Molecular surveillance of pfcrt, pfmdr1 and pfk13-propeller mutations in Plasmodium falciparum isolates imported from Africa to China.

BACKGROUND: The emergence and spread of multidrug resistance poses a significant risk to malaria control and eradication goals in the world. There has been no indigenous malaria cases reported in China since 2017, and China is approaching national malaria elimination. Therefore, anti-malarial drug resistance surveillance and tracking the emergence and spread of imported drug-resistant malaria cases will be necessary in a post-elimination phase in China. METHODS: Dried blood spots were obtained from Plasmodium falciparum-infected cases returned from Africa to China between 2012 and 2015, prior to anti-malarial drug treatment. Whole DNA were extracted and known polymorphisms relating to drug resistance of pfcrt, pfmdr1 gene, and the propeller domain of pfk13 were evaluated by nested PCR and sequencing. The haplotypes and prevalence of these three genes were evaluated separately. Chi-squared test and Fisher's exact test were used to evaluate differences among the different sub-regions of Africa. A P value < 0.05 was used to evaluate differences with statistical significance. The maps were created using ArcGIS. RESULTS: A total of 731 P. falciparum isolates were sequenced at the pfcrt locus. The wild type CVMNK was the most prevalent haplotype with prevalence of 62.8% and 29.8% of the isolates showed the triple mutant haplotype CVIET. A total of 434 P. falciparum isolates were successfully sequenced and pfmdr1 allelic variants were observed in only codons 86, 184 and 1246. Twelve haplotypes were identified and the prevalence of the wild type pfmdr1 NYD was 44.1%. The single mutant pfmdr1 in codons 86 and 184 was predominant but the haplotype NYY with single mutation in codon 1246 was not observed. The double mutant haplotype YFD was common in Africa. About 1,357 isolates were successfully sequenced of pfk13-propeller domain, the wild type was found in 1,308 samples (96.4%) whereby 49 samples (3.6%) had mutation in pfk13. Of 49 samples with pfk13 mutations, 22 non-synonymous and 4 synonymous polymorphic sites were confirmed. The A578S was the most common mutation in pfk13-propeller domain and three mutations associated with artemisinin resistance (M476I, R539T, P553L) were identified in three isolates. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that could give insight into potential issues with anti-malarial drug resistance to inform national drug policy in China in order to treat imported cases.

Mesothelioma Biomarkers: Discovery in Search of Validation.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an asbestos-related neoplasm that can only be treated successfully when correctly diagnosed and treated early. The asbestos-exposed population is a high-risk group that could benefit from sensitive and specific blood- or tissue-based biomarkers. We review recent work with biomarker development in MPM and literature of the last 20 years on the most promising blood- and tissue-based biomarkers. Proteomic, genomic, and epigenomic platforms are covered. SMRP is the only validated blood-based biomarker with diagnostic, monitoring and prognostic value. To strengthen development and testing of MPM biomarkers, cohorts for validation must be established by enlisting worldwide collaborations.

Molecular surveillance for drug resistance markers in Plasmodium vivax isolates from symptomatic and asymptomatic infections at the China-Myanmar border.

BACKGROUND: In the Greater Mekong sub-region, Plasmodium vivax has become the predominant species and imposes a major challenge for regional malaria elimination. This study aimed to investigate the variations in genes potentially related to drug resistance in P. vivax populations from the China-Myanmar border area. In addition, this study also wanted to determine whether divergence existed between parasite populations associated with asymptomatic and acute infections. METHODS: A total of 66 P. vivax isolates were obtained from patients with acute malaria who attended clinics at the Laiza area, Kachin State, Myanmar in 2015. In addition, 102 P. vivax isolates associated with asymptomatic infections were identified by screening of volunteers without signs or symptoms from surrounding villages. Slide-positive samples were verified with nested PCR detecting the 18S rRNA gene. Multiclonal infections were further excluded by genotyping at msp-3α and msp-3ß genes. Parasite DNA from 60 symptomatic cases and 81 asymptomatic infections was used to amplify and sequence genes potentially associated with drug resistance, including pvmdr1, pvcrt-o, pvdhfr, pvdhps, and pvk12. RESULTS: The pvmdr1 Y976F and F1076L mutations were present in 3/113 (2.7%) and 97/113 (85.5%) P. vivax isolates, respectively. The K10 insertion in pvcrt-o gene was found in 28.2% of the parasites. Four mutations in the two antifolate resistance genes reached relatively high levels of prevalence: pvdhfr S58R (53.4%), S117N/T (50.8%), pvdhps A383G (75.0%), and A553G (36.3%). Haplotypes with wild-type pvmdr1 (976Y/997K/1076F) and quadruple mutations in pvdhfr (13I/57L/58R/61M/99H/117T/173I) were significantly more prevalent in symptomatic than asymptomatic infections, whereas the pvmdr1 mutant haplotype 976Y/997K/1076L was significantly more prevalent in asymptomatic than symptomatic infections. In addition, quadruple mutations at codons 57, 58, 61 and 117 of pvdhfr and double mutations at codons 383 and 553 of pvdhps were found both in asymptomatic and symptomatic infections with similar frequencies. No mutations were found in the pvk12 gene. CONCLUSIONS: Mutations in pvdhfr and pvdhps were prevalent in both symptomatic and asymptomatic P. vivax infections, suggestive of resistance to antifolate drugs. Asymptomatic carriers may act as a silent reservoir sustaining drug-resistant parasite transmission necessitating a rational strategy for malaria elimination in this region.

Epidemiology of malaria and chloroquine resistance in Mizoram, northeastern India, a malaria-endemic region bordering Myanmar.

BACKGROUND: Mizoram, a northeastern state in India, shares international borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh and is considered to be one of the key routes through which drug-resistant parasites of Southeast Asia enter mainland India. Despite its strategic location and importance, malaria epidemiology and molecular status of chloroquine resistance had not been well documented, and since chloroquine (CQ), as the first-line treatment in Plasmodium falciparum infection was discontinued since 2008, it was expected that CQ-sensitive haplotype would be more abundant. METHODS: Malaria epidemiology data for the period 2010 to 2018 was collected from the office of State Vector Disease Control Programme. Plasmodium falciparum-positive blood samples were collected from government district hospitals, community health centres, primary health centres, sub-centres, and diagnostic centres from six malaria-prone districts. The samples were processed and analysed using genes-P. falciparum chloroquine-resistant transporter (pfcrt) and P. falciparum multidrug resistance 1 (pfmdr1) via sequencing of PCR amplicon from 2015 to 2017. RESULTS: Malaria occurred throughout the year and P. falciparum accounted for > 89% of total malaria cases. During 2010-2018, the highest number of malaria incidence was recorded in Lawngtlai (36% of total malaria cases; average API2010-2018 of 34.8) while Champhai remained consistently low (0.4%; average API2010-2018 of 0.04). Males of ≥ 15 years old contributed maximum (35.7%) among gender and age malarial distribution recorded during 2014-2018. Death due to malaria gradually decreased over the years. A higher abundance of mutated pfcrt (58.5% of the total sample analysed) and a lower prevalence of mutated pfmdr1 (48.7%) were observed. All mutations identified for pfcrt belong to the Southeast Asian CVIET haplotype. Only a single point mutation was observed at 86 (N → Y) position in pfmdr1 (48.7%). The key N86Y mutation in pfmdr1 that had been shown to modulate CQR was found in 67.1% of the samples positive for the CVIET haplotype. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report that details malaria epidemiology and also the molecular status of CQ-resistance in P. falciparum population of the region. The efforts of the State Vector Borne Disease Control Programme have proved to be quite effective in controlling the malaria burden in the state. Despite the discontinuation of CQ for a decade, local P. falciparum is observed with decreased CQ-sensitive haplotype. It is believed that the present findings will form a basis for further studies on genetic diversity in P. falciparum, which could confer better understanding of the complexity of the disease in Southeast Asia.

Analysis of Plasmodium falciparum Pfcrt and Pfmdr1 genes in parasite isolates from asymptomatic individuals in Southeast Nigeria 11 years after withdrawal of chloroquine.

BACKGROUND: A reversal of chloroquine (CQ) resistance following a period of withdrawal has raised the possibility of its re-introduction. This study evaluated the current prevalence of Pfcrt and Pfmdr1 alleles in Plasmodium falciparum isolates, 11 years after CQ withdrawal in Southeast Nigeria. METHODS: Filter-paper blood samples were collected from 725 non-febrile individuals, comprising 250 children (≤ 12 years), 250 pregnant women and 225 other adults, between October 2014 and February 2015 in Nnewi town, Southeast Nigeria. Nested PCR followed by direct sequencing was employed for the genotyping of Pfcrt and Pfmdr1 genes. RESULTS: A total of 103 parasites-positive samples were recovered, comprising of 48 (19.20%) among children, 20 (20.00%) among pregnant women and 35 (15.50%) among other adults cohort. The frequency of the mutant genotype of Pfcrt 76T, 75E and 74I was 94.50% each. Parasite isolates from children had a frequency of 100% for mutant alleles in all Pfcrt codons while isolates from pregnant women and other adults had a frequency of 91% each in all codons. Haplotype distribution of pfcrt gene were 5.45, 0.00 and 76.37% for CVMNK, SVMNT and CVIET, respectively. For Pfmdr1 gene, the frequency of 86Y, 184F and 1246Y mutant alleles were 8.54, 29.27 and 3.66%, respectively. Amongst the Pfmdr1 haplotypes analysed, NFD had the highest frequency of 24.4%, followed by YFD at 6.10%. NYF and NYY occurred the least (1.20%). CONCLUSION: The high level of Pfcrt mutations is suggestive of a sustained CQ pressure on P. falciparum isolates in the study area, despite the change of first line treatment from CQ to artemisinin combination therapy for 11 years. A new strategy to ensure the complete withdrawal of CQ from the country is recommended.

Asymptomatic malaria infections and Pfmdr1 mutations in an endemic area of Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Malaria eradication globally is yet to be achieved and transmission is sustained in many endemic countries. Plasmodium falciparum continues to develop resistance to currently available anti-malarial drugs, posing great problems for malaria elimination. This study evaluates the frequencies of asymptomatic infection and multidrug resistance-1 (mdr-1) gene mutations in parasite isolates, which form the basis for understanding persistently high incidence in South West, Nigeria. METHODS: A total of 535 individuals aged from 6 months were screened during the epidemiological survey evaluating asymptomatic transmission. Parasite prevalence was determined by histidine-rich protein II rapid detection kit (RDT) in healthy individuals. Plasmodium falciparum mdr-1 gene mutations were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by restriction enzyme digest and electrophoresis to determine polymorphism in parasite isolates. Sequencing was done to confirm polymorphism. Proportions were compared using Chi-square test at p value < 0.05. RESULTS: Malaria parasites were detected by RDT in 204 (38.1%) individuals. Asymptomatic infection was detected in 117 (57.3%) and symptomatic malaria confirmed in 87 individuals (42.6%). Overall, individuals with detectable malaria by RDT was significantly higher in individuals with symptoms, 87 of 197 (44.2%), than asymptomatic persons; 117 of 338 (34.6%), p = 0.02. In a sub-set of 75 isolates, 18(24%) and 14 (18.6%) individuals had Pfmdr1 86Y and 1246Y mutations. CONCLUSIONS: There is still high malaria transmission rate in Nigeria with higher incidence of asymptomatic infections. These parasites harbour mutations on Pfmdr1 which contribute to artemisinin partner drug resistance; surveillance strategies to reduce the spread of drug resistance in endemic areas are needed to eliminate the reservoir of malaria parasites that can mitigate the eradication of malaria in Nigeria.

K13 propeller domain mutations and pfmdr1 amplification in isolates of Plasmodium falciparum collected from Thai-Myanmar border area in 2006-2010.

The K13 propeller domain mutation and pfmdr1 amplification have been proposed as useful molecular markers for detection and monitoring of artemisinin resistant Plasmodium falciparum Welch, 1897. Genomic DNA isolates of P. falciparum was extracted from 235 dried blood spot or whole blood samples collected from patients with uncomplicated falciparum malaria residing in areas along the Thai-Myanmar border during 2006-2010. Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing were performed to detect mutations in K13 propeller domain of P. falciparum at codon 427-709. Pfmdr1 gene copy number was determined by SYBR Green I real-time PCR. High prevalence of pfmdr1 multiple copies was observed (42.5% of isolates). The presence of K13 mutations was low (40/235, 17.2%). Seventeen mutations had previously been reported and six mutations were newly detected. The C580Y was found in two isolates (0.9%). The F446I, N458Y and P574L mutations were commonly detected. Seven isolates had both K13 mutation and pfmdr1 multiple copies. It needs to be confirmed whether parasites harbouring both K13 mutation and pfmdr1 multiple copies and/or the observed new mutations of K13 propeller domain are associated with clinical artemisinin resistance.

Proteomic analysis of small intestinal epithelial cells in antibiotic-treated mice: Changes in drug transporters and metabolizing enzymes.

Antibiotics act on bacterial flora originally present in the intestine, and changes in the intestinal flora have various effects on the host. This study investigated changes in the protein levels of drug transporters and metabolizing enzymes in the small intestines of antibiotic-treated mice by proteomic analysis. After the oral administration of non-absorbable antibiotics (vancomycin and polymyxin B) for 5 days, 15 drug transporter or metabolizing enzyme proteins had significantly changed levels among 1780 proteins identified in small intestinal epithelial cells. Of these, the levels of peptide transporter 1 (Pept1), multidrug resistance protein 1a (Mdr1a), and multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (Mrp2) were increased approximately 2-fold. In addition, the levels of two Cyp4f proteins were decreased and those of Cyp4b1, Ces1d, and three glutathione S-transferase (Gst) proteins were increased. Our results indicate that the oral administration of antibiotics changes the levels of proteins related to the absorption and metabolism of drugs in the small intestine, and suggest that substrate drugs of these proteins have a risk for indirect drug interactions with antibacterial drugs via the intestinal flora.

CAAP48, a New Sepsis Biomarker, Induces Hepatic Dysfunction in an in vitro Liver-on-Chip Model.

Sepsis is a leading cause of mortality in the critically ill, characterized by life-threatening organ dysfunctions due to dysregulation of the host response to infection. Using mass spectrometry, we identified a C-terminal fragment of alpha-1-antitrypsin, designated CAAP48, as a new sepsis biomarker that actively participates in the pathophysiology of sepsis. It is well-known that liver dysfunction is an early event in sepsis-associated multi-organ failure, thus we analyzed the pathophysiological function of CAAP48 in a microfluidic-supported in vitro liver-on-chip model. Hepatocytes were stimulated with synthetic CAAP48 and several control peptides. CAAP48-treatment resulted in an accumulation of the hepatocyte-specific intracellular enzymes aspartate- and alanine-transaminase and impaired the activity of the hepatic multidrug resistant-associated protein 2 and cytochrome P450 3A4. Moreover, CAAP48 reduced hepatic expression of the multidrug resistant-associated protein 2 and disrupted the endothelial structural integrity as demonstrated by reduced expression of VE-cadherin, F-actin and alteration of the tight junction protein zonula occludens-1, which resulted in a loss of the endothelial barrier function. Furthermore, CAAP48 induced the release of adhesion molecules and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Our results show that CAAP48 triggers inflammation-related endothelial barrier disruption as well as hepatocellular dysfunction in a liver-on-chip model emulating the pathophysiological conditions of inflammation. Besides its function as new sepsis biomarker, CAAP48 thus might play an important role in the development of liver dysfunction as a consequence of the dysregulated host immune-inflammatory response in sepsis.

Comparison of UPLC-MS/MS-based targeted quantitation and conventional quantitative methods for the analysis of MRP1 expression in tumor cell lines.

Multidrug resistance (MDR), which is mainly caused by the overexpression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, limits the effectiveness of clinical chemotherapy. Although multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1) is an important ABC transporter, the relationship between MRP1 expression and drug-resistance has rarely been studied. The results of previous studies either cannot be compared or are contradictory, mainly due to limitations of conventional methods, such as semiquantification and low sensitivity. In addition, few reports have studied low resistance index (RI) levels, which are similar to clinical conditions. In this study, a novel UPLC-MS/MS method was developed and validated using the surrogate peptide (EDAQVDLFR) for the accurate and sensitive quantification of MRP1 expression in drug-resistance at low RI levels. The method was proven to be accurate (±20%, RE%), sensitive (0.09 pM, LLOQ), precise (±15%, RSD%), and stable under different conditions within 0.09-91.56 pM. In addition, the precision and stability of real samples further confirmed that the UPLC-MS/MS method was reliable. Quantification of MRP1 expression showed that there were significant differences (P < 0.05) between parental cell lines and drug-resistant cell lines, as well as between various drug-resistance cell lines, which could not be accurately monitored by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Therefore, the UPLC-MS/MS method is more accurate and sensitive when detecting slight changes in MRP1 expression at low RI levels and is an effective choice for related studies. Additionally, MRP1 expression was positively correlated with the RI level based on the Pearson correlation coefficient, which was not discussed in previous studies.

Effects of high-intensity focused ultrasound on cisplatin-resistant human lung adenocarcinoma in vitro and in vivo.

It is widely accepted that high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a minimally invasive treatment option for different tumors, but its roles and the corresponding mechanism in cisplatin (DDP) chemoresistance in lung adenocarcinoma (LA) remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the response of DDP-resistant LA cells to HIFU and its underlying molecular mechanisms using molecular biology techniques. It was found that HIFU exposure inhibited the proliferation of DDP-resistant A549 (A549/DDP) cells through arresting cell cycle at the G1/G0 phase via the Cyclin-dependent pathway and promoting apoptosis in a Bcl-2-dependent manner. Furthermore, the results also showed that HIFU exposure could down-regulate the expressions of MDR1, MRP1, and LRP mRNAs, as well as P-gp, MRP1, and LRP proteins related to drug resistance in A549/DDP cells. In vivo experiments also demonstrated that HIFU could reduce the size and mass of subcutaneously transplanted tumors produced by A549/DDP cells through mediating Cyclin-dependent and Bcl-2-dependent pathways. These results suggested that HIFU treatment could inhibit the proliferation of DDP-resistant lung cancer cells and might be a novel therapeutic method for patients with DDP resistance.

Absorption mechanism of three curcumin constituents through in situ intestinal perfusion method.

This study aimed to investigate the absorption mechanism of three curcumin constituents in rat small intestines. Self-emulsification was used to solubilize the three curcumin constituents, and the rat in situ intestinal perfusion method was used to study factors on drug absorption, including drug mass concentration, absorption site, and the different types and concentrations of absorption inhibitors. Within the scope of experimental concentrations, three curcumin constituents were absorbed in rat small intestines through the active transport mechanism.

Determination of the Relationship between Expression and Functional Activity of Multidrug Resistance-Associated Protein 1 using Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy.

Cancer cells can develop multidrug resistance (MDR) after prolonged exposure to chemotherapeutic drugs, which is a severe impediment to successful treatment. MDR is typically associated with transmembrane proteins mediating efflux of administered drugs, thereby keeping their intracellular concentration below the threshold required to kill cells. Although expression assays based on flow cytometry and immunostaining have shown that multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1) is prevalent in many cancer types, the functional activity of this efflux pump is more difficult to elucidate, especially at the single-cell level. Herein, we report the measurement of MRP1 functional activity in individual cancer cells using scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). Cells were cultured onto plastic substrates containing selective adhesion sites. Optical microscopy and SECM revealed that cells adapt to the underlying surface, while MRP1 functional activity increases once the dimensions of the adhesive islands become smaller than those of the cell itself. Time-lapse SECM imaging revealed a suitable window of 30 min to complete each measurement before the cell undergoes blebbing, which is associated with a considerable increase in functional activity. Distinct cell populations were produced by performing a doxorubicin drug challenge on two parental cell lines (e.g., wild-type HeLa cells and MRP1-overexpressing HeLa-R cells). Expression and functional activity of MRP1 were determined using flow cytometry and SECM, and our findings show that these parameters do not directly correlate. This suggests that functional activity may represent a powerful indicator of a cancer cell's response to chemotherapeutic treatment and should improve our understanding of efflux mechanisms based on MRP1.

Expression of MRP1 and ABCG2 is associated with adverse clinical outcomes of papillary thyroid carcinoma with a solid component.

Solid variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is characterized by a solid component (SC) retaining classical cytological features of PTC. Despite some controversies, PTC with SC (PTCSC) cases have poor prognosis compared with well-differentiated PTC. We investigated if cancer stem cells (CSCs) may have a role in pathogenesis of PTCSC. PTCSC tumors (n=27) were histologically represented by a mixture of papillary component (PC) and varying degrees of SC involving 10% to 85% of the tumor. Immunohistochemical expression of CSC markers ABCG2 and MRP1, and HBME1 and CK19 was compared between SC and PC within each tumor in association with clinicopathological parameters. ABCG2 and MRP1 were highly expressed in SC, whereas their expression was limited or absent in PC (P=.04 and .002, respectively). In contrast, expression of HBME1 and CK19 appeared higher in PC than in SC (P=.08 and .02, respectively). Higher expression of ABCG2 was associated with higher incidence of large-sized SC (P=.01). Higher expression of MRP1 was associated with higher incidence of lymphovascular invasion (P=.049). Higher expression of ABCG2 and MRP1, and lower expression of CK19 in SC were associated with higher tumor recurrence rate (P=.02, .01, and .02, respectively), and shorter disease-free survival (P<.001 for all the variables). Our findings indicate that the tumor cells harboring CSC-like characteristics in SC could contribute to the pathogenesis of PTCSC and might account for the poor disease prognosis.

Characterization of a transgenic mouse model exhibiting spontaneous lung adenocarcinomas with a metastatic phenotype.

Developing lung cancer in mouse models that display similarities of both phenotype and genotype will undoubtedly provide further and better insights into lung tumor biology. Moreover, a high degree of pathophysiological similarity between lung tumors from mouse models and their human counterparts will make it possible to use these mouse models for preclinical tests. Ovine pulmonary adenocarcinomas (OPAs) present the same symptoms as adenocarcinomas in humans and are caused by a betaretrovirus. OPAs have served as an exquisite model of carcinogenesis for human lung adenocarcinomas. In this study, we characterized the histopathology and transcriptome profiles of a jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV)-envelope protein (Env) transgenic mouse model with spontaneous lung tumors, and associations of the transcriptome profiles with tumor invasion/metastasis, especially the phenomenon of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Genetic information obtained from an expression array was analyzed using an ingenuity pathways analysis (IPA) and human disease database (MalaCards). By careful examination, several novel EMT-related genes were identified from tumor cells using RT-qPCR, and these genes also scored high in MalaCards. We concluded that the JSRV-Env mouse model could serve as a spontaneous lung adenocarcinoma model with a metastatic phenotype, which will benefit the study of early-onset and progression of lung adenocarcinoma. In addition, it can also be a valuable tool for biomarkers and drug screening, which will be helpful in developing intervention therapies.

Coproporphyrin-I: A Fluorescent, Endogenous Optimal Probe Substrate for ABCC2 (MRP2) Suitable for Vesicle-Based MRP2 Inhibition Assay.

Inside-out-oriented membrane vesicles are useful tools to investigate whether a compound can be an inhibitor of efflux transporters such as multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2). However, because of technical limitations of substrate diffusion and low dynamic uptake windows for interacting drugs used in the clinic, estradiol-17ß-glucuronide (E17ßG) remains the probe substrate that is frequently used in MRP2 inhibition assays. Here we recapitulated the sigmoidal kinetics of MRP2-mediated transport of E17ßG, with apparent Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) and Vmax values of 170 ±17 µM and 1447 ± 137 pmol/mg protein/min, respectively. The Hill coefficient (2.05 ± 0.1) suggests multiple substrate binding sites for E17ßG transport with cooperative interactions. Using E17ßG as a probe substrate, 51 of 97 compounds tested (53%) showed up to 6-fold stimulatory effects. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that coproporphyrin-I (CP-I) is a MRP2 substrate in membrane vesicles. The uptake of CP-I followed a hyperbolic relationship, adequately described by the standard Michaelis-Menten equation (apparent Km and Vmax values were 7.7 ± 0.7 µM and 48 ± 11 pmol/mg protein/min, respectively), suggesting the involvement of a single binding site. Of the 47 compounds tested, 30 compounds were inhibitors of human MRP2 and 8 compounds (17%) stimulated MRP2-mediated CP-I transport. The stimulators were found to share the basic backbone structure of the physiologic steroids, which suggests a potential in vivo relevance of in vitro stimulation of MRP2 transport. We concluded that CP-I could be an alternative in vitro probe substrate replacing E17ßG for appreciating MRP2 interactions while minimizing potential false-negative results for MRP2 inhibition due to stimulatory effects.

Caracterización de mecanismos de resistencia a carbapenémicos en aislados clínicos de Pseudomonas aeruginosa en un hospital español / Characterisation of carbapenem-resistance mechanisms in clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates recovered in a Spanish hospital

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los carbapenémicos son los antibióticos betalactámicos con mayor espectro de actividad en el tratamiento de infecciones por Pseudomonas aeruginosa. El objetivo de este trabajo fue caracterizar molecularmente una colección de aislados de P. aeruginosa resistentes a carbapenémicos (PARC). MÉTODOS: Se recogieron 85 aislados PARC de 60 pacientes en el Hospital San Pedro, Logroño (período 2008-2011). La relación clonal se determinó por electroforesis en gel de campo pulsado (PFGE), la sensibilidad a 15 antipseudomónicos por método de difusión en disco y las alteraciones en oprD, la caracterización de integrones y la tipificación molecular (MLST) por PCR y secuenciación. RESULTADOS: Las 85 PARC se clasificaron en 35 perfiles diferentes de PFGE. Se seleccionaron 61 cepas de los 60 pacientes y se observó que eran multirresistentes, aunque ninguna mostró fenotipo carbapenemasa. Se detectó un gran polimorfismo de OprD, destacando que el 59% de las cepas presentaban un codón de finalización prematuro. ISPa1328 e ISPsp4 truncaban el gen oprD en 2 cepas (GenBank KF517097 y KF517098). El 67% de las cepas presentó integrones de clase 1 con genes codificantes de enzimas modificantes de aminoglucósidos, 2 de las cuales portaban un nuevo integrón: aac(3)-Ia+aadA1h (nombrado In272, GenBank GQ144317). Se detectaron 4 secuencias tipo (ST) (número de cepas): ST175 (35), ST308 (3), ST235 (2) y ST639 (1). CONCLUSIÓN: La multirresistencia, el alto polimorfismo de oprD, el alto porcentaje de integrones, la moderada relación clonal de las cepas y la elevada diseminación epidémica de clones de alto riesgo son aspectos de gran preocupación clínica para erradicar la diseminación de PARC

INTRODUCTION: Carbapenems are the beta-lactam antibiotics with the best spectrum of activity in the treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. The objective of this study was to molecularly characterise a collection of carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates (PARC). METHODS: A total of 85 PARC isolates were recovered from 60 patients in the Hospital San Pedro, Logroño (period 2008-2011). Clonal relationship was determined using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), susceptibility testing to 15 anti-pseudomonal agents was performed using the disk diffusion method, and alterations in oprD, characterisation of integrons and molecular typing (MLST) using PCR and sequencing. RESULTS: The 85 PARC were classified into 35 different PFGE profiles. Of the 61 selected strains from 60 patients all of them were multiresistant, although none of them showed a carbapenemase phenotype. High polymorphism was detected in OprD, emphasising that 59% of the strains had a premature stop codon. ISPa1328 and ISPsp4 insertion sequences truncated oprD gene into 2 strains (GenBank KF517097 and KF517098). Two-thirds (67%) of the strains showed class 1 integrons with genes encoding aminoglycoside modifying enzymes, and 2 of them carried a new integron: aac(3)-Ia+aadA1h, named In272, GenBank GQ144317. Four sequence types were detected (Strain Nos.): ST175 (35), ST308 (3), ST235 (2), and ST639 (1). CONCLUSION: Multidrug resistance, high polymorphism in oprD, a high percentage of integrons, moderate clonal relationship of strains, and the high epidemic dissemination of high-risk clones are clinical aspects of great concern in order to eradicate the spread of PARC

Absorption mechanism of three curcumin constituents through in situ intestinal perfusion method

This study aimed to investigate the absorption mechanism of three curcumin constituents in rat small intestines. Self-emulsification was used to solubilize the three curcumin constituents, and the rat in situ intestinal perfusion method was used to study factors on drug absorption, including drug mass concentration, absorption site, and the different types and concentrations of absorption inhibitors. Within the scope of experimental concentrations, three curcumin constituents were absorbed in rat small intestines through the active transport mechanism.

Silencing of histone deacetylase 2 suppresses malignancy for proliferation, migration, and invasion of glioblastoma cells and enhances temozolomide sensitivity.

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) can regulate the progression of various cancers, while their roles in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) are not well known. Our present study investigated the expression of class I HDACs (HDAC1, 2, 3, 8) in GBM U87, A172, U251, and LN229 cells and compared their levels with that in primary normal human astrocytes (NHA) cells. It showed that HDAC2 expression is significantly up-regulated in GBM cells. Silencing of HDAC2 via its specific siRNAs can suppress the in vitro proliferation, migration, and invasion of GBM U87 and A172 cells. Furthermore, silencing of HDAC2 can increase the sensitivity of GBM cells to temozolomide (TMZ), a standard-of-care during clinical GBM treatment. This might be due to that si-HDAC can significantly down-regulate the mRNA and protein expression of MRP1, while has no effect on ABCB1 and ABCG2. Schisandrin B (Sch B), a specific inhibitor of MRP1, can further increase the TMZ sensitivity in HDAC2-knocked down GBM cells. Collectively, our data revealed that targeted HDAC2 can suppress the malignancy of GBM cells and increase their sensitivity of TMZ via down-regulation of MRP1. It suggested that HDAC2 might be a potential target for GBM therapy and improvement in TMZ therapy efficiency.

Differential expression and response to arsenic stress of MRPs and ASAN1 determine sensitivity of classical multidrug-resistant leukemia cells to arsenic trioxide.

There is no cross-resistance between arsenic trioxide and conventional chemotherapeutics. Classical multi-drug resistant (MDR) cells remain sensitive to arsenic trioxide, which may even reverse the drug resistance. Arsenic trioxide is also effective in leukemias/tumors that persist despite conventional cytotoxic or targeted drugs. We obtained a highly arsenic-resistant MDR leukemic cell line, HL-60/RS, by exposing leukemic HL-60 cells to adriamycin selection. We compared the arsenic sensitivity, and the expression and responses to arsenic of the arsenic-related transporters, MRP1, MRP2, and ASNA1, in paired parent/arsenic-resistant HL-60/RS/HL-60 and arsenic-sensitive/parental K562/ADM/K562 cells. Expression levels of MRP1, MRP2, and ASNA1 were negatively correlated with cell sensitivities to arsenic trioxide, and ASNA1 expression notably was highest in HL-60/RS cells and lowest in K562/ADM cells. Expression levels of MRP1, MRP2, and ASNA1 were significantly enhanced in HL-60/RS cells and inhibited in K562/ADM cells by arsenic trioxide treatment, compared with their parental sensitive cells, in accord with the high-resistance of HL-60/RS cells and high-sensitivity of K562/ADM cells. In conclusion, the cross-resistance of conventional chemotherapeutics-resistant leukemic cells to arsenic trioxide is determined by both levels of MRP1, MRP2, and ASNA1, and also by the responses of these transporters to arsenic stress.