LncRNA ITGB1 promotes the development of bladder cancer through regulating microRNA-10a expression.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the expression level of lncRNA ITGB1 both in bladder cancer (BCa) tissue and cell lines, as well as to evaluate its function and potential mechanism in the progression of BCa. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The expressions of lncRNA ITGB1 in 36 BCa tissues samples (and corresponding adjacent normal ones) and cell lines were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). After transfection of sh-ITGB1 in BCa cell lines, the effect of ITGB1 on the proliferation of BCa cells was examined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and colony formation assay. Subsequently, qRT-PCR was used to examine microRNA-10a expression in BCa tissues and cells after ITGB1 was silenced. At the same time, the correlation between ITGB1 and microRNA-10a expression was analyzed. Finally, cell recovery experiment was applied for the in-depth study of the interaction between ITGB1 and microRNA-10a and its underlying mechanism. RESULTS: LncRNA ITGB1 was found upregulated in BCa tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of lncRNA ITGB1 remarkably inhibited cell proliferation. The expression levels of ITGB1 and microRNA-10a in BCa tissues were negatively correlated. ITGB1 downregulation was found to be able to enhance microRNA-10a expression, suggesting that microRNA-10a may be a potential target for ITGB1 in BCa. In addition, cell reverse experiment also verified that ITGB1 could regulate the expression of microRNA-10a, and their interaction affected the malignant progression of BCa. CONCLUSIONS: LncRNA ITGB1 level is upregulated in BCa tissues and associated with the pathological stage of BCa, which could be used as a new predictor of BCa patients' prognosis. In addition, ITGB1 might promote BCa cell proliferation via regulating microRNA-10a expression.

GABA-ergic neurotransmission in the nucleus of the solitary tract modulates cough in the cat.

GABA, muscimol, and baclofen were microinjected into the rostral (rNTS) and caudal solitary tract nucleus (cNTS) in 24 anesthetized cats. Electromyograms (EMGs) of diaphragm (DIA) and abdominal muscles (ABD), blood pressure and esophageal pressure (EP) were recorded and analysed. Bilateral microinjections of 1 mM GABA (total 66 ±â€¯4 nl), 1 mM baclofen (64 ±â€¯4 nl) and unilateral microinjections of 0.5 mM muscimol (33 ±â€¯1 nl) in the rNTS significantly reduced cough number (CN), amplitudes of ABD EMGs, expiratory EP, and prolonged the duration of the cough inspiratory phase. GABA microinjections decreased the amplitudes of cough-related DIA EMGs and inspiratory EP; muscimol microinjections decreased the cough DIA EMG on the contralateral side. Only microinjections of GABA into the cNTS suppressed CN. In some cases, microinjections prolonged the inspiratory phase, lowered respiratory rate, changed the depth of breathing, and increased blood pressure and heart rate. Our results confirm that GABA-ergic inhibitory mechanisms in the rNTS can regulate coughing in the anesthetized cat.

Platelet activating factor-induced apoptosis is inhibited by ectopic expression of the platelet activating factor G-protein coupled receptor.

The pro-inflammatory lipid mediator platelet activating factor (PAF: 1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) accumulates in ischemia, epilepsy, and human immunodeficiency virus-1-associated dementia and is implicated in neuronal loss. The present study was undertaken to establish a role for its G-protein coupled receptor in regulating neurotoxicity. PC12 cells do not express PAF receptor mRNA as demonstrated by northern analysis and RT-PCR. In the absence of the G-protein coupled receptor, PAF (0.1-1 micro m) triggered chromatin condensation, DNA strand breaks, oligonucleosomal fragmentation, and nuclear disintegration characteristic of apoptosis. Lyso-PAF (0.001-1 micro m), the immediate metabolite of PAF, did not elicit apoptotic death. Concentrations of PAF or lyso-PAF that exceeded critical micelle concentration had physicochemical effects on plasma membrane resulting in necrosis. Apoptosis but not necrosis was inhibited by the PAF antagonist BN52021 (1-100 micro m) but not CV3988 (0.2-20 micro m). Ectopic PAF receptor expression protected PC12 transfectants from ligand-induced apoptosis. PAF receptor-mediated protection was inhibited by CV3988 (1 micro m). These data provide empirical evidence that: (i) PAF can initiate apoptosis independently of its G-protein coupled receptor; (ii) PAF signaling initiated by its G-protein coupled receptor is cytoprotective to PC12 cells; (iii) the pro- and anti-apoptotic effects of PAF on PC12 cells can be pharmacologically distinguished using two different PAF antagonists.

Statistical analysis of the fractal gating motions of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase.

The enzyme acetylcholinesterase has an active site that is accessible only by a "gorge" or main channel from the surface, and perhaps by secondary channels such as the "back door." Molecular-dynamics simulations show that these channels are too narrow most of the time to admit substrate or other small molecules. Binding of substrates is therefore "gated" by structural fluctuations of the enzyme. Here, we analyze the fluctuations of these possible channels, as observed in the 10.8-ns trajectory of the simulation. The probability density function of the gorge proper radius (defined in the text) was calculated. A double-peak feature of the function was discovered and therefore two states with a threshold were identified. The relaxation (transition probability) functions of these two states were also calculated. The results revealed a power-law decay trend and an oscillation around it, which show properties of fractal dynamics with a "complex exponent." The cross correlation of potential energy versus proper radius was also investigated. We discuss possible physical models behind the fractal protein dynamics; the dynamic hierarchical model for glassy systems is evaluated in detail.

Meningeal carcinomatosis manifested as bilateral progressive sensorineural hearing loss.

OBJECTIVE: Meningeal carcinomatosis is defined as the diffuse infiltration of the leptomeninges and subarachnoid space by malignant cells metastasizing from systemic cancer. The authors describe a rare case of meningeal carcinomatosis initially appearing as bilateral progressive sensorineural hearing loss. PATIENT: A 57-year-old man with lung cancer was referred to the authors' clinic because of progressive hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, and blurred vision for 1 month. RESULTS: Magnetic resonance imaging revealed abnormal leptomeningeal enhancement. Meningeal carcinomatosis was diagnosed by the detection of malignant cells in the cerebrospinal fluid after lumbar puncture. The patient died 1 year after diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Meningeal carcinomatosis must be considered in the differential diagnosis in cancer patients with bilateral progressive sensorineural hearing loss. Gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging is a useful complementary diagnostic tool before lumbar puncture.

Dithiolane analogs of lignans inhibit interferon-gamma and lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production in macrophages.

AIM: To investigate the effect of a group of novel synthetic dithiolane analogs of lignans and a well characterized platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor antagonist, L659,989 on PAF-receptor binding, IFN-gamma- and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO production, and steady-state inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression. METHODS: PAF-receptor binding study was performed by displacement of 3H-PAF from rabbit platelet membrane; NO production was quantitated by measuring the NO oxidation product, nitrite, in conditioned culture medium; expression of iNOS mRNA was assessed by Northern blot analysis. RESULTS: The dithiolane analogs inhibited the production of NO, decreased iNOS mRNA expression and antagonized PAF-receptor binding. L659,989 had no effect on NO production and iNOS mRNA expression. Among the compounds tested, there was no simple correlation between their PAF-receptor antagonistic and iNOS inhibitory activities. CONCLUSION: The dithiolane analogs are a new synthetic chemical class of iNOS expression regulators with dual biologic functions: inhibiting iNOS induction and blocking PAF-receptor.

Development of muscarinic analgesics derived from epibatidine: role of the M4 receptor subtype.

Epibatidine, a neurotoxin isolated from the skin of Epipedobates tricolor, is an efficacious antinociceptive agent with a potency 200 times that of morphine. The toxicity of epibatidine, because of its nonspecificity for both peripheral and central nicotinic receptors, precludes its development as an analgesic. During the synthesis of epibatidine analogs we developed potent antinociceptive agents, typified by CMI-936 and CMI-1145, whose antinociception, unlike that of epibatidine, is mediated via muscarinic receptors. Subsequently, we used specific muscarinic toxins and antagonists to delineate the muscarinic receptor subtype involved in the antinociception evoked by these agents. Thus, the antinociception produced by CMI-936 and CMI-1145 is inhibited substantially by 1) intrathecal injection of the specific muscarinic M4 toxin, muscarinic toxin-3; 2) intrathecally administered pertussis toxin, which inhibits the G proteins coupled to M2 and M4 receptors; and 3) s.c. injection of the M2/M4 muscarinic antagonist himbacine. These results demonstrate that the antinociception elicited by these epibatidine analogs is mediated via muscarinic M4 receptors located in the spinal cord. Compounds that specifically target the M4 receptor therefore may be of substantial value as alternative analgesics to the opiates.

(+/-)-trans-2-[3-methoxy-4-(4-chlorophenylthioethoxy)-5-(N-methyl-N- hydroxyureidyl)methylphenyl]-5-(3,4, 5-trimethoxyphenyl)tetrahydrofuran (CMI-392), a potent dual 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor and platelet-activating factor receptor antagonist.

By incorporating an N-hydroxyurea functionality onto diaryltetrahydrofurans, a novel series of compounds was investigated as dual 5-lipoxygenese (5-LO) inhibitor and platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor antagonist. These dual functional compounds were evaluated in vitro for 5-LO inhibition in RBL cell extracts and human whole blood, and PAF receptor antagonism in a receptor binding assay. PAF-induced hemoconcentration and arachidonic acid- and TPA-induced ear edema in mice were used to determine in vivo activities. The structure-activity relationship analysis to define a preclinical lead is presented. (+/-)-trans-2-[3-methoxy-4-(4-chlorophenylthioethoxy)-5-(N-methyl- N-h ydroxyureidyl)methylphenyl]-5-(3,4, 5-trimethoxyphenyl)tetrahydrofuran (40, CMI-392) was selected for further study. In the arachidonic acid-induced mouse ear edema model, 40 was more potent than either zileuton (a 5-LO inhibitor) or BN 50739 (a PAF receptor antagonist), and it demonstrated the same inhibitory effect as a physical combination of the latter two agents. These results suggest that a single compound which both inhibits leukotriene synthesis and blocks PAF receptor binding may provide therapeutic advantages over single-acting agents. The clinical development of compound 40 is in progress.

Inhibition of GPI phospholipase C from Trypanosoma brucei by fluoro-inositol dodecylphosphonates.

Glycosyl phosphatidylinositol phospholipase C (GPI-PLC) of Trypanosoma brucei is inhibited by myo-inositol(Ins)-1-O-dodecylphosphonate (VP-602L). Several novel fluoro-substituted analogs of 2-deoxy-myo-Ins-1-O-dedecylphosphonate, among which 2-deoxy-2-fluoro-scyllo-Ins-1-O-dodecylphosphonate (VP-616L) was the most powerful, were shown to be competitive inhibitors of GPI-PLC. VP-616L was 14-fold more active than VP-602L. 2-Deoxy-2-fluoro-myo-Ins-1-O-dodecylphosphonate and 2-deoxy-2,2-difluoro-myo-Ins-1-O-dodecylphosphonate were 1.55- and 4.67-fold, respectively, more potent than VP-602L. Methyl 2-deoxy-2,2-difluoro-myo-Ins-1-O-dodecylphosphonate did not inhibit GPI-PLC. These observations provide several insights into how GPI-PLC might interact with its substrate at the active site. We surmise that (i) the 2-OH of Ins is probably dispensable for substrate recognition; (ii) an equatorially oriented active site residue might interact with substituents at the 2-position of Ins, and (iii) the negative charge on the phosphoryl at the 1-OH position of Ins might be important for substrate recognition.

Phosphatidylinositol phospholipase C is activated allosterically by the aminoglycoside G418. 2-deoxy-2-fluoro-scyllo-inositol-1-O-dodecylphosphonate and its analogs inhibit glycosylphosphatidylinositol phospholipase C.

Phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) from Bacillus cereus is inhibited by myo-inositol-1-O-dodecylphosphonate (Ins-1-O-dodecylphosphonate) (Morris, J. C., Ping-Sheng, L., Shen, T. Y., and Mensa-Wilmot, K.(1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 2517-2524). A set of novel fluorinated 2-deoxy-Ins-1-O-dodecylphosphonates were tested against PI-PLC, with potent competitive inhibition by 2-deoxy-2-fluoro-scyllo-Ins-1-O-dodecylphosphonate (VP-616L) (Xi(50) = 0.09). 2-Deoxy-2-fluoro-myo-Ins-1-O-dodecylphosphonate and 2-deoxy-2,2-difluoro-myo-Ins-1-O-dodecylphosphonate were 8.3-fold and 4.8-fold less effective, respectively, than VP-616L. Methyl 2-deoxy-2,2-difluoro-myo-Ins-1-O-dodecylphosphonate was inactive. Also, a hundredfold less PI-PLC is required to cleave a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) than is needed to cleave PI. Implied in these observations are the following: (i) in powerful inhibitors an active site residue probably interacts with the equatorially oriented fluoro substituent; (ii) substrate recognition requires a negative charge on the phosphoryl at the Ins-1 position, and (iii) a GPI is better substrate than PI, for PI-PLC. Aminoglycoside antibiotics kanamycin A, gentamycin, and G418 stimulated PI-PLC cleavage of the GPI anchor of variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) from Trypanosoma brucei 2- to 4-fold. G418, which appears to act on the enzyme.substrate complex, increased kcat and Km 6.4-fold and 9.9-fold, respectively. PI-PLC was activated by G418 even in the presence of the inhibitor VP-616L. In control experiments, the lectin concanavalin A (ConA), which probably acts by substrate sequestration, inhibited both PI-PLC (Xi(50) = 0.00025) and GPI-specific phospholipase D (Xi(50) = 0.00018). G418 failed to activate PI-PLC when ConA was present. These observations indicate that G418 is an allosteric activator of Bacillus cereus PI-PLC. Since G418 stimulates a purified enzyme that is not involved in aminoglycoside metabolism, we propose that binding of aminoglycosides to cellular proteins could contribute to the development of the nephrotoxicity associated with the use of these aminoglycoside antibiotics.

Glycan requirements of glycosylphosphatidylinositol phospholipase C from Trypanosoma brucei. Glucosaminylinositol derivatives inhibit phosphatidylinositol phospholipase C.

Glycosylphosphatidylinositol phospholipase C (GPI-PLC) from Trypanosoma brucei and phosphatidylinositol phospholipase C (PI-PLC) from Bacillus sp. both cleave glycosylphosphatidylinositols (GPIs). However, phosphatidylinositol, which is efficiently cleaved by PI-PLC, is a very poor substrate for GPI-PLC. We examined GPI-PLC substrate requirements using glycoinositol analogs of GPI components as potential inhibitors. Glucosaminyl (alpha 1-->6)-D-myo-inositol (GlcN(alpha 1-->6)Ins), GlcN(alpha 1-->6)Ins 1,2-cyclic phosphate, GlcN(alpha 1-->6)-2-deoxy-Ins, and GlcN(alpha 1-->6)Ins 1-dodecyl phosphonate inhibited GPI-PLC. GlcN(alpha 1-->6)Ins was as effective as Man-(alpha 1-->4)GlcN(alpha 1-->6)Ins; we surmise that GlcN(alpha 1-->6)Ins is the crucial glycan motif for GPI-PLC recognition. Inhibition by GlcN(alpha 1-->6)Ins 1,2-cyclic phosphate suggests product inhibition since GPIs cleaved by GPI-PLC possess a GlcN(alpha 1-->6)Ins 1,2-cyclic phosphate at the terminus of the residual glycan. The effectiveness of GlcN(alpha 1-->6)-2-deoxy-Ins indicates that the D-myo-inositol (Ins) 2-hydroxyl is not required for substrate recognition, although it is probably essential for catalysis. GlcN(alpha 1-->6)-2-deoxy-L-myo-inositol, unlike GlcN(alpha 1-->6)-2- deoxy-Ins, had no effect on GPI-PLC; hence, GPI-PLC can distinguish between the two enantiomers of Ins. Surprisingly, GlcN(alpha 1-->6)Ins 1,2-cyclic phosphate was not a potent inhibitor of Bacillus cereus PI-PLC, and GlcN(alpha 1-->6)Ins had no effect on the enzyme. However, both GlcN(alpha 1-->6)Ins 1-phosphate and GlcN(alpha 1-->6)Ins 1-dodecyl phosphonate were competitive inhibitors of PI-PLC. These observations suggest an important role for a phosphoryl group at the Ins 1-position in PI-PLC recognition of GPIs. Other studies indicate that abstraction of a proton from the Ins 2-hydroxyl is not an early event in PI-PLC cleavage of GPIs. Furthermore, both GlcN(alpha 1-->6)-2-deoxy-Ins 1-phosphate and GlcN(alpha 1-->6)-2-deoxy-L- myo-inositol inhibited PI-PLC without affecting GPI-PLC. Last, the aminoglycoside G418 stimulated PI-PLC, but had no effect on GPI-PLC. Thus, these enzymes represent mechanistic subclasses of GPI phospholipases C, distinguishable by their sensitivity to GlcN(alpha 1-->6)Ins derivatives and aminoglycosides. Possible allosteric regulation of PI-PLC by GlcN(alpha 1-->6)Ins analogs is discussed.

Effects of pollen from Typha angustata on the osteoinductive potential of demineralized bone matrix in rat calvarial defects.

Typha angustata Bony et Chaub. is a traditional Chinese medicine, commonly used in China for a variety of clinical disorders, including atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, uterus contraction, and wound healing. The effect of the pollen of Typha angustata on the bone inductive capacity of demineralized bone matrix is studied here. Demineralized bone matrix soaked with saline solution was implanted in 8-mm defects in rat calvaria. After surgery all rats received a 0.2-ml injection in the defect sites of Typha angustata extract, plasma, or saline 3 times weekly for 2 to 4 weeks. The repair of bone defects was evaluated by radiography and by histology at 2 and 4 weeks after surgery. Results indicated that the 3% Typha angustata extract and demineralized bone matrix combination produced substantially more bone than demineralized bone matrix alone, while plasma plus demineralized bone matrix induced the same amount of bone formation as Typha angustata extract plus demineralized bone matrix. The osteoinductive potential increased in a dose dependent manner, 3% Typha angustata extract plus demineralized bone matrix produced more bone than the 0.6% Typha angustata extract plus demineralized bone matrix at 2 and 4 weeks. This study demonstrates that an extract of the pollen of Typha angustata is capable of enhancing the osteoinductive potential of demineralized bone matrix.

Epibatidine, an alkaloid from the poison frog Epipedobates tricolor, is a powerful ganglionic depolarizing agent.

Epibatidine, a newly discovered alkaloid from the skin of Dendrobatidae frogs, has structural similarities to nicotine. We examined the effects of epibatidine on cardiorespiratory function and ganglionic synaptic transmission. Superior cervical or splanchnic sympathetic nerve discharge (sSND) and phrenic nerve discharge (PND) were recorded along with arterial pressure (AP) in urethane-anesthetized, paralyzed and artificially ventilated rats. Epibatidine administered i.v. at low doses (0.5-2 micrograms/kg) produced a transient increase in AP and sSND, followed by a decrease and return to baseline; this low dose of epibatidine also produced a dose-dependent increase in PND. At high doses (cumulative dose of 8-16 micrograms/kg), epibatidine produced bradycardia, a profound depression in sSND and a transient elimination of PND. After i.v. administration of the ganglionic blocker chlorisondamine (5 mg/kg), AP was still increased by 1 microgram/kg epibatidine (+39 +/- 11 mm Hg). This pressor effect was not altered by pretreatment with the alpha-1 adrenergic antagonist phentolamine (+40 +/- 10 mm Hg); however, it was blocked by additional pretreatment with the vasopressin antagonist [beta-mercapto-beta,beta-cyclopentamethylenepropiony1, O-ET-Tyr2,Val4,Arg8]vasopressin (50 micrograms/kg i.v.; +2 +/- 0.4 mm Hg). Low doses of epibatidine (0.5-2 micrograms/kg) produced firing of postganglionic neurons in a decentralized ganglion preparation and potentiated synaptic transmission; at high doses (cumulative dose of 8-16 micrograms/kg), the alkaloid blocked ganglionic synaptic transmission. These results suggest that epibatidine is a potent agonist of ganglionic nicotinic receptors and that the alkaloid elicits cardiorespiratory effects similar to those of nicotine.

Epibatidine is a nicotinic analgesic.

Epibatidine, an alkaloid isolated from skin of the poison frog, Epipedobates tricolor, has been shown to be a very potent analgesic with a non-opioid mechanism of action. We found that epibatidine was about 120 times more potent and has longer duration than nicotine in analgesia, which could be antagonized by pretreatment with mecamylamine. Furthermore, epibatidine competed with high affinity (IC50 = 70 pM, Ki = 43 pM) for [3H]cytisine binding in rat brain preparations. These results indicated that the analgesic activity of epibatidine is attributed to its unique property as the most potent nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist.

Chemical and biochemical characterization of lignan analogs as novel PAF receptor antagonists.

Various derivatives and isosteres of neolignans of the 2,5-diaryl tetrahydrofuran type have been synthesized as antagonists of platelet-activating factor (PAF). A detailed analysis of their structure-activity relationship (SAR) has revealed a clear preference for an asymmetrical molecular configuration with a high degree of stereo and chiral specificity associated with greater potency. The trans-2S,5S enantiomers are generally 10-200 times more potent in vitro than their corresponding cis or trans-2R,5R isomers. A similar stereochemical preference is indicated by the recently reported PAF antagonist MK-287 which has undergone clinical evaluation. An azido derivative L-662,025 has been characterized as a photolabile irreversible antagonist of PAF for the investigation of solubilized and partially purified PAF binding proteins from cell membranes. The biological justification for concomitant inhibition of both PAF receptor and 5-lipoxygenase in inflammation is well recognized. The feasibility of developing such dual-functional agents has been demonstrated by a group of dithiolane analogs of neolignans and several derivatives of futoenone.

Further characterization of PAF receptor and novel antagonists.

To investigate the possible existence of subtypes of PAF receptors and antagonists, the relative activities of four typical competitive PAF antagonists, kadsurenone, BN 52021, WEB 2086 and L-659,989, were compared. Some differences in their inhibition of the specific binding of [3H]-PAF to human platelet and PMN membranes and PAF-induced platelet aggregation were observed. Synergism of the inhibition of platelet aggregation was indicated by combinations of suboptimal levels of two structurally unrelated antagonists, which suggested that the binding sites of these antagonists may not be identical. For 2,5-diaryl tetrahydrofurans, an unsymmetrical molecular configuration represented by the s,s-enantiomer of L-659,989 and its cyclopentane analogues is clearly preferred for optimal potency in vitro. The PAF-binding proteins from human platelet and bovine lung membranes have been solubilized and partially purified. As a research probe, L-662,025, which is an azido analogue of L-659,989, has been characterized as a photoactivable and irreversible PAF antagonist.

A simple procedure for the preparation and purification of the oligosaccharide components of the glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor of membrane proteins.

The oligosaccharide components of the glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchors of Trypanosoma brucei variant surface glycoproteins have been prepared and purified by treatment with hydrolytic enzymes and solvent extraction procedures followed by HPLC purification using a specific oligosaccharide binding matrix (Glyco-Pak N, by Waters). Three oligosaccharide peaks (peaks I, II and III) were resolved by a single isocratic HPLC step (70% acetonitrile in water). The material from these peaks was hydrolyzed in acid and analyzed by GC/MS. GC/MS analysis of the material obtained from each peak demonstrated the presence of inositol, glucosamine, and mannose in a 1:1:3 ratio. A variable number of galactose residues were detected in each peak. The galactose:inositol ratios of the purified components were 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1 for peaks I, II and III, respectively, suggesting that the separation obtained depends primarily on the number of sugar residues present in each fraction.