Citations

AbstractErectile dysfunction (ED) caused by cavernous nerve injury (CNI) is refractory to heal mainly ascribed to the adverse remodeling of the penis induced by ineffectual microvascular perfusion, fibrosis, and neurotrophins scarcity in cavernosum. Phosphodiesterase type V inhibitors (PDE5i) have been regarded as an alternative candidate drug for avoiding penile neuropathy. However, the therapeutic efficacy is severely limited due to poor accumulation under systemic medication and endogenous nitric oxide (NO) deficiency in cavernosum. Herein, an innovative liposomal microbubble (MB) loaded with both Sildenafil (one of PDE5i) and NO was designed. Ultrasound‐targeted MB destruction (UTMD)‐mediated efficient release and integration erectogenic agents into corpus cavernosum with high biosafety. On a bilateral CNI rat model, the multifunctional MB‐cooperated UTMD improved microvascular perfusion in penis, simultaneously, alleviated hypoxia and oxidative stress, indicating successful activation of NO–cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway. Also, evaluation of the endothelial/muscular composition, intracavernosal pressure, and neural integrity in the penis proved that coordinated intervention reversed the abnormal structural remodeling and promoted the recovery of functional erection. Our work demonstrates that MB loading Sildenafil and NO combined with UTMD hold great promise to “awaken” the efficacy of PDE5i in neurogenic ED, which provided a superior option for ensuring penile rehabilitation.

Radiation-induced brain injury (RIBI) is a debilitating sequela after radiotherapy to treat head and neck cancer, and 20 to 30% of patients with RIBI fail to respond to or have contraindications to the first-line treatments of bevacizumab and corticosteroids. Here, we reported a Simon’s minmax two-stage, single-arm, phase 2 clinical trial (NCT03208413) to assess the efficacy of thalidomide in patients with RIBI who were unresponsive to or had contraindications to bevacizumab and corticosteroid therapies. The trial met its primary endpoint, with 27 of 58 patients enrolled showing ≥25% reduction in the volume of cerebral edema on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery–magnetic resonance imaging (FLAIR-MRI) after treatment (overall response rate, 46.6%; 95% CI, 33.3 to 60.1%). Twenty-five (43.1%) patients demonstrated a clinical improvement based on the Late Effects Normal Tissues–Subjective, Objective, Management, Analytic (LENT/SOMA) scale, and 36 (62.1%) experienced cognitive improvement based on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores. In a mouse model of RIBI, thalidomide restored the blood-brain barrier and cerebral perfusion, which were attributed to the functional rescue of pericytes secondary to elevation of platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRβ) expression by thalidomide. Our data thus demonstrate the therapeutic potential of thalidomide for the treatment of radiation-induced cerebral vasculature impairment.

INTRODUCTION: Early-onset colorectal cancer diagnosed before the age of 50 years has been increasing. Likely reflecting the pathogenic role of the intestinal microbiome, which gradually changes across the entire colorectal length, the prevalence of certain tumor molecular characteristics gradually changes along colorectal subsites. Understanding how colorectal tumor molecular features differ by age and tumor location is important in personalized patient management. METHODS: Using 14,004 cases with colorectal cancer including 3,089 early-onset cases, we examined microsatellite instability (MSI), CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP), and KRAS and BRAF mutations in carcinomas of the cecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum and compared early-onset cases with later-onset cases. RESULTS: The proportions of MSI-high, CIMP-high, and BRAF -mutated early-onset tumors were lowest in the rectum (8.8%, 3.4%, and 3.5%, respectively) and highest in the ascending colon (46% MSI-high; 15% CIMP-high) or transverse colon (8.6% BRAF -mutated) (all P trend <0.001 across the rectum to ascending colon). Compared with later-onset tumors, early-onset tumors showed a higher prevalence of MSI-high status and a lower prevalence of CIMP-high status and BRAF mutations in most subsites. KRAS mutation prevalence was higher in the cecum compared with that in the other subsites in both early-onset and later-onset tumors ( P < 0.001). Notably, later-onset MSI-high tumors showed a continuous decrease in KRAS mutation prevalence from the rectum (36%) to ascending colon (9%; P trend <0.001), followed by an increase in the cecum (14%), while early-onset MSI-high cancers showed no such trend. DISCUSSION: Our findings support biogeographical and pathogenic heterogeneity of colorectal carcinomas in different colorectal subsites and age groups.

Abstract To evaluate the potential functional role of the alpha- and beta-chain N-linked oligosaccharides we used site-directed mutagenesis to construct class II Ak alpha and Ak beta genes that encode polypeptides with altered N-linked oligosaccharide acceptor sites in the N-terminal domain of both polypeptides. The alpha 1 domain acceptor site at positions 82 to 84 was eliminated by substituting Gln for Asn at position 82. The beta 1 domain acceptor site at positions 19 to 21 was deleted by substituting Gln for Asn at position 19 or Ala for Thr at position 21. The mutant genes (Ak alpha* or Ak beta*) were transfected either individually (mutants T.19, T.21, and T.82) or together (mutant T.82-21) into class II cell surface negative B lymphoma cell lines. Quantitative immunofluorescence with a panel of Ak beta- or Ak alpha- reactive mAb demonstrated that although the oligosaccharide-deleted Ak alpha Ak beta molecules were serologically wild type, the Ad alpha serologic epitope defined by mAb K24-199 was eliminated in both the T.19 and T.21 Ak beta* Ad alpha molecules. Cloned cell lines expressing the T.19 or T.21 Ak beta* Ak alpha molecules exhibited limited functional Ag presentation defects. Cells expressing the T.82 Ak alpha* Ak beta molecules exhibited defects in Ag presentation function to nine of the ten T hybridomas tested. Surprisingly, cells expressing the mutant T.82-21 class II molecule stimulated a response that was equal to the wild-type response from three of the nine T hybrids and a response that was significantly greater than that of wild-type cells from five of nine T hybridomas. These functional and serological analyses also indicate that some of the observed Ag presentation defects may be due to altered secondary structure caused by either deletion of the oligosaccharide or the amino acid substitution used to delete the N-linked oligosaccharide acceptor site.

Abstract The use of an anti-IL-2R antibody, 7D4, was investigated in vivo in the suppression of collagen-induced arthritis in mice. 7D4 was shown to reduce the incidence of arthritis in a group of mice immunized with type II collagen as compared with a group similarly immunized with collagen and treated with a control isotype matched anti-Forsmann antibody. 7D4 was also shown to reduce the severity of arthritis in the treated mice as compared to the mice in the group treated with the control antibody. Anti-IL-2R antibodies may be useful in the treatment of autoimmune diseases by selectively suppressing activated T cells.

Abstract Background Obesity is an established risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC), but the evidence for the association is inconsistent across molecular subtypes of the disease. Methods We pooled data on body mass index (BMI), tumor microsatellite instability status, CpG island methylator phenotype status, BRAF and KRAS mutations, and Jass classification types for 11 872 CRC cases and 11 013 controls from 11 observational studies. We used multinomial logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) adjusted for covariables. Results Higher BMI was associated with increased CRC risk (OR per 5 kg/m2 = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.15 to 1.22). The positive association was stronger for men than women but similar across tumor subtypes defined by individual molecular markers. In analyses by Jass type, higher BMI was associated with elevated CRC risk for types 1-4 cases but not for type 5 CRC cases (considered familial-like/Lynch syndrome microsatellite instability-H, CpG island methylator phenotype-low or negative, BRAF-wild type, KRAS-wild type, OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 0.90 to 1.20). This pattern of associations for BMI and Jass types was consistent by sex and design of contributing studies (cohort or case-control). Conclusions In contrast to previous reports with fewer study participants, we found limited evidence of heterogeneity for the association between BMI and CRC risk according to molecular subtype, suggesting that obesity influences nearly all major pathways involved in colorectal carcinogenesis. The null association observed for the Jass type 5 suggests that BMI is not a risk factor for the development of CRC for individuals with Lynch syndrome.

Abstract Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a severe inflammatory autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that is manifested as secondary myelin loss. Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) are the principal source of myelinating oligodendrocytes (OLs) and are abundant in demyelinated regions of NMOSD patients, thus possibly representing a cellular target for pharmacological intervention. To explore the therapeutic compounds that enhance myelination due to endogenous OPCs, we screened the candidate drugs in mouse neural progenitor cell (NPC)‐derived OPCs. We identified drug edaravone, which is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as a promoter of OPC differentiation into mature OLs. Edaravone enhanced remyelination in organotypic slice cultures and in mice, even when edaravone was administered following NMO‐IgG‐induced demyelination, and ameliorated motor impairment in a systemic mouse model of NMOSD. The results of mechanistic studies in NMO‐IgG‐treated mice and the biopsy samples of the brain tissues of NMOSD patients indicated that the mTORC1 signaling pathway was significantly inhibited, and edaravone promoted OPC maturation and remyelination by activating mTORC1 signaling. Furthermore, pharmacological activation of mTORC1 signaling significantly enhanced myelin regeneration in NMOSD. Thus, edaravone is a potential therapeutic agent that promotes lesion repair in NMOSD patients by enhancing OPC maturation.

Abstract Background: Colorectal cancer has a strong epigenetic component that is accompanied by frequent DNA methylation (DNAm) alterations in addition to heritable genetic risk. It is of interest to understand the interrelationship of germline genetics, DNAm, and colorectal cancer risk. Methods: We performed a genome-wide methylation quantitative trait locus (meQTL) analysis in 1,355 people, assessing the pairwise associations between genetic variants and lymphocytes methylation data. In addition, we used penalized regression with cis-genetic variants ± 1 Mb of methylation to identify genome-wide heritable DNAm. We evaluated the association of genetically predicted methylation with colorectal cancer risk based on genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of over 125,000 cases and controls using the multivariate sMiST as well as univariately via examination of marginal association with colorectal cancer risk. Results: Of the 142 known colorectal cancer GWAS loci, 47 were identified as meQTLs. We identified four novel colorectal cancer–associated loci (NID2, ATXN10, KLHDC10, and CEP41) that reside over 1 Mb outside of known colorectal cancer loci and 10 secondary signals within 1 Mb of known loci. Conclusions: Leveraging information of DNAm regulation into genetic association of colorectal cancer risk reveals novel pathways in colorectal cancer tumorigenesis. Our summary statistics-based framework sMiST provides a powerful approach by combining information from the effect through methylation and residual direct effects of the meQTLs on disease risk. Further validation and functional follow-up of these novel pathways are needed. Impact: Using genotype, DNAm, and GWAS, we identified four new colorectal cancer risk loci. We studied the landscape of genetic regulation of DNAm via single-SNP and multi-SNP meQTL analyses.

Abstract Background: Stem cell senescence and depletion are major causes of organismal aging and aging-related diseases. The NAD–SIRT1–PARP1 axis has garnered remarkable interest owing to its significant role in regulating stem cell senescence and organismal aging. Event though our recent study showes that PBX1 overexpression attenuates hair follicle-derived mesenchymal stem cell (HF-MSC) senescence and apoptosis by regulating ROS-mediated DNA damage via downregulation of PARP1 expression, suggesting PARP1 downregulation is a common manifestation of the roles of both PBX1 and SIRT1 in the attenuation of HF-MSC senescence, and implying a potential link between PBX1 and SIRT1 via PARP1. Methods: HF-MSCs overexpressing PBX1, overexpressing both PBX1 and PARP1, downregulating SIRT1, and overexpressing PBX1 and downregulating SIRT1 were generated, and biomarkers related to cell senescence, apoptosis, DNA damage, and repair were detected at the cellular and protein levels. Results: (1) PBX1 overexpression alleviated HF-MSC senescence and apoptosis accompanied by upregulation of SIRT1 expression, downregulation of PARP1 expression, and increased intracellular NAD and ATP levels. (2) SIRT1 knockdown or PARP1 overexpression enhanced cellular senescence and apoptosis, accompanied by increased ROS accumulation and DNA damage aggravation and decreased intracellular NAD and ATP levels. (3) PBX1 overexpression rescued HF-MSC senescence and apoptosis induced by SIRT1 knockdown or PARP1 overexpression. (4) Dual luciferase reporter showed PBX1 enhanced SIRT1 expression by activating SIRT1 promoter. Conclusions: Our results reveal that a positive interaction feedback loop exists between PBX1 and SIRT1, that PBX1 is the upstream of SIRT1. To the best of our knowledge we are the first to report that there is a PBX1-SIRT1-PARP1 axis and this axis plays a critical role in alleviation of HF-MSC senescence and apoptosis. The results provide a new perspective on the mechanism of stem cell senescence and age-related disease prevention and treatment.

AbstractDiabetes is an established risk factor for colorectal cancer. However, colorectal cancer is a heterogeneous disease and it is not well understood whether diabetes is more strongly associated with some tumor molecular subtypes than others. A better understanding of the association between diabetes and colorectal cancer according to molecular subtypes could provide important insights into the biology of this association. We used data on lifestyle and clinical characteristics from the Colorectal Cancer Family Registry (CCFR) and the Genetics and Epidemiology of Colorectal Cancer Consortium (GECCO), including 9756 colorectal cancer cases (with tumor marker data) and 9985 controls, to evaluate associations between reported diabetes and risk of colorectal cancer according to molecular subtypes. Tumor markers included BRAF and KRAS mutations, microsatellite instability and CpG island methylator phenotype. In the multinomial logistic regression model, comparing colorectal cancer cases to cancer‐free controls, diabetes was positively associated with colorectal cancer regardless of subtype. The highest OR estimate was found for BRAF‐mutated colorectal cancer, n = 1086 (ORfully adj: 1.67, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.36‐2.05), with an attenuated association observed between diabetes and colorectal cancer without BRAF‐mutations, n = 7959 (ORfully adj: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.19‐1.48). In the case only analysis, BRAF‐mutation was differentially associated with diabetes (Pdifference = .03). For the other markers, associations with diabetes were similar across tumor subtypes. In conclusion, our study confirms the established association between diabetes and colorectal cancer risk, and suggests that it particularly increases the risk of BRAF‐mutated tumors.