Taiwan Society of Cardiology Heart Failure Registry 2020: Rationale and Design.

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a significant public health problem worldwide. Death and rehospitalization rates are similar across different HF phenotypes. However, the existing Taiwanese HF registries mainly enrolled inpatients with HF and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) before 2019, so their results may not apply to outpatients or patients with HF with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) and HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) phenotypes. Methods: The Taiwan Society of Cardiology Heart Failure Registry 2020 is a prospective, multicenter, observational registry that will enroll patients with HF from 27 hospitals in Taiwan between 2020 and 2022 and will be followed for two years. Patients eligible for enrollment include those admitted due to acute decompensated heart failure or outpatients with a history of hospitalization for heart failure within the past six months. The registry will collect patient demographics, medical history, HF diagnosis, medication use, examination results, and comorbidities. The registry plans to enroll 3,370 patients, with the distribution of HFrEF/HFmrEF/HFpEF as 59%/13%/28%. Follow-up intervals will occur every six months for up to two years to monitor clinical outcomes and major cardiac interventions. The registry will conclude in December 2024. Conclusions: The Taiwan Society of Cardiology Heart Failure Registry 2020 is a comprehensive and meticulous effort to demonstrate the epidemiology, adherence to guidelines, clinical outcomes, and disease progression of Taiwanese patients with HF in contemporary clinical practice.

Anticancer polypyrrole-polyethylenimine drug-free nanozyme for precise B-cell lymphoma therapy.

As an alternative strategy for cancer treatment, the combination of cancer nanomedicine and immunotherapy is promising with regard to efficacy and safety; however, precise modulation of the activation of antitumor immunity remains challenging. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to describe an intelligent nanocomposite polymer immunomodulator, drug-free polypyrrole-polyethyleneimine nanozyme (PPY-PEI NZ), which responds to the B-cell lymphoma tumor microenvironment, for precision cancer immunotherapy. Earlier engulfment of PPY-PEI NZs in an endocytosis-dependent manner resulted in rapid binding in four different types of B-cell lymphoma cells. The PPY-PEI NZ effectively suppressed B cell colony-like growth in vitro accompanied by cytotoxicity via apoptosis induction. During PPY-PEI NZ-induced cell death, mitochondrial swelling, loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (MTP), downregulation of antiapoptotic proteins, and caspase-dependent apoptosis were observed. Deregulated AKT and ERK signaling contributed to glycogen synthase kinase-3-regulated cell apoptosis following deregulation of Mcl-1 and MTP loss. Additionally, PPY-PEI NZs induced lysosomal membrane permeabilization while inhibiting endosomal acidification, partly protecting cells from lysosomal apoptosis. PPY-PEI NZs selectively bound and eliminated exogenous malignant B cells in a mixed culture system with healthy leukocytes ex vivo. While PPY-PEI NZs showed no cytotoxicity in wild-type mice, they provided long-term and efficient inhibition of the growth of B-cell lymphoma-driven nodules in a subcutaneous xenograft model. This study explores a potential PPY-PEI NZ-based anticancer agent against B-cell lymphoma.

Novel light delivery method for performing transbronchial photodynamic therapy ablation to treat peripheral lung cancer: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Photodynamic therapy involves using a photosensitizer with l illumination and is recommended for treating early, centrally located lung cancers, but it is not a standard treatment for peripheral lung tumor.. We previously proposed a novel light delivery method, in which lipiodol is perfused into the bronchial tree to increase the scope of illumination via the fiber effect. Herein, we attempted this novel technique under electromagnetic bronchoscope guidance in a hybrid operation room where lipiodol facilitated light diffusion, and evaluated the effectiveness and feasibility of this technique for peripheral lung cancers. METHODS: This phase 0 pilot study included three patients with peripheral lung cancers (primary tumors ≤20-mm diameter). The photodynamic therapy was administered using Porfimer sodium as the photosensitizer, and an electromagnetic navigation bronchoscope in a hybrid operating room to guide the catheter to the tumor. This facilitated lipiodol infusion to encase the tumor and permit the transbronchial photodynamic therapy ablation. RESULTS: Administering 630 nm 200 J/cm (400mW/500sec) energy through a 3-cm cylindrical diffusing laser fiber was safe; no significant acute complications were observed. Although the treatment outcome was unsatisfactory due to the low light dose, tumor pathology in one case revealed tumor necrosis, with no significant damage to the surrounding lung tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Novel light delivery transbronchial photodynamic therapy ablation for peripheral lung tumors is feasible and safe. Additional clinical trials may help determine the best illumination plan and light dose through multiple deliveries from multiple angles.

Visualization and (Semi-)quantification of submicrometer plastics through scanning electron microscopy and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry.

Increasing numbers of studies have demonstrated the existence of nanoplastics (1-999 nm) in the environment and commercial products, but the current technologies for detecting and quantifying nanoplastics are still developing. Herein, we present a combination of two techniques, e.g., scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), to analyze submicron-sized plastics. A drop-casting of a 20-nL particle suspension on a Piranha solution-cleaned silicon wafer with dry ice incubation and subsequent freeze-drying was used to suppress the coffee-ring effect. SEM images were used to quantify particles, and this technique is applicable for 0.195-1.04-µm polystyrene (PS), 0.311-µm polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and 0.344-µm polyethylene (PE) at a minimum concentration of 2.49 × 109 particles/mL. ToF-SIMS could not quantify the particle number, while it could semi-quantitatively estimate number ratios of submicron PE, PET, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and PS particles in the mixture. Analysis of submicron plastics released from three hot water-steeped teabags (respectively made of PET/PE, polylactic acid (PLA), and PET) was revisited. The SEM-derived sizes and particle numbers were comparable to those measured by a nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) regardless of whether or not the hydro-soluble oligomers were removed. ToF-SIMS further confirmed the number ratios of different particles from a PET/PE composite teabag leachate. This method shows potential for application in analyzing more-complex plastic particles released from food contact materials.

Enhancement of T2* Weighted MRI Imaging Sensitivity of U87MG Glioblastoma Cells Using γ-Ray Irradiated Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid-Conjugated Iron Nanoparticles.

INTRODUCTION: It has been reported that low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (LMWHA) exhibits a potentially beneficial effect on cancer therapy through targeting of CD44 receptors on tumor cell surfaces. However, its applicability towards tumor detection is still unclear. In this regard, LMWHA-conjugated iron (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (LMWHA-IONPs) were prepared in order to evaluate its application for enhancing the T2* weighted MRI imaging sensitivity for tumor detection. METHODS: LMWHA and Fe3O4 NPs were produced using γ-ray irradiation and chemical co-precipitation methods, respectively. First, LMWHA-conjugated FITC was prepared to confirm the ability of LMWHA to target U87MG cells using fluorescence microscopy. The hydrodynamic size distribution and dispersion of the IONPs and prepared LMWHA-IONPs were analyzed using dynamic light scattering (DLS). In addition, cell viability assays were performed to examine the biocompatibility of LMWHA and LMWHA-IONPs toward U87MG human glioblastoma and NIH3T3 fibroblast cell lines. The ability of LMWHA-IONPs to target tumor cells was confirmed by detecting iron (Fe) ion content using the thiocyanate method. Finally, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) imaging and in vitro magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed to confirm the contrast enhancement effect of LMWHA-IONPs. RESULTS: Florescence analysis results showed that LMWHA-FITC successfully targeted the surfaces of both tested cell types. The ability of LMWHA to target U87MG cells was higher than for NIH3T3 cells. Cell viability experiments showed that the fabricated LMWHA-IONPs possessed good biocompatibility for both cell lines. After co-culturing test cells with the LMWHA-IONPs, detected Fe ion content in the U87MG cells was much higher than that of the NIH3T3 cells in both thiocyanate assays and TOF-SIMs images. Finally, the addition of LMWHA-IONPs to the U87MG cells resulted in an obvious improvement in T2* weighted MR image contrast compared to control NIH3T3 cells. DISCUSSION: Overall, the present results suggest that LMWHA-IONPs fabricated in this study provide an effective MRI contrast agent for improving the diagnosis of early stage glioblastoma in MRI examinations.

Physical and Biological Evaluation of Low-Molecular-Weight Hyaluronic Acid/Fe3O4 Nanoparticle for Targeting MCF7 Breast Cancer Cells.

Low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (LMWHA) was integrated with superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs). The size distribution, zeta potential, viscosity, thermogravimetric and paramagnetic properties of the LMWHA-Fe3O4 NPs were systematically examined. For cellular experiments, MCF7 breast cancer cell line was carried out. In addition, the cell targeting ability and characteristics of the LMWHA-Fe3O4 NPs for MCF7 breast cancer cells were analyzed using the thiocyanate method and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS). The experimental results showed that the LMWHA-Fe3O4 NPs were not only easily injectable due to their low viscosity, but also exhibited a significant superparamagnetic property. Furthermore, the in vitro assay results showed that the NPs had negligible cytotoxicity and exhibited a good cancer cell targeting ability. Overall, the results therefore suggest that the LMWHA-Fe3O4 NPs have considerable potential as an injectable agent for enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or hyperthermia treatment in breast cancer therapy.

Base on concept of traditional Chinese medicine: Experimental studies on efficacy of BIOCERAMIC Resonance to alleviate drug withdrawal symptoms.

Those who are challenged by dependency on prescription drugs or suffer drug addictions have few options available to them for recovery, such as psychotherapy and physiotherapy. Here we present a new approach with clinical examples involving stimulant addiction or overdose of hypnotic drugs that were received BIOCERAMIC Resonance, which was developed based on concept of 12 meridian channels of traditional Chinese medicine, and has successful withdrawal or dose reduction benefits. We describe the whole process and the clinical outcome. And by help of our previous publication on functional MRI, we discuss the possible brain locations response to BIOCERAMIC Resonance that may be corresponding to the beneficial effects of relief of depression, sleep deprivation and other mental symptoms that associate with substance abuse and withdrawal effects. We suggest this could be potentially widely application on substances abuse.

Synthetic Fluororutaecarpine Inhibits Inflammatory Stimuli and Activates Endothelial Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid-Type 1.

The natural product, rutaecarpine (RUT), is the main effective component of Evodia rutaecarpa which is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine. It has vasodilation, anticoagulation, and anti-inflammatory activities. However, further therapeutic applications are limited by its cytotoxicity. Thus, a derivative of RUT, 10-fluoro-2-methoxyrutaecarpine (F-RUT), was designed and synthesized that showed no cytotoxicity toward RAW264.7 macrophages at 20 µM. In an anti-inflammation experiment, it inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages; cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) induced by LPS were also downregulated. After 24 h of treatment, F-RUT significantly inhibited cell migration and invasion of ovarian A2780 cells. Furthermore, F-RUT promoted expressions of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) and endothelial (e)NOS in human aortic endothelial cells, and predominantly reduced the inflammation in ovalbumin/alum-challenged mice. These results suggest that the novel synthetic F-RUT exerts activities against inflammation and vasodilation, while displaying less toxicity than its lead compound.

Ubiquitin Ligase RNF138 Promotes Episodic Ataxia Type 2-Associated Aberrant Degradation of Human Cav2.1 (P/Q-Type) Calcium Channels.

Voltage-gated CaV2.1 channels comprise a pore-forming α1A subunit with auxiliary α2δ and ß subunits. CaV2.1 channels play an essential role in regulating synaptic signaling. Mutations in the human gene encoding the CaV2.1 subunit are associated with the cerebellar disease episodic ataxia type 2 (EA2). Several EA2-causing mutants exhibit impaired protein stability and exert dominant-negative suppression of CaV2.1 wild-type (WT) protein expression via aberrant proteasomal degradation. Here, we set out to delineate the protein degradation mechanism of human CaV2.1 subunit by identifying RNF138, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, as a novel CaV2.1-binding partner. In neurons, RNF138 and CaV2.1 coexist in the same protein complex and display notable subcellular colocalization at presynaptic and postsynaptic regions. Overexpression of RNF138 promotes polyubiquitination and accelerates protein turnover of CaV2.1. Disrupting endogenous RNF138 function with a mutant (RNF138-H36E) or shRNA infection significantly upregulates the CaV2.1 protein level and enhances CaV2.1 protein stability. Disrupting endogenous RNF138 function also effectively rescues the defective protein expression of EA2 mutants, as well as fully reversing EA2 mutant-induced excessive proteasomal degradation of CaV2.1 WT subunits. RNF138-H36E coexpression only partially restores the dominant-negative effect of EA2 mutants on CaV2.1 WT functional expression, which can be attributed to defective membrane trafficking of CaV2.1 WT in the presence of EA2 mutants. We propose that RNF138 plays a critical role in the homeostatic regulation of CaV2.1 protein level and functional expression and that RNF138 serves as the primary E3 ubiquitin ligase promoting EA2-associated aberrant degradation of human CaV2.1 subunits.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Loss-of-function mutations in the human CaV2.1 subunit are linked to episodic ataxia type 2 (EA2), a dominantly inherited disease characterized by paroxysmal attacks of ataxia and nystagmus. EA2-causing mutants may exert dominant-negative effects on the CaV2.1 wild-type subunit via aberrant proteasomal degradation. The molecular nature of the CaV2.1 ubiquitin-proteasome degradation pathway is currently unknown. The present study reports the first identification of an E3 ubiquitin ligase for CaV2.1, RNF138. CaV2.1 protein stability is dynamically regulated by RNF138 and auxiliary α2δ and ß subunits. We provide a proof of concept that protecting the human CaV2.1 subunit from excessive proteasomal degradation with specific interruption of endogenous RNF138 function may partially contribute to the future development of a novel therapeutic strategy for EA2 patients.

The relationship between serum fibrosis markers and restrictive ventricular filling in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: A technetium-99m radionuclide ventriculography study.

Myocardial fibrosis leads to a restrictive diastolic filling pattern of the left ventricle which is associated with a poor prognosis in patients with heart failure. We investigated the relationship between cardiac fibrosis and restrictive filling pattern of the left ventricle measured by Tc99m left ventriculography in patients with chronic symptomatic heart failure. Serum cardiac extracellular matrix markers including type I and III aminoterminal propeptide of procollagen (PINP and PIIINP), matrix metalloproteinase-2,9 (MMP-2,9), and tissue inhibitor of MMP-1 (TIMP-1) were analyzed. Fifty-one (39 males) patients were enrolled. Their median age was 51.8 years, and median left ventricular ejection fraction was 31.9%. Time to peak filling rate of the left ventricle was significantly correlated with serum levels of the three cardiac extracellular matrix markers (TIMP-1, PIIINP, and MMP-2). The patients with a restrictive diastolic filling pattern of the left ventricle (time to peak filling rate ≤ 154 ms) had significantly higher levels of these extracellular matrix markers. In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, areas under the curve of PIIINP, TIMP-1, and MMP-2 were 0.758, 0.695, and 0.751 to predict the presence of a restrictive pattern. In C-statistics, all three cardiac extracellular matrix markers significantly increased the area under the curve after adding creatinine. In net reclassification improvement and integrated discrimination improvement models, PIIINP and MMP-2 significantly improved the predictive power of age, creatinine and brain natriuretic peptide. In conclusion, serum extracellular matrix markers are significantly correlated with restrictive diastolic filling pattern of the left ventricle in patients with heart failure.

GABAA receptor occupancy by subtype selective GABAAα2,3 modulators: PET studies in humans.

RATIONALE: Sedation, dependence, and abuse liability limit the use of non-selective γ-aminobutyric acid (GABAA) receptor positive modulators for the treatment of anxiety. AZD7325 and AZD6280 are novel, subtype-selective GABAAα2,3 receptor positive modulators with limited sedative effects. OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed to confirm target engagement at GABAA receptors by AZD7325 and AZD6280 in humans and to determine the relationship between exposure, GABAA receptor occupancy, and tolerability. METHOD: Two PET studies, using high-resolution research tomography (HRRT) and the radioligand [11C]flumazenil, were performed in 12 subjects at baseline and after administration of single oral doses of AZD7325 (0.2 to 30 mg) and AZD6280 (5 to 40 mg). PET images were analyzed using a simplified reference tissue model, and regional binding potentials (BPND) were obtained. The relationship between plasma concentration of AZD7325 or AZD6280 and GABAA receptor occupancy was described by hyperbolic function, and K i,plasma (plasma concentration required for 50% receptor occupancy) was estimated. Assessments of safety and tolerability included recording of adverse events, vital signs, electrocardiogram, and laboratory tests. RESULTS: The [11C]flumazenil binding was reduced in a dose-dependent, saturable manner by both agents. Maximum receptor occupancy could be reached for both compounds without causing sedation or cognitive impairment. The K i,plasma estimates for AZD7325 and AZD6280 were 15 and 440 nmol/l, respectively. CONCLUSION: High GABAA receptor occupancy by AZD7325 and AZD6280 could be reached without clear sedative effects.

A retrospective study of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound ablation for uterine myoma in Taiwan.

OBJECTIVE: To report our experiences with 40 patients who were treated with magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) for uterine fibroids and their 6-month follow-up status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 patients with uterine fibroids underwent MRgFUS from January 2009 to November 2011. The Uterine Fibroid Symptoms and Quality of Life Questionnaire was used to determine the patients' Symptom Severity Scores (SSS) prior to and 6 months after treatment. The nonperfused volume (NPV) values and NPV ratio were obtained immediately at the end of the treatment and at 6 months follow-up. RESULTS: No procedure-related complications were noted throughout the 6-month follow-up period among the 40 patients who underwent MRgFUS for uterine fibroids. The mean reduction in SSS in our patients after 6 months was 43.7%, and the mean reduction of fibroid volume was 31.7%. In addition, the mean reduction of NPV and mean NPV ratio was 52.7% and 33.3%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results obtained from this study demonstrated that MRgFUS can be safely and effectively used to ablate uterine fibroids to produce a significant decrease in mean fibroid volume and improve SSS for up to 6 months after treatment.

Targeting of Topoisomerase I for Prognoses and Therapeutics of Camptothecin-Resistant Ovarian Cancer.

DNA topoisomerase I (TOP1) levels of several human neoplasms are higher than those of normal tissues. TOP1 inhibitors are widely used in treating conventional therapy-resistant ovarian cancers. However, patients may develop resistance to TOP1 inhibitors, hampering chemotherapy success. In this study, we examined the mechanisms associated with the development of camptothecin (CPT) resistance in ovarian cancers and identified evodiamine (EVO), a natural product with TOP1 inhibiting activity that overcomes the resistance. The correlations among TOP1 levels, cancer staging, and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. The effect of EVO on CPT-resistant ovarian cancer was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. TOP1 was associated with poor prognosis in ovarian cancers (p = 0.024). EVO induced apoptosis that was detected using flow cytometry and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The tumor size decreased significantly in the EVO treatment group compared with the control group (p < 0.01) in a xenograft mouse model. Effects of drugs targeting TOP1 for prognosis and therapy in CPT-resistant ovarian cancer are anticipated. EVO with TOP1 can be developed as an antiproliferative agent for overcoming CPT resistance in ovarian cancers.

Comparison the prognostic value of galectin-3 and serum markers of cardiac extracellular matrix turnover in patients with chronic systolic heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Galectin-3 (Gal-3) shows the ability of survival prediction in heart failure (HF) patients. However, Gal-3 is strongly associated with serum markers of cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover. The aim of this study is to compare the impact of Gal-3 and serum markers of cardiac ECM turnover on prognostic prediction of chronic systolic HF patients. METHODS: Serum Gal-3, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), extracellular matrix including type I and III aminoterminal propeptide of procollagen (PINP and PIIINP), matrix metalloproteinase-2, 9 (MMP-2, 9), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) were analyzed. Cox regression analysis was used for survival analysis. RESULTS: A total of 105 (81 male) patients were enrolled. During 980±346 days follow-up, 17 patients died and 36 episodes of HF admission happened. Mortality of these patients was significantly associated with the log PIIINP (ß= 15.380; P=0.042), log TIMP-1(ß= 44.530; P=0.003), log MMP-2 (ß= 554.336; P<0.001), log BNP (ß= 28.273; P=0.034). Log Gal-3 (ß= 7.484; P=0.066) is borderline associated with mortality. Mortality or first HF admission of these patients was significantly associated with the log TIMP-1(ß= 16.496; P=0.006), log MMP-2 (ß= 221.864; P<0.001), log BNP (ß= 5.999; P=0.034). Log Gal-3 (ß= 4.486; P=0.095) only showed borderline significance. In several models adjusting clinical parameters, log MMP-2 was significantly associated with clinical outcome. In contrast, log Gal-3 was not. CONCLUSION: The prognostic strength of MMP-2 to clinical outcome prediction in HF patients is stronger than Gal-3.

Integrative proteomic analysis of the NMDA NR1 knockdown mouse model reveals effects on central and peripheral pathways associated with schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders.

BACKGROUND: Over the last decade, the transgenic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) NR1-knockdown mouse (NR1(neo-/-)) has been investigated as a glutamate hypofunction model for schizophrenia. Recent research has now revealed that the model also recapitulates cognitive and negative symptoms in the continuum of other psychiatric diseases, particularly autism spectrum disorders (ASD). As previous studies have mostly focussed on behavioural readouts, a molecular characterisation of this model will help to identify novel biomarkers or potential drug targets. METHODS: Here, we have used multiplex immunoassay analyses to investigate peripheral analyte alterations in serum of NR1(neo-/-) mice, as well as a combination of shotgun label-free liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, bioinformatic pathway analyses, and a shotgun-based 40-plex selected reaction monitoring (SRM) assay to investigate altered molecular pathways in the frontal cortex and hippocampus. All findings were cross compared to identify translatable findings between the brain and periphery. RESULTS: Multiplex immunoassay profiling led to identification of 29 analytes that were significantly altered in sera of NR1(neo-/-) mice. The highest magnitude changes were found for neurotrophic factors (VEGFA, EGF, IGF-1), apolipoprotein A1, and fibrinogen. We also found decreased levels of several chemokines. Following this, LC-MS(E) profiling led to identification of 48 significantly changed proteins in the frontal cortex and 41 in the hippocampus. In particular, MARCS, the mitochondrial pyruvate kinase, and CamKII-alpha were affected. Based on the combination of protein set enrichment and bioinformatic pathway analysis, we designed orthogonal SRM-assays which validated the abnormalities of proteins involved in synaptic long-term potentiation, myelination, and the ERK-signalling pathway in both brain regions. In contrast, increased levels of proteins involved in neurotransmitter metabolism and release were found only in the frontal cortex and abnormalities of proteins involved in the purinergic system were found exclusively in the hippocampus. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, this multi-platform profiling study has identified peripheral changes which are potentially linked to central alterations in synaptic plasticity and neuronal function associated with NMDAR-NR1 hypofunction. Therefore, the reported proteomic changes may be useful as translational biomarkers in human and rodent model drug discovery efforts.

Lipid profiles alter from pro-atherogenic into less atherogenic and proinflammatory in juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients responding to anti TNF-α treatment.

OBJECTIVE: Dyslipidemia with higher inflammatory states, disease activity, and longer disease duration in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients seemed to increase the risks of atherosclerosis. Tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α) receptor blocking agent etanercept has been proven to be effective in JIA. However, data about the correlation of anti-inflammatory treatment on lipid profiles and atherogenic index in JIA patients remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the longitudinal changes on lipid profiles and atherogenic index in JIA patients after etanercept treatment. METHODS: Twenty-three patients diagnosed with JIA (polyarticular type n = 7; oligoarticular type, n = 2; systemic type, n = 10, Enthesitis-related arthritis = 4) received treatment with etanercept during the period 2004-012 in a medical center. We measured their serum lipid profiles at baseline and 2, 4, 6, 12 months later, and determined whether there were differences in complete blood counts, inflammatory mediators, lipid levels and atherogenic indices between patients who had inactive disease (responders) and those who were poor responders (non-responders) to etanercept treatment. RESULTS: Analysis of dynamic change in total JIA patients before and after TNF inhibitor therapy showed modest increases in hemoglobin levels (P = 0.02) and decreases in WBC counts, Platelet and CRP levels progressively (p = 0.002, p = 0.006 and p = 0.006, respectively).Twelve of the 23 patients achieved inactive disease status (responders) after 12-months of treatment. In responders, compared to non-responders, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increased significantly (P = 0.007,P = 0.044,P<0.001), whereas triglyceride and atherogenic index (TC/HDL-C ratio) significantly decreased (P = 0.04, P = 0.01, respectively) after etanercept treatment. CONCLUSION: Disease severity was associated with triglyceride level, atherogenic index and was inversely associated with total cholesterol, HDL-C, and LDL-C levels and can be improved substantially by using anti TNF-α treatment. Such treatment may have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular risk in patients with JIA.

Population pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analysis of plasma Aß40 and Aß42 following single oral doses of the BACE1 inhibitor AZD3839 to healthy volunteers.

Modulating deposition of Aß-containing plaques in the brain may be beneficial in treating Alzheimer's disease. ß-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) inhibitors have been shown to reduce Aß in plasma and CSF in healthy volunteers. In this study safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics that is reduction of the plasma biomarkers Aß40 and Aß42 , of the BACE1 inhibitor AZD3839 were evaluated. Single oral ascending doses (1-300 mg) of AZD3839 were administered to 54 young healthy volunteers in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The data was analyzed using non-linear mixed effects modeling. AZD3839 reduced Aß40 and Aß42 in plasma with estimated potencies (EC50 ) of 46 and 59 nM, respectively, and a maximum effect of approximately 55%. This was in excellent agreement with the concentration-response relationships obtained in mouse and guinea pig. AZD3839 exposure displayed non-linear kinetics, described by a three-compartment model with a saturated binding compartment and an increase in bioavailability with dose. AZD3839 was safe, although, a dose-dependent QTcF prolongation was observed (mean 20 milliseconds at 300 mg). In conclusion, AZD3839 reduced plasma Aß40 and Aß42 , demonstrating clinical peripheral proof of mechanism. Pre-clinical models were predictive for the effect of AZD3839 on the human plasma biomarker in a strictly quantitative manner.

Low-cytotoxic synthetic bromorutaecarpine exhibits anti-inflammation and activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 activities.

Rutaecarpine (RUT), the major bioactive ingredient isolated from the Chinese herb Evodia rutaecarpa, possesses a wide spectrum of biological activities, including anti-inflammation and preventing cardiovascular diseases. However, its high cytotoxicity hampers pharmaceutical development. We designed and synthesized a derivative of RUT, bromo-dimethoxyrutaecarpine (Br-RUT), which showed no cytotoxicity at 20 µM. Br-RUT suppressed nitric oxide (NO) production and tumor necrosis factor-α release in concentration-dependent (0~20 µM) manners in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages; protein levels of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 induced by LPS were downregulated. Br-RUT inhibited cell migration and invasion of ovarian carcinoma A2780 cells with 0~48 h of treatment. Furthermore, Br-RUT enhanced the expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 and activated endothelial NOS in human aortic endothelial cells. These results suggest that the synthetic Br-RUT possesses very low cytotoxicity but retains its activities against inflammation and vasodilation that could be beneficial for cardiovascular disease therapeutics.

BlueBerry Isolate, Pterostilbene, Functions as a Potential Anticancer Stem Cell Agent in Suppressing Irradiation-Mediated Enrichment of Hepatoma Stem Cells.

For many malignancies, radiation therapy remains the second option only to surgery in terms of its curative potential. However, radiation-induced tumor cell death is limited by a number of factors, including the adverse response of the tumor microenvironment to the treatment and either intrinsic or acquired mechanisms of evasive resistance, and the existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs). In this study, we demonstrated that using different doses of irradiation led to the enrichment of CD133(+) Mahlavu cells using flow cytometric method. Subsequently, CD133(+) Mahlavu cells enriched by irradiation were characterized for their stemness gene expression, self-renewal, migration/invasion abilities, and radiation resistance. Having established irradiation-enriched CD133(+) Mahlavu cells with CSC properties, we evaluated a phytochemical, pterostilbene (PT), found abundantly in blueberries, against irradiation-enriched CSCs. It was shown that PT treatment dose-dependently reduced the enrichment of CD133(+) Mahlavu cells upon irradiation; PT treatment also prevented tumor sphere formation, reduced stemness gene expression, and suppressed invasion and migration abilities as well as increasing apoptosis of CD133(+) Mahlavu CSCs. Based on our experimental data, pterostilbene could be used to prevent the enrichment of CD133(+) hepatoma CSCs and should be considered for future clinical testing as a combined agent for HCC patients.

Suitability of computed tomography-guided biopsy specimens for subtyping and genotyping of non-small-cell lung cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Recent advances in the treatment of NSCLC highlight the importance of distinguishing NSCLC subtypes and genotypes. We aimed to determine whether histological specimens obtained from computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsy are suitable for specific subtyping and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) analyses of NSCLC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The clinicohistological data of 332 consecutive patients undergoing 352 CT-guided biopsies for lung lesions between January 2007 and December 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. Additionally, NSCLC specimens were examined for the suitability of EGFR mutational testing. RESULTS: Of 209 specimens diagnosed as NSCLC, 197 (94.3%) were specifically subtyped into adenocarcinoma (n = 164; 78.5%), squamous cell carcinoma (n = 27; 12.9%) and other subtypes (n = 6; 2.9%). The rate of NSCLC not otherwise specified (NOS) was 5.7%, and the diagnosis of NSCLC-NOS was significantly associated with the poor differentiation of cancer (adjusted odds ratio, 6.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.62-23.55; P = .008). Of 134 histological tumor specimens submitted for EGFR molecular testing, 132 (98.5%) were suitable for analyses, and 130 of them (98.5%) showed conclusive results, revealing 59.8% (n = 79) with EGFR exon mutation(s). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of CT-guided biopsy in patients with malignancy were 92.2%, 100%, 100%, and 74.1%, respectively. Six percent (n = 21) of total lung biopsies led to pneumothorax requiring chest drainage, and no procedure-related fatality was observed. CONCLUSION: Small tumor specimens obtained with CT-guided needle lung biopsy are suitable for specific subtyping and EGFR analyses of NSCLC, thus providing critical information for personalized therapy.