Citations

Liver fibrosis is characterized by the activation of perivascular hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the release of fibrogenic nanosized extracellular vesicles (EVs), and increased HSC glycolysis. Nevertheless, how glycolysis in HSCs coordinates fibrosis amplification through tissue zone-specific pathways remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate that HSC-specific genetic inhibition of glycolysis reduced liver fibrosis. Moreover, spatial transcriptomics revealed a fibrosis-mediated up-regulation of EV-related pathways in the liver pericentral zone, which was abrogated by glycolysis genetic inhibition. Mechanistically, glycolysis in HSCs up-regulated the expression of EV-related genes such as Ras-related protein Rab-31 ( RAB31 ) by enhancing histone 3 lysine 9 acetylation on the promoter region, which increased EV release. Functionally, these glycolysis-dependent EVs increased fibrotic gene expression in recipient HSC. Furthermore, EVs derived from glycolysis-deficient mice abrogated liver fibrosis amplification in contrast to glycolysis-competent mouse EVs. In summary, glycolysis in HSCs amplifies liver fibrosis by promoting fibrogenic EV release in the hepatic pericentral zone, which represents a potential therapeutic target.

3588 Background: The brain-gut axis, a bidirectional network between the central and enteric nervous systems, plays a critical role in modulating the gastrointestinal tract function. Increasing evidence suggests that neuronal signaling molecules can promote gastrointestinal cancers; however, the mechanisms remain unclear. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter and dysregulated GABA signaling has been found in CRC, affecting both tumor and tumor microenvironment. Here, we investigated the association between tumor GABA pathway gene expression and first-line treatment outcomes in mCRC. Methods: We evaluated the impact of the expression of 25 genes in the GABA pathway ( GABBR1, GABBR2, GABRA1, GABRA2, GABRA4, GABRA5, GABRA6, GABRB1, GABRB3, GABRD, GABRE, GABRG1, GABRG2, GABRG3, GABRQ, GABRR1, GABRR2, ABAT, ALDH5A1, GAD1, GAD2, SLC6A1, SLC6A13, SLC6A11, SLC6A12) on treatment outcomes (overall survival: OS; progression free survival: PFS) of 433 pts enrolled in the randomized, phase III CALGB/SWOG 80405 trial. RNA extracted from FFPE tumor samples was sequenced using the HiSeq 2500 (Illumina). The associations between gene expression (continuous, per standard deviation increase) and outcomes were assessed via the multivariable Cox proportional framework, with hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) computed. The likelihood ratio test was used for interaction tests. False discovery rate (FDR) was controlled at 5% with the Benjamini-Hochberg method. Results: Overall, low GAD1 (encoding for glutamate decarboxylase 1, the enzyme responsible for catalyzing the production of GABA from L-glutamic acid) was associated with longer PFS (HR: 1.26, 95% CI [1.13, 1.41], P = 3.2E-05) and OS (HR 1.27 [1.13, 1.43], P = 5.9E-05) across all treatment arms. High ABAT (encoding for the aminotransferase responsible for GABA catabolism) was also associated with longer OS (HR 0.81 [0.72, 0.91], P = 6E-04). To evaluate the predictive value, interactions with targeted therapies bevacizumab (n = 226) vs cetuximab (n = 207) were tested. We found significant interactions for PFS with ABAT ( P= 0.0017) and OS with SLC6A13 ( P= 0.0014 ).In pts treated with cetuximab, high ABAT expression was significantly associated with longer PFS (HR 0.73 [0.61, 0.87], P = 2.8E-04), and high SLC6A13 was marginally associated with worse OS (HR 1.18 [1.00, 1.39], P = 0.052). We did not observe similar associations in pts treated with bevacizumab. Conclusions: Our results highlight a potential role for GABA signaling in affecting mCRC treatment outcomes, suggesting that GABA pathway genes may be promising novel predictive and prognostic biomarkers and supporting the rationale to investigate GABA as a target for drug development. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00265850

Background Prognostic markers and biological pathways linked to detrimental clinical outcomes in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remain incompletely defined. Methods and Results We measured serum levels of 4123 unique proteins in 1117 patients with HFpEF enrolled in the PARAGON‐HF (Efficacy and Safety of LCZ696 Compared to Valsartan, on Morbidity and Mortality in Heart Failure Patients With Preserved Ejection Fraction) trial using a modified aptamer proteomic assay. Baseline circulating protein concentrations significantly associated with the primary end point and the timing and occurrence of total heart failure hospitalization and cardiovascular death were identified by recurrent events regression, accounting for multiple testing, adjusted for age, sex, treatment, and anticoagulant use, and compared with published analyses in 2515 patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction from the PARADIGM‐HF (Prospective Comparison of ARNI With ACEI to Determine Impact on Global Mortality and Morbidity in Heart Failure) and ATMOSPHERE (Efficacy and Safety of Aliskiren and Aliskiren/Enalapril Combination on Morbidity–Mortality in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure) clinical trials. We identified 288 proteins that were robustly associated with the risk of heart failure hospitalization and cardiovascular death in patients with HFpEF. The baseline proteins most strongly related to outcomes included B2M (β‐2 microglobulin), TIMP1 (tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1), SERPINA4 (serpin family A member 4), and SVEP1 (sushi, von Willebrand factor type A, EGF, and pentraxin domain containing 1). Overall, the protein–outcome associations in patients with HFpEF did not markedly differ as compared with patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. A proteomic risk score derived in patients with HFpEF was not superior to a previous proteomic score derived in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction nor to clinical risk factors, NT‐proBNP (N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide), or high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin. Conclusions Numerous serum proteins linked to metabolic, coagulation, and extracellular matrix regulatory pathways were associated with worse HFpEF prognosis in the PARAGON‐HF proteomic substudy. Our results demonstrate substantial similarities among serum proteomic risk markers for heart failure hospitalization and cardiovascular death when comparing clinical trial participants with heart failure across the ejection fraction spectrum. Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique Identifiers: NCT01920711, NCT01035255, NCT00853658.

Objectives: This study aims to identify COVID-19 breakthrough infections among people with HIV (PWH) across different phases of the pandemic and explore whether differential immune dysfunctions are associated with breakthrough infections. Design and methods: This retrospective population-based cohort study used data from an integrated electronic health record (EHR) database in South Carolina (SC). Breakthrough infection was defined as the first COVID-19 diagnosis documented in the state agency after the date an individual was fully vaccinated (ie, 2 doses of Pfizer/BNT162b2 or Moderna/mRNA-1273, or 1 dose of Janssen/Ad26.COV2.S) through June 14, 2022. We analyzed the risk and associated factors of the outcome using Cox proportional hazards models. Results: Among 7596 fully vaccinated PWH, the overall rate of breakthrough infections was 118.95 cases per 1000 person-years. When compared with the alpha-dominant period, the breakthrough infection rate was higher during both delta-dominant (HR: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.25 to 1.81) and omicron-dominant (HR: 2.86; 95% CI: 1.73 to 4.73) periods. Individuals who received a booster dose had a lower likelihood of breakthrough infections (HR: 0.19; 95% CI: 0.15 to 0.24). There was no association of breakthrough infections with degree of HIV viral suppression, but a higher CD4 count was significantly associated with fewer breakthroughs among PWH (>500 vs <200 cells/mm3: HR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.49 to 0.94). Conclusions: In our PWH population, the incidence of breakthrough infections was high (during both delta-dominant and omicron-dominant periods) and mainly associated with the absence of a booster dose in patients older than 50 years, with comorbidities and low CD4 count.

Abstract Aberrant activation of GLI transcription factors has been implicated in the pathogenesis of different tumor types including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. However, the mechanistic link with established drivers of this disease remains in part elusive. In this study, using a new genetically engineered mouse model overexpressing constitutively active mouse form of GLI2 and a combination of genome-wide assays, we provide evidence of a novel mechanism underlying the interplay between KRAS, a major driver of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma development, and GLI2 to control oncogenic gene expression. These mice, also expressing KrasG12D, show significantly reduced median survival rate and accelerated tumorigenesis compared with the KrasG12D only expressing mice. Analysis of the mechanism using RNA sequencing demonstrate higher levels of GLI2 targets, particularly tumor growth–promoting genes, including Ccnd1, N-Myc, and Bcl2, in KrasG12D mutant cells. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing studies showed that in these cells KrasG12D increases the levels of trimethylation of lysine 4 of the histone 3 (H3K4me3) at the promoter of GLI2 targets without affecting significantly the levels of other major active chromatin marks. Importantly, Gli2 knockdown reduces H3K4me3 enrichment and gene expression induced by mutant Kras. In summary, we demonstrate that Gli2 plays a significant role in pancreatic carcinogenesis by acting as a downstream effector of KrasG12D to control gene expression.

ImportancePersistent symptoms and disability following SARS-CoV-2 infection, known as post–COVID-19 condition or “long COVID,” are frequently reported and pose a substantial personal and societal burden.ObjectiveTo determine time to recovery following SARS-CoV-2 infection and identify factors associated with recovery by 90 days.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsFor this prospective cohort study, standardized ascertainment of SARS-CoV-2 infection was conducted starting in April 1, 2020, across 14 ongoing National Institutes of Health–funded cohorts that have enrolled and followed participants since 1971. This report includes data collected through February 28, 2023, on adults aged 18 years or older with self-reported SARS-CoV-2 infection.ExposurePreinfection health conditions and lifestyle factors assessed before and during the pandemic via prepandemic examinations and pandemic-era questionnaires.Main Outcomes and MeasuresProbability of nonrecovery by 90 days and restricted mean recovery times were estimated using Kaplan-Meier curves, and Cox proportional hazards regression was performed to assess multivariable-adjusted associations with recovery by 90 days.ResultsOf 4708 participants with self-reported SARS-CoV-2 infection (mean [SD] age, 61.3 [13.8] years; 2952 women [62.7%]), an estimated 22.5% (95% CI, 21.2%-23.7%) did not recover by 90 days post infection. Median (IQR) time to recovery was 20 (8-75) days. By 90 days post infection, there were significant differences in restricted mean recovery time according to sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle characteristics, particularly by acute infection severity (outpatient vs critical hospitalization, 32.9 days [95% CI, 31.9-33.9 days] vs 57.6 days [95% CI, 51.9-63.3 days]; log-rank P &amp;lt; .001). Recovery by 90 days post infection was associated with vaccination prior to infection (hazard ratio [HR], 1.30; 95% CI, 1.11-1.51) and infection during the sixth (Omicron variant) vs first wave (HR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.06-1.49). These associations were mediated by reduced severity of acute infection (33.4% and 17.6%, respectively). Recovery was unfavorably associated with female sex (HR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.79-0.92) and prepandemic clinical cardiovascular disease (HR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.71-0.99). No significant multivariable-adjusted associations were observed for age, educational attainment, smoking history, obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or elevated depressive symptoms. Results were similar for reinfections.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this cohort study, more than 1 in 5 adults did not recover within 3 months of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Recovery within 3 months was less likely in women and those with preexisting cardiovascular disease and more likely in those with COVID-19 vaccination or infection during the Omicron variant wave.

4131 Background: NETTER-2 (NCT03972488) is the first randomized study to evaluate radioligand therapy ([177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE; hereafter 177Lu-DOTATATE) at first line (1L) in patients (pts) with advanced, well-differentiated higher grade (G2 and G3) gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs). Significant improvements in progression-free survival and objective response rate (ORR) were observed for pts receiving 177Lu-DOTATATE. This sub-analysis of NETTER-2 assessed safety and time to response (TTR). Methods: Eligible pts (n=226) were newly diagnosed with somatostatin receptor-positive high G2 or G3 (Ki67 ≥10% and ≤55%) advanced GEP-NETs and were randomized (2:1) to receive 4 cycles of 177Lu-DOTATATE (4 × 7.4 GBq every 8 weeks [Q8W]) plus 30 mg octreotide long-acting repeatable (LAR) Q8W during 177Lu-DOTATATE treatment then Q4W (177Lu-DOTATATE arm), or 60 mg octreotide LAR Q4W (control arm). Hematologic adverse events (AEs) and laboratory toxicities were scored according to CTCAE grade. Response was assessed centrally based on conventional imaging (RECIST 1.1 criteria). Results: The AE pattern in the 177Lu-DOTATATE arm was consistent with the established safety profile. Among laboratory abnormalities, grade 3/4 decreases in lymphocytes (38.1% vs 2.7%), leukocytes (4.1% vs 0), neutrophils (3.4% vs 0), platelets (2.0% vs 0) and hemoglobin (1.4% vs 2.7%) were observed in 177Lu-DOTATATE (n=147) and control (n=73) arms, respectively; median time to first occurrence of hematologic toxicities was 4.4 months among pts with immediate hematotoxicities. These events were transient and manageable. There was no notable difference in infection rates between treatment arms (31.3% 177Lu-DOTATATE and 27.4% control). One case of myelodysplastic syndrome was observed (177Lu-DOTATATE arm ~14 months after first cycle). Five fatal AEs occurred during the randomized treatment period; all considered unrelated to treatment and attributed to GEP-NET progression. AEs leading to 177Lu-DOTATATE dose interruption, reduction and discontinuation occurred in 14 (9.5%), 2 (1.4%) and 3 (2.0%) pts, respectively. Among 65 responders in the 177Lu-DOTATATE arm (ORR 43 %), median TTR (Q1, Q3) was 5.7 months (4.1, 8.3). Most responses occurred during the 4-cycle treatment with 177Lu-DOTATATE. Conclusions: In pts with advanced G2 and G3 (Ki67 ≥10% and ≤55%) GEP-NETs treated with 177Lu-DOTATATE at 1L the most common hematologic toxicity was lymphopenia, but infection rates were similar vs control. With a median TTR of 5.7 months, most responses to 177Lu-DOTATATE occurred during scheduled treatment. Overall, the study confirmed the safety profile of 177Lu-DOTATATE and supports its use at 1L for this pt population. Clinical trial information: NCT03972488 .

4032 Background: RATIONALE-306 (NCT03783442) is the first global study to investigate anti-programmed cell death protein 1 therapy in combination with different chemotherapy (chemo) options in the first-line (1L) treatment of advanced/metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). At interim analysis (IA), tislelizumab (TIS) plus chemo demonstrated a statistically significant, clinically meaningful improvement in overall survival (OS) versus placebo (PBO) plus chemo, with a manageable safety profile. Here, we report updated efficacy and safety data with minimum 3 years’ follow-up after study unblinding at IA. Methods: Adults with unresectable locally advanced recurrent/metastatic ESCC and no prior systemic treatment for advanced disease were enrolled and randomized (1:1; stratified by region, prior definitive therapy, and investigator [INV]-chosen chemo) to receive TIS 200 mg (Arm A) or PBO (Arm B) IV every 3 weeks plus chemo (platinum plus fluoropyrimidine or platinum plus paclitaxel), until disease progression or intolerable toxicity. The primary endpoint was OS in the intent-to-treat population. Secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and duration of response (DoR), all per INV, and safety. Results: In total, 649 patients (pts) were randomized (Arm A, n=326; Arm B, n=323). At a minimum study follow-up of 36.0 months, improvements in OS, PFS, and DoR in Arm A versus B (Table) were maintained relative to the IA. The hazard ratio (HR) for OS with TIS plus chemo versus PBO plus chemo was 0.70 (95% confidence interval: 0.59, 0.83). Similar to the IA, incidences of any-grade (96.6% vs 96.3%) or grade ≥3 (67.0% vs 64.5%) treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were comparable between Arms A and B, respectively; treatment-emergent adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation were higher in Arm A (32.1%) versus B (22.1%). In Arm A versus B, respectively, serious TRAEs occurred in 29.9% vs 19.6% of pts; TRAEs leading to death occurred in 1.9% and 1.2%. Conclusions: After minimum 3 years’ follow-up, 1L TIS plus chemo continued to demonstrate clinically meaningful improvements in OS and PFS and durable antitumor response benefit versus PBO plus chemo in pts with advanced/metastatic ESCC, with no new safety signals. Clinical trial information: NCT03783442 . [Table: see text]

3614 Background: Conventional neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) yields a pathologic complete response (pCR) rate of about 15%–- 30% for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). This PRECAM study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant short-course radiotherapy combined with CAPEOX plus Envafolimab in Patients with Microsatellite Stable (MSS) LARC, redefining the standard of care (SOC) for LARC. Methods: The study is an open-label, prospective, single-arm, phase II clinical study . Eligible patients with MSS LARC were consecutively enrolled. Participants received short-course radiotherapy (25Gy/5f) with subsequent two cycles of CAPEOX (capecitabine and oxaliplatin) and 6 cycles of Envafolimab (subcutaneous injection, 150 mg, QW ) followed by total mesorectal excision surgery. The primary endpoint was pathological complete response (pCR) rate, and the secondary endpoint was major pathologic (MPR) rate and safety. Results: From April to December 2022, 34 patients were enrolled, of whom 32 completed the study. Remarkably, The pCR rate was62.5% (20/32), and the (MPR) rate was 75% (24/32). Furthermore, 65.6% (21/32) patients achieved a neoadjuvant rectal (NAR) score below 8, suggesting an effective treatment response. Common adverse events included tenesmus (78.1%), diarrhea (62.5%), and leukocyte decrease (40.6%), with two cases of Grade 3 adverse events. Surgical procedures were performed in all 32 cases, with minor complications observed. During the follow-up period of up to 20 months, no recurrence or death were reported. Conclusions: Short-course radiotherapy combined with CAPEOX plus Envafolimab showed favorable pCR rate with manageable adverse effects and surgical complications in LARC, underscoring the potential of the combination therapy for MSS LARC. A Randomized controlled trial is warranted for further exploration and validation. Clinical trial information: NCT05216653 .