discontinuation of Anti-Osteoporosis Medication.

Bone mass density (BMD) has been used universally in osteoporosis diagnosis and management. Adherence to anti-osteoporosis medication is related to mortality risk. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between mortality and low BMD of the femoral neck and vertebra among patients self-discontinuing anti-osteoporosis medication. Between June 2016 and June 2018, this single-center retrospective study recruited 596 participants who self-discontinued anti-osteoporosis medication. Patients were categorized into four groups by BMD of the right femoral neck and lumbar spine. Occurrence and causes of mortality were obtained from medical records. Independent risk factors and the five-year survival of various levels of BMD were analyzed by Cox regression and the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. BMD value and serum calcium level were significantly lower in the mortality group (p < 0.001). Compared to the reference, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality in patients with lower BMD of both the lumbar spine and femoral neck was 3.03. The five-year cumulative survival rate was also significantly lower (25.2%, p < 0.001). A low calcium level was also associated with mortality (HR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.76-0.99, p = 0.033). In conclusion, lower BMD and calcium levels were associated with higher mortality risk in patients with poor adherence. Hence, patients self-discontinuing anti-osteoporosis medication should be managed accordingly.

Interleukin-13 Promoter Genotypes and Taiwanese Breast Cancer Susceptibility.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The current study aimed at evaluating the contribution of IL-13 promoter rs1881457 and rs1800925 genotypes to the risk of breast cancer in Taiwan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1,232 breast cancer cases and 1,232 age-matched controls were genotyped by typical polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methodology. RESULTS: As for IL-13 rs1881457, the rates of AA, AC and CC genotypes were 54.8, 37.9 and 7.3% among the cases, and 53.8, 38.7 and 7.5% among the healthy controls, respectively; there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups (p for trend=0.8889). Also, regarding IL-13 rs1800925, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups either (p for trend=0.6803). Furthermore, the allelic frequencies for IL-13 rs1881457 and rs1800925 were not differentially distributed between the case and control groups (p=0.6515 and 0.8753, respectively). CONCLUSION: The rs1881457 and rs1800925 IL-13 promoter polymorphisms may not serve as breast cancer susceptibility determinants for Taiwanese.

Preventing epilepsy after traumatic brain injury: A propensity score analysis.

BACKGROUND: Due to the potential consequences of post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) exacerbating secondary injury following traumatic brain injury (TBI), the use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is an accepted option for seizure prophylaxis. However, there is only a paucity of data that can be found regarding outcomes surrounding the use of AEDs. The purpose of this retrospective study is to evaluate whether the prophylactic administration of AEDs significantly decreased the incidence of PTE, when considering the severity of TBI. METHODS: All trauma patients who had been newly diagnosed with TBI from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Statistical comparisons were made using the chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Cox regression modeling. After excluding any exposed subjects with no appropriate match, patients who had received AED prophylaxis were matched by propensity score with those who did not receive AEDs. All of the TBI populations were followed up until June 30, 2018. RESULTS: We identified 1316 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria in our matched cohort through their propensity scores, where 138 patients had been receiving prophylactic AEDs and 138 patients had not. Baseline characteristics were similar in gender, age, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores, and risk factors of PTE including skull fracture, chronic alcoholism, subdural hematoma, epidural hematoma, and intracerebral hematoma. After adjusting for those risk factors, the relative incidence of seizure was not statistically significant in either of the groups (p = 0.566). CONCLUSION: In our cohort analysis, AED prophylaxis was ineffective in preventing seizures, as the rate of seizures was similar whether patients had been receiving the drugs or not. We therefore concluded that the benefits of routine prophylactic anticonvulsant therapy in patients with TBI need to be re-evaluated.

Interaction of Interleukin-16 Genotypes With Betel Quid Chewing Behavior on Oral Cancer in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Interleukin-16 (IL-16) is reported to play an important role in inflammation, carcinogenesis and tumoricidal processes, however, the contribution of IL-16 genotype to oral carcinogenesis is still largely unrevealed. Thus, the study aimed to investigate the contribution of IL-16 genotypes to Taiwan oral cancer risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The genotypes of IL-16 rs4778889, rs11556218, and rs4072111 were revealed among 958 oral cancer cases and 958 control subjects by polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). RESULTS: First, the distributions of genotypic (p=0.0004) and allelic (p=0.0001) frequencies of IL-16 rs11556218 were significantly different between the case and control groups. In detail, the frequencies of IL-16 rs11556218 TG and GG were 28.1 and 5.8%, respectively, among oral cancer patients, significantly higher compared to those among controls (25.0% and 2.7%, respectively). Second, no difference was observed regarding IL-16 rs4778889 or IL-16 rs4072111. Last, there was a synergistic effect of betel quid chewing behavior and risky IL-16 rs11556218 genotype on oral cancer risk. CONCLUSION: The study indicates that the IL-16 rs11556218 G allele synergistically interacts with betel quid chewing behavior, contributing to increased risk of oral cancer in Taiwanese.

The Contribution of Interleukin-12A Genotypes to Oral Cancer Risk in Taiwanese.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Oral cancer incidence is highest worldwide in Taiwan, and practical markers for personalized therapeutic strategies such as immunotherapies, is lacking. Interleukin-12 (IL12) is a cytokine that is reported to exhibit potent tumoricidal effects, however, its genotypic contribution to oral cancer is still largely unknown. We aimed to examine whether IL12A rs568408 and rs2243115 genotypes are associated with oral cancer risk in Taiwan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Genotypic characteristics of IL12A were determined among 958 oral cancer cases and age- and gender-matched individuals via typical polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methodology. RESULTS: The variant genotypes of IL12A rs568408 and rs2243115 were not found to be significantly associated with elevated oral cancer risk (all p>0.05). Moreover, there was no interaction between IL12A genotypes and personal smoking, alcohol drinking and betel quid chewing behaviors (all p>0.05). CONCLUSION: IL12A rs568408 and rs2243115 genotypes may not serve as good predictors for oral cancer risk.

The role of tailored intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring in glioma surgery: a single institute experience.

INTRODUCTION: Glioma surgery near the functional area is still a dilemma. Intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring (IONM) and functional mapping can play a role to maximize the extent of resection (EOR), while minimizing the risk of sequelae. We herein review the utility of tailored intraoperative mapping and monitoring in patients undergoing glioma surgery in our institute. METHODS: Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of application tailored IONM (group A, 2013-2017, n = 53) or not (group B, 2008-2012, n = 49) between January 2008 and December 2017. The setup, tailored IONM protocols, surgery, and clinical results of all patients with eloquent glioma were analyzed with the EOR, functionality scores, overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) retrospectively. RESULTS: The 102 patients were considered eligible for analysis. High grade and low grade gliomas accounted for 73 (72%) and 29 (28%) cases, respectively. There was a positive association between the application of neuromonitor and post-operative functional preservation, but no significant statistical differences over the EOR, OS and PFS between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, tailored intraoperative functional mapping provides an effective neurological function preservation. Routine implementation of neurophysiological monitoring with adequate pre-operative planning and intraoperative teamwork in eloquent glioma can get more satisfied functional preservation. Due to the maturation and experience of our IONM team may also be the variation factor, prospective studies with a more prominent sample and proper multivariate analysis will be expected to determine the real benefit.

Role of FOXC1 in regulating APSCs self-renewal via STI-1/PrPC signaling.

Forkhead box protein C1 (FOXC1) is known to regulate developmental processes in the skull and brain. Methods: The unique multipotent arachnoid-pia stem cells (APSCs) isolated from human and mouse arachnoid-pia membranes of meninges were grown as 3D spheres and displayed a capacity for self-renewal. Additionally, APSCs also expressed the surface antigens as mesenchymal stem cells. By applying the FOXC1 knockout mice and mouse brain explants, signaling cascade of FOXC1-STI-1-PrPC was investigated to demonstrate the molecular regulatory pathway for APSCs self-renewal. Moreover, APSCs implantation in stroke model was also verified whether neurogenic property of APSCs could repair the ischemic insult of the stroke brain. Results: Activated FOXC1 regulated the proliferation of APSCs in a cell cycle-dependent manner, whereas FOXC1-mediated APSCs self-renewal was abolished in FOXC1 knockout mice (FOXC1-/- mice). Moreover, upregulation of STI-1 regulated by FOXC1 enhanced cell survival and self-renewal of APSCs through autocrine signaling of cellular prion protein (PrPC). Mouse brain explants STI-1 rescues the cortical phenotype in vitro and induces neurogenesis in the FOXC1-/- mouse brain. Furthermore, administration of APSCs in ischemic brain restored the neuroglial microenvironment and improved neurological dysfunction. Conclusion: We identified a novel role for FOXC1 in the direct regulation of the STI-1-PrPC signaling pathway to promote cell proliferation and self-renewal of APSCs.

Novel electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone)/type I collagen nanofiber conduits for repair of peripheral nerve injury.

Recent studies have shown the potential of artificially synthesized conduits in the repair of peripheral nerve injury. Natural biopolymers have received much attention because of their biocompatibility. To investigate the effects of novel electrospun absorbable poly(ε-caprolactone)/type I collagen nanofiber conduits (biopolymer nanofiber conduits) on the repair of peripheral nerve injury, we bridged 10-mm-long sciatic nerve defects with electrospun absorbable biopolymer nanofiber conduits, poly(ε-caprolactone) or silicone conduits in Sprague-Dawley rats. Rat neurologica1 function was weekly evaluated using sciatic function index within 8 weeks after repair. Eight weeks after repair, sciatic nerve myelin sheaths and axon morphology were observed by osmium tetroxide staining, hematoxylin-eosin staining, and transmission electron microscopy. S-100 (Schwann cell marker) and CD4 (inflammatory marker) immunoreactivities in sciatic nerve were detected by immunohistochemistry. In rats subjected to repair with electrospun absorbable biopolymer nanofiber conduits, no serious inflammatory reactions were observed in rat hind limbs, the morphology of myelin sheaths in the injured sciatic nerve was close to normal. CD4 immunoreactivity was obviously weaker in rats subjected to repair with electrospun absorbable biopolymer nanofiber conduits than in those subjected to repair with poly(ε-caprolactone) or silicone. Rats subjected to repair with electrospun absorbable biopolymer nanofiber conduits tended to have greater sciatic nerve function recovery than those receiving poly(ε-caprolactone) or silicone repair. These results suggest that electrospun absorbable poly(ε-caprolactone)/type I collagen nanofiber conduits have the potential of repairing sciatic nerve defects and exhibit good biocompatibility. All experimental procedures were approved by Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Taichung Veteran General Hospital, Taiwan, China (La-1031218) on October 2, 2014.

Novel Combination of Arsenic Trioxide (As2O3) Plus Resveratrol in Inducing Programmed Cell Death of Human Neuroblastoma SK-N-SH Cells.

AIM: Arsenic trioxide (As2O3), known as pi-shuang and the most toxic compound in traditional Chinese medicine, has been used as an antitumor agent for thousands of years. Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a natural phenol that has significant anti-bacterial, anti-fungaI and antiaging activities. Our study aimed to examine the combined anticancer effects of As2O3 and resveratrol against human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells, and elucidate the underlying intracellular signaling. MATERIALS AND METHODS: SK-N-SH cells were treated with an extremely low-dose (2-4 µM) of As2O3 alone or combined with 75 µg/ml resveratrol for further comparisons. Cell viability, apoptotic signaling as well as synergistic cytotoxic effects were estimated using the MTT assay, microscopy observation, flow cytometric analysis for loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and typical quantitative western blotting analysis. Student's t-test, and one- and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for examination of significant differences. RESULTS: The combined treatment was more effective than single treatment of As2O3 or resveratrol alone in suppressing cell viability, which correlated with the elevation of ROS levels. The intracellular mechanisms of cytotoxicity of As2O3 plus resveratrol were revealed as ROS accumulation and relative decrease of MMP, leading to activation of caspase-3 and -9, but not of caspase-1, -7 and-8. Combination treatment reduced the expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2), BH3 interacting domain death agonist (BID), and BCL-x/L. CONCLUSION: Combined treatment at extremely low concentration of two agents from natural products, As2O3 and resveratrol, has high potential as a cocktail of anticancer drugs for neuroblastoma.

Phenethyl Isothiocyanate Inhibits In Vivo Growth of Xenograft Tumors of Human Glioblastoma Cells.

Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) from cruciferous vegetables can inhibit the growth of various human cancer cells. In previous studies, we determined that PEITC inhibited the in vitro growth of human glioblastoma GBM 8401 cells by inducing apoptosis, inhibiting migration and invasion, and altering gene expression. Nevertheless, there are no further in vivo reports disclosing whether PEITC can suppress the growth of glioblastoma. Therefore, in this study we investigate the anti-tumor effects of PEITC in a xenograft model of glioblastoma in nude mice. Thirty nude mice were inoculated subcutaneously with GBM 8401 cells. Mice with one palpable tumor were divided randomly into three groups: control, PEITC-10, and PEITC-20 groups treated with 0.1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and 10 and 20 µmole PEITC/100 µL PBS daily by oral gavage, respectively. PEITC significantly decreased tumor weights and volumes of GBM 8401 cells in mice, but did not affect the total body weights of mice. PEITC diminished the levels of anti-apoptotic proteins MCL-1 (myeloid cell leukemia 1) and XIAP (X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein) in GBM 8401 cells. PEITC enhanced the levels of caspase-3 and Bax in GBM 8401 cells. The growth of glioblastoma can be suppressed by the biological properties of PEITC in vivo. These effects might support further investigations into the potential use of PEITC as an anticancer drug for glioblastoma.