A mutation threshold distinguishes the antitumorigenic effects of the mitochondrial gene MTND1, an oncojanus function

The oncogenic versus suppressor roles of mitochondrial genes have long been debated. Peculiar features of mitochondrial genetics such as hetero/homoplasmy and mutation threshold are seldom taken into account in this debate. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations generally have been claimed to be protumorigenic, but they are also hallmarks of mostly benign oncocytic tumors wherein they help reduce adaptation to hypoxia by destabilizing hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF1α). To determine the influence of a disassembling mtDNA mutation and its hetero/homoplasmy on tumorigenic and metastatic potential, we injected mice with tumor cells harboring different loads of the gene MTND1 m.3571insC. Cell cultures obtained from tumor xenografts were then analyzed to correlate energetic competence, apoptosis, α-ketoglutarate (α-KG)/succinate (SA) ratio, and HIF1α stabilization with the mutation load. A threshold level for the antitumorigenic effect of MTND1 m.3571insC mutation was defined, above which tumor growth and invasiveness were reduced significantly. Notably, HIF1α destabilization and downregulation of HIF1α-dependent genes occurred in cells and tumors lacking complex I (CI), where there was an associated imbalance of α-KG/SA despite the presence of an actual hypoxic environment. These results strongly implicate mtDNA mutations as a cause of oncocytic transformation. Thus, the antitumorigenic and antimetastatic effects of high loads of MTND1 m.3571insC, following CI disassembly, define a novel threshold-regulated class of cancer genes. We suggest these genes be termed oncojanus genes to recognize their ability to contribute either oncogenic or suppressive functions in mitochondrial settings during tumorigenesis.     

The biology,pathogenetic role,clinical implications,and open issues of serum anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) are a group of autoantibodies, predominantly IgG, involved in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune disorders, detected either through indirect immunofluorescence or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. By means of indirect immunofluorescence, the main patterns are C-ANCA (cytoplasmic) and P-ANCA (perinuclear), while proteinase 3 (PR3) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) represent the main autoantigens in granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis, both belonging to the family of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). While several experiments established the pathogenicity of MPO-ANCA, evidence remains elusive for PR3-ANCA and an additional target antigen, i.e. LAMP2, has been postulated with specific clinical relevance. The presence of a subset of AAV without ANCA may be explained by the presence of further target antigens or the presence of molecules in blood which make ANCA undetectable. A rise in ANCA titers is not necessarily predictive of a flare of disease in AAV if not accompanied by clinical manifestations. ANCA may develop through variable mechanisms, such as autoantigen complementarity, apoptosis impairment, neutrophil extracellular traps dysfunction and molecular mimicry. We will provide herein a comprehensive review of the available evidence on the biological mechanisms, pathogenetic role, and clinical implications of ANCA testing and disease management. Further, we will address the remaining open challenges in the field, including the role of ANCA in inflammatory bowel disease and in cocaine-induced vasculitis.     

Aurora B kinase inhibitor AZD1152: determinants of action and ability to enhance chemotherapeutics effectiveness in pancreatic and colon cancer

BACKGROUND: AZD1152, the prodrug for AZD1152-hydroxyquinazoline pyrazol anilide (HQPA), is a selective inhibitor of Aurora B kinase activity. Preclinical evaluation of AZD1152 has been reported in several human cancer models. The potentiality of this compound in combination therapy warrants further investigation in solid tumours. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: This study explored the effects of AZD1152-HQPA in colon and pancreatic tumour cells. The antitumour properties of AZD1152, either as single agent or in combination with chemotherapeutics, were evaluated in each study model. The efficacy and the toxicity of AZD1152 alone and in combination with gemcitabine were validated in pancreatic tumour xenograft model.Results:AZD1152-HQPA treatment resulted in a dramatic increase of chromosome number, modification of cell cycle and induction of apoptosis. The most effective combination was that with chemotherapeutics given soon after AZD1152 in both tumour cell types. The effectiveness of the sequential schedule of AZD1152 with gemcitabine was confirmed in nude mice bearing MiaPaCa-2 tumours, showing inhibition of tumour volumes and delaying of tumour growth after the interruption of the treatments. Here we show that AZD1152-HQPA enhances oxaliplatin and gemcitabine effectiveness in colon and pancreatic cancer, respectively. First, we provide advances into administration schedules and dosing regimens for the combination treatment in in vivo pancreatic tumour.     

Practice ordering guidance for neonatal parenteral nutrition.

OBJECTIVE: Neonatal parenteral nutrition (PN) is designed for very low birth weight infants (BW < or = 1500 g) for whom enteral feedings are inadequate. Evaluating the clinical practice guidance (CPG) content of printed paper order forms could provide a baseline for comparison and serve as a reference for electronic neonatal nutrition order design systems. METHODS: A scoring system for clinical practice guidance was developed and applied to nine institutions printed paper PN order forms. CPG scores were assigned as: (1) generic reminder only, (2) prompt with order entry space, (3) patient specific reminder only, (4) patient specific recommendation with order entry space. User-friendliness and form completion time were also recorded. RESULTS: The overall CPG score for the six most common PN components was 1.85+/-0.68 (mean+/-1s.d.), consistent with a generic reminder, but short of a specific nutrient dose order field. Amino acid received the highest CPG score, 2.05+/-0.64; vitamins rated the lowest. The institution of origin was an independent predictor of the CPG score. CONCLUSIONS: Paper neonatal PN order forms offer relatively little CPG. Significant form variation and format reflects the need to standardize neonatal PN design as the neonatal PN design moves from paper to electronic ordering systems.     

Renal mechanisms in the cardiovascular effects of chronic exposure to inorganic mercury in rats.

Male weanling Wistar rats received 200 micrograms/ml of mercury (Hg), as HgCl2, in drinking water for 180 days. At the end of the treatment, systemic arterial blood pressure was augmented, cardiac inotropism was reduced, and heart rate was unchanged. Light and electron microscopical studies of the kidney showed a mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis in about 80% of the glomeruli. Tubular cells showed reduction of the acid phosphatase activity, which was related to functional abnormalities of the lysosomes. In the 24 hour urine samples of the Hg exposed rats, there was slight reduction of kallikrein activity, but evident proteinuria was not present in all samples. Plasma renin activity was reduced, that of angiotensin I-converting enzyme was augmented, and plasma aldosterone concentrations were unchanged. Mercury was accumulated mostly in the kidney of the Hg treated animals; and the content of Hg in the heart was higher than in the brain. These data show that chronic exposure to Hg acts on the kidney with complex mechanisms of toxicity; these contribute to modify systemic haemodynamics.     

Reversal of vascular tachyphylaxis to catecholamines and histamine in the feline lung

The pulmonary vascular responses to histamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine demonstrate tachyphylaxis following repetitive exposure in the isolated blood-perfused cat lung. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that this phenomenon was related to a change in the balance of antagonistic receptor activity. The protocol consisted of 5 consecutive dose-response maneuvers (DR I to V) to 1 amine in each animal separated by 1 h. Once the loss of the initial vasoconstrictor activity had occurred (DR I to IV), the animal was given a receptor blocking agent, either the beta blocker propranolol or the H2 blocker cimetidine, prior to a final dose-response maneuver (DR V). The dose-response relationships were analyzed in terms of 3 parameters: maximum response, slope, and ED50. All the experiments with norepinephrine (n = 6), epinephrine (n = 10), and histamine (n = 25) demonstrated a progressive loss of vasopressor activity as shown by reductions in the maximum response and slope between DR I to IV. In addition, histamine demonstrated a significant increase in ED50 from DR I to IV, which suggested a loss of sensitivity. The loss of vasoconstrictor activity to histamine and the catecholamines was restored by the administration of propranolol prior to DR V. In contrast, cimetidine did not restore the initial vasopressor activity of histamine. The loss of reactivity to histamine was not secondary to changes in circulating catecholamine levels, because the plasma catecholamine levels before DR I and immediately following DR V in a subset of animals (n = 5) were within the reported normal range for this species.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)