Application of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery in Patients with Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures Undergoing Percutaneous Kyphoplasty.

BACKGROUND: The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program helps patients recover faster and better, postoperatively. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the clinical effectiveness of the ERAS program after percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. METHODS: We enrolled patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture who had undergone PKP between January 2019 and June 2021 and divided them into the control group (CG; n = 296), without the ERAS program, and the intervention group (IG; n = 306), with the ERAS program. The visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Barthel Index scores of the 2 groups were compared on admission and 2 days and 1, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Perioperative evaluation parameters included the mean surgery time, length of stay (LOS), and hospitalization expenses. In addition, postoperative complications were compared. RESULTS: Regarding perioperative parameters, LOS and hospitalization expenses were significantly better in IG than in CG (P < 0.001), but the mean surgery time did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). The VAS, Barthel Index, and ODI scores were significantly better in IG than in CG at 2 days and 1 month postoperatively (P < 0.001). None of the clinical effectiveness parameters (VAS, Barthel Index, and ODI scores) differed between IG and CG at 6 or 12 months postoperatively. In addition, 141 patients in CG and 56 patients in IG experienced postoperative complications, including pressure ulcers, deep vein thrombosis, nausea and vomiting, and refracture (P = 0.970, P = 0.036, P < 0.001, P = 0.002 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: For patients undergoing PKP, the ERAS program is a reliable and effective perioperative management method that can effectively reduce LOS, postoperative pain, and economic burden and promote recovery of patients.

Acute diquat poisoning case with multiorgan failure and a literature review: A case report.

BACKGROUND: With the withdrawal of paraquat from the market, diquat is widely used, so the treatment of diquat poisoning has become one of the focuses of emergency poisoning diagnosis and treatment. CASE SUMMARY: We studied the case of a 17-year-old male patient who drank 200 mL (20 g/100 mL) of diquat solution two hours before arriving at the hospital. Despite the use of treatments such as gastric lavage, hemoperfusion, continuous hemodialysis, glucocorticoids, and organ support, the patient's condition rapidly progressed to multiorgan failure, and he died 23.5 h after admission. CONCLUSION: We summarized the clinical characteristics and treatment strategies of diquat poisoning through this case and performed a literature review to provide a basis and direction for clinical treatment.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) relieves psychological stress in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture undergoing percutaneous kyphoplasty: an observational retrospective cohort study.

STUDY DESIGN: This is an observational retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the incidence rate of depression and anxiety and the changes in patients treated with percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) following ERAS protocol. The incidence of depression and anxiety is not uncommon in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF), which affects the prognosis of surgery. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols can improve the perioperative stress response of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were treated conventionally in 2019 as the control group (CG) (n = 281), and patients were treated according to the ERAS protocol in 2020 as the intervention group (IG) (n = 251). All patients were evaluated for depression and anxiety using Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 at admission, postoperative 1 week, 1 month and 3, 6, 12 months. RESULTS: The degree of depression statistically decreased in the IG at follow-up periods (p < 0.001), and the degree of anxiety statistically decreased at 1 week (p < 0.001), 1 month (p < 0.001), 3 months (p = 0.017). Patients in the IG could soothe depression and anxiety disorders faster than patients in the CG and maintain psychological stability at the follow-up periods. The percentage of moderate or above depression in the IG was statistically fewer than in the CG at follow-up periods (p < 0.01). The odds ratio (OR) was respectively 0.410, 0.357, 0.294, 0.333, 0.327 from 1 week to 12 months. While the percentage of patients with moderate or above anxiety significantly decreased in the IG at 1 week (p < 0.001), OR = 0.528, 1 month (p = 0.037), OR = 0.309 and 12 months (p = 0.040), OR = 0.554, no differences between 3 months (p = 0.187) and 6 months (p = 0.133). CONCLUSION: PKP following ERAS protocol to treat patients with OVCF had a better effect on relieving postoperative anxiety and depression than following conventional protocol.

Effect of Different Anesthesia and Puncture Methods of Percutaneous Kyphoplasty on More Than 90-Year-Old Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture: Advantages of the ERAS Concept.

Background: Percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) is an effective minimally invasive technique for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF) in recent years. This study focuses on the analysis of PKP surgery and anesthesia in osteoporotic vertebral facture patients over 90 years old with the concept of "enhanced recovery after surgery." Methods: This study reviewed 239 patients who were diagnosed with OVF retrospectively between October 2015 and June 2019. According to the method of anesthesia, these patients were divided into Group A (n = 125) and Group B (n = 114). According to the pedicle puncture approach, these patients were divided into Group C (n = 102) and Group D (n = 137). The anterior vertebral height (AVH) and local kyphosis angle (LKA) were used to evaluate the degree of vertebral damage and restoration. The visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were used for assessing functional outcomes. Some parameters were used to assess the perioperative conditions such as operation time, amount of bone cement perfusion, intraoperative fluoroscopy times, anesthesia recovery time, time out of the bed, hospital stay, hospitalization cost, and complications. Results: The visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), anterior vertebral height (AVH), and local kyphosis angle (LKA) 1 day, 1 year after surgery, and at the last follow-up all showed significant improvement (P < 0.05) in comparison with those before surgery both in Groups A and B and Groups C and D. The ODI 1 day after surgery was significantly better in Group B than Group A (P < 0.05). Compared with Group B, Group A required longer time of anesthesia, operation time, anesthesia recovery time, time to get out of bed, and length of hospital stay and more hospitalization costs (P < 0.05). Group D required longer operation time, longer time to get out of bed, more bone cement volume, fluoroscopy time, and more operation hospitalization costs compared with Group C (P < 0.05). Conclusion: We recommend unilateral puncture under local anesthesia for OVF in the patients aged over 90 from the perspective of rapid recovery.

Recombinant CsHscB of carcinogenic liver fluke Clonorchis sinensis induces IL-10 production by binding with TLR2.

BACKGROUND: Clonorchis sinensis, a fluke dwelling in the intrahepatic bile ducts causes clonorchiasis, which affect about 15 million people wide-distributed in eastern Asia. During C. sinensis infection, worm-host interaction results in activation of patterns recognition receptors (PRRs) such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and further triggers immune responses, which determines the outcome of the infection. However, the mechanisms by which pathogen-associated molecules patterns from C. sinensis interact with TLRs were poorly understood. In the present study, we assumed that the molecules from C. sinensis may regulate host immune responses via TLR2 signaling pathway. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In the present study, we have identified a ~34 kDa CsHscB from C. sinensis which physically bound with TLR2 as demonstrated by molecular docking and pull-down assay. We also found that recombinant CsHscB (rCsHscB) potently activates macrophage to express various proteins including TLR2, CD80, MHCII, and cytokines like IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10, but rCsHscB failed to induce IL-10 in macrophages from Tlr2-/- mice. Moreover, ERK1/2 activation was required for rCsHscB-induced IL-10 production in macrophages. In vivo study revealed that rCsHscB triggered a high production of IL-10 in the wild-type (WT) but not in Tlr2-/- mice. Consistently, the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was also attenuated in Tlr2-/- mice compared to the WT mice, after the treatment with rCsHscB. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our data thus demonstrate that rCsHscB from C. sinensis interacts with TLR2 to be endowed with immune regulatory activities, and may have some therapeutic implications in future beyond parasitology.

Estrogen is involved in hemangioma regression associated with mast cells.

BACKGROUND: Estrogen plays a role in infantile hemangioma (IH) development, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to assess estrogen and estrogen receptor (ER) localization and expression levels in IH. In addition, the unexpected relationship between mast cells (MCs) and estrogen in human IH was discussed. METHODS: IH (n = 29), vascular malformation (VMs, n = 33) and normal skin (n = 15) specimens were assessed. IH was classified into proliferative (n = 9; age, 3.56 ± 1.01 months), early involuting (n = 10; age, 8.90 ± 2.69 months) and late involuting (n = 10; age, 20.10 ± 4.93 months) groups. Estradiol (E2), ER-a, ER-ß, and tryptase (MC marker) levels were determined immunohistochemically and/or by double immunofluorescence staining. Quantification and localization of tryptase, ER-a, and E2 were assessed for each specimen. RESULTS: ER-a, E2, and tryptase were expressed in the cytoplasm and nucleus of MCs in IH. The IH specimens showed significantly more tryptase, ER-a, and E2 positive MCs (30.6 ± 12.7, 9.7 ± 5.6, and 19.8 ± 8.7 cells/high-power field [HPF], respectively) compared with VM specimens (9.0 ± 9.8, 1.5 ± 2.4, and 2.5 ± 4.1 cells/HPF, respectively) and normal skin (6.1 ± 8.5, 0.5 ± 1.2, and 1.9 ± 3.4 cells/HPF, respectively). Proliferating IH displayed fewer E2 positive MCs (14.0 6.3 cells/HPF) compared with early (22.3 ± 10.2 cells/HPF, P = 0.023) and late (22.4 ± 6.8 cells/HPF, P = 0.006) involuting specimens. In addition, proliferating IH showed fewer tryptase positive MCs (24.7 ± 10.8 cells/HPF) compared with early involuting specimens (35.7 ± 15.3 cells/HPF, P = 0.043). All IH specimens were ER-a positive and ER-ß negative. CONCLUSIONS: E2 and ER-a are expressed on MCs and not on IH endothelial cells. Furthermore, activated MCs may be involved in IH regression.

CD109 Overexpression in Pancreatic Cancer Identified by Cell-Surface Glycoprotein Capture.

BACKGROUND: The development of novel targeted cancer therapies and/or diagnostic tools is dependent upon an understanding of the differential expression of molecular targets between normal tissues and tumors. Many of these potential targets are cell-surface receptors; however, our knowledge of the cell-surface proteins upregulated in pancreatic tumors is limited, thus impeding the development of targeted therapies for pancreatic cancer. To develop new diagnostic and therapeutic tools to specifically target pancreatic tumors, we sought to identify cell-surface proteins that may serve as potential tumor-specfic targets. METHODS: Membrane glycoproteins on the pancreatic cancer cell lines BxPC-3 were labeled with the bifunctional linker biocytin hydrazide. Following proteolytic digestion, biotinylated glycopeptides were captured with streptavidin-coupled beads then released by PNGaseF-mediated endoglycosidase cleavage and identified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (MS). A protein identified by the cell-surface glycoprotein capture procedure, CD109, was evaluated by western analysis of lysates of pancreatic cancer cell lines and by immunohistochemistry in sections of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and non- neoplastic pancreatic tissues. RESULTS: MS/MS analysis of glycopeptides captured from BxPC-3 cells revealed 18 proteins predicted or known to be associated with the plasma membrane, including CD109, which has not been reported in pancreatic cancer. Western analysis of CD109 in lysates prepared from pancreatic cancer cell lines revealed it was expressed in 6 of 8 cell lines, with a high level of expression in BxPC-3, MIAPaCa-2, and Panc-1 cells. Immunohistochemical analyses of human pancreatic tissues indicate CD109 is significantly overexpressed in pancreatic tumors compared to normal pancreas. CONCLUSIONS: The selective capture of glycopeptides from the surface of pancreatic cancer cell lines can reveal novel cell-surface glycoproteins expressed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas.

Expression of endoglin (CD105) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase in head and neck arteriovenous malformations.

IMPORTANCE: Endoglin (CD105) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) assist in regulating vascular development. Variation in expression of these factors is linked to errors in vascular growth and remodeling in invasive lesions. OBJECTIVE: To clarify the role of endoglin and eNOS in the growth of extracranial head and neck arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), an invasive and high-flow vascular anomaly. DESIGN AND SETTING: Immunohistochemistry and Western blot study at an academic research center. SPECIMENS: Frozen and formalin-fixed paraffin-processed human AVMs (n = 14) were examined for expression of CD105 and eNOS. Expression in infantile hemangiomas (n = 9) and in normal skin with subcutaneous tissue (n = 9) was used for comparison. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Quantitative assessment and localization of CD105 and eNOS protein expression were performed on each specimen by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. Protein expression levels were compared with ß-actin level and were semiquantitatively assessed. RESULTS: Abundant CD105 protein was found in AVMs but was not present in infantile hemangiomas or normal skin with subcutaneous tissue. Expression of eNOS protein in AVMs and infantile hemangiomas was similar (P = .20) and was significantly greater than that in normal skin with subcutaneous tissue (P < .001 and P = .008, respectively). Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that CD105 and eNOS are predominantly located in AVM vascular endothelial cells. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: CD105 and eNOS are present and significantly expressed in head and neck AVMs. Expression of CD105 and eNOS may have an important role in the angiogenesis and vascular remodeling of AVMs. CD105 can be used as a specific marker for AVM endothelial cells.

Epigenetic and immunohistochemical characterization of the Clusterin gene in ovarian tumors.

PURPOSE: To characterize abnormal epigenetic changes and protein expression of the clusterin gene in a large series of ovarian malignant and borderline tumors. METHODS: Protein expression and promoter methylation of clusterin gene in 181 primary ovarian epithelial cancer, 40 borderline ovarian tumors, 54 ovarian cancer mesenteric metastasis, and 10 normal ovarian samples were analyzed by immunohistochemical staining and methylation-specific PCR. RESULTS: Overexpression of clusterin protein was frequently seen in various ovarian epithelial tumors, being detected in 102 of 181 (56 %) primary ovarian epithelial cancers, 21 of 37 (57 %) borderline ovarian tumors. Surprisingly, clusterin protein expression was significantly reduced in mesenteric metastasis (20 of 54; 37 % cases), as compared to primary ovarian carcinoma (p = 0.01). Overexpression of clusterin protein was significantly correlated with high-grade histology (p = 0.002) and high FIGO stages (p = 0.05). Clusterin promoter hypermethylation was detected in 24 of 181 (13 %) primary ovarian epithelial cancer, 8 of 54 (14 %) mesenteric metastasis, and 10 of 37 (27 %) borderline ovarian tumors. Overall, clusterin promoter hypermethylation was significantly correlated with decreased protein expression in these samples (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Increased clusterin expression is correlated with more aggressive biologic behavior in ovarian cancer. Promoter methylation of the clusterin gene can be readily detected, though at low frequencies, in ovarian epithelial tumors and is significantly associated with decreased protein expression of the gene.

Decreased eNOS protein expression in involuting and propranolol-treated hemangiomas.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the location and degree of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) protein expression in hemangioma growth, involution, and during propranolol therapy. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: Pediatric patients with hemangiomas. INTERVENTIONS: Fresh human hemangioma specimens at various stages of development were harvested. Effective propranolol therapy had been implemented in some patients. Quantitative assessment and localization of eNOS protein expression was performed on each specimen by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemical analysis, respectively. RESULTS: Hemangiomas in a proliferative phase (group 1: n = 4; mean [SD] age, 4.25 [2.06] months), an early involuting phase (group 2: n = 6; 12.00 [1.64] months), and a late involuting phase (group 3: n = 6; 23.30 [1.97] months) were harvested. The mean (SD) eNOS protein expression was 0.88 (0.41) in group 1, 0.26 (0.26) in group 2, and 0.15 (0.08) in group 3, respectively. A statistically significant decrease in eNOS protein expression was observed between proliferating and involuting hemangiomas (group 1 vs group 2 and group 3; P ≤ .01) but not between early and late phases of involution (P = .17). In a separate propranolol treatment group (n = 7), the eNOS protein level was significantly lower than in age-matched controls (n = 7; 0.08 [0.1] vs 0.45 [0.45]; P = .03). Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated eNOS to be predominately in endothelial cells lining mature blood vessels. CONCLUSION: Expression of eNOS protein decreases during the hemangioma lifecycle. Propranolol may suppress hemangioma growth by inhibiting expression of eNOS protein and subsequent production of nitric oxide.

A pilot in vivo model of human microcystic lymphatic malformations.

OBJECTIVE: To develop an in vivo mouse model of human microcystic lymphatic malformations (LMs) and provide a tool for investigating the biological mechanisms and treatment of microcystic disease. DESIGN: Animal model and histologic analysis. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. SUBJECTS: Fresh microcystic LM from human subjects were harvested and xenografted in the immunologically naïve nude mice (Athymic Nude- Foxn1(nu)). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Specimens were divided (5 × 5 × 5 mm) and secured in 4 quadrants subcutaneously along the dorsum of 4 nude mice. Weekly observations for volume, color, and texture of the grafts were performed with sequential harvesting from each quadrant at 30-day intervals. All grafts (n = 16) were sectioned and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Comparative pathologic evaluation of the grafts and native LM was performed by 2 blinded pathologists. Immunohistochemical analysis for D2-40 (a known lymphatic endothelial cell marker), Ki-67, and human-specific nuclear antigen was performed. RESULTS: Near complete microcystic LM xenograft survival (n = 13 [81%]) was achieved in the mouse irrespective of the period of implantation. Xenografts underwent a brief growth phase to day 20 to 30 and were quiescent until approximately day 65 but ultimately had a gradual loss of volume following transplant. Histologic analysis revealed structural characteristics matching the native LM tissue. Immunohistochemical analysis found that 10 (77%) of the surviving xenografts (77%) were positive for D2-40, 9 (69%) were positive for human-specific nuclear antigen, and 8 (62%) were positive for Ki-67. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary in vivo model suggests that microcystic LM can survive in the athymic nude mouse. The presence of markers for human antibodies, lymphatic endothelium, and cellular proliferation demonstrates the stability of native tissue qualities within the xenografts.

Using 5-aminolevulinic acid and pulsed dye laser for photodynamic treatment of oral leukoplakia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the safety and efficacy of photodynamic therapy in the treatment of oral leukoplakia with 5-aminolevulinic acid and pulsed dye laser. DESIGN: Nonrandomized, single-arm, single-site phase 1/2 pilot study. SETTING: Academic referral center. PATIENTS: A total of 23 patients, aged 37 to 79 years, having a confirmed diagnosis of leukoplakia with or without dysplasia measuring at least 10 mm in diameter. INTERVENTIONS: Application of 5-aminolevulinic acid to lesions followed by activation with high-power 585-nm pulsed dye laser. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Maximum tolerated dose of laser, postprocedure complications, objective response to treatment, and immunohistochemical changes in treated tissue. RESULTS: No significant adverse events occurred; minor local adverse effects were observed during and following photodynamic therapy in the safety phase of the study. The maximum tolerated dose was 8 J/cm(2). Of 17 patients, 7 (41%) had more than 75% regression (significant response) and 9 (53%) had more than 25% regression (partial response), for an overall response rate of 94% at 90 days. This response rate was far higher than the null-hypothesis 20% rate (P < 10(-10)) and the alternative-hypothesis 50% rate (P = .0001) for which the study was powered. When compared with baseline levels immunohistochemically, p53 expression was increased in 8 of 11 available samples (73%) and Ki-67 expression was decreased in 7 of 12 available samples (58%). CONCLUSIONS: Photodynamic therapy with 5-aminolevulinic acid and pulsed dye laser could be used to achieve regression of oral leukoplakia. The treatment is safe and well tolerated. An application time of 1.5 hours and laser radiant exposure of 8 J/cm(2) with 1.5-ms pulse time were found to be the optimal settings in this study. The high-power laser used in this study allows completion of laser therapy within 1 to 3 minutes. Further studies are necessary to determine the optimal laser radiant exposure and drug application to maximize the response rate.

Preliminary investigation of human lymphatic malformations in vitro.

PURPOSE: To develop an in vitro model of human lymphatic malformations (LM) that reflects histological characteristics of native LM. METHODS: Fresh human LM (n = 6) were harvested, sectioned, explanted into a fibrinogen gel, and cultured. A total of 25 explants were developed and observed for primary and peripheral cellular growth. On days 9 to 10, the cultured tissues and gels were collected and fixed in 10% formalin. Primary LM and surrounding gel matrix were sectioned and stained for H&E analysis. Immunohistochemistry was performed for Prox-1 and D2-40, known markers for lymphatic endothelium, and Ki-67, a marker of cellular proliferation. RESULTS: On culture day 3, cells were observed to grow into the gel surrounding the primary tissue explants. Persistent and significant growth into the gel matrix was observed for each specimen at subsequent measurement intervals (day 6 and day 10, P < .0001). H&E staining of all the LM explants demonstrated survival and intact organization and cellular structure reflective of the original LM specimens. Microchannels were observed in the surrounding gel suggesting the presence of newly formed lymphatic vessels. Positive-immunohistochemical staining for D2-40 and Prox-1 revealed organized lymphatic endothelia within each specimen and associated microchannels distal to the explants in the gel matrix. Scattered cells in the gel matrix stained positive for Ki-67. CONCLUSIONS: This experimental model suggests that human LM can be preserved and observed to grow in vitro with structural characteristics, and immunohistologic qualities similar to native LM. This model may provide a facile tool for basic and translational research on LM.

Generation and characterization of neurogenin1-GFP transgenic medaka with potential for rapid developmental neurotoxicity screening.

Fish models such as zebrafish and medaka are increasingly used as alternatives to rodents in developmental and toxicological studies. These developmental and toxicological studies can be facilitated by the use of transgenic reporters that permit the real-time, noninvasive observation of the fish. Here we report the construction and characterization of transgenic medaka lines expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the control of the zebrafish neurogenin 1 (ngn1) gene promoter. Neurogenin (ngn1) is a helix-loop-helix transcription factor expressed in proliferating neuronal progenitor cells early in neuronal differentiation and plays a crucial role in directing neurogenesis. GFP expression was detected from 24 h post-fertilization until hatching, in a spatial pattern consistent with the previously reported zebrafish ngn1 expression. Temporal expression of the transgene parallels the expression profile of the endogenous medaka ngn1 transcript. Further, we demonstrate that embryos from the transgenic line permit the non-destructive, real-time screening of ngn1 promoter-directed GFP expression in a 96-well format, enabling higher throughput studies of developmental neurotoxicants. This strain has been deposited with and maintained by the National BioResource Project and is available on request (http://www.shigen.nig.ac.jp/medaka/strainDetailAction.do?quickSearch=true&strainId=5660).

NRF2 Oxidative Stress Induced by Heavy Metals is Cell Type Dependent.

Exposure to metallic environmental toxicants has been demonstrated to induce a variety of oxidative stress responses in mammalian cells. The transcription factor Nrf2 is activated in response to oxidative stress and coordinates the expression of antioxidant gene products. In this study, we describe the development of an Nrf2-specific reporter gene assay that can be used to study the oxidative stress response in multiple cell types. Using five different cell lines, the Nrf2-activating potency of twenty metals was assessed across a range of concentrations. While ten of the metals tested (cadmium, cobalt, copper, gold, iron, lead, mercury, silver, sodium arsenite and zinc) stimulated Nrf2-dependent transcriptional activity in at least three of the engineered cell lines, only three (cadmium, copper and sodium arsenite) were active in all five cell lines. A comparison of metal-induced Nrf2 transcriptional activation revealed significant differences in the absolute magnitude of activation as well as the relative potencies between the cell lines tested. However, there was no direct correlation between activity and potency. Taken together, these results show that the capacity to stimulate Nrf2 activity and relative potencies of these test compounds are highly dependent on the cell type tested. Since oxidative stress is thought to be involved in the mode of action of many toxicological studies, this observation may inform the design of paradigms for toxicity testing for toxicant prioritization and characterization.

MicroRNA expression profiles of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma with docetaxel-induced multidrug resistance.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential role of variable microRNA (miRNA) expression in the development of multidrug resistance (MDR) in head and neck cancer. METHODS: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines UMSCC-1 and SQ20B were treated with docetaxel at increasing concentrations to develop resistant cell lines. Parental and resistant cells were treated with cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, paclitaxel, methotrexate, and doxorubicin to confirm cross-resistance. The miRNA pattern of resistant cells was then compared with their parental cells. RESULTS: Docetaxel treatment successfully induced resistance primarily and induced multidrug cross-resistance. Resistant cells showed significant downregulation of miR-100, miR-130a, and miR-197 and upregulation in miR-101, miR-181b, miR-181d, and miR-195 expression when compared with their parent cells (p < .01). Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis confirmed statistically significant downregulation in miR-100 and miR-130a and upregulation in miR-181d expression (p < .001). CONCLUSION: Alterations in miRNA expression has direct relationship to MDR in head and neck cancer and may serve as biomolecular targets for reversal of MDR.

Distinct epigenetic profiling in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma stem cells.

OBJECTIVE: To identify unique epigenetic signature in cancer stem cells (CSCs) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). STUDY DESIGN: Molecular and microarray studies. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Head and neck CSCs were isolated in HNSCC cells by CD44 staining and flow cytometry sorting. CSCs with highest CD44 expression (CD44(hi)) and non-stem cells (non-SCs) with lowest CD44 expression (CD44(low)) were then characterized for stemness gene expression and their responses to chemotherapeutic agents, followed by high-throughput epigenetic profiling using the Illumina BeadChip Array, targeting 28,544 CpG sites covering more than 14,956 genes. RESULTS: CD44(hi) CSCs expressed higher levels of stem cell markers and were more resistant to chemotherapeutic agents as compared to CD44(low) non-SCs. By DNA methylation microarray analysis, 17 hypomethylated and 9 hypermethylated genes were identified in CD44(hi) CSCs as compared to non-SCs in most HNSCC cell lines. Cluster analysis using these 26 genes showed that CD44(hi) CSCs were epigenetically distinct from the CD44(low) non-SCs in all 5 HNSCC cell lines. CONCLUSION: A unique epigenetic profile consisting of 17 hypomethylated and 9 hypermethylated genes was seen in HNSCC CSCs. These genes may be critically required in maintaining the stemness or pluripotency of CSCs and may represent novel molecular targets for anticancer therapies aimed at eradicating CSCs in HNSCC.

Obesity and hepatosteatosis in mice with enhanced oxidative DNA damage processing in mitochondria.

Mitochondria play critical roles in oxidative phosphorylation and energy metabolism. Increasing evidence supports that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage and dysfunction play vital roles in the development of many mitochondria-related diseases, such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, infertility, neurodegenerative disorders, and malignant tumors in humans. Human 8-oxoguanine-DNA glycosylase 1 (hOGG1) transgenic (TG) mice were produced by nuclear microinjection. Transgene integration was analyzed by PCR. Transgene expression was measured by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Mitochondrial DNA damage was analyzed by mutational analyses and measurement of mtDNA copy number. Total fat content was measured by a whole-body scan using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The hOGG1 overexpression in mitochondria increased the abundance of intracellular free radicals and major deletions in mtDNA. Obesity in hOGG1 TG mice resulted from increased fat content in tissues, produced by hyperphagia. The molecular mechanisms of obesity involved overexpression of genes in the central orexigenic (appetite-stimulating) pathway, peripheral lipogenesis, down-regulation of genes in the central anorexigenic (appetite-suppressing) pathway, peripheral adaptive thermogenesis, and fatty acid oxidation. Diffuse hepatosteatosis, female infertility, and increased frequency of malignant lymphoma were also seen in these hOGG1 TG mice. High levels of hOGG1 expression in mitochondria, resulting in enhanced oxidative DNA damage processing, may be an important factor in human metabolic syndrome, infertility, and malignancy.

The endoplasmic reticulum-associated Hsp40 DNAJB12 and Hsc70 cooperate to facilitate RMA1 E3-dependent degradation of nascent CFTRDeltaF508.

Relative contributions of folding kinetics versus protein quality control (QC) activity in the partitioning of non-native proteins between life and death are not clear. Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) biogenesis serves as an excellent model to study this question because folding of nascent CFTR is inefficient and deletion of F508 causes accumulation of CFTRΔF508 in a kinetically trapped, but foldable state. Herein, a novel endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated Hsp40, DNAJB12 (JB12) is demonstrated to play a role in control of CFTR folding efficiency. JB12 cooperates with cytosolic Hsc70 and the ubiquitin ligase RMA1 to target CFTR and CFTRΔF508 for degradation. Modest elevation of JB12 decreased nascent CFTR and CFTRΔF508 accumulation while increasing association of Hsc70 with ER forms of CFTR and the RMA1 E3 complex. Depletion of JB12 increased CFTR folding efficiency up to threefold and permitted a pool of CFTRΔF508 to fold and escape the ER. Introduction of the V510D misfolding suppressor mutation into CFTRΔF508 modestly increased folding efficiency, whereas combined inactivation of JB12 and suppression of intrinsic folding defects permitted CFTRΔF508 to fold at 50% of wild-type efficiency. Therapeutic correction of CFTRΔF508 misfolding in cystic fibrosis patients may require repair of defective folding kinetics and suppression of ER QC factors, such as JB12.

Skin graft take rates, granulation, and epithelialization: dependence on myeloid cell hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the "take" rates of skin grafts between myeloid-selective hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) 1alpha knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice. Production of the alpha subunit of HIF-1alpha is increased in healing wounds, which stimulates expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to promote angiogenesis. Therefore, the take rate of skin grafts may be closely associated with the presence or absence of HIF-1alpha production in the recipient bed. DESIGN: The percentage of healthy graft areas obtained by planimetry and scores for epithelialization and granulation tissue formation obtained by histopathologic analysis were compared in 12 KO and 12 WT mice following skin grafting. RESULTS: The graft take rate was significantly impaired in the KO group (P = .009), whereas epithelialization (P = .46) or granulation (P = .41) tissue formation scores did not reveal any significant differences. CONCLUSION: Hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha in myeloid cells may be an important molecule for revascularization of avascular tissues such as skin grafts, probably owing to its stimulating effect on angiogenesis.