Sample records for adrenocortical carcinoma h295r

  1. High-throughput screening of chemical effects on steroidogenesis using H295R human adrenocortical carcinoma cells

    EPA Science Inventory

    Disruption of steroidogenesis by environmental chemicals can result in altered hormone levels causing adverse reproductive and developmental effects. A high-throughput assay using H295R human adrenocortical carcinoma cells was used to evaluate the effect of 2,060 chemical samples...

  2. Effects of ToxCast Phase I Chemicals on Steroidogenesis in H295R Human Adrenocortical Carcinoma cells (SOT)

    EPA Science Inventory

    Steroid hormones are essential for proper development and reproduction. Disruption of steroidogenesis by environmental toxicants results in altered hormone levels causing adverse reproductive and developmental effects. H295R human adrenocortical carcinoma cells were used to evalu...

  3. PROFILING GENE EXPRESSION IN HUMAN H295R ADRENOCORTICAL CARCINOMA CELLS AND RAT TESTES TO IDENTIFY PATHWAYS OF TOXICITY FOR CONAZOLE FUNGICIDES

    EPA Science Inventory

    Profiling Gene Expression in Human H295R Adrenocortical Carcinoma Cells and Rat Testes to Identify Pathways of Toxicity for Conazole Fungicides
    Ren1, H., Schmid1, J., Retief2, J., Turpaz2, Y.,Zhang3, X.,Jones3, P., Newsted3, J.,Giesy3, J., Wolf1, D.,Wood1, C., Bao1, W., Dix1, ...

  4. H295R Human Adrenocortical Carcinoma Cells as a Screening Platform for Steroidogenesis (NC SOT)

    EPA Science Inventory

    Proper biosynthesis and metabolism of steroid hormones is essential for development and reproduction. Disruption of steroidogenesis by environmental toxicants results in altered hormone levels causing adverse reproductive and developmental effects. H295R human adrenocortical carc...

  5. Antiandrogenic mechanisms of pesticides in human LNCaP prostate and H295R adrenocortical carcinoma cells.

    PubMed

    Robitaille, Christina N; Rivest, Patricia; Sanderson, J Thomas

    2015-01-01

    Several pesticides suspected or known to have endocrine disrupting effects were screened for pro- or antiandrogenic properties by determining their effects on proliferation, prostatic-specific antigen (PSA) secretion and androgen receptor (AR) expression, and AR phosphorylation in androgen-dependent LNCaP human prostate cancer cells, as well as on the expression and catalytic activity of the enzyme CYP17 in H295R human adrenocortical carcinoma cells, an in vitro model of steroidogenesis. Effects on SRD5A gene expression were determined in both cell lines. Benomyl, vinclozolin, and prochloraz, but not atrazine, concentration dependently (1-30 μM) decreased dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-stimulated proliferation of LNCaP cells. All pesticides except atrazine decreased DHT-stimulated PSA secretion, AR nuclear accumulation, and AR phosphorylation on serines 81 and 213 in LNCaP cells. Benomyl and prochloraz, but not vinclozolin or atrazine, decreased levels of CYP17 gene and protein expression, as well as catalytic activity in H295R cells. In the case of prochloraz, some of these effects corresponded with cytotoxicity. H295R cells expressed AR protein and SRD5A1, but not SRD5A2 transcripts. SRD5A1 gene expression in H295R cells was increased by 10 nM DHT, whereas in LNCaP cells significant induction was observed by 0.1 nM DHT. AR protein expression in H295R cells was not increased by DHT. Vinclozolin decreased DHT-induced SRD5A1 gene expression in LNCaP, but not H295R cells, indicating a functional difference of AR between the cell lines. In conclusion, pesticides may exert antiandrogenic effects through several mechanisms that are cell type-specific, including AR antagonism and down-regulation or catalytic inhibition of androgen biosynthetic enzymes, such as CYP17 and SRD5A1. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Toxicology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  6. High-throughput screening of chemical effects on steroidogenesis using H295R human adrenocortical carcinoma cells

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Disruption of steroidogenesis by environmental chemicals can result in altered hormone levels causing adverse reproductive and developmental effects. A high-throughput assay using H295R human adrenocortical carcinoma cells was used to evaluate the effect of 2060 chemical samples on steroidogenesis via high-performance liquid chromatography followed by tandem mass spectrometry quantification of 10 steroid hormones, including progestagens, glucocorticoids, androgens, and estrogens. The study employed a 3 stage screening strategy. The first stage established the maximum tolerated concentration (MTC; ? 70% viability) per sample. The second stage quantified changes in hormone levels at the MTC whereas the third stage performed concentration-response (CR) on a subset of samples. At all stages, cells were prestimulated with 10 00b5M forskolin for 48??h to induce steroidogenesis followed by chemical treatment for 48??h. Of the 2060 chemical samples evaluated, 524 samples were selected for 6-point CR screening, based in part on significantly altering at least 4 hormones at the MTC. CR screening identified 232 chemical samples with concentration-dependent effects on 1703b2-estradiol and/or testosterone, with 411 chemical samples showing an effect on at least one hormone across the steroidogenesis pathway. Clustering of the concentration-dependent chemical-mediated steroid hormone effects grouped chemical samples into 5 distinct profiles generally representing putative mec

  7. Potent inhibitory effect of the cyclolignan picropodophyllin (PPP) on human adrenocortical carcinoma cells proliferation.

    PubMed

    Doghman, Mabrouka; Axelson, Magnus; Lalli, Enzo

    2011-01-01

    Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a very aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis. Available treatments for this type of cancer are far from being satisfactory. The IGF signalling pathway represents an important mechanism for ACT growth and constitutes a relevant therapeutic target. We investigated the effect of picropodophyllin (PPP), a member of the cyclolignan family and a new inhibitor of IGF-1R, on proliferation of human adrenocortical cell lines H295R and SW-13. PPP inhibits proliferation and induces an important accumulation in G2/M phase and apoptosis of H295R and SW-13 cells. Our data suggest that PPP may be a promising candidate for drug development for adrenocortical carcinoma.

  8. High-Throughput Screening of Chemical Effects on Steroidogenesis Using H295R Human Adrenocortical Carcinoma Cells

    PubMed Central

    Toole, Colleen M.; Filer, Dayne L.; Lewis, Kenneth C.; Martin, Matthew T.

    2016-01-01

    Disruption of steroidogenesis by environmental chemicals can result in altered hormone levels causing adverse reproductive and developmental effects. A high-throughput assay using H295R human adrenocortical carcinoma cells was used to evaluate the effect of 2060 chemical samples on steroidogenesis via high-performance liquid chromatography followed by tandem mass spectrometry quantification of 10 steroid hormones, including progestagens, glucocorticoids, androgens, and estrogens. The study employed a 3 stage screening strategy. The first stage established the maximum tolerated concentration (MTC; ≥ 70% viability) per sample. The second stage quantified changes in hormone levels at the MTC whereas the third stage performed concentration-response (CR) on a subset of samples. At all stages, cells were prestimulated with 10 µM forskolin for 48 h to induce steroidogenesis followed by chemical treatment for 48 h. Of the 2060 chemical samples evaluated, 524 samples were selected for 6-point CR screening, based in part on significantly altering at least 4 hormones at the MTC. CR screening identified 232 chemical samples with concentration-dependent effects on 17β-estradiol and/or testosterone, with 411 chemical samples showing an effect on at least one hormone across the steroidogenesis pathway. Clustering of the concentration-dependent chemical-mediated steroid hormone effects grouped chemical samples into 5 distinct profiles generally representing putative mechanisms of action, including CYP17A1 and HSD3B inhibition. A distinct pattern was observed between imidazole and triazole fungicides suggesting potentially distinct mechanisms of action. From a chemical testing and prioritization perspective, this assay platform provides a robust model for high-throughput screening of chemicals for effects on steroidogenesis. PMID:26781511

  9. High-Throughput Screening of Chemical Effects on Steroidogenesis Using H295R Human Adrenocortical Carcinoma Cells.

    PubMed

    Karmaus, Agnes L; Toole, Colleen M; Filer, Dayne L; Lewis, Kenneth C; Martin, Matthew T

    2016-04-01

    Disruption of steroidogenesis by environmental chemicals can result in altered hormone levels causing adverse reproductive and developmental effects. A high-throughput assay using H295R human adrenocortical carcinoma cells was used to evaluate the effect of 2060 chemical samples on steroidogenesis via high-performance liquid chromatography followed by tandem mass spectrometry quantification of 10 steroid hormones, including progestagens, glucocorticoids, androgens, and estrogens. The study employed a 3 stage screening strategy. The first stage established the maximum tolerated concentration (MTC; ≥ 70% viability) per sample. The second stage quantified changes in hormone levels at the MTC whereas the third stage performed concentration-response (CR) on a subset of samples. At all stages, cells were prestimulated with 10 µM forskolin for 48 h to induce steroidogenesis followed by chemical treatment for 48 h. Of the 2060 chemical samples evaluated, 524 samples were selected for 6-point CR screening, based in part on significantly altering at least 4 hormones at the MTC. CR screening identified 232 chemical samples with concentration-dependent effects on 17β-estradiol and/or testosterone, with 411 chemical samples showing an effect on at least one hormone across the steroidogenesis pathway. Clustering of the concentration-dependent chemical-mediated steroid hormone effects grouped chemical samples into 5 distinct profiles generally representing putative mechanisms of action, including CYP17A1 and HSD3B inhibition. A distinct pattern was observed between imidazole and triazole fungicides suggesting potentially distinct mechanisms of action. From a chemical testing and prioritization perspective, this assay platform provides a robust model for high-throughput screening of chemicals for effects on steroidogenesis. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Toxicology.

  10. Computational Model of Steroidogenesis in Human H295R Cells to Predict Biochemical Response to Endocrine Active Chemicals: Model Development for Metyrapone

    EPA Science Inventory

    BACKGROUND: An in vitro steroidogenesis assay using the human adrenocortical carcinoma cells H295R is being evaluated as a possible toxicity screening approach to detect and assess the impact of endocrine active chemicals (EAC) capable of altering steroid biosynthesis. Interpreta...

  11. Effects of chromium(III) picolinate on cortisol and DHEAs secretion in H295R human adrenocortical cells.

    PubMed

    Kim, Beob G; Adams, Julye M; Jackson, Brian A; Lindemann, Merlin D

    2010-02-01

    Dietary chromium(III) picolinate (CrPic) effects on circulating steroid hormones have been reported in various experimental animals. However, direct effects of CrPic on adrenocortical steroidogenesis are uncertain. Therefore, the objective was to determine the effects of CrPic on cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAs) secretion from H295R cells. In experiment 1, a 24-h exposure to CrPic (0 to 200 microM) had both linear (p < 0.001) and quadratic (p < 0.001) effects on cortisol secretion from forskolin-stimulated cells with the highest cortisol secretion at 0.1 microM of CrPic and the lowest at 200 microM of CrPic. In experiment 2, a 48-h exposure to CrPic (200 microM) decreased cortisol (p < 0.07) release from forskolin-stimulated cells during a 24-h collection period. In experiment 3, a 48-h exposure to CrPic (100 microM) decreased cortisol (p < 0.05) and DHEAs (p < 0.01) from forskolin-stimulated cells during a 24-h sampling period. In experiment 4, a 24-h exposure to forskolin followed by a 24-h exposure to both forskolin and CrPic (100 and 200 microM) decreased both cortisol and DHEAs secretion (p < 0.01). This study suggests that at high concentrations, CrPic inhibits aspects of steroidogenesis in agonist-stimulated adrenocortical cells.

  12. Mechanistic Computational Model of Steroidgenesis in H295R Cells: Role of (Oxysterols and Cell Proliferation to Improve Predictability of Biochemical Response to Endocrine Active Chemical-Metyrapone

    EPA Science Inventory

    The human adrenocortical carcinoma cell line H295R is being used as an in vitro steroidogenesis screening assay to assess the impact of endocrine active chemicals (EACs) capable of altering steroid biosynthesis. To enhance the interpretation and quantitative application of measur...

  13. Inhibition and induction of aromatase (CYP19) activity by brominated flame retardants in H295R human adrenocortical carcinoma cells.

    PubMed

    Cantón, Rocío F; Sanderson, J Thomas; Letcher, Robert J; Bergman, Ake; van den Berg, Martin

    2005-12-01

    Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are persistent and ubiquitous chemicals in the environment, and they are found at increasing levels in tissues of wildlife and humans. Previous in vitro studies with the BFR class of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (BDEs) have shown endocrine-disrupting properties. Our study assessed the potential effects of nineteen BDEs, five hydroxylated BDEs (OH-BDEs), one methoxylated BDE (CH(3)O-BDE), tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBPA), its dibromopropane ether derivative (TBBPA-DBPE), and the brominated phenols/anisols 2,4,6-tribromophenol (TBP), 4-bromophenol (4BP) and 2,4,6-tribromoanisole (TBA) on the catalytic activity of the steroidogenic enzyme aromatase (CYP19) in H295R human adrenocortical carcinoma cells. Effects were studied in the concentration range from 0.5 to 7.5 microM; exposures were for 24 h. Both 6-OH-BDE47 and 6-OH-BDE99 showed an inhibitory effect on aromatase activity at concentrations >2.5 microM and >5 microM, respectively. However, 6-OH-BDE47 also caused a statistically significant increase in cytotoxicity (based on mitochondrial MTT reduction and lactate dehydrogenase-leakage [LDH]) at concentrations >2.5 microM that could explain in part the apparent inhibitory effect on aromatase activity. Compared to 6-OH-BDE47, the methoxy analog (6-CH(3)O-BDE47) did not elicit a cytotoxic effect, whereas significant inhibition of aromatase remained. TBP caused a concentration-dependent induction of aromatase activity between 0.5 and 7.5 microM (with a maximum of 3.8-fold induction at 7.5 microM). This induction was not observed when a OH- group replaced the CH(3)O- group or when bromine atoms adjacent to this OH- group were absent. These in vitro results provide a basis for studies of more detailed structure-activity relationships between these brominated compounds and the modulation of aromatase activity.

  14. Pregnane Glycosides Interfere With Steroidogenic Enzymes to Down-Regulate Corticosteroid Production in Human Adrenocortical H295R Cells

    PubMed Central

    KOMARNYTSKY, SLAVKO; ESPOSITO, DEBORA; POULEV, ALEXANDER; RASKIN, ILYA

    2013-01-01

    A group of bioactive steroidal glycosides (pregnanes) with anorectic activity in animals was isolated from several genera of milkweeds including Hoodia and Asclepias. In this study, we investigated the effects, structure-activity relationships, and mechanism of action of pregnane glycosides on steroidogenesis in human adrenocortical H295R cells. Administration of pregnane glycosides for 24 h suppressed the basal and forskolin-stimulated release of androstenedione, corticosterone, and cortisone from H295R cells. The conversion of progesterone to 11-deoxycorticosterone and 17-hydroxyprogesterone to either androstenedione or 11-deoxycortisol was most strongly affected, with 12-cinnamoyl-, benzoyl-, and tigloyl-containing pregnanes showing the highest activity. Incubation of pregnane glycosides for 24 h had no effect on mRNA transcripts of CYP11A1, CYP21A1, CYP11B1 cytochrome enzymes and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StaR) protein, yet resulted in twofold decrease in HSD3B1 mRNA levels. At the same time, pregnane glycosides had no effect on the CYP1, 2, or 3 drug and steroid metabolism enzymes and showed weak Na+/K+ ATPase and glucocorticoid receptor binding. Taken together, these data suggest that pregnane glycosides specifically suppress steroidogenesis through strong inhibition of 11β-hydroxylase and steroid 17-alpha-monooxygenase, and weak inhibition of cytochrome P450 side chain cleavage enzyme and 21β-hydroxylase, but not 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/isomerase. PMID:23065845

  15. Effects of single pesticides and binary pesticide mixtures on estrone production in H295R cells.

    PubMed

    Prutner, Wiebke; Nicken, Petra; Haunhorst, Eberhard; Hamscher, Gerd; Steinberg, Pablo

    2013-12-01

    The aim of the present study was to determine whether the human adrenocortical carcinoma cell line H295R can be used as an in vitro test system to investigate the effects of binary pesticide combinations on estrone production as biological endpoint. In the first step ten pesticides selected according to a tiered approach were tested individually. The anilinopyrimidines cyprodinil and pyrimethanil as well as the dicarboximides iprodione and procymidone increased estrone concentration, while the triazoles myclobutanil and tebuconazole as well as the strobilurins azoxystrobin and kresoxim-methyl decreased estrone concentration in the supernatant of H295R cells. The N-methylcarbamate methomyl did not show any effects, and the phthalimide captan reduced estrone concentration unspecifically due to its detrimental impact on cellular viability. When cyprodinil and pyrimethanil, which belong to the same chemical group and increase estrone production, were combined, in most of the cases the overall effect was solely determined by the most potent compound in the mixture (i.e., cyprodinil). When cyprodinil and procymidone, which belong to different chemical groups but increase estrone production, were combined, in most cases an additive effect was observed. When cyprodinil, which increased estrone production, was combined with either myclobutanil or azoxystrobin, which decreased estrone production, the overall effect of the mixture was in most cases either entirely determined by myclobutanil or at least partially modulated by azoxystrobin. In conclusion, H295R cells appear to be an adequate in vitro test system to study the effect of combining two pesticides affecting estrone production.

  16. Effects of fluorotelomer alcohol 8:2 FTOH on steroidogenesis in H295R cells: Targeting the cAMP signalling cascade

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Liu Chunsheng; Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039; Zhang Xiaowei, E-mail: howard50003250@yahoo.co

    2010-09-15

    Previous studies have demonstrated that perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) can affect reproduction by disruption of steroidogenesis in experimental animals. However, the underlying mechanism(s) of this disruption remain unknown. Here we investigated the effects and mechanisms of action of 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluoro-decan-1-ol (8:2 FTOH) on steroidogenesis using a human adrenocortical carcinoma cell line (H295R) as a model. H295R cells were exposed to 0, 7.4, 22.2 or 66.6 {mu}M 8:2 FTOH for 24 h and productions of progesterone, 17{alpha}-OH-progesterone, androstenedione, testosterone, deoxycorticosterone, corticosterone and cortisol were quantified by HPLC-MS/MS. With the exception of progesterone, 8:2 FTOH treatment significantly decreased production of allmore » hormones in the high dose group. Exposure to 8:2 FTOH significantly down-regulated cAMP-dependent mRNA expression and protein abundance of several key steroidogenic enzymes, including StAR, CYP11A, CYP11B1, CYP11B2, CYP17 and CYP21. Furthermore, a dose-dependent decrease of cellular cAMP levels was observed in H295R cells exposed to 8:2 FTOH. The observed responses are consistent with reduced cellular cAMP levels. Exposure to 8:2 FTOH resulted in significantly less basal (+ GTP) and isoproterenol-stimulated adenylate cyclase activities, but affected neither total cellular ATP level nor basal (-GTP) or NaF-stimulated adenylate cyclase activities, suggesting that inhibition of steroidogenesis may be due to an alteration in membrane properties. Metabolites of 8:2 FTOH were not detected by HPLC-MS/MS, suggesting that 8:2 FTOH was not metabolized by H295R cells. Overall, the results show that 8:2 FTOH may inhibit steroidogenesis by disrupting the cAMP signalling cascade.« less

  17. The effects of the standardized extracts of Ginkgo biloba on steroidogenesis pathways and aromatase activity in H295R human adrenocortical carcinoma cells

    PubMed Central

    2016-01-01

    Objectives Aromatase inhibitors that block estrogen synthesis are a proven first-line hormonal therapy for postmenopausal breast cancer. Although it is known that standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGb761) induces anti-carcinogenic effects like the aromatase inhibitors, the effects of EGb761 on steroidogenesis have not been studied yet. Therefore, the effects of EGb761 on steroidogenesis and aromatase activity was studied using a H295R cell model, which was a good in vitro model to predict effects on human adrenal steroidogenesis. Methods Cortisol, aldosterone, testosterone, and 17β-estradiol were evaluated in the H295R cells by competitive enzyme-linked immunospecific assay after exposure to EGb761. Real-time polymerase chain reaction were performed to evaluate effects on critical genes in steroid hormone production, specifically cytochrome P450 (CYP11/ 17/19/21) and the hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (3β-HSD2 and 17β-HSD1/4). Finally, aromatase activities were measured with a tritiated water-release assay and by western blotting analysis. Results H295R cells exposed to EGb761 (10 and 100 μg/mL) showed a significant decrease in 17β-estradiol and testosterone, but no change in aldosterone or cortisol. Genes (CYP19 and 17β-HSD1) related to the estrogen steroidogenesis were significantly decreased by EGb761. EGb761 treatment of H295R cells resulted in a significant decrease of aromatase activity as measured by the direct and indirect assays. The coding sequence/ Exon PII of CYP19 gene transcript and protein level of CYP19 were significantly decreased by EGb761. Conclusions These results suggest that EGb761 could regulate steroidogenesis-related genes such as CYP19 and 17β-HSD1, and lead to a decrease in 17β-estradiol and testosterone. The present study provides good information on potential therapeutic effects of EGb761 on estrogen dependent breast cancer. PMID:27188280

  18. Characterization of differential gene expression in adrenocortical tumors harboring beta-catenin (CTNNB1) mutations.

    PubMed

    Durand, Julien; Lampron, Antoine; Mazzuco, Tania L; Chapman, Audrey; Bourdeau, Isabelle

    2011-07-01

    Mutations of β-catenin gene (CTNNB1) are frequent in adrenocortical adenomas (AA) and adrenocortical carcinomas (ACC). However, the target genes of β-catenin have not yet been identified in adrenocortical tumors. Our objective was to identify genes deregulated in adrenocortical tumors harboring CTNNB1 genetic alterations and nuclear accumulation of β-catenin. Microarray analysis identified a dataset of genes that were differently expressed between AA with CTNNB1 mutations and wild-type (WT) tumors. Within this dataset, the expression profiles of five genes were validated by real time-PCR (RT-PCR) in a cohort of 34 adrenocortical tissues (six AA and one ACC with CTNNB1 mutations, 13 AA and four ACC with WT CTNNB1, and 10 normal adrenal glands) and two human ACC cell lines. We then studied the effects of suppressing β-catenin transcriptional activity with the T-cell factor/β-catenin inhibitors PKF115-584 and PNU74654 on gene expression in H295R and SW13 cells. RT-PCR analysis confirmed the overexpression of ISM1, RALBP1, and PDE2A and the down-regulation of PHYHIP in five of six AA harboring CTNNB1 mutations compared with WT AA (n = 13) and normal adrenal glands (n = 10). RALBP1 and PDE2A overexpression was also confirmed at the protein level by Western blotting analysis in mutated tumors. ENC1 was specifically overexpressed in three of three AA harboring CTNNB1 point mutations. mRNA expression and protein levels of RALBP1, PDE2A, and ENC1 were decreased in a dose-dependent manner in H295R cells after treatment with PKF115-584 or PNU74654. This study identified candidate genes deregulated in CTNNB1-mutated adrenocortical tumors that may lead to a better understanding of the role of the Wnt-β-catenin pathway in adrenocortical tumorigenesis.

  19. RGS2 is regulated by angiotensin II and functions as a negative feedback of aldosterone production in H295R human adrenocortical cells.

    PubMed

    Romero, Damian G; Plonczynski, Maria W; Gomez-Sanchez, Elise P; Yanes, Licy L; Gomez-Sanchez, Celso E

    2006-08-01

    Regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins interact with Galpha-subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins, accelerating the rate of GTP hydrolysis and finalizing the intracellular signaling triggered by the G protein-coupled receptor-ligand interaction. Angiotensin (Ang) II interacts with its G protein-coupled receptor in zona glomerulosa adrenal cells and triggers a cascade of intracellular signals that regulates steroidogenesis and proliferation. We studied Ang II-mediated regulation of RGS2, the role of RGS2 in steroidogenesis, and the intracellular signal events involved in H295R human adrenal cells. We report that both H295R cells and human adrenal gland express RGS2 mRNA. In H295R cells, Ang II caused a rapid and transient increase in RGS2 mRNA levels quantified by real-time RT-PCR. Ang II effects were mimicked by calcium ionophore A23187 and blocked by calcium channel blocker nifedipine. Ang II effects also were blocked by calmodulin antagonists (W-7 and calmidazolium) and calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase antagonist KN-93. RGS2 overexpression by retroviral infection in H295R cells caused a decrease in Ang II-stimulated aldosterone secretion but did not modify cortisol secretion. In reporter assays, RGS2 decreased Ang II-mediated aldosterone synthase up-regulation. These results suggest that Ang II up-regulates RGS2 mRNA by the calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase pathway in H295R cells. RGS2 overexpression specifically decreases aldosterone secretion through a decrease in Ang II-mediated aldosterone synthase-induced expression. In conclusion, RGS2 expression is induced by Ang II to terminate the intracellular signaling cascade generated by Ang II. RGS2 alterations in expression levels or functionality could be implicated in deregulations of Ang II signaling and abnormal aldosterone secretion by the adrenal gland.

  20. SLC12A7 alters adrenocortical carcinoma cell adhesion properties to promote an aggressive invasive behavior.

    PubMed

    Brown, Taylor C; Murtha, Timothy D; Rubinstein, Jill C; Korah, Reju; Carling, Tobias

    2018-06-08

    Altered expression of Solute Carrier Family 12 Member 7 (SLC12A7) is implicated to promote malignant behavior in multiple cancer types through an incompletely understood mechanism. Recent studies have shown recurrent gene amplifications and overexpression of SLC12A7 in adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). The potential mechanistic effect(s) of SLC12A7 amplifications in portending an aggressive behavior in ACC has not been previously studied and is investigated here using two established ACC cell lines, SW-13 and NCI-H295R. SW-13 cells, which express negligible amounts of SLC12A7, were enforced to express SLC12A7 constitutively, while RNAi gene silencing was performed in NCI-H295R cells, which have robust endogenous expression of SLC12A7. In vitro studies tested the outcomes of experimental alterations in SLC12A7 expression on malignant characteristics, including cell viability, growth, colony formation potential, motility, invasive capacity, adhesion and detachment kinetics, and cell membrane organization. Further, potential alterations in transcription regulation downstream to induced SLC12A7 overexpression was explored using targeted transcription factor expression arrays. Enforced SLC12A7 overexpression in SW-13 cells robustly promoted motility and invasive characteristics (p < 0.05) without significantly altering cell viability, growth, or colony formation potential. SLC12A7 overexpression also significantly increased rates of cellular attachment and detachment turnover (p < 0.05), potentially propelled by increased filopodia formation and/or Ezrin interaction. In contrast, RNAi gene silencing of SLC12A7 stymied cell attachment strength as well as migration and invasion capacity in NCI-H295R cells. Transcription factor expression analysis identified multiple signally pathways potentially affected by SLC12A7 overexpression, including osmotic stress, bone morphogenetic protein, and Hippo signaling pathways. Amplification of SLC12A7 observed in ACCs is shown

  1. Adrenocortical Carcinoma

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Alex C.; Sabolch, Aaron; Raymond, Victoria M.; Kandathil, Asha; Caoili, Elaine M.; Jolly, Shruti; Miller, Barbra S.; Giordano, Thomas J.

    2014-01-01

    Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare endocrine malignancy, often with an unfavorable prognosis. Here we summarize the knowledge about diagnosis, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and therapy of ACC. Over recent years, multidisciplinary clinics have formed and the first international treatment trials have been conducted. This review focuses on evidence gained from recent basic science and clinical research and provides perspectives from the experience of a large multidisciplinary clinic dedicated to the care of patients with ACC. PMID:24423978

  2. TCGA analysis of adrenocortical carcinoma - TCGA

    Cancer.gov

    In the most comprehensive molecular characterization to date of adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare cancer of the adrenal cortex, researchers extensively analyzed 91 cases for alterations in the tumor genomes.

  3. Adjuvant mitotane treatment for adrenocortical carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Terzolo, Massimo; Angeli, Alberto; Fassnacht, Martin; Daffara, Fulvia; Tauchmanova, Libuse; Conton, Pier Antonio; Rossetto, Ruth; Buci, Lisa; Sperone, Paola; Grossrubatscher, Erika; Reimondo, Giuseppe; Bollito, Enrico; Papotti, Mauro; Saeger, Wolfgang; Hahner, Stefanie; Koschker, Ann-Cathrin; Arvat, Emanuela; Ambrosi, Bruno; Loli, Paola; Lombardi, Gaetano; Mannelli, Massimo; Bruzzi, Paolo; Mantero, Franco; Allolio, Bruno; Dogliotti, Luigi; Berruti, Alfredo

    2007-06-07

    Adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare neoplasm characterized by a high risk of recurrence after radical resection. Whether the use of mitotane is beneficial as an adjuvant treatment has been controversial. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of adjuvant mitotane in prolonging recurrence-free survival. We performed a retrospective analysis involving 177 patients with adrenocortical cancer who had undergone radical surgery at 8 centers in Italy and 47 centers in Germany between 1985 and 2005. Adjuvant mitotane was administered to 47 Italian patients after radical surgery (mitotane group), whereas 55 Italian patients and 75 German patients (control groups 1 and 2, respectively) did not receive adjuvant treatment after surgery. Baseline features in the mitotane group and the control group from Italy were similar; the German patients were significantly older (P=0.03) and had more stage I or II adrenocortical carcinomas (P=0.02) than did patients in the mitotane group. Recurrence-free survival was significantly prolonged in the mitotane group, as compared with the two control groups (median recurrence-free survival, 42 months, as compared with 10 months in control group 1 and 25 months in control group 2). Hazard ratios for recurrence were 2.91 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.77 to 4.78; P<0.001) and 1.97 (95% CI, 1.21 to 3.20; P=0.005), respectively. Multivariate analysis indicated that mitotane treatment had a significant advantage for recurrence-free survival. Adverse events associated with mitotane were mainly of grade 1 or 2, but temporary dose reduction was needed in 13% of patients. Adjuvant mitotane may prolong recurrence-free survival in patients with radically resected adrenocortical carcinoma. Copyright 2007 Massachusetts Medical Society.

  4. Combined transcriptome studies identify AFF3 as a mediator of the oncogenic effects of β-catenin in adrenocortical carcinoma

    PubMed Central

    Lefèvre, L; Omeiri, H; Drougat, L; Hantel, C; Giraud, M; Val, P; Rodriguez, S; Perlemoine, K; Blugeon, C; Beuschlein, F; de Reyniès, A; Rizk-Rabin, M; Bertherat, J; Ragazzon, B

    2015-01-01

    Adrenocortical cancer (ACC) is a very aggressive tumor, and genomics studies demonstrate that the most frequent alterations of driver genes in these cancers activate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. However, the adrenal-specific targets of oncogenic β-catenin-mediating tumorigenesis have not being established. A combined transcriptomic analysis from two series of human tumors and the human ACC cell line H295R harboring a spontaneous β-catenin activating mutation was done to identify the Wnt/β-catenin targets. Seven genes were consistently identified in the three studies. Among these genes, we found that AFF3 mediates the oncogenic effects of β-catenin in ACC. The Wnt response element site located at nucleotide position −1408 of the AFF3 transcriptional start sites (TSS) mediates the regulation by the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. AFF3 silencing decreases cell proliferation and increases apoptosis in the ACC cell line H295R. AFF3 is located in nuclear speckles, which play an important role in RNA splicing. AFF3 overexpression in adrenocortical cells interferes with the organization and/or biogenesis of these nuclear speckles and alters the distribution of CDK9 and cyclin T1 such that they accumulate at the sites of AFF3/speckles. We demonstrate that AFF3 is a new target of Wnt/β-catenin pathway involved in ACC, acting on transcription and RNA splicing. PMID:26214578

  5. Adrenocortical Carcinoma Treatment (PDQ®)—Patient Version

    Cancer.gov

    Adrenocortical carcinoma (also called ACC or adrenal cancer) treatment usually involves surgery and may include radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Learn about risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment for newly diagnosed and recurrent ACC in this expert-reviewed summary.

  6. Co-secretion of aldosterone and cortisol by an adrenocortical carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Kurtulmus, Neslihan; Yarman, Sema; Azizlerli, Halil; Kapran, Yersu

    2004-01-01

    We report a rare case of adrenocortical carcinoma. A 26-year-old woman presented with hypokalemia and hypertension due to hyperaldosteronism. She had no signs of Cushing's syndrome. Endocrinological data showed excess of aldosterone production and nonsupressible cortisol production on 2 mg of dexamethasone. Magnetic resonance imaging showed left adrenal tumor. Transabdominal left adrenalectomy was performed and histopathological diagnosis was adrenocortical carcinoma. Her blood pressure and hypokalemia returned to normal after adrenalectomy. There is no recurrence after 36 months. We want to emphasis the importance of adrenal tests before the operation even if there are no signs of excess cortisol production.

  7. The aurora kinase inhibitor VX-680 shows anti-cancer effects in primary metastatic cells and the SW13 cell line.

    PubMed

    Pezzani, Raffaele; Rubin, Beatrice; Bertazza, Loris; Redaelli, Marco; Barollo, Susi; Monticelli, Halenya; Baldini, Enke; Mian, Caterina; Mucignat, Carla; Scaroni, Carla; Mantero, Franco; Ulisse, Salvatore; Iacobone, Maurizio; Boscaro, Marco

    2016-10-01

    New therapeutic targets are needed to fight cancer. Aurora kinases (AK) were recently identified as vital key regulators of cell mitosis and have consequently been investigated as therapeutic targets in preclinical and clinical studies. Aurora kinase inhibitors (AKI) have been studied in many cancer types, but their potential capacity to limit or delay metastases has rarely been considered, and never in adrenal tissue. Given the lack of an effective pharmacological therapy for adrenal metastasis and adrenocortical carcinoma, we assessed AKI (VX-680, SNS314, ZM447439) in 2 cell lines (H295R and SW13 cells), 3 cell cultures of primary adrenocortical metastases (from lung cancer), and 4 primary adrenocortical tumor cell cultures. We also tested reversan, which is a P-gp inhibitor (a fundamental efflux pump that can extrude drugs), and we measured AK expression levels in 66 adrenocortical tumor tissue samples. Biomolecular and cellular tests were performed (such as MTT, thymidine assay, Wright's staining, cell cycle and apoptosis analysis, Western blot, qRT-PCR, and mutation analysis). Our results are the first to document AK overexpression in adrenocortical carcinoma as well as in H295R and SW13 cell lines, thus proving the efficacy of AKI against adrenal metastases and in the SW13 cancer cell model. We also demonstrated that reversan and AKI Vx-680 are useless in the H295R cell model, and therefore should not be considered as potential treatments for ACC. Serine/threonine AK inhibition, essentially with VX-680, could be a promising, specific therapeutic tool for eradicating metastases in adrenocortical tissue.

  8. Adrenocortical Carcinoma Treatment (PDQ®)—Health Professional Version

    Cancer.gov

    Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC or adrenal cancer) treatment is usually radical open complete resection and may include chemotherapy and radiation. Get detailed information about the prognosis and treatment of newly diagnosed and recurrent ACC in this comprehensive summary for clinicians.

  9. Steroid profiling in H295R cells to identify chemicals potentially disrupting the production of adrenal steroids.

    PubMed

    Strajhar, Petra; Tonoli, David; Jeanneret, Fabienne; Imhof, Raphaella M; Malagnino, Vanessa; Patt, Melanie; Kratschmar, Denise V; Boccard, Julien; Rudaz, Serge; Odermatt, Alex

    2017-04-15

    The validated OECD test guideline 456 based on human adrenal H295R cells promotes measurement of testosterone and estradiol production as read-out to identify potential endocrine disrupting chemicals. This study aimed to establish optimal conditions for using H295R cells to detect chemicals interfering with the production of key adrenal steroids. H295R cells' supernatants were characterized by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based steroid profiling, and the influence of experimental conditions including time and serum content was assessed. Steroid profiles were determined before and after incubation with reference compounds and chemicals to be tested for potential disruption of adrenal steroidogenesis. The H295R cells cultivated according to the OECD test guideline produced progestins, glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids and adrenal androgens but only very low amounts of testosterone. However, testosterone contained in Nu-serum was metabolized during the 48h incubation. Thus, inclusion of positive and negative controls and a steroid profile of the complete medium prior to the experiment (t=0h) was necessary to characterize H295R cells' steroid production and indicate alterations caused by exposure to chemicals. Among the tested chemicals, octyl methoxycinnamate and acetyl tributylcitrate resembled the corticosteroid induction pattern of the positive control torcetrapib. Gene expression analysis revealed that octyl methoxycinnamate and acetyl tributylcitrate enhanced CYP11B2 expression, although less pronounced than torcetrapib. Further experiments need to assess the toxicological relevance of octyl methoxycinnamate- and acetyl tributylcitrate-induced corticosteroid production. In conclusion, the extended profiling and appropriate controls allow detecting chemicals that act on steroidogenesis and provide initial mechanistic evidence for prioritizing chemicals for further investigations. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Adrenocortical Carcinoma—Health Professional Version

    Cancer.gov

    Adrenocortical carcinoma is also called cancer of the adrenal cortex. A tumor of the adrenal cortex may be functioning or nonfunctioning. Most adrenocortical tumors are functioning. Find evidence-based information on adrenocortical carcinoma including treatment and research.

  11. Adrenocortical carcinoma, an unusual cause of secondary hypertension.

    PubMed

    Veron Esquivel, Daniel; Batiz, Fernando; Farias Vega, Alfonso; Carrillo Gonzalez, Perla A

    2016-12-07

    We present the case of a female patient aged 39 years who was admitted to our hospital due to hypertension, severe hypokalaemia and metabolic alkalosis; physical examination was remarkable for plethoric moon face, centripetal obesity and bilateral lower extremity oedema. She was admitted for intravenous potassium replacement and further assessment of hypertension and associated clinical findings. Laboratory testing showed increased levels of aldosterone, renin, cortisol, testosterone and androstenedione. An abdominal CT revealed a large mass in the right adrenal gland with hepatic involvement. The patient was started on antihypertensive medications and underwent laparoscopic surgery for mass and liver biopsy. The pathological diagnosis was adrenocortical carcinoma with liver metastasis. Hyperaldosteronism is a cause of secondary hypertension and its diagnosis is usually benign. Adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare condition and aldosterone secreting tumours are even rarer; associated hypertension usually improves after tumour resection, but with the presence of metastasis, blood pressure control is difficult. 2016 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.

  12. Update in adrenocortical carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Fassnacht, Martin; Kroiss, Matthias; Allolio, Bruno

    2013-12-01

    Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is an orphan malignancy that has attracted increasing attention during the last decade. Here we provide an update on advances in the field since our last review published in this journal in 2006. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway and IGF-2 signaling have been confirmed as frequently altered signaling pathways in ACC, but recent data suggest that they are probably not sufficient for malignant transformation. Thus, major players in the pathogenesis are still unknown. For diagnostic workup, comprehensive hormonal assessment and detailed imaging are required because in most ACCs, evidence for autonomous steroid secretion can be found and computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging (if necessary, combined with functional imaging) can differentiate benign from malignant adrenocortical tumors. Surgery is potentially curative in localized tumors. Thus, we recommend a complete resection including lymphadenectomy by an expert surgeon. The pathology report should demonstrate the adrenocortical origin of the lesion (eg, by steroidogenic factor 1 staining) and provide Weiss score, resection status, and quantitation of the proliferation marker Ki67 to guide further treatment. Even after complete surgery, recurrence is frequent and adjuvant mitotane treatment improves outcome, but uncertainty exists as to whether all patients benefit from this therapy. In advanced ACC, mitotane is still the standard of care. Based on the FIRM-ACT trial, mitotane plus etoposide, doxorubicin, and cisplatin is now the established first-line cytotoxic therapy. However, most patients will experience progress and require salvage therapies. Thus, new treatment concepts are urgently needed. The ongoing international efforts including comprehensive "-omic approaches" and next-generation sequencing will improve our understanding of the pathogenesis and hopefully lead to better therapies.

  13. Challenges in surgical pathology of adrenocortical tumours.

    PubMed

    Erickson, Lori A

    2018-01-01

    Adrenocortical carcinomas are rare tumours that can be diagnostically challenging. Numerous multiparametric scoring systems and diagnostic algorithms have been proposed to differentiate adrenocortical adenoma from adrenocortical carcinoma. Adrenocortical neoplasms must also be differentiated from other primary adrenal tumours, such as phaeochromocytoma and unusual primary adrenal tumours, as well as metastases to the adrenal gland. Myxoid, oncocytic and sarcomatoid variants of adrenocortical tumours must be recognized so that they are not confused with other tumours. The diagnostic criteria for oncocytic adrenocortical carcinoma are different from those for conventional adrenocortical carcinomas. Adrenocortical neoplasms in children are particularly challenging to diagnose, as histological features of malignancy in adrenocortical neoplasms in adults may not be associated with aggressive disease in the tumours of children. Recent histological and immunohistochemical studies and more comprehensive and integrated genomic characterizations continue to advance our understanding of the tumorigenesis of these aggressive neoplasms, and may provide additional diagnostic and prognostic utility and guide the development of therapeutic targets. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  14. Adrenocortical Carcinoma—Patient Version

    Cancer.gov

    Adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare cancer which forms in the cortex (outer layer) of an adrenal gland. There are two adrenal glands. One sits on top of each kidney. Start here to find information on adrenocortical carcinoma treatment and research.

  15. Small-Conductance Ca2+-Activated Potassium Channels Negatively Regulate Aldosterone Secretion in Human Adrenocortical Cells.

    PubMed

    Yang, Tingting; Zhang, Hai-Liang; Liang, Qingnan; Shi, Yingtang; Mei, Yan-Ai; Barrett, Paula Q; Hu, Changlong

    2016-09-01

    Aldosterone, which plays a key role in maintaining water and electrolyte balance, is produced by zona glomerulosa cells of the adrenal cortex. Autonomous overproduction of aldosterone from zona glomerulosa cells causes primary hyperaldosteronism. Recent clinical studies have highlighted the pathological role of the KCNJ5 potassium channel in primary hyperaldosteronism. Our objective was to determine whether small-conductance Ca(2+)-activated potassium (SK) channels may also regulate aldosterone secretion in human adrenocortical cells. We found that apamin, the prototypic inhibitor of SK channels, decreased membrane voltage, raised intracellular Ca(2+) and dose dependently increased aldosterone secretion from human adrenocortical H295R cells. By contrast, 1-Ethyl-2-benzimidazolinone, an agonist of SK channels, antagonized apamin's action and decreased aldosterone secretion. Commensurate with an increase in aldosterone production, apamin increased mRNA expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein and aldosterone synthase that control the early and late rate-limiting steps in aldosterone biosynthesis, respectively. In addition, apamin increased angiotensin II-stimulated aldosterone secretion, whereas 1-Ethyl-2-benzimidazolinone suppressed both angiotensin II- and high K(+)-stimulated production of aldosterone in H295R cells. These findings were supported by apamin-modulation of basal and angiotensin II-stimulated aldosterone secretion from acutely prepared slices of human adrenals. We conclude that SK channel activity negatively regulates aldosterone secretion in human adrenocortical cells. Genetic association studies are necessary to determine whether mutations in SK channel subtype 2 genes may also drive aldosterone excess in primary hyperaldosteronism. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

  16. Adrenocortical neoplasia: evolving concepts in tumorigenesis with an emphasis on adrenal cortical carcinoma variants.

    PubMed

    de Krijger, Ronald R; Papathomas, Thomas G

    2012-01-01

    Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare, heterogeneous malignancy with a poor prognosis. According to WHO classification 2004, ACC variants include oncocytic ACCs, myxoid ACCs and ACCs with sarcomatous areas. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review of these rare subtypes of adrenocortical malignancy and emphasize their clinicopathological features with the aim of elucidating aspects of diagnostic categorization, differential diagnostics and biological behavior. The issue of current terminology, applied to biphasic tumors with pleomorphic, sarcomatous or sarcomatoid elements arising in adrenal cortex, is also discussed. We additionally present emerging evidence concerning the adrenal cortical tumorigenesis and the putative adenoma-carcinoma sequence as well.

  17. Chylous ascites after resection of giant adrenocortical carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Habibi, Mani; Karakoyun, Rojbin; Demirci, Erkan; Alikanoglu, Arsenal Sezgin

    2016-12-01

    Postoperative chylous ascites (PCA) is a rare clinical state that occurs during abdominal surgery. Despite its rarity, the need to diagnose and treat PCA is increasing in importance with the increased number of wide resections and lymph node dissections being performed and the serious consequences of treatment. Here we describe the PCA complications we observed after resection for treating a case of giant adrenocortical carcinoma and we have the brief review of the PCA complication.

  18. PCP4: a regulator of aldosterone synthesis in human adrenocortical tissues

    PubMed Central

    Felizola, Saulo J. A.; Nakamura, Yasuhiro; Ono, Yoshikiyo; Kitamura, Kanako; Kikuchi, Kumi; Onodera, Yoshiaki; Ise, Kazue; Takase, Kei; Sugawara, Akira; Hattangady, Namita; Rainey, William E.; Satoh, Fumitoshi; Sasano, Hironobu

    2014-01-01

    Purkinje cell protein 4 (PCP4) is a calmodulin (CaM) binding protein that accelerates calcium association and dissociation with CaM. It has been previously detected in aldosterone-producing adenomas (APA) but details on its expression and function in adrenocortical tissues have remained unknown. Therefore, we performed the immunohistochemical analysis of PCP4 in the following tissues: normal adrenal (NA; n=15), APA (n=15), cortisol producing adenomas (CPA; n=15) and idiopathic hyperaldosteronism cases (IHA; n=5). APA samples (n=45) were also submitted to quantitative RT-PCR (qPCR) of PCP4, CYP11B1, and CYP11B2, as well as DNA sequencing for KCNJ5 mutations. Transient transfection analysis using PCP4 siRNA was also performed in H295R adrenocortical carcinoma cells, following ELISA analysis, and CYP11B2 luciferase assays were also performed after PCP4 vector transfection in order to study the regulation of PCP4 protein expression. In our findings, PCP4 immunoreactivity was predominantly detected in APA and in the zona glomerulosa (ZG) of NA and IHA. In APA, the mRNA levels of PCP4 were significantly correlated with those of CYP11B2 (P<0.0001) and were significantly higher in cases with KCNJ5 mutation than wild-type (P=0.005). Following PCP4 vector transfection, CYP11B2 luciferase reporter activity was significantly higher than controls in the presence of angiotensin-II. Knockdown of PCP4 resulted in a significant decrease in CYP11B2 mRNA levels (P=0.012) and aldosterone production (P=0.011). Our results indicate that PCP4 is a regulator of aldosterone production in normal, hyperplastic and neoplastic human adrenocortical cells. PMID:24403568

  19. Chylous ascites after resection of giant adrenocortical carcinoma

    PubMed Central

    Karakoyun, Rojbin; Demirci, Erkan; Alikanoglu, Arsenal Sezgin

    2016-01-01

    Postoperative chylous ascites (PCA) is a rare clinical state that occurs during abdominal surgery. Despite its rarity, the need to diagnose and treat PCA is increasing in importance with the increased number of wide resections and lymph node dissections being performed and the serious consequences of treatment. Here we describe the PCA complications we observed after resection for treating a case of giant adrenocortical carcinoma and we have the brief review of the PCA complication. PMID:28149812

  20. Gadd45a opens up the promoter regions of miR-295 facilitating pluripotency induction

    PubMed Central

    Li, Linpeng; Chen, Keshi; Wu, Yi; Long, Qi; Zhao, Danyun; Ma, Bochao; Pei, Duanqing; Liu, Xingguo

    2017-01-01

    MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in the establishment of pluripotent state by controlling pluripotent network. However, the molecular mechanisms controlling miRNAs during somatic cell reprogramming remain obscure. In this study, we show Gadd45a (growth arrest and DNA-damage-inducible protein 45a) enhances reprogramming by activating miR-295. Furthermore, we show that Gadd45a binds the promoter regions of miR-295. Nuclease accessibility assay indicates that Gadd45a opens the promoter regions of miR-295. Levels of H3K9Ac and H3K27Ac on the promoter regions of miR-295 were also increased. In conclusion, our results indicate that Gadd45a relaxes the promoter regions of miR-295 and promotes the expression of miR-295 during reprogramming, implying a concise mechanism of Gadd45a and miR-290 cluster cooperation in cell-fate determination. PMID:29022923

  1. Nationwide analysis of adrenocortical carcinoma reveals higher perioperative morbidity in functional tumors.

    PubMed

    Parikh, Punam P; Rubio, Gustavo A; Farra, Josefina C; Lew, John I

    2017-08-25

    Current adrenalectomy outcomes for functional adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) remain unclear. This study examines nationwide in-hospital post-adrenalectomy outcomes for ACC. A retrospective analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database (2006-2011) to identify unilateral adrenalectomy patients for functional or nonfunctional ACC was performed. Patient demographics, comorbidities and postoperative outcomes were evaluated by t-test, Chi-square and multivariate regression. Of 2199 patients who underwent adrenalectomy, 87% had nonfunctional and 13% had functional ACC (86% hypercortisolism, 16% hyperaldosteronism, 4% hyperandrogenism). Functional ACC patients had significantly more comorbidities, and experienced certain postoperative complications more frequently including wound issues, adrenocortical insufficiency and acute kidney injury with longer hospital stay compared to nonfunctional ACC (P < 0.01). On multivariate analysis, functional ACC was an independent prognosticator for wound complications (28.1, 95%CI 4.59-176.6). Patients with functional ACC manifest significant comorbidities with certain in-hospital complications. Such high-risk patients require appropriate preoperative medical optimization prior to adrenalectomy. Patients with functional adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) have significant preoperative comorbidities and experience higher rates of certain postoperative complications including wound complications, hematoma formation, adrenal insufficiency, pulmonary embolism and acute kidney injury. Functional ACC patients also necessitate longer hospitalizations. These patients should undergo appropriate preoperative counseling in preparation for adrenalectomy. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMPOUNDS ON STEROID HORMONE PRODUCTION IN H295R CELLS

    EPA Science Inventory

    H295R cells constitute a pluripotent cell line that has retained the enzymatic ability to produce steroids along the entire steroidogenic pathway, including C19 androgens and C18 estrogens. For this reason, they have been a valued research tool, and have been employed in an ever...

  3. The effect of types I and III interferons on adrenocortical cells and its possible implications for autoimmune Addison's disease.

    PubMed

    Hellesen, A; Edvardsen, K; Breivik, L; Husebye, E S; Bratland, E

    2014-06-01

    Autoimmune Addison's disease (AAD) is caused by selective destruction of the hormone-producing cells of the adrenal cortex. As yet, little is known about the potential role played by environmental factors in this process. Type I and/or type III interferons (IFNs) are signature responses to virus infections, and have also been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune endocrine disorders such as type 1 diabetes and autoimmune thyroiditis. Transient development of AAD and exacerbation of established or subclinical disease, as well as the induction of autoantibodies associated with AAD, have been reported following therapeutic administration of type I IFNs. We therefore hypothesize that exposure to such IFNs could render the adrenal cortex susceptible to autoimmune attack in genetically predisposed individuals. In this study, we investigated possible immunopathological effects of type I and type III IFNs on adrenocortical cells in relation to AAD. Both types I and III IFNs exerted significant cytotoxicity on NCI-H295R adrenocortical carcinoma cells and potentiated IFN-γ- and polyinosine-polycytidylic acid [poly (I : C)]-induced chemokine secretion. Furthermore, we observed increased expression of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules and up-regulation of 21-hydroxylase, the primary antigenic target in AAD. We propose that these combined effects could serve to initiate or aggravate an ongoing autoimmune response against the adrenal cortex in AAD. © 2014 British Society for Immunology.

  4. The effect of types I and III interferons on adrenocortical cells and its possible implications for autoimmune Addison's disease

    PubMed Central

    Hellesen, A; Edvardsen, K; Breivik, L; Husebye, E S; Bratland, E

    2014-01-01

    Autoimmune Addison's disease (AAD) is caused by selective destruction of the hormone-producing cells of the adrenal cortex. As yet, little is known about the potential role played by environmental factors in this process. Type I and/or type III interferons (IFNs) are signature responses to virus infections, and have also been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune endocrine disorders such as type 1 diabetes and autoimmune thyroiditis. Transient development of AAD and exacerbation of established or subclinical disease, as well as the induction of autoantibodies associated with AAD, have been reported following therapeutic administration of type I IFNs. We therefore hypothesize that exposure to such IFNs could render the adrenal cortex susceptible to autoimmune attack in genetically predisposed individuals. In this study, we investigated possible immunopathological effects of type I and type III IFNs on adrenocortical cells in relation to AAD. Both types I and III IFNs exerted significant cytotoxicity on NCI-H295R adrenocortical carcinoma cells and potentiated IFN-γ-and polyinosine-polycytidylic acid [poly (I : C)]-induced chemokine secretion. Furthermore, we observed increased expression of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules and up-regulation of 21-hydroxylase, the primary antigenic target in AAD. We propose that these combined effects could serve to initiate or aggravate an ongoing autoimmune response against the adrenal cortex in AAD. PMID:24666275

  5. Screening Chemical Effects on Steroidogenesis in H295R Human Adrenocortical Carcinoma Cells (SOT)

    EPA Science Inventory

    Proper endocrine function requires steroid hormone biosynthesis and metabolism (steroidogenesis). Disruption of steroidogenesis by environmental chemicals can result in altered hormone levels causing adverse reproductive and developmental effects. This study is the first to estab...

  6. Nitrophenols isolated from diesel exhaust particles regulate steroidogenic gene expression and steroid synthesis in the human H295R adrenocortical cell line

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Furuta, Chie; Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509; Noda, Shiho

    2008-05-15

    Studies of nitrophenols isolated from diesel exhaust particles (DEPs), 3-methyl-4-nitrophenol (PNMC) and 4-nitro-3-phenylphenol (PNMPP) have revealed that these chemicals possess estrogenic and anti-androgenic activity in vitro and in vivo and that PNMC accumulate in adrenal glands in vivo. However, the impacts of exposure to these compounds on adrenal endocrine disruption and steroidogenesis have not been investigated. To elucidate the non-receptor mediated effects of PNMC and PNMPP, we investigated the production of the steroid hormones progesterone, cortisol, testosterone, and estradiol-17{beta} and modulation of nine major enzyme genes involved in the synthesis of steroid hormones (CYP11A, CYP11B1, CYP17, CYP19, 17{beta}HSD1, 17{beta}HSD4, CYP21,more » 3{beta}HSD2, StAR) in human adrenal H295R cells supplied with cAMP. Exposure to 10{sup -7} to 10{sup -5} M PNMC and 1 mM 8-Br-cAMP for 48 h decreased testosterone, cortisol, and estradiol-17{beta} levels and increased progesterone secretion. At 10{sup -5} M, PNMC with 1 mM 8-Br-cAMP significantly stimulated expression of the 17{beta}HSD4 and significantly suppressed expression of 3{beta}HSD2. In comparison, 10{sup -7} to 2 x 10{sup -5} M PNMPP with 1 mM 8-Br-cAMP for 48 h decreased concentrations of estradiol-17{beta}, increased progesterone levels, but did not affect testosterone and cortisol secretion due to the significant suppression of CYP17 and the non-significant but obvious suppression of CYP19. Our results clarified steroidogenic enzymes as candidates responsible for the inhibition or stimulation for the production of steroid hormones in the steroidogenic pathway, thus providing the first experimental evidence for multiple mechanisms of disruption of endocrine pathways by these nitrophenols.« less

  7. Impact of Neonatal Screening and Surveillance for the TP53 R337H Mutation on Early Detection of Childhood Adrenocortical Tumors

    PubMed Central

    Custódio, Gislaine; Parise, Guilherme A.; Kiesel Filho, Nilton; Komechen, Heloisa; Sabbaga, Cesar C.; Rosati, Roberto; Grisa, Leila; Parise, Ivy Z.S.; Pianovski, Mara A.D.; Fiori, Carmem M.C.M.; Ledesma, Jorge A.; Barbosa, José Renato S.; Figueiredo, Francisco R.O.; Sade, Elis R.; Ibañez, Humberto; Arram, Sohaila B.I.; Stinghen, Sérvio T.; Mengarelli, Luciano R.; Figueiredo, Mirna M.O.; Carvalho, Danilo C.; Avilla, Sylvio G.A.; Woiski, Thiago D.; Poncio, Lisiane C.; Lima, Geneci F.R.; Pontarolo, Roberto; Lalli, Enzo; Zhou, Yinmei; Zambetti, Gerard P.; Ribeiro, Raul C.; Figueiredo, Bonald C.

    2013-01-01

    Purpose The incidence of pediatric adrenocortical tumors (ACTs) is remarkably high in southern Brazil, where more than 90% of patients carry the germline TP53 mutation R337H. We assessed the impact of early detection of this mutation and of surveillance of carriers. Patients and Methods Free newborn screening was offered at all hospitals in the state of Paraná. Parents of positive newborns were tested, and relatives in the carrier line were offered screening. Positive newborns and their relatives age < 15 years were offered surveillance (periodic clinical, laboratory, and ultrasound evaluations). ACTs detected by imaging were surgically resected. Results Of 180,000 newborns offered screening, 171,649 were screened, and 461 (0.27%) were carriers. As of April 2012, ACTs had been diagnosed in 11 of these carriers but in only two neonatally screened noncarriers (P < .001); six patient cases were identified among 228 carrier relatives age < 15 years (total, 19 ACTs). Surveillance participants included 347 (49.6%) of 699 carriers. Tumors were smaller in surveillance participants (P < .001) and more advanced in nonparticipants (four with stage III disease; two deaths). Neonatally screened carriers also had neuroblastoma (n = 1), glioblastoma multiforme (n = 1), choroid plexus carcinoma (n = 2), and Burkitt lymphoma (n = 1). Cancer histories and pedigrees were obtained for 353 families that included 1,704 identified carriers. ACTs were the most frequent cancer among carrier children (n = 48). Conclusion These findings establish the prevalence of the TP53 R337H mutation in Paraná state and the penetrance of ACTs among carriers. Importantly, screening and surveillance of heterozygous carriers are effective in detecting ACTs when readily curable. PMID:23733769

  8. Epigenetic silencing of RASSF1A deregulates cytoskeleton and promotes malignant behavior of adrenocortical carcinoma

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare endocrine malignancy with high mutational heterogeneity and a generally poor clinical outcome. Despite implicated roles of deregulated TP53, IGF-2 and Wnt signaling pathways, a clear genetic association or unique mutational link to the disease is still missing. Recent studies suggest a crucial role for epigenetic modifications in the genesis and/or progression of ACC. This study specifically evaluates the potential role of epigenetic silencing of RASSF1A, the most commonly silenced tumor suppressor gene, in adrenocortical malignancy. Results Using adrenocortical tumor and normal tissue specimens, we show a significant reduction in expression of RASSF1A mRNA and protein in ACC. Methylation-sensitive and -dependent restriction enzyme based PCR assays revealed significant DNA hypermethylation of the RASSF1A promoter, suggesting an epigenetic mechanism for RASSF1A silencing in ACC. Conversely, the RASSF1A promoter methylation profile in benign adrenocortical adenomas (ACAs) was found to be very similar to that found in normal adrenal cortex. Enforced expression of ectopic RASSF1A in the SW-13 ACC cell line reduced the overall malignant behavior of the cells, which included impairment of invasion through the basement membrane, cell motility, and solitary cell survival and growth. On the other hand, expression of RASSF1A/A133S, a loss-of-function mutant form of RASSF1A, failed to elicit similar malignancy-suppressing responses in ACC cells. Moreover, association of RASSF1A with the cytoskeleton in RASSF1A-expressing ACC cells and normal adrenal cortex suggests a role for RASSF1A in modulating microtubule dynamics in the adrenal cortex, and thereby potentially blocking malignant progression. Conclusions Downregulation of RASSF1A via promoter hypermethylation may play a role in the malignant progression of adrenocortical carcinoma possibly by abrogating differentiation-promoting RASSF1A- microtubule interactions. PMID

  9. Adrenocortical carcinoma with inferior vena cava, left renal vein and right atrium tumor thrombus extension

    PubMed Central

    Annamaria, Pronio; Silvia, Piroli; Bernardo, Ciamberlano; Alessandro, De Luca; Antonino, Marullo; Antonio, Barretta; Giuseppe, Mazzesi; Massimo, Rossi; Montesani, Chiara

    2015-01-01

    Introduction Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare, but highly aggressive type of tumor with an annual incidence of 1–2 cases per million. The prognosis is poor with a five-year overall survival rate of ∼35%. The poor prognosis may be related to the advanced stage at which the majority of ACCs are detected. Complete surgical resection remains the most effective treatment. Presentation of the case A 51-year-old female patient with recent onset of dyspepsia, ascites and peripheral edema was referred to our institution. Computed tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) displayed a 8 cm Ø right adrenal mass. Moreover a tumor thrombus jutted out into the IVC, left renal vein and right atrium. An echocardiographic evaluation confirmed the presence of the tumor thrombus in the right atrium. The patient underwent adrenalectomy with removal of its intravascular extension with the assistance of cardiopulmonary bypass and hypothermia. Discussion ACC is a rare malignancy and ACC with tumor thrombus extension is a rare presentation. Patients can present with a variety of sign and symptoms, depending on the extent of the tumor. CT scan of chest and abdomen represents the gold standard in ACC staging while magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is preferred for tumor thrombus characterization. Complete surgical resection with a negative margin, R0 resection, is the only curative option for localized disease. Kidney sparing surgery should be performed when possible. Conclusion We present a rare case of Adrenocortical carcinoma with tumor thrombus extending into the IVC and right atrium. Complete resection with negative margins represents the best therapeutic chance for these patients. PMID:26355237

  10. Adrenocortical carcinoma with inferior vena cava, left renal vein and right atrium tumor thrombus extension.

    PubMed

    Annamaria, Pronio; Silvia, Piroli; Bernardo, Ciamberlano; Alessandro, De Luca; Antonino, Marullo; Antonio, Barretta; Giuseppe, Mazzesi; Massimo, Rossi; Montesani, Chiara

    2015-01-01

    Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare, but highly aggressive type of tumor with an annual incidence of 1-2 cases per million. The prognosis is poor with a five-year overall survival rate of ∼35%. The poor prognosis may be related to the advanced stage at which the majority of ACCs are detected. Complete surgical resection remains the most effective treatment. A 51-year-old female patient with recent onset of dyspepsia, ascites and peripheral edema was referred to our institution. Computed tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) displayed a 8cm Ø right adrenal mass. Moreover a tumor thrombus jutted out into the IVC, left renal vein and right atrium. An echocardiographic evaluation confirmed the presence of the tumor thrombus in the right atrium. The patient underwent adrenalectomy with removal of its intravascular extension with the assistance of cardiopulmonary bypass and hypothermia. ACC is a rare malignancy and ACC with tumor thrombus extension is a rare presentation. Patients can present with a variety of sign and symptoms, depending on the extent of the tumor. CT scan of chest and abdomen represents the gold standard in ACC staging while magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is preferred for tumor thrombus characterization. Complete surgical resection with a negative margin, R0 resection, is the only curative option for localized disease. Kidney sparing surgery should be performed when possible. We present a rare case of Adrenocortical carcinoma with tumor thrombus extending into the IVC and right atrium. Complete resection with negative margins represents the best therapeutic chance for these patients. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  11. NCI-H295R, a human adrenal cortex-derived cell line, expresses purinergic receptors linked to Ca²⁺-mobilization/influx and cortisol secretion.

    PubMed

    Nishi, Haruhisa; Arai, Hirokazu; Momiyama, Toshihiko

    2013-01-01

    Purinergic receptor expression and involvement in steroidogenesis were examined in NCI-H295R (H295R), a human adrenal cortex cell line which expresses all the key enzymes necessary for steroidogenesis. mRNA/protein for multiple P1 (A(2A) and A(2B)), P2X (P2X₅ and P2X₇), and P2Y (P2Y₁, P2Y₂, P2Y₆, P2Y₁₂, P2Y₁₃, and P2Y₁₄) purinergic receptors were detected in H295R. 2MeS-ATP (10-1000 µM), a P2Y₁ agonist, induced glucocorticoid (GC) secretion in a dose-dependent manner, while other extracellular purine/pyrimidine agonists (1-1000 µM) had no distinct effect on GC secretion. Extracellular purines, even non-steroidogenic ones, induced Ca²⁺-mobilization in the cells, independently of the extracellular Ca²⁺ concentration. Increases in intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration induced by extracellular purine agonists were transient, except when induced by ATP or 2MeS-ATP. Angiotensin II (AngII: 100 nM) and dibutyryl-cyclic AMP (db-cAMP: 500 µM) induced both GC secretion and Ca²⁺-mobilization in the presence of extracellular Ca²⁺ (1.2 mM). GC secretion by AngII was reduced by nifedipine (10-100 µM); whereas the Ca²⁺ channel blocker did not inhibit GC secretion by 2MeS-ATP. Thapsigargin followed by extracellular Ca²⁺ exposure induced Ca²⁺-influx in H295R, and the cells expressed mRNA/protein of the component molecules for store-operated calcium entry (SOCE): transient receptor C (TRPC) channels, calcium release-activated calcium channel protein 1 (Orai-1), and the stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1). In P2Y₁-knockdown, 2MeS-ATP-induced GC secretion was significantly inhibited. These results suggest that H295R expresses a functional P2Y₁ purinergic receptor for intracellular Ca²⁺-mobilization, and that P2Y₁ is linked to SOCE-activation, leading to Ca²⁺-influx which might be necessary for glucocorticoid secretion.

  12. (Toxicological Sciences) High-throughput H295R steroidogenesis assay: utility as an alternative and a statistical approach to characterize effects on steroidogenesis

    EPA Science Inventory

    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) have used the human adrenocarcinoma (H295R) cell-based assay to predict chemical perturbation of androgen and estrogen production. ...

  13. Epidermal growth factor increases cortisol production and type II 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Delta(5)-Delta(4)-isomerase expression in human adrenocortical carcinoma cells: evidence for a Stat5-dependent mechanism.

    PubMed

    Feltus, F Alex; Kovacs, William J; Nicholson, Wendell; Silva, Corrine M; Nagdas, Subir K; Ducharme, Nicole A; Melner, Michael H

    2003-05-01

    We tested the ability of epidermal growth factor (EGF) to regulate a key enzyme in the adrenal synthesis of glucocorticoids: human type II 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Delta(5)-Delta(4)-isomerase (3 beta HSD). EGF treatment (25 ng/ml) of human adrenocortical carcinoma cells (H295R) resulted in a 5-fold increase in cortisol production and a corresponding 2-fold increase in 3 beta HSD mRNA. Experiments were performed to determine whether EGF is acting through a previously identified signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (Stat5)-responsive element located from -110 to -118 in the human type II 3 beta HSD promoter. A Stat5 expression construct was cotransfected with a 3 beta HSD-chloramphenol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter construct comprised of nucleotides -301-->+45 of the human type II 3 beta HSD promoter linked to the CAT reporter gene sequence. The addition of EGF at doses as low as 10 ng/ml resulted in an 11- to 15-fold increase in CAT activity. The introduction of 3-bp point mutations into critical nucleotides in the Stat5 response element obviated the EGF response. Either Stat5a or Stat5b isoforms induced CAT reporter expression upon treatment with EGF. These results demonstrate the ability of EGF to regulate the expression of a critical enzyme (3 beta HSD) in the production of cortisol and suggest a molecular mechanism by which this regulation occurs.

  14. Disorganized Steroidogenesis in Adrenocortical Carcinoma, a Case Study.

    PubMed

    Uchida, Toyoyoshi; Nishimoto, Koshiro; Fukumura, Yuki; Asahina, Miki; Goto, Hiromasa; Kawano, Yui; Shimizu, Fumitaka; Tsujimura, Akira; Seki, Tsugio; Mukai, Kuniaki; Kabe, Yasuaki; Suematsu, Makoto; Gomez-Sanchez, Celso E; Yao, Takashi; Horie, Shigeo; Watada, Hirotaka

    2017-03-01

    Most adrenocortical carcinomas (ACCs) produce excessive amounts of steroid hormones including aldosterone, cortisol, and steroid precursors. However, aldosterone- and cortisol-producing cells in ACCs have not yet been immunohistochemically described. We present a case of ACC causing mild primary aldosteronism and subclinical Cushing's syndrome. Removal of the tumor cured both conditions. In order to examine the expression patterns of the steroidogenic enzymes responsible for adrenocortical hormone production, 10 tumor portions were immunohistochemically analyzed for aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2), 11β-hydroxylase (CYP11B1, cortisol-synthesizing enzyme), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3βHSD, upstream enzyme for both CYP11B2 and CYP11B1), and 17α-hydroxylase/C17-20 lyase (CYP17, upstream enzyme for CYP11B1, but not for CYP11B1). CYP11B2, CYP11B1, and 3βHSD were expressed sporadically, and their expression patterns varied significantly among the different tumor portions examined. The expression of these enzymes was random and not associated with each other. CYP17 was expressed throughout the tumor, even in CYP11B2-positive cells. Small tumor cell populations were aldosterone- or cortisol-producing cells, as judged by 3βHSD coinciding with either CYP11B2 or CYP11B1, respectively. These results suggest that the tumor produced limited amounts of aldosterone and cortisol due to the lack of the coordinated expression of steroidogenic enzymes, which led to mild clinical expression in this case. We delineated the expression patterns of steroidogenic enzymes in ACC. The coordinated expression of steroidogenic enzymes in normal and adenoma cells was disturbed in ACC cells, resulting in the inefficient production of steroid hormones in relation to the large tumor volume.

  15. Virilizing adrenocortical carcinoma advancing to central precocious puberty after surgery.

    PubMed

    Kim, Min Sun; Yang, Eu Jeen; Cho, Dong Hyu; Hwang, Pyung Han; Lee, Dae-Yeol

    2015-05-01

    Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) in pediatric and adolescent patients is rare, and it is associated with various clinical symptoms. We introduce the case of an 8-year-old boy with ACC who presented with peripheral precocious puberty at his first visit. He displayed penis enlargement with pubic hair and facial acne. His serum adrenal androgen levels were elevated, and abdominal computed tomography revealed a right suprarenal mass. After complete surgical resection, the histological diagnosis was ACC. Two months after surgical removal of the mass, he subsequently developed central precocious puberty. He was treated with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist to delay further pubertal progression. In patients with functioning ACC and surgical removal, clinical follow-up and hormonal marker examination for the secondary effects of excessive hormone secretion may be a useful option at least every 2 or 3 months after surgery.

  16. Differential expression of microRNA-675, microRNA-139-3p and microRNA-335 in benign and malignant adrenocortical tumours

    PubMed Central

    Helwig, J; Bertram, S; Sheu, S Y; Suttorp, A C; Seggewiß, J; Willscher, E; Walz, M K; Worm, K; Schmid, K W

    2011-01-01

    Background For the clinical management of adrenocortical neoplasms it is crucial to correctly distinguish between benign and malignant tumours. Even histomorphologically based scoring systems do not allow precise separation in single lesions, thus novel parameters are desired which offer a more accurate differentiation. The tremendous potential of microRNAs (miRNAs) as diagnostic biomarkers in surgical pathology has recently been shown in a broad variety of tumours. Methods In order to elucidate the diagnostic impact of miRNA expression in adrenocortical neoplasms, a cohort of 20 adrenocortical specimens including normal adrenal tissue (n=4), adrenocortical adenomas (ACAs) (n=9), adrenocortical carcinomas (ACCs) (n=4) and metastases (n=3) was analysed using TaqMan low density arrays to identify specific miRNA profiles in order to distinguish between benign and malignant adrenocortical lesions. Results were validated in a validation cohort (n=16). Results Concerning the differential diagnosis of ACAs and ACCs, 159 out of 667 miRNAs were up- and 89 were down-regulated in ACAs. Using real-time PCR analysis of three of the most significantly expressed single key miRNAs allowed separation of ACAs from ACCs. ACCs exhibited significantly lower levels of miR-139-3p (up to 8.49-fold, p<0.001), miR-675 (up to 23.25-fold, p<0.001) and miR-335 (up to 5.25-fold, p<0.001). A validation cohort of 16 specimen with known Weiss score showed up-regulation of miR-335 and miR-675 in the majority of cases with probable malignant course, although overlapping values exist. Conclusion miRNA profiling of miR-675 and miR-335 helps in discriminating ACCs from ACAs. miRNA analysis may indicate malignant behaviour in cases with indeterminate malignant potential. PMID:21471143

  17. Simultaneous profiling of 17 steroid hormones for the evaluation of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in H295R cells.

    PubMed

    Jumhawan, Udi; Yamashita, Toshiyuki; Ishida, Kazuya; Fukusaki, Eiichiro; Bamba, Takeshi

    2017-01-01

    There is urgent need to develop a new protocol for the evaluation of chemical substances to potentially interact with the endocrine system and induce numerous pathological issues. The recently validated in vitro screening assay is limited on monitoring two steroid hormones. Methodology & results: The H295R model cell was exposed to seven endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The levels of 17 steroid hormones in cell extracts were subsequently determined by a quantitative targeted GC/MS/MS method. Through wide coverage, this system managed to capture the effects of exposure to increasing EDCs concentrations in the entire steroidogenic pathways. The developed approach could be beneficial for the mechanistic investigation of EDCs.

  18. Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen Expression in Adrenocortical Carcinoma on 68Ga-Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen PET/CT.

    PubMed

    Arora, Saurabh; Damle, Nishikant Avinash; Aggarwal, Sameer; Passah, Averilicia; Behera, Abhishek; Arora, Geetanjali; Bal, Chandrasekhar; Tripathi, Madhavi

    2018-06-01

    We present here a case of metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma with bilateral lung nodules. The patient had been treated with mitotane therapy initially and then was later referred for chemotherapy. There was progression of disease noted on the F-FDG PET/CT. Ga prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET/CT was planned to explore the possibility of future treatment with Lu-DKFZ-PSMA-617. It revealed peripheral increased uptake of Ga-HBED-CC-PSMA equal to liver uptake.

  19. Cyclic estrous-like behavior in a spayed cat associated with excessive sex-hormone production by an adrenocortical carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Meler, Erika N; Scott-Moncrieff, J Catharine; Peter, Augustine T; Bennett, Sara; Ramos-Vara, Jose; Salisbury, S Kathleen; Naughton, James F

    2011-06-01

    A 15-year-old, spayed female domestic shorthair cat was evaluated for 1-year duration of cyclic intermittent estrous behavior. Diagnostic testing performed before referral, including baseline progesterone concentration, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone stimulation test and surgical exploratory laparotomy, had remained inconclusive for a remnant ovary. Evaluation of sex hormones before and after adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) administration revealed increased basal concentrations of androstenedione, estradiol, progesterone, and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone and normal ACTH-stimulated hormone concentrations. Enlargement of the right adrenal gland was identified by abdominal ultrasound. The cat underwent an adrenalectomy and histopathology of the excised adrenal gland was consistent with an adrenocortical carcinoma. Clinical signs resolved immediately following surgery, and most hormone concentrations declined to within or below the reference interval (RI) by 2 months after surgery. Copyright © 2011 ISFM and AAFP. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. Update on the management of unusual neuroendocrine tumors: pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma, medullary thyroid cancer and adrenocortical carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Strosberg, Jonathan R

    2013-02-01

    Pheochromocytomas, paragangliomas, and medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTCs) originate in cells that share a common neuroectodermal origin. Like other neuroendocrine neoplasms, they are characterized by a propensity to secrete amines (epinephrine and norepinephrine) and peptide hormones (calcitonin). Improved understanding of underlying molecular pathways, such as mutations of the RET (rearranged during transfection) proto-oncogene, has led to new rational targeted therapies. Adrenocortical carcinomas (ACCs) originate in the steroid hormone-producing adrenal cortex. While tumors of the adrenal cortex are not, strictly speaking, part the "diffuse neuroendocrine system," they are often included in neuroendocrine tumor guidelines due to their orphan status. In this update on management of unusual neuroendocrine tumors, we review the biology and treatment of these rare neoplasms. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. Characterization of endocrine disruption potentials of coastal sediments of Taean, Korea employing H295R and MVLN assays-Reconnaissance at 5years after Hebei Spirit oil spill.

    PubMed

    Liu, Xiaoshan; Jung, Dawoon; Zhou, Kairu; Lee, Sangwoo; Noh, Kiwan; Khim, Jong Seong; Giesy, John P; Yim, Un Hyuk; Shim, Won Joon; Choi, Kyungho

    2018-02-01

    Endocrine disrupting potentials were assessed for sediment samples collected near Hebei Spirit oil spill (HSOS) site, between December 2007 and January 2012. For comparison, major crude oil (CO) of HSOS, or its weathered form were assessed. Both raw extracts (REs) and their fractionated samples were tested using H295R and MVLNluc bioassays. In H295R cells, REs of crude and weathered oil (WO), and nine of 14 sediments significantly increased E2 levels, which were correlated with the concentrations of PAHs. Steroidogenic disruption potentials of the sediments generally decreased over time. Among silica fractions of all REs, aromatic hydrocarbons (F2) and polar compounds (F3) caused greater E2 levels. While, in MVLN cell bioassay, only three of 14 sediment REs showed estrogen receptor binding potencies, and no temporal trend was observed. In conclusion, oil spill can cause endocrine disruption in the affected ecosystem through steroidogenic alteration for years, and such potencies attenuate over time. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. DNA methylation profiling identifies global methylation differences and markers of adrenocortical tumors.

    PubMed

    Rechache, Nesrin S; Wang, Yonghong; Stevenson, Holly S; Killian, J Keith; Edelman, Daniel C; Merino, Maria; Zhang, Lisa; Nilubol, Naris; Stratakis, Constantine A; Meltzer, Paul S; Kebebew, Electron

    2012-06-01

    It is not known whether there are any DNA methylation alterations in adrenocortical tumors. The objective of the study was to determine the methylation profile of normal adrenal cortex and benign and malignant adrenocortical tumors. Genome-wide methylation status of CpG regions were determined in normal (n = 19), benign (n = 48), primary malignant (n = 8), and metastatic malignant (n = 12) adrenocortical tissue samples. An integrated analysis of genome-wide methylation and mRNA expression in benign vs. malignant adrenocortical tissue samples was also performed. Methylation profiling revealed the following: 1) that methylation patterns were distinctly different and could distinguish normal, benign, primary malignant, and metastatic tissue samples; 2) that malignant samples have global hypomethylation; and 3) that the methylation of CpG regions are different in benign adrenocortical tumors by functional status. Normal compared with benign samples had the least amount of methylation differences, whereas normal compared with primary and metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma samples had the greatest variability in methylation (adjusted P ≤ 0.01). Of 215 down-regulated genes (≥2-fold, adjusted P ≤ 0.05) in malignant primary adrenocortical tumor samples, 52 of these genes were also hypermethylated. Malignant adrenocortical tumors are globally hypomethylated as compared with normal and benign tumors. Methylation profile differences may accurately distinguish between primary benign and malignant adrenocortical tumors. Several differentially methylated sites are associated with genes known to be dysregulated in malignant adrenocortical tumors.

  3. First Case Report of a Sporadic Adrenocortical Carcinoma With Gastric Metastasis and a Synchronous Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor of the Stomach.

    PubMed

    Kovecsi, Attila; Jung, Ioan; Bara, Tivadar; Bara, Tivadar; Azamfirei, Leonard; Kovacs, Zsolt; Gurzu, Simona

    2015-09-01

    Adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare tumor with high aggresivity that can associate systemic metastases. A 71-year-old man was hospitalized for gastric cancer. The abdominal computed tomography also revealed a tumor above the right kidney. Total gastrectomy and right adrenalectomy were performed. The encapsulated tumor of the adrenal gland weighed 560 grams and presented diffuse tumor architecture under microscope, with capsular, sinusoidal, and vascular invasion. The large tumor cells had a polygonal shape, with slight basophilic, eosinophilic, or vacuolated cytoplasm, pleomorphic nuclei, and a high mitotic rate. In the stomach, the protruded tumor was covered by normal mucosa; under microscope, the tumor cells were observed only in the submucosal layer. In primary adrenal tumor and gastric metastasis the tumor cells were marked by vimentin, inhibin, synaptophysin, neuron-specific enolase, and calretinin. Based on these criteria, the diagnosis of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) with gastric metastasis and no lymph node metastases was established. A synchronous 10 × 10-mm-sized gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) of the stomach, without mitoses, was also identified. So far, as we know, this is the 15th case of ever reported synchronous/metachronous sporadic ACCs; the ACC-related gastric metastases either synchronous ACC and GIST, has not been reported in the literature previously.

  4. Surgical management and clinical prognosis of adrenocortical carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Dong, Dexin; Li, Hanzhong; Yan, Weigang; Ji, Zhigang; Mao, Quanzong

    2012-01-01

    To study the relationship between surgical management and prognosis of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) in order to guide the surgical management of ACC. Clinical data of 45 cases of ACC treated in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The 45 cases included 3 cases in stage I, 12 cases in stage II, 7 cases in stage III, and 23 cases in stage IV. 17 cases underwent complete excision, 14 cases underwent palliative excision, 8 cases had non-operative treatment and 6 cases gave up treatment. All patients were followed up from 2 to 141 months. The average survival time of 31 patients with surgery was 32.46 months, and the average survival time of 14 patients without surgery was 4.75 months. There were statistically significant differences between the two groups (p < 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in survival time in stage III and stage IV (p > 0.05). Surgery is considered to be the only method to cure ACC. For ACC in stage I and II, tumor resection is the most effective treatment, and second surgical operation is recommended for local recurrence. For ACC in stage III, extensive surgical operation is recommended, and for ACC in stage IV, surgical operation has no effect on the prognosis. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  5. GPER-independent inhibition of adrenocortical cancer growth by G-1 involves ROS/Egr-1/BAX pathway.

    PubMed

    Casaburi, Ivan; Avena, Paola; De Luca, Arianna; Sirianni, Rosa; Rago, Vittoria; Chimento, Adele; Trotta, Francesca; Campana, Carmela; Rainey, William E; Pezzi, Vincenzo

    2017-12-29

    We previously demonstrated that treatment of the H295R adrenocortical cancer cell line with the non-steroidal, high-affinity GPER (G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1) agonist G-1 reduced tumor growth in vitro and in vivo through a GPER independent action. Moreover, we observed that G-1 treatment induces cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis following a sustained ERK1/2 activation. However, the precise mechanisms causing these effects were not clarified. Starting from our preliminary published results, we performed a microarray study that clearly evidenced a strong and significative up-regulation of EGR-1 gene in H295R cells treated for 24h with micromolar concentration of G-1. The microarray findings were confirmed by RT-PCR and Western-blot analysis as well as by immunofluorescence that revealed a strong nuclear staining for EGR-1 after G-1 treatment. EGR-1 is a point of convergence of many intracellular signaling cascades that control tumor cell growth and proliferation as well as others that relate to cell death machinery. Here we found that the increased Egr-1 expression was a consequence of G-1-mediated ROS-dependent ERK activation that were promptly reversed by the presence of the antioxidant n-acetyl-cysteine. Finally, we observed that silencing EGR-1 gene expression reversed the main effects induced by G-1 in ACC cells, including upregulation of the negative regulator of cell cycle, p21 Waf1/Cip1 and the positive regulator of mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, BAX, as well as the cell growth inhibition. The identified ROS/MAPK/Egr-1/BAX pathway as a potential off-target effect of the G-1 could be useful in implementing the pharmacological approach for ACC therapy.

  6. The miR-290-295 cluster as multi-faceted players in mouse embryonic stem cells.

    PubMed

    Yuan, Kai; Ai, Wen-Bing; Wan, Lin-Yan; Tan, Xiao; Wu, Jiang-Feng

    2017-01-01

    Increasing evidence indicates that embryonic stem cell specific microRNAs (miRNAs) play an essential role in the early development of embryo. Among them, the miR-290-295 cluster is the most highly expressed in the mouse embryonic stem cells and involved in various biological processes. In this paper, we reviewed the research progress of the function of the miR-290-295 cluster in embryonic stem cells. The miR-290-295 cluster is involved in regulating embryonic stem cell pluripotency maintenance, self-renewal, and reprogramming somatic cells to an embryonic stem cell-like state. Moreover, the miR-290-295 cluster has a latent pro-survival function in embryonic stem cells and involved in tumourigenesis and senescence with a great significance. Elucidating the interaction between the miR-290-295 cluster and other modes of gene regulation will provide us new ideas on the biology of pluripotent stem cells. In the near future, the broad prospects of the miRNA cluster will be shown in the stem cell field, such as altering cell identities with high efficiency through the transient introduction of tissue-specific miRNA cluster.

  7. Contribution of the TP53 R337H mutation to the cancer burden in southern Brazil: Insights from the study of 55 families of children with adrenocortical tumors.

    PubMed

    Mastellaro, Maria J; Seidinger, Ana L; Kang, Guolian; Abrahão, Renata; Miranda, Eliana C M; Pounds, Stanley B; Cardinalli, Izilda A; Aguiar, Simone S; Figueiredo, Bonald C; Rodriguez-Galindo, Carlos; Brandalise, Silvia R; Yunes, José A; Barros-Filho, Antônio de A; Ribeiro, Raul C

    2017-08-15

    The tumor protein p53 (TP53) arginine-to-histidine mutation at codon 337 (R337H) predisposes children to adrenocortical tumors (ACTs) and, rarely, to other childhood tumors, but its impact on adult cancer remains undetermined. The objective of this study was to investigate the frequency and types of cancer in relatives of children with ACT who carry the TP53 R337H mutation. TP53 R337H testing was offered to relatives of probands with ACT. The parental lineage segregating the R337H mutation was identified in all families. The frequency and distribution of cancer types were compared according to R337H status. The authors' data also were compared with those publicly available for children with TP53 mutations other than R337H. The mean and median follow-up times for the probands with ACT were 11.2 years and 9.7 years (range, 3-32 years), respectively. During this time, cancer was diagnosed in 12 of 81 first-degree relatives (14.8%) carrying the R337H mutation but in only 1 of 94 noncarriers (1.1%; P = .0022). At age 45 years, the cumulative risk of cancer was 21% (95% confidence interval, 5%-33%) in carriers and 2% (95% confidence interval, 0%-4%) in noncarriers (P = .008). The frequency of cancer was higher in the R337H segregating lineages than in the nonsegregating lineages (249 of 1410 vs 66 of 984 individuals; P < .001). Breast and gastric cancer were the most common types. TP53 R337H carriers have a lifelong predisposition to cancer with a bimodal age distribution: 1 peak, represented by ACT, occurs in the first decade of life, and another peak of diverse cancer types occurs in the fifth decade. The current findings have implications for genetic counseling and surveillance of R337H carriers. Cancer 2017;123:3150-58. © 2017 American Cancer Society. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

  8. Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen Is a Potential Antiangiogenic Target in Adrenocortical Carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Crowley, Michael J P; Scognamiglio, Theresa; Liu, Yi-Fang; Kleiman, David A; Beninato, Toni; Aronova, Anna; Liu, He; Jhanwar, Yuliya S; Molina, Ana; Tagawa, Scott T; Bander, Neil H; Zarnegar, Rasa; Elemento, Olivier; Fahey, Thomas J

    2016-03-01

    Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare tumor type with a poor prognosis and few therapeutic options. Assess prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) expression as a potential novel therapeutic target for ACC. Expression of PSMA was evaluated in benign and malignant adrenal tumors and 1 patient with metastatic ACC. This study took place at a tertiary referral center. Fifty adrenal samples were evaluated, including 16 normal adrenal glands, 16 adrenocortical adenomas, 15 primary ACC, and 3 ACC metastases. Demographics, PSMA expression levels via real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry and whole-body positron emission tomography-computed tomography standardized uptake values for 1 patient. qPCR demonstrated an elevated level of PSMA in ACC relative to all benign tissues (P < .05). Immunohistochemistry localized PSMA expression to the neovasculature of ACC and confirmed overexpression of PSMA in ACC relative to benign tissues both in intensity and percentage of vessels stained (78% of ACC, 0% of normal adrenal, and 3.27% of adenoma-associated neovasculature; P < .001). Those with more than 25% PSMA-positive vessels were 33 times more likely to be malignant than benign (odds ratio, P < .001). Whole-body positron emission tomography-computed tomography imaging showed targeting of anti-PSMA Zr89-J591 to 5/5 of the patient's multiple lung masses with an average measurement of 3.49 ± 1.86 cm and a standardized uptake value of 1.4 ± 0.65 relative to blood pool at 0.8 standardized uptake value. PSMA is significantly overexpressed in ACC neovasculature when compared with normal and benign adrenal tumors. PSMA expression can be used to image ACC metastases in vivo and may be considered as a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target in ACC.

  9. Adrenocortical Carcinoma in Children: A Clinicopathological Analysis of 41 Patients at the Mayo Clinic from 1950 to 2017.

    PubMed

    Gupta, Nidhi; Rivera, Michael; Novotny, Paul; Rodriguez, Vilmarie; Bancos, Irina; Lteif, Aida

    2018-05-25

    Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is an aggressive childhood cancer. Limited evidence exists on a definite histopathological criterion to differentiate ACC from adrenocortical adenoma. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological data of children with ACC, identify prognostic factors, and validate a histopathological criterion to differentiate ACC from adrenocortical adenoma. This retrospective cohort included 41 children, followed at the Mayo Clinic from 1950 to 2017 (onset of symptoms ≤21 years). Outcomes of interest were: alive with no evidence of disease, alive with evidence of disease, and dead of disease. Median age at onset of symptoms was 15.7 years (n = 41; range, 0.2-21 years). Female:male ratio was 3.6: 1. Mixed symptomatology (> 1 hormone abnormality) was the most common presentation (54%, n = 22). Sixty-six percent of patients (n = 27 out of 41) underwent total adrenalectomy. Metastatic disease was more common in children aged > 12 years (p = 0.002 compared to < 4 years). The most common sites of metastases were the liver and lungs. Overall 2-year and 5-year survival rates were 61% (95% CI 45-77) and 46% (95% CI 30-62), respectively. Metastasis at the time of diagnosis was independently associated with poor prognosis (risk ratio 13.7%; 95% CI 3.9-87.7). Weiss criteria (29%) and modified Weiss criteria (33%) were less accurate in younger patients (< 12 years), compared to the Wieneke index (100%). The presence of metastases was an independent prognostic factor. The Wieneke index was the most accurate in predicting clinical outcomes in younger children. © 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  10. Composite Adrenocortical Carcinoma and Neuroblastoma in an Infant With a TP53 Germline Mutation: A Case Report and Literature Review.

    PubMed

    Tang, Yue-Jia; Yu, Ting-Ting; Ma, Jing; Zhou, Ying; Xu, Min; Gao, Yi-Jin

    2018-05-09

    Li-Fraumeni syndrome is a kind of hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes, and is caused by TP53 gene mutation. Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is commonly described as the most closely related tumor with this disease. Here, we present a case of a male infant with composite ACC and neuroblastoma who inherited a TP53 gene mutation from his mother, a 20-year-old carrier without any tumor to date. This TP53 gene mutation may be pathogenic and lead to composite malignancies of ACC and neuroblastoma.

  11. Major prognostic role of Ki67 in localized adrenocortical carcinoma after complete resection.

    PubMed

    Beuschlein, Felix; Weigel, Jens; Saeger, Wolfgang; Kroiss, Matthias; Wild, Vanessa; Daffara, Fulvia; Libé, Rosella; Ardito, Arianna; Al Ghuzlan, Abir; Quinkler, Marcus; Oßwald, Andrea; Ronchi, Cristina L; de Krijger, Ronald; Feelders, Richard A; Waldmann, Jens; Willenberg, Holger S; Deutschbein, Timo; Stell, Anthony; Reincke, Martin; Papotti, Mauro; Baudin, Eric; Tissier, Frédérique; Haak, Harm R; Loli, Paola; Terzolo, Massimo; Allolio, Bruno; Müller, Hans-Helge; Fassnacht, Martin

    2015-03-01

    Recurrence of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) even after complete (R0) resection occurs frequently. The aim of this study was to identify markers with prognostic value for patients in this clinical setting. From the German ACC registry, 319 patients with the European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumors stage I-III were identified. As an independent validation cohort, 250 patients from three European countries were included. Clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical markers were correlated with recurrence-free (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Although univariable analysis within the German cohort suggested several factors with potential prognostic power, upon multivariable adjustment only a few including age, tumor size, venous tumor thrombus (VTT), and the proliferation marker Ki67 retained significance. Among these, Ki67 provided the single best prognostic value for RFS (hazard ratio [HR] for recurrence, 1.042 per 1% increase; P < .0001) and OS (HR for death, 1.051; P < .0001) which was confirmed in the validation cohort. Accordingly, clinical outcome differed significantly between patients with Ki67 <10%, 10-19%, and ≥20% (for the German cohort: median RFS, 53.2 vs 31.6 vs 9.4 mo; median OS, 180.5 vs 113.5 vs 42.0 mo). Using the combined cohort prognostic scores including tumor size, VTT, and Ki67 were established. Although these scores discriminated slightly better between subgroups, there was no clinically meaningful advantage in comparison with Ki67 alone. This largest study on prognostic markers in localized ACC identified Ki67 as the single most important factor predicting recurrence in patients following R0 resection. Thus, evaluation of Ki67 indices should be introduced as standard grading in all pathology reports of patients with ACC.

  12. Transcription factor GATA-4 is a marker of anaplasia in adrenocortical neoplasms of the domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo).

    PubMed

    Peterson, R A; Kiupel, M; Bielinska, M; Kiiveri, S; Heikinheimo, M; Capen, C C; Wilson, D B

    2004-07-01

    Adrenocortical neoplasms are a common cause of morbidity in neutered ferrets. Recently we showed that gonadectomized DBA/2J mice develop adrenocortical tumors that express transcription factor GATA-4. Therefore, we screened archival specimens of adrenocortical neoplasms from neutered ferrets to determine whether GATA-4 could be used as a tumor marker in this species. Nuclear immunoreactivity for GATA-4 was evident in 19/22 (86%) of ferret adrenocortical carcinomas and was prominent in areas exhibiting myxoid differentiation. Normal adrenocortical cells lacked GATA-4 expression. Two other markers of adrenocortical tumors in gonadectomized mice, inhibin-alpha and luteinizing hormone receptor, were coexpressed with GATA-4 in some of the ferret tumors. No GATA-4 expression was observed in three cases of nodular hyperplasia, but patches of anaplastic cells expressing GATA-4 were evident in 7/14 (50%) of tumors classified as adenomas. We conclude that GATA-4 can function as a marker of anaplasia in ferret adrenocortical tumors.

  13. Gemcitabine-Based Chemotherapy in Adrenocortical Carcinoma: A Multicenter Study of Efficacy and Predictive Factors.

    PubMed

    Henning, Judith E K; Deutschbein, Timo; Altieri, Barbara; Steinhauer, Sonja; Kircher, Stefan; Sbiera, Silviu; Wild, Vanessa; Schlötelburg, Wiebke; Kroiss, Matthias; Perotti, Paola; Rosenwald, Andreas; Berruti, Alfredo; Fassnacht, Martin; Ronchi, Cristina L

    2017-11-01

    Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is rare and confers an unfavorable prognosis in advanced stages. Other than combination chemotherapy with cisplatin, etoposide, doxorubicin, and mitotane, the second- and third-line regimens are not well-established. Gemcitabine (GEM)-based chemotherapy was suggested in a phase 2 clinical trial with 28 patients. In other solid tumors, human equilibrative nucleoside transporter type 1 (hENT1) and/or ribonucleotide reductase catalytic subunit M1 (RRM1) expression have been associated with resistance to GEM. To assess the efficacy of GEM-based chemotherapy in ACC in a real-world setting and the predictive role of molecular parameters. Retrospective multicenter study. Referral centers of university hospitals. A total of 145 patients with advanced ACC were treated with GEM-based chemotherapy (132 with concomitant capecitabine). Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor material was available for 70 patients for immunohistochemistry. The main outcome measures were progression-free survival (PFS) and an objective response to GEM-based chemotherapy. The secondary objective was the predictive role of hENT1 and RRM1. The median PFS for the patient population was 12 weeks (range, 1 to 94). A partial response or stable disease was achieved in 4.9% and 25.0% of cases, with a median duration of 26.8 weeks. Treatment was generally well tolerated, with adverse events of grade 3 or 4 occurring in 11.0% of cases. No substantial effect of hENT1 and/or RRM1 expression was observed in response to GEM-based chemotherapy. GEM-based chemotherapy is a well-tolerated, but modestly active, regimen against advanced ACC. No reliable molecular predictive factors could be identified. Owing to the scarce alternative therapeutic options, GEM-based chemotherapy remains an important option for salvage treatment for advanced ACC. Copyright © 2017 Endocrine Society

  14. Pitfalls in the diagnosis of adrenocortical tumors: a lesson from 300 consultation cases.

    PubMed

    Duregon, Eleonora; Volante, Marco; Bollito, Enrico; Goia, Margherita; Buttigliero, Consuelo; Zaggia, Barbara; Berruti, Alfredo; Scagliotti, Giorgio Vittorio; Papotti, Mauro

    2015-12-01

    The correct pathologic classification of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is relevant to establish an early therapeutic strategy of this rare malignancy. The aim of the study was to assess the most frequent pitfalls in ACC diagnosis reviewing a large consecutive series of 300 cases with an original diagnosis or a clinical suspect of ACC, which were sent in consultation to our institution between 2004 and 2014. A major disagreement that significantly modified the clinical management of patients was recorded in 26 cases (9%). The most common pitfall (10 cases) was to distinguish ACC from pheochromocytoma and vice versa. Seven other cases diagnosed as ACC were reclassified as metastases from other primaries and primary adrenal soft tissue tumors (including 3 angiosarcomas). Finally, 5 adrenocortical adenomas were reclassified into carcinomas, and 4 ACCs were converted into adenomas. Minor disagreements were mostly related to the identification of ACC variants (up to 32% of cases of adrenocortical tumors in the present series). Moreover, more than 50% of ACC cases lacked Ki-67. In conclusion, our results indicate that, in the presence of a histologically suspected ACC, a special attention should be devoted to exclude metastatic and soft tissue tumors and pheochromocytoma (in this latter case with special reference to the oncocytic variant of adrenocortical tumors). Moreover, pathologists should be aware of the major role of Ki-67 in determining prognosis and in selecting patients to the most appropriate treatment. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Progression to Adrenocortical Tumorigenesis in Mice and Humans through Insulin-Like Growth Factor 2 and β-Catenin

    PubMed Central

    Heaton, Joanne H.; Wood, Michelle A.; Kim, Alex C.; Lima, Lorena O.; Barlaskar, Ferdous M.; Almeida, Madson Q.; Fragoso, Maria C.B.V.; Kuick, Rork; Lerario, Antonio M.; Simon, Derek P.; Soares, Ibere C.; Starnes, Elisabeth; Thomas, Dafydd G.; Latronico, Ana C.; Giordano, Thomas J.; Hammer, Gary D.

    2013-01-01

    Dysregulation of the WNT and insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) signaling pathways has been implicated in sporadic and syndromic forms of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). Abnormal β-catenin staining and CTNNB1 mutations are reported to be common in both adrenocortical adenoma and ACC, whereas elevated IGF2 expression is associated primarily with ACC. To better understand the contribution of these pathways in the tumorigenesis of ACC, we examined clinicopathological and molecular data and used mouse models. Evaluation of adrenal tumors from 118 adult patients demonstrated an increase in CTNNB1 mutations and abnormal β-catenin accumulation in both adrenocortical adenoma and ACC. In ACC, these features were adversely associated with survival. Mice with stabilized β-catenin exhibited a temporal progression of increased adrenocortical hyperplasia, with subsequent microscopic and macroscopic adenoma formation. Elevated Igf2 expression alone did not cause hyperplasia. With the combination of stabilized β-catenin and elevated Igf2 expression, adrenal glands were larger, displayed earlier onset of hyperplasia, and developed more frequent macroscopic adenomas (as well as one carcinoma). Our results are consistent with a model in which dysregulation of one pathway may result in adrenal hyperplasia, but accumulation of a second or multiple alterations is necessary for tumorigenesis. PMID:22800756

  16. The Weiss score and beyond--histopathology for adrenocortical carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Papotti, Mauro; Libè, Rossella; Duregon, Eleonora; Volante, Marco; Bertherat, Jerome; Tissier, Frederique

    2011-12-01

    The pathological diagnosis of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is still challenging for its rarity and the presence of special variants (pediatric, oncocytic, myxoid, and sarcomatoid). It is based on the recognition at light microscopy of at least three among nine morphological parameters, according to the Weiss scoring system, which has been introduced 27 years ago and nowadays is the most widely employed. Nevertheless, the diagnostic performance of this system is very high but does not reach a sensitivity and specificity of 100%, its diagnostic applicability is potentially low among non-expert pathologists, and a group of borderline cases with only one or two criteria exist of uncertain behavior. Moreover, it is scarcely reproducible in the ACC morphological variants. In fact, specifically for the pure oncocytic neoplasms that seem to have a better prognosis in comparison to the conventional ACCs, a modified system (the Lin-Weiss-Bisceglia) has been proposed. With the aim to simplify the ACC diagnosis, 2 years ago, the "reticulin" diagnostic algorithm has been proposed, based on the observation that the tumoral reticulin framework (highlighted by reticulin silver-based histochemical staining) is consistently disrupted in malignant cases but only in a small subset of benign cases. Following this algorithm, in the presence of reticulin alterations, malignancy is further defined through the identification of at least one of the following parameters: necrosis, high mitotic rate, and venous invasion. As a complement to the morphological approach, some immunohistochemical markers (such as steroidogenic factor 1) have been proposed as diagnostic and prognostic adjuncts but still lack wide clinical validation.

  17. Adrenocortical adenoma and carcinoma: histopathological and molecular comparative analysis.

    PubMed

    Stojadinovic, Alexander; Brennan, Murray F; Hoos, Axel; Omeroglu, Atilla; Leung, Denis H Y; Dudas, Maria E; Nissan, Aviram; Cordon-Cardo, Carlos; Ghossein, Ronald A

    2003-08-01

    We compared histomorphological features and molecular expression profiles of adrenocortical adenomas (ACAd) and carcinomas (ACCa). A critical histopathological review (mean, 11 slides per patient) was conducted of 37 ACAd and 67 ACCa. Paraffin-embedded tissue cores of ACAd (n = 33) and ACCa (n = 38) were arrayed in triplicate on tissue microarrays. Expression profiles of p53, mdm-2, p21, Bcl-2, cyclin D1, p27, and Ki-67 were investigated by immunohistochemistry and correlated with histopathology and patient outcome using standard statistical methodology. Median follow-up period was 5 years. Tumor necrosis, atypical mitoses, and >1 mitosis per 50 high-power fields were factors that were highly specific for ACCa (P <.001). Number (0 to 4) of unfavorable markers [Ki-67 (+), p21 (+), p27 (+), mdm-2(-)] expressed was significantly associated with mitotic activity and morphologic index (i.e., number of adverse morphologic features) and highly predictive of malignancy (P <.001). Ki-67 overexpression occurred in 0 ACAd and 36% ACCa (P <.001) and was significantly associated with mitotic rate and unfavorable morphologic index (P <.001). Tumor necrosis, atypical mitoses, >5 mitoses per 50 high-power fields, sinusoidal invasion, histologic index of >5, and presence of more than two unfavorable molecular markers were associated significantly with metastasis in ACCa. Well-established histopathologic criteria and Ki-67 can specifically distinguish ACCAd from ACCa. Tumor cell proliferation (Ki-67) correlates with mitotic activity and morphologic index. Tumor morphology is a better predictor of metastatic risk in ACCa than current immunohistochemistry-detected cell cycle regulatory and proliferation-associated proteins.

  18. Chiral effects in adrenocorticolytic action of o,p'-DDD (mitotane) in human adrenal cells.

    PubMed

    Asp, V; Cantillana, T; Bergman, A; Brandt, I

    2010-03-01

    Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignant disease with poor prognosis. The main pharmacological choice, o,p'-DDD (mitotane), produces severe adverse effects. Since o,p'-DDD is a chiral molecule and stereoisomers frequently possess different pharmacokinetic and/or pharmacodynamic properties, we isolated the two o,p'-DDD enantiomers, (R)-(+)-o,p'-DDD and (S)-(-)-o,p'-DDD, and determined their absolute structures. The effects of each enantiomer on cell viability and on cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) secretion in the human adrenocortical cell line H295R were assessed. We also assayed the o,p'-DDD racemate and the m,p'- and p,p'-isomers. The results show small but statistically significant differences in activity of the o,p'-DDD enantiomers for all parameters tested. The three DDD isomers were equally potent in decreasing cell viability, but p,p'-DDD affected hormone secretion slightly less than the o,p'- and m,p'-isomers. The small chiral differences in direct effects on target cells alone do not warrant single enantiomer administration, but might reach importance in conjunction with possible stereochemical effects on pharmacokinetic processes in vivo.

  19. Biology is Destiny: A Case of Adrenocortical Carcinoma Diagnosed and Resected at Inception in a Patient Under Close Surveillance for Lung Cancer.

    PubMed

    Miron, Benjamin; Ristau, Benjamin T; Tomaszewski, Jeffrey J; Jones, Josh; Milestone, Bart; Wong, Yu-Ning; Uzzo, Robert G; Edmondson, Donna; Scott, Walter; Kutikov, Alexander

    2016-11-01

    Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy that is generally associated with a poor prognosis whose existence dictates the management of incidental renal masses. We report a case of ACC diagnosed and treated at its apparent inception in a patient undergoing close surveillance imaging of a prior malignancy. Despite timely detection and resection of a localized ACC this patient rapidly progressed to systemic disease. This case highlights the rapid growth kinetics of ACC and puts into perspective the challenges associated with the established treatment paradigm for patients diagnosed with an adrenal mass.

  20. Carboetomidate: A Pyrrole Analogue of Etomidate Designed Not To Suppress Adrenocortical Function

    PubMed Central

    Cotten, Joseph F.; Forman, Stuart A.; Laha, Joydev K.; Cuny, Gregory D.; Husain, S. Shaukat; Miller, Keith W.; Nguyen, Hieu H.; Kelly, Elizabeth W.; Stewart, Deirdre; Liu, Aiping; Raines, Douglas E.

    2010-01-01

    Background Etomidate is a sedative-hypnotic that is often used in critically ill patients because it provides superior hemodynamic stability. However it also binds with high affinity to 11β-hydroxylase, potently suppressing synthesis of steroids by the adrenal gland that are necessary for survival. We report the results of studies to define the pharmacology of (R)-ethyl 1-(1-phenylethyl)-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylate (carboetomidate), a pyrrole analogue of etomidate specifically designed not to bind with high affinity to 11β-hydroxylase. Methods The hypnotic potency of carboetomidate was defined in tadpoles and rats using loss of righting reflex assays. Its ability to enhance wild-type α1β2γ2L and etomidate-insensitive mutant α1β2(M286W)γ2L human γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor activities was assessed using electrophysiological techniques. Its potency for inhibiting in vitro cortisol synthesis was defined using a human adrenocortical cell assay. Its effects on in vivo hemodynamic and adrenocortical function were defined in rats. Results Carboetomidate was a potent hypnotic in tadpoles and rats. It increased currents mediated by wild-type, but not etomidate-insensitive mutant γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors. Carboetomidate was three orders of magnitude less potent an inhibitor of in vitro cortisol synthesis by adrenocortical cells than was etomidate. In rats, carboetomidate caused minimal hemodynamic changes and did not suppress adrenocortical function at hypnotic doses. Conclusions Carboetomidate is an etomidate analogue that retains many of etomidate’s beneficial properties, but is dramatically less potent as an inhibitor of adrenocortical steroid synthesis. Carboetomidate is a promising new sedative-hypnotic for potential use in critically ill patients in whom adrenocortical suppression is undesirable. PMID:20179500

  1. ULTRASTRUCTURE, STEROIDOGENIC POTENTIAL, AND ENERGY METABOLISM OF THE SNELL ADRENOCORTICAL CARCINOMA 494

    PubMed Central

    Kimmel, G. L.; Péron, F. G.; Haksar, A.; Bedigian, E.; Robidoux, W. F.; Lin, M. T.

    1974-01-01

    Electron microscope studies were carried out with the adrenocortical carcinoma 494 and normal adrenal cortex tissue. The mitochondria of the tumor cells showed marked differences when compared with mitochondria from fasciculata cells of the normal adrenal cortex. These differences were primarily related to mitochondrial number and crista structure. Corticosterone production in isolated tumor cells was extremely low and neither ACTH nor dibutyryl cyclic AMP had any stimulatory effect. Normal adrenal cells showed at least a tenfold increase under identical conditions. In the presence of corticosteroid precursors the amount of corticosterone produced by the tumor cells was much less than that produced by normal cells. The results indicate a reduced capacity for 11β-hydroxylation in the tumor mitochondria and a possible reduced capacity for biosynthetic steps before the 11β-hydroxylation reaction. Glycolysis in isolated tumor cells was also lower than in normal cells. Isolated tumor mitochondria oxidized succinate normally with a good degree of coupling with phosphorylation. However, unlike normal adrenal mitochondria, the tumor mitochondria showed little or no oxygen uptake with other Krebs cycle substrates. These data suggest that the tumor mitochondria may be lacking in the flavoprotein dehydrogenases responsible for the oxidation of NADH and NADPH, although other components of the respiratory chain may be intact. PMID:4366105

  2. The reticulin algorithm for adrenocortical tumor diagnosis: a multicentric validation study on 245 unpublished cases.

    PubMed

    Duregon, Eleonora; Fassina, Ambrogio; Volante, Marco; Nesi, Gabriella; Santi, Raffaella; Gatti, Gaia; Cappellesso, Rocco; Dalino Ciaramella, Paolo; Ventura, Laura; Gambacorta, Marcello; Dei Tos, Angelo Paolo; Loli, Paola; Mannelli, Massimo; Mantero, Franco; Berruti, Alfredo; Terzolo, Massimo; Papotti, Mauro

    2013-09-01

    The pathologic diagnosis of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) still needs to be improved, because the renowned Weiss Score (WS) system has a poor reproducibility of some parameters and is difficult to apply in borderline cases and in ACC variants. The "reticulin algorithm" (RA) defines malignancy through an altered reticulin framework associated with 1 of the 3 following parameter: necrosis, high mitotic rate, and vascular invasion. This study aimed at validating the interobserver reproducibility of reticulin stain evaluation in an unpublished series of 245 adrenocortical tumors (61 adenomas and 184 carcinomas) from 5 Italian centers, classified according to the WS. Eight pathologists reviewed all reticulin-stained slides. After training, a second round of evaluation on discordant cases was performed 10 weeks later. The RA reclassified 67 cases (27%) as adenomas, including 44 with no reticulin alterations and 23 with an altered reticulin framework but lacking the subsequent parameters of the triad. The other 178 cases (73%) were carcinomas according to the above-mentioned criteria. A complete (8/8 pathologists) interobserver agreement was reached in 75% of cases (κ=0.702), irrespective of case derivation, pathologists' experience, and histologic variants, and was further improved when only those cases with high WS and clinically malignant behavior were considered. After the training, the overall agreement increased to 86%. We conclude that reticulin staining is a reliable technique and an easy-to-interpret system in adrenocortical tumors; moreover, it has a high interobserver reproducibility, which supports the notion of using such a method in the proposed 2-step RA approach for ACC diagnosis.

  3. Adjuvant helical IMRT by tomotherapy for bulky adrenocortical carcinoma operated with positive margins: a case report.

    PubMed

    Delmastro, Elena; Garibaldi, Elisabetta; Gabriele, Domenico; Bresciani, Sara; Cattari, Gabriella; Dia, Amalia Di; Manini, Claudia; Collura, Devis; Redda, Maria Grazia Ruo; Gabriele, Pietro

    2016-11-11

    Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare tumor in the adult. The main therapy is surgery but in some cases radiotherapy may be needed to control the disease locally. A patient with a surgically removed bulky ACC and pathologic finding of a positive margin was treated at our center by adjuvant mitotane and radiotherapy using an intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)/image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) technique by tomotherapy. Dose prescriptions were 63 Gy on the surgical bed and 50.4 Gy on the lymphatic drainage in 28 sessions. Patient compliance was good with no evidence of acute or late toxicities. Thirty months after radiotherapy, the patient is alive without evidence of disease checked by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography and without any complication. In patients with adverse prognostic features, the delivery of adequate adjuvant radiotherapy doses with IMRT and daily IGRT is feasible and safe and could result in an improved outcome for patients with ACC.

  4. Adrenocortical carcinoma: the dawn of a new era of genomic and molecular biology analysis.

    PubMed

    Armignacco, R; Cantini, G; Canu, L; Poli, G; Ercolino, T; Mannelli, M; Luconi, M

    2018-05-01

    Over the last decade, the development of novel and high penetrance genomic approaches to analyze biological samples has provided very new insights in the comprehension of the molecular biology and genetics of tumors. The use of these techniques, consisting of exome sequencing, transcriptome, miRNome, chromosome alteration, genome, and epigenome analysis, has also been successfully applied to adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). In fact, the analysis of large cohorts of patients allowed the stratification of ACC with different patterns of molecular alterations, associated with different outcomes, thus providing a novel molecular classification of the malignancy to be associated with the classical pathological analysis. Improving our knowledge about ACC molecular features will result not only in a better diagnostic and prognostic accuracy, but also in the identification of more specific therapeutic targets for the development of more effective pharmacological anti-cancer approaches. In particular, the specific molecular alteration profiles identified in ACC may represent targetable events by the use of already developed or newly designed drugs enabling a better and more efficacious management of the ACC patient in the context of new frontiers of personalized precision medicine.

  5. Abnormal regulation of adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate and corticosterone formation in an adrenocortical carcinoma

    PubMed Central

    Ney, R. L.; Hochella, N. J.; Grahame-Smith, D. G.; Dexter, R. N.; Butcher, R. W.

    1969-01-01

    A spontaneously occurring rat adrenocortical carcinoma which produces corticosterone was maintained by transplantation. The carcinoma appeared to utilize corticosterone biosynthetic steps similar to those of the normal adrenal, but the tumor produced only about 1-10% as much corticosterone per unit tissue weight as nontumorous adrenal glands. The tumor demonstrated little or no increase in corticosterone production in response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) either in vivo or in vitro. In normal adrenals, ACTH increases the activity of adenyl cyclase which catalyzes the conversion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to adenosine-3′,5′-monophosphate (cyclic AMP), the latter then serving as an intracellular regulator of steroidogenesis. ACTH failed to increase cyclic AMP levels in the tumor in vivo or in slices in vitro, conditions under which there were 50- and 20-fold increases in nontumorous adrenals. However, in homogenates fortified with exogenous ATP, adenyl cyclase activity was comparable in the tumor and adrenals, and cyclic AMP formation was increased 3-fold by ACTH in each. As measured in homogenates, the tumor did not possess a greater ability to destroy cyclic AMP than did normal adrenals. Although ATP levels in the carcinoma were found to be considerably lower than those in normal adrenals, it was not clear that this finding can explain the inability of ACTH to increase cyclic AMP levels in intact tumor cells. While the failure to normally influence cyclic AMP levels in the carcinoma cells could be an important factor in the lack of a steroid response to ACTH, several lines of evidence suggest that the tumor possesses one or more additional abnormalities in the regulation of steroidogenesis. First, in the absence of ACTH stimulation, the tissue concentrations of cyclic AMP were comparable in the tumor and in nontumorous adrenals, but these cyclic AMP levels were associated with a lower level of steroidogenesis in the tumor. Second, tumor slices

  6. Surgery in adrenocortical carcinoma: Importance of national cooperation and centralized surgery.

    PubMed

    Hermsen, Ilse G C; Kerkhofs, Thomas M A; den Butter, Gijsbert; Kievit, Job; van Eijck, Casper H J; Nieveen van Dijkum, Els J M; Haak, Harm R

    2012-07-01

    The low incidence rate of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) requires a multidisciplinary approach in which surgery plays an essential role because complete resection of the primary tumor is the only chance of cure. To improve patient care, insight into operative results within the ACC population is essential. In 2007, a Dutch Adrenal Network Registry was created covering care and outcome of patients treated for ACC in the Netherlands since 1965. Using this database, we performed a study (1) to gain insight into surgical performance in the Netherlands and (2) to compare operative data with international literature. Data on patients treated from 1965 until January 2008 were studied. The following data were collected: age, gender, functionality of the tumor, stage at diagnosis, operative procedure, completeness of surgery, disease recurrence, adjuvant mitotane therapy, and recurrence-free and overall survival (OS). A total of 175 patients were studied, of whom 149 underwent surgery. Patients with complete resection had significantly longer OS times than patients with incomplete resection (P = .010). Patients operated on in a Dutch Adrenal Network center had significantly longer duration of OS in both univariate (P = .011) and multivariate analysis (P = .014). A significantly greater OS was observed for operated stage IV patients compared with nonoperated patients (P = .002). Our data suggest the relevance of national cooperation and centralized surgery in ACC. For selected patients with stage IV disease, surgery can be beneficial in extending survival. On the basis of the retrospective analysis, operative ACC in the Netherlands can and will be improved. Copyright © 2012. Published by Mosby, Inc.

  7. The use of a unique co-culture model of fetoplacental steroidogenesis as a screening tool for endocrine disruptors: The effects of neonicotinoids on aromatase activity and hormone production.

    PubMed

    Caron-Beaudoin, Elyse; Viau, Rachel; Hudon-Thibeault, Andrée-Anne; Vaillancourt, Cathy; Sanderson, J Thomas

    2017-10-01

    Estrogen biosynthesis during pregnancy is dependent on the collaboration between the fetus producing the androgen precursors, and the placenta expressing the enzyme aromatase (CYP19). Disruption of estrogen production by contaminants may result in serious pregnancy outcomes. We used our recently developed in vitro co-culture model of fetoplacental steroidogenesis to screen the effects of three neonicotinoid insecticides on the catalytic activity of aromatase and the production of steroid hormones. A co-culture of H295R human adrenocortical carcinoma cells with fetal characteristics and BeWo human choriocarcinoma cells which display characteristics of the villous cytotrophoblast was exposed for 24h to various concentrations of three neonicotinoids: thiacloprid, thiamethoxam and imidacloprid. Aromatase catalytic activity was determined in both cell lines using the tritiated water-release assay. Hormone production was measured by ELISA. The three neonicotinoids induced aromatase activity in our fetoplacental co-culture and concordingly, estradiol and estrone production were increased. In contrast, estriol production was strongly inhibited by the neonicotinoids. All three pesticides induced the expression of CYP3A7 in H295R cells, and this induction was reversed by co-treatment of H295R cells with exogenous estriol. CYP3A7 is normally expressed in fetal liver and is a key enzyme involved in estriol synthesis. We suggest that neonicotinoids are metabolized by CYP3A7, thus impeding the 16α-hydroxylation of fetal DHEA(-sulfate), which is normally converted to estriol by placental aromatase. We successfully used the fetoplacental co-culture as a physiologically relevant tool to highlight the potential effects of neonicotinoids on estrogen production, aromatase activity and CYP3A7 expression during pregnancy. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Modeling Steroidogenesis Disruption Using High-Throughput ...

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Environmental chemicals can elicit endocrine disruption by altering steroid hormone biosynthesis and metabolism (steroidogenesis) causing adverse reproductive and developmental effects. Historically, a lack of assays resulted in few chemicals having been evaluated for effects on steroidogenesis. The steroidogenic pathway is a series of hydroxylation and dehydrogenation steps carried out by CYP450 and hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzymes, yet the only enzyme in the pathway for which a high-throughput screening (HTS) assay has been developed is aromatase (CYP19A1), responsible for the aromatization of androgens to estrogens. Recently, the ToxCast HTS program adapted the OECD validated H295R steroidogenesis assay using human adrenocortical carcinoma cells into a high-throughput model to quantitatively assess the concentration-dependent (0.003-100 µM) effects of chemicals on 10 steroid hormones including progestagens, androgens, estrogens and glucocorticoids. These results, in combination with two CYP19A1 inhibition assays, comprise a large dataset amenable to clustering approaches supporting the identification and characterization of putative mechanisms of action (pMOA) for steroidogenesis disruption. In total, 514 chemicals were tested in all CYP19A1 and steroidogenesis assays. 216 chemicals were identified as CYP19A1 inhibitors in at least one CYP19A1 assay. 208 of these chemicals also altered hormone levels in the H295R assay, suggesting 96% sensitivity in the

  9. Analysis of histological and immunohistochemical patterns of benign and malignant adrenocortical tumors by computerized morphometry.

    PubMed

    Dalino Ciaramella, Paolo; Vertemati, Maurizio; Petrella, Duccio; Bonacina, Edgardo; Grossrubatscher, Erika; Duregon, Eleonora; Volante, Marco; Papotti, Mauro; Loli, Paola

    2017-07-01

    Diagnosis of benign and purely localized malignant adrenocortical lesions is still a complex issue. Moreover, histology-based diagnosis may suffer of a moment of subjectivity due to inter- and intra-individual variations. The aim of the present study was to assess, by computerized morphometry, the morphological features in benign and malignant adrenocortical neoplasms. Eleven adrenocortical adenomas (ACA) were compared with 18 adrenocortical cancers (ACC). All specimens were stained with H&E, cellular proliferation marker Ki-67 and reticulin. We generated a morphometric model based on the analysis of volume fractions occupied by Ki-67 positive and negative cells (nuclei and cytoplasm), vascular and inflammatory compartment; we also analyzed the surface fraction occupied by reticulin. We compared the quantitative data of Ki-67 obtained by morphometry with the quantification resulting from pathologist's visual reading. The volume fraction of Ki-67 positive cells in ACCs was higher than in ACAs. The volume fraction of nuclei in unit volume and the nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio in both Ki-67 negative cells and Ki-67 positive cells were prominent in ACCs. The surface fraction of reticulin was considerably lower in ACCs. Our computerized morphometric model is simple, reproducible and can be used by the pathologist in the histological workup of adrenocortical tumors to achieve precise and reader-independent quantification of several morphological characteristics of adrenocortical tumors. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  10. Mutational signature analysis identifies MUTYH deficiency in colorectal cancers and adrenocortical carcinomas: Mutational signature associated with MUTYH deficiency in cancers

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Pilati, Camilla; Shinde, Jayendra; Alexandrov, Ludmil B.

    Germline alterations in DNA repair genes are implicated in cancer predisposition and can result in characteristic mutational signatures. However, specific mutational signatures associated with base excision repair (BER) defects remain to be characterized. Here, by analysing a series of colorectal cancers (CRCs) using exome sequencing, we identified a particular spectrum of somatic mutations characterized by an enrichment of C > A transversions in NpCpA or NpCpT contexts in three tumours from a MUTYH-associated polyposis (MAP) patient and in two cases harbouring pathogenic germline MUTYH mutations. In two series of adrenocortical carcinomas (ACCs), we identified four tumours with a similar signaturemore » also presenting germline MUTYH mutations. Altogether, these findings demonstrate that MUTYH inactivation results in a particular mutational signature, which may serve as a useful marker of BER-related genomic instability in new cancer types.« less

  11. Mutational signature analysis identifies MUTYH deficiency in colorectal cancers and adrenocortical carcinomas: Mutational signature associated with MUTYH deficiency in cancers

    DOE PAGES

    Pilati, Camilla; Shinde, Jayendra; Alexandrov, Ludmil B.; ...

    2017-03-29

    Germline alterations in DNA repair genes are implicated in cancer predisposition and can result in characteristic mutational signatures. However, specific mutational signatures associated with base excision repair (BER) defects remain to be characterized. Here, by analysing a series of colorectal cancers (CRCs) using exome sequencing, we identified a particular spectrum of somatic mutations characterized by an enrichment of C > A transversions in NpCpA or NpCpT contexts in three tumours from a MUTYH-associated polyposis (MAP) patient and in two cases harbouring pathogenic germline MUTYH mutations. In two series of adrenocortical carcinomas (ACCs), we identified four tumours with a similar signaturemore » also presenting germline MUTYH mutations. Altogether, these findings demonstrate that MUTYH inactivation results in a particular mutational signature, which may serve as a useful marker of BER-related genomic instability in new cancer types.« less

  12. Effects of chloro-s-triazine herbicides and metabolites on aromatase activity in various human cell lines and on vitellogenin production in male carp hepatocytes.

    PubMed Central

    Sanderson, J T; Letcher, R J; Heneweer, M; Giesy, J P; van den Berg, M

    2001-01-01

    We investigated a potential mechanism for the estrogenic properties of three chloro-s-triazine herbicides and six metabolites in vitro in several cell systems. We determined effects on human aromatase (CYP19), the enzyme that converts androgens to estrogens, in H295R (adrenocortical carcinoma), JEG-3 (placental choriocarcinoma), and MCF-7 (breast cancer) cells; we determined effects on estrogen receptor-mediated induction of vitellogenin in primary hepatocyte cultures of adult male carp (Cyprinus carpio). In addition to atrazine, simazine, and propazine, two metabolites--atrazine-desethyl and atrazine-desisopropyl--induced aromatase activity in H295R cells concentration-dependently (0.3-30 microM) and with potencies similar to those of the parent triazines. After a 24-hr exposure to 30 microM of the triazines, an apparent maximum induction of about 2- to 2.5-fold was achieved. The induction responses were confirmed by similar increases in CYP19 mRNA levels, determined by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. In JEG-3 cells, where basal aromatase expression is about 15-fold greater than in H295R cells, the induction responses were similar but less pronounced; aromatase expression in MCF-7 cells was neither detectable nor inducible under our culture conditions. The fully dealkylated metabolite atrazine-desethyl-desisopropyl and the three hydroxylated metabolites (2-OH-atrazine-desethyl, -desisopropyl, and -desethyl-desisopropyl) did not induce aromatase activity. None of the triazine herbicides nor their metabolites induced vitellogenin production in male carp hepatocytes; nor did they antagonize the induction of vitellogenin by 100 nM (EC(50) 17beta-estradiol. These findings together with other reports indicate that the estrogenic effects associated with the triazine herbicides in vivo are not estrogen receptor-mediated, but may be explained partly by their ability to induce aromatase in vitro. PMID:11675267

  13. Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the adrenal gland: A case report and review of literature.

    PubMed

    Coli, Antonella; Di Giorgio, Andrea; Castri, Federica; Destito, Carmelo; Marin, Alfredo Wiel; Bigotti, Giulio

    2010-01-15

    Reports about adrenocortical carcinomas (AC) mixed with sarcomatous areas are very rare. The terminology and pathogenesis of such biphasic tumors remain controversial. Herein, we report a case of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the adrenal gland in a 75-year-old woman who presented with left abdominal pain of one month's standing. The results of abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) showed the presence of a large heterogeneous adrenal mass. A left adrenalectomy and complete splenectomy were performed. Histologically, the neoplasm showed areas of adrenocortical carcinoma and areas of sarcomatoid spindle cell proliferation. When examined immunohistochemically, the carcinomatous cells stained positively for S-100 protein, Melan-A protein, and neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and focally for vimentin and the cytokeratin marker MNF 116. Also, the carcinomatous cells were immunoreactive to the monoclonal antibody HMB-45. The sarcomatous component expressed vimentin, as well as other smooth and skeletal muscle markers. Liver metastases appeared 3 months postoperatively. Twelve months after removal of the primary tumor, the patient died of her disease. To the best of our knowledge, only seven cases of adrenal sarcomatoid carcinoma have been reported in the medical literature. We review the reported cases according to the 2004 classification of the World Health Organization (WHO) of lung tumors, and highlight the histogenesis, diagnosis, and clinical course of this very aggressive tumor. Copyright 2009 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  14. Surgical resection of synchronously metastatic adrenocortical cancer.

    PubMed

    Dy, Benzon M; Strajina, Veljko; Cayo, Ashley K; Richards, Melanie L; Farley, David R; Grant, Clive S; Harmsen, William S; Evans, Doug B; Grubbs, Elizabeth G; Bible, Keith C; Young, William F; Perrier, Nancy D; Que, Florencia G; Nagorney, David M; Lee, Jeffrey E; Thompson, Geoffrey B

    2015-01-01

    Metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is rapidly fatal, with few options for treatment. Patients with metachronous recurrence may benefit from surgical resection. The survival benefit in patients with hematogenous metastasis at initial presentation is unknown. A review of all patients undergoing surgery (European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumors) stage IV ACC between January 2000 and December 2012 from two referral centers was performed. Kaplan-Meier estimates were analyzed for disease-free and overall survival (OS). We identified 27 patients undergoing surgery for stage IV ACC. Metastases were present in the lung (19), liver (11), and brain (1). A complete resection (R0) was achieved in 11 patients. The median OS was improved in patients undergoing R0 versus R2 resection (860 vs. 390 days; p = 0.02). The 1- and 2-year OS was also improved in patients undergoing R0 versus R2 resection (69.9 %, 46.9 % vs. 53.0 %, 22.1 %; p = 0.02). Patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy (eight patients) had a trend towards improved survival at 1, 2, and 5 years versus no neoadjuvant therapy (18 patients) [83.3 %, 62.5 %, 41.7 % vs. 56.8 %, 26.6 %, 8.9 %; p = 0.1]. Adjuvant therapy was associated with improved recurrence-free survival at 6 months and 1 year (67 %, 33 % vs. 40 %, 20 %; p = 0.04) but not improved OS (p = 0.63). Sex (p = 0.13), age (p = 0.95), and location of metastasis (lung, p = 0.51; liver, p = 0.67) did not correlate with OS after operative intervention. Symptoms of hormonal excess improved in 86 % of patients. Operative intervention, especially when an R0 resection can be achieved, following systemic therapy may improve outcomes, including OS, in select patients with stage IV ACC. Response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy may be of use in defining which patients may benefit from surgical intervention. Adjuvant therapy was associated with decreased recurrence but did not improve OS.

  15. Rapid and Complete Remission of Metastatic Adrenocortical Carcinoma Persisting 10 Years After Treatment With Mitotane Monotherapy

    PubMed Central

    Ghorayeb, Nada El; Rondeau, Geneviève; Latour, Mathieu; Cohade, Christian; Olney, Harold; Lacroix, André; Perrotte, Paul; Sabourin, Alexis; Mazzuco, Tania L; Bourdeau, Isabelle

    2016-01-01

    Abstract Mitotane has been used for more than 5 decades as therapy for adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). However its mechanism of action and the extent of tumor response remain incompletely understood. To date no cases of rapid and complete remission of metastatic ACC with mitotane monotherapy has been reported. A 52-year-old French Canadian man presented with metastatic disease 2 years following a right adrenalectomy for stage III nonsecreting ACC. He was started on mitotane which was well tolerated despite rapid escalation of the dose. The patient course was exceptional as he responded to mitotane monotherapy after only few months of treatment. Initiation of chemotherapy was not needed and he remained disease-free with good quality of life on low maintenance dose of mitotane during the following 10 years. A germline heterozygous TP53 exon 4 polymorphism c.215C>G (p. Pro72Arg) was found. Immunohistochemical stainings for IGF-2 and cytoplasmic β-catenin were positive. Advanced ACC is an aggressive disease with poor prognosis and the current therapeutic options remain limited. These findings suggest that mitotane is a good option for the treatment of metastatic ACC and might result in rapid complete remission in selected patients. PMID:27043680

  16. Modulation of steroidogenic gene expression and hormone production of H295R cells by pharmaceuticals and other environmentally active compounds

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gracia, Tannia; Hilscherova, Klara; Jones, Paul D.

    2007-12-01

    The H295R cell bioassay was used to evaluate the potential endocrine disrupting effects of 18 of the most commonly used pharmaceuticals in the United States. Exposures for 48 h with single pharmaceuticals and binary mixtures were conducted; the expression of five steroidogenic genes, 3{beta}HSD2, CYP11{beta}1, CYP11{beta}2, CYP17 and CYP19, was quantified by Q-RT-PCR. Production of the steroid hormones estradiol (E2), testosterone (T) and progesterone (P) was also evaluated. Antibiotics were shown to modulate gene expression and hormone production. Amoxicillin up-regulated the expression of CYP11{beta}2 and CYP19 by more than 2-fold and induced estradiol production up to almost 3-fold. Erythromycin significantlymore » increased CYP11{beta}2 expression and the production of P and E2 by 3.5- and 2.4-fold, respectively, while production of T was significantly decreased. The {beta}-blocker salbutamol caused the greatest induction of CYP17, more than 13-fold, and significantly decreased E2 production. The binary mixture of cyproterone and salbutamol significantly down-regulated expression of CYP19, while a mixture of ethynylestradiol and trenbolone, increased E2 production 3.7-fold. Estradiol production was significantly affected by changes in concentrations of trenbolone, cyproterone, and ethynylestradiol. Exposures with individual pharmaceuticals showed the possible secondary effects that drugs may exert on steroid production. Results from binary mixture exposures suggested the possible type of interactions that may occur between drugs and the joint effects product of such interactions. Dose-response results indicated that although two chemicals may share a common mechanism of action the concentration effects observed may be significantly different.« less

  17. Supportive behaviors in adolescent romantic relationships moderate adrenocortical attunement.

    PubMed

    Ha, Thao; Yeung, Ellen Wanheung; Rogers, Adam A; Poulsen, Franklin O; Kornienko, Olga; Granger, Douglas A

    2016-12-01

    This study investigated dyadic adrenocortical attunement within adolescent romantic relationships. An ethnically diverse sample (42% Latino) of adolescent heterosexual dating couples (N=91 dyads, Mage=16.5 years, SD=0.99) donated eight saliva samples (later assayed for cortisol) over the course of a 3-h laboratory session. Supportive behaviors were coded during a conflict and jealousy interaction task from video recordings, and participants completed pre-and-post task questionnaires. Parallel process latent growth models revealed a strong positive association between the couples' cortisol intercept, indicating that couples show attunement in initial levels of cortisol. Further, observed supportive behavior moderated the strength of the association between dyadic cortisol slopes. The results imply that low levels of supportive behavior predicted stronger adrenocortical attunement in the change in cortisol levels over time between adolescent romantic partners. These findings indicate that even early romantic relationships exhibit coordination of physiological activity. Findings raise the possibility that adrenocortical attunement may be a dyadic pathway through which the proximal social context of early romantic relationships is translated into risk or resilience in health and behavior. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. The Rate Constant for the Reaction H + C2H5 at T = 295 - 150K

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Pimentel, Andre S.; Payne, Walter A.; Nesbitt, Fred L.; Cody, Regina J.; Stief, Louis J.

    2004-01-01

    The reaction between the hydrogen atom and the ethyl (C2H3) radical is predicted by photochemical modeling to be the most important loss process for C2H5 radicals in the atmospheres of Jupiter and Saturn. This reaction is also one of the major sources for the methyl radicals in these atmospheres. These two simplest hydrocarbon radicals are the initial species for the synthesis of larger hydrocarbons. Previous measurements of the rate constant for the H + C2H5 reaction varied by a factor of five at room temperature, and some studies showed a dependence upon temperature while others showed no such dependence. In addition, the previous studies were at higher temperatures and generally higher pressures than that needed for use in planetary atmospheric models. The rate constant for the reaction H + C2H5 has been measured directly at T = 150, 202 and 295 K and at P = 1.0 Torr He for all temperatures and additionally at P = 0.5 and 2.0 Torr He at T = 202 K. The measurements were performed in a discharge - fast flow system. The decay of the C2H5 radical in the presence of excess hydrogen was monitored by low-energy electron impact mass spectrometry under pseudo-first order conditions. H atoms and C2H5 radicals were generated rapidly and simultaneously by the reaction of fluorine atoms with H2 and C2H6, respectively. The total rate constant was found to be temperature and pressure independent. The measured total rate constant at each temperature are: k(sub 1)(295K) = (1.02+/-0.24)x10(exp -10), k(sub 1)(202K) = (1.02+/-0.22)x10(exp -10) and k(sub 1)(150K) = (0.93+/-0.21)x10(exp -10), all in units of cu cm/molecule/s. The total rate constant derived from all the combined measurements is k(sub 1) = (l.03+/-0.17)x10(exp -10) cu cm/molecule/s. At room temperature our results are about a factor of two higher than the recommended rate constant and a factor of three lower than the most recently published study.

  19. Understanding the Effects of Atrazine on Steroidogenesis in rat granulosa and H295R adrenal cortical carcinoma cells

    EPA Science Inventory

    Atrazine (2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-isopropylamino-s-triazine) was introduced in the 1950s as a broad spectrum herbicide, and remains one of the most widely used herbicides in the United States. Several studies have suggested that atrazine modifies steroidogenesis and may disrupt r...

  20. Long-Term Outcomes of Adjuvant Mitotane Therapy in Patients With Radically Resected Adrenocortical Carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Berruti, Alfredo; Grisanti, Salvatore; Pulzer, Alina; Claps, Mélanie; Daffara, Fulvia; Loli, Paola; Mannelli, Massimo; Boscaro, Marco; Arvat, Emanuela; Tiberio, Guido; Hahner, Stefanie; Zaggia, Barbara; Porpiglia, Francesco; Volante, Marco; Fassnacht, Martin; Terzolo, Massimo

    2017-04-01

    In 2007, a retrospective case-control study provided evidence that adjuvant mitotane prolongs recurrence-free survival (RFS) in patients with radically resected adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). We aimed to confirm the prognostic role of adjuvant mitotane in the same series after 9 additional years of follow-up. One hundred sixty-two ACC patients who did not recur or die after a landmark period of 3 months were considered. Forty-seven patients were enrolled in four Italian centers where adjuvant mitotane was routinely recommended (mitotane group), 45 patients in four Italian centers where no adjuvant strategy was undertaken (control group 1), and 70 German patients left untreated after surgery (control group 2). The primary aim was RFS, the secondary was overall survival. An increased risk of recurrence was found in both control cohorts [group 1: hazard ratio (HR) = 2.98; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.75 to 5.09; P < 0.0001; group 2: HR = 2.61; 95% CI, 1.56 to 4.36; P < 0.0001] compared with the mitotane group. The risk of death was higher in control group 1 (HR = 2.03; 95% CI, 1.17 to 3.51; P = 0.011) but not in control group 2 (HR = 1.60; 95% CI, 0.94 to 2.74; P = 0.083), which had better prognostic factors and more aggressive treatment of recurrences than control group 1. The benefit of adjuvant mitotane on RFS was observed regardless of the hormone secretory status. Adjuvant mitotane is associated with prolonged RFS, without any apparent influence by the tumor secretory status. The retrospective nature of the study is a major limitation. Copyright © 2017 by the Endocrine Society

  1. Mother-child adrenocortical synchrony; Moderation by dyadic relational behavior.

    PubMed

    Pratt, Maayan; Apter-Levi, Yael; Vakart, Adam; Kanat-Maymon, Yaniv; Zagoory-Sharon, Orna; Feldman, Ruth

    2017-03-01

    Mother-child adrenocortical synchrony, the coupling of cortisol (CT) secretion in mother and child, has been associated with shared parent-child experiences and maladaptive familial contexts. Yet, few studies tested adrenocortical synchrony in diurnal CT patterns. Guided by the bio-behavioral synchrony model, we examined whether mother-child relational behavior and maternal psychopathology may moderate the degree of concordance between mother and child's diurnal CT. Ninety-seven mothers and their six-year old children participated in two groups; mothers diagnosed with major depression disorder (N=28) and non-depressed controls (N=69). Mother-child interactions were observed and coded for dyadic reciprocity and dyadic tension and diurnal cortisol was collected from mother and child over two consecutive weekend days. Concordance between maternal and child's diurnal CT was found, significant above and beyond time of measurement. Maternal depression, while associated with attenuated child diurnal CT variability, was unrelated to adrenocortical synchrony. Higher child diurnal CT production predicted a stronger linkage between maternal and child's diurnal CT, suggesting that greater child physiological stress is associated with increased susceptibility to the influences of maternal stress physiology. Mother-child reciprocity was related to lower adrenocortical synchrony. Findings suggest that higher adrenocortical synchrony is associated with greater physiological stress and less adaptive dyadic relational patterns. Results raise the possibility that diurnal adrenocortical synchrony taps a unique aspect of HPA-axis functioning whose role in the cross-generational transfer of stress physiology requires further research. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Hypermethylation of miR-203 in endometrial carcinomas.

    PubMed

    Huang, Yi-Wen; Kuo, Chieh-Ti; Chen, Jo-Hsin; Goodfellow, Paul J; Huang, Tim H-M; Rader, Janet S; Uyar, Denise S

    2014-05-01

    Aberrant expression of SOX4 in endometrial cancer has been identified and partially was contributed to hypermethylation of miR-129-2. Other miRNAs are suspected to influence SOX 4 as well. The current study seeks to identify other hypermethylated miRNAs that regulate SOX4 in endometrial carcinomas. Methylation levels of miRNA promoter regions were measured by combined bisulfite restriction analysis (COBRA) and pyrosequencing assays. Gene expression was determined by RT-qPCR. Methylation level of a miRNA locus was corrected with clinicopathologic factors for 252 gynecological specimens. In silico analysis identified 13 miRNA loci bound on the 3'-UTR of SOX4. Using COBRA assays, increased methylation of miR-203, miR-219-2, miR-596, and miR-618 was detected in endometrial cancer cells relative to those seen in a normal cell line and in normal endometrium. Transfection of a miR-203 mimic decreased SOX4 gene expression. Hypermethylation of miR-203 was detected in 52% of type I endometrioid endometrial carcinomas (n=131) but was not seen in any of 10 uninvolved normal endometria (P<0.001). Methylation status of miR-203 was significantly associated with microsatellite instability and MLH1 methylation in endometrial tumors (P<0.001). Furthermore, hypermethylation of miR-203 was found in endometrioid and clear endometrial subtype tumors, but not in cervical squamous cell and ovarian carcinomas. Hypermethylation of miR-203 is a frequent event in endometrial carcinomas and is strongly associated with microsatellite instability and MLH1 methylation status. Thus, miR-203 methylation level might represent a marker for patients with endometrioid and clear endometrial sub-cancers. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. NEFM (Neurofilament Medium) Polypeptide, a Marker for Zona Glomerulosa Cells in Human Adrenal, Inhibits D1R (Dopamine D1 Receptor)-Mediated Secretion of Aldosterone.

    PubMed

    Maniero, Carmela; Garg, Sumedha; Zhao, Wanfeng; Johnson, Timothy Isaac; Zhou, Junhua; Gurnell, Mark; Brown, Morris J

    2017-08-01

    Heterogeneity among aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs) has been highlighted by the discovery of somatic mutations. KCNJ5 mutations predominate in large zona fasciculata (ZF)-like APAs; mutations in CACNA1D , ATP1A1, ATP2B3 , and CTNNB1 are more likely to be found in small zona glomerulosa (ZG)-like APAs. Microarray comparison of KCNJ5 mutant versus wild-type APAs revealed significant differences in transcriptomes. NEFM , encoding a neurofilament subunit which is a D1R (dopamine D1 receptor)-interacting protein, was 4-fold upregulated in ZG-like versus ZF-like APAs and 14-fold more highly expressed in normal ZG versus ZF. Immunohistochemistry confirmed selective expression of NEFM (neurofilament medium) polypeptide in ZG and in ZG-like APAs. Silencing NEFM in adrenocortical H295R cells increased basal aldosterone secretion and cell proliferation; silencing also amplified aldosterone stimulation by the D1R agonist, fenoldopam, and inhibition by the D1R antagonist, SCH23390. NEFM coimmunoprecipitated with D1R, and its expression was stimulated by fenoldopam. Immunohistochemistry for D1R was mainly intracellular in ZG-like APAs but membranous in ZF-like APAs. Aldosterone secretion in response to fenoldopam in primary cells from ZF-like APAs was higher than in cells from ZG-like APAs. Transfection of mutant KCNJ5 caused a large reduction in NEFM expression in H295R cells. We conclude that NEFM is a negative regulator of aldosterone production and cell proliferation, in part by facilitating D1R internalization from the plasma membrane. Downregulation of NEFM in ZF-like APAs may contribute to a D1R/D2R imbalance underlying variable pharmacological responses to dopaminergic drugs among patients with APAs. Finally, taken together, our data point to the possibility that ZF-like APAs are in fact ZG in origin. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

  4. Screening of cancer tissue arrays identifies CXCR4 on adrenocortical carcinoma: correlates with expression and quantification on metastases using 64Cu-plerixafor PET.

    PubMed

    Weiss, Ido D; Huff, Lyn M; Evbuomwan, Moses O; Xu, Xin; Dang, Hong Duc; Velez, Daniel S; Singh, Satya P; Zhang, Hongwei H; Gardina, Paul J; Lee, Jae-Ho; Lindenberg, Liza; Myers, Timothy G; Paik, Chang H; Schrump, David S; Pittaluga, Stefania; Choyke, Peter L; Fojo, Tito; Farber, Joshua M

    2017-09-26

    Expression of the chemokine receptor CXCR4 by many cancers correlates with aggressive clinical behavior. As part of the initial studies in a project whose goal was to quantify CXCR4 expression on cancers non-invasively, we examined CXCR4 expression in cancer samples by immunohistochemistry using a validated anti-CXCR4 antibody. Among solid tumors, we found expression of CXCR4 on significant percentages of major types of kidney, lung, and pancreatic adenocarcinomas, and, notably, on metastases of clear cell renal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. We found particularly high expression of CXCR4 on adrenocortical cancer (ACC) metastases. Microarrays of ACC metastases revealed correlations between expression of CXCR4 and other chemokine system genes, particularly CXCR7/ACKR3 , which encodes an atypical chemokine receptor that shares a ligand, CXCL12, with CXCR4. A first-in-human study using 64 Cu-plerixafor for PET in an ACC patient prior to resection of metastases showed heterogeneity among metastatic nodules and good correlations among PET SUVs, CXCR4 staining, and CXCR4 mRNA. Additionally, we were able to show that CXCR4 expression correlated with the rates of growth of the pulmonary lesions in this patient. Further studies are needed to understand better the role of CXCR4 in ACC and whether targeting it may be beneficial. In this regard, non-invasive methods for assessing CXCR4 expression, such as PET using 64 Cu-plerixafor, should be important investigative tools.

  5. MiR-590-3p suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma growth by targeting TEAD1.

    PubMed

    Ge, Xin; Gong, Liansheng

    2017-03-01

    MicroRNA signature is altered in different disease states including cancer, and some microRNAs act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. MiR-590-3p has been shown to be involved in human cancer progression. However, its role in hepatocellular carcinoma remains unknown. In this study, miR-590-3p level was measured, and clinicopathological features were determined in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues. The function of miR-590-3p was examined in vitro and in vivo. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated downregulation of miR-590-3p in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues, and its downregulation was associated with a poor overall survival of hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Ectopic expression of miR-590-3p promoted growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells, whereas its depletion inhibited cell growth. Transcriptional enhancer activator domain 1 was identified as a validated miR-590-3p target. Upregulation of transcriptional enhancer activator domain 1 was found in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and inversely correlated with miR-590-3p. Our results indicate a tumor suppressor role of miR-590-3p in hepatocellular carcinoma through targeting transcriptional enhancer activator domain 1 and suggest its use in the diagnosis and prognosis of liver cancer.

  6. Isolation of Breast Tumor Suppressor Genes from Chromosome 11p.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1998-09-01

    tumors . Figure 7b shows the SSCA pattern of exon 2 amplified from paired normal/ tumor samples from four different Wilms tumor patients. Sample 1 is...G., Chaussain, J.L., Junien, C. Tumor specific loss of IIp 15.5 alleles in del 1 lp 13 Wilms tumor and in familial adrenocortical carcinoma. Proc...Chilton-MacNeill,S., Campbell, C.E., Weksberg, R., Yeger, H., Reeve, A.E. and Williams, B.R.G. Loss of heterozygosity mapping in Wilms tumor

  7. Transient adrenocortical insufficiency of prematurity and systemic hypotension in very low birthweight infants

    PubMed Central

    Ng, P; Lee, C; Lam, C; Ma, K; Fok, T; Chan, I; Wong, E

    2004-01-01

    Objectives: A proportion of preterm, very low birthweight (VLBW, < 1500 g) infants may show inadequate adrenal response to stress in the immediate postnatal period. The human corticotrophin releasing hormone (hCRH) stimulation test was used to: (a) determine the relation between pituitary-adrenal response and systemic blood pressure in these infants; (b) characterise the endocrinological features of transient adrenocortical insufficiency of prematurity (TAP). Study design: A total of 226 hCRH tests were performed on 137 VLBW infants on day 7 and 14 of life in a tertiary neonatal centre. Results: Basal, peak, and incremental rise in serum cortisol (ΔCort0–30) on day 7 were associated significantly with the lowest systolic, mean, and diastolic blood pressures recorded during the first two weeks of life (r > 0.25, p < 0.005). These cortisol concentrations also correlated significantly but negatively with the maximum and total cumulative dose of dopamine (r > -0.22, p < 0.02), dobutamine (r > -0.18, p < 0.04), and adrenaline (r > -0.26, p < 0.004), total volume of crystalloid (r > -0.22, p < 0.02), and duration of inotrope treatment (r > -0.25, p < 0.006). Multivariate regression analysis of significant factors showed that the lowest systolic, mean, and diastolic blood pressures remained independently associated with serum cortisol (basal, peak, and ΔCort0–30) on day 7. Hypotensive infants requiring inotropes (group 2) were significantly less mature and more sick than infants with normal blood pressure (group 1). The areas under the ACTH response curves were significantly greater in group 2 than in group 1, on both day 7 (p = 0.004) and day 14 (p = 0.004). In contrast, the area under the cortisol response curve was significantly greater in group 1 than in group 2 on day 7 (p = 0.001), but there was no significant difference between the two groups on day 14. In addition, serum cortisol at the 50th centile in hypotensive infants had high specificity and positive

  8. VizieR Online Data Catalog: X-ray sources close to 3C 295 galaxy cluster (D'Elia+, 2008)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    D'Elia, V.; Fiore, F.; Mathur, S.; Cocchia, F.

    2008-09-01

    To acquire the optical spectra of the 3C 295 sources, we proposed a Multi Object Spectroscopy (MOS) programme using DOLORES@TNG (AOT 9). Two acquisition images each of exposure time 900 s and with a limiting magnitude of R~24, had already been obtained using DOLORES on March 19, 2002. We acquired the spectral data on 22 and 23 March, 2004. (1 data file).

  9. Adjuvant Radiation is Associated with Improved Survival for Select Patients with Non-metastatic Adrenocortical Carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Nelson, Daniel W; Chang, Shu-Ching; Bandera, Brad C; Fischer, Trevan D; Wollman, Robert; Goldfarb, Melanie

    2018-07-01

    Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare and aggressive malignancy for which surgery is the mainstay of treatment and for which adjuvant radiation is infrequently employed; however, small, single-institution series suggest adjuvant radiation may improve outcomes. All patients with non-metastatic ACC treated with either surgery alone or surgery followed by adjuvant radiation were identified in the 2004-2013 National Cancer Database. Factors associated with receipt of radiation and the impact of adjuvant radiation on survival were determined by multivariable analysis. Of 1184 patients, 171 (14.4%) received adjuvant radiation. Patient demographics were similar between the two groups, but those receiving radiation were more likely to have had positive margins following surgery (37.4 vs. 14.6%; p < 0.001), evidence of vascular invasion (14.0 vs. 5.1%; p = 0.05), and receive concurrent chemotherapy (57.3 vs. 28.8%; p < 0.001). After adjustment for tumor and other treatment factors, only positive margins following surgery was associated with an increased likelihood of receiving adjuvant radiation (odds ratio 3.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.95-7.56). Radiation therapy did not confer a difference in median overall survival in the general cohort. However, for patients with positive margins, adjuvant radiation was associated with a 40% decreased yearly risk of death after adjustment for concurrent chemotherapy (hazard ratio 0.60, 95% CI 0.40-0.92; p = 0.02). This survival advantage was not evident for other traditional high-risk features. Adjuvant radiation appears to decrease the risk of death in ACC patients with positive margins following surgical resection, but only a small percentage are currently receiving radiation. Multidisciplinary treatment with surgery and radiation should be considered for these patients.

  10. Steroidogenesis in the yellow corpuscles (adrenocortical homolog) in a holostean fish, the bowfin, Amia calva L.

    PubMed

    Butler, D G; Youson, J H

    1986-07-01

    Yellow corpuscles from the ventral surface of the anterior kidney in bowfins (Amia calva L.) converted [7-3H]pregnenolone to radioactive 11-deoxycortisol, cortisol, and corticosterone in vitro. Aldosterone was not detected. Cortisol was the predominant steroid at the end of a 3-hr incubation period (20 degrees C). These experiments are the first to demonstrate steroidogenesis in holostean yellow bodies and they are the first incubations with pure adrenocortical tissue, free of head kidney, in any bony fish. White corpuscles of Stannius located along the total length of the kidneys were incubated under identical conditions but adrenocortical steroids were not found.

  11. Computational analysis of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric steroid profiling in NCI H295R cells following angiotensin II, forskolin and abiraterone treatment.

    PubMed

    Mangelis, Anastasios; Dieterich, Peter; Peitzsch, Mirko; Richter, Susan; Jühlen, Ramona; Hübner, Angela; Willenberg, Holger S; Deussen, Andreas; Lenders, Jacques W M; Eisenhofer, Graeme

    2016-01-01

    Adrenal steroid hormones, which regulate a plethora of physiological functions, are produced via tightly controlled pathways. Investigations of these pathways, based on experimental data, can be facilitated by computational modeling for calculations of metabolic rate alterations. We therefore used a model system, based on mass balance and mass reaction equations, to kinetically evaluate adrenal steroidogenesis in human adrenal cortex-derived NCI H295R cells. For this purpose a panel of 10 steroids was measured by liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometry. Time-dependent changes in cell incubate concentrations of steroids - including cortisol, aldosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone and their precursors - were measured after incubation with angiotensin II, forskolin and abiraterone. Model parameters were estimated based on experimental data using weighted least square fitting. Time-dependent angiotensin II- and forskolin-induced changes were observed for incubate concentrations of precursor steroids with peaks that preceded maximal increases in aldosterone and cortisol. Inhibition of 17-alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase with abiraterone resulted in increases in upstream precursor steroids and decreases in downstream products. Derived model parameters, including rate constants of enzymatic processes, appropriately quantified observed and expected changes in metabolic pathways at multiple conversion steps. Our data demonstrate limitations of single time point measurements and the importance of assessing pathway dynamics in studies of adrenal cortical cell line steroidogenesis. Our analysis provides a framework for evaluation of steroidogenesis in adrenal cortical cell culture systems and demonstrates that computational modeling-derived estimates of kinetic parameters are an effective tool for describing perturbations in associated metabolic pathways. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Prognostic relevance of Centromere protein H expression in esophageal carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Guo, Xian-Zhi; Zhang, Ge; Wang, Jun-Ye; Liu, Wan-Li; Wang, Fang; Dong, Ju-Qin; Xu, Li-Hua; Cao, Jing-Yan; Song, Li-Bing; Zeng, Mu-Sheng

    2008-08-13

    Many kinetochore proteins have been shown to be associated with human cancers. The aim of the present study was to clarify the expression of Centromere protein H (CENP-H), one of the fundamental components of the human active kinetochore, in esophageal carcinoma and its correlation with clinicopathological features. We examined the expression of CENP-H in immortalized esophageal epithelial cells as well as in esophageal carcinoma cells, and in 12 cases of esophageal carcinoma tissues and the paired normal esophageal tissues by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. In addition, we analyzed CENP-H protein expression in 177 clinicopathologically characterized esophageal carcinoma cases by immunohistochemistry. Statistical analyses were applied to test for prognostic and diagnostic associations. The level of CENP-H mRNA and protein were higher in the immortalized cells, cancer cell lines and most cancer tissues than in normal control tissues. Immunohistochemistry showed that CENP-H was expressed in 127 of 171 ESCC cases (74.3%) and in 3 of 6 esophageal adenocarcinoma cases (50%). Statistical analysis of ESCC cases showed that there was a significant difference of CENP-H expression in patients categorized according to gender (P = 0.013), stage (P = 0.023) and T classification (P = 0.019). Patients with lower CENP-H expression had longer overall survival time than those with higher CENP-H expression. Multivariate analysis suggested that CENP-H expression was an independent prognostic marker for esophageal carcinoma patients. A prognostic value of CENP-H was also found in the subgroup of T3 approximately T4 and N0 tumor classification. Our results suggest that CENP-H protein is a valuable marker of esophageal carcinoma progression. CENP-H might be used as a valuable prognostic marker for esophageal carcinoma patients.

  13. [Diagnosis and surgical treatment of adrenocortical cancer with invasion into great veins].

    PubMed

    Kharnas, S S; Ippolitov, L I; Polunin, G V; Vetshev, S P; Slobodyanik, A S; Saliba, M B; Kovalenko, A A; Lukich, K V

    2015-01-01

    To estimate immediate and remote resaults of treatment of adrenocortical cancer with invasion into great veins. It was analyzed survey and treatment results in 3 patients with adrenocortical cancer and invasion into renal veins and inferior vena cava. Radical surgery with tumoral thrombi removal from great vessels was performed in all cases. There were no complications and deaths in early postoperative period. Life expectancy after surgery was 6, 13 and over 58 months. At present time surgical intervention for adrenocortical cancer with invasion into great veins is single method to prolong patients' life.

  14. Isolation of rat adrenocortical mitochondria

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Solinas, Paola; Department of Medicine, Center for Mitochondrial Disease, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106; Fujioka, Hisashi

    2012-10-12

    Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A method for isolation of adrenocortical mitochondria from the adrenal gland of rats is described. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The purified isolated mitochondria show excellent morphological integrity. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The properties of oxidative phosphorylation are excellent. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The method increases the opportunity of direct analysis of adrenal mitochondria from small animals. -- Abstract: This report describes a relatively simple and reliable method for isolating adrenocortical mitochondria from rats in good, reasonably pure yield. These organelles, which heretofore have been unobtainable in isolated form from small laboratory animals, are now readily accessible. A high degree of mitochondrial purity is shown by the electronmore » micrographs, as well as the structural integrity of each mitochondrion. That these organelles have retained their functional integrity is shown by their high respiratory control ratios. In general, the biochemical performance of these adrenal cortical mitochondria closely mirrors that of typical hepatic or cardiac mitochondria.« less

  15. CASC2/miR-24/miR-221 modulates the TRAIL resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma cell through caspase-8/caspase-3.

    PubMed

    Jin, Xiaoxin; Cai, Lifeng; Wang, Changfa; Deng, Xiaofeng; Yi, Shengen; Lei, Zhao; Xiao, Qiangsheng; Xu, Hongbo; Luo, Hongwu; Sun, Jichun

    2018-02-23

    Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common solid tumors in the digestive system. The prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma is still poor due to the acquisition of multi-drug resistance. TNF Related Apoptosis Inducing Ligand (TRAIL), an attractive anticancer agent, exerts its effect of selectively inducing apoptosis in tumor cells through death receptors and the formation of the downstream death-inducing signaling complex, which activates apical caspases 3/8 and leads to apoptosis. However, hepatocellular carcinoma cells are resistant to TRAIL. Non-coding RNAs, including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and miRNAs have been regarded as major regulators of normal development and diseases, including cancers. Moreover, lncRNAs and miRNAs have been reported to be associated with multi-drug resistance. In the present study, we investigated the mechanism by which TRAIL resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma is affected from the view of non-coding RNA regulation. We selected and validated candidate miRNAs, miR-24 and miR-221, that regulated caspase 3/8 expression through direct targeting, and thereby affecting TRAIL-induced tumor cell apoptosis TRAIL resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition, we revealed that CASC2, a well-established tumor suppressive long non-coding RNA, could serve as a "Sponge" of miR-24 and miR-221, thus modulating TRAIL-induced tumor cell apoptosis TRAIL resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma. Taken together, we demonstrated a CASC2/miR-24/miR-221 axis, which can affect the TRAIL resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma through regulating caspase 3/8; through acting as a "Sponge" of miR-24 and miR-221, CASC2 may contribute to improving hepatocellular carcinoma TRAIL resistance, and finally promoting the treatment efficiency of TRAIL-based therapies.

  16. Adrenocortical Activity and Emotion Regulation.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Stansbury, Kathy; Gunnar, Megan R.

    1994-01-01

    This essay argues that the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) system does not appear to be related to emotion regulation processes in children, although individual differences in emotion processes related to negative emotion temperaments appear to be associated with individual differences in HPA reactivity among normally…

  17. Effects of multiwalled carbon nanotubes and triclocarban on several eukaryotic cell lines: elucidating cytotoxicity, endocrine disruption, and reactive oxygen species generation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Simon, Anne; Maletz, Sibylle X.; Hollert, Henner; Schäffer, Andreas; Maes, Hanna M.

    2014-08-01

    To date, only a few reports about studies on toxic effects of carbon nanotubes (CNT) are available, and their results are often controversial. Three different cell lines (rainbow trout liver cells (RTL-W1), human adrenocortical carcinoma cells (T47Dluc), and human adrenocarcinoma cells (H295R)) were exposed to multiwalled carbon nanotubes, the antimicrobial agent triclocarban (TCC) as well as the mixture of both substances in a concentration range of 3.13 to 50 mg CNT/L, 31.25 to 500 μg TCC/L, and 3.13 to 50 mg CNT/L + 1% TCC (percentage relative to carbon nanotubes concentration), respectively. Triclocarban is a high-production volume chemical that is widely used as an antimicrobial compound and is known for its toxicity, hydrophobicity, endocrine disruption, bioaccumulation potential, and environmental persistence. Carbon nanotubes are known to interact with hydrophobic organic compounds. Therefore, triclocarban was selected as a model substance to examine mixture toxicity in this study. The influence of multiwalled carbon nanotubes and triclocarban on various toxicological endpoints was specified: neither cytotoxicity nor endocrine disruption could be observed after exposure of the three cell lines to carbon nanotubes, but the nanomaterial caused intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species in all cell types. For TCC on the other hand, cell vitality of 80% could be observed at a concentration of 2.1 mg/L for treated RTL-W1 cells. A decrease of luciferase activity in the ER Calux assay at a triclocarban concentration of 125 μg/L and higher was observed. This effect was less pronounced when multiwalled carbon nanotubes were present in the medium. Taken together, these results demonstrate that multiwalled carbon nanotubes induce the production of reactive oxygen species in RTL-W1, T47Dluc, and H295R cells, reveal no cytotoxicity, and reduce the bioavailability and toxicity of the biocide triclocarban.

  18. Diagnostic and prognostic potential of serum miR-132/212 cluster in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Wang, Feng; Wang, Jun; Ju, Linlin; Chen, Lin; Cai, Weihua; Yang, Jialin

    2018-01-01

    Background It has been reported that both of the miR-132/212 (micro-RNA) cluster members, miR-132 and miR-212, are downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma. Nevertheless, the expression pattern and clinical utility of serum miR-132/212 in hepatocellular carcinoma are still unknown. Methods In this study, serum concentrations of miR-132 and miR-212 were measured in 80 hepatocellular carcinoma patients, 51 controls with chronic liver diseases and 42 healthy volunteers by using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results In hepatocellular carcinoma patients, serum concentrations of miR-132 and miR-212 were significantly reduced and strongly correlated (r = 0.603, p < 0.001). Receiver operator characteristic analyses showed that serum miR-132 and miR-212 might have a potential role in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Moreover, the combination of serum miR-132, miR-212 and alpha-fetoprotein improved the diagnostic efficiency for hepatocellular carcinoma, especially in sensitivity and negative predictive value. Serum miR-132 was associated with tumour differentiation degree ( p = 0.021) and tumour-node-metastasis stage ( p = 0.002); serum miR-212 correlated with tumour size ( p = 0.023) and tumour-node-metastasis stage ( p = 0.007). Kaplan-Meier analyses indicated poorer overall survival in hepatocellular carcinoma patients with lower serum concentrations of miR-132 ( p < 0.001) and miR-212 ( p = 0.005). Conclusions Our results suggest that both components of the miR-132/212 cluster have potential roles as non-invasive serum biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.

  19. Assessment of cytologic evaluation of preputial epithelial cells as a diagnostic test for detection of adrenocortical disease in castrated ferrets.

    PubMed

    Protain, Holly J; Kutzler, Michelle A; Valentine, Beth A

    2009-05-01

    To determine whether results of cytologic evaluation of preputial epithelial cells correspond to results of a serum endocrine hormone assay and clinical signs associated with adrenocortical disease in castrated ferrets. 13 clinically normal ferrets and 8 ferrets with signs of adrenocortical disease. Blood and preputial lavage samples were collected from each ferret. Serum samples were submitted to the University of Tennessee Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for performance of an endocrine hormone assay. Differential epithelial cell counts were performed on preputial lavage samples to determine the percentage of cornified cells. Results of cytologic evaluation were compared with results of the endocrine hormone assay and clinical status of ferrets. The percentage of cornified preputial epithelial cells was not significantly correlated with serum 17B-estradiol or androstenedione concentration but was significantly correlated with serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone concentration (r = 0.60). The percentage of cornified preputial epithelial cells was higher in ferrets with clinical signs of adrenocortical disease (mean +/- SD, 71.3 +/- 16.9%) than in clinically normal ferrets (55.5 +/- 19.0%). Cornification of preputial epithelial cells was correlated with an increase in serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone concentration as well as clinical signs of adrenocortical disease in castrated ferrets. Additional investigation is needed to elucidate the mechanism of preputial epithelial cell cornification in castrated ferrets.

  20. Ionic conductivity of cold-pressed ceramics from grinding of R0.95M0.05F2.95 solid electrolytes ( R = La, Nd; M = Ca, Sr, Ba) synthesized by reaction in melt

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sorokin, N. I.; Ivanovskaya, N. A.; Sobolev, B. P.

    2014-03-01

    Cold-pressed ceramics of fluorine-conducting solid electrolytes La1 - y M y F3 - y ( M = Ca, Sr, Ba) and Nd1 - y Ca y F3 - y with y = 0.95 have been synthesized in a melt of RF3 ( R = La, Nd) and MF2 components in a fluorinating atmosphere and ground in a ball mill. The as-prepared ceramics require annealing, during which their porosity decreases and the conductivity is stably increased (by a factor of 250 for the R 1 - y M y F3 - y composition at 293 K). The Nd0.95Ca0.05F2.95 and Nd0.95Ca0.05F2.95 compositions have a maximum ionic conductivity σ(293 K) ˜ 5 × 10-6 Sm/cm. This value is larger (by a factor of about 10) than σ (293 K) for the R 1 - y M y F3 - y ceramics of tysonite phases prepared by mechanochemical synthesis with the cold pressing of reaction products.

  1. Pokemon/miR-137 auto-regulatory circuit promotes the progression of renal carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Wang, Lihui; Li, Qi; Ye, Zhuo; Qiao, Baoping

    2018-04-19

    Renal carcinoma greatly threatens human health, but the involved molecular mechanisms are far from complete understanding. As a master oncogene driving the initiation of many other cancers, Pokemon has not been established to be associated with renal cancer. Our data revealed that Pokemon is highly expressed in renal carcinoma specimen and cell lines, compared with normal cells. The silencing of Pokemon suppressed the proliferation and invasion of renal cancer cells. Pokemon overexpression rendered normal cells with higher proliferation rates and invasiveness. Animal study further confirmed the role of Pokemon in the growth of renal carcinoma. Moreover, miR-137 was identified to negatively regulate the expression of Pokemon, and its abundance is inversely correlated with that of Pokemon in renal carcinoma specimen and cell lines. Pokemon overexpression may be induced by miR-137 downregulation. Interestingly, Pokemon can also suppress miR-137 expression by binding to its recognition site within miR-137 promoter region. Taken together, we identified an autoregulatory loop consisting of Pokemon and miR-137 in gastric cancers, and targeting this pathway may be an effective strategy for renal carcinoma cancer therapy.

  2. Crystal structure of acetanilide at 15 and 295 K by neutron diffraction. Lack of evidence for proton transfer along the N-H...O hydrogen bond

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Johnson, S.W.; Eckert, J.; Barthes, M.

    1995-11-02

    The crystal structure of acetanilide C{sub 8}H{sub 9}NO, M{sub r} = 135.17, orthorhombic, space group Pbca, Z=8, has been determined from neutron diffraction data at 15 and 295 K. The crystal data obtained are presented. This new investigation of the structure of acetanilide has been undertaken in order to assess a recent suggestion that confirmational substates in the amide proton position may be responsible for the vibrational anomalies. We found no evidence for multiple conformations or transfer along the N-H...O hydrogen bond of the amide proton at either temperature. However the intramolecular O...H6 distance from O to the nearest phenylmore » ring proton is unusually short and the amide proton has relatively close contacts with one of the phenyl and one of the methyl protons, which may well affect the vibrational parameters of the respective molecular groups. 44 refs., 6 figs., 5 tabs.« less

  3. High-throughput screening of chemical effects on ...

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Disruption of steroidogenesis by environmental chemicals can result in altered hormone levels causing adverse reproductive and developmental effects. A high-throughput assay using H295R human adrenocortical carcinoma cells was used to evaluate the effect of 2,060 chemical samples on steroidogenesis via HPLC-MS/MS quantification of 10 steroid hormones, including progestagens, glucocorticoids, androgens, and estrogens. The study employed a three stage screening strategy. The first stage established the maximum tolerated concentration (MTC; >70% viability) per sample. The second stage quantified changes in hormone levels at the MTC while the third stage performed concentration-response (CR) on a subset of samples. At all stages, cells were pre-stimulated with 10 µM forskolin for 48 h to induce steroidogenesis followed by chemical treatment for 48 h. Of the 2,060 chemical samples evaluated, 524 samples were selected for six-point CR screening, based in part on significantly altering at least 4 hormones at the MTC. CR screening identified 232 chemical samples with concentration-dependent effects on 17β-estradiol and/or testosterone, with 411 chemical samples showing an effect on at least one hormone across the steroidogenesis pathway. Clustering of the concentration-dependent chemical-mediated steroid hormone effects grouped chemical samples into five distinct profiles generally representing putative mechanisms of action, including CYP17A1 and HSD3B inhibition. A d

  4. GLUT1 expression in pediatric adrenocortical tumors: a promising candidate to predict clinical behavior.

    PubMed

    Pinheiro, Céline; Granja, Sara; Longatto-Filho, Adhemar; Faria, André M; Fragoso, Maria C B V; Lovisolo, Silvana M; Bonatelli, Murilo; Costa, Ricardo F A; Lerário, Antonio M; Almeida, Madson Q; Baltazar, Fátima; Zerbini, Maria C N

    2017-09-08

    Discrimination between benign and malignant tumors is a challenging process in pediatric adrenocortical tumors. New insights in the metabolic profile of pediatric adrenocortical tumors may contribute to this distinction, predict prognosis, as well as identify new molecular targets for therapy. The aim of this work is to characterize the expression of the metabolism-related proteins MCT1, MCT2, MCT4, CD147, CD44, GLUT1 and CAIX in a series of pediatric adrenocortical tumors. A total of 50 pediatric patients presenting adrenocortical tumors, including 41 clinically benign and 9 clinically malignant tumors, were included. Protein expression was evaluated using immunohistochemistry in samples arranged in tissue microarrays. The immunohistochemical analysis showed a significant increase in plasma membrane expression of GLUT1 in malignant lesions, when compared to benign lesions ( p =0.004), being the expression of this protein associated with shorter overall and disease-free survival ( p =0.004 and p =0.001, respectively). Although significant differences were not observed for proteins other than GLUT1, MCT1, MCT4 and CD147 were highly expressed in pediatric adrenocortical neoplasias (around 90%). GLUT1 expression was differentially expressed in pediatric adrenocortical tumors, with higher expression in clinically malignant tumors, and associated with shorter survival, suggesting a metabolic remodeling towards a hyperglycolytic phenotype in this malignancy.

  5. Efficacy of dexamethasone suppression test during the diagnosis of primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease in Chinese adrenocorticotropic hormone-independent Cushing syndrome.

    PubMed

    Chen, Shi; Li, Ran; Lu, Lin; Duan, Lian; Zhang, Xuebin; Tong, Anli; Pan, Hui; Zhu, Huijuan; Lu, Zhaolin

    2018-01-01

    To evaluate the cut-off value of the ratio of 24 h urinary free cortisol (24 h UFC) levels post-dexamethasone to prior-dexamethasone in dexamethasone suppression test (DST) during the diagnosis of primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease in Chinese adrenocorticotropic hormone-independent Cushing syndrome. Retrospective study. The patients diagnosed with primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD, n = 25), bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (BMAH, n = 27), and adrenocortical adenoma (ADA, n = 84) were admitted to the Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 2001 to 2016. Serum cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and 24 h UFC were measured before and after low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDST) and high-dose dexamethasone suppression test (HDDST). After LDDST and HDDST, 24 h UFC elevated in patients with PPNAD (paired t-test, P = 0.007 and P = 0.001), while it remained unchanged in the BMAH group (paired t-test, P = 0.471 and P = 0.414) and decreased in the ADA group (paired t-test, P = 0.002 and P = 0.004). The 24 h UFC level after LDDST was higher in PPNAD and BMAH as compared to ADA (P < 0.017), while no significant difference was observed between PPNAD and BMAH. After HDDST, 24 h UFC was higher in patients with PPNAD as compared to that of ADA and BMAH (P < 0.017). The cut-off value of 24 h UFC (Post-L-Dex)/(Pre-L-Dex) was 1.16 with 64.0% sensitivity and 77.9% specificity, and the cut-off value of 24 h UFC (Post-H-Dex)/(Pre-H-Dex) was 1.08 with 84.0% sensitivity and 75.6% specificity. The ratio of post-dexamethasone to prior-dexamethasone had a unique advantage in distinguishing PPNAD from BMAH and ADA.

  6. Adrenocortical stress responses influence an invasive vertebrate's fitness in an extreme environment

    PubMed Central

    Jessop, Tim S.; Letnic, Mike; Webb, Jonathan K.; Dempster, Tim

    2013-01-01

    Continued range expansion into physiologically challenging environments requires invasive species to maintain adaptive phenotypic performance. The adrenocortical stress response, governed in part by glucocorticoid hormones, influences physiological and behavioural responses of vertebrates to environmental stressors. However, any adaptive role of this response in invasive populations that are expanding into extreme environments is currently unclear. We experimentally manipulated the adrenocortical stress response of invasive cane toads (Rhinella marina) to investigate its effect on phenotypic performance and fitness at the species' range front in the Tanami Desert, Australia. Here, toads are vulnerable to overheating and dehydration during the annual hot–dry season and display elevated plasma corticosterone levels indicative of severe environmental stress. By comparing unmanipulated control toads with toads whose adrenocortical stress response was manipulated to increase acute physiological stress responsiveness, we found that control toads had significantly reduced daily evaporative water loss and higher survival relative to the experimental animals. The adrenocortical stress response hence appears essential in facilitating complex phenotypic performance and setting fitness trajectories of individuals from invasive species during range expansion. PMID:23945686

  7. 44 CFR 295.40 - Scope.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 44 Emergency Management and Assistance 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Scope. 295.40 Section 295.40 Emergency Management and Assistance FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY CERRO GRANDE FIRE ASSISTANCE CERRO GRANDE FIRE ASSISTANCE Dispute Resolution § 295.40 Scope. This...

  8. 44 CFR 295.40 - Scope.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 44 Emergency Management and Assistance 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Scope. 295.40 Section 295.40 Emergency Management and Assistance FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY CERRO GRANDE FIRE ASSISTANCE CERRO GRANDE FIRE ASSISTANCE Dispute Resolution § 295.40 Scope. This...

  9. 44 CFR 295.40 - Scope.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 44 Emergency Management and Assistance 1 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Scope. 295.40 Section 295.40 Emergency Management and Assistance FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY CERRO GRANDE FIRE ASSISTANCE CERRO GRANDE FIRE ASSISTANCE Dispute Resolution § 295.40 Scope. This...

  10. 44 CFR 295.40 - Scope.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 44 Emergency Management and Assistance 1 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Scope. 295.40 Section 295.40 Emergency Management and Assistance FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY CERRO GRANDE FIRE ASSISTANCE CERRO GRANDE FIRE ASSISTANCE Dispute Resolution § 295.40 Scope. This...

  11. 44 CFR 295.2 - Policy.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 44 Emergency Management and Assistance 1 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Policy. 295.2 Section 295.2 Emergency Management and Assistance FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY CERRO GRANDE FIRE ASSISTANCE CERRO GRANDE FIRE ASSISTANCE General § 295.2 Policy. It is our policy to...

  12. 44 CFR 295.2 - Policy.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 44 Emergency Management and Assistance 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Policy. 295.2 Section 295.2 Emergency Management and Assistance FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY CERRO GRANDE FIRE ASSISTANCE CERRO GRANDE FIRE ASSISTANCE General § 295.2 Policy. It is our policy to...

  13. 5 CFR 295.301 - Fees.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 5 Administrative Personnel 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Fees. 295.301 Section 295.301... RELATING TO OFFICIAL INFORMATION AND PRODUCTION OF OFFICIAL RECORDS IN LEGAL PROCEEDINGS Schedule of Fees § 295.301 Fees. (a) Generally. The General Counsel may condition the production of records or appearance...

  14. A Case of Cushing's Syndrome with Multiple Adrenocortical Adenomas Composed of Compact Cells and Clear Cells.

    PubMed

    Asakawa, Masahiro; Yoshimoto, Takanobu; Ota, Mitsutane; Numasawa, Mitsuyuki; Sasahara, Yuriko; Takeuchi, Takato; Nakano, Yujiro; Oohara, Norihiko; Murakami, Masanori; Bouchi, Ryotaro; Minami, Isao; Tsuchiya, Kyoichiro; Hashimoto, Koshi; Izumiyama, Hajime; Kawamura, Naoko; Kihara, Kazunori; Negi, Mariko; Akashi, Takumi; Eishi, Yoshinobu; Sasano, Hironobu; Ogawa, Yoshihiro

    2016-06-01

    A 58-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for Cushingoid features and diagnosed as adrenal Cushing's syndrome due to a right adrenocortical mass (60 × 55 mm). The mass was composed of three different tumors; the first one was homogeneously lipid-poor neoplasm measuring 20 × 13 mm located at the most dorsal region, the second one was heterogeneous and lipid-rich tumor containing multiple foci of calcification measuring 50 × 32 mm located at the central region, and the last one was heterogeneous harboring dilated and tortuous vessels and lipid-poor one measuring 35 × 18 mm at the most ventral region of the adrenal gland. A right adrenalectomy was subsequently performed by open surgery. Macroscopic and microscopic analyses revealed that all three tumors were adrenocortical adenomas; the first one represents a pigmented adrenocortical adenoma, the second one adrenocortical adenoma associated with degeneration, and the third one adrenocortical adenoma harboring extensive degeneration. Immunohistochemical analysis of the steroidogenic enzymes also revealed that all of the tumors had the capacity of synthesizing cortisol. This is a very rare case of Cushing's syndrome caused by multiple adrenocortical adenomas including a pigmented adenoma. Immunohistochemical analysis of steroidogenic enzymes contributed to understanding of steroidogenesis in each of these three different adrenocortical adenomas in this case.

  15. 5 CFR 295.103 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 5 Administrative Personnel 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Definitions. 295.103 Section 295.103... § 295.103 Definitions. Demand means a subpoena, or an order or other command of a court or other... proceeding means any matter before a court of law, administrative board or tribunal, commission...

  16. 5 CFR 295.103 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 5 Administrative Personnel 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Definitions. 295.103 Section 295.103... § 295.103 Definitions. Demand means a subpoena, or an order or other command of a court or other... proceeding means any matter before a court of law, administrative board or tribunal, commission...

  17. The Adrenocortical Response of Greater Sage Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) to Capture, ACTH Injection, and Confinement, as Measured in Fecal Samples

    PubMed Central

    Jankowski, M. D.; Wittwer, D. J.; Heisey, D. M.; Franson, J. C.; Hofmeister, E. K.

    2009-01-01

    Investigators of wildlife populations often utilize demographic indicators to understand the relationship between habitat characteristics and population viability. Assessments of corticosterone may enable earlier detection of populations at risk of decline because physiological adjustments to habitat disturbance occur before reproductive diminutions. Noninvasive methods to accomplish these assesments are important in species of concern, such as the greater sage grouse (GRSG). Therefore, we validated a radioimmunoassay that measures immunoreactive corticosterone metabolites (ICM) in fecal samples and used it to characterize the adrenocortical response of 15 GRSG exposed to capture, intravenous injection of 50 IU/kg adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) or saline, and 22 h of confinement. Those animals injected with ACTH exhibited a more sustained (P = 0.0139) and less variable (P = 0.0012) response than those injected with saline, indicating different levels of adrenocortical activity. We also found that potential field-collection protocols of fecal samples did not alter ICM concentrations: samples held at 4°C for up to 16 h contained similar levels of ICM as those frozen (−20°C) immediately. This study demonstrates a multiphasic adrenocortical response that varied with the level of stimulation and indicates that the assay used to measure this phenomenon is applicable for studies of wild GRSG. PMID:19199814

  18. The adrenocortical response of greater sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) to capture, ACTH injection, and confinement, as measured in fecal samples

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Jankowski, M.D.; Wittwer, D.J.; Heisey, D.M.; Franson, J. Christian; Hofmeister, Erik K.

    2009-01-01

    Investigators of wildlife populations often utilize demographic indicators to understand the relationship between habitat characteristics and population viability. Assessments of corticosterone may enable earlier detection of populations at risk of decline because physiological adjustments to habitat disturbance occur before reproductive diminutions. Noninvasive methods to accomplish these assesments are important in species of concern, such as the greater sage grouse (GRSG). Therefore, we validated a radioimmunoassay that measures immunoreactive corticosterone metabolites (ICM) in fecal samples and used it to characterize the adrenocortical response of 15 GRSG exposed to capture, intravenous injection of 50 IU/kg adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) or saline, and 22 h of confinement. Those animals injected with ACTH exhibited a more sustained (P = 0.0139) and less variable (P = 0.0012) response than those injected with saline, indicating different levels of adrenocortical activity. We also found that potential field-collection protocols of fecal samples did not alter ICM concentrations: samples held at 4??C for up to 16 h contained similar levels of ICM as those frozen (-20??C) immediately. This study demonstrates a multiphasic adrenocortical response that varied with the level of stimulation and indicates that the assay used to measure this phenomenon is applicable for studies of wild GRSG. ?? 2009 by The University of Chicago. All rights reserved.

  19. 50 CFR 29.5 - Fees.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 50 Wildlife and Fisheries 6 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Fees. 29.5 Section 29.5 Wildlife and... WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM LAND USE MANAGEMENT General Rules § 29.5 Fees. Fees and charges for the grant of... prescribed by law or regulation, shall be set at a rate commensurate with fees and charges for similar...

  20. Comparison of the methods for measuring the Ki-67 labeling index in adrenocortical carcinoma: manual versus digital image analysis.

    PubMed

    Yamazaki, Yuto; Nakamura, Yasuhiro; Shibahara, Yukiko; Konosu-Fukaya, Sachiko; Sato, Naomi; Kubota-Nakayama, Fumie; Oki, Yutaka; Baba, Satoshi; Midorikawa, Sanae; Morimoto, Ryo; Satoh, Fumitoshi; Sasano, Hironobu

    2016-07-01

    Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare, highly malignant neoplasm harboring marked histologic heterogeneity. The Ki-67 labeling index (LI) is one of the most effective diagnostic and prognostic markers in ACC. However, its assessment has by no means been standardized. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed the Ki-67 LI in 18 ACC cases both by seven pathologists using microscopes (MA; manual analysis) and with digital image analysis (DIA) and also compared the Ki-67 LI obtained by selecting "hot spots" and formulating the "average" reading of the whole tumor specimen. In addition, we performed statistical analysis of the association between Ki-67 LI and the clinical and pathologic features of individual cases. The DIA was significantly correlated with MA in hot spots but not in the average fields. The Ki-67 LI in hot spots was significantly and consistently higher than that in average areas by both MA and DIA, indicating intratumoral heterogeneity. The Ki-67 LI was significantly correlated with the Weiss criteria (eosinophilic cytoplasm, nuclear atypia, atypical mitoses, and sinusoidal invasion) by any mode of evaluation. The clinical outcome was significantly better in the patients with a Ki-67 < 10% than in those with a Ki-67 > 10% by MA in hot spots. The Ki-67 LI in hot spots measured by MA best reflected the clinical and pathologic features of ACC. Employment of DIA to obtain the Ki-67 LI in ACC requires further improvement, including correction of its overestimation of the value by counting non-tumorous cells and nuclear segmentation in areas of high cell density. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. Gallium-67 uptake by a benign adrenocortical adenoma

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Jackson, J.A.; Naul, L.G.; Montgomery, J.L.

    1988-08-01

    A 55-yr-old man presented with an atypical relapsing meningitis and was found to have intense unilateral adrenal uptake by /sup 67/Ga imaging. Computed tomography showed a 4-cm right adrenal mass which was hypointense on the T1-weighted images and mildly hyperintense on the T2-weighted images of a magnetic resonance (MR) scan. At surgery, a coincidental benign adrenocortical adenoma was found. Because /sup 67/Ga uptake is usually associated with inflammatory or malignant lesions and malignant adrenal lesions are hyperintense on T2-weighted MR images, these findings contributed to diagnostic uncertainty in this patient. Thus, a nonhyperfunctional adrenocortical adenoma may be associated with abnormalmore » /sup 67/Ga uptake and atypical MR findings.« less

  2. MiR-218 inhibits HMGB1-mediated autophagy in endometrial carcinoma cells during chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Ran, Xiaomin; Yang, Juan; Liu, Chaoxia; Zhou, Ping; Xiao, Linzhi; Zhang, Keqiang

    2015-01-01

    Endometrial carcinoma is the most common gynecological malignancy among women worldwide. Although treatment for EC has improved with the introduction of Paclitaxel (Tax) chemotherapy, the majority of patients will develop resistance to the treatment, leading to poor prognosis. One of the causes of chemoresistance is the increased ability to undergo autophagy. In this study, we identified that miR-218 was significantly down-regulated in Tax-resistant EC cells compared to the non-drug resistant cell lines, and overexpression of miR-218 sensitized paclitaxel resistant EC cells to paclitaxel. Moreover, we demonstrated that miR-218 directly binds to the 3'-UTR of HMGB1 gene. HMGB1 was upregulated in paclitaxel resistant EC cells, it mediated autophagy and contributed to chemotherapy resistance in endometrial carcinoma in vitro. HMGB1-mediated autophagy could be suppressed by miR-218 overexpression in Tax resistant EC cells. In summary, we determined the targeting role of miR-218 to HMGB1 and the regulation of miR-218 on the HMGB1-mediated cell autophagy during chemotherapy resistance in endometrial carcinoma cells. These results reveal novel potential role of miR-218 against chemotherapy resistance during the treatment of endometrial carcinoma.

  3. VizieR Online Data Catalog: LOFAR Bootes and 3C295 field sources (van Weeren+, 2014)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    van Weeren, R. J.; Williams, W. L.; Tasse, C.; Rottgering, H. J. A.; Rafferty, D. A.; van der Tol, S.; Heald, G.; White, G. J.; Shulevski, A.; Best, P.; Intema, H. T.; Bhatnagar, S.; Reich, W.; Steinmetz, M.; van Velzen, S.; Ensslin, T. A.; Prandoni, I.; de Gasperin, F.; Jamrozy, M.; Brunetti, G.; Jarvis, M. J.; McKean, J. P.; Wise, M. W.; Ferrari, C.; Harwood, J.; Oonk, J. B. R.; Hoeft, M.; Kunert-Bajraszewska, M.; Horellou, C.; Wucknitz, O.; Bonafede, A.; Mohan, N. R.; Scaife, A. M. M.; Klockner, H.-R.; van Bemmel, I. M.; Merloni, A.; Chyzy, K. T.; Engels, D.; Falcke, H.; Pandey-Pommier, M.; Alexov, A.; Anderson, J.; Avruch, I. M.; Beck, R.; Bell, M. E.; Bentum, M. J.; Bernardi, G.; Breitling, F.; Broderick, J.; Brouw, W. N.; Bruggen, M.; Butcher, H. R.; Ciardi, B.; de Geus, E.; de Vos, M.; Deller, A.; Duscha, S.; Eisloffel, J.; Fallows, R. A.; Frieswijk, W.; Garrett, M. A.; Griessmeier, J.; Gunst, A. W.; Hamaker, J. P.; Hassall, T. E.; Horandel, J.; van der Horst, A.; Iacobelli, M.; Jackson, N. J.; Juette, E.; Kondratiev, V. I.; Kuniyoshi, M.; Maat, P.; Mann, G.; McKay-Bukowski, D.; Mevius, M.; Morganti, R.; Munk, H.; Offringa, A. R.; Orru, E.; Paas, H.; Pandey, V. N.; Pietka, G.; Pizzo, R.; Polatidis, A. G.; Renting, A.; Rowlinson, A.; Schwarz, D.; Serylak, M.; Sluman, J.; Smirnov, O.; Stappers, B. W.; Stewart, A.; Swinbank, J.; Tagger, M.; Tang, Y.; Thoudam, S.; Toribio, C.; Vermeulen, R.; Vocks, C.; Zarka, P.

    2017-04-01

    The Bootes and 3C 295 fields were simultaneously observed on 2012 April 12 as part of a multi-beam observation with the LOFAR LBA stations. The idea behind the multi-beam setup is that we use the 3C 295 observations as a calibrator field to transfer the gain amplitudes to the (target) Bootes field. The total integration time on both fields was 10.25 hr. Complete frequency coverage was obtained between 54 and 70 MHz for both fields, while non-contiguous frequency coverage was obtained between 30 and 54 MHz for the 3C 295 only. All four correlation products were recorded. By default, the frequency band was divided into sub-bands, each 195.3125 kHz wide. Each sub-band was further divided in 64 channels and the integration time was 1 s. (1 data file).

  4. miR-297 modulates multidrug resistance in human colorectal carcinoma by down-regulating MRP-2.

    PubMed

    Xu, Ke; Liang, Xin; Shen, Ke; Cui, Daling; Zheng, Yuanhong; Xu, Jianhua; Fan, Zhongze; Qiu, Yanyan; Li, Qi; Ni, Lei; Liu, Jianwen

    2012-09-01

    Colorectal carcinoma is a frequent cause of cancer-related death in men and women. miRNAs (microRNAs) are endogenous small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression negatively at the post-transcriptional level. In the present study we investigated the possible role of microRNAs in the development of MDR (multidrug resistance) in colorectal carcinoma cells. We analysed miRNA expression levels between MDR colorectal carcinoma cell line HCT116/L-OHP cells and their parent cell line HCT116 using a miRNA microarray. miR-297 showed lower expression in HCT116/L-OHP cells compared with its parental cells. MRP-2 (MDR-associated protein 2) is an important MDR protein in platinum-drug-resistance cells and is a predicted target of miR-297. Additionally miR-297 was down-regulated in a panel of human colorectal carcinoma tissues and negatively correlated with expression levels of MRP-2. Furthermore, we found that ectopic expression of miR-297 in MDR colorectal carcinoma cells reduced MRP-2 protein level and sensitized these cells to anti-cancer drugs in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, our findings suggest that miR-297 could play a role in the development of MDR in colorectal carcinoma cells, at least in part by modulation of MRP-2.

  5. Mutational Analysis of Mismatch Repair Genes, hMLH1 and hMSH2, in Sporadic Endometrial Carcinomas with Microsatellite Instability

    PubMed Central

    Kobayashi, Kanji; Matsushima, Mieko; Koi, Sumiko; Saito, Hiroko; Sagae, Satoru; Kudo, Ryuichi

    1996-01-01

    Microsatellite instability, monitored by replication error (RER), bas been observed in both sporadic and hereditary types of endometrial carcinoma. In the hereditary tumors, this instability is considered to be caused by a germline defect in the DNA mismatch‐repair system. We previously reported that nearly one‐quarter of sporadic endometrial carcinomas examined revealed an RER‐positive phenotype at multiple microsatellite loci. To investigate the role of genetic alterations of DNA mismatch‐repair genes in sporadic endometrial carcinomas, we screened 18 RER(+) endometrial carcinomas for mutations of hMLH1 and hMSH2. Although we found no germline mutations, we detected two somatic mutations of hMLH1 in a single endometrial cancer; these two mutations had occurred on different alleles, suggesting that two separate mutational events had affected both copies of hMLH1 in this particular tumor. These data implied that mutations of hMLH1 or hMSH2 play limited roles in the development of sporadic endometrial carcinomas, and that the tumors with genetic instability might have alterations of other mismatch‐repair genes, such as hPMS1 and hPMS2, or of unknown genes related to the mismatch‐repair system. PMID:8609062

  6. miR-935 suppresses gastric signet ring cell carcinoma tumorigenesis by targeting Notch1 expression

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Yan, Chao; Yu, Jianchun, E-mail: yu_jchpumch@163.com; Kang, Weiming

    Gastric signet ring cell carcinoma (GSRCC) is a unique pathological type of gastric carcinoma that is extremely invasive and has a poor prognosis. Expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been closely linked to the carcinogenesis of gastric cancer and has been considered as a powerful prognostic marker. The function of miR-935 has never been reported in cancer before. We found, using microRNA array, that expression of miR-935 in GSRCC cell lines is lower than in non-GSRCC cell lines, and enhanced expression of miR-935 in GSRCC cell-lines inhibit cell proliferation, migration and invasion. We also identified Notch1 as a direct target ofmore » miR-935. Knockdown of Notch1 reduced proliferation, migration/invasion of GSRCC cells, and overexpression Notch1's activated form (Notch intracellular domain) could rescue miR-935's tumor suppressive effect on GSRCC. Expression of miR-935 was lower in gastric carcinoma tissue than in paired normal tissue samples, and lower in GSRCC than in non-GSRCC. Our results demonstrate the inverse correlation between the expression of miR-935 and Notch1 in gastric tissues. We conclude that miR-935 inhibits gastric carcinoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion by targeting Notch1, suggesting potential applications of the miR-935-Notch1 pathway in gastric cancer clinical diagnosis and therapeutics, especially in gastric signet ring cell carcinoma. - Highlights: • The expression of miR-935 is lower in GC tissue than in paired normal tissue. • The expression of miR-935 is lower in GSRCC tissue than in non-GSRCC. • Enhanced expression of miR-935 suppresses tumorigenesis of GSRCC. • Notch1 is a direct target of miR-935.« less

  7. Noninvasive monitoring of adrenocortical activity in carnivores by fecal glucocorticoid analyses.

    PubMed

    Young, K M; Walker, S L; Lanthier, C; Waddell, W T; Monfort, S L; Brown, J L

    2004-06-01

    Measurement of glucocorticoid metabolites in feces has become an accepted method for the noninvasive evaluation of adrenocortical activity. The objective of this study was to determine if a simple cortisol enzyme immunoassay (EIA) was suitable for monitoring adrenocortical activity in a variety of carnivore species. Performance of the cortisol EIA was gauged by comparison to a corticosterone radioimmunoassay (RIA) that has been used for measuring glucocorticoid metabolites in feces of numerous species. Tests for parallelism and extraction efficiency were used to compare the cortisol EIA and corticosterone RIA across eight species of carnivores (Himalayan black bear, sloth bear, domestic cat, cheetah, clouded leopard, black-footed ferret, slender-tailed meerkat, and red wolf). The biological relevance of immunoreactive glucocorticoid metabolites in feces was established for at least one species of each Carnivora family studied with an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) challenge. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of fecal extracts for each species revealed (1) the presence of multiple immunoreactive glucocorticoid metabolites in feces, but (2) the two immunoassays measured different metabolites, and (3) there were differences across species in the number and polarities of metabolites identified between assay systems. ACTH challenge studies revealed increases in fecal metabolite concentrations measured by the cortisol EIA and corticosterone RIA of approximately 228-1145% and approximately 231-4150% above pre-treatment baseline, respectively, within 1-2 days of injection. Concentrations of fecal glucocorticoid metabolites measured by the cortisol EIA and corticosterone RIA during longitudinal evaluation (i.e., >50 days) of several species were significantly correlated (P<0.0025, correlation coefficient range 0.383-0.975). Adrenocortical responses to physical and psychological stressors during longitudinal evaluations varied with the type of

  8. Regulators of G-protein signaling 4 in adrenal gland: localization, regulation, and role in aldosterone secretion.

    PubMed

    Romero, Damian G; Zhou, Ming Yi; Yanes, Licy L; Plonczynski, Maria W; Washington, Tanganika R; Gomez-Sanchez, Celso E; Gomez-Sanchez, Elise P

    2007-08-01

    Regulators of G-protein signaling (RGS proteins) interact with Galpha subunits of heterotrimeric G-proteins, accelerating the rate of GTP hydrolysis and finalizing the intracellular signaling triggered by the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-ligand interaction. Angiotensin II (Ang II) interacts with its GPCR in adrenal zona glomerulosa cells and triggers a cascade of intracellular signals that regulates steroidogenesis and proliferation. On screening for adrenal zona glomerulosa-specific genes, we found that RGS4 was exclusively localized in the zona glomerulosa of the rat adrenal cortex. We studied RGS4 expression and regulation in the rat adrenal gland, including the signaling pathways involved, as well as the role of RGS4 in steroidogenesis in human adrenocortical H295R cells. We reported that RGS4 mRNA expression in the rat adrenal gland was restricted to the adrenal zonal glomerulosa and upregulated by low-salt diet and Ang II infusion in rat adrenal glands in vivo. In H295R cells, Ang II caused a rapid and transient increase in RGS4 mRNA levels mediated by the calcium/calmodulin/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase and protein kinase C pathways. RGS4 overexpression by retroviral infection in H295R cells decreased Ang II-stimulated aldosterone secretion. In reporter assays, RGS4 decreased Ang II-mediated aldosterone synthase upregulation. In summary, RGS4 is an adrenal gland zona glomerulosa-specific gene that is upregulated by aldosterone secretagogues, in vivo and in vitro, and functions as a negative feedback of Ang II-triggered intracellular signaling. Alterations in RGS4 expression levels or functions may be involved in deregulations of Ang II signaling and abnormal aldosterone secretion.

  9. Upregulation of MiR-212 Inhibits Migration and Tumorigenicity and Inactivates Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Jia, Pengbo; Wei, Guangbing; Zhou, Cancan; Gao, Qi; Wu, Yunhua; Sun, Xuejun; Li, Xuqi

    2018-01-01

    MicroRNAs are involved in hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis, a principal cause of hepatocellular carcinoma-related death in patients worldwide. MiR-212 is a microRNA that has been identified in several types of cancers and is postulated to influence cell signaling and subsequent malignant pathogenesis. Despite emerging reports suggesting that miR-212 plays a significant role in the onset, progression, and migration of these types of malignant tumors, its involvement in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma has not been fully elucidated. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, wound healing, transwell migration and invasion assays, Western blotting, and xenograft tumor growth models were performed to test the expression levels and functions of miR-212 in hepatocellular carcinoma. Luciferase reporter assay, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry were used to identify and verify the target of miR-212. In this study, we identify significant repression of miR-212 in hepatocellular carcinoma and demonstrate that overexpression of miR-212 inhibits the migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we identify forkhead box M1, whose expression is inversely related to that of miR-212, as a direct target of miR-212. Additionally, reexpression of forkhead box M1 rescues the miR-212-mediated inhibition of cell migration. We observed that inhibition of miR-212 activates forkhead box M1 but inhibits the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by suppressing Wnt, LEF-1, c-Myc, and nuclear β-catenin. Finally, in vivo studies confirmed the inhibitory effect of miR-212 on hepatocellular carcinoma growth. Our present findings indicate that miR-212 is a potential prognostic biomarker of hepatocellular carcinoma and that the miR-212/forkhead box M1 regulatory axis may represent a new therapeutic objective for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment.

  10. Role of Endocrine Gland-Derived Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (EG-VEGF) and Its Receptors in Adrenocortical Tumors.

    PubMed

    Heck, Dorothee; Wortmann, Sebastian; Kraus, Luitgard; Ronchi, Cristina L; Sinnott, Richard O; Fassnacht, Martin; Sbiera, Silviu

    2015-12-01

    Angiogenesis is essential for tumor growth and metastasis. Endocrine gland-derived vascular endothelial growth factor (EG-VEGF) is an angiogenic factor predominantly expressed in steroidogenic organs like the adrenal gland, ovary, testes, and placenta. EG-VEGF has antiapoptotic, mitogenic, and chemoattractive properties mediated via the two G protein-coupled receptors prokineticin receptor 1 (PKR1) and prokineticin receptor 2 (PKR2). We investigated the expression of EG-VEGF and its receptors in a large number of normal adrenal glands (NAG), adrenocortical adenomas (ACA), and carcinomas (ACC) using real-time PCR (NAG, n = 12; ACA, n = 24; and ACC, n = 30) and immunohistochemistry (NAG, n = 9; ACA, n = 23; and ACC, n = 163) and evaluated its impact on patients' survival. EG-VEGF, PKR1, and PKR2 mRNA and protein are expressed in NAG and the vast majority of ACA and ACC samples. The mean EG-VEGF mRNA expression was significantly lower in ACC (606.5 ± 77.1 copies) compared to NAG (4,043 ± 1,111) and cortisol-producing adenomas (CPA) (4,433 ± 2,378) (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). However, cytoplasmic and nuclear EG-VEGF protein expression was either significantly higher or similar in ACC (H score 2.4 ± 0.05, p < 0.05 and 1.7 ± 0.08, n.s., respectively) compared to NAG (1.8 ± 0.14 and 1.7 ± 0.2). Nuclear protein expression of either EG-VEGF or PKR1 or both is predictive for a higher mortality compared to patients without nuclear expression (hazard ratio (HR) = 5.15; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.24-21.36, n = 100, p = 0.02 independent of age, sex, and tumor stage). These findings suggest that EG-VEGF and its receptor PKR1 might play a role in the pathogenesis of adrenocortical tumors and could serve as prognostic markers for this rare malignant disease.

  11. Vasopressin V1 receptor in rat hippocampus is regulated by adrenocortical functions.

    PubMed

    Saito, R; Ishiharada, N; Ban, Y; Honda, K; Takano, Y; Kamiya, H

    1994-05-16

    Two subtypes of arginine vasopressin (AVP) receptors (V1 and V2) have been distinguished. In this study, we examined the characteristics of AVP binding in rat hippocampus and the effects of bilateral adrenalectomy and adrenal steroids on its [3H]AVP binding. [3H]AVP binding to rat liver and the hippocampal membranes was strongly inhibited by the V1 antagonist, OPC-21268. ADX resulted in a significant decrease in the Bmax of AVP binding in the hippocampus. Chronic treatment with aldosterone and corticosterone restored the ADX-induced reduction, but treatment with dexamethasone did not. These results suggest that the AVP V1 receptor in the hippocampus is regulated by adrenocortical neuroregulatory functions.

  12. Comprehensive genomic profiling of 295 cases of clinically advanced urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder reveals a high frequency of clinically relevant genomic alterations.

    PubMed

    Ross, Jeffrey S; Wang, Kai; Khaira, Depinder; Ali, Siraj M; Fisher, Huge A G; Mian, Badar; Nazeer, Tipu; Elvin, Julia A; Palma, Norma; Yelensky, Roman; Lipson, Doron; Miller, Vincent A; Stephens, Philip J; Subbiah, Vivek; Pal, Sumanta K

    2016-03-01

    In the current study, the authors present a comprehensive genomic profile (CGP)-based study of advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC) designed to detect clinically relevant genomic alterations (CRGAs). DNA was extracted from 40 µm of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections from 295 consecutive cases of recurrent/metastatic UC. CGP was performed on hybridization-captured, adaptor ligation-based libraries to a mean coverage depth of 688X for all coding exons of 236 cancer-related genes plus 47 introns from 19 genes frequently rearranged in cancer, using process-matched normal control samples as a reference. CRGAs were defined as GAs linked to drugs on the market or currently under evaluation in mechanism-driven clinical trials. All 295 patients assessed were classified with high-grade (International Society of Urological Pathology classification) and advanced stage (stage III/IV American Joint Committee on Cancer) disease, and 294 of 295 patients (99.7%) had at least 1 GA on CGP with a mean of 6.4 GAs per UC (61% substitutions/insertions/deletions, 37% copy number alterations, and 2% fusions). Furthermore, 275 patients (93%) had at least 1 CRGA involving 75 individual genes with a mean of 2.6 CRGAs per UC. The most common CRGAs involved cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) (34%), fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) (21%), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) (20%), and ERBB2 (17%). FGFR3 GAs were diverse types and included 10% fusions. ERBB2 GAs were equally divided between amplifications and substitutions. ERBB2 substitutions were predominantly within the extracellular domain and were highly enriched in patients with micropapillary UC (38% of 32 cases vs 5% of 263 nonmicropapillary UC cases; P<.0001). Using a CGP assay capable of detecting all classes of GA simultaneously, an extraordinarily high frequency of CRGA was identified in a large series of patients with advanced UC. Cancer 2016;122:702-711. © 2015 American

  13. Glucocorticoids enhance activation of the human type II 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Delta5-Delta4 isomerase gene.

    PubMed

    Feltus, F Alex; Cote, Stephanie; Simard, Jacques; Gingras, Sebastien; Kovacs, William J; Nicholson, Wendell E; Clark, Barbara J; Melner, Michael H

    2002-09-01

    Glucocorticoids indirectly alter adrenocortical steroid output through the inhibition of ACTH secretion by the anterior pituitary. However, previous studies suggest that glucocorticoids can directly affect adrenocortical steroid production. Therefore, we have investigated the ability of glucocorticoids to affect transcription of adrenocortical steroid biosynthetic enzymes. One potential target of glucocorticoid action in the adrenal is an enzyme critical for adrenocortical steroid production: 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Delta5-Delta4 isomerase (3beta-HSD). Treatment of the adrenocortical cell line (H295R) with the glucocorticoid agonist dexamethasone (DEX) increased cortisol production and 3beta-HSD mRNA levels alone or in conjunction with phorbol ester. This increase in 3beta-HSD mRNA was paralleled by increases in Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein (StAR) mRNA levels. The human type II 3beta-HSD promoter lacks a consensus palindromic glucocorticoid response element (GRE) but does contain a Stat5 response element (Stat5RE) suggesting that glucocorticoids could affect type II 3beta-HSD transcription via interaction with Stat5. Transfection experiments show enhancement of human type II 3beta-HSD promoter activity by coexpression of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and Stat5A and treatment with 100nM dexamethasone. Furthermore, removal of the Stat5RE either by truncation of the 5' flanking sequence in the promoter or introduction of point mutations to the Stat5RE abolished the ability of DEX to enhance 3beta-HSD promoter activity. These studies demonstrate the ability of glucocorticoids to directly enhance the expression of an adrenal steroidogenic enzyme gene albeit independent of a consensus palindromic glucocorticoid response element.

  14. miR-192, miR-194 and miR-215: a convergent microRNA network suppressing tumor progression in renal cell carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Khella, H W Z; Bakhet, M; Allo, G; Jewett, M A S; Girgis, A H; Latif, A; Girgis, H; Von Both, I; Bjarnason, G A; Yousef, G M

    2013-10-01

    MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in tumor progression and metastasis. We, and others, recently identified a number of miRNAs that are dysregulated in metastatic renal cell carcinoma compared with primary renal cell carcinoma. Here, we investigated three miRNAs that are significantly downregulated in metastatic tumors: miR-192, miR-194 and miR-215. Gain-of-function analyses showed that restoration of their expression decreases cell migration and invasion in renal cell carcinoma cell line models, whereas knockdown of these miRNAs resulted in enhancing cellular migration and invasion abilities. We identified three targets of these miRNAs with potential role in tumor aggressiveness: murine double minute 2, thymidylate synthase, and Smad Interacting protein 1/zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 2. We observed a convergent effect (the same molecule can be targeted by all three miRNAs) and a divergent effect (the same miRNA can control multiple targets) for these miRNAs. We experimentally validated these miRNA-target interactions using three independent approaches. First, we observed that miRNA overexpression significantly reduces the mRNA and protein levels of their targets. In the second, we observed significant reduction of the luciferase signal of a vector containing the 3'UTR of the target upon miRNA overexpression. Finally, we show the presence of inverse correlation between miRNA changes and the expression levels of their targets in patient specimens. We also examined the prognostic significance of miR-215 in renal cell carcinoma. Lower expression of miR-215 is associated with significantly reduced disease-free survival time. These findings were validated on an independent data set from The Cancer Genome Atlas. These results can pave the way to the clinical use of miRNAs as prognostic markers and therapeutic targets.

  15. Marital Conflict Predicts Mother-to-Infant Adrenocortical Transmission.

    PubMed

    Hibel, Leah C; Mercado, Evelyn

    2017-12-21

    Employing an experimental design, mother-to-infant transmission of stress was examined. Mothers (N = 117) were randomized to either have a positive or conflictual discussion with their marital partners, after which infants (age = 6 months) participated in a fear and frustration task. Saliva samples were collected to assess maternal cortisol responses to the discussion and infant cortisol responses to the challenge task. Results indicate maternal cortisol reactivity and recovery to the conflict (but not positive) discussion predicted infant cortisol reactivity to the infant challenge. Mothers' positive affect during the discussion buffered, and intrusion during the free-play potentiated, mother-to-infant adrenocortical transmission. These findings advance our understanding of the social and contextual regulation of adrenocortical activity in early childhood. © 2017 The Authors. Child Development © 2017 Society for Research in Child Development, Inc.

  16. Tetragonia tetragonioides (Pall.) Kuntze Regulates Androgen Production in a Letrozole-Induced Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Model.

    PubMed

    Pyun, Bo-Jeong; Yang, Hyun; Sohn, Eunjin; Yu, Song Yi; Lee, Dongoh; Jung, Dong Ho; Ko, Byoung Seob; Lee, Hye Won

    2018-05-14

    Tetragonia tetragonioides (Pall.) Kuntze (TTK) is a medicinal plant traditionally used to treat various diseases such as diabetic, inflammatory, and female-related disorders. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrinological disorder in women of reproductive age, and hyperandrogenism is a prominent feature of PCOS resulting in anovulation and infertility. In this study, we investigated the effects of a TTK extract on androgen generation and regulation of steroidogenic enzymes in vitro and in vivo. Human adrenocortical NCI-H295R cells were used to assess the effects of TTK extract on production of dehydroepiandrosterone and testosterone, as well as the protein expression of steroidogenic enzymes. Further, a letrozole-induced PCOS rat model was used in vivo to assess whether dietary administration of TTK extract restores normal hormones and reduces PCOS symptoms. TTK extract significantly inhibited forskolin (FOR)-induced androgen production in NCI-H295R cells and serum luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and follicular cysts, but not estradiol, were reduced in letrozole-induced PCOS rats orally administered the TTK extract. In addition, TTK extract inhibits androgen biosynthesis through the ERK-CREB signaling pathway, which regulates CYP17A1 or HSD3B2 expression. TTK extract could be utilized for the prevention and treatment of hyperandrogenism and other types of PCOS.

  17. On the reaction of the NH 2 radical with NO at 295-620 K

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bulatov, V. P.; Ioffe, A. A.; Lozovsky, V. A.; Sarkisov, O. M.

    1989-09-01

    The reaction of the NH 2 radical with NO, NH 2+NO→ k1 products, was investigated using intracavity laser spectroscopy. The temperature dependence of k1( T) over the range 295-620 K is well approximated by the expression k1( T)=(2.0±0.4)×10 -11×( T/298) -2.2 cm 3 s -1. The branching ratios for the OH radical, α=( k1b+ k1c)/ k1, where NH 2+NO→ k1b N 2H+OH→ k1c N 2+H+OH, obtained at different temperatures over the range 295-620 K are as follows: α(295 K)=0.1±0.02; α(470 K)=0.14±0.03; α(620 K)=0.2±0.04.

  18. Imaging of adrenal masses with emphasis on adrenocortical tumors.

    PubMed

    Sundin, Anders

    2012-01-01

    Because of the more widespread and frequent use of cross-sectional techniques, mainly computed tomography (CT), an increasing number of adrenal tumors are detected as incidental findings ("incidentalomas"). These incidentaloma patients are much more frequent than those undergoing imaging because of symptoms related to adrenal disease. CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are in most patients sufficient for characterization and follow-up of the incidentaloma. In a minor portion of patients, biochemical screening reveals a functional tumor and further diagnostic work-up and therapy need to be performed according to the type of hormonal overproduction. In oncological patients, especially when the morphological imaging criteria indicate an adrenal metastasis, biopsy of the lesion should be considered after pheochromocytoma is ruled out biochemically. In the minority of patients in whom CT and MRI fail to characterize the tumor and when time is of essence, functional imaging mainly by positron emission tomography (PET) is available using various tracers. The most used PET tracer, [(18)F]fluoro-deoxy-glucose ((18)FDG), is able to differentiate benign from malignant adrenal tumors in many patients. (11)C-metomidate ((11)C-MTO) is a more specialized PET tracer that binds to the 11-beta-hydroxylase enzyme in the adrenal cortex and thus makes it possible to differ adrenal tumors (benign adrenocortical adenoma and adrenocortical cancer) from those of non-adrenocortical origin.

  19. EJE prize 2014: current and evolving treatment options in adrenocortical carcinoma: where do we stand and where do we want to go?

    PubMed

    Ronchi, Cristina L; Kroiss, Matthias; Sbiera, Silviu; Deutschbein, Timo; Fassnacht, Martin

    2014-07-01

    Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is not only a rare and heterogeneous disease but also one of the most aggressive endocrine tumors. Despite significant advances in the last decade, its pathogenesis is still only incompletely understood and overall therapeutic means are unsatisfactory. Herein, we provide our personal view of the currently available treatment options and suggest the following research efforts that we consider timely and necessary to improve therapy: i) for better outcome in localized ACCs, surgery should be restricted to experienced centers, which should then collaborate closely to address the key surgical questions (e.g. best approach and extent of surgery) in a multicenter manner. ii) For the development of better systemic therapies, it is crucial to elucidate the exact molecular mechanisms of action of mitotane. iii) A prospective trial is needed to address the role of cytotoxic drugs in the adjuvant setting in aggressive ACCs (e.g. mitotane vs mitotane+cisplatin). iv) For metastatic ACCs, new regimens should be investigated as first-line therapy. v) Several other issues (e.g. the role of radiotherapy and salvage therapies) might be answered - at least in a first step - by large retrospective multicenter studies. In conclusion, although it is unrealistic to expect that the majority of ACCs can be cured within the next decade, international collaborative efforts (including multiple translational and clinical studies) should allow significant improvement of clinical outcome of this disease. To this end, it might be reasonable to expand the European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumors (ENSAT) to a truly worldwide international network - INSAT. © 2014 European Society of Endocrinology.

  20. 15 CFR 295.24 - Registration.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Registration. 295.24 Section 295.24 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM...

  1. 15 CFR 295.24 - Registration.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Registration. 295.24 Section 295.24 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM...

  2. 15 CFR 295.24 - Registration.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Registration. 295.24 Section 295.24 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM...

  3. 15 CFR 295.24 - Registration.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Registration. 295.24 Section 295.24 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM...

  4. 15 CFR 295.24 - Registration.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Registration. 295.24 Section 295.24 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM...

  5. Intravenous miR-144 inhibits tumor growth in diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in mice.

    PubMed

    He, Quan; Wang, Fangfei; Honda, Takashi; Lindquist, Diana M; Dillman, Jonathan R; Timchenko, Nikolai A; Redington, Andrew N

    2017-10-01

    Previous in vitro studies have demonstrated that miR-144 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. We have shown that miR-144, injected intravenously, is taken up by the liver and induces endogenous hepatic synthesis of miR-144. We hypothesized that administered miR-144 has tumor-suppressive effects on liver tumor development in vivo. The effects of miR-144 on tumorigenesis and tumor growth were tested in a diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma mouse model. MiR-144 injection had no effect on body weight but significantly reduced diethylnitrosamine-induced liver enlargement compared with scrambled microRNA. MiR-144 had no effect on diethylnitrosamine-induced liver tumor number but reduced the tumor size above 50%, as evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (scrambled microRNA 23.07 ± 5.67 vs miR-144 10.38 ± 2.62, p < 0.05) and histological analysis (scrambled microRNA 30.75 ± 5.41 vs miR-144 15.20 ± 3.41, p < 0.05). The levels of miR-144 was suppressed in tumor tissue compared with non-tumor tissue in all treatment groups (diethylnitrosamine-phosphate-buffered saline non-tumor 1.05 ± 0.09 vs tumor 0.54 ± 0.08, p < 0.01; diethylnitrosamine-scrambled microRNA non-tumor 1.23 ± 0.33 vs tumor 0.44 ± 0.10, p < 0.05; diethylnitrosamine-miR-144 non-tumor 54.72 ± 11.80 vs tumor 11.66 ± 2.75, p < 0.01), but injection of miR-144 greatly increased miR-144 levels both in tumor and non-tumor tissues. Mechanistic studies showed that miR-144 targets epidermal growth factor receptor and inhibits the downstream Src/AKT signaling pathway which has previously been implicated in hepatocellular carcinoma tumorigenesis. Exogenously delivered miR-144 may be a therapeutic strategy to suppress tumor growth in hepatocellular carcinoma.

  6. Effects of multiwalled carbon nanotubes and triclocarban on several eukaryotic cell lines: elucidating cytotoxicity, endocrine disruption, and reactive oxygen species generation

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    To date, only a few reports about studies on toxic effects of carbon nanotubes (CNT) are available, and their results are often controversial. Three different cell lines (rainbow trout liver cells (RTL-W1), human adrenocortical carcinoma cells (T47Dluc), and human adrenocarcinoma cells (H295R)) were exposed to multiwalled carbon nanotubes, the antimicrobial agent triclocarban (TCC) as well as the mixture of both substances in a concentration range of 3.13 to 50 mg CNT/L, 31.25 to 500 μg TCC/L, and 3.13 to 50 mg CNT/L + 1% TCC (percentage relative to carbon nanotubes concentration), respectively. Triclocarban is a high-production volume chemical that is widely used as an antimicrobial compound and is known for its toxicity, hydrophobicity, endocrine disruption, bioaccumulation potential, and environmental persistence. Carbon nanotubes are known to interact with hydrophobic organic compounds. Therefore, triclocarban was selected as a model substance to examine mixture toxicity in this study. The influence of multiwalled carbon nanotubes and triclocarban on various toxicological endpoints was specified: neither cytotoxicity nor endocrine disruption could be observed after exposure of the three cell lines to carbon nanotubes, but the nanomaterial caused intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species in all cell types. For TCC on the other hand, cell vitality of 80% could be observed at a concentration of 2.1 mg/L for treated RTL-W1 cells. A decrease of luciferase activity in the ER Calux assay at a triclocarban concentration of 125 μg/L and higher was observed. This effect was less pronounced when multiwalled carbon nanotubes were present in the medium. Taken together, these results demonstrate that multiwalled carbon nanotubes induce the production of reactive oxygen species in RTL-W1, T47Dluc, and H295R cells, reveal no cytotoxicity, and reduce the bioavailability and toxicity of the biocide triclocarban. PMID:25170332

  7. Non-invasive assessment of adrenocortical function in captive Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus).

    PubMed

    Ganswindt, Stefanie B; Myburgh, Jan G; Cameron, Elissa Z; Ganswindt, Andre

    2014-11-01

    The occurrence of stress-inducing factors in captive crocodilians is a concern, since chronic stress can negatively affect animal health and reproduction, and hence production. Monitoring stress in wild crocodiles could also be beneficial for assessing the state of health in populations which are potentially threatened by environmental pollution. In both cases, a non-invasive approach to assess adrenocortical function as a measure of stress would be preferable, as animals are not disturbed during sample collection, and therefore sampling is feedback-free. So far, however, such a non-invasive method has not been established for any crocodilian species. As an initial step, we therefore examined the suitability of two enzyme-immunoassays, detecting faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGMs) with a 11β,21-diol-20-one and 5β-3α-ol-11-one structure, respectively, for monitoring stress-related physiological responses in captive Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus). An adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) challenge was performed on 10 sub-adult crocodiles, resulting in an overall increase in serum corticosterone levels of 272% above the pre-injection levels 5h post-injection. Saline-treated control animals (n=8) showed an overall increase of 156% in serum corticosterone levels 5h post-administration. Faecal samples pre- and post-injection could be obtained from three of the six individually housed crocodiles, resulting in FGM concentrations 136-380% above pre-injection levels, always detected in the first sample collected post-treatment (7-15 days post-injection). FGM concentrations seem comparatively stable at ambient temperatures for up to 72 h post-defaecation. In conclusion, non-invasive hormone monitoring can be used for assessing adrenocortical function in captive Nile crocodiles based on FGM analysis. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. 15 CFR 295.1 - Purpose.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Purpose. 295.1 Section 295.1 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM General...

  9. 15 CFR 295.1 - Purpose.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Purpose. 295.1 Section 295.1 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM General...

  10. 15 CFR 295.1 - Purpose.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Purpose. 295.1 Section 295.1 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM General...

  11. 15 CFR 295.1 - Purpose.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Purpose. 295.1 Section 295.1 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM General...

  12. 15 CFR 295.1 - Purpose.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Purpose. 295.1 Section 295.1 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM General...

  13. Expression of oncogenic miR-17-92 and tumor suppressive miR-143-145 clusters in basal cell carcinoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Sand, Michael; Hessam, Schapoor; Amur, Susanne; Skrygan, Marina; Bromba, Michael; Stockfleth, Eggert; Gambichler, Thilo; Bechara, Falk G

    2017-05-01

    A variety of cancers are associated with the expression of the oncogenic miR-17-92 cluster (Oncomir-1) and tumor suppressor miR-143-5p/miR-145-5p. Epidermal skin cancer has not been investigated for the expression of miR-17-92 and miR-143-145 clusters, despite being extensively studied regarding global microRNA profiles. The goal of this study was to investigate the expression and possible correlation of expression of miR17-92 and miR-143-145 cluster members in epidermal skin cancer. We evaluated punch biopsies from patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC, n=15) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC, n=16), along with control specimens from non-lesional epidermal skin (n=16). Expression levels of the miR17-92 cluster (including miR-17-5p, miR-17-3p, miR-18a-3p, miR-18a-5p, miR-19a-3p, miR-19a-5p, miR-19b-3p, miR-19b-1-5p, miR-20a-3p, miR-20a-5p, miR-92a-3p, and miR-92a-5p) and the tumor-suppressive cluster miR-143-145 (including miR-143-5p and miR-145-5p) were detected by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. We noted a highly significant increased expression of the miR-17-92 members miR-17-5p, miR-18a-5p, miR19a-3p, and miR-19b-3p and tumor suppressor miR-143-5p (p<0.01) in cSCC. miR-145-5p had a significantly decreased expression (p<0.05) for in BCC. A correlation analysis revealed multiple correlating miRNA-pairs within and between the investigated clusters. This study marks the first evidence for the participation of members of the miR-17-92 cluster in cSCC and miR-143-145 cluster in BCC. Copyright © 2017 Japanese Society for Investigative Dermatology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Prognostic relevance of miR-137 in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Sakabe, Tomohiko; Azumi, Junya; Umekita, Yoshihisa; Toriguchi, Kan; Hatano, Etsuro; Hirooka, Yasuaki; Shiota, Goshi

    2017-02-01

    Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a pivotal role in progression, metastasis and recurrence of cancer. Therefore, it is clinically useful to identify the relevant CSC marker that is associated with prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and clarify its genetic and biological characteristics. Expression of four CSC markers, CD13, EpCAM, CD44 and CD44v9, was examined in 99 HCC patients. Biological and cDNA/miRNA microarray data were compared among CD44-positive/-negative HCC cells and normal hepatic cells. The significance of the representative miRNAs was examined with regard to prognosis of additional 110 HCC patients. CD44-positive HuH7 cells proliferated faster and showed a greater sphere forming ability than CD44-negative HuH7 cells. CD44-positive HuH7 cells exhibited higher expression of specific genes involved in resistance to reactive oxygen species, anticancer drugs and tumour invasion than CD44-negative HCC cells. Higher expression of six miRNAs was observed in CD44-positive HuH7 cells, CD44-negative HuH7 cells, and human normal hepatic cells in that order. Of the six miRNAs, miR-137 was closely associated with overall and cancer-specific survivals, as well as with invasion of hepatic vein, hepatic artery, portal vein and bile duct, and alpha-foetoprotein in additional 110 HCC patients. miR-137 may serve as a prognostic marker in patients with HCC and may be a potential target for the elimination of liver CSCs. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  15. 44 CFR 295.12 - Election of remedies.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 44 Emergency Management and Assistance 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Election of remedies. 295.12 Section 295.12 Emergency Management and Assistance FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF... CGFAA § 295.12 Election of remedies. (a) By filing a Notice of Loss, an Injured Person waives the right...

  16. 44 CFR 295.12 - Election of remedies.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 44 Emergency Management and Assistance 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Election of remedies. 295.12 Section 295.12 Emergency Management and Assistance FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF... CGFAA § 295.12 Election of remedies. (a) By filing a Notice of Loss, an Injured Person waives the right...

  17. Cooperation of hTERT, SV40 T Antigen and Oncogenic Ras in Tumorigenesis: A Cell Transplantation Model Using Bovine Adrenocortical Cells1

    PubMed Central

    Thomas, Michael; Suwa, Tetsuya; Yang, Lianqing; Zhao, Lifang; Hawks, Christina L; Hornsby, Peter J

    2002-01-01

    Abstract Expression of TERT, the reverse transcriptase component of telomerase, is necessary to convert normal human cells to cancer cells. Despite this, “telomerization” by hTERT does not appear to alter the normal properties of cells. In a cell transplantation model in which bovine adrenocortical cells form vascularized tissue structures beneath the kidney capsule in scid mice, telomerization does not perturb the functional tissue-forming capacity of the cells. This cell transplantation model was used to study the cooperation of hTERT with SV40 T antigen (SV40 TAg) and oncogenic Ras in tumorigenesis. Only cells expressing all three genes were tumorigenic; this required large T, but not small t, antigen. These cells produced a continuously expanding tissue mass; they were invasive with respect to adjacent organs and eventually destroyed the kidney. Cells expressing only hTERT or only Ras produced minimally altered tissues. In contrast, SV40 TAg alone produced noninvasive nodules beneath the kidney capsule that had high proliferation rates balanced by high rates of apoptosis. The use of cell transplantation techniques in a cell type that is able to form tissue structures with or without full neoplastic conversion allows the phenotypes produced by individual cooperating oncogenes to be observed. PMID:12407443

  18. Pediatric renal cell carcinomas with Xp11.2 rearrangements are immunoreactive for hMLH1 and hMSH2 proteins.

    PubMed

    Rakheja, Dinesh; Kapur, Payal; Tomlinson, Gail E; Margraf, Linda R

    2005-01-01

    Alveolar soft part sarcoma and pediatric renal cell carcinoma share a similar chromosomal abnormality, t(X;17)(p11.2;q25). Recently, it has been suggested that the inactivation of DNA mismatch repair genes hMLH1 and hMSH2 may play an additional role in the pathogenesis of alveolar soft part sarcoma. Immunohistochemical expression of the proteins hMLH1 and hMSH2 is indicative of the activation status of the corresponding genes. We performed immunohistochemistry for hMLH1 and hMSH2 in 4 cases of pediatric renal cell carcinomas with Xp11.2 rearrangements. All cases showed nuclear immunoreactivity for both proteins, although the staining was patchy. Our study demonstrates that inactivation of the DNA mismatch repair genes hMLH1 and hMSH2 does not appear to play a role in the tumorigenesis of pediatric renal cell carcinomas with Xp11.2 rearrangements.

  19. The heat capacity of hydrous cordierite above 295 K

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Carey, J. William

    1993-04-01

    The heat capacity of synthetic hydrous cordierite (Mg2Al4Si5O18·nH2O) has been determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) from 295 to 425 K as a function of H2O content. Six samples with H2O contents ranging from 0 to 0.82 per formula unit were examined. The partial molar heat capacity of H2O in cordierite over the measured temperature interval is independent of composition and temperature within experimental uncertainty and is equal to 43.3 ±0.8 J/mol/ K. This value exceeds the molar heat capacity of gaseous H2O by 9.7 J/mol/K, but is significantly smaller than the heat capacity of H2O in several zeolites and liquid H2O. A statistical-mechanical model of the heat capacity of adsorbed gas species (Barrer 1978) is used to extrapolate the heat capacity of hydrous cordierite to temperatures greater than 425 K. In this model, the heat capacity of hydrous cordierite (Crd·nH2O) is represented as follows: Cp(Crd · nH2O) = Cp(Crd)+ n{Cp(H2O, gas)+ R(gas constant)} (1) An examination of calorimetric data for hydrous beryl, analcime, mordenite, and clinoptilolite (Hemingway et al. 1986; Johnson et al. 1982, 1991, 1992) demonstrates the general applicability of the statistical-mechanical model for the extrapolation of heat capacity data of zeolitic minerals. The heat capacity data for cordierite are combined with the data of Carey and Navrotsky (1992) to obtain the molar enthalpy of formation and enthalpy of hydration of hydrous cordierite as a function of temperature.

  20. PKC-alpha modulation by miR-483-3p in platinum-resistant ovarian carcinoma cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Arrighetti, Noemi, E-mail: Noemi.Arrighetti@istitu

    The occurrence of drug resistance limits the efficacy of platinum compounds in the cure of ovarian carcinoma. Since microRNAs (miRNAs) may contribute to this phenomenon by regulating different aspects of tumor cell response, the aim of this study was to exploit the analysis of expression of miRNAs in platinum sensitive/resistant cells in an attempt to identify potential regulators of drug response. MiR-483-3p, which may participate in apoptosis and cell proliferation regulation, was found up-regulated in 4 platinum resistant variants, particularly in the IGROV-1/Pt1 subline, versus parental cells. Transfection of a synthetic precursor of miR-483-3p in IGROV-1 parental cells elicited amore » marked up-regulation of the miRNA levels. Growth-inhibition and colony-forming assays indicated that miR-483-3p over-expression reduced cell growth and conferred mild levels of cisplatin resistance in IGROV-1 cells, by interference with their proliferative potential. Predicted targets of miR-483-3p included PRKCA (encoding PKC-alpha), previously reported to be associated to platinum-resistance in ovarian carcinoma. We found that miR-483-3p directly targeted PRKCA in IGROV-1 cells. In keeping with this finding, cisplatin sensitivity of IGROV-1 cells decreased upon molecular/pharmacological inhibition of PKC-alpha. Overall, our results suggest that overexpression of miR-483-3p by ovarian carcinoma platinum-resistant cells may interfere with their proliferation, thus protecting them from DNA damage induced by platinum compounds and ultimately representing a drug-resistance mechanism. The impairment of cell growth may account for low levels of drug resistance that could be relevant in the clinical setting. - Highlights: • miR-483-3p is up-regulated in ovarian carcinoma cells resistant to platinum drugs. • Ectopic expression of miR-483-3p in IGROV-1 confers mild levels of Pt-resistance. • Overexpression of miR-483-3p down-regulates PRKCA levels in ovarian carcinoma cells.

  1. The role of mothers’ and fathers’ adrenocortical reactivity in spillover between interparental conflict and parenting practices

    PubMed Central

    Sturge-Apple, Melissa L.; Davies, Patrick T.; Cicchetti, Dante; Cummings, E. Mark

    2010-01-01

    Guided by the affective spillover hypothesis, the present study examined the mediational role of parental adrenocortical reactivity to interparental conflict in explaining associations between interparental conflict and subsequent changes in mothers’ and fathers’ parenting practices over a 2 year period in a sample of 202 parents and their six year old children. Results of autoregressive, path models indicated that marital withdrawal was associated with increases in adrenocortical reactivity to conflict for mothers but not fathers. Furthermore, elevated adrenocortical reactivity in turn predicted greater psychologically controlling parenting practices and inconsistent discipline over time for mothers, but was not associated with changes in maternal warmth. Implications for clinicians and therapists working with maritally distressed parents and families are discussed. PMID:19364215

  2. miR-448 is a novel prognostic factor of lung squamous cell carcinoma and regulates cells growth and metastasis by targeting DCLK1.

    PubMed

    Shan, Changting; Fei, Fan; Li, Fengzhu; Zhuang, Bo; Zheng, Yulong; Wan, Yufeng; Chen, Jianhui

    2017-05-01

    MicroRNA-448 (miR-448) has been showed to be low-expressed and function as tumor suppressor in most human cancers. However, there are limited reports on the clinical significance and biological function of miR-448 in lung squamous cell carcinoma. In this study, we observed that miR-448 expression was decreased in lung squamous cell carcinoma tissues and cell lines. Meanwhile, miR-448 expression associated with differentiated degree, T classification (tumor size), N classification (lymph node metastasis), M classification (distant metastasis), clinical stage and prognosis of lung squamous cell carcinoma patients. In survival analysis, low expression of miR-448 was a poor independent prognostic factor for lung squamous cell carcinoma patients. Moreover, gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies showed miR-448 acted as a tumor suppressor regulating lung squamous cell carcinoma cells growth and metastasis. Furthermore, DCLK1 has been identified as a potential target for miR-448 to regulate lung squamous cell carcinoma cells growth and metastasis. In conclusion, miR-448 low-expression was a poor prognostic factor for lung squamous cell carcinoma patients, and miR-448 served as a tumor suppressor in lung squamous cell carcinoma cells via targeting DCLK1. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

  3. miR-26b enhances radiosensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by targeting EphA2

    PubMed Central

    Jin, Qiao; Li, Xiang Jun; Cao, Pei Guo

    2016-01-01

    Objective(s): Although low-dose radiotherapy (RT) that involves low collateral damage is more suitable for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) than traditional high-dose RT, but to achieve satisfactory therapeutic effect with low-dose RT, it is necessary to sensitize HCC cells to irradiation. This study was aimed to determine whether radiosensitivity of HCC cells can be enhanced using miR-26b by targeting erythropoietin producing human hepatocelluar A2 (EphA2). Materials and Methods: The levels of miR-26b and EphA2 expression in multiple HCC cell lines were assessed by qPCR and western blotting, respectively, and compared with those in a hepatic cell line. HCC 97H cells were transfected with miR-26b mimics, EphA2-ShRNA or EphA2 over-expression vector before exposure to low-dose irradiation. Results: Different degrees of miR-26b down-regulation and EphA2 up-regulation were observed in all HCC cell lines, among which the HCC 97H cell line expressed the lowest level of miR-26b and highest level of EphA2. EphA2 was verified as the target of miR-26b by dual luciferase reporter assay. HCC 97H cells transfected with miR-26b mimics or EphA2-ShRNA reduced the expression of EphA2 protein, with significantly lower cell proliferation rate and cell invasion ability and higher apoptosis rate in response to low-dose irradiation than those in the non-transfected cells. These results were reversed after EphA2 was overexpressed by transfection with the EphA2 overexpression vector. Co-transfection with miR-26b mimics and EphA2 overexpression vector barely altered EphA2 expression level and cell response to low-dose irradiation. Conclusion: These data suggest that miR-26b enhances radiosensitivity of HCC 97H cells by targeting EphA2 protein. PMID:27746866

  4. miR-26b enhances radiosensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by targeting EphA2.

    PubMed

    Jin, Qiao; Li, Xiang Jun; Cao, Pei Guo

    2016-08-01

    Although low-dose radiotherapy (RT) that involves low collateral damage is more suitable for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) than traditional high-dose RT, but to achieve satisfactory therapeutic effect with low-dose RT, it is necessary to sensitize HCC cells to irradiation. This study was aimed to determine whether radiosensitivity of HCC cells can be enhanced using miR-26b by targeting erythropoietin producing human hepatocelluar A2 (EphA2). The levels of miR-26b and EphA2 expression in multiple HCC cell lines were assessed by qPCR and western blotting, respectively, and compared with those in a hepatic cell line. HCC 97H cells were transfected with miR-26b mimics, EphA2-ShRNA or EphA2 over-expression vector before exposure to low-dose irradiation. Different degrees of miR-26b down-regulation and EphA2 up-regulation were observed in all HCC cell lines, among which the HCC 97H cell line expressed the lowest level of miR-26b and highest level of EphA2. EphA2 was verified as the target of miR-26b by dual luciferase reporter assay. HCC 97H cells transfected with miR-26b mimics or EphA2-ShRNA reduced the expression of EphA2 protein, with significantly lower cell proliferation rate and cell invasion ability and higher apoptosis rate in response to low-dose irradiation than those in the non-transfected cells. These results were reversed after EphA2 was overexpressed by transfection with the EphA2 overexpression vector. Co-transfection with miR-26b mimics and EphA2 overexpression vector barely altered EphA2 expression level and cell response to low-dose irradiation. These data suggest that miR-26b enhances radiosensitivity of HCC 97H cells by targeting EphA2 protein.

  5. VizieR Online Data Catalog: ATLASGAL massive clumps H2CO data (Tang+,

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tang, X. D.; Henkel, C.; Wyrowski, F.; Giannetti, A.; Menten, K. M.; Csengeri, T.; Leurini, S.; Urquhart, J. S.; Koenig, C.; Guesten, R.; Lin, Y. X.; Zheng, X. W.; Esimbek, J.; Zhou, J. J.

    2017-11-01

    We selected the 110 brightest clumps from the ATLASGAL survey (the TOP100 sample) obeying simple IR criteria to cover a range in evolutionary stages as described in Giannetti et al. (2014, Cat. J/A+A/570/A65, Paper I) and Koenig et al. (2017, Cat. J/A+A/599/A139, Paper III). These clumps consist almost entirely of clumps that have the potential to form, or are forming, massive stars. Our observations were carried out on 2013 July and December, 2014 September and November, and 2015 April, June, July, and October with the Atacama Pathfinder EXperiment (APEX) 12m telescope located on Chajnantor (Chile). Five transitions of H2CO (J=3-2) were observed with the new MPIfR 1-mm receiver (PI230) with a beam size from 27.6" to 29.5" and integration times of 1 to 3 minutes. Five H2CO (J=4-3) transitions were observed with the FLASH receiver with a beam size ~21.4" and integration times of 2 to 4 minutes. (7 data files).

  6. miR-421 induces cell proliferation and apoptosis resistance in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma via downregulation of FOXO4

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Chen, Liang; Department of Otolaryngology, Guangzhou General Hospital of PLA Guangzhou Command, Guangzhou 510010; Tang, Yanping

    2013-06-14

    Highlights: •miR-421 is upregulated in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. •miR-421 induces cell proliferation and apoptosis resistance. •FOXO4 is a direct and functional target of miR-421. -- Abstract: microRNAs have been demonstrated to play important roles in cancer development and progression. Hence, identifying functional microRNAs and better understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms would provide new clues for the development of targeted cancer therapies. Herein, we reported that a microRNA, miR-421 played an oncogenic role in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Upregulation of miR-421 induced, whereas inhibition of miR-421 repressed cell proliferation and apoptosis resistance. Furthermore, we found that upregulation of miR-421 inhibited forkhead box proteinmore » O4 (FOXO4) signaling pathway following downregulation of p21, p27, Bim and FASL expression by directly targeting FOXO4 3′UTR. Additionally, we demonstrated that FOXO4 expression is critical for miR-421-induced cell growth and apoptosis resistance. Taken together, our findings not only suggest that miR-421 promotes nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell proliferation and anti-apoptosis, but also uncover a novel regulatory mechanism for inactivation of FOXO4 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.« less

  7. Valproic acid sensitizes metformin-resistant human renal cell carcinoma cells by upregulating H3 acetylation and EMT reversal.

    PubMed

    Wei, Muyun; Mao, Shaowei; Lu, Guoliang; Li, Liang; Lan, Xiaopeng; Huang, Zhongxian; Chen, Yougen; Zhao, Miaoqing; Zhao, Yueran; Xia, Qinghua

    2018-04-17

    Metformin (Met) is a widely available diabetic drug and shows suppressed effects on renal cell carcinoma (RCC) metabolism and proliferation. Laboratory studies in RCC suggested that metformin has remarkable antitumor activities and seems to be a potential antitumor drug. But the facts that metformin may be not effective in reducing the risk of RCC in cancer clinical trials made it difficult to determine the benefits of metformin in RCC prevention and treatment. The mechanisms underlying the different conclusions between laboratory experiments and clinical analysis remains unclear. The goal of the present study was to determine whether long-term metformin use can induce resistance in RCC, whether metformin resistance could be used to explain the disaccord in laboratory and clinical studies, and whether the drug valproic acid (VPA), which inhibits histone deacetylase, exhibits synergistic cytotoxicity with metformin and can counteract the resistance of metformin in RCC. We performed CCK8, transwell, wound healing assay, flow cytometry and western blotting to detect the regulations of proliferation, migration, cell cycle and apoptosis in 786-O, ACHN and metformin resistance 786-O (786-M-R) cells treated with VPA, metformin or a combination of two drugs. We used TGF-β, SC79, LY294002, Rapamycin, protein kinase B (AKT) inhibitor to treat the 786-O or 786-M-R cells and detected the regulations in TGF-β /pSMAD3 and AMPK/AKT pathways. 786-M-R was refractory to metformin-induced antitumor effects on proliferation, migration, cell cycle and cell apoptosis. AMPK/AKT pathways and TGF-β/SMAD3 pathways showed low sensibilities in 786-M-R. The histone H3 acetylation diminished in the 786-M-R cells. However, the addition of VPA dramatically upregulated histone H3 acetylation, increased the sensibility of AKT and inhibited pSMAD3/SMAD4, letting the combination of VPA and metformin remarkably reappear the anti-tumour effects of metformin in 786-M-R cells. VPA not only exhibits

  8. 44 CFR 295.41 - Administrative appeal.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 44 Emergency Management and Assistance 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Administrative appeal. 295.41 Section 295.41 Emergency Management and Assistance FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF... supplement the statement of reasons and provide any additional documentary evidence supporting the appeal...

  9. 44 CFR 295.21 - Allowable compensation.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 44 Emergency Management and Assistance 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Allowable compensation. 295.21 Section 295.21 Emergency Management and Assistance FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY, DEPARTMENT... no-cost crisis counseling services available in the community. FEMA will not reimburse for treatment...

  10. Adrenocortical carcinoma

    MedlinePlus

    ... develop this tumor. ACC can produce the hormones cortisol, aldosterone, estrogen, or testosterone, as well as other ... Symptoms of increased cortisol or other adrenal gland hormones may include: Fatty, rounded hump high on the back just below the neck ( buffalo ...

  11. MicroRNA-187, down-regulated in clear cell renal cell carcinoma and associated with lower survival, inhibits cell growth and migration though targeting B7-H3

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Zhao, Jun; Lei, Ting; Xu, Congjie

    2013-08-23

    Highlights: •miR-187 is down-regulated in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). •Down-regulation of miR-187 is associated with poor outcomes in patients with ccRCC. •miR-187 inhibits cell growth and migration though targeting B7-H3 in ccRCC. -- Abstract: Aberrantly expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) are frequently associated with the aggressive malignant behavior of human cancers, including clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Based on the preliminary deep sequencing data, we hypothesized that miR-187 may play an important role in ccRCC development. In this study, we found that miR-187 was down-regulated in both tumor tissue and plasma of ccRCC patients. Lower miR-187 expression levels weremore » associated with higher tumor grade and stage. All patients with high miR-187 expression survived 5 years, while with low miR-187 expression, only 42% survived. Suppressed in vitro proliferation, inhibited in vivo tumor growth, and decreased motility were observed in cells treated with the miR-187 expression vector. Further studies showed that B7 homolog 3 (B7-H3) is a direct target of miR-187. Over-expression of miR-187 decreased B7-H3 mRNA level and repressed B7-H3-3′-UTR reporter activity. Knockdown of B7-H3 using siRNA resulted in similar phenotype changes as that observed for overexpression of miR-187. Our data suggest that miR-187 is emerging as a novel player in the disease state of ccRCC. miR-187 plays a tumor suppressor role in ccRCC.« less

  12. Adrenocortical tumours: high CT attenuation value correlates with eosinophilia but does not discriminate lipid-poor adenomas from malignancy.

    PubMed

    Pennanen, Mirkka; Raade, Merja; Louhimo, Johanna; Sane, Timo; Heiskanen, Ilkka; Arola, Johanna; Haglund, Caj

    2013-12-01

    Characterisation of adrenal tumours is an important clinical problem. Unenhanced CT is the primary imaging modality to assess the nature of these lesions. To study the correlation between unenhanced CT attenuation value and the specific histopathology, as well as the proportion of lipid-poor eosinophilic cells in adrenocortical tumours. We studied retrospectively primary adrenocortical tumours that had been operated on at Helsinki University Central Hospital between 2002 and 2008. Of 171 tumours, 79 had appropriate preoperative CT scans and were included in the study. We evaluated the unenhanced CT attenuation values (Hounsfield units, HU) of these tumours and determined their histopathological diagnosis by the Weiss scoring system. We also assessed the proportion of lipid-poor eosinophilic cells for each tumour. Unenhanced CT attenuation value (HU) in adrenocortical tumours correlated well with the proportion of lipid-poor eosinophilic cells (rs=0.750, p<0.001). HU and Weiss score also had a correlation (rs=0.582, p<0.001). Unenhanced CT attenuation value correlates well with the percentage of lipid-poor eosinophilic cells, but unenhanced CT attenuation value fails to differentiate between benign lipid-poor adenomas and malignant adrenocortical tumours. All adrenocortical tumours with unenhanced CT attenuation value ≤10 HU are histologically benign lipid-rich tumours.

  13. Original Research: miR-194 inhibits proliferation and invasion and promotes apoptosis by targeting KDM5B in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells.

    PubMed

    Cui, Guanghui; Liu, Donglei; Li, Weihao; Li, Yuhang; Liang, Youguang; Shi, Wensong; Zhao, Song

    2017-01-01

    Increasing evidence suggests that miR-194 is down-regulated in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tumor tissue. However, the role and underlying mechanism of miR-194 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma have not been well defined. We used DIANA, TargetScan and miRanda to perform target prediction analysis and found KDM5B is a potential target of miR-194. Based on these findings, we speculated that miR-194 might play a role in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma development and progression by regulation the expression of KDM5B. We detected the expression of miR-194 and KDM5B by quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot assays, respectively, and found down-regulation of miR-194 and up-regulation of KDM5B existed in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell lines. By detecting proliferation, invasion and apoptosis of TE6 and TE14 cells transfected with miR-194 mimics or mimic control, miR-194 was found to inhibit proliferation and invasion and promote apoptosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells. miR-194 was further verified to regulate proliferation, apoptosis and invasion of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells by directly targeting KDM5B. Furthermore, animal studies were performed and showed that overexpression of miR-194 inhibited the growth of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tumors in vivo. These results confirmed our speculation that miR-194 targets KDM5B to inhibit esophageal squamous cell carcinoma development and progression. These findings offer new clues for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma development and progression and novel potential therapeutic targets for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. © 2016 by the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine.

  14. 7 CFR 295.6 - Public inspection and copying.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 4 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Public inspection and copying. 295.6 Section 295.6 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GENERAL REGULATIONS AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION AND RECORDS TO THE PUBLIC § 295.6 Public...

  15. 33 CFR 104.295 - Additional requirements-cruise ships.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Additional requirements-cruise ships. 104.295 Section 104.295 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY MARITIME SECURITY MARITIME SECURITY: VESSELS Vessel Security Requirements § 104.295 Additional requirements—cruise ships. (a) At all MARSEC...

  16. 28 CFR 2.95 - Early termination from supervision.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 28 Judicial Administration 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Early termination from supervision. 2.95 Section 2.95 Judicial Administration DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE PAROLE, RELEASE, SUPERVISION AND RECOMMITMENT... Parolees § 2.95 Early termination from supervision. (a)(1) Upon its own motion or upon request of a parolee...

  17. 28 CFR 2.95 - Early termination from supervision.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 28 Judicial Administration 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Early termination from supervision. 2.95 Section 2.95 Judicial Administration DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE PAROLE, RELEASE, SUPERVISION AND RECOMMITMENT... Parolees § 2.95 Early termination from supervision. (a)(1) Upon its own motion or upon request of a parolee...

  18. 28 CFR 2.95 - Early termination from supervision.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 28 Judicial Administration 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Early termination from supervision. 2.95 Section 2.95 Judicial Administration DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE PAROLE, RELEASE, SUPERVISION AND RECOMMITMENT... Parolees § 2.95 Early termination from supervision. (a)(1) Upon its own motion or upon request of a parolee...

  19. 28 CFR 2.95 - Early termination from supervision.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 28 Judicial Administration 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Early termination from supervision. 2.95 Section 2.95 Judicial Administration DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE PAROLE, RELEASE, SUPERVISION AND RECOMMITMENT... Parolees § 2.95 Early termination from supervision. (a)(1) Upon its own motion or upon request of a parolee...

  20. 28 CFR 2.95 - Early termination from supervision.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 28 Judicial Administration 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Early termination from supervision. 2.95 Section 2.95 Judicial Administration DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE PAROLE, RELEASE, SUPERVISION AND RECOMMITMENT... Parolees § 2.95 Early termination from supervision. (a)(1) Upon its own motion or upon request of a parolee...

  1. 32 CFR 295.8 - Annual report.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 32 National Defense 2 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Annual report. 295.8 Section 295.8 National Defense Department of Defense (Continued) OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE (CONTINUED) FREEDOM OF... report. The FOIA Annual Report, assigned Report Control System DD-PA (A) 1365, will be prepared by the...

  2. 32 CFR 295.8 - Annual report.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 32 National Defense 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Annual report. 295.8 Section 295.8 National Defense Department of Defense (Continued) OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE (CONTINUED) FREEDOM OF... report. The FOIA Annual Report, assigned Report Control System DD-PA (A) 1365, will be prepared by the...

  3. 32 CFR 295.8 - Annual report.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 32 National Defense 2 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Annual report. 295.8 Section 295.8 National Defense Department of Defense (Continued) OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE (CONTINUED) FREEDOM OF... report. The FOIA Annual Report, assigned Report Control System DD-PA (A) 1365, will be prepared by the...

  4. 32 CFR 295.8 - Annual report.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 32 National Defense 2 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Annual report. 295.8 Section 295.8 National Defense Department of Defense (Continued) OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE (CONTINUED) FREEDOM OF... report. The FOIA Annual Report, assigned Report Control System DD-PA (A) 1365, will be prepared by the...

  5. 32 CFR 295.8 - Annual report.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 32 National Defense 2 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Annual report. 295.8 Section 295.8 National Defense Department of Defense (Continued) OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE (CONTINUED) FREEDOM OF... report. The FOIA Annual Report, assigned Report Control System DD-PA (A) 1365, will be prepared by the...

  6. 46 CFR 295.12 - Priority for awarding agreements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... to all vessels within a priority set forth herein, MARAD shall award to each eligible applicant in... 46 Shipping 8 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Priority for awarding agreements. 295.12 Section 295.12... OPERATORS MARITIME SECURITY PROGRAM (MSP) Establishment of MSP Fleet and Eligibility § 295.12 Priority for...

  7. Non-Invasive Measurement of Adrenocortical Activity in Blue-Fronted Parrots (Amazona aestiva, Linnaeus, 1758)

    PubMed Central

    Ferreira, João C. P.; Fujihara, Caroline J.; Fruhvald, Erika; Trevisol, Eduardo; Destro, Flavia C.; Teixeira, Carlos R.; Pantoja, José C. F.; Schmidt, Elizabeth M. S.; Palme, Rupert

    2015-01-01

    Parrots kept in zoos and private households often develop psychological and behavioural disorders. Despite knowing that such disorders have a multifactorial aetiology and that chronic stress is involved, little is known about their development mainly due to a poor understanding of the parrots’ physiology and the lack of validated methods to measure stress in these species. In birds, blood corticosterone concentrations provide information about adrenocortical activity. However, blood sampling techniques are difficult, highly invasive and inappropriate to investigate stressful situations and welfare conditions. Thus, a non-invasive method to measure steroid hormones is critically needed. Aiming to perform a physiological validation of a cortisone enzyme immunoassay (EIA) to measure glucocorticoid metabolites (GCM) in droppings of 24 Blue-fronted parrots (Amazona aestiva), two experiments were designed. During the experiments all droppings were collected at 3-h intervals. Initially, birds were sampled for 24 h (experiment 1) and one week later assigned to four different treatments (experiment 2): Control (undisturbed), Saline (0.2 mL of 0.9% NaCl IM), Dexamethasone (1 mg/kg IM) and Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH; 25 IU IM). Treatments (always one week apart) were applied to all animals in a cross-over study design. A daily rhythm pattern in GCM excretion was detected but there were no sex differences (first experiment). Saline and dexamethasone treatments had no effect on GCM (not different from control concentrations). Following ACTH injection, GCM concentration increased about 13.1-fold (median) at the peak (after 3–9 h), and then dropped to pre-treatment concentrations. By a successful physiological validation, we demonstrated the suitability of the cortisone EIA to non-invasively monitor increased adrenocortical activity, and thus, stress in the Blue-fronted parrot. This method opens up new perspectives for investigating the connection between behavioural

  8. Non-Invasive Measurement of Adrenocortical Activity in Blue-Fronted Parrots (Amazona aestiva, Linnaeus, 1758).

    PubMed

    Ferreira, João C P; Fujihara, Caroline J; Fruhvald, Erika; Trevisol, Eduardo; Destro, Flavia C; Teixeira, Carlos R; Pantoja, José C F; Schmidt, Elizabeth M S; Palme, Rupert

    2015-01-01

    Parrots kept in zoos and private households often develop psychological and behavioural disorders. Despite knowing that such disorders have a multifactorial aetiology and that chronic stress is involved, little is known about their development mainly due to a poor understanding of the parrots' physiology and the lack of validated methods to measure stress in these species. In birds, blood corticosterone concentrations provide information about adrenocortical activity. However, blood sampling techniques are difficult, highly invasive and inappropriate to investigate stressful situations and welfare conditions. Thus, a non-invasive method to measure steroid hormones is critically needed. Aiming to perform a physiological validation of a cortisone enzyme immunoassay (EIA) to measure glucocorticoid metabolites (GCM) in droppings of 24 Blue-fronted parrots (Amazona aestiva), two experiments were designed. During the experiments all droppings were collected at 3-h intervals. Initially, birds were sampled for 24 h (experiment 1) and one week later assigned to four different treatments (experiment 2): Control (undisturbed), Saline (0.2 mL of 0.9% NaCl IM), Dexamethasone (1 mg/kg IM) and Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH; 25 IU IM). Treatments (always one week apart) were applied to all animals in a cross-over study design. A daily rhythm pattern in GCM excretion was detected but there were no sex differences (first experiment). Saline and dexamethasone treatments had no effect on GCM (not different from control concentrations). Following ACTH injection, GCM concentration increased about 13.1-fold (median) at the peak (after 3-9 h), and then dropped to pre-treatment concentrations. By a successful physiological validation, we demonstrated the suitability of the cortisone EIA to non-invasively monitor increased adrenocortical activity, and thus, stress in the Blue-fronted parrot. This method opens up new perspectives for investigating the connection between behavioural

  9. Apigenin sensitizes hepatocellular carcinoma cells to doxorubic through regulating miR-520b/ATG7 axis.

    PubMed

    Gao, Ai-Mei; Zhang, Xiao-Yu; Hu, Juan-Ni; Ke, Zun-Ping

    2018-01-25

    Chemo-resistance is a serious obstacle for successful treatment of cancer. Apigenin, a dietary flavonoid, has been reported as an anticancer drug in various malignant cancers. This study aimed to investigate the potential chemo-sensitization effect of apigenin in doxorubicin-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma cell line BEL-7402/ADM. We observed that apigenin significantly enhanced doxorubicin sensitivity, induced miR-520b expression and inhibited ATG7-dependent autophagy in BEL-7402/ADM cells. In addition, we also showed that miR-520b mimics increased doxorubicin sensitivity and inhibited ATG7-dependent autophagy. Meanwhile, we indicated that ATG7 was a potential target of miR-520b. Furthermore, APG inhibited the growth of hepatocellar carcinoma xenografts in nude mice by up-regulating miR-520b and inhibiting ATG7. Our finding provides evidence that apigenin sensitizes BEL-7402/ADM cells to doxorubicin through miR-520b/ATG7 pathway, which furtherly supports apigenin as a potential chemo-sensitizer for hepatocellular carcinoma. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. 7 CFR 2.95 - Director, Office of Ethics.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Director, Office of Ethics. 2.95 Section 2.95... Administration § 2.95 Director, Office of Ethics. The Director, Office of Ethics, shall be the USDA Alternate Agency Ethics Official, pursuant to 5 CFR 2638.202, and shall exercise the authority reserved to the...

  11. Myc, Aurora Kinase-A, and mutant p53R172H co-operate in a mouse model of metastatic skin carcinoma

    PubMed Central

    Torchia, Enrique C.; Caulin, Carlos; Acin, Sergio; Terzian, Tamara; Kubick, Bradley J.; Box, Neil F.; Roop, Dennis R.

    2015-01-01

    Clinical observations, as well as data obtained from the analysis of genetically engineered mouse models, firmly established the gain-of-function (GOF) properties of certain p53 mutations. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms. We have used two independent microarray platforms to perform a comprehensive and global analysis of tumors arising in a model of metastatic skin cancer progression, which compares the consequences of a GOF p53R172H mutant vs. p53 deficiency. DNA profiling revealed a higher level of genomic instability in GOF vs. loss-of-function (LOF) p53 squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). Moreover, GOF p53 SCCs showed preferential amplification of Myc with a corresponding increase in its expression and deregulation of Aurora Kinase-A. Fluorescent in situ hybridization confirmed amplification of Myc in primary GOF p53 SCCs and its retention in metastatic tumors. We also identified by RNA profiling distinct gene expression profiles in GOF p53 tumors, which included enriched integrin and Rho signaling, independent of tumor stage. Thus, the progression of GOF p53 papillomas to carcinoma was marked by the acquisition of epithelial to mesenchymal transition and metastatic signatures. In contrast, LOF p53 tumors showed enrichment of genes associated with cancer proliferation and chromosomal instability. Collectively, these observations suggest that genomic instability plays a prominent role in the early stages of GOF p53 tumor progression (i.e., papillomas), while it is implicated at a later stage in LOF p53 tumors (i.e., SCCs). This model will allow us to identify specific targets in mutant p53 SCCs, which may lead to the development of new therapeutic agents for the treatment of metastatic SCCs. PMID:21963848

  12. Morphological changes in the pituitary-adrenocortical axis in natives of La Paz

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gosney, John; Heath, Donald; Williams, David; Rios-Dalenz, Jaime

    1991-03-01

    Increased activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis is part of the response to the stress of initial exposure to hypoxia, but there is evidence to suggest that it persists after homeostatic stability has been regained and acclimatization achieved. The adrenal glands of five lifelong residents of La Paz, Bolivia, who had lived at altitudes in the range 3600 3800 m, were significantly larger than those in age-matched controls from sea level (15.3g vs 10.4g; P<0.001) and appeared hyperplastic. The pituitary glands of the highlanders were not significantly different in size from those of the controls (0.67 g vs 0.51 g), but contained larger populations of corticotrophs expressed in terms of the total cell population of their anterior lobes (25.6% vs 19.4%; P<0.001). In conjunction with other studies of this endocrine axis in man and animals exposed to a hypoxic environment, these data suggest that greater amounts of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) are required to maintain normal adrenocortical function under such circumstances, probably as a result of hypoxic inhibition of adrenocortical sensitivity to stimulation. Physiological hyperplasia of the adrenal cortex may be common in people living at high altitude.

  13. Decoy receptor 3 (DcR3) overexpression predicts the prognosis and pN2 in pancreatic head carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Jian; Song, Shiduo; Li, Dechun; He, Songbing; Zhang, Bing; Wang, Zhenxin; Zhu, Xinguo

    2014-03-05

    This study was carried out to examine decoy receptor 3 (DcR3) expression and investigate its clinical and prognostic significance in patients with pancreatic head carcinoma. Tissue samples were obtained from 50 patients with pancreatic head carcinoma. DcR3 protein expression in tissues and sera was assessed by immunohistochemistry and ELISA. Correlations between DcR3 and clinicopathologic features and prognoses were analyzed statistically. Serum DcR3 levels were significantly elevated in patients with pancreatic head carcinoma compared with patients with cystadenoma and healthy individuals (P < 0.01 and P < 0.01, respectively). DcR3 overexpression correlated with lymph node metastases and TNM stages (P < 0.05 and P < 0.05, respectively). Median overall survival for the high DcR3 group was 16.3 months, compared to 21.6 months for the low DcR3 group (P < 0.05). In the low DcR3 group, no significant difference was found in the overall survival between patients who underwent standard pancreatoduodenectomy (SPD) and those who had radical pancreatoduodenectomy (RPD) (P > 0.05). In the high DcR3 group, the median overall survival rates were 16.8 months in the RPD group and 13.5 months in the SPD group (P < 0.05). We found that DcR3 was overexpressed in pancreatic head carcinoma. The patients with high DcR3 levels had higher pN2 stages than those with low DcR3 levels. Detecting serum DcR3 level preoperatively might be an additional approach for evaluating pN2 stage and guiding the range of lymphadenectomy.

  14. A qRT-PCR and Gene Functional Enrichment Study Focused on Downregulation of miR-141-3p in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Its Clinicopathological Significance.

    PubMed

    Liu, Cui-Zhen; Ye, Zhi-Hua; Ma, Jie; He, Rong-Quan; Liang, Hai-Wei; Peng, Zhi-Gang; Chen, Gang

    2017-01-01

    The clinical significance of miR-141-3p in hepatocellular carcinoma has not been verified. Therefore, we conducted this study to examine miR-141-3p expression and its clinical significance in hepatocellular carcinoma and to investigate the functions of its potential targets. The Cancer Genome Atlas database and the Gene Expression Omnibus database were used to explore the aberrant expression of miR-141-3p in hepatocellular carcinoma. Furthermore, we assessed the miR-141-3p levels in 95 hepatocellular carcinoma tissues with 95 matched adjacent tissues using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Moreover, a target gene prediction analysis of miR-141-3p, a natural language processing analysis for hepatocellular carcinoma using PubMed, and a gene functional enrichment analysis were conducted to search the potential function of miR-141-3p in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Regarding The Cancer Genome Atlas data, miR-141-3p levels were markedly downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma tissue compared to para- or nontumor tissue (4.6112 [1.7096] vs 5.3053 [1.4254], P = .045). MiR-141-3p expression was reduced in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma with a low pathologic T stage ( P = .006), a low grade ( P = .01), elderly hepatocellular carcinoma patients ( P = .001), and male patients with hepatocellular carcinoma ( P = .01) compared with that in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma with high pathologic T stages, high grades, young patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, and female patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. However, according to the Gene Expression Omnibus database, no significant differences in the expression of miR-141-3p were observed between hepatocellular carcinoma tissue and normal liver tissue ( P = .984). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction confirmed a similar trend of decreased miR-141-3p in hepatocellular carcinoma tissue (1.7542 [0.8663] vs 2.5562 [1.7913], P = .001) as observed in The Cancer Genome

  15. Screening of allergic components mediated by H(1)R in homoharringtonine injection through H(1)R/CMC-HPLC/MS.

    PubMed

    Guo, Ying; Han, Shengli; Cao, Jingjing; Liu, Qi; Zhang, Tao

    2014-12-01

    It has been reported that the histamine H1 receptor (H(1)R) gene is up-regulated in patients with allergic rhinitis and H(1)R expression level strongly correlates with the severity of allergy symptoms. Drugs for therapy should avoid allergy symptoms, especially for patients with over-expressed H(1)R. Therefore, screening of the components which could induce H(1)R activation is urgently needed for drug safety evaluation. Homoharringtonine injection is a preparation for acute nonlymphocytic leukemia, which is approved by China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) and US Food and Drug Administration. However, severely adverse reactions often occur with intravenous injection of the preparation. In present study, an H(1)R/CMC model was applied for capturing membrane retained components which could induce H(1)R activation. Retention components were enriched and analyzed by H(1)R/CMC-HPLC/MS. Homoharringtonine was recognized, separated and identified in homoharringtonine injection. Ca(2+) flux assay and p-IP3R expression founded that homoharringtonine retained by the H1 R/CMC model increased phosphorylation of IP3R and promoted cytosolic free Ca(2+) elevation in a dose-dependent manner which further verified the activity of homoharringtonine in activating the H1 R. In conclusion, homoharringtonine was screened and identified as a potential allergic factor. This provides an indication that a patient with over-expressed H1 R should be aware of possible allergic reaction when applying homoharringtonine injection. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  16. Bmi-1 confers adaptive radioresistance to KYSE-150R esophageal carcinoma cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wang, Guanyu; Liu, Luying; Sharma, Sherven

    2012-08-24

    Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Adaptive radioresistant KYSE-150R cells expressed high level of Bmi-1. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Bmi-1 depletion sensitized KYSE-150R cells to RT. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Bmi-1 depletion increased the generation of ROS in KYSE-150R cells exposed to radiation. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Bmi-1 depletion impaired DNA repair capacities in KYSE-150R cells exposed to radiation. -- Abstract: Radiotherapy (RT) is a major modality of cancer treatment. However, tumors often acquire radioresistance, which causes RT to fail. The exact mechanisms by which tumor cells subjected to fractionated irradiation (FIR) develop an adaptive radioresistance are largely unknown. Using the radioresistant KYSE-150R esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) model, which was derived frommore » KYSE-150 parental cells using FIR, the role of Bmi-1 in mediating the radioadaptive response of ESCC cells to RT was investigated. The results showed that the level of Bmi-1 expression was significantly higher in KYSE-150R cells than in the KYSE-150 parental cells. Bmi-1 depletion sensitized the KYSE-150R cells to RT mainly through the induction of apoptosis, partly through the induction of senescence. A clonogenic cell survival assay showed that Bmi-1 depletion significantly decreased the radiation survival fraction in KYSE-150R cells. Furthermore, Bmi-1 depletion increased the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the expression of oxidase genes (Lpo, Noxo1 and Alox15) in KYSE-150R cells exposed to irradiation. DNA repair capacities assessed by {gamma}-H2AX foci formation were also impaired in the Bmi-1 down-regulated KYSE-150R cells. These results suggest that Bmi-1 plays an important role in tumor radioadaptive resistance under FIR and may be a potent molecular target for enhancing the efficacy of fractionated RT.« less

  17. Identification and Characterization of Small-Molecule Inhibitors of the R132H/R132H Mutant Isocitrate Dehydrogenase 1 Homodimer and R132H/Wild-Type Heterodimer.

    PubMed

    Brooks, Eric; Wu, Xiang; Hanel, Art; Nguyen, Shaun; Wang, Jing; Zhang, Jeffrey H; Harrison, Amanda; Zhang, Wentao

    2014-09-01

    Recurrent genetic mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (IDH1 and IDH2) have been identified in multiple tumor types. The most frequent mutation, IDH1 R132H, is a gain-of-function mutation resulting in an enzyme-catalyzing conversion of α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) to 2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG). A high-throughput assay quantifying consumption of NADPH by IDH1 R132H has been optimized and implemented to screen 3 million compounds in 1536-well formats. The primary high-throughput screening hits were further characterized by RapidFire-mass spectrometry measuring 2-HG directly. Multiple distinct chemotypes were identified with nanomolar potencies (6-300 nM). All inhibitors were found to be inactive against the wild-type IDH1 homodimers. An IDH1 heterodimer between wild-type and R132H mutant is capable of catalyzing conversion of α-KG to 2-HG and isocitrate to α-KG. Interestingly, one of the inhibitors, EXEL-9324, was found to inhibit both conversions by the IDH1 heterodimer. This indicates the R132H/WT heterodimer may adopt conformations distinct from that of the R132H/R132H homodimer. Further enzymatic studies support this conclusion as the heterodimer exhibited a significantly lower apparent Michaelis-Menten constant for α-KG (K(m)=110 µM) compared with the R132H homodimer (K(m)= 1200 µM). The enhanced apparent affinity for α-KG suggests R132H/WT heterodimeric IDH1 can produce 2-HG more efficiently at normal intracellular levels of α-KG (approximately 100 µM). © 2014 Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening.

  18. Phenotypic Intratumoral Heterogeneity of Endometrial Carcinomas.

    PubMed

    Silva, Cátia; Pires-Luís, Ana S; Rocha, Eduardo; Bartosch, Carla; Lopes, José M

    2018-03-01

    Intratumoral heterogeneity has been shown to play an important role in diagnostic accuracy, development of treatment resistance, and prognosis of cancer patients. Recent studies have proposed quantitative measurement of phenotypic intratumoral heterogeneity, but no study is yet available in endometrial carcinomas. In our study we evaluated the phenotypic intratumoral heterogeneity of a consecutive series of 10 endometrial carcinomas using measures of dispersion and diversity. Morphometric architectural (%tumor cells, %solid tumor, %differentiated tumor, and %lumens) and nuclear [volume-weighted mean nuclear volume ((Equation is included in full-text article.))] parameters, as well as estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, p53, vimentin, and beta-catenin immunoexpression (H-score) were digitally analyzed in 20 microscopic fields per carcinoma. Quantitative measures of intratumoral heterogeneity included coefficient of variation (CV) and relative quadratic entropy (rQE). In each endometrial carcinoma there was slight variation of architecture from field to field, resulting in globally low levels of heterogeneity measures (mean CV %tumor cells: 0.10, %solid tumor: 0.73, %differentiated tumor: 0.19, %lumens: 0.61 and mean rQE %tumor cells: 18.5, %solid tumor: 20.3, %differentiated tumor: 25.6, %lumens: 21.8). Nuclear intratumoral heterogeneity was also globally low (mean (Equation is included in full-text article.)CV: 0.23 and rQE: 27.3), but significantly higher than the heterogeneity of architectural parameters within most carcinomas. In general, there was low to moderate variability of immunoexpression markers within each carcinoma, but estrogen receptor (mean CV: 0.56 and rQE: 46.2) and progesterone receptor (mean CV: 0.60 and rQE: 39.3) displayed the highest values of heterogeneity measures. Intratumoral heterogeneity of immunoexpression was significantly higher than that observed for morphometric parameters. In conclusion, our study indicates that endometrial

  19. miR-200a/miR-141 and miR-205 upregulation might be associated with hormone receptor status and prognosis in endometrial carcinomas.

    PubMed

    Dong, Ying; Si, Jing-Wen; Li, Wen-Ting; Liang, Li; Zhao, Jian; Zhou, Mei; Li, Dong; Li, Ting

    2015-01-01

    The aim of this study was to compare the clinicopathological significance of miR-200a/miR-141 and miR-205 expression in endometrioid carcinomas (ECs) versus nonendometrioid carcinomas (NECs) and to assess their correlation with hormone receptor status. miR-200a/miR-141 and miR-205 expression in 154 endometrial cancers was determined by qRT-PCR. The status of estrogen and progesterone receptor (ER/PR) was assessed using immunohistochemistry. miR-200a/miR-141 and miR-205 increased significantly in ECs and in NECs. The expression level of miR-200a was significantly higher in NECs than in ECs (P=0.025). Furthermore, there was a trend that NECs with worse clinicopathological variables had a higher miR-200a expression, while an inverse trend existed in ECs. miR-205 upregulation occurred frequently in NECs without lymph node metastases (P=0.030), whereas such association was not present in ECs. Interestingly, In ECs, miR-200a/miR-141 upregulation occurred frequently in the hormone receptor positive subgroups than the negative subgroups (P<0.05). Similarly, the expression level of miR-205 was higher in the hormone receptor positive subgroups and the association between miR-205 and PR reached statistical significance (P=0.024). In contrast, in NECs, a negative correlation was found between miR-200a/miR-141 and ER or PR status. Meanwhile, in ECs, miR-200a upregulation correlated with prolonged survival in the ER positive subgroup (P=0.046), whereas an inverse trend existed in the ER negative subgroup. Our findings suggest that miR-200a/miR-141 and miR-205 increased significantly in ECs and in NECs. However, they might behave differently in ECs versus NECs. miR-200a/miR-141 and miR-205 might be associated with hormone receptor status in endometrial cancer and may possess prognostic impacts.

  20. 7 CFR 295.5 - Program statistical reports.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 4 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Program statistical reports. 295.5 Section 295.5 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF... statistical reports. Current and historical information on FNS food assistance program size, monetary outlays...

  1. 40 CFR 35.295 - Maximum federal share.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Maximum federal share. 35.295 Section 35.295 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY GRANTS AND OTHER FEDERAL ASSISTANCE... Maximum federal share. The Regional Administrator may provide State agencies up to 50 percent of the...

  2. 15 CFR 295.32 - Limitations on assistance.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Limitations on assistance. 295.32 Section 295.32 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY...

  3. 15 CFR 295.32 - Limitations on assistance.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Limitations on assistance. 295.32 Section 295.32 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY...

  4. 15 CFR 295.31 - Qualification of proposers.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Qualification of proposers. 295.31 Section 295.31 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY...

  5. 15 CFR 295.22 - Limitations on assistance.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Limitations on assistance. 295.22 Section 295.22 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY...

  6. 15 CFR 295.6 - Criteria for selection.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Criteria for selection. 295.6 Section 295.6 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY...

  7. 15 CFR 295.31 - Qualification of proposers.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Qualification of proposers. 295.31 Section 295.31 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY...

  8. 15 CFR 295.31 - Qualification of proposers.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Qualification of proposers. 295.31 Section 295.31 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY...

  9. 15 CFR 295.22 - Limitations on assistance.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Limitations on assistance. 295.22 Section 295.22 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY...

  10. 15 CFR 295.32 - Limitations on assistance.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Limitations on assistance. 295.32 Section 295.32 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY...

  11. 15 CFR 295.22 - Limitations on assistance.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Limitations on assistance. 295.22 Section 295.22 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY...

  12. 15 CFR 295.22 - Limitations on assistance.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Limitations on assistance. 295.22 Section 295.22 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY...

  13. 15 CFR 295.6 - Criteria for selection.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Criteria for selection. 295.6 Section 295.6 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY...

  14. 15 CFR 295.31 - Qualification of proposers.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Qualification of proposers. 295.31 Section 295.31 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY...

  15. 15 CFR 295.6 - Criteria for selection.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Criteria for selection. 295.6 Section 295.6 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY...

  16. 15 CFR 295.32 - Limitations on assistance.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Limitations on assistance. 295.32 Section 295.32 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY...

  17. 15 CFR 295.22 - Limitations on assistance.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Limitations on assistance. 295.22 Section 295.22 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY...

  18. 15 CFR 295.32 - Limitations on assistance.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Limitations on assistance. 295.32 Section 295.32 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY...

  19. 15 CFR 295.31 - Qualification of proposers.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Qualification of proposers. 295.31 Section 295.31 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY...

  20. 7 CFR 295.5 - Program statistical reports.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 4 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Program statistical reports. 295.5 Section 295.5 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF... statistical reports. Current and historical information on FNS food assistance program size, monetary outlays...

  1. 28 CFR 29.5 - Notification of law enforcement officials.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 28 Judicial Administration 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Notification of law enforcement officials. 29.5 Section 29.5 Judicial Administration DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT PREVENTION ACT REGULATIONS § 29.5 Notification of law enforcement officials. In addition to the actions enumerated in § 29.4...

  2. [Results of surgical treatment in ampullary and pancreatic carcinoma and its prognostic parameters after R0-resection].

    PubMed

    Ridwelski, K; Meyer, F; Schmidt, U; Lippert, H

    2005-08-01

    Resection is currently the only established reasonable therapeutic option with curative potential in pancreatic and ampullary carcinoma. The aim of the study was i) to analyze value and results of surgical therapy and ii) to detect the prognostic parameters, which determine significantly higher survival rates. Two-hundred-twenty patients with pancreatic and ampullary carcinoma (mean age, 61.4 years; 104 females/116 males) underwent surgery. Histologic investigation revealed 19 carcinomas of the papilla of Vater and 201 ductal pancreatic carcinomas. In 126 patients, stage IV a or b tumors were found, in addition, stage I (n =26), II (n = 17) and III (n = 51). Survival-rate was determined according to the method by Kaplan/Meier. Survival was compared using log-rank test. Association of several or multiple parameters with survival was tested using Cox model. Hundred-ten patients underwent tumor resection with primary curative intention (50 %): 96 resections of the pancreatic head, 2 total pancreatectomies and 12 left resections of the pancreas. R0-resection was achieved in 94 patients (42.7 %), whereas intervention was classified R1 in 10 and R2 in 6 cases. In addition, 60 palliative interventions (28 gastroenterostomies, 17 biliodigestive anastomoses, 15 anastomoses at both sites) and 50 explorative laparotomies were performed. In 42.3 % of patients, postoperative complications were found, but only 12/220 individuals died (overall letality, 5.4 %). Postoperative letality of curative pancreatic resections was 3.6 % (palliative intervention, 6.7 %; explorative laparotomy, 8.8 %). Five-year survival-rate of carcinoma of the papilla of Vater and pancreatic carcinoma was 73.3 % and 16.2 %, respectively (median survival time was 66.0 and 14.0 months, respectively). Taken together all other interventions, median survival time ranged between 4.0 (palliative intervention) to 10.0 months (R1-resection). No patient survived 5 years. Therefore, the most relevant prognostic

  3. 27 CFR 28.295 - Exception for export of beer.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... beer. 28.295 Section 28.295 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO TAX AND TRADE... Alternate Procedures § 28.295 Exception for export of beer. The provisions of this subpart do not apply in the case of beer when the exporter or claimant obtains proof of exportation other than certification...

  4. 27 CFR 28.295 - Exception for export of beer.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... beer. 28.295 Section 28.295 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO TAX AND TRADE... Alternate Procedures § 28.295 Exception for export of beer. The provisions of this subpart do not apply in the case of beer when the exporter or claimant obtains proof of exportation other than certification...

  5. 27 CFR 28.295 - Exception for export of beer.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... beer. 28.295 Section 28.295 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO TAX AND TRADE... Alternate Procedures § 28.295 Exception for export of beer. The provisions of this subpart do not apply in the case of beer when the exporter or claimant obtains proof of exportation other than certification...

  6. 27 CFR 28.295 - Exception for export of beer.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... beer. 28.295 Section 28.295 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO TAX AND TRADE... Alternate Procedures § 28.295 Exception for export of beer. The provisions of this subpart do not apply in the case of beer when the exporter or claimant obtains proof of exportation other than certification...

  7. 27 CFR 28.295 - Exception for export of beer.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... beer. 28.295 Section 28.295 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO TAX AND TRADE... Alternate Procedures § 28.295 Exception for export of beer. The provisions of this subpart do not apply in the case of beer when the exporter or claimant obtains proof of exportation other than certification...

  8. MiR-223-5p works as an oncomiR in vulvar carcinoma by TP63 suppression

    PubMed Central

    de Melo Maia, Beatriz; Rodrigues, Iara Santana; Akagi, Erica Mie; Soares do Amaral, Nayra; Ling, Hui; Monroig, Paloma; Soares, Fernando Augusto; Calin, George Adrian; Rocha, Rafael Malagoli

    2016-01-01

    MiR-223-5p has been previously mentioned to be associated with tumor metastasis in HPV negative vulvar carcinomas, such as in several other tumor types. In the present study, we hypothesized that this microRNA would be important in vulvar cancer carcinogenesis and progression. To investigate this, we artificially mimicked miR-223-5p expression in a cell line derived from lymph node metastasis of vulvar carcinoma (SW962) and performed in vitro assays. As results, lower cell proliferation (p < 0.01) and migration (p < 0.001) were observed when miR-223-5p was overexpressed. In contrast, increased invasive potential of these cells was verified (p < 0.004). In silico search indicated that miR-223-5p targets TP63, member of the TP53 family of proteins, largely described with importance in vulvar cancer. We experimentally demonstrated that this microRNA is capable to decrease levels of p63 at both mRNA and protein levels (p < 0.001, and p < 0.0001; respectively). Also, a significant inverse correlation was observed between miR-223-5p and p63 expressions in tumors from patients (p = 0.0365). Furthermore, low p63 protein expression was correlated with deeper tumor invasion (p = 0.0491) and lower patient overall survival (p = 0.0494). Our study points out miR-223-5p overexpression as a putative pathological mechanism of tumor invasion and a promising therapeutic target and highlights the importance of both miR-223-5p and p63 as prognostic factors in vulvar cancer. Also, it is plausible that the evaluation of p63 expression in vulvar cancer at the biopsy level may bring important contribution on prognostic establishment and in elaborating better surgical approaches for vulvar cancer patients. PMID:27359057

  9. Different effects of H2O2 treatment on cervical squamous carcinoma cells and adenocarcinoma cells

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Peihai; Yin, Haiqin; Wang, Sie; Wei, Yuping; Peng, Nan

    2015-01-01

    Introduction This study aims to compare the antioxidant abilities of cervical squamous carcinoma cells and cervical adenocarcinoma cells and to study the related mechanisms. Material and methods Cervical squamous carcinoma and adenocarcinoma cells were treated with H2O2. Cell proliferation was determined with the MTT assay. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was detected by the 2’,7’-dichlorofluorescein-diacetate (DCFH-DA) method. The 5,5’-dithiobis-2-nitrobenzoic acid (DTNB) method was performed to measure intracellular concentrations of reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG). The nitrite formation method, the molybdate colorimetric method, and the DTNB colorimetric method were used to determine activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), respectively. Results Compared with untreated control cells, cell proliferation of cervical squamous carcinoma cells and cervical adenocarcinoma cells was significantly inhibited by H2O2 treatment (p < 0.05). Reactive oxygen species levels and GSSG levels were significantly increased (p < 0.01), whereas GSH levels were significantly decreased (p < 0.05 or 0.01) in both cells after H2O2 treatment. Thus the ratio of GSH/GSSG was significantly decreased by H2O2 treatment in both cells (p < 0.01). In addition, H2O2 treatment significantly increased activities of SOD, CAT, and GPx in both cells (p < 0.05 or 0.01). Furthermore, the above-mentioned changes induced by H2O2 treatment were more dramatic in cervical squamous carcinoma cells. Conclusions The antioxidant ability of cervical squamous carcinoma cells is lower than that of cervical adenocarcinoma cells, which may be related to the increased ROS levels in cervical squamous carcinoma cells induced by H2O2 treatments. PMID:26788095

  10. Inhibition of miR-146b expression increases radioiodine-sensitivity in poorly differential thyroid carcinoma via positively regulating NIS expression

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Li, Luchuan; Lv, Bin; Chen, Bo

    2015-07-10

    Dedifferentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) with the loss of radioiodine uptake (RAIU) is often observed in clinical practice under radioiodine therapy, indicating the challenge for poor prognosis. MicroRNA (miRNA) has emerged as a promising therapeutic target in many diseases; yet, the role of miRNAs in RAIU has not been generally investigated. Based on recent studies about miRNA expression in papillary or follicular thyroid carcinomas, the expression profiles of several thyroid relative miRNAs were investigated in one DTC cell line, derived from normal DTC cells by radioiodine treatment. The top candidate miR-146b, with the most significant overexpression profiles in dedifferentiated cells, wasmore » picked up. Further research found that miR-146b could be negatively regulated by histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) in normal cells, indicating the correlation between miR-146b and Na{sup +}/I{sup −} symporter (NIS)-mediated RAIU. Fortunately, it was confirmed that miR-146b could regulate NIS expression/activity; what is more important, miR-146b interference would contribute to the recovery of radioiodine-sensitivity in dedifferentiated cells via positively regulating NIS. In the present study, it was concluded that NIS-mediated RAIU could be modulated by miR-146b; accordingly, miR-146b might serve as one of targets to enhance efficacy of radioactive therapy against poorly differential thyroid carcinoma (PDTC). - Highlights: • Significant upregulated miR-146b was picked up from thyroid relative miRNAs in DTC. • MiR-146b was negatively regulated by HDAC3 in normal thyroid carcinoma cells. • NIS activity and expression could be regulated by miR-146b in thyroid carcinoma. • MiR-146b inhibition could recover the decreased radioiodine-sensitivity of DTC cells.« less

  11. H3K9 Trimethylation Silences Fas Expression to Confer Colon Carcinoma Immune Escape and 5-Fluorouracil Chemoresistance

    PubMed Central

    Paschall, Amy V.; Yang, Dafeng; Lu, Chunwan; Choi, Jeong-Hyeon; Li, Xia; Liu, Feiyan; Figueroa, Mario; Oberlies, Nicholas H.; Pearce, Cedric; Bollag, Wendy B.; Nayak-Kapoor, Asha; Liu, Kebin

    2015-01-01

    The Fas-FasL effector mechanism plays a key role in cancer immune surveillance by host T cells, but metastatic human colon carcinoma often uses silencing Fas expression as a mechanism of immune evasion. The molecular mechanism under FAS transcriptional silencing in human colon carcinoma is unknown. We performed genome-wide ChIP-Sequencing analysis and identified that the FAS promoter is enriched with H3K9me3 in metastatic human colon carcinoma cells. H3K9me3 level in the FAS promoter region is significantly higher in metastatic than in primary cancer cells, and is inversely correlated with Fas expression level. We discovered that verticillin A is a selective inhibitor of histone methyltransferases SUV39H1, SUV39H2 and G9a/GLP that exhibit redundant functions in H3K9 trimethylation and FAS transcriptional silencing. Genome-wide gene expression analysis identified FAS as one of the verticillin A target genes. Verticillin A treatment decreased H3K9me3 level in the FAS promoter and restored Fas expression. Furthermore, verticillin A exhibited greater efficacy than Decitabine and Vorinostat in overcoming colon carcinoma resistance to FasL-induced apoptosis. Verticillin A also increased DR5 expression and overcame colon carcinoma resistance to DR5 agonist drozitumab-induced apoptosis. Interestingly, verticillin A overcame metastatic colon carcinoma resistance to 5-Fluouracil in vitro and in vivo. Using an orthotopic colon cancer mouse model, we demonstrated that tumor-infiltrating cytotoxic T lymphocytes are FasL+ and FasL-mediated cancer immune surveillance is essential for colon carcinoma growth control in vivo. Our findings determine that H3K9me3 of the FAS promoter is a dominant mechanism underlying FAS silencing and resultant colon carcinoma immune evasion and progression. PMID:26136424

  12. Profile of differentially expressed miRNAs in high-grade serous carcinoma and clear cell ovarian carcinoma, and the expression of miR-510 in ovarian carcinoma

    PubMed Central

    ZHANG, XINCHEN; GUO, GORDON; WANG, GUANG; ZHAO, JINYAO; WANG, BO; YU, XIAOTANG; DING, YANFANG

    2015-01-01

    Improved insight into the molecular and genetic profile of different types of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is required for understanding the carcinogenesis of EOC and may potentially be exploited by future targeted therapies. The aim of the present study was to identify a unique microRNA (miRNA) patterns and key miRNAs, which may assist in predicting progression and prognosis in high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) and clear cell carcinoma (CCC). To identify unique miRNA patterns associated with HGSC and CCC, a miRNA microarray was performed using Chinese tumor bank specimens of patients with HGSC or CCC in a retrospective analysis. The expression levels of four deregulated miRNAs were further validated using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in an external cohort of 42 cases of HGSC and 36 cases of CCC. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to analyze the correlation between the expression levels of the four miRNAs and patient prognosis. Among these validated miRNAs, miR-510 was further examined in another cohort of normal ovarian tissues, as well as the HGSC, low-grade serous carcinoma (LGSC) and CCC specimens using RT-qPCR and in situ hybridization. The results revealed that, of the 768 miRNAs analyzed in the microarray, 33 and 50 miRNAs were significantly upregulated and downregulated, respectively, with at least a 2-fold difference in HGSC, compared with CCC. The quantitative analysis demonstrated that miR-510 and miR-129-3p were significantly downregulated, and that miR-483-5p and miR-miR-449a were significantly upregulated in CCC, compared with HGSC (P<0.05), which was consistent with the microarray results. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed low expression levels of miR-510 and low expression levels of miR-129-3p, advanced International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, lymphatic metastasis and that HGSC was significantly associated with the poorer overall survival rates (P<0.05). The expression of miR-510

  13. miR-221 and miR-222 expression affects the proliferation potential of human prostate carcinoma cell lines by targeting p27Kip1.

    PubMed

    Galardi, Silvia; Mercatelli, Neri; Giorda, Ezio; Massalini, Simone; Frajese, Giovanni Vanni; Ciafrè, Silvia Anna; Farace, Maria Giulia

    2007-08-10

    MicroRNAs are short regulatory RNAs that negatively modulate protein expression at a post-transcriptional level and are deeply involved in the pathogenesis of several types of cancers. Here we show that miR-221 and miR-222, encoded in tandem on chromosome X, are overexpressed in the PC3 cellular model of aggressive prostate carcinoma, as compared with LNCaP and 22Rv1 cell line models of slowly growing carcinomas. In all cell lines tested, we show an inverse relationship between the expression of miR-221 and miR-222 and the cell cycle inhibitor p27(Kip1). We recognize two target sites for the microRNAs in the 3' untranslated region of p27 mRNA, and we show that miR-221/222 ectopic overexpression directly results in p27 down-regulation in LNCaP cells. In those cells, we demonstrate that the ectopic overexpression of miR-221/222 strongly affects their growth potential by inducing a G(1) to S shift in the cell cycle and is sufficient to induce a powerful enhancement of their colony-forming potential in soft agar. Consistently, miR-221 and miR-222 knock-down through antisense LNA oligonucleotides increases p27(Kip1) in PC3 cells and strongly reduces their clonogenicity in vitro. Our results suggest that miR-221/222 can be regarded as a new family of oncogenes, directly targeting the tumor suppressor p27(Kip1), and that their overexpression might be one of the factors contributing to the oncogenesis and progression of prostate carcinoma through p27(Kip1) down-regulation.

  14. Fatigue life of fibre reinforced plastics at 295 K after thermal cycling between 295 K and 77 K

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Belisario, G.; Caproni, F.; Marchetti, E.

    Results of low cycle three-point end fatigue tests at 295 K are reported. These were obtained from fibre reinforced plastics (FRP) flat specimens made of epoxy matrix reinforced with glass rovings only or glass rovings and Kevlar cloth. It is shown that previous thermal cycles between 295 K and 77 K exert an influence on the fatigue life as well on the acoustic emission results.

  15. An International Ki67 Reproducibility Study in Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Papathomas, Thomas G; Pucci, Eugenio; Giordano, Thomas J; Lu, Hao; Duregon, Eleonora; Volante, Marco; Papotti, Mauro; Lloyd, Ricardo V; Tischler, Arthur S; van Nederveen, Francien H; Nose, Vania; Erickson, Lori; Mete, Ozgur; Asa, Sylvia L; Turchini, John; Gill, Anthony J; Matias-Guiu, Xavier; Skordilis, Kassiani; Stephenson, Timothy J; Tissier, Frédérique; Feelders, Richard A; Smid, Marcel; Nigg, Alex; Korpershoek, Esther; van der Spek, Peter J; Dinjens, Winand N M; Stubbs, Andrew P; de Krijger, Ronald R

    2016-04-01

    Despite the established role of Ki67 labeling index in prognostic stratification of adrenocortical carcinomas and its recent integration into treatment flow charts, the reproducibility of the assessment method has not been determined. The aim of this study was to investigate interobserver variability among endocrine pathologists using a web-based virtual microscopy approach. Ki67-stained slides of 76 adrenocortical carcinomas were analyzed independently by 14 observers, each according to their method of preference including eyeballing, formal manual counting, and digital image analysis. The interobserver variation was statistically significant (P<0.001) in the absence of any correlation between the various methods. Subsequently, 61 static images were distributed among 15 observers who were instructed to follow a category-based scoring approach. Low levels of interobserver (F=6.99; Fcrit=1.70; P<0.001) as well as intraobserver concordance (n=11; Cohen κ ranging from -0.057 to 0.361) were detected. To improve harmonization of Ki67 analysis, we tested the utility of an open-source Galaxy virtual machine application, namely Automated Selection of Hotspots, in 61 virtual slides. The software-provided Ki67 values were validated by digital image analysis in identical images, displaying a strong correlation of 0.96 (P<0.0001) and dividing the cases into 3 classes (cutoffs of 0%-15%-30% and/or 0%-10%-20%) with significantly different overall survivals (P<0.05). We conclude that current practices in Ki67 scoring assessment vary greatly, and interobserver variation sets particular limitations to its clinical utility, especially around clinically relevant cutoff values. Novel digital microscopy-enabled methods could provide critical aid in reducing variation, increasing reproducibility, and improving reliability in the clinical setting.

  16. 44 CFR 295.30 - Establishing losses and damages.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 44 Emergency Management and Assistance 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Establishing losses and damages. 295.30 Section 295.30 Emergency Management and Assistance FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY... the Claimant believes that the Losses and damages are compensable and any documentary evidence...

  17. 7 CFR 295.3 - Informational and educational publications.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 4 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Informational and educational publications. 295.3... PUBLIC § 295.3 Informational and educational publications. FNS publishes a wide variety of informational... the operation of FNS food assistance programs. For more information concerning FNS publications and...

  18. 7 CFR 295.3 - Informational and educational publications.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 4 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Informational and educational publications. 295.3... PUBLIC § 295.3 Informational and educational publications. FNS publishes a wide variety of informational... the operation of FNS food assistance programs. For more information concerning FNS publications and...

  19. 7 CFR 295.3 - Informational and educational publications.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 4 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Informational and educational publications. 295.3... PUBLIC § 295.3 Informational and educational publications. FNS publishes a wide variety of informational... the operation of FNS food assistance programs. For more information concerning FNS publications and...

  20. miR-367 promotes proliferation and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by negatively regulating PTEN

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Meng, Xiangrui, E-mail: mengxiangruibb2008@163.com; Lu, Peng; Fan, Qingxia

    2016-01-29

    MicroRNAs play important roles in the carcinogenesis of many types of cancers by inhibiting gene expression at posttranscriptional level. However, the roles of microRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma, are still unclear. Here, we identified that miR-367 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell proliferation by negatively regulates its target gene PTEN. The expression of miR-367 and PTEN are significantly inverse correlated in 35 HCC patients. In HCC cell line, CCK-8 proliferation assay indicated that the cell proliferation was promoted by miR-367, while miR-367 inhibitor significantly inhibited the cell proliferation. Transwell assay showed that miR-367 mimics significantly promoted the migration and invasion of HCCmore » cells, whereas miR-367 inhibitors significantly reduced cell migration and invasion. Luciferase assays confirmed that miR-367 directly bound to the 3'untranslated region of PTEN, and western blotting showed that miR-367 suppressed the expression of PTEN at the protein levels. This study indicated that miR-367 negatively regulates PTEN and promotes proliferation and invasion of HCC cells. Thus, miR-367 may represent a potential therapeutic target for HCC intervention. - Highlights: • miR-367 mimics promote the proliferation and invasion of HCC cells. • miR-367 inhibitors inhibit the proliferation and invasion of HCC cells. • miR-367 targets 3′UTR of PTEN in HCC cells. • miR-367 negatively regulates PTEN in HCC cells.« less

  1. 27 CFR 24.295 - Return of unmerchantable wine to bond.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... wine to bond. 24.295 Section 24.295 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO TAX AND TRADE BUREAU, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY LIQUORS WINE Removal, Return and Receipt of Wine Return of Unmerchantable Wine to Bond § 24.295 Return of unmerchantable wine to bond. (a) General. Wine produced in the...

  2. High-resolution, VUV (147-201 nm) photoabsorption cross sections for C2H2 at 195 and 295 K

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Smith, Peter L.; Yoshino, Kouichi; Parkinson, W. H.; Ito, Kenji; Stark, Glenn

    1991-01-01

    Results of measurements of photoabsorption cross sections of acetylene at 195 and 295 K in the wavelength range of 147-201 nm are reported. Short-wavelength data are obtained at 0.002 nm intervals, but no structure was observed on that scale. Emission and absorption lines from contaminant species in xenon and hydrogen discharges are used to determine the correct wavelength scale for the data. The uncertainty in the relative wavelengths is estimated to be about 0.004 nm, whereas the absolute wavelength values are accurate to + or - 0.043 nm. No significant photodestruction of C2H2 was found during the measurements. Cross-section values determined at the beginning portions of the measurements are indistinguishable from the values determined at the ends, thus demonstrating that there was no loss of absorbers.

  3. 47 CFR 73.295 - FM subsidiary communications services.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 47 Telecommunication 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false FM subsidiary communications services. 73.295... RADIO BROADCAST SERVICES FM Broadcast Stations § 73.295 FM subsidiary communications services. (a) Subsidiary communication services are those transmitted on a subcarrier within the FM baseband signal, but do...

  4. 15 CFR 295.30 - Types of assistance available.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Types of assistance available. 295.30 Section 295.30 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY...

  5. 15 CFR 295.9 - Protection of confidential information.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Protection of confidential information. 295.9 Section 295.9 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED...

  6. 15 CFR 295.20 - Types of assistance available.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Types of assistance available. 295.20 Section 295.20 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY...

  7. 15 CFR 295.9 - Protection of confidential information.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Protection of confidential information. 295.9 Section 295.9 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED...

  8. 15 CFR 295.9 - Protection of confidential information.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Protection of confidential information. 295.9 Section 295.9 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED...

  9. 15 CFR 295.9 - Protection of confidential information.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Protection of confidential information. 295.9 Section 295.9 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED...

  10. 15 CFR 295.20 - Types of assistance available.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Types of assistance available. 295.20 Section 295.20 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY...

  11. 15 CFR 295.9 - Protection of confidential information.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Protection of confidential information. 295.9 Section 295.9 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED...

  12. 15 CFR 295.20 - Types of assistance available.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Types of assistance available. 295.20 Section 295.20 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY...

  13. 15 CFR 295.20 - Types of assistance available.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Types of assistance available. 295.20 Section 295.20 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY...

  14. 15 CFR 295.30 - Types of assistance available.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Types of assistance available. 295.30 Section 295.30 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY...

  15. 15 CFR 295.30 - Types of assistance available.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Types of assistance available. 295.30 Section 295.30 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY...

  16. 15 CFR 295.30 - Types of assistance available.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Types of assistance available. 295.30 Section 295.30 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY...

  17. 15 CFR 295.20 - Types of assistance available.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Types of assistance available. 295.20 Section 295.20 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY...

  18. 15 CFR 295.30 - Types of assistance available.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Types of assistance available. 295.30 Section 295.30 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY...

  19. Assessment of adrenocortical activity by non-invasive measurement of faecal cortisol metabolites in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius).

    PubMed

    Sid-Ahmed, Omer-Elfaroug; Sanhouri, Ahmed; Elwaseela, Badr-Eldin; Fadllalah, Imad; Mohammed, Galal-Eldin Elazhari; Möstl, Erich

    2013-08-01

    The aim of this study was to determine whether glucocorticoid production could be monitored non-invasively in dromedary camels by measuring faecal cortisol metabolites (FCMs). Five Sudanese dromedaries, two males and three females, were injected with a synthetic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) analogue. Blood samples were collected pre- and post-ACTH injection. Faeces were sampled after spontaneous defecation for five consecutive days (2 days before and 3 days after ACTH injection). Baseline plasma cortisol values ranged from 0.6 to 10.8 ng/ml in males and from 1.1 to 16.6 ng/ml in females, while peak values after ACTH injection were 10.9-41.9 in males and 10-42.2 ng/ml in females. Peak blood cortisol values were reached between 1.5 and 2.0 h after ACTH injection. The concentration of FCMs increased after ACTH injection in the faeces of both sexes, although steroid levels peaked earlier in males [24 h; (286.7-2,559.7 ng/g faeces)] than in females [36-48 h; (1,182.6-5,169.1 ng/g faeces)], reflecting increases of 3.1-8.3- and 4.3-8-fold above baseline levels. To detect chromatographic patterns of immunoreactive FCMs, faecal samples with high FCM concentrations from both sexes were pooled and subjected to reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). RP-HPLC analysis revealed sex differences in the polarity of FCMs, with females showing more polar FCMs than males. We concluded that stimulation of adrenocortical activity by ACTH injection resulted in a measurable increase in blood cortisol that was reliably paralleled by increases in FCM levels. Thus, measurement of FCMs is a powerful tool for monitoring the adrenocortical responses of dromedaries to stressors in field conditions.

  20. Autonomic and adrenocortical reactivity and buccal cell telomere length in kindergarten children.

    PubMed

    Kroenke, Candyce H; Epel, Elissa; Adler, Nancy; Bush, Nicole R; Obradovic, Jelena; Lin, Jue; Blackburn, Elizabeth; Stamperdahl, Juliet Lise; Boyce, W Thomas

    2011-09-01

    To examine associations between autonomic nervous system and adrenocortical reactivity to laboratory stressors and buccal cell telomere length (BTL) in children. The study sample comprised 78 children, aged 5 to 6 years, from a longitudinal cohort study of kindergarten social hierarchies, biologic responses to adversity, and child health. Buccal cell samples and reactivity measures were collected in the spring of the kindergarten year. BTL was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction, as the telomere-to-single-copy gene ratio. Parents provided demographic information; parents and teachers reported children's internalizing and externalizing behavior problems. Components of children's autonomic (heart rate, respiratory sinus arrhythmia [RSA], and preejection period [PEP]) and adrenocortical (salivary cortisol) responses were monitored during standardized laboratory challenges. We examined relationships between reactivity, internalizing and externalizing behaviors, and BTL, adjusted for age, race, and sex. Heart rate and cortisol reactivity were inversely related to BTL, PEP was positively related to BTL, and RSA was unrelated to BTL. Internalizing behaviors were also inversely related to BTL (standardized β = -0.33, p = .004). Split at the median of reactivity parameters, children with high sympathetic activation (decreasing PEP), and parasympathetic withdrawal (decreasing RSA) did not differ with regard to BTL. However, children with both this profile and high cortisol reactivity (n = 12) had significantly shorter BTL (0.80 versus 1.00; χ² = 7.6, p = .006), compared with other children. The combination of autonomic and adrenocortical reactivity was associated with shorter BTL in children. These data suggest that psychophysiological processes may influence, and that BTL may be a useful marker of, early biologic aging.

  1. 33 CFR 104.295 - Additional requirements-cruise ships.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... ships. 104.295 Section 104.295 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND... requirements—cruise ships. (a) At all MARSEC Levels, the owner or operator of a cruise ship must ensure the... cruise ship must ensure that security briefs to passengers about the specific threat are provided. ...

  2. 33 CFR 104.295 - Additional requirements-cruise ships.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... ships. 104.295 Section 104.295 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND... requirements—cruise ships. (a) At all MARSEC Levels, the owner or operator of a cruise ship must ensure the... cruise ship must ensure that security briefs to passengers about the specific threat are provided. ...

  3. 33 CFR 104.295 - Additional requirements-cruise ships.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... ships. 104.295 Section 104.295 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND... requirements—cruise ships. (a) At all MARSEC Levels, the owner or operator of a cruise ship must ensure the... cruise ship must ensure that security briefs to passengers about the specific threat are provided. ...

  4. 33 CFR 104.295 - Additional requirements-cruise ships.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... ships. 104.295 Section 104.295 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND... requirements—cruise ships. (a) At all MARSEC Levels, the owner or operator of a cruise ship must ensure the... cruise ship must ensure that security briefs to passengers about the specific threat are provided. ...

  5. miR-342-3p affects hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation via regulating NF-κB pathway

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Zhao, Liang; Zhang, Yubao, E-mail: zhyb880077@sina.com

    2015-02-13

    Recent research indicates that non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs) help regulate basic cellular processes in many types of cancer cells. We hypothesized that overexpression of miR-342-3p might affect proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. After confirming overexpression of miR-342-3p with qRT-PCR, MTT assay showed that HCC cell proliferation was significantly inhibited by miR-342-3p, and that it significantly decreased BrdU-positive cell proliferation by nearly sixfold. Searching for targets using three algorithms we found that miR-342-3p is related to the NF-κB pathway and luciferase assay found that IKK-γ, TAB2 and TAB3 are miR-342-3p target genes. Results of western blot on extracted nuclear proteins ofmore » HepG2 and HCT-116 cells showed that miR-342-3p reduced and miR-342-3p-in increased p65 nuclear levels and qRT-PCR found that NF-κB pathway downstream genes were downregulated by miR-342-3p and upregulated by miR-342-3p-in, confirming that miR-342 targets NF-κB pathway. Overexpression of Ikk-γ, TAB2 and TAB3 partially rescued HCC cells proliferation inhibited by miR-342-3p. Using the GSE54751 database we evaluated expression from 10 HCC samples, which strongly suggested downregulation of miR-342-3p and we also found inverse expression between miR-342-3p and its targets IKK-γ, TAB2 and TAB3 from 71 HCC samples. Our results show that miR-342-3p has a significant role in HCC cell proliferation and is suitable for investigation of therapeutic targets. - Highlights: • MiR-342-3p suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation. • MiR-342-3p targets IKK-γ, TAB2 and TAB3 genes. • MiR-342-3p downregulates NF-kB signaling pathway. • MiR-342-3p is downregulated in clinical hepatocellular carcinoma samples. • The expression of miR-342-3p and its target gene is inversely related.« less

  6. Loss of tumor suppressor miR-126 contributes to the development of hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis through the upregulation of ADAM9.

    PubMed

    Xiang, Le-Yang; Ou, Huo-Hui; Liu, Xin-Cheng; Chen, Zhan-Jun; Li, Xiang-Hong; Huang, Yu; Yang, Ding-Hua

    2017-06-01

    Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common histological type of primary liver cancer, which represents the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality. MiR-126 was reported to be downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues, compared with its levels in noncancerous tissues. However, baseline miR-126 expression levels in hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma patients who did not undergo pre-operational treatment remains unknown since hepatitis B virus infection and pre-operational transcatheter arterial chemoembolization were shown to upregulate miR-126 expression. Here, we demonstrated that miR-126 is generally downregulated in a homogeneous population of pre-operational treatment-naïve hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma patients (84.0%, 84/100), and its expression is significantly associated with pre-operational alpha-fetoprotein levels ( p < 0.05), microvascular invasion ( p < 0.05), tumor metastasis ( p < 0.05), as well as early recurrence (12 months after surgery; p < 0.01). Furthermore, the results of our study revealed that miR-126 is negatively correlated with ADAM9 expression in hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Overexpression of miR-126 was shown to attenuate ADAM9 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma cells, which subsequently inhibits cell migration and invasion in vitro. In addition, Cox proportional hazards regression model analysis showed that ADAM9 levels, tumor number, microvascular invasion, and tumor metastasis rate represent independent prognostic factors for shorter recurrence-free survival. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the loss of tumor suppressor miR-126 in hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma cells contributes to the development of metastases through the upregulated expression of its target gene, ADAM9. MiR-126-ADAM9 pathway-based therapeutic targeting may represent a novel approach for the inhibition of hepatitis B virus

  7. 33 CFR 105.295 - Additional requirements-Certain Dangerous Cargo (CDC) facilities.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... Dangerous Cargo (CDC) facilities. 105.295 Section 105.295 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD... Requirements § 105.295 Additional requirements-Certain Dangerous Cargo (CDC) facilities. (a) At all MARSEC Levels, owners or operators of CDC facilities must ensure the implementation of the following security...

  8. 33 CFR 105.295 - Additional requirements-Certain Dangerous Cargo (CDC) facilities.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... Dangerous Cargo (CDC) facilities. 105.295 Section 105.295 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD... Requirements § 105.295 Additional requirements-Certain Dangerous Cargo (CDC) facilities. (a) At all MARSEC Levels, owners or operators of CDC facilities must ensure the implementation of the following security...

  9. 33 CFR 105.295 - Additional requirements-Certain Dangerous Cargo (CDC) facilities.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... Dangerous Cargo (CDC) facilities. 105.295 Section 105.295 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD... Requirements § 105.295 Additional requirements-Certain Dangerous Cargo (CDC) facilities. (a) At all MARSEC Levels, owners or operators of CDC facilities must ensure the implementation of the following security...

  10. 33 CFR 105.295 - Additional requirements-Certain Dangerous Cargo (CDC) facilities.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... Dangerous Cargo (CDC) facilities. 105.295 Section 105.295 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD... Requirements § 105.295 Additional requirements-Certain Dangerous Cargo (CDC) facilities. (a) At all MARSEC Levels, owners or operators of CDC facilities must ensure the implementation of the following security...

  11. 33 CFR 105.295 - Additional requirements-Certain Dangerous Cargo (CDC) facilities.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... Dangerous Cargo (CDC) facilities. 105.295 Section 105.295 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD... Requirements § 105.295 Additional requirements-Certain Dangerous Cargo (CDC) facilities. (a) At all MARSEC Levels, owners or operators of CDC facilities must ensure the implementation of the following security...

  12. 40 CFR 1065.295 - PM inertial balance for field-testing analysis.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 34 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false PM inertial balance for field-testing analysis. 1065.295 Section 1065.295 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR POLLUTION CONTROLS ENGINE-TESTING PROCEDURES Measurement Instruments Pm Measurements § 1065.295 PM...

  13. 40 CFR 1065.295 - PM inertial balance for field-testing analysis.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 34 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false PM inertial balance for field-testing analysis. 1065.295 Section 1065.295 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR POLLUTION CONTROLS ENGINE-TESTING PROCEDURES Measurement Instruments Pm Measurements § 1065.295 PM...

  14. 40 CFR 1065.295 - PM inertial balance for field-testing analysis.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 33 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false PM inertial balance for field-testing analysis. 1065.295 Section 1065.295 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR POLLUTION CONTROLS ENGINE-TESTING PROCEDURES Measurement Instruments Pm Measurements § 1065.295 PM...

  15. Cooperative transforming activities of ras, myc, and src viral oncogenes in nonestablished rat adrenocortical cells.

    PubMed Central

    MacAuley, A; Pawson, T

    1988-01-01

    Early-passage rat adrenocortical cells were infected with Kirsten murine sarcoma virus and MMCV mouse myc virus, two retroviruses carrying the v-Ki-ras and v-myc oncogenes, respectively. Efficient morphological transformation required coinfection with the two viruses, was dependent on the presence of high serum concentrations, and was not immediately accompanied by growth in soft agar. The doubly infected cells coordinately acquired the capacity for anchorage- and serum-independent growth during passage in culture. The appearance of such highly transformed cells was correlated with the emergence of a dominant clone, as suggested by an analysis of retrovirus integration sites. These results indicate that the concerted expression of v-Ki-ras and v-myc could induce rapid morphological transformation of nonestablished adrenocortical cells but that an additional genetic or epigenetic event was required to permit full transformation by these two oncogenes. In contrast, v-src, introduced by retrovirus infection in conjunction with v-myc, rapidly induced serum- and anchorage-independent growth. Therefore, the p60v-src protein-tyrosine kinase, unlike p21v-ras, is apparently not restricted in the induction of a highly transformed phenotype in adrenocortical cells. This system provides an in vitro model for the progressive transformation of epithelial cells by dominantly acting oncogenes. Images PMID:2846881

  16. MiR-26b inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by targeting EphA2.

    PubMed

    Li, Hesheng; Sun, Qinglei; Han, Bing; Yu, Xingquan; Hu, Baoguang; Hu, Sanyuan

    2015-01-01

    Deregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to play important roles in cancer progression as a result of changes in expression of their target genes. In this study, we investigated the expression of miR-16b in eight hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines, revealed the roles of miR-26b on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and confirmed that EphA2 is a direct target of miR-26b. The miR-26b expression was decreased and EphA2 expression was evaluated in HCC cell lines. Luciferase assays revealed that miR-26b inhibited EphA2 expression by targeting the 3'-untranslated region of EphA2 mRNA. Overexpression of miR-26b dramatically inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and migration of HCC cells by targeting EphA2. Moreover, miR-26b down-regulated c-Myc and CyclinD1 expression, which was reversed by overexpressed EphA2. Taken together, our data demonstrated the mechanism of miR-26b contributed to HCC progression and implicated that miR-26b's potential in HCC therapy.

  17. Long non-coding RNA XIST promotes cell growth by regulating miR-139-5p/PDK1/AKT axis in hepatocellular carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Mo, Yichao; Lu, Yaoyong; Wang, Peng; Huang, Simin; He, Longguang; Li, Dasheng; Li, Fuliang; Huang, Junwei; Lin, Xiaoxia; Li, Xueru; Che, Siyao; Chen, Qinshou

    2017-02-01

    Abnormal expression of long non-coding RNA often contributes to unrestricted growth of cancer cells. Long non-coding RNA XIST expression is upregulated in several cancers; however, its modulatory mechanisms have not been reported in hepatocellular carcinoma. In this study, we found that XIST expression was significantly increased in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and cell lines. XIST promoted cell cycle progression from the G1 phase to the S phase and protected cells from apoptosis, which contributed to hepatocellular carcinoma cell growth. In addition, we revealed that there was reciprocal repression between XIST and miR-139-5p. PDK1 was identified as a direct target of miR-139-5p. We proposed that XIST was responsible for hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation, and XIST exerted its function through the miR-139-5p/PDK1 axis.

  18. Autonomic and adrenocortical reactivity and buccal cell telomere length in kindergarten children

    PubMed Central

    Kroenke, Candyce H; Epel, Elissa; Adler, Nancy; Bush, Nicole R.; Obradović, Jelena; Lin, Jue; Blackburn, Elizabeth; Stamperdahl, Juliet Lise; Boyce, W. Thomas

    2011-01-01

    Objective To examine associations between autonomic nervous system and adrenocortical reactivity to laboratory stressors and buccal cell telomere length (BTL) in children. Methods The study sample comprised 78 five- and six-year-old children from a longitudinal cohort study of kindergarten social hierarchies, biological responses to adversity, and child health. Buccal cell samples and reactivity measures were collected in the spring of the kindergarten year. BTL was measured by realtime PCR, as the telomere-to-single copy gene (T/S) ratio. Parents provided demographic information; parents and teachers reported children’s internalizing and externalizing behavior problems. Components of children’s autonomic (heart rate (HR), respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), pre-ejection period (PEP)) and adrenocortical (salivary cortisol) responses were monitored during standardized laboratory challenges. We examined relations between reactivity, internalizing and externalizing behavior, and BTL, adjusted for age, race, and gender. Results Heart rate and cortisol reactivity were inversely related to BTL, PEP was positively related to BTL, and RSA was unrelated. Internalizing behaviors were also inversely related to BTL (standardized β=−0.33, p=0.004). Split at the median of reactivity parameters, children with high sympathetic activation (decreasing PEP) and high parasympathetic withdrawal (decreasing RSA) did not differ with regard to BTL. However, children with both this profile and high cortisol reactivity (N=12) had significantly shorter BTL (0.80 vs. 1.00, χ2=7.6, p=0.006), compared with other children. Conclusions Autonomic and adrenocortical reactivity in combination were associated with shorter buccal cell telomere length in children. These data suggest that psychophysiological processes may influence, and that BTL may be a useful marker of, early biological aging. PMID:21873585

  19. A multi-target protein of hTERTR-FAM96A presents significant anticancer potent in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Meng-Yu; Wang, Jie-Ping

    2017-04-01

    The abilities to escape apoptosis induced by anticancer drugs are an essential factor of carcinogenesis and a hallmark of resistance to cancer therapy. In this study, we identified hTERTR-FAM96A (human telomerase reverse transcriptase-family with sequence similarity 96 member A) as a new efficient agent for apoptosome-activating and anti-tumor protein and investigated the potential tumor suppressor function in hepatocellular carcinoma. The hTERTR-FAM96A fusion protein was constructed by genetic engineering and its anticancer function of hTERTR-FAM96A was explored in vitro and in vivo by investigating the possible preclinical outcomes. Effects of hTERTR-FAM96A on improvement of apoptotic sensitivity and inhibition of migration and invasion were examined in cancer cells and tumors. Our results showed that the therapeutic effects of hTERTR-FAM96A were highly effective for inhibiting tumor growth and inducing apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in H22-bearing nude mice. The hTERTR-FAM96A fusion protein could specifically bind with Apaf-1 and hTERT, which further induced apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and improved apoptosis sensitivity. Our results indicated that hTERTR-FAM96A treatment enhanced cytotoxic effects by upregulation of cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses, interferon-γ release, and T lymphocyte infiltration. In addition, hTERTR-FAM96A led to tumor-specific immunologic cytotoxicity through increasing apoptotic body on hepatocellular tumors. Furthermore, hTERTR-FAM96A dramatically inhibited tumor growth, reduced death rate, and prolonged mice survival in hepatocellular carcinoma mice derived from three independent hepatocellular carcinoma mice cohorts compared to control groups. In summary, our data suggest that hTERTR-FAM96A may serve as an efficient anti-tumor agent for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

  20. SNP array profiling of childhood adrenocortical tumors reveals distinct pathways of tumorigenesis and highlights candidate driver genes.

    PubMed

    Letouzé, Eric; Rosati, Roberto; Komechen, Heloisa; Doghman, Mabrouka; Marisa, Laetitia; Flück, Christa; de Krijger, Ronald R; van Noesel, Max M; Mas, Jean-Christophe; Pianovski, Mara A D; Zambetti, Gerard P; Figueiredo, Bonald C; Lalli, Enzo

    2012-07-01

    Childhood adrenocortical tumors (ACT) are rare malignancies, except in southern Brazil, where a higher incidence rate is associated to a high frequency of the founder R337H TP53 mutation. To date, copy number alterations in these tumors have only been analyzed by low-resolution comparative genomic hybridization. We analyzed an international series of 25 childhood ACT using high-resolution single nucleotide polymorphism arrays to: 1) detect focal copy number alterations highlighting candidate driver genes; and 2) compare genetic alterations between Brazilian patients carrying the R337H TP53 mutation and non-Brazilian patients. We identified 16 significantly recurrent chromosomal alterations (q-value < 0.05), the most frequent being -4q34, +9q33-q34, +19p, loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of chromosome 17 and 11p15. Focal amplifications and homozygous deletions comprising well-known oncogenes (MYC, MDM2, PDGFRA, KIT, MCL1, BCL2L1) and tumor suppressors (TP53, RB1, RPH3AL) were identified. In addition, eight focal deletions were detected at 4q34, defining a sharp peak region around the noncoding RNA LINC00290 gene. Although non-Brazilian tumors with a mutated TP53 were similar to Brazilian tumors, those with a wild-type TP53 displayed distinct genomic profiles, with significantly fewer rearrangements (P = 0.019). In particular, three alterations (LOH of chromosome 17, +9q33-q34, and -4q34) were significantly more frequent in TP53-mutated samples. Finally, two of four TP53 wild-type tumors displayed as sole rearrangement a copy-neutral LOH of the imprinted region at 11p15, supporting a major role for this region in ACT development. Our findings highlight potential driver genes and cellular pathways implicated in childhood ACT and demonstrate the existence of different oncogenic routes in this pathology.

  1. CEP295 interacts with microtubules and is required for centriole elongation.

    PubMed

    Chang, Ching-Wen; Hsu, Wen-Bin; Tsai, Jhih-Jie; Tang, Chieh-Ju C; Tang, Tang K

    2016-07-01

    Centriole duplication is a tightly ordered process during which procentrioles are assembled in G1-S and elongate during S and G2. Here, we show that human CEP295 (Drosophila Ana1) is not essential for initial cartwheel assembly, but is required to build distal half centrioles during S and G2. Using super-resolution and immunogold electron microscopy, we demonstrate that CEP295 is recruited to the proximal end of procentrioles in early S phase, when it is also localized at the centriolar microtubule wall that surrounds the human SAS6 cartwheel hub. Interestingly, depletion of CEP295 not only inhibits the recruitments of POC5 and POC1B to the distal half centrioles in G2, resulting in shorter centrioles, it also blocks the post-translational modification of centriolar microtubules (e.g. acetylation and glutamylation). Importantly, our results indicate that CEP295 directly interacts with microtubules, and that excess CEP295 could induce the assembly of overly long centrioles. Furthermore, exogenous expression of the N-terminal domain of CEP295 exerts a dominant-negative effect on centriole elongation. Collectively, these findings suggest that CEP295 is essential for building the distal half centrioles and for post-translational modification of centriolar microtubules. © 2016. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

  2. CEP295 interacts with microtubules and is required for centriole elongation

    PubMed Central

    Chang, Ching-Wen; Hsu, Wen-Bin; Tsai, Jhih-Jie; Tang, Chieh-Ju C.

    2016-01-01

    ABSTRACT Centriole duplication is a tightly ordered process during which procentrioles are assembled in G1-S and elongate during S and G2. Here, we show that human CEP295 (Drosophila Ana1) is not essential for initial cartwheel assembly, but is required to build distal half centrioles during S and G2. Using super-resolution and immunogold electron microscopy, we demonstrate that CEP295 is recruited to the proximal end of procentrioles in early S phase, when it is also localized at the centriolar microtubule wall that surrounds the human SAS6 cartwheel hub. Interestingly, depletion of CEP295 not only inhibits the recruitments of POC5 and POC1B to the distal half centrioles in G2, resulting in shorter centrioles, it also blocks the post-translational modification of centriolar microtubules (e.g. acetylation and glutamylation). Importantly, our results indicate that CEP295 directly interacts with microtubules, and that excess CEP295 could induce the assembly of overly long centrioles. Furthermore, exogenous expression of the N-terminal domain of CEP295 exerts a dominant-negative effect on centriole elongation. Collectively, these findings suggest that CEP295 is essential for building the distal half centrioles and for post-translational modification of centriolar microtubules. PMID:27185865

  3. 15 CFR 295.10 - Special reporting and auditing requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Special reporting and auditing requirements. 295.10 Section 295.10 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS...

  4. 15 CFR 295.10 - Special reporting and auditing requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Special reporting and auditing requirements. 295.10 Section 295.10 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS...

  5. 15 CFR 295.10 - Special reporting and auditing requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Special reporting and auditing requirements. 295.10 Section 295.10 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS...

  6. 15 CFR 295.10 - Special reporting and auditing requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Special reporting and auditing requirements. 295.10 Section 295.10 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS...

  7. 15 CFR 295.10 - Special reporting and auditing requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Special reporting and auditing requirements. 295.10 Section 295.10 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS...

  8. Increased adrenocortical response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in sport horses with equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD).

    PubMed

    Scheidegger, M D; Gerber, V; Bruckmaier, R M; van der Kolk, J H; Burger, D; Ramseyer, A

    2017-10-01

    This study tested the hypothesis that adrenocortical function would be altered in horses with equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS). Twenty-six sport horses competing at national or international levels in eventing (n=15) or endurance (n=11) were subjected to a gastroscopic examination and an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test. Salivary cortisol concentrations were measured before (baseline) and after (30, 60, 90, 120 and 150min) IV ACTH injection (1μg/kg bodyweight). Within EGUS, two distinct diseases, equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD) and equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD), can be distinguished. ESGD was diagnosed in 8/11 (73%; 95% confidence intervals [95%CI], 43-92%) endurance horses and 5/15 (33%; 95% CI, 14-58%) eventing horses. EGGD was observed in 9/11 (82%; 95% CI, 53-96%) endurance horses and 9/15 (60%; 95% CI, 35-81%) eventing horses. The presence or severity of ESGD was unrelated to the presence or severity of EGGD. ACTH stimulation induced a larger increase in cortisol concentration in horses with moderate EGGD than in horses with mild EGGD. Cortisol concentration during the entire sampling period (total increase in cortisol concentration during the entire sampling period [dAUC], 31.1±6.4ng/mL) and the highest measured concentration at a single time point (maximal increase in cortisol concentration [dMAX], 10.3±2.3ng/mL) were increased (P=0.005 and P=0.038, respectively), indicating that horses with glandular gastric disease exhibited increased adrenocortical responses to ACTH stimulation. These results suggest that EGGD might be associated with an enhanced adrenocortical sensitivity. Further investigations are warranted to confirm the association between adrenocortical sensitivity and EGGD and to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms involved. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. The Relations between Bullying Exposures in Middle Childhood, Anxiety, and Adrenocortical Activity

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Carney, JoLynn V.; Hazler, Richard J.; Oh, Insoo; Hibel, Leah C.; Granger, Douglas A.

    2010-01-01

    This exploratory study investigated how exposure to bullying at school in middle childhood is associated with student anxiety levels and adrenocortical activity at a time preceding lunch when anxiety about potential bullying would potentially be higher. Ninety-one sixth-grade students (55 female and 36 male) reported being exposed one or more…

  10. Influence of lesions of the limbic-hypothalamic system on adrenocortical responses to daily repeated heat exposures in rabbits.

    PubMed

    Seto, K; Kaba, H; Saito, H; Edashige, N; Kawakami, M

    1983-07-01

    The effects of lesions in the basal medial hypothalamus and limbic structure upon the responses of adrenocorticoids formation in adrenal slices of rabbits to daily repeated heat exposures has been investigated. (1) The adrenocortical responses to heat exposure on the 1st day were decreased by lesions in the periventricular arcuate nucleus (ARC), ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH), stria terminalis (ST) and dorsal fornix (FX). (2) There were no effects of heat exposure on the 10th day upon the adrenocorticoid formation in either the sham-lesioned rabbits or the rabbits with the lesions of ARC, VMH and ST. (3) In rabbits with the FX lesions, the adrenocorticoids formation was significantly increased by heat exposure on the 10th day. (4) These results suggested that the basal medial hypothalamus, amygdala (AMYG)-ST system and dorsal hippocampus (HPC)-FX system participated in the mechanisms of adrenocortical responses to heat exposure on the 1st day, but only the HPC-FX system played some roles in complete disappearance process of adrenocortical responses to heat exposure by repetition of exposures.

  11. 15 CFR 295.7 - Notice of availability of funds.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Notice of availability of funds. 295.7 Section 295.7 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY...

  12. 15 CFR 295.7 - Notice of availability of funds.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Notice of availability of funds. 295.7 Section 295.7 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY...

  13. 15 CFR 295.7 - Notice of availability of funds.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Notice of availability of funds. 295.7 Section 295.7 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY...

  14. 15 CFR 295.7 - Notice of availability of funds.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Notice of availability of funds. 295.7 Section 295.7 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY...

  15. 15 CFR 295.7 - Notice of availability of funds.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Notice of availability of funds. 295.7 Section 295.7 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY...

  16. Antitumoral Activity of (20R)- and (20S)-Ginsenoside Rh2 on Transplanted Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Mice.

    PubMed

    Lv, Qun; Rong, Na; Liu, Li-Jia; Xu, Xiao-Lin; Liu, Jian-Ting; Jin, Feng-Xie; Wang, Chun-Mei

    2016-05-01

    Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the leading causes of malignancy-related death in China. Its therapy in clinics is a big challenge. Ginsenoside Rh2 is one of the most notable cancer-preventing components from red ginseng and it has been reported that ginsenoside Rh2 exhibited potent cytotoxicity against human hepatoma cells. Rh2 exists as two different stereoisomeric forms, (20S)-ginsenoside Rh2 and (20R)-ginsenoside Rh2. Previous reports showed that the Rh2 epimers demonstrated different pharmacological activities and only (20S)-ginsenoside Rh2 showed potent proliferation inhibition on cancer cells in vitro. However, the in vivo anti-hepatoma activity of (20R)-ginsenoside Rh2 and (20S)-ginsenoside Rh2 has not been reported yet. This work assessed and compared the anti-hepatoma activities of (20S)-ginsenoside Rh2 and (20R)-ginsenoside Rh2 using H22 a hepatoma-bearing mouse model in vivo. In addition, hematoxylin and eosin staining, the deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling assay, and the semiquantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction method were used to further study the apoptosis of the tumors. The results showed that both (20S)-ginsenoside Rh2 and (20R)-ginsenoside Rh2 suppressed the growth of H22 transplanted tumors in vivo, and the highest inhibition rate could be up to 42.2 and 46.8 %, respectively (p < 0.05). Further, hematoxylin/eosin staining and the deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling assay indicated that both (20R)-ginsenoside Rh2 and (20S)-ginsenoside Rh2 could induce H22 hepatoma tumor cell apoptosis, with apoptosis indexes of 3.87 %, and 3.80 %, respectively (p < 0.05). Moreover, this effect was accompanied by downregulating the level of Bcl-2 mRNA. In conclusion, both (20S)-ginsenoside Rh2 and (20R)-ginsenoside Rh2 can suppress the growth of H22 hepatomas without causing severe side effects, and this effect is associated with the induction of apoptosis. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart

  17. Adrenocortical Gap Junctions and Their Functions

    PubMed Central

    Bell, Cheryl L.; Murray, Sandra A.

    2016-01-01

    Adrenal cortical steroidogenesis and proliferation are thought to be modulated by gap junction-mediated direct cell–cell communication of regulatory molecules between cells. Such communication is regulated by the number of gap junction channels between contacting cells, the rate at which information flows between these channels, and the rate of channel turnover. Knowledge of the factors regulating gap junction-mediated communication and the turnover process are critical to an understanding of adrenal cortical cell functions, including development, hormonal response to adrenocorticotropin, and neoplastic dedifferentiation. Here, we review what is known about gap junctions in the adrenal gland, with particular attention to their role in adrenocortical cell steroidogenesis and proliferation. Information and insight gained from electrophysiological, molecular biological, and imaging (immunocytochemical, freeze fracture, transmission electron microscopic, and live cell) techniques will be provided. PMID:27445985

  18. Repression of miR-17-5p with elevated expression of E2F-1 and c-MYC in non-metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma and enhancement of cell growth upon reversing this expression pattern

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    El Tayebi, H.M.; Omar, K.; Hegy, S.

    2013-05-10

    Highlights: •The oncogenic miR-17-5p is downregulated in non-metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma patients. •E2F-1 and c-MYC transcripts are upregulated in non-metastatic HCC patients. •miR-17-5p forced overexpression inhibited E2F-1 and c-MYC expression in HuH-7 cells. •miR-17-5p mimicking increased HuH-7 cell growth, proliferation, migration and colony formation. •miR-17-5p is responsible for HCC progression among the c-MYC/E2F-1/miR-17-5p triad members. -- Abstract: E2F-1, c-MYC, and miR-17-5p is a triad of two regulatory loops: a negative and a positive loop, where c-MYC induces the expression of E2F-1 that induces the expression of miR-17-5p which in turn reverses the expression of E2F-1 to close the loop. In thismore » study, we investigated this triad for the first time in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), where miR-17-5p showed a significant down-regulation in 23 non-metastatic HCC biopsies compared to 10 healthy tissues; however, E2F-1 and c-MYC transcripts were markedly elevated. Forced over-expression of miR-17-5p in HuH-7 cells resulted in enhanced cell proliferation, growth, migration and clonogenicity with concomitant inhibition of E2F-1 and c-MYC transcripts expressions, while antagomirs of miR-17-5p reversed these events. In conclusion, this study revealed a unique pattern of expression for miR-17-5p in non-metastatic HCC patients in contrast to metastatic HCC patients. In addition we show that miR-17-5p is the key player among the triad that tumor growth and spread.« less

  19. Adrenohepatic fusion: Adhesion or invasion in primary virilizant giant adrenal carcinoma? Implications for surgical resection. Two case report and review of the literature.

    PubMed

    Alastrué Vidal, Antonio; Navinés López, Jordi; Julián Ibáñez, Juan Francisco; De la Ossa Merlano, Napoleón; Botey Fernandez, Mireia; Sampere Moragues, Jaume; Sánchez Torres, Maria Del Carmen; Barluenga Torres, Eva; Fernández-Llamazares Rodríguez, Jaime

    2016-01-01

    Adrenohepatic fusion means union between the adrenal gland and the liver, intermingling its parenchymas. It is not possible to identify this condition by image tests. Its presence implies radical and multidisciplinar approach. We report two female cases of 45 and 50 years old with clinical virilization and palpable mass on the abdominal right upper quadrant corresponding to adrenocortical carcinoma with hepatic fusion. The contrast-enhanced tomography showed an indistinguishable mass involving the liver and the right adrenal gland. In the first case, the patient had a two-time operation, the former removing only the adrenal carcinoma, and the second performing a radical surgery after an early relapse. In the second case, a radical right en bloc adrenohepatectomy was performed. Both cases were pathologically reported as liver-infiltrating adrenal carcinoma. Only in the second case the surgery was radical effective as first intention to treat, with 3 years of disease-free survival. ACC is a rare entity with poor prognosis. The major indicators of malignancy are tumour diameter over 6cm, local invasion or metastasis, secretion of corticosteroids, virilization and hypertension and hypokalaemia. The parenchymal fusion of the adrenal cortical layer can be misdiagnosed as hepatocellular carcinoma with adhesion with the Glisson capsule. AHF in such cases may be misinterpreted during surgery, what may impair its resectability, and therefore the survival. The surgical treatment must be performed en bloc, often using liver vascular control. Postoperative treatment must be offered immediately after surgery. We report two consecutive rare cases of adrenohepatic fusion in giant right adrenocortical carcinoma, not detectable by imaging, what has important implications for the surgical decision-making. As radical surgery is the best choice to offer a curative treatment, it has to be performed by a multidisciplinary well-assembled team, counting with endocrine and liver surgeons

  20. The RNA-binding protein PCBP2 facilitates gastric carcinoma growth by targeting miR-34a

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hu, Cheng-En; Liu, Yong-Chao; Zhang, Hui-Dong

    Highlights: • PCBP2 is overexpressed in human gastric cancer. • PCBP2 high expression predicts poor survival. • PCBP2 regulates gastric cancer growth in vitro and in vivo. • PCBP2 regulates gastric cancer apoptosis by targeting miR-34a. - Abstract: Gastric carcinoma is the fourth most common cancer worldwide, with a high rate of death and low 5-year survival rate. However, the mechanism underling gastric cancer is still not fully understood. Here in the present study, we identify the RNA-binding protein PCBP2 as an oncogenic protein in human gastric carcinoma. Our results show that PCBP2 is up-regulated in human gastric cancer tissuesmore » compared to adjacent normal tissues, and that high level of PCBP2 predicts poor overall and disease-free survival. Knockdown of PCBP2 in gastric cancer cells inhibits cell proliferation and colony formation in vitro, whereas opposing results are obtained when PCBP2 is overexpressed. Our in vivo subcutaneous xenograft results also show that PCBP2 can critically regulate gastric cancer cell growth. In addition, we find that PCBP2-depletion induces apoptosis in gastric cancer cells via up-regulating expression of pro-apoptotic proteins and down-regulating anti-apoptotic proteins. Mechanically, we identify that miR-34a as a target of PCBP2, and that miR-34a is critically essential for the function of PCBP2. In summary, PCBP2 promotes gastric carcinoma development by regulating the level of miR-34a.« less

  1. 46 CFR 295.23 - Reporting requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... OPERATORS MARITIME SECURITY PROGRAM (MSP) Maritime Security Program Operating Agreements § 295.23 Reporting... (such as facsimile and Internet) for transmission of required information to MARAD, if practicable.]: (a...

  2. 46 CFR 295.23 - Reporting requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... OPERATORS MARITIME SECURITY PROGRAM (MSP) Maritime Security Program Operating Agreements § 295.23 Reporting... (such as facsimile and Internet) for transmission of required information to MARAD, if practicable.]: (a...

  3. 46 CFR 295.23 - Reporting requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... OPERATORS MARITIME SECURITY PROGRAM (MSP) Maritime Security Program Operating Agreements § 295.23 Reporting... (such as facsimile and Internet) for transmission of required information to MARAD, if practicable.]: (a...

  4. 46 CFR 295.23 - Reporting requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... OPERATORS MARITIME SECURITY PROGRAM (MSP) Maritime Security Program Operating Agreements § 295.23 Reporting... (such as facsimile and Internet) for transmission of required information to MARAD, if practicable.]: (a...

  5. 46 CFR 295.23 - Reporting requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... OPERATORS MARITIME SECURITY PROGRAM (MSP) Maritime Security Program Operating Agreements § 295.23 Reporting... (such as facsimile and Internet) for transmission of required information to MARAD, if practicable.]: (a...

  6. 5 CFR 295.210 - Procedure in the event of an adverse ruling.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 5 Administrative Personnel 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Procedure in the event of an adverse ruling. 295.210 Section 295.210 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT CIVIL SERVICE... LEGAL PROCEEDINGS Requests for Testimony and Production of Documents § 295.210 Procedure in the event of...

  7. 5 CFR 295.210 - Procedure in the event of an adverse ruling.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 5 Administrative Personnel 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Procedure in the event of an adverse ruling. 295.210 Section 295.210 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT CIVIL SERVICE... LEGAL PROCEEDINGS Requests for Testimony and Production of Documents § 295.210 Procedure in the event of...

  8. 5 CFR 295.210 - Procedure in the event of an adverse ruling.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 5 Administrative Personnel 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Procedure in the event of an adverse ruling. 295.210 Section 295.210 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT CIVIL SERVICE... LEGAL PROCEEDINGS Requests for Testimony and Production of Documents § 295.210 Procedure in the event of...

  9. Decrement of miR-199a-5p contributes to the tumorigenesis of bladder urothelial carcinoma by regulating MLK3/NF-κB pathway

    PubMed Central

    Song, Tao; Zhang, Xu; Yang, Guoqiang; Song, Yong; Cai, Wei

    2015-01-01

    Aberrant miRNA expression is implicated in tumorigenesis. However, the role of miRNAs in bladder urothelial carcinoma still remains largely unknown. In this study, miR-199a-5p was validated to be significantly down-regulated in bladder urothelial carcinoma. In addition, restoring expression of miR-199a-5p inhibited the tumorigenesis of bladder urothelial carcinoma in vitro and in vivo by inducing the apoptosis and suppressing the proliferation of bladder cancerous cells. Further investigation reported that MLK3 was a direct target of miR-199a-5p. Moreover, the expression level of miR-199a-5p was conversely correlated with MLK3 in bladder cancerous cells. In addition, reintroduction of MLK3 was identified to promote the proliferation and inhibit the apoptotic rate of cells, which have been altered by miR-199a-5p through activating the NF-κB pathway. All together, decrement of miR-199a-5p contributes to the tumorigenesis of bladder cancer by directly regulating MLK3/NF-κB pathway and miR-199a-5p might be developed as a therapeutic target for treatment of the bladder urothelial carcinoma. PMID:26885275

  10. Regulation of Adrenocortical Steroid Hormone Production by RhoA-Diaphanous 1 Signaling and the Cytoskeleton

    PubMed Central

    Sewer, Marion B.; Li, Donghui

    2012-01-01

    The production of glucocorticoids and aldosterone in the adrenal cortex is regulated at multiple levels. Biosynthesis of these hormones is initiated when cholesterol, the substrate, enters the inner mitochondrial membrane for conversion to pregnenolone. Unlike most metabolic pathways, the biosynthesis of adrenocortical steroid hormones is unique because some of the enzymes are localized in mitochondria and others in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Although much is known about the factors that control the transcription and activities of the proteins that are required for steroid hormone production, the parameters that govern the exchange of substrates between the ER and mitochondria are less well understood. This short review summarizes studies that have begun to provide insight into the role of the cytoskeleton, mitochondrial transport, and the physical interaction of the ER and mitochondria in the production of adrenocortical steroid hormones. PMID:23186810

  11. 32 CFR 295.5 - Policy.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... Authorities identified in § 295.6 of this part, or the designated Appellate Authority. (b) News Media Requests. (1) Requests from news media representatives for records that would not be withheld if requested... released promptly by the OIG element originating the record. (2) Requests from news media representatives...

  12. 32 CFR 295.5 - Policy.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... Authorities identified in § 295.6 of this part, or the designated Appellate Authority. (b) News Media Requests. (1) Requests from news media representatives for records that would not be withheld if requested... released promptly by the OIG element originating the record. (2) Requests from news media representatives...

  13. 32 CFR 295.5 - Policy.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... Authorities identified in § 295.6 of this part, or the designated Appellate Authority. (b) News Media Requests. (1) Requests from news media representatives for records that would not be withheld if requested... released promptly by the OIG element originating the record. (2) Requests from news media representatives...

  14. 32 CFR 295.5 - Policy.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... Authorities identified in § 295.6 of this part, or the designated Appellate Authority. (b) News Media Requests. (1) Requests from news media representatives for records that would not be withheld if requested... released promptly by the OIG element originating the record. (2) Requests from news media representatives...

  15. 32 CFR 295.5 - Policy.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... Authorities identified in § 295.6 of this part, or the designated Appellate Authority. (b) News Media Requests. (1) Requests from news media representatives for records that would not be withheld if requested... released promptly by the OIG element originating the record. (2) Requests from news media representatives...

  16. 44 CFR 295.50 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... SECURITY CERRO GRANDE FIRE ASSISTANCE CERRO GRANDE FIRE ASSISTANCE Glossary § 295.50 Definitions... it sat, resulting from the Cerro Grande Fire. Discount to Net Present Value means a reduction of an...-Federal entity that suffered Loss resulting from the Cerro Grande Fire and any entity that provided...

  17. 44 CFR 295.50 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... SECURITY CERRO GRANDE FIRE ASSISTANCE CERRO GRANDE FIRE ASSISTANCE Glossary § 295.50 Definitions... it sat, resulting from the Cerro Grande Fire. Discount to Net Present Value means a reduction of an...-Federal entity that suffered Loss resulting from the Cerro Grande Fire and any entity that provided...

  18. 44 CFR 295.50 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... SECURITY CERRO GRANDE FIRE ASSISTANCE CERRO GRANDE FIRE ASSISTANCE Glossary § 295.50 Definitions... it sat, resulting from the Cerro Grande Fire. Discount to Net Present Value means a reduction of an...-Federal entity that suffered Loss resulting from the Cerro Grande Fire and any entity that provided...

  19. 44 CFR 295.50 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... SECURITY CERRO GRANDE FIRE ASSISTANCE CERRO GRANDE FIRE ASSISTANCE Glossary § 295.50 Definitions... it sat, resulting from the Cerro Grande Fire. Discount to Net Present Value means a reduction of an...-Federal entity that suffered Loss resulting from the Cerro Grande Fire and any entity that provided...

  20. [The Role of 5-Aza-CdR on Methylation of Promoter in RASSF1A Gene in Endometrial Carcinoma].

    PubMed

    Huang, Li-ping; Chen, Chen; Wang, Xue-ping; Liu, Hui

    2015-05-01

    To explore the effect of demethylating drug 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-CdR) on methtylation status of the Ras-association domain familylA gene (RASSF1A) in human endometrial carcinoma. Randomly'assign the human endometrial carcinoma cell line HEC-1-B into groups and use demethylating drug 5-Aza-CdR of different concentration to treat them. Then Methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP), real-time PCR, Western blot, TUNEL technology were used to analyze methylation status of RASSF1A promoter CpG islands, RASSF1A mRNA expression, RASSF1A protein expression and apoptosis of HEC-1-B cell. High DNA methylation in RASSF1A gene promoter region, low RASSF1A mRNA level and protein expression and out of control of human endometrial carcinoma cell HEC-1-B apoptosis were observed. 5-Aza-CdR of different concentration could reverse RASSF1A gene's methylation status, recover the expression of mRNA and protein, and control the growth of HEC-1-B by inducing apoptosis. Aberrant methylation of RASSF1A in endometrial cancer as a therapeutic target, demethylating agent 5-Aza-CdR could be an effective way of gene therapy.

  1. Bioinformatics functional analysis of let-7a, miR-34a, and miR-199a/b reveals novel insights into immune system pathways and cancer hallmarks for hepatocellular carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Soliman, Bangly; Salem, Ahmed; Ghazy, Mohamed; Abu-Shahba, Nourhan; El Hefnawi, Mahmoud

    2018-05-01

    Let-7a, miR-34a, and miR-199 a/b have gained a great attention as master regulators for cellular processes. In particular, these three micro-RNAs act as potential onco-suppressors for hepatocellular carcinoma. Bioinformatics can reveal the functionality of these micro-RNAs through target prediction and functional annotation analysis. In the current study, in silico analysis using innovative servers (miRror Suite, DAVID, miRGator V3.0, GeneTrail) has demonstrated the combinatorial and the individual target genes of these micro-RNAs and further explored their roles in hepatocellular carcinoma progression. There were 87 common target messenger RNAs (p ≤ 0.05) that were predicted to be regulated by the three micro-RNAs using miRror 2.0 target prediction tool. In addition, the functional enrichment analysis of these targets that was performed by DAVID functional annotation and REACTOME tools revealed two major immune-related pathways, eight hepatocellular carcinoma hallmarks-linked pathways, and two pathways that mediate interconnected processes between immune system and hepatocellular carcinoma hallmarks. Moreover, protein-protein interaction network for the predicted common targets was obtained by using STRING database. The individual analysis of target genes and pathways for the three micro-RNAs of interest using miRGator V3.0 and GeneTrail servers revealed some novel predicted target oncogenes such as SOX4, which we validated experimentally, in addition to some regulated pathways of immune system and hepatocarcinogenesis such as insulin signaling pathway and adipocytokine signaling pathway. In general, our results demonstrate that let-7a, miR-34a, and miR-199 a/b have novel interactions in different immune system pathways and major hepatocellular carcinoma hallmarks. Thus, our findings shed more light on the roles of these miRNAs as cancer silencers.

  2. Radiation induces premature chromatid separation via the miR-142-3p/Bod1 pathway in carcinoma cells.

    PubMed

    Pan, Dong; Du, Yarong; Ren, Zhenxin; Chen, Yaxiong; Li, Xiaoman; Wang, Jufang; Hu, Burong

    2016-09-13

    Radiation-induced genomic instability plays a vital role in carcinogenesis. Bod1 is required for proper chromosome biorientation, and Bod1 depletion increases premature chromatid separation. MiR-142-3p influences cell cycle progression and inhibits proliferation and invasion in cervical carcinoma cells. We found that radiation induced premature chromatid separation and altered miR-142-3p and Bod1 expression in 786-O and A549 cells. Overexpression of miR-142-3p increased premature chromatid separation and G2/M cell cycle arrest in 786-O cells by suppressing Bod1 expression. We also found that either overexpression of miR-142-3p or knockdown of Bod1 sensitized 786-O and A549 cells to X-ray radiation. Overexpression of Bod1 inhibited radiation- and miR-142-3p-induced premature chromatid separation and increased resistance to radiation in 786-O and A549 cells. Taken together, these results suggest that radiation alters miR-142-3p and Bod1 expression in carcinoma cells, and thus contributes to early stages of radiation-induced genomic instability. Combining ionizing radiation with epigenetic regulation may help improve cancer therapies.

  3. Novel Helicobacter species H.japonicum isolated from laboratory mice from Japan induces typhlocolitis and lower bowel carcinoma in C57BL/129 IL10−/− mice

    PubMed Central

    Shen, Zeli; Feng, Yan; Muthupalani, Sureshkumar; Sheh, Alexander; Cheaney, Lenzie E.; Kaufman, Christian A.; Gong, Guanyu; Paster, Bruce J.; Fox, James G.

    2016-01-01

    A novel Helicobacter species Helicobacter japonicum was isolated from the stomach and intestines of clinically normal mice received from three institutes from Japan. The novel Helicobacter sp. was microaerobic, grew at 37°C and 42°C, was catalase and oxidase positive, but urease negative. It is most closely related to the 16S rRNA gene of H.muridarum (98.6%); to the 23S rRNA gene of H.hepaticus (97.9%); to the hsp60 gene of H.typhlonius (87%). The novel Helicobacter sp. has in vitro cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) activity; its cdtB gene sequence has 83.8% identity with that of H.hepaticus. The whole genome sequence of H.japonicum MIT 01-6451 has a 2.06-Mb genome length with a 37.5% G + C content. When the organism was inoculated into C57BL/129 IL10−/− mice, it was cultured from the stomach, colon and cecum of infected mice at 6 and 10 weeks post-infection. The cecum had the highest H.japonicum colonization levels by quantitative PCR. The histopathology of the lower bowel was characterized by moderate to severe inflammation, mild edema, epithelial defects, mild to severe hyperplasia, dysplasia and carcinoma. Inflammatory cytokines IFNγ, TNFα and IL17a, as well as iNOS were significantly upregulated in the cecal tissue of infected mice. These results demonstrate that the novel H.japonicum can induce inflammatory bowel disease and carcinoma in IL10−/− mice and highlights the importance of identifying novel Helicobacter spp. especially when they are introduced from outside mouse colonies from different geographic locations. PMID:27655833

  4. 21 CFR 73.295 - Tagetes (Aztec marigold) meal and extract.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Tagetes (Aztec marigold) meal and extract. 73.295... GENERAL LISTING OF COLOR ADDITIVES EXEMPT FROM CERTIFICATION Foods § 73.295 Tagetes (Aztec marigold) meal and extract. (a) Identity. (1) The color additive tagetes (Aztec marigold) meal is the dried, ground...

  5. 21 CFR 73.295 - Tagetes (Aztec marigold) meal and extract.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Tagetes (Aztec marigold) meal and extract. 73.295... GENERAL LISTING OF COLOR ADDITIVES EXEMPT FROM CERTIFICATION Foods § 73.295 Tagetes (Aztec marigold) meal and extract. (a) Identity. (1) The color additive tagetes (Aztec marigold) meal is the dried, ground...

  6. 21 CFR 73.295 - Tagetes (Aztec marigold) meal and extract.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Tagetes (Aztec marigold) meal and extract. 73.295... GENERAL LISTING OF COLOR ADDITIVES EXEMPT FROM CERTIFICATION Foods § 73.295 Tagetes (Aztec marigold) meal and extract. (a) Identity. (1) The color additive tagetes (Aztec marigold) meal is the dried, ground...

  7. 21 CFR 73.295 - Tagetes (Aztec marigold) meal and extract.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Tagetes (Aztec marigold) meal and extract. 73.295... GENERAL LISTING OF COLOR ADDITIVES EXEMPT FROM CERTIFICATION Foods § 73.295 Tagetes (Aztec marigold) meal and extract. (a) Identity. (1) The color additive tagetes (Aztec marigold) meal is the dried, ground...

  8. 21 CFR 73.295 - Tagetes (Aztec marigold) meal and extract.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Tagetes (Aztec marigold) meal and extract. 73.295... GENERAL LISTING OF COLOR ADDITIVES EXEMPT FROM CERTIFICATION Foods § 73.295 Tagetes (Aztec marigold) meal and extract. (a) Identity. (1) The color additive tagetes (Aztec marigold) meal is the dried, ground...

  9. High risk of adrenal toxicity of N1-desoxy quinoxaline 1,4-dioxide derivatives and the protection of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC) in the inhibition of the expression of aldosterone synthetase in H295R cells.

    PubMed

    Wang, Xu; Yang, Chunhui; Ihsan, Awais; Luo, Xun; Guo, Pu; Cheng, Guyue; Dai, Menghong; Chen, Dongmei; Liu, Zhenli; Yuan, Zonghui

    2016-02-03

    Quinoxaline 1,4-dioxide derivatives (QdNOs) with a wide range of biological activities are used in animal husbandry worldwide. It was found that QdNOs significantly inhibited the gene expression of CYP11B1 and CYP11B2, the key aldosterone synthases, and thus reduced aldosterone levels. However, whether the metabolites of QdNOs have potential adrenal toxicity and the role of oxidative stress in the adrenal toxicity of QdNOs remains unclear. The relatively new QdNOs, cyadox (CYA), mequindox (MEQ), quinocetone (QCT) and their metabolites, were selected for elucidation of their toxic mechanisms in H295R cells. Interestingly, the results showed that the main toxic metabolites of QCT, MEQ, and CYA were their N1-desoxy metabolites, which were more harmful than other metabolites and evoked dose and time-dependent cell damage on adrenal cells and inhibited aldosterone production. Gene and protein expression of CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 and mRNA expression of transcription factors, such as NURR1, NGFIB, CREB, SF-1, and ATF-1, were down regulated by N1-desoxy QdNOs. The natural inhibitors of oxidant stress, oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC), could upregulate the expression of diverse transcription factors, including CYP11B1 and CYP11B2, and elevated aldosterone levels to reduce adrenal toxicity. This study demonstrated for the first time that N1-desoxy QdNOs have the potential to be the major toxic metabolites in adrenal toxicity, which may shed new light on the adrenal toxicity of these fascinating compounds and help to provide a basic foundation for the formulation of safety controls for animal products and the design of new QdNOs with less harmful effects. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

  10. miR-34a: Multiple Opposing Targets and One Destiny in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Yacoub, Radwa Alaa; Fawzy, Injie Omar; Assal, Reem Amr; Hosny, Karim Adel; Zekri, Abdel-Rahman Nabawy; Esmat, Gamal; El Tayebi, Hend Mohamed; Abdelaziz, Ahmed Ihab

    2016-12-28

    Background and Aims: The role of miR-34a in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is controversial and several unresolved issues remain, including its expression pattern and relevance to tumor etiology, tumor stage and prognosis, and finally, its impact on apoptosis. Methods: miR-34a expression was assessed in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-induced non-metastatic HCC tissues by RT-Q-PCR. Huh-7 cells were transfected with miR-34a mimics and the impact of miR-34a was examined on 84 pro-apoptotic/anti-apoptotic genes using PCR array; its net effect was tested on cell viability via MTT assay. Results: miR-34a expression was up-regulated in HCC tissues. Moreover, miR-34a induced a large set of pro-apoptotic/anti-apoptotic genes, with a net result of triggering apoptosis and repressing cell viability. Conclusions: HCC-related differential expression of miR-34a could be etiology-based or stage-specific, and low expression of miR-34a may predict poor prognosis. This study's findings also emphasize the role of miR-34a in apoptosis.

  11. The N-terminal neurotensin fragment, NT1-11, inhibits cortisol secretion by human adrenocortical cells.

    PubMed

    Sicard, Flavie; Contesse, Vincent; Lefebvre, Hervé; Ait-Ali, Djida; Gras, Marjorie; Cartier, Dorthe; Decker, Annick; Chartrel, Nicolas; Anouar, Youssef; Vaudry, Hubert; Delarue, Catherine

    2006-08-01

    Neurotensin (NT) modulates corticosteroid secretion from the mammalian adrenal gland. The objective of this study was to investigate the possible involvement of NT in the control of cortisol secretion in the human adrenal gland. In vitro studies were conducted on cultured human adrenocortical cells. This study was conducted in a university research laboratory. Adrenal explants from patients undergoing expanded nephrectomy for kidney cancer were studied. Cortisol secretion from cultured adrenocortical cells was measured. NT1-11, the N-terminal fragment of NT, dose-dependently inhibited basal and ACTH-stimulated cortisol production by human adrenocortical cells in primary culture. In contrast, NT had no influence on cortisol output at concentrations up to 10(-6) m. HPLC and RT-PCR analyses failed to detect any significant amounts of NT and NT mRNA, respectively, in adrenal extracts. Molecular and pharmacological studies were performed to determine the type of NT receptor involved in the corticostatic effect of NT1-11. RT-PCR analysis revealed the expression of NT receptor type (NTR) 3 mRNA but not NTR1 and NTR2 mRNAs in the human adrenal tissue. However, the pharmacological profile of the adrenal NT1-11 receptor was different from that of NTR3, indicating that this receptor type is not involved in the action of NT1-11 on corticosteroidogenesis. Our results indicate that NT1-11 may act as an endocrine factor to inhibit cortisol secretion through activation of a receptor distinct from the classical NTR1, NTR2, and NTR3.

  12. Down-regulation of 5S rRNA by miR-150 and miR-383 enhances c-Myc-rpL11 interaction and inhibits proliferation of esophageal squamous carcinoma cells.

    PubMed

    Wang, Xinyu; Ren, Yanli; Wang, Zhiqiong; Xiong, Xiangyu; Han, Sichong; Pan, Wenting; Chen, Hongwei; Zhou, Liqing; Zhou, Changchun; Yuan, Qipeng; Yang, Ming

    2015-12-21

    5S rRNA plays an important part in ribosome biology and is over-expression in multiple cancers. In this study, we found that 5S rRNA is a direct target of miR-150 and miR-383 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Overexpression of miR-150 and miR-383 inhibited ESCC cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, 5S rRNA silencing by miR-150 and miR-383 might intensify rpL11-c-Myc interaction, which attenuated role of c-Myc as an oncogenic transcriptional factor and dysregulation of multiple c-Myc target genes. Taken together, our results highlight the involvement of miRNAs in ribosomal regulation during tumorigenesis. Copyright © 2015 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  13. miR-24-3p Suppresses Malignant Behavior of Lacrimal Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma by Targeting PRKCH to Regulate p53/p21 Pathway.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Ming-Xue; Zhang, Jie; Zhang, Hong; Tang, Hua

    2016-01-01

    MicroRNA (miRNA) may function as an oncogene or a tumor suppressor in tumorigenesis. However, the mechanism of miRNAs in adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is unclear. Here, we provide evidence that miR-24-3p was downreglated and functions as a tumor suppressor in human lacrimal adenoid cystic carcinoma by suppressing proliferation and migration/invasion while promoting apoptosis. miR-24-3p down-regulated protein kinase C eta (PRKCH) by binding to its untranslated region (3'UTR). PRKCH increased the of the cell growth and migration/invasion in ACC cells and suppressed the expression of p53 and p21 in both mRNA and protein level. The overexpression of miR-24-3p decreased its malignant phenotype. Ectopic expression of PRKCH counteracted the suppression of malignancy induced by miR-24-3p, as well as ectopic expression of miR-24-3p rescued the suppression of PRKCH in the p53/p21 pathway. These results suggest that miR-24-3p promotes the p53/p21 pathway by down-regulating PRKCH expression in lacrimal adenoid cystic carcinoma cells.

  14. Validation of a Fecal Glucocorticoid Assay to Assess Adrenocortical Activity in Meerkats Using Physiological and Biological Stimuli

    PubMed Central

    Heistermann, Michael; Santema, Peter; Dantzer, Ben; Mausbach, Jelena; Ganswindt, Andre; Manser, Marta B.

    2016-01-01

    In mammals, glucocorticoid (i.e. GC) levels have been associated with specific life-history stages and transitions, reproductive strategies, and a plethora of behaviors. Assessment of adrenocortical activity via measurement of glucocorticoid metabolites in feces (FGCM) has greatly facilitated data collection from wild animals, due to its non-invasive nature, and thus has become an established tool in behavioral ecology and conservation biology. The aim of our study was to validate a fecal glucocorticoid assay for assessing adrenocortical activity in meerkats (Suricata suricatta), by comparing the suitability of three GC enzyme immunoassays (corticosterone, 11β-hydroxyetiocholanolone and 11oxo-etiocholanolone) in detecting FGCM increases in adult males and females following a pharmacological challenge with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and biological stimuli. In addition, we investigated the time course characterizing FGCM excretion, the effect of age, sex and time of day on FGCM levels and assessed the potential effects of soil contamination (sand) on FGCM patterns. Our results show that the group specific 11β-hydroxyetiocholanolone assay was most sensitive to FGCM alterations, detecting significant and most distinctive elevations in FGCM levels around 25 h after ACTH administration. We found no age and sex differences in basal FGCM or on peak response levels to ACTH, but a marked diurnal pattern, with FGCM levels being substantially higher in the morning than later during the day. Soil contamination did not significantly affect FGCM patterns. Our results emphasize the importance of conducting assay validations to characterize species-specific endocrine excretion patterns, a crucial step to all animal endocrinology studies using a non-invasive approach. PMID:27077741

  15. Altered coupling of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in pancreatic acinar carcinoma of rat

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Chien, J.L.; Warren, J.R.

    The structure and function of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChR) in acinar carcinoma cells have been compared to mAChR in normal pancreatic acinar cells. Similar 80 kD proteins identified by SDS-PAGE of tumor and normal mAChR affinity-labeled with the muscarinic antagonist /sup 3/H-propylbenzilyl-choline mustards, and identical binding of the antagonist N-methylscopolamine to tumor and normal cells (K/sub D/approx.4x10/sup -10/ M), indicate conservation of mAChR proteins in carcinoma cells. Carcinoma mAChR display homogeneous binding of the agonists carbamylcholine (CCh), K/sub D/approx.3x10/sup -5/ M, and oxotremorine (Oxo), K/sub D/approx.x10/sup -6/ M, whereas normal cells display heterogeneous binding, with a minor component of highmore » affinity interactions for CCh, K/sub D/approx.3x10/sup -6/ M, and Oxo, K/sub D/approx.2x/sup -17/ M, and a major component of low affinity interactions for CCh, K/sub D/approx.1x10/sup -4/ M, and Oxo, K/sub D/approx.2x10/sup -5/ M. Both carcinoma and normal cells exhibit concentration-dependent CCh-stimulated increase in cytosolic free Ca/sup 2 +/, as measured by intracellular Quin 2 fluorescence and /sup 45/Ca/sup 2 +/ efflux. However, carcinoma cells demonstrate 50% maximal stimulation of intracellular Ca/sup 2 +/ release at a CCh concentration (EC/sub 50/approx.6x10/sup -7/ M) one log below that observed for normal cells. The authors propose an altered coupling of mAChR to intracellular Ca/sup 2 +/ homeostasis in carcinoma cells, which is manifest as a single activated receptor state for agonist binding, and increased sensitivity to muscarinic receptor stimulation of Ca/sup 2 +/ release.« less

  16. Multifocal hyperfunctioning thyroid carcinoma without metastases.

    PubMed

    Nishida, Akiko T; Hirano, Shigeru; Asato, Ryo; Tanaka, Shinzo; Kitani, Yoshiharu; Honda, Nobumitsu; Fujiki, Nobuya; Miyata, Kouji; Fukushima, Hideyuki; Ito, Juichi

    2008-09-01

    Hyperthyroidism due to thyroid carcinoma is rare, and most cases are caused by hyperfunctioning metastatic thyroid carcinoma rather than primary carcinoma. Among primary hyperfunctioning thyroid carcinoma, multifocal thyroid carcinoma is exceedingly rare, with the only one case being reported in the literature. Here, we describe the case of a 62-year-old woman with multifocal functioning thyroid carcinoma. Technetium-99m (99m Tc) scintigraphic imaging showed four hot areas in the thyroid gland. Histopathological examination of all four nodules revealed papillary carcinoma, corresponding to hot areas in the 99m Tc scintigram. DNA sequencing of the thyrotropin receptor (TSH-R) gene from all nodules revealed no mutation, indicating that activation of TSH-R was unlikely in the pathophysiogenesis of hyperfunctioning thyroid carcinoma in the present case.

  17. Emotional and Adrenocortical Regulation in Early Adolescence: Prediction by Attachment Security and Disorganization in Infancy

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Spangler, Gottfried; Zimmermann, Peter

    2014-01-01

    The aim of the present study was to examine differences in emotion expression and emotion regulation in emotion-eliciting situations in early adolescence from a bio-psycho-social perspective, specifically investigating the influence of early mother-infant attachment and attachment disorganization on behavioural and adrenocortical responses. The…

  18. Stages of Adrenocortical Carcinoma

    MedlinePlus

    ... if you have any of these problems. Imaging studies and tests that examine the blood and urine are used ... urine that is collected for three days. This test is done to check if the adrenal gland is ... Blood chemistry study : A procedure in which a blood sample is ...

  19. Environmental enrichment affects adrenocortical stress responses in the endangered black-footed ferret

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Poessel, S.A.; Biggins, D.E.; Santymire, R.M.; Livieri, T.M.; Crooks, K.R.; Angeloni, L.

    2011-01-01

    Potential stressors of wildlife living in captivity, such as artificial living conditions and frequent human contact, may lead to a higher occurrence of disease and reduced reproductive function. One successful method used by wildlife managers to improve general well-being is the provision of environmental enrichment, which is the practice of providing animals under managed care with environmental stimuli. The black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) is a highly-endangered carnivore species that was rescued from extinction by removal of the last remaining individuals from the wild to begin an ex situ breeding program. Our goal was to examine the effect of environmental enrichment on adrenocortical activity in ferrets by monitoring fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGM). Results demonstrated that enrichment lowered FGM in juvenile male ferrets, while increasing it in adult females; enrichment had no effect on FGM in juvenile females and adult males. These results correspond with our findings that juvenile males interacted more with the enrichment items than did adult females. However, we did not detect an impact of FGM on the incidence of disease or on the ability of ferrets to become reproductive during the following breeding season. We conclude that an environmental enrichment program could benefit captive juvenile male ferrets by reducing adrenocortical activity. ?? 2011 Elsevier Inc.

  20. Environmental enrichment affects adrenocortical stress responses in the endangered black-footed ferret.

    PubMed

    Poessel, Sharon A; Biggins, Dean E; Santymire, Rachel M; Livieri, Travis M; Crooks, Kevin R; Angeloni, Lisa

    2011-07-01

    Potential stressors of wildlife living in captivity, such as artificial living conditions and frequent human contact, may lead to a higher occurrence of disease and reduced reproductive function. One successful method used by wildlife managers to improve general well-being is the provision of environmental enrichment, which is the practice of providing animals under managed care with environmental stimuli. The black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) is a highly-endangered carnivore species that was rescued from extinction by removal of the last remaining individuals from the wild to begin an ex situ breeding program. Our goal was to examine the effect of environmental enrichment on adrenocortical activity in ferrets by monitoring fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGM). Results demonstrated that enrichment lowered FGM in juvenile male ferrets, while increasing it in adult females; enrichment had no effect on FGM in juvenile females and adult males. These results correspond with our findings that juvenile males interacted more with the enrichment items than did adult females. However, we did not detect an impact of FGM on the incidence of disease or on the ability of ferrets to become reproductive during the following breeding season. We conclude that an environmental enrichment program could benefit captive juvenile male ferrets by reducing adrenocortical activity. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. 15 CFR 295.11 - Technical and educational services for ATP recipients.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Technical and educational services for ATP recipients. 295.11 Section 295.11 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL...

  2. 15 CFR 295.23 - Dissolution of joint research and development ventures.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Dissolution of joint research and development ventures. 295.23 Section 295.23 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL...

  3. 15 CFR 295.23 - Dissolution of joint research and development ventures.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Dissolution of joint research and development ventures. 295.23 Section 295.23 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL...

  4. 15 CFR 295.11 - Technical and educational services for ATP recipients.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Technical and educational services for ATP recipients. 295.11 Section 295.11 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL...

  5. 15 CFR 295.23 - Dissolution of joint research and development ventures.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Dissolution of joint research and development ventures. 295.23 Section 295.23 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL...

  6. 15 CFR 295.23 - Dissolution of joint research and development ventures.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Dissolution of joint research and development ventures. 295.23 Section 295.23 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL...

  7. 15 CFR 295.23 - Dissolution of joint research and development ventures.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Dissolution of joint research and development ventures. 295.23 Section 295.23 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL...

  8. 15 CFR 295.11 - Technical and educational services for ATP recipients.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Technical and educational services for ATP recipients. 295.11 Section 295.11 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL...

  9. 15 CFR 295.11 - Technical and educational services for ATP recipients.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Technical and educational services for ATP recipients. 295.11 Section 295.11 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL...

  10. Experimental study of the competitive adsorption of HNO3 and H2O on surfaces by using Brewster angle cavity ring-down spectroscopy in the 295-345 nm region.

    PubMed

    Du, Juan; Keesee, Robert G; Zhu, Lei

    2014-09-18

    The competitive adsorption of HNO3 and H2O from the gas phase onto fused silica surfaces is investigated. Brewster angle cavity ring-down spectroscopy is used to measure absorption of a laser probe beam by the HNO3/H2O coadsorbed on fused silica surfaces as a function of the mixture pressure. The laser absorption measurements were made in the 295-345 nm region. Langmuir adsorption constants for nitric acid and water were found to be 107 ± 17 and 562 ± 21 Torr(-1), respectively. A method has been developed for calculating absorption by HNO3 and H2O codeposited on the surface as a function of the HNO3/H2O mixture pressure using multicomponent Langmuir adsorption isotherms and absorption cross-sections at a given wavelength for surface-adsorbed HNO3 and H2O. The validity of this treatment has been evaluated both as a function of wavelength and as a function of mixing ratio.

  11. TRB3 reverses chemotherapy resistance and mediates crosstalk between endoplasmic reticulum stress and AKT signaling pathways in MHCC97H human hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

    PubMed

    Li, Yang; Zhu, Danxi; Hou, Lidan; Hu, Bin; Xu, Min; Meng, Xiangjun

    2018-01-01

    Tribbles homolog 3 (TRB3), a type of pseudokinase that contains a consensus serine/threonine kinase catalytic core structure, is upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the effect of TRB3 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma and the molecular mechanisms underlying TRB3-mediated effects on tumorigenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma have not been fully elucidated. The present study focused on the effect of TRB3 expression in MHCC97H hepatocellular carcinoma cells and investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms in MHCC97H cells. In the present study, it was revealed that TRB3 was significantly overexpressed in the MHCC97H hepatocellular carcinoma cell compared with L-02 normal hepatic cells. Under endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induced by thapsigargin and tunicamycin, the levels of TRB3, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), protein kinase B (AKT) and phosphorylated (p)AKT expression were upregulated. Furthermore, when the expression of TRB3 was silenced by short hairpin (sh)RNA, the survival of MHCC97H hepatocellular carcinoma cells was increased. Notably, following transduction with lentiviral containing TRB3-shRNA, cell survival also increased after treatment with chemotherapy drug cisplatin. The present study demonstrated that knockdown of CHOP by shRNA was able to reduce TRB3 expression, and the knockdown of TRB3 markedly increased the level of pAKT. TRB3 was overexpressed in MHCC97H hepatocellular carcinoma cells, particularly under endoplasmic reticulum stress. Knockdown of TRB3 was able to increase cell survival. Therefore, TRB3 expression may induce apoptosis and reverse resistance to chemotherapy in MHCC97H hepatic carcinoma cells. The present study suggests that TRB3 is a key molecule that mediates the crosstalk between ER stress and AKT signal pathways. Furthermore, the present study may provide further insight into the cancer biology of hepatocellular carcinoma and the development of anticancer drugs targeting the ER

  12. Recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (r-hFSH) plus recombinant luteinizing hormone versus r-hFSH alone for ovarian stimulation during assisted reproductive technology: systematic review and meta-analysis.

    PubMed

    Lehert, Philippe; Kolibianakis, Efstratios M; Venetis, Christos A; Schertz, Joan; Saunders, Helen; Arriagada, Pablo; Copt, Samuel; Tarlatzis, Basil

    2014-02-20

    The potential benefit of adding recombinant human luteinizing hormone (r-hLH) to recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (r-hFSH) during ovarian stimulation is a subject of debate, although there is evidence that it may benefit certain subpopulations, e.g. poor responders. A systematic review and a meta-analysis were performed. Three databases (MEDLINE, Embase and CENTRAL) were searched (from 1990 to 2011). Prospective, parallel-, comparative-group randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in women aged 18-45 years undergoing in vitro fertilization, intracytoplasmic sperm injection or both, treated with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogues and r-hFSH plus r-hLH or r-hFSH alone were included. The co-primary endpoints were number of oocytes retrieved and clinical pregnancy rate. Analyses were conducted for the overall population and for prospectively identified patient subgroups, including patients with poor ovarian response (POR). In total, 40 RCTs (6443 patients) were included in the analysis. Data on the number of oocytes retrieved were reported in 41 studies and imputed in two studies. Therefore, data were available from 43 studies (r-hFSH plus r-hLH, n=3113; r-hFSH, n=3228) in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population (all randomly allocated patients, including imputed data). Overall, no significant difference in the number of oocytes retrieved was found between the r-hFSH plus r-hLH and r-hFSH groups (weighted mean difference -0.03; 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.41 to 0.34). However, in poor responders, significantly more oocytes were retrieved with r-hFSH plus r-hLH versus r-hFSH alone (n=1077; weighted mean difference +0.75 oocytes; 95% CI 0.14-1.36). Significantly higher clinical pregnancy rates were observed with r-hFSH plus r-hLH versus r-hFSH alone in the overall population analysed in this review (risk ratio [RR] 1.09; 95% CI 1.01-1.18) and in poor responders (n=1179; RR 1.30; 95% CI 1.01-1.67; ITT population); the observed difference was more

  13. Laparoscopic Finding of Ectopic Adrenocortical Tissue in a 2-Year-Old Boy with Vanishing Testis.

    PubMed

    Marte, Antonio

    2018-01-01

    Ectopic adrenocortical tissue (EAT) along the spermatic cord is an unusual condition in children. The author reports on a 2-year-old boy with impalpable testis. On laparoscopy, EAT was detected along the hypotrophic spermatic vessels and excised. These remnants should be removed to prevent hormone production or malignant transformation.

  14. 44 CFR 295.41 - Administrative appeal.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... Administrative Appeal will be conclusively presumed unless the Claimant initiates arbitration in accordance with... 44 Emergency Management and Assistance 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Administrative appeal. 295.41... Administrative appeal. (a) Notice of appeal. A Claimant may request that the Director of OCGFC review the...

  15. Long non-coding RNA PVT1 serves as a competing endogenous RNA for miR-186-5p to promote the tumorigenesis and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Lan, Tian; Yan, Xia; Li, Zhuo; Xu, Xin; Mao, Qi; Ma, Weijie; Hong, Zhenfei; Chen, Xi; Yuan, Yufeng

    2017-06-01

    Hepatocellular carcinoma is third leading cause of cancer-related death globally. Long non-coding RNA plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 has been reported to be dysregulated and plays a crucial role in various cancers. In this study, we investigated the interactions between plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 and miR-186-5p in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma and explored the functional significance of plasmacytoma variant translocation 1. It was determined that plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 was significantly higher, while miR-186-5p was statistically lower in the hepatocellular carcinoma tissues than that in the adjacent normal tissues. Using gain-of-function and loss-of-function methods, our results revealed that plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 affected hepatocellular carcinoma cells proliferation, invasion, and migration. It was found that there was direct interaction between miR-186-5p and the binding site of plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 by performing dual-luciferase assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay. Furthermore, it was identified that plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 regulated the expression of the miR-186-5p target gene, yes-associated protein 1. Taken together, plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 served as an endogenous sponge for miR-186-5p to reduce its inhibiting effect on yes-associated protein 1 and thus promoted the tumorigenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma.

  16. Hearing on Computer Education. Hearing before the Subcommittee on Elementary, Secondary, and Vocational Education of the Committee on Education and Labor, House of Representatives, Ninety-Eighth Congress, Second Session, on H.R. 3750, H.R. 1134, and H.R. 4628.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. House Committee on Education and Labor.

    This hearing report covers three bills: (1) H.R. 3750, which would authorize grants to local educational agencies to purchase computer equipment; (2) H.R. 1134, which would provide funds to establish and operate model centers for computers in education; and (3) H.R. 4628, which would establish a government corporation to promote the development…

  17. c-MYC-regulated miR-23a/24-2/27a Cluster Promotes Mammary Carcinoma Cell Invasion and Hepatic Metastasis by Targeting Sprouty2*

    PubMed Central

    Li, Xiaoni; Liu, Xin; Xu, Weiyi; Zhou, Peng; Gao, Ping; Jiang, Songshan; Lobie, Peter E.; Zhu, Tao

    2013-01-01

    Emerging evidence indicates that the miR-23a/24-2/27a cluster may possess a causal role in mammary tumorigenesis and function as a novel class of oncogenes. However, the regulatory mechanism of the miR-23a/24-2/27a cluster in mammary carcinoma cell invasion and migration is still largely unknown. We observed that the expression levels of miR-23a, miR-24-2 and miR-27a were significantly higher in breast cancer with lymph node metastasis, compared with that from patients without lymph node metastasis or normal tissue. Forced expression of the miR-23a/24-2/27a cluster promoted mammary carcinoma cell migration, invasion, and hepatic metastasis, through targeting Sprouty2 (SPRY2) and consequent activation of p44/42 MAPK. Epidermal growth factor induced the expression of the transcription factor c-MYC, which promoted the expression of mature miR-23a, miR-24-2, and miR-27a and subsequently decreased expression of SPRY2 and activated p44/42 MAPK to promote mammary carcinoma cell migration and invasion. We therefore suggest a novel link between epidermal growth factor and the miR-23a/24-2/27a cluster via the regulation of c-MYC, providing the potential for the miR-23a/24-2/27a cluster to be used as biomarker in the diagnosis and/or treatment of breast cancer. PMID:23649631

  18. miR-181a shows tumor suppressive effect against oral squamous cell carcinoma cells by downregulating K-ras

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Shin, Ki-Hyuk, E-mail: kshin@dentistry.ucla.edu; Dental Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095

    2011-01-28

    Research highlights: {yields} MicroRNA-181a (miR-181a) was frequently downregulated in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). {yields} Overexpression of miR-181a suppressed OSCC growth. {yields} K-ras is a novel target of miR-181a. {yields} Decreased miR-181a expression is attributed to its lower promoter activity in OSCC. -- Abstract: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are epigenetic regulators of gene expression, and their deregulation plays an important role in human cancer, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Recently, we found that miRNA-181a (miR-181a) was upregulated during replicative senescence of normal human oral keratinocytes. Since senescence is considered as a tumor suppressive mechanism, we thus investigated the expression and biologicalmore » role of miR-181a in OSCC. We found that miR-181a was frequently downregulated in OSCC. Ectopic expression of miR-181a suppressed proliferation and anchorage independent growth ability of OSCC. Moreover, miR-181a dramatically reduces the growth of OSCC on three dimensional organotypic raft culture. We also identified K-ras as a novel target of miR-181a. miR-181a decreased K-ras protein level as well as the luciferase activity of reporter vectors containing the 3'-untranslated region of K-ras gene. Finally, we defined a minimal regulatory region of miR-181a and found a positive correlation between its promoter activity and the level of miR-181a expression. In conclusion, miR-181a may function as an OSCC suppressor by targeting on K-ras oncogene. Thus, miR-181a should be considered for therapeutic application for OSCC.« less

  19. Laparoscopic Finding of Ectopic Adrenocortical Tissue in a 2-Year-Old Boy with Vanishing Testis

    PubMed Central

    Marte, Antonio

    2018-01-01

    Ectopic adrenocortical tissue (EAT) along the spermatic cord is an unusual condition in children. The author reports on a 2-year-old boy with impalpable testis. On laparoscopy, EAT was detected along the hypotrophic spermatic vessels and excised. These remnants should be removed to prevent hormone production or malignant transformation. PMID:29326864

  20. H pylori status and angiogenesis factors in human gastric carcinoma

    PubMed Central

    Mangia, Anita; Chiriatti, Annalisa; Ranieri, Girolamo; Abbate, Ines; Coviello, Maria; Simone, Giovanni; Zito, Francesco Alfredo; Montemurro, Severino; Rucci, Antonello; Leo, Alfredo Di; Tommasi, Stefania; Berloco, Pasquale; Xu, Jian Ming; Paradiso, Angelo

    2006-01-01

    AIM: To investigate H pylori expression in gastric cancer patients in relation to primary tumor angiogenic markers, such as microvessel density (MVD), thymidine phosphorylase (TP), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGF-R1), p53 and circulating VEGF levels. METHODS: Angiogenic markers were analyzed immunohistochemically in 56 primary gastric cancers. H pylori cytotoxin (vacA) and the cytotoxin-associated gene (cagA) amplification were evaluated using PCR assay. Serum H pylori IgG antibodies and serum/plasma circulating VEGF levels were detected in 39 and 38 patients by ELISA, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 69% of patients were positive for circulating IgG antibodies against H pylori. cagA-positive H pylori strains were found in 41% of gastric patients. vacA was found in 50% of patients; s1 strains were more highly expressed among vacA-positive patients. The presence of the s1 strain was significantly associated with cagA (P = 0.0001). MVD was significantly correlated with both tumor VEGF expression (r = 0.361, P = 0.009) and serum VEGF levels (r = -0.347, P = 0.041). Conversely, neither VEGF-R1 expression nor MVD was related to p53 expression. However, H pylori was not related to any angiogenic markers except for the plasma VEGF level (P = 0.026). CONCLUSION: H pylori antigen is related to higher plasma VEGF levels, but not to angiogenic characteristics. It can be hypothesized that the toxic effects of H pylori on angiogenesis occurs in early preclinical disease phase or in long-lasting aggressive infections, but only when high H pylori IgG levels are persistent. PMID:17006982

  1. Rate constants for CF{sub 3} + H{sub 2} {r_arrow} CF{sub 3}H + H and CF{sub 3}H + H {r_arrow} CF{sub 3} + H{sub 2} reactions in the temperature range 1100--1600 K

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hranisavljevic, J.; Michael, J.V.

    1998-09-24

    The shock tube technique coupled with H-atom atomic resonance absorption spectrometry has been used to study the reactions (1) CF{sub 3} + H{sub 2} {r_arrow} CF{sub 3}H + H and (2) CF{sub 3}H + H {r_arrow} CF{sub 3} + H{sub 2} over the temperature ranges 1168--1673 K and 1111--1550 K, respectively. The results can be represented by the Arrhenius expressions k{sub 1} = 2.56 {times} 10{sup {minus}11} exp({minus}8549K/T) and k{sub 2} = 6.13 {times} 10{sup {minus}11} exp({minus}7364K/T), both in cm{sup 3} molecule{sup {minus}1} s{sup {minus}1}. Equilibrium constants were calculated from the two Arrhenius expressions in the overlapping temperature range, andmore » good agreement was obtained with the literature values. The rate constants for reaction 2 were converted into rate constants for reaction 1 using literature equilibrium constants. These data are indistinguishable from direct k{sub 1} measurements, and an Arrhenius fit for the joint set is k{sub 1} = 1.88 {times} 10{sup {minus}11} exp({minus}8185K/T) cm{sup 3} molecule{sup {minus}1} s{sup {minus}1}. The CF{sub 3} + H{sub 2} {r_arrow} CF{sub 3}H + H reaction was further modeled using conventional transition-state theory, which included ab initio electronic structure determinations of reactants, transition state, and products.« less

  2. Calcium-dependent mitochondrial cAMP production enhances aldosterone secretion.

    PubMed

    Katona, Dávid; Rajki, Anikó; Di Benedetto, Giulietta; Pozzan, Tullio; Spät, András

    2015-09-05

    Glomerulosa cells secrete aldosterone in response to agonists coupled to Ca(2+) increases such as angiotensin II and corticotrophin, coupled to a cAMP dependent pathway. A recently recognized interaction between Ca(2+) and cAMP is the Ca(2+)-induced cAMP formation in the mitochondrial matrix. Here we describe that soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC) is expressed in H295R adrenocortical cells. Mitochondrial cAMP formation, monitored with a mitochondria-targeted fluorescent sensor (4mtH30), is enhanced by HCO3(-) and the Ca(2+) mobilizing agonist angiotensin II. The effect of angiotensin II is inhibited by 2-OHE, an inhibitor of sAC, and by RNA interference of sAC, but enhanced by an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase PDE2A. Heterologous expression of the Ca(2+) binding protein S100G within the mitochondrial matrix attenuates angiotensin II-induced mitochondrial cAMP formation. Inhibition and knockdown of sAC significantly reduce angiotensin II-induced aldosterone production. These data provide the first evidence for a cell-specific functional role of mitochondrial cAMP. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. The Contingency of Cocaine Administration Accounts for Structural and Functional Medial Prefrontal Deficits and Increased Adrenocortical Activation

    PubMed Central

    Anderson, Rachel M.; Cosme, Caitlin V.; Glanz, Ryan M.; Miller, Mary C.; Romig-Martin, Sara A.; LaLumiere, Ryan T.

    2015-01-01

    The prelimbic region (PL) of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is implicated in the relapse of drug-seeking behavior. Optimal mPFC functioning relies on synaptic connections involving dendritic spines in pyramidal neurons, whereas prefrontal dysfunction resulting from elevated glucocorticoids, stress, aging, and mental illness are each linked to decreased apical dendritic branching and spine density in pyramidal neurons in these cortical fields. The fact that cocaine use induces activation of the stress-responsive hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis raises the possibility that cocaine-related impairments in mPFC functioning may be manifested by similar changes in neuronal architecture in mPFC. Nevertheless, previous studies have generally identified increases, rather than decreases, in structural plasticity in mPFC after cocaine self-administration. Here, we use 3D imaging and analysis of dendritic spine morphometry to show that chronic cocaine self-administration leads to mild decreases of apical dendritic branching, prominent dendritic spine attrition in PL pyramidal neurons, and working memory deficits. Importantly, these impairments were largely accounted for in groups of rats that self-administered cocaine compared with yoked-cocaine- and saline-matched counterparts. Follow-up experiments failed to demonstrate any effects of either experimenter-administered cocaine or food self-administration on structural alterations in PL neurons. Finally, we verified that the cocaine self-administration group was distinguished by more protracted increases in adrenocortical activity compared with yoked-cocaine- and saline-matched controls. These studies suggest a mechanism whereby increased adrenocortical activity resulting from chronic cocaine self-administration may contribute to regressive prefrontal structural and functional plasticity. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Stress, aging, and mental illness are each linked to decreased prefrontal plasticity. Here, we show that chronic

  4. Novelty-induced emotional arousal modulates cannabinoid effects on recognition memory and adrenocortical activity.

    PubMed

    Campolongo, Patrizia; Morena, Maria; Scaccianoce, Sergio; Trezza, Viviana; Chiarotti, Flavia; Schelling, Gustav; Cuomo, Vincenzo; Roozendaal, Benno

    2013-06-01

    Although it is well established that cannabinoid drugs can influence cognitive performance, the findings-describing both enhancing and impairing effects-have been ambiguous. Here, we investigated the effects of posttraining systemic administration of the synthetic cannabinoid agonist WIN55,212-2 (0.1, 0.3, or 1.0 mg/kg) on short- and long-term retention of object recognition memory under two conditions that differed in their training-associated arousal level. In male Sprague-Dawley rats that were not previously habituated to the experimental context, WIN55,212-2 administered immediately after a 3-min training trial, biphasically impaired retention performance at a 1-h interval. In contrast, WIN55,212-2 enhanced 1-h retention of rats that had received extensive prior habituation to the experimental context. Interestingly, immediate posttraining administration of WIN55,212-2 to non-habituated rats, in doses that impaired 1-h retention, enhanced object recognition performance at a 24-h interval. Posttraining WIN55,212-2 administration to habituated rats did not significantly affect 24-h retention. In light of intimate interactions between cannabinoids and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, we further investigated whether cannabinoid administration might differently influence training-induced glucocorticoid activity in rats in these two habituation conditions. WIN55,212-2 administered after object recognition training elevated plasma corticosterone levels in non-habituated rats whereas it decreased corticosterone levels in habituated rats. Most importantly, following pretreatment with the corticosterone-synthesis inhibitor metyrapone, WIN55,212-2 effects on 1- and 24-h retention of non-habituated rats became similar to those seen in the low-aroused habituated animals, indicating that cannabinoid-induced regulation of adrenocortical activity contributes to the environmentally sensitive effects of systemically administered cannabinoids on short- and long

  5. Novelty-Induced Emotional Arousal Modulates Cannabinoid Effects on Recognition Memory and Adrenocortical Activity

    PubMed Central

    Campolongo, Patrizia; Morena, Maria; Scaccianoce, Sergio; Trezza, Viviana; Chiarotti, Flavia; Schelling, Gustav; Cuomo, Vincenzo; Roozendaal, Benno

    2013-01-01

    Although it is well established that cannabinoid drugs can influence cognitive performance, the findings—describing both enhancing and impairing effects—have been ambiguous. Here, we investigated the effects of posttraining systemic administration of the synthetic cannabinoid agonist WIN55,212-2 (0.1, 0.3, or 1.0 mg/kg) on short- and long-term retention of object recognition memory under two conditions that differed in their training-associated arousal level. In male Sprague-Dawley rats that were not previously habituated to the experimental context, WIN55,212-2 administered immediately after a 3-min training trial, biphasically impaired retention performance at a 1-h interval. In contrast, WIN55,212-2 enhanced 1-h retention of rats that had received extensive prior habituation to the experimental context. Interestingly, immediate posttraining administration of WIN55,212-2 to non-habituated rats, in doses that impaired 1-h retention, enhanced object recognition performance at a 24-h interval. Posttraining WIN55,212-2 administration to habituated rats did not significantly affect 24-h retention. In light of intimate interactions between cannabinoids and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, we further investigated whether cannabinoid administration might differently influence training-induced glucocorticoid activity in rats in these two habituation conditions. WIN55,212-2 administered after object recognition training elevated plasma corticosterone levels in non-habituated rats whereas it decreased corticosterone levels in habituated rats. Most importantly, following pretreatment with the corticosterone-synthesis inhibitor metyrapone, WIN55,212-2 effects on 1- and 24-h retention of non-habituated rats became similar to those seen in the low-aroused habituated animals, indicating that cannabinoid-induced regulation of adrenocortical activity contributes to the environmentally sensitive effects of systemically administered cannabinoids on short- and long

  6. Gonadectomy-related adrenocortical tumors in ferrets demonstrate increased expression of androgen and estrogen synthesizing enzymes together with high inhibin expression.

    PubMed

    de Jong, M K; ten Asbroek, E E M; Sleiderink, A J; Conley, A J; Mol, J A; Schoemaker, N J

    2014-07-01

    The 2 objectives of this study were to (1) measure by quantitative polymerase chain reaction the expression of genes involved in steroid and inhibin synthesis in adrenocortical tumors of gonadectomized ferrets and (2) localize by immunohistochemistry several proteins that are key to adrenal steroidogenesis. Relative to the control adrenals, expression of the messenger RNAs encoding StAR (steroidogenic acute regulatory protein; P = 0.039), CYP11A (P = 0.019), CYP21 (P = 0.01), and 3β-HSD (P = 0.004), all involved in the synthesis of mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids, were decreased in the adrenocortical tumors. In contrast, expression of cytochrome B5 (CytB5; P = 0.0001) and aromatase (P = 0.003), involved in androgen and estrogen synthesis, and both inhibin α-subunit (P = 0.002) and βB-subunit (P = 0.001) were upregulated. In tumors, immunostaining of CYP21 was low, whereas staining of Cyp17 and CytB5, necessary for androgen synthesis, was present. It is concluded that ferret adrenocortical tumors express genes for androgen production. In addition, the expression of aromatase and inhibin suggests an even more gonadal differentiation, which is reminiscent to the fact that both gonads and adrenals are derived from a common urogenital primordial cell. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. miR-342-3p suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation through inhibition of IGF-1R-mediated Warburg effect

    PubMed Central

    Han, Juqiang; Wang, Yadong; Shen, Chuan; Yan, Zhifeng; Tai, Yanhong; Zhao, Caiyan

    2018-01-01

    Background Insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) is a well-studied oncogenic factor that promotes cell proliferation and energy metabolism and is overexpressed in numerous cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Aerobic glycolysis is a hallmark of cancer, and drugs targeting its regulators, including IGF-1R, are being developed. However, the mechanisms of IGF-1R inhibition and the physiological significance of the IGF-1R inhibitors in cancer cells are unclear. Materials and methods Cell proliferation was evaluated by cell counting Kit-8 and colony formation assay. Western blot and real-time PCR were accordingly used to detect the relevant proteins, miRNA and gene expression. Luciferase reporter assays were used to illustrate the interaction between miR-342-3p and IGF-1R. The effect of miR-342-3p on glycolysis was determined by glucose uptake, ATP concentration, lactate generation, extracellular acidification rate and oxygen consumption rate assays. In vivo, subcutaneous tumor formation assay and PET were performed in nude mice. Results In this study, we demonstrate that by directly targeting the 3′-UTR (3′-untranslated regions) of IGF-1R, microRNA-342-3p (miR-342-3p) suppresses IGF-1R-mediated PI3K/AKT/GLUT1 signaling pathway both in vitro and in vivo. Through suppression of IGF-1R, miR-342-3p dampens glycolysis by decreasing glucose uptake, lactate generation, ATP production, and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR), and increasing oxygen consumption rate (OCR) in hepatoma cells. Importantly, glycolysis regulated by miR-342-3p is critical for its regulating HCC growth both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion Our findings provide clues regarding the role of miR-342-3p as a tumor suppressor in liver cancer mainly through the inhibition of IGF-1R. Targeting IGF-1R by miR-342-3p could be a potential therapeutic strategy in liver cancer. PMID:29615839

  8. miR-342-3p suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation through inhibition of IGF-1R-mediated Warburg effect.

    PubMed

    Liu, Wenpeng; Kang, Lei; Han, Juqiang; Wang, Yadong; Shen, Chuan; Yan, Zhifeng; Tai, Yanhong; Zhao, Caiyan

    2018-01-01

    Insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) is a well-studied oncogenic factor that promotes cell proliferation and energy metabolism and is overexpressed in numerous cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Aerobic glycolysis is a hallmark of cancer, and drugs targeting its regulators, including IGF-1R, are being developed. However, the mechanisms of IGF-1R inhibition and the physiological significance of the IGF-1R inhibitors in cancer cells are unclear. Cell proliferation was evaluated by cell counting Kit-8 and colony formation assay. Western blot and real-time PCR were accordingly used to detect the relevant proteins, miRNA and gene expression. Luciferase reporter assays were used to illustrate the interaction between miR-342-3p and IGF-1R. The effect of miR-342-3p on glycolysis was determined by glucose uptake, ATP concentration, lactate generation, extracellular acidification rate and oxygen consumption rate assays. In vivo, subcutaneous tumor formation assay and PET were performed in nude mice. In this study, we demonstrate that by directly targeting the 3'-UTR (3'-untranslated regions) of IGF-1R, microRNA-342-3p (miR-342-3p) suppresses IGF-1R-mediated PI3K/AKT/GLUT1 signaling pathway both in vitro and in vivo. Through suppression of IGF-1R, miR-342-3p dampens glycolysis by decreasing glucose uptake, lactate generation, ATP production, and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR), and increasing oxygen consumption rate (OCR) in hepatoma cells. Importantly, glycolysis regulated by miR-342-3p is critical for its regulating HCC growth both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings provide clues regarding the role of miR-342-3p as a tumor suppressor in liver cancer mainly through the inhibition of IGF-1R. Targeting IGF-1R by miR-342-3p could be a potential therapeutic strategy in liver cancer.

  9. High-quality draft genome sequence of Flavobacterium suncheonense GH29-5 T (DSM 17707 T) isolated from greenhouse soil in South Korea, and emended description of Flavobacterium suncheonense GH29-5 T

    DOE PAGES

    Tashkandy, Nisreen; Sabban, Sari; Fakieh, Mohammad; ...

    2016-06-16

    Flavobacterium suncheonense is a member of the family Flavobacteriaceae in the phylum Bacteroidetes. Strain GH29-5 T (DSM 17707 T ) was isolated from greenhouse soil in Suncheon, South Korea. F. suncheonense GH29-5 T is part of the Genomic Encyclopedia of Bacteria and Archaea project. The 2,880,663 bp long draft genome consists of 54 scaffolds with 2739 protein-coding genes and 82 RNA genes. The genome of strain GH29-5 T has 117 genes encoding peptidases but a small number of genes encoding carbohydrate active enzymes (51 CAZymes). Metallo and serine peptidases were found most frequently. Among CAZymes, eight glycoside hydrolase families, ninemore » glycosyl transferase families, two carbohydrate binding module families and four carbohydrate esterase families were identified. Suprisingly, polysaccharides utilization loci (PULs) were not found in strain GH29-5 T . Based on the coherent physiological and genomic characteristics we suggest that F. suncheonense GH29-5 T feeds rather on proteins than saccharides and lipids.« less

  10. 41 CFR 102-34.295 - To whom do we send crash reports?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false To whom do we send crash reports? 102-34.295 Section 102-34.295 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal Property Management Regulations System (Continued) FEDERAL MANAGEMENT REGULATION PERSONAL PROPERTY 34-MOTOR VEHICLE...

  11. 15 CFR 295.3 - Eligibility of United States- and foreign-owned businesses.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Eligibility of United States- and foreign-owned businesses. 295.3 Section 295.3 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST...

  12. 15 CFR 295.3 - Eligibility of United States- and foreign-owned businesses.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Eligibility of United States- and foreign-owned businesses. 295.3 Section 295.3 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST...

  13. 15 CFR 295.3 - Eligibility of United States- and foreign-owned businesses.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Eligibility of United States- and foreign-owned businesses. 295.3 Section 295.3 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST...

  14. 15 CFR 295.3 - Eligibility of United States- and foreign-owned businesses.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Eligibility of United States- and foreign-owned businesses. 295.3 Section 295.3 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST...

  15. 15 CFR 295.3 - Eligibility of United States- and foreign-owned businesses.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Eligibility of United States- and foreign-owned businesses. 295.3 Section 295.3 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST...

  16. Adrenocortical nuclear progesterone-binding protein: Identification by photoaffinity labeling and evidence for deoxyribonucleic acid binding and stimulation by adrenocorticotropin

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Demura, T.; Driscoll, W.J.; Lee, Y.C.

    1991-01-01

    Nuclei of the guinea pig adrenal cortex contain a protein that specifically binds progesterone and that, biochemically, is clearly distinct from the classical progesterone receptor. The adrenocortical nuclear progesterone-binding protein has now been purified more than 2000-fold by steroid-affinity chromatography with a 75% yield. The purified protein preparation demonstrated three major bands on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel of 79K, 74K, and 50K. To determine which of the three might represent the progesterone-binding protein, steroid photoaffinity labeling was performed which resulted in the specific and exclusive labeling of a 50K band. Thus, the adrenocortical nuclear progesterone-binding protein appears to be distinctmore » from the classical progesterone receptor not only biochemically, but also on the basis of molecular size. To test whether the adrenocortical nuclear progesterone-binding protein can be hormonally stimulated, guinea pigs were treated with ACTH. The chronic administration of ACTH caused a 4- to 6-fold increase in the specific progesterone binding capacity without a change in the binding affinity. There appeared to be no significant difference in nuclear progesterone binding between the zona fasciculata and zona reticularis. This finding suggests a mediating role for the progesterone-binding protein in ACTH action. In addition, the nuclear progesterone-binding protein bound to nonspecific DNA sequences, further suggesting a possible transcriptional regulatory role.« less

  17. 41 CFR 102-117.295 - Who makes the decisions on temporary nonuse, suspension and debarment?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... nature of suspension and debarment requires that these sanctions be imposed only in the public interest... on temporary nonuse, suspension and debarment? 102-117.295 Section 102-117.295 Public Contracts and... § 102-117.295 Who makes the decisions on temporary nonuse, suspension and debarment? (a) The...

  18. The anti-tumour activity of rLj-RGD4, an RGD toxin protein from Lampetra japonica, on human laryngeal squamous carcinoma Hep-2 cells in nude mice.

    PubMed

    Shao, Fangyu; Lv, Mei; Zheng, Yuanyuan; Jiang, Junshu; Wang, Yue; Lv, Li; Wang, Jihong

    2015-12-01

    The objective of this study is to investigate the antiproliferative activity and mechanism of integrin-binding rLj-RGD4 in a Hep-2 human laryngeal carcinoma-bearing nude mouse model. Human laryngeal squamous carcinoma cells (Hep-2) were inoculated subcutaneously into the axilla of nude mice to generate a Hep-2 human laryngeal carcinoma-bearing nude mouse model. When the Hep-2 xenograft model was successfully established, the animals were randomly separated into five groups. Three groups were treated with different dosages of rLj-RGD4. Cisplatin was administered to the positive control group, and normal saline (NaCl) was administered to the negative control group for 3 weeks. The body weights and the survival of the nude mice were evaluated, and the volumes and weights of the solid tumours were measured. The mechanism underlying rLj-RGD4 inhibition of tumour growth in transplanted Hep-2 human laryngeal carcinoma-bearing nude mice was evaluated by haematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labelling (TUNEL), measurement of intratumoural microvessel density (MVD), Western blotting, and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The tumour volumes and weights of the treatment groups were reduced compared with the model group, and survival times were improved by rLj-RGD4 treatment in Hep-2 human laryngeal carcinoma-bearing nude mice. The number of apoptotic Hep-2 human cells and intratumoural MVD significantly decreased after the administration of rLj-RGD4. In the xenograft tissue of animals treated with rLj-RGD4, FAK, PI3K, and Akt expression was unaltered, whereas P-FAK, P-PI3K, Bcl-2, P-Akt, and VEGF levels were down-regulated. In addition, activated caspase-3, activated caspase-9, and Bax levels were up-regulated. rLj-RGD4 exhibits potent in vivo activity and inhibits the growth of transplanted Hep-2 human laryngeal carcinoma cells in a nude mouse model. Thus, these results

  19. miR-125/Pokemon auto-circuit contributes to the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Kong, Jing; Liu, Xiaoping; Li, Xiangqian; Wu, Jinsheng; Wu, Ning; Chen, Jun; Fang, Fang

    2016-01-01

    Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a type of human malignant tumor occurring in hepatic tissues with high mortality. Patients benefit little from current therapeutic modalities, at least partially due to the lack of complete elucidation of molecular network regulating HCC. miR-125 and Pokemon are well-recognized tumor suppressor and oncogenes for HCC, respectively. However, the underlying mechanism by which the two genes exert their functions and the relationship between miR-125 and Pokemon is still unexplored yet. In this study, we found that there is an inverse association between miR-125 and Pokemon expression levels in HCC specimen and cell lines. Online database mining indicated that there are three putative mRNA recognition elements (MREs) of miR-125 within 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of Pokemon. MREs of miR-125 confer the expression of luciferase with a miR-125-dependent fashion. The alteration in miR-125 abundance regulates the expression of Pokemon at both protein and mRNA levels. Overexpression of Pokemon is able to abrogate the inhibitory effect of miR-125 on HCC progression. Further study showed that Pokemon inhibits the expression of miR-125 by binding of recognition sites within its promoter. In conclusion, we found that there is an auto-regulatory circuit consisting of miR-125 and Pokemon, which promotes the progression of HCC and may be a promising therapeutic target in clinical HCC treatment.

  20. miR-137 inhibits renal cell carcinoma growth in vitro and in vivo

    PubMed Central

    ZHANG, HONGXIA; LI, HONGJUN

    2016-01-01

    MicroRNA (miR)-137 has been reported to be underexpressed and involved in various cell processes and to have antitumor effects in a range of tumors, but so far not in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical significance and role of miR-137 in RCC. The expression levels of miR-137 were determined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in 50 cases of paired RCC tissues and adjacent normal tissues, and in RCC cell lines. The role of miR-137 in the growth and survival of RCC cells was assessed with several in vitro approaches and in nude mice models. The results of the RT-qPCR showed that the miR-137 expression was downregulated in the RCC tissues and cell lines. The in vitro assay showed that ectopic expression of miR-137 robustly impaired RCC cell proliferation, migratory and invasive properties, and increased the induction of cell apoptosis properties. The in vivo assay demonstrated that enforced miR-137 suppressed tumor growth in xenograft nude mice models. In addition, miR-137 was indicated to inhibit the activation of phosphoinositide 3 kinase/protein kinase B signal pathway, which contributes to the inhibition of RCC growth. These findings indicate that miR-137 functions as tumor suppressor in RCC, suggesting that miR-137 may be a potential therapeutic target for RCC. PMID:27347205

  1. Synergistic combination of valproic acid and oncolytic parvovirus H-1PV as a potential therapy against cervical and pancreatic carcinomas

    PubMed Central

    Li, Junwei; Bonifati, Serena; Hristov, Georgi; Marttila, Tiina; Valmary-Degano, Séverine; Stanzel, Sven; Schnölzer, Martina; Mougin, Christiane; Aprahamian, Marc; Grekova, Svitlana P; Raykov, Zahari; Rommelaere, Jean; Marchini, Antonio

    2013-01-01

    The rat parvovirus H-1PV has oncolytic and tumour-suppressive properties potentially exploitable in cancer therapy. This possibility is being explored and results are encouraging, but it is necessary to improve the oncotoxicity of the virus. Here we show that this can be achieved by co-treating cancer cells with H-1PV and histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) such as valproic acid (VPA). We demonstrate that these agents act synergistically to kill a range of human cervical carcinoma and pancreatic carcinoma cell lines by inducing oxidative stress, DNA damage and apoptosis. Strikingly, in rat and mouse xenograft models, H-1PV/VPA co-treatment strongly inhibits tumour growth promoting complete tumour remission in all co-treated animals. At the molecular level, we found acetylation of the parvovirus nonstructural protein NS1 at residues K85 and K257 to modulate NS1-mediated transcription and cytotoxicity, both of which are enhanced by VPA treatment. These results warrant clinical evaluation of H-1PV/VPA co-treatment against cervical and pancreatic ductal carcinomas. PMID:24092664

  2. Synergistic Effect of MiR-146a Mimic and Cetuximab on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

    PubMed Central

    Huang, Suning; Rong, Minhua; Dang, Yiwu

    2014-01-01

    Previously, we found that the expression of microRNA-146a (miR-146a) was downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues compared to the adjacent noncancerous hepatic tissues. In the current study, we have explored the in vitro effect of miR-146a on the malignant phenotypes of HCC cells. MiR-146a mimic could suppress cell growth and increase cellular apoptosis in HCC cell lines HepG2, HepB3, and SNU449, as assessed by spectrophotometry, fluorimetry, and fluorescence microscopy, respectively. Furthermore, western blot showed that miR-146a mimic downregulated EGFR, ERK1/2, and stat5 signalings. These effects were less potent compared to that of a siRNA targeting EGFR, a known target gene of miR-146a. Moreover, miR-146a mimic could enhance the cell growth inhibition and apoptosis induction impact of various EGFR targeting agents. The most potent combination was miR-146a mimic with cetuximab, presenting a synergistic effect. In conclusion, miR-146a plays a vital role in the cell growth and apoptosis of HCC cells and inducing miR-146a level might be a critical targeted molecular therapy strategy for HCC. PMID:24895573

  3. Synergistic effect of MiR-146a mimic and cetuximab on hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

    PubMed

    Huang, Suning; He, Rongquan; Rong, Minhua; Dang, Yiwu; Chen, Gang

    2014-01-01

    Previously, we found that the expression of microRNA-146a (miR-146a) was downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues compared to the adjacent noncancerous hepatic tissues. In the current study, we have explored the in vitro effect of miR-146a on the malignant phenotypes of HCC cells. MiR-146a mimic could suppress cell growth and increase cellular apoptosis in HCC cell lines HepG2, HepB3, and SNU449, as assessed by spectrophotometry, fluorimetry, and fluorescence microscopy, respectively. Furthermore, western blot showed that miR-146a mimic downregulated EGFR, ERK1/2, and stat5 signalings. These effects were less potent compared to that of a siRNA targeting EGFR, a known target gene of miR-146a. Moreover, miR-146a mimic could enhance the cell growth inhibition and apoptosis induction impact of various EGFR targeting agents. The most potent combination was miR-146a mimic with cetuximab, presenting a synergistic effect. In conclusion, miR-146a plays a vital role in the cell growth and apoptosis of HCC cells and inducing miR-146a level might be a critical targeted molecular therapy strategy for HCC.

  4. Involvement of miR-485-5p in hepatocellular carcinoma progression targeting EMMPRIN.

    PubMed

    Sun, Xiangjun; Liu, Yonglei; Li, Ming; Wang, Mingchun; Wang, Yutong

    2015-05-01

    EMMPRIN plays important roles in cancer development, which includes EMMPRIN 1, 2, 3, and 4 isoforms. EMMPRIN2 is the main component in human cancers, but its regulation by miRNAs is still unclear. In this study, we will investigate the mechanism of EMMPRIN regulation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by miRNAs. Through RT-PCR, we found that EMMPRIN2 was the main isoform in HCC cells. EMMPRIN2 was down-regulated significantly by predicted miRNAs and miR-485-5p was one of the miRNA that regulated EMMPRIN in HCC cell lines. It was verified that EMMPRIN was a target gene of miR-485-5p by using luciferase analysis assay. We found that miR-485-5p was significantly downregulated in HCC tissues and that its expression was inversely correlated with the TNM stage and metastasis in HCC samples. Results of cellular functions in HCC showed that miR-485-5p could inhibit cell proliferation and metastasis. Additionally, miR-485-5p overexpression suppressed HCC growth in vivo by down-regulation of EMMPRIN. Our study for the first time demonstrated that miR-485-5p represses HCC invasive and metastatic capacities by targeting EMMPRIN expression. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  5. 7 CFR 295.3 - Informational and educational publications.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... PUBLIC § 295.3 Informational and educational publications. FNS publishes a wide variety of informational... how to obtain them, write the Director, Public Information Staff, Food and Nutrition Service, USDA...

  6. Silencing of decoy receptor 3 (DcR3) expression by siRNA in pancreatic carcinoma cells induces Fas ligand-mediated apoptosis in vitro and in vivo.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Jian; Song, Shiduo; He, Songbin; Wang, Zhenxin; Zhang, Bing; Li, Dechun; Zhu, Dongming

    2013-09-01

    Decoy receptor 3 (DcR3) is abundantly expressed in human tumors and protects cells from a wide range of apoptotic stimuli. In this study, we demonstrate that DcR3 is overexpressed in pancreatic carcinoma cells, and that the pancreatic carcinoma cell lines, Panc-1 and SW1990, are resistant to Fas ligand (FasL)-mediated apoptosis. To further define the function of DcR3 in cell growth and apoptosis, we used small interfering RNA (siRNA) to knockdown the expression of the DcR3 gene in Panc-1 and SW1990 cells. Our results revealed that the silencing of DcR3 expression enhanced the inhibitory effects of FasL and reduced the capabiltiy of the cells for proliferation and colony formation in vitro. In addition, the downregulation of DcR3 modulated the cell apoptotic regulators, Fas-associated death domain (FADD), caspase‑3 and caspase‑8, thus triggering cell apoptosis. Furthermore, the knockdown of DcR3 inhibited the growth of Panc-1 tumor xenografts. Taken together, our findings indicate that DcR3 is important in cancer progression and may be a used as a potential therapeutic target for the gene therapy of pancreatic carcinoma.

  7. Visualization of the activation of the histamine H3 receptor (H3R) using novel fluorescence resonance energy transfer biosensors and their potential application to the study of H3R pharmacology.

    PubMed

    Liu, Ying; Zeng, Hong; Pediani, John D; Ward, Richard J; Chen, Lu-Yao; Wu, Nan; Ma, Li; Tang, Mei; Yang, Yang; An, Su; Guo, Xiao-Xi; Hao, Qian; Xu, Tian-Rui

    2018-06-01

    Activation of the histamine-3 receptor (H3R) is involved in memory processes and cognitive action, while blocking H3R activation can slow the progression of neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia and narcolepsy. To date, however, no direct way to examine the activation of H3R has been utilized. Here, we describe a novel biosensor that can visualize the activation of H3R through an intramolecular fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) signal. To achieve this, we constructed an intramolecular H3R FRET sensor with cyan fluorescent protein (CFP) attached at the C terminus and yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) inserted into the third intracellular loop. The sensor was found to internalize normally on agonist treatment. We measured FRET signals between the donor CFP and the acceptor YFP in living cells in real time, the results of which indicated that H3R agonist treatment (imetit or histamine) increases the FRET signal in a time- and concentration-dependent manner with Kon and Koff values consistent with published data and which maybe correlated with decreasing cAMP levels and the promotion of ERK1/2 phosphorylation. The FRET signal was inhibited by H3R antagonists, and the introduction of mutations at F419A, F423A, L426A and L427A, once again, the promotion of ERK1/2 phosphorylation, was diminished. Thus, we have built a H3R biosensor which can visualize the activation of receptor through real-time structure changes and which can obtain pharmacological kinetic data at the same time. The FRET signals may allow the sensor to become a useful tool for screening compounds and optimizing useful ligands. © 2018 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.

  8. 10 CFR 431.295 - Units to be tested.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... EQUIPMENT Refrigerated Bottled or Canned Beverage Vending Machines Test Procedures § 431.295 Units to be tested. For each basic model of refrigerated bottled or canned beverage vending machine selected for...

  9. Spindle assembly checkpoint gene expression in childhood adrenocortical tumors (ACT): Overexpression of Aurora kinases A and B is associated with a poor prognosis.

    PubMed

    Borges, Kleiton Silva; Moreno, Daniel Antunes; Martinelli, Carlos Eduardo; Antonini, Sonir Roberto Rauber; de Castro, Margaret; Tucci, Silvio; Neder, Luciano; Ramalho, Leandra Naira Zambelli; Seidinger, Ana Luiza; Cardinalli, Izilda; Mastellaro, Maria José; Yunes, José Andres; Brandalise, Silvia Regina; Tone, Luiz Gonzaga; Scrideli, Carlos Alberto

    2013-11-01

    Pediatric adrenocortical tumors (ACT) are rare malignancies and treatment has a small impact on survival in advanced disease and the discovery of potential target genes could be important in new therapeutic approaches. The mRNA expression levels of spindle checkpoint genes AURKA, AURKB, BUB, and BUBR1 were analyzed in 60 children with ACT by quantitative real time PCR. The anticancer effect of ZM447439, an experimental AURK inhibitor, was analyzed in a primary childhood ACT culture carrying the TP53 p.R337H mutation. A significant association was observed between malignancy as defined by Weiss score ≥3 and higher AURKA (2.0-fold, P = 0.01), AURKB (7.0-fold, P = 0.007), and BUBR1 (5.8-fold, P = 0.007) gene expression, and between unfavorable event (death or relapse) and higher expression of AURKA (6.0-fold, P = 0.034) and AURKB (17-fold, P = 0.013). Overexpression of AURKA and AURKB was associated with lower event-free survival in uni- (P < 0.001 and P = 0.006, respectively) and multivariate (P = 0.002 and P = 0.03, respectively) analysis. Significant lower Event free survival (EFS) was also observed in patients with moderate/strong immunostaining to AURKA (P = 0.012) and AURKB (P = 0.045). ZM447439 was able to induce inhibition of proliferation and colony formation in a primary childhood ACT culture carrying the TP53 p.R337H mutation. Our results suggest that AURKA and AURKB overexpression in pediatric ACT may be related to more aggressive disease and the inhibition of these proteins could be an interesting approach for the treatment of these tumors. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  10. Cysteine 295 indirectly affects Ni coordination of carbon monoxide dehydrogenase-II C-cluster

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Inoue, Takahiro; Takao, Kyosuke; Yoshida, Takashi

    2013-11-08

    Highlights: •CODH-II harbors a unique [Ni-Fe-S] cluster. •We substituted the ligand residues of Cys{sup 295} and His{sup 261}. •Dramatic decreases in Ni content upon substitutions were observed. •All substitutions did not affect Fe-S clusters assembly. •CO oxidation activity was decreased by the substitutions. -- Abstract: A unique [Ni–Fe–S] cluster (C-cluster) constitutes the active center of Ni-containing carbon monoxide dehydrogenases (CODHs). His{sup 261}, which coordinates one of the Fe atoms with Cys{sup 295}, is suggested to be the only residue required for Ni coordination in the C-cluster. To evaluate the role of Cys{sup 295}, we constructed CODH-II variants. Ala substitution formore » the Cys{sup 295} substitution resulted in the decrease of Ni content and didn’t result in major change of Fe content. In addition, the substitution had no effect on the ability to assemble a full complement of [Fe–S] clusters. This strongly suggests Cys{sup 295} indirectly and His{sup 261} together affect Ni-coordination in the C-cluster.« less

  11. Anti-miR-21 Suppresses Hepatocellular Carcinoma Growth via Broad Transcriptional Network Deregulation.

    PubMed

    Wagenaar, Timothy R; Zabludoff, Sonya; Ahn, Sung-Min; Allerson, Charles; Arlt, Heike; Baffa, Raffaele; Cao, Hui; Davis, Scott; Garcia-Echeverria, Carlos; Gaur, Rajula; Huang, Shih-Min A; Jiang, Lan; Kim, Deokhoon; Metz-Weidmann, Christiane; Pavlicek, Adam; Pollard, Jack; Reeves, Jason; Rocnik, Jennifer L; Scheidler, Sabine; Shi, Chaomei; Sun, Fangxian; Tolstykh, Tatiana; Weber, William; Winter, Christopher; Yu, Eunsil; Yu, Qunyan; Zheng, Gang; Wiederschain, Dmitri

    2015-06-01

    Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a significant clinical challenge with few therapeutic options available to cancer patients. MicroRNA 21-5p (miR-21) has been shown to be upregulated in HCC, but the contribution of this oncomiR to the maintenance of tumorigenic phenotype in liver cancer remains poorly understood. We have developed potent and specific single-stranded oligonucleotide inhibitors of miR-21 (anti-miRNAs) and used them to interrogate dependency on miR-21 in a panel of liver cancer cell lines. Treatment with anti-miR-21, but not with a mismatch control anti-miRNA, resulted in significant derepression of direct targets of miR-21 and led to loss of viability in the majority of HCC cell lines tested. Robust induction of caspase activity, apoptosis, and necrosis was noted in anti-miR-21-treated HCC cells. Furthermore, ablation of miR-21 activity resulted in inhibition of HCC cell migration and suppression of clonogenic growth. To better understand the consequences of miR-21 suppression, global gene expression profiling was performed on anti-miR-21-treated liver cancer cells, which revealed striking enrichment in miR-21 target genes and deregulation of multiple growth-promoting pathways. Finally, in vivo dependency on miR-21 was observed in two separate HCC tumor xenograft models. In summary, these data establish a clear role for miR-21 in the maintenance of tumorigenic phenotype in HCC in vitro and in vivo. miR-21 is important for the maintenance of the tumorigenic phenotype of HCC and represents a target for pharmacologic intervention. ©2015 American Association for Cancer Research.

  12. Fluoxetine and its active metabolite norfluoxetine disrupt estrogen synthesis in a co-culture model of the feto-placental unit.

    PubMed

    Hudon Thibeault, Andrée-Anne; Laurent, Laetitia; Vo Duy, Sung; Sauvé, Sébastien; Caron, Patrick; Guillemette, Chantal; Sanderson, J Thomas; Vaillancourt, Cathy

    2017-02-15

    The effects of fluoxetine, one of the most prescribed selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during pregnancy, and its active metabolite norfluoxetine were studied on placental aromatase (CYP19) and feto-placental steroidogenesis. Fluoxetine did not alter estrogen secretion in co-culture of fetal-like adrenocortical (H295R) and trophoblast-like (BeWo) cells used as a model of the feto-placental unit, although it induced CYP19 activity, apparently mediated by the serotonin (5-HT) 2A receptor/PKC signaling pathway. Norfluoxetine decreased estrogen secretion in the feto-placental co-culture and competitively inhibited catalytic CYP19 activity in BeWo cells. Decreased serotonin transporter (SERT) activity in the co-culture was comparable to 17β-estradiol treatment of BeWo cells. This work shows that the complex interaction of fluoxetine and norfluoxetine with placental estrogen production, involves 5-HT-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Considering the crucial role of estrogens during pregnancy, our results raise concern about the impact of SSRI treatment on placental function and fetal health. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. HPV-negative penile squamous cell carcinoma: disruptive mutations in the TP53 gene are common.

    PubMed

    Kashofer, Karl; Winter, Elke; Halbwedl, Iris; Thueringer, Andrea; Kreiner, Marisa; Sauer, Stefan; Regauer, Sigrid

    2017-07-01

    The majority of penile squamous cell carcinomas is caused by transforming human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. The etiology of HPV-negative cancers is unclear, but TP53 mutations have been implicated. Archival tissues of 108 invasive squamous cell carcinoma from a single pathology institution in a low-incidence area were analyzed for HPV-DNA and p16 ink4a overexpression and for TP53 mutations by ion torrent next-generation sequencing. Library preparation failed in 32/108 squamous cell carcinomas. Institutional review board approval was obtained. Thirty of 76 squamous cell carcinomas (43%; average 63 years) were HPV-negative with 8/33 squamous cell carcinomas being TP53 wild-type (24%; average 63 years). Twenty-five of 33 squamous cell carcinomas (76%; average 65 years) showed 32 different somatic TP53 mutations (23 missense mutations in exons 5-8, 6 nonsense, 1 frameshift and 2 splice-site mutations). Several hotspot mutations were detected multiple times (R175H, R248, R282, and R273). Eighteen of 19 squamous cell carcinomas with TP53 expression in immunohistochemistry had TP53 mutations. Fifty percent of TP53-negative squamous cell carcinomas showed mostly truncating loss-of-function TP53 mutations. Patients without mutations had longer survival (5 years: 86% vs 61%; 10 years: 60% vs 22%), but valid clinically relevant conclusions cannot be drawn due to different tumor stages and heterogeneous treatment of the cases presented in this study. Somatic TP53 mutations are a common feature in HPV-negative penile squamous cell carcinomas and offer an explanation for HPV-independent penile carcinogenesis. About half of HPV-negative penile cancers are driven by oncogenic activation of TP53, while a quarter is induced by loss of TP53 tumor suppressor function. Detection of TP53 mutations should be carried out by sequencing, as immunohistochemical TP53 staining could not identify all squamous cell carcinomas with TP53 mutations.

  14. 32 CFR 295.9 - Organization and mission.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... AIG for Administration and Information Management, the AIG for Departmental Inquiries, the AIG for... OF INFORMATION ACT PROGRAM OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL, FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT PROGRAM § 295... information regarding the responsibilities and functions of the IG is encompassed in Public Law 95-452, the...

  15. 32 CFR 295.9 - Organization and mission.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... AIG for Administration and Information Management, the AIG for Departmental Inquiries, the AIG for... OF INFORMATION ACT PROGRAM OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL, FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT PROGRAM § 295... information regarding the responsibilities and functions of the IG is encompassed in Public Law 95-452, the...

  16. 32 CFR 295.9 - Organization and mission.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... AIG for Administration and Information Management, the AIG for Departmental Inquiries, the AIG for... OF INFORMATION ACT PROGRAM OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL, FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT PROGRAM § 295... information regarding the responsibilities and functions of the IG is encompassed in Public Law 95-452, the...

  17. 32 CFR 295.9 - Organization and mission.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... AIG for Administration and Information Management, the AIG for Departmental Inquiries, the AIG for... OF INFORMATION ACT PROGRAM OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL, FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT PROGRAM § 295... information regarding the responsibilities and functions of the IG is encompassed in Public Law 95-452, the...

  18. Nicotine-induced stimulation of steroidogenesis in adrenocortical cells of the cat.

    PubMed Central

    Rubin, R P; Warner, W

    1975-01-01

    1. The effect of nicotine on steroid production and release from trypsin-dispersed cat adrenocortical cells was investigated. 2. Nicotine, like adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH), elicited a dose-dependent increase in steroidogenesis, which depended upon the presence of calcium in the medium. 3. Augmented steroid production evoked by submaximal concentrations of ACTH monobutyryl cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (AMP), or prostaglandin E2 was further enhanced by steroidogenic concentrations of nicotine. 4. These results are discussed in relation to the possible mode of action of nicotine on cortical cells and to the potential consequences of smoking during stress. PMID:165845

  19. A potencial theranostic agent for EGF-R expression tumors: (177)Lu-DOTA-nimotuzumab.

    PubMed

    Calzada, Victoria; Zhang, Xiuli; Fernandez, Marcelo; Diaz-Miqueli, Arlhee; Iznaga-Escobar, Normando; Deutscher, Susan L; Balter, Henia; Quinn, Thomas P; Cabral, Pablo

    2012-10-01

    In this work Nimotuzumab (monoclonal antibody, recognizes the EGF-R) was radiolabeled with (177)Lu as a potential cancer therapy radiopharmaceutical. In-vitro cell binding studies and in-vivo biodistribution and imaging studies were performed to determine the radiochemical stability, targeting specificity and pharmacokinetics of the (177)Lu-labeled antibody. Nimotuzumab was derivatized with DOTA-NHS at room temperature for 2 hours. DOTA-Nimotuzumab was radiolabeled with (177)LuCl3 (15 MBq/mg) at 37°C for 1 h. The radiochemical purity was assessed by ITLC, silica gel and by RP-HPLC. Binding specificity studies were performed with EGF-R positive A431 human epithelial carcinoma and EGF-R negative MDA-MB-435 breast carcinoma cells. Biodistribution studies were performed in healthy female CD-1 mice at 1 h, 4 h, 24 h, and A431 xenografted nude mice at 10 min, 1 h, 4 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 96 h. SPECT-CT imaging studies were performed in A431 xenografted mice at 24 h post injection. DOTA-Nimotuzumab was efficiently labeled with (177) LuCl(3) at 37°C. The in vitro stability of labeled product was optimal over 24 h in buffered saline and mouse serum. Specific recognition of EGF-R by (177)Lu-DOTA-Nimotuzumab was observed in A431 cell binding studies. Biodistribution studies demonstrated increasing tumor uptake of (177)Lu-DOTA-Nimotuzumab over time, with tumor to muscle ratios of 6.26, 10.68, and 18.82 at 4 h, 24 h, and 96 h post injection. Imaging of A431 xenografted mice showed high uptake in the tumor. (177)Lu-DOTA-Nimotuzumab has the potential to be a promising therapy agent, which may be useful in the treatment of patients with EGF-R positive cancer.

  20. Human renal adipose tissue induces the invasion and progression of renal cell carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Campo-Verde-Arbocco, Fiorella; López-Laur, José D; Romeo, Leonardo R; Giorlando, Noelia; Bruna, Flavia A; Contador, David E; López-Fontana, Gastón; Santiano, Flavia E; Sasso, Corina V; Zyla, Leila E; López-Fontana, Constanza M; Calvo, Juan C; Carón, Rubén W; Creydt, Virginia Pistone

    2017-11-07

    We evaluated the effects of conditioned media (CMs) of human adipose tissue from renal cell carcinoma located near the tumor (hRATnT) or farther away from the tumor (hRATfT), on proliferation, adhesion and migration of tumor (786-O and ACHN) and non-tumor (HK-2) human renal epithelial cell lines. Human adipose tissues were obtained from patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and CMs from hRATnT and hRATfT incubation. Proliferation, adhesion and migration were quantified in 786-O, ACHN and HK-2 cell lines incubated with hRATnT-, hRATfT- or control-CMs. We evaluated versican, adiponectin and leptin expression in CMs from hRATnT and hRATfT. We evaluated AdipoR1/2, ObR, pERK, pAkt y pPI3K expression on cell lines incubated with CMs. No differences in proliferation of cell lines was found after 24 h of treatment with CMs. All cell lines showed a significant decrease in cell adhesion and increase in cell migration after incubation with hRATnT-CMs vs. hRATfT- or control-CMs. hRATnT-CMs showed increased levels of versican and leptin, compared to hRATfT-CMs. AdipoR2 in 786-O and ACHN cells decreased significantly after incubation with hRATfT- and hRATnT-CMs vs. control-CMs. We observed a decrease in the expression of pAkt in HK-2, 786-O and ACHN incubated with hRATnT-CMs. This result could partially explain the observed changes in migration and cell adhesion. We conclude that hRATnT released factors, such as leptin and versican, could enhance the invasive potential of renal epithelial cell lines and could modulate the progression of the disease.

  1. Human renal adipose tissue induces the invasion and progression of renal cell carcinoma

    PubMed Central

    Campo-Verde-Arbocco, Fiorella; López-Laur, José D.; Romeo, Leonardo R.; Giorlando, Noelia; Bruna, Flavia A.; Contador, David E.; López-Fontana, Gastón; Santiano, Flavia E.; Sasso, Corina V.; Zyla, Leila E.; López-Fontana, Constanza M.; Calvo, Juan C.; Carón, Rubén W.; Creydt, Virginia Pistone

    2017-01-01

    We evaluated the effects of conditioned media (CMs) of human adipose tissue from renal cell carcinoma located near the tumor (hRATnT) or farther away from the tumor (hRATfT), on proliferation, adhesion and migration of tumor (786-O and ACHN) and non-tumor (HK-2) human renal epithelial cell lines. Human adipose tissues were obtained from patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and CMs from hRATnT and hRATfT incubation. Proliferation, adhesion and migration were quantified in 786-O, ACHN and HK-2 cell lines incubated with hRATnT-, hRATfT- or control-CMs. We evaluated versican, adiponectin and leptin expression in CMs from hRATnT and hRATfT. We evaluated AdipoR1/2, ObR, pERK, pAkt y pPI3K expression on cell lines incubated with CMs. No differences in proliferation of cell lines was found after 24 h of treatment with CMs. All cell lines showed a significant decrease in cell adhesion and increase in cell migration after incubation with hRATnT-CMs vs. hRATfT- or control-CMs. hRATnT-CMs showed increased levels of versican and leptin, compared to hRATfT-CMs. AdipoR2 in 786-O and ACHN cells decreased significantly after incubation with hRATfT- and hRATnT-CMs vs. control-CMs. We observed a decrease in the expression of pAkt in HK-2, 786-O and ACHN incubated with hRATnT-CMs. This result could partially explain the observed changes in migration and cell adhesion. We conclude that hRATnT released factors, such as leptin and versican, could enhance the invasive potential of renal epithelial cell lines and could modulate the progression of the disease. PMID:29212223

  2. Noninvasive monitoring of adrenocortical function in captive jaguars (Panthera onca).

    PubMed

    Conforti, Valéria A; Morato, Ronaldo G; Augusto, Anderson M; de Oliveira e Sousa, Lúcio; de Avila, David M; Brown, Janine L; Reeves, Jerry J

    2012-01-01

    Jaguars are threatened with extinction throughout their range. A sustainable captive population can serve as a hedge against extinction, but only if they are healthy and reproduce. Understanding how jaguars respond to stressors may help improve the captive environment and enhance their wellbeing. Thus, our objectives were to: (1) conduct an adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) challenge to validate a cortisol radioimmunoassay (RIA) for noninvasive monitoring of adrenocortical function in jaguars; (2) investigate the relationship between fecal corticoid (FCM) and androgen metabolite (FAM) concentrations in males during the ACTH challenge; and (3) establish a range of physiological concentrations of FCMs for the proposed protocol. Seven jaguars (3 M, 4 F) received 500 IU/animal of ACTH. Pre- and post-ACTH fecal samples were assayed for corticoid (M and F) and androgen metabolites (M) by RIA. Concentrations of FCMs increased (P80.01) after ACTH injection (pre-ACTH: 0.90 ± 0.12 µg/g dry feces; post-ACTH: 2.55 ± 0.25 µg/g). Considering pre- and post-ACTH samples, FCM concentrations were higher (P80.01) in males (2.15 ± 0.20 µg/g) than in females (1.30 ± 0.20 µg/g), but the magnitude of the response to ACTH was comparable (P>0.05) between genders. After ACTH injection, FAMs increased in two (of 3) males; in one male, FCMs and FAMs were positively correlated (0.60; P80.01). Excretion of FCMs was assessed in 16 jaguars (7 M, 9 F) and found to be highly variable (range, 80.11-1.56 µg/g). In conclusion, this study presents a cortisol RIA for monitoring adrenocortical function in jaguars noninvasively. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  3. Death of adrenocortical cells during murine acute T. cruzi infection is not associated with TNF-R1 signaling but mostly with the type II pathway of Fas-mediated apoptosis.

    PubMed

    Pérez, Ana R; Lambertucci, Flavia; González, Florencia B; Roggero, Eduardo A; Bottasso, Oscar A; de Meis, Juliana; Ronco, Maria T; Villar, Silvina R

    2017-10-01

    Earlier studies from our laboratory demonstrated that acute experimental Trypanosoma cruzi infection promotes an intense inflammation along with a sepsis-like dysregulated adrenal response characterized by normal levels of ACTH with raised glucocorticoid secretion. Inflammation was also known to result in adrenal cell apoptosis, which in turn may influence HPA axis uncoupling. To explore factors and pathways which may be involved in the apoptosis of adrenal cells, together with its impact on the functionality of the gland, we carried out a series of studies in mice lacking death receptors, such as TNF-R1 (C57BL/6- Tnfrsf1a tm1Imx or TNF-R1 -/- ) or Fas ligand (C57BL/6 Fas-deficient lpr mice), undergoing acute T. cruzi infection. Here we demonstrate that the late hypercorticosterolism seen in C57BL/6 mice during acute T. cruzi infection coexists with and hyperplasia and hypertrophy of zona fasciculata, paralleled by increased number of apoptotic cells. Apoptosis seems to be mediated mainly by the type II pathway of Fas-mediated apoptosis, which engages the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis triggering the cytochrome c release to increase caspase-3 activation. Fas-induced apoptosis of adrenocortical cells is also related with an exacerbated production of intra-adrenal cytokines that probably maintain the late supply of adrenal hormones during host response. Present results shed light on the molecular mechanisms dealing with these phenomena which are crucial not only for the development of interventions attempting to avoid adrenal dysfunction, but also for its wide occurrence in other infectious-based critical illnesses. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Synergistic combination of valproic acid and oncolytic parvovirus H-1PV as a potential therapy against cervical and pancreatic carcinomas.

    PubMed

    Li, Junwei; Bonifati, Serena; Hristov, Georgi; Marttila, Tiina; Valmary-Degano, Séverine; Stanzel, Sven; Schnölzer, Martina; Mougin, Christiane; Aprahamian, Marc; Grekova, Svitlana P; Raykov, Zahari; Rommelaere, Jean; Marchini, Antonio

    2013-10-01

    The rat parvovirus H-1PV has oncolytic and tumour-suppressive properties potentially exploitable in cancer therapy. This possibility is being explored and results are encouraging, but it is necessary to improve the oncotoxicity of the virus. Here we show that this can be achieved by co-treating cancer cells with H-1PV and histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) such as valproic acid (VPA). We demonstrate that these agents act synergistically to kill a range of human cervical carcinoma and pancreatic carcinoma cell lines by inducing oxidative stress, DNA damage and apoptosis. Strikingly, in rat and mouse xenograft models, H-1PV/VPA co-treatment strongly inhibits tumour growth promoting complete tumour remission in all co-treated animals. At the molecular level, we found acetylation of the parvovirus nonstructural protein NS1 at residues K85 and K257 to modulate NS1-mediated transcription and cytotoxicity, both of which are enhanced by VPA treatment. These results warrant clinical evaluation of H-1PV/VPA co-treatment against cervical and pancreatic ductal carcinomas. © 2013 The Authors. Published by John Wiley and Sons, Ltd on behalf of EMBO.

  5. Identification of Four Oxidative Stress-Responsive MicroRNAs, miR-34a-5p, miR-1915-3p, miR-638, and miR-150-3p, in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Wan, Yong; Cui, Ruixia; Gu, Jingxian; Zhang, Xing; Xiang, Xiaohong; Liu, Chang; Qu, Kai; Lin, Ting

    2017-01-01

    Increasing evidence suggests that oxidative stress plays an essential role during carcinogenesis. However, the underlying mechanism between oxidative stress and carcinogenesis remains unknown. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) are revealed to be involved in oxidative stress response and carcinogenesis. This study aims to identify miRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells which might involve in oxidative stress response. An integrated analysis of miRNA expression signature was performed by employing robust rank aggregation (RRA) method, and four miRNAs (miR-34a-5p, miR-1915-3p, miR-638, and miR-150-3p) were identified as the oxidative stress-responsive miRNAs. Pathway enrichment analysis suggested that these four miRNAs played an important role in antiapoptosis process. Our data also revealed miR-34a-5p and miR-1915-3p, but not miR-150-3p and miR-638, were regulated by p53 in HCC cell lines under oxidative stress. In addition, clinical investigation revealed that these four miRNAs might be involved in oxidative stress response by targeting oxidative stress-related genes in HCC tissues. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that these four miRNAs were associated with patients' overall survival. In conclusion, we identified four oxidative stress-responsive miRNAs, which were regulated by p53-dependent (miR-34a-5p and miR-1915-3p) and p53-independent pathway (miR-150-3p and miR-638). These four miRNAs may offer new strategy for HCC diagnosis and prognosis.

  6. In vitro effects of brominated flame retardants and metabolites on CYP17 catalytic activity: A novel mechanism of action?

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Canton, Rocio F.; Sanderson, J. Thomas; Nijmeijer, Sandra

    2006-10-15

    Fire incidents have decreased significantly over the last 20 years due, in part, to regulations requiring addition of flame retardants (FRs) to consumer products. Five major classes of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are hexabromocyclododecane isomers (HBCDs), tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBPA) and three commercial mixtures of penta-, octa- and deca-polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners, which are used extensively as commercial FR additives. Furthermore, concentrations of PBDEs have been rapidly increasing during the 1999s in human breast milk and a number of endocrine effects have been reported. We used the H295R human adrenocortical carcinoma cell line to assess possible effects of some of thesemore » BFRs (PBDEs and several of their hydroxylated (OH) and methoxylated (CH{sub 3}O) metabolites or analogues), TBBPA and brominated phenols (BPs) on the combined 17{alpha}-hydroxylase and 17,20-lyase activities of CYP17. CYP17 enzyme catalyzes an important step in sex steroidogenesis and is responsible for the biosynthesis of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and androstenedione in the adrenals. In order to study possible interactions with BFRs, a novel enzymatic method was developed. The precursor substrate of CYP17, pregnenolone, was added to control and exposed H295R cells, and enzymatic production of DHEA was measured using a radioimmunoassay. In order to avoid pregnenolone metabolism via different pathways, specific chemical inhibitor compounds were used. None of the parent/precursor BFRs had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on CYP17 activity except for BDE-183, which showed significant inhibition of CYP17 activity at the highest concentration tested (10 {mu}M), with no signs of cytotoxicity as measured by mitochondrial toxicity tests (MTT). A strong inhibition of CYP17 activity was found for 6-OH-2,2',4,4'-tetrabromoDE (6-OH-BDE47) with a concentration-dependent decrease of almost 90% at 10 {mu}M, but with a concurrent decrease in cell viability at the higher

  7. MiR-21 promoted proliferation and migration in hepatocellular carcinoma through negative regulation of Navigator-3.

    PubMed

    Wang, Zhipeng; Yang, Huan; Ren, Lei

    2015-09-04

    MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) has been well-established and found to be over-expressed in various human cancers and has been associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. However, the underlying mechanism of miR-21 involvement in the development and progression of HCC remains to be understood. In the present study, we firstly identified that the Navigator-3 (NAV-3) gene as a novel direct target of miR-21. Knock-down of NAV-3 using shRNA can rescue the effects of anti-miR-21 inhibitor in HCC cell lines, whereas re-expression of miR-21 using transfection with miR-21 mimics phenocopied the NAV-3 knock-down model. Additionally, miR-21 levels inversely correlated with NAV-3 both in HCC cells and tissues. Knock-down of NAV-3 promoted both the proliferation and migration in HCC cells. Together, our findings suggest an important role for miR-21 in the progression of HCC, which negatively regulated Navigator-3 in the migration of HCC. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Ectopic expression of the gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor gene is a sufficient genetic event to induce benign adrenocortical tumor in a xenotransplantation model.

    PubMed

    Mazzuco, Tania L; Chabre, Olivier; Sturm, Nathalie; Feige, Jean-Jacques; Thomas, Michaël

    2006-02-01

    Aberrant expression of ectopic G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in adrenal cortex tissue has been observed in several cases of ACTH-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasias and adenomas associated with Cushing's syndrome. Although there is clear clinical evidence for the implication of these ectopic receptors in abnormal regulation of cortisol production, whether this aberrant GPCR expression is the cause or the consequence of the development of an adrenal hyperplasia is still an open question. To answer it, we genetically engineered primary bovine adrenocortical cells to have them express the gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor. After transplantation of these modified cells under the renal capsule of adrenalectomized immunodeficient mice, tissues formed had their functional and histological characteristics analyzed. We observed the formation of an enlarged and hyperproliferative adenomatous adrenocortical tissue that secreted cortisol in a gastric inhibitory polypeptide-dependent manner and induced a mild Cushing's syndrome with hyperglycemia. Moreover, we show that tumor development was ACTH independent. Thus, a single genetic event, inappropriate expression of a nonmutated GPCR gene, is sufficient to initiate the complete phenotypic alterations that ultimately lead to the formation of a benign adrenocortical tumor.

  9. Effects of centrifugation on gonadal and adrenocortical steroids in rats

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kakihana, R.; Butte, J. C.

    1980-01-01

    Many endocrine systems are sensitive to external changes in the environment. Both the pituitary adrenal and pituitary gonadal systems are affected by stress including centrifugation stress. The effect of centrifugation on the pituitary gonadal and pituitary adrenocortical systems was examined by measuring the gonadal and adrenal steroids in the plasma and brain following different duration and intensity of centrifugation stress in rats. Two studies were completed and the results are presented. The second study was carried out to describe the developmental changes of brain, plasma and testicular testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in Sprague Dawley rats so that the effect of centrifugation stress on the pituitary gonadal syatem could be better evaluated in future studies.

  10. 41 CFR 102-74.295 - Who determines the number of employee parking spaces for each facility?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... REGULATION REAL PROPERTY 74-FACILITY MANAGEMENT Facility Management Parking Facilities § 102-74.295 Who... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Who determines the number of employee parking spaces for each facility? 102-74.295 Section 102-74.295 Public Contracts and...

  11. Expression and role of VEGFA and miR-381 in portal vein tumor thrombi in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Wang, Jing; Wu, Shuzhi; Huang, Tianren

    2018-06-01

    The aim of the present study was to examine the expression and role of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and microRNA (miRNA or miR)-381 in tumor thrombi from patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT). Tumor thrombi and adjacent paired tissues were collected from 39 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma with PVTT. VEGFA expression levels were assessed using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. miRNAs that may regulate VEGFA expression were predicted using bioinformatics analysis and confirmed via a dual luciferase reporter assay. The effects of VEGFA and its upstream miRNA on proliferation of the proliferation of EAhy926 human venous endothelial cells were analyzed using an MTT assay. Compared with the paired adjacent tissues, VEGFA was significantly upregulated at both the mRNA and protein level in tumor thrombi (P<0.05). VEGFA was predicted to be a target of miR-381 and this was confirmed experimentally. miR-381 expression was significantly downregulated in tumor thrombi from patients with PVTT compared with paired adjacent tissues (P<0.05). In addition, transfection with antagomirs against miR-381 or short interfering RNA against VEGFA significantly inhibited EAhy926 cell proliferation (P<0.05). In conclusion, the results of the present study indicate that VEGFA is upregulated in tumor thrombi whereas miR-381 is downregulated. VEGFA is regulated by miR-381 and both may be associated with the development of PVTT.

  12. MiR-300 suppresses laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma proliferation and metastasis by targeting ROS1.

    PubMed

    Ge, Wensheng; Han, Chaodong; Wang, Jing; Zhang, Yunping

    2016-01-01

    Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is a common aggressive head and neck cancer with high mortality and incidence. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, non-coding and endogenous RNAs that posttranscriptionally inhibit gene expression. In this study, we showed that miR-300 expression was downregulated in LSCC tissues compared with adjacent no-tumor tissues. MiR-300 overexpression inhibited Hep-2 cell proliferation, as well as the expression of ki-67 and PCNA. Moreover, overexpression of miR-300 repressed the cell invasion in Hep-2 cells. We identified c-ros oncogene 1 receptor tyrosine kinase (ROS1) as a direct target gene of miR-300 in Hep-2 cell. Furthermore, ROS1 expression was upregulated in LSCC tissues compared with adjacent no-tumor tissues. Interesting, there were an inverse correlation between ROS1 and miR-300 expression in the LSCC tissues. Overexpression of ROS1 increased the Hep-2 cells proliferation and invasion. Overexpression of ROS1 abrogated miR-300 induced cell growth and invasion inhibition. Therefore, our data suggested that miR-300 acted as a tumor suppressive gene in LSCC.

  13. MiR-300 suppresses laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma proliferation and metastasis by targeting ROS1

    PubMed Central

    Ge, Wensheng; Han, Chaodong; Wang, Jing; Zhang, Yunping

    2016-01-01

    Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is a common aggressive head and neck cancer with high mortality and incidence. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, non-coding and endogenous RNAs that posttranscriptionally inhibit gene expression. In this study, we showed that miR-300 expression was downregulated in LSCC tissues compared with adjacent no-tumor tissues. MiR-300 overexpression inhibited Hep-2 cell proliferation, as well as the expression of ki-67 and PCNA. Moreover, overexpression of miR-300 repressed the cell invasion in Hep-2 cells. We identified c-ros oncogene 1 receptor tyrosine kinase (ROS1) as a direct target gene of miR-300 in Hep-2 cell. Furthermore, ROS1 expression was upregulated in LSCC tissues compared with adjacent no-tumor tissues. Interesting, there were an inverse correlation between ROS1 and miR-300 expression in the LSCC tissues. Overexpression of ROS1 increased the Hep-2 cells proliferation and invasion. Overexpression of ROS1 abrogated miR-300 induced cell growth and invasion inhibition. Therefore, our data suggested that miR-300 acted as a tumor suppressive gene in LSCC. PMID:27725869

  14. Role of Neurokinin 3 Receptor Signaling in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Obata, Kyoichi; Shimo, Tsuyoshi; Okui, Tatsuo; Matsumoto, Kenichi; Takada, Hiroyuki; Takabatake, Kiyofumi; Kunisada, Yuki; Ibaragi, Soichiro; Yoshioka, Norie; Kishimoto, Koji; Nagatsuka, Hitoshi; Sasaki, Akira

    2017-11-01

    The neurokinin 3 receptor (NK-3R) is differentially expressed in the central nervous system including cases of human oral squamous cell carcinoma. However, the role of NK-3R signaling in oral squamous cell carcinoma is not well known. NK-3R expression in surgically resected oral squamous cell carcinoma was examined immunohistochemically and the strength of the expression was quantified. We evaluated the function of NK-3R signaling using NK-3R antagonist in human oral squamous cell carcinoma bone invasion mouse model. NK-3R was significantly expressed in tumor cells that had invaded the bone matrix compared to the oral side tumor cells. SB222200, a selective antagonist of NK-3R, significantly suppressed the radiographic osteolytic lesion and tumorigenesis. NK-3R signaling is a potential target for the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma in cases of bone destruction. Copyright© 2017, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.

  15. Impairment of growth of gastric carcinoma by miR-133-mediated Her-2 inhibition.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Xiao-Tao; Zhang, Zhen; Xin, Yong-Ning; Ma, Xue-Zhen; Xuan, Shi-Ying

    2015-11-01

    Gastric carcinoma (GC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death in China. Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been shown to contribute to the development of GC, whereas the role of miR-133 in GC is unknown. Here, we analyzed the levels of miR-133 in GC tissues by reverse and quantitative transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). We overexpressed or inhibited miR-133 in GC cells. Cell growth was analyzed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and cell apoptosis was evaluated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis. Targeted genes were predicted by a bioinformatics algorithm and confirmed by a dual-luciferase reporter assay. We detected lower miR-133 levels in GC tissues compared with normal gastric tissue. Moreover, the low miR-133 levels were correlated with low survival rate. Overexpression of miR-133 inhibited cell growth and promoted apoptosis, while depletion of miR-133 increased cell growth and suppressed apoptosis. Moreover, the 3'-untranslated region (3'UTR) of Her-2, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) that transduces cell growth signals, appeared to be targeted by miR-133. Together, these data suggest that reduced miR-133 levels in GC tissues promote GC growth, which possibly contributes to a low survival rate of GC patients. MiR-133 may target Her-2 to suppress GC cell growth.

  16. If It Goes up, Must It Come Down? Chronic Stress and the Hypothalamic-Pituitary Adrenocortical Axis in Humans

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Miller, Gregory E.; Chen, Edith; Zhou, Eric S.

    2007-01-01

    The notion that chronic stress fosters disease by activating the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenocortical (HPA) axis is featured prominently in many theories. The research linking chronic stress and HPA function is contradictory, however, with some studies reporting increased activation, and others reporting the opposite. This meta-analysis showed…

  17. Publications - GMC 295 | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical

    Science.gov Websites

    DGGS GMC 295 Publication Details Title: Geochemical assay data from U.S. Bureau of Mines hard-rock . Bureau of Mines, 2000, Geochemical assay data from U.S. Bureau of Mines hard-rock mineral cores (holes

  18. Sequential Application of Ligand and Structure Based Modeling Approaches to Index Chemicals for Their hH4R Antagonism

    PubMed Central

    Basile, Livia; Milardi, Danilo; Zeidan, Mouhammed; Raiyn, Jamal; Guccione, Salvatore; Rayan, Anwar

    2014-01-01

    The human histamine H4 receptor (hH4R), a member of the G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) family, is an increasingly attractive drug target. It plays a key role in many cell pathways and many hH4R ligands are studied for the treatment of several inflammatory, allergic and autoimmune disorders, as well as for analgesic activity. Due to the challenging difficulties in the experimental elucidation of hH4R structure, virtual screening campaigns are normally run on homology based models. However, a wealth of information about the chemical properties of GPCR ligands has also accumulated over the last few years and an appropriate combination of these ligand-based knowledge with structure-based molecular modeling studies emerges as a promising strategy for computer-assisted drug design. Here, two chemoinformatics techniques, the Intelligent Learning Engine (ILE) and Iterative Stochastic Elimination (ISE) approach, were used to index chemicals for their hH4R bioactivity. An application of the prediction model on external test set composed of more than 160 hH4R antagonists picked from the chEMBL database gave enrichment factor of 16.4. A virtual high throughput screening on ZINC database was carried out, picking ∼4000 chemicals highly indexed as H4R antagonists' candidates. Next, a series of 3D models of hH4R were generated by molecular modeling and molecular dynamics simulations performed in fully atomistic lipid membranes. The efficacy of the hH4R 3D models in discrimination between actives and non-actives were checked and the 3D model with the best performance was chosen for further docking studies performed on the focused library. The output of these docking studies was a consensus library of 11 highly active scored drug candidates. Our findings suggest that a sequential combination of ligand-based chemoinformatics approaches with structure-based ones has the potential to improve the success rate in discovering new biologically active GPCR drugs and increase the

  19. Sequential application of ligand and structure based modeling approaches to index chemicals for their hH4R antagonism.

    PubMed

    Pappalardo, Matteo; Shachaf, Nir; Basile, Livia; Milardi, Danilo; Zeidan, Mouhammed; Raiyn, Jamal; Guccione, Salvatore; Rayan, Anwar

    2014-01-01

    The human histamine H4 receptor (hH4R), a member of the G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) family, is an increasingly attractive drug target. It plays a key role in many cell pathways and many hH4R ligands are studied for the treatment of several inflammatory, allergic and autoimmune disorders, as well as for analgesic activity. Due to the challenging difficulties in the experimental elucidation of hH4R structure, virtual screening campaigns are normally run on homology based models. However, a wealth of information about the chemical properties of GPCR ligands has also accumulated over the last few years and an appropriate combination of these ligand-based knowledge with structure-based molecular modeling studies emerges as a promising strategy for computer-assisted drug design. Here, two chemoinformatics techniques, the Intelligent Learning Engine (ILE) and Iterative Stochastic Elimination (ISE) approach, were used to index chemicals for their hH4R bioactivity. An application of the prediction model on external test set composed of more than 160 hH4R antagonists picked from the chEMBL database gave enrichment factor of 16.4. A virtual high throughput screening on ZINC database was carried out, picking ∼ 4000 chemicals highly indexed as H4R antagonists' candidates. Next, a series of 3D models of hH4R were generated by molecular modeling and molecular dynamics simulations performed in fully atomistic lipid membranes. The efficacy of the hH4R 3D models in discrimination between actives and non-actives were checked and the 3D model with the best performance was chosen for further docking studies performed on the focused library. The output of these docking studies was a consensus library of 11 highly active scored drug candidates. Our findings suggest that a sequential combination of ligand-based chemoinformatics approaches with structure-based ones has the potential to improve the success rate in discovering new biologically active GPCR drugs and increase the

  20. MiR-21 Expression in the Tumor Stroma of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An Independent Biomarker of Disease Free Survival

    PubMed Central

    Specht, Lena; Fiehn, Anne-Marie K.; Therkildsen, Marianne H.; Friis-Hansen, Lennart; Dabelsteen, Erik; von Buchwald, Christian

    2014-01-01

    Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients have a high mortality rate; thus, new clinical biomarkers and therapeutic options are needed. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short noncoding RNAs that regulate posttranscriptional gene expression and are commonly deregulated in OSCC and other cancers. MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) is the most consistently overexpressed miRNA in several types of cancer, and it might be a useful clinical biomarker and therapeutic target. To better understand the role of miR-21 in OSCC, paraffin-embedded tumor tissue samples from 86 patients with primary OSCC were analyzed by in situ hybridization. We found that miR-21 was primarily expressed in the tumor stroma and in some tumor-associated blood vessels with no expression in the adjacent normal epithelia or stroma. Using image analysis, we quantitatively estimated miR-21 expression levels specifically in the stroma of a cohort of OSCC samples. These miR-21 levels significantly correlated with disease free survival with the highest levels being located in the stroma. Stromal miR-21 expression was independently associated with a poorer prognosis, even after adjusting for clinical parameters (perineural invasion and N-stage) in a multivariate analysis. In summary, we have shown that miR-21 is located in the carcinoma cells, stroma and blood vessels of tumors, and its expression specifically in the stromal compartment has a negative prognostic value in OSCC. PMID:24755828

  1. MiR-223 modulates hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation through promoting apoptosis via the Rab1-mediated mTOR activation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Dong, Zheng; Qi, Ruizhao; Guo, Xiaodong

    Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common digestive malignancy. MiR-223, a well-identified miRNA, exhibits diverse properties in different cancers. In this study, we demonstrated that miR-223 could suppress cell growth and promote apoptosis in HepG2 and Bel-7402 HCC cell lines. We screened and identified a novel miR-223 target, Ras-related protein Rab-1(Rab1). Upregulation of miR-223 would specifically and markedly down-regulate Rab1 expression. In addition, miR-223-overexpressing subclones showed significant cell growth inhibition by increasing cell apoptosis in HepG2 and Bel-7402 cells. To identify the mechanisms, we firstly investigated the mTOR pathway and found that pmTOR, p70S6K and Bcl-2 were dramatically down-regulated after miR-223 transfection,more » while no changes in the level of Bax was visualized. Furthermore, our data showed that the anti-tumor effects arising from miR-223 transfection in HCC cells may be due to the deactivation of mTOR pathway caused by the suppression of Rab1 expression when miR-223 is overexpressed. In summary, our results indicate that miR-223 functions as a tumor suppressor and plays a critical role in inhibiting the tumorigenesis and promoting the apoptosis of HCC through the mTOR signaling pathway in vitro. By targeting Rab1, miR-223 efficiently mediates the mTOR pathway. Given these, miR-223 may be a potential therapeutic target for treating HCC. - Highlights: • miR-223 is downregulated in hepatocellular carcinomas. • Rab1 is a novel downstream target of miR-223. • miR-223 suppressed cell growth and enhanced apoptosis in HepG2 and Bel-7402 cells. • miR-223 modulated mTOR signaling pathway by targeting Rab1.« less

  2. Serum thioredoxin reductase is highly increased in mice with hepatocellular carcinoma and its activity is restrained by several mechanisms.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Le; Cheng, Qing; Zhang, Longjie; Wang, Yijun; Merrill, Gary F; Ilani, Tal; Fass, Deborah; Arnér, Elias S J; Zhang, Jinsong

    2016-10-01

    Increased thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) levels in serum were recently identified as possible prognostic markers for human prostate cancer or hepatocellular carcinoma. We had earlier shown that serum levels of TrxR protein are very low in healthy mice, but can in close correlation to alanine aminotransferase (ALT) increase more than 200-fold upon chemically induced liver damage. We also found that enzymatic TrxR activity in serum is counteracted by a yet unidentified oxidase activity in serum. In the present study we found that mice carrying H22 hepatocellular carcinoma tumors present highly increased levels of TrxR in serum, similarly to that reported in human patients. In this case ALT levels did not parallel those of TrxR. We also discovered here that the TrxR-antagonistic oxidase activity in serum is due to the presence of quiescin Q6 sulfhydryl oxidase 1 (QSOX1). We furthermore found that the chemotherapeutic agents cisplatin or auranofin, when given systemically to H22 tumor bearing mice, can further inhibit TrxR activities in serum. The TrxR serum activity was also inhibited by endogenous electrophilic inhibitors, found to increase in tumor-bearing mice and to include protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) and 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE). Thus, hepatocellular carcinoma triggers high levels of serum TrxR that are not paralleled by ALT, and TrxR enzyme activity in serum is counteracted by several different mechanisms. The physiological role of TrxR in serum, if any, as well as its potential value as a prognostic marker for tumor progression, needs to be studied further. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. 40 CFR 761.295 - Reporting and recordkeeping of the PCB concentrations in samples.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... concentrations in samples. 761.295 Section 761.295 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... On-Site Disposal of Bulk PCB Remediation Waste and Porous Surfaces in Accordance With § 761.61(a)(6... concentrations for bulk PCB remediation waste and porous surfaces on a dry weight basis and as micrograms of PCBs...

  4. 40 CFR 761.295 - Reporting and recordkeeping of the PCB concentrations in samples.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... concentrations in samples. 761.295 Section 761.295 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... On-Site Disposal of Bulk PCB Remediation Waste and Porous Surfaces in Accordance With § 761.61(a)(6... concentrations for bulk PCB remediation waste and porous surfaces on a dry weight basis and as micrograms of PCBs...

  5. 40 CFR 761.295 - Reporting and recordkeeping of the PCB concentrations in samples.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... concentrations in samples. 761.295 Section 761.295 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... On-Site Disposal of Bulk PCB Remediation Waste and Porous Surfaces in Accordance With § 761.61(a)(6... concentrations for bulk PCB remediation waste and porous surfaces on a dry weight basis and as micrograms of PCBs...

  6. 40 CFR 761.295 - Reporting and recordkeeping of the PCB concentrations in samples.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... concentrations in samples. 761.295 Section 761.295 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... On-Site Disposal of Bulk PCB Remediation Waste and Porous Surfaces in Accordance With § 761.61(a)(6... concentrations for bulk PCB remediation waste and porous surfaces on a dry weight basis and as micrograms of PCBs...

  7. miR-182 targets CHL1 and controls tumor growth and invasion in papillary thyroid carcinoma

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Zhu, Hongling; Fang, Jin; Zhang, Jichen

    2014-07-18

    Highlights: • miR-182 and CHL1 expression patterns are negatively correlated. • CHL1 is a direct target of miR-182 in PTC cells. • miR-182 suppression inhibits PTC cell growth and invasion. • CHL1 is involved in miR-182-mediated cell behavior. - Abstract: In this study, we investigated the role and underlying mechanism of action of miR-182 in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Bioinformatics analysis revealed close homolog of LI (CHL1) as a potential target of miR-182. Upregulation of miR-182 was significantly correlated with CHL1 downregulation in human PTC tissues and cell lines. miR-182 suppressed the expression of CHL1 mRNA through direct targeting ofmore » the 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR). Downregulation of miR-182 suppressed growth and invasion of PTC cells. Silencing of CHL1 counteracted the effects of miR-182 suppression, while its overexpression mimicked these effects. Our data collectively indicate that miR-182 in PTC promotes cell proliferation and invasion through direct suppression of CHL1, supporting the potential utility of miR-182 inhibition as a novel therapeutic strategy against PTC.« less

  8. Tyms double (2R) and triple repeat (3R) confers risk for human oral squamous cell carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Bezerra, Alexandre Medeiros; Sant'Ana, Thalita Araújo; Gomes, Adriana Vieira; de Lacerda Vidal, Aurora Karla; Muniz, Maria Tereza Cartaxo

    2014-12-01

    The oral cancer is responsible for approximately 3 % of cases of cancer in Brazil. Epidemiological studies have associated low folate intake with an increased risk of epithelial cancers, including oral cancer. Folic acid has a key role in DNA synthesis, repair, methylation and this is the basis of explanations for a putative role for folic acid in cancer prevention. The role of folic acid in carcinogenesis may be modulated by polymorphism C677T in MTHFR and tandem repeats 2R/3R in the promoter site of TYMS gene that are related to decreased enzymatic activity and quantity and availability of the enzyme, respectively. These events cause a decrease in the synthesis, repair and DNA methylation, which can lead to a disruption in the expression of tumor suppressor genes as TP53. The objective of this study was investigate the distribution of polymorphisms C677T and tandem repeats 2R/3R associated with the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). 53 paraffin-embedded samples from patients who underwent surgery but are no longer at the institution and 43 samples collected by method of oral exfoliation by cytobrush were selected. 132 healthy subjects were selected by specialists at the dental clinics of the Faculdade de Odontologia de Pernambuco-FOP. The MTHFR genotyping was performed by PCR-RFLP, and the TYMS genotyping was performed by conventional PCR. Fisher's Exact test at significant level of 5 %. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were used to measure the strength of association between genotype frequency and OSCC development. The results were statistically significant for the tandem repeats of the TYMS gene (p = 0.015). The TYMS 2R3R genotype was significantly associated with the development of OSCC (OR = 3.582; 95 % CI 1.240-10.348; p = 0.0262) and also the genotype 3R3R (OR = 3.553; 95 % CI 1.293-9.760; p = 0.0345). When analyzed together, the TYMS 2R3R + 3R3R genotypes also showed association (OR = 3.518; 95 % CI 11.188-10.348; p

  9. pH-responsive self-healing injectable hydrogel based on N-carboxyethyl chitosan for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy.

    PubMed

    Qu, Jin; Zhao, Xin; Ma, Peter X; Guo, Baolin

    2017-08-01

    Injectable hydrogels with pH-responsiveness and self-healing ability have great potential for anti-cancer drug delivery. Herein, we developed a series of polysaccharide-based self-healing hydrogels with pH-sensitivity as drug delivery vehicles for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy. The hydrogels were prepared by using N-carboxyethyl chitosan (CEC) synthesized via Michael reaction in aqueous solution and dibenzaldehyde-terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEGDA). Doxorubicin (Dox), as a model of water-soluble small molecule anti-cancer drug was encapsulated into the hydrogel in situ. Self-healing behavior of the hydrogels was investigated at microscopic and macroscopic levels, and the hydrogels showed rapid self-healing performance without any external stimulus owing to the dynamic covalent Schiff-base linkage between amine groups from CEC and benzaldehyde groups from PEGDA. The chemical structures, rheological property, in vitro gel degradation, morphology, gelation time and in vitro Dox release behavior from the hydrogels were characterized. Injectability was verified by in vitro injection and in vivo subcutaneous injection in a rat. pH-responsive behavior was verified by in vitro Dox release from hydrogels in PBS solutions with different pH values. Furthermore, the activity of Dox released from hydrogel matrix was evaluated by employing human hepatocellular liver carcinoma (HepG2). Cytotoxicity test of the hydrogels using L929 cells confirmed their good cytocompatibility. Together, these pH-responsive self-healing injectable hydrogels are excellent candidates as drug delivery vehicles for liver cancer treatment. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: pH-responsive drug delivery system could release drug efficiently in targeted acid environment and minimalize the amount of drug release in normal physiological environment. pH-sensitive injectable hydrogels as smart anti-cancer drug delivery carriers show great potential application for cancer therapy. The hydrogels with self

  10. Treatment Option Overview (Adrenocortical Carcinoma)

    MedlinePlus

    ... if you have any of these problems. Imaging studies and tests that examine the blood and urine are used ... urine that is collected for three days. This test is done to check if the adrenal gland is ... Blood chemistry study : A procedure in which a blood sample is ...

  11. Pseudohypoxia induced by miR-126 deactivation promotes migration and therapeutic resistance in renal cell carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Liu, Weijun; Chen, Hanxiang; Wong, Nathan; Haynes, Wesley; Baker, Callie M; Wang, Xiaowei

    2017-05-28

    Pseudohypoxia plays a central role in the progression and therapeutic resistance of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC); however, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. MicroRNA miR-126 has decreased expression in metastatic or relapsed ccRCC as compared to primary tumors, but the mechanisms by which miR-126 is implicated in RCC remain unknown. Through RNA-seq profiling to evaluate the impact of overexpression or CRISPR knockout of miR-126, we have identified SERPINE1 as a miR-126-5p target regulating cell motility, and SLC7A5 as a miR-126-3p target regulating the mTOR/HIF pathway. Specifically, miR-126 inhibits HIFα protein expression independent of von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor (VHL). On the other hand, deactivation of miR-126 induces a pseudohypoxia state due to increased HIFα expression, which further enhances therapeutic resistance and cell motility mediated by SLC7A5 and SERPINE1, respectively. Finally, the clinical relevance of miR-126 modulated gene regulation in ccRCC has been confirmed with profiling data from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. IDH1 R132H mutation regulates glioma chemosensitivity through Nrf2 pathway.

    PubMed

    Li, Kaishu; Ouyang, Leping; He, Mingliang; Luo, Ming; Cai, Wangqing; Tu, Yalin; Pi, Rongbiao; Liu, Anmin

    2017-04-25

    Numerous studies have reported that glioma patients with isocitrate dehydrogenase 1(IDH1) R132H mutation are sensitive to temozolomide treatment. However, the mechanism of IDH1 mutations on the chemosensitivity of glioma remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role and the potential mechanism of Nrf2 in IDH1 R132H-mediated drug resistance. Wild type IDH1 (R132H-WT) and mutant IDH1 (R132H) plasmids were constructed. Stable U87 cells and U251 cells overexpressing IDH1 were generated. Phenotypic differences between IDH1-WT and IDH1 R132H overexpressing cells were evaluated using MTT, cell colony formation assay, scratch test assay and flow cytometry. Expression of IDH1 and its associated targets, nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), NAD(P)H quinine oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), multidrug resistant protein 1 (MRP1) and p53 were analyzed. The IDH1 R132H overexpressing cells were more sensitive to temozolomide than WT and the control, and Nrf2 was significantly decreased in IDH1 R132H overexpressing cells. We found that knocking down Nrf2 could decrease resistance to temozolomide. The nuclear translocation of Nrf2 in IDH1 R132H overexpressing cells was lower than the WT and the control groups after temozolomide treatment. When compared with WT cells, NQO1 expression was reduced in IDH1 R132H cells, especially after temozolomide treatment. P53 was involved in the resistance mechanism of temozolomide mediated by Nrf2 and NQO1. Nrf2 played an important role in IDH1 R132H-mediated drug resistance. The present study provides new insight for glioma chemotherapy with temozolomide.

  13. IDH1 R132H mutation regulates glioma chemosensitivity through Nrf2 pathway

    PubMed Central

    Luo, Ming; Cai, Wangqing; Tu, Yalin; Pi, Rongbiao; Liu, Anmin

    2017-01-01

    Purpose Numerous studies have reported that glioma patients with isocitrate dehydrogenase 1(IDH1) R132H mutation are sensitive to temozolomide treatment. However, the mechanism of IDH1 mutations on the chemosensitivity of glioma remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role and the potential mechanism of Nrf2 in IDH1 R132H-mediated drug resistance. Methods Wild type IDH1 (R132H-WT) and mutant IDH1 (R132H) plasmids were constructed. Stable U87 cells and U251 cells overexpressing IDH1 were generated. Phenotypic differences between IDH1-WT and IDH1 R132H overexpressing cells were evaluated using MTT, cell colony formation assay, scratch test assay and flow cytometry. Expression of IDH1 and its associated targets, nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), NAD(P)H quinine oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), multidrug resistant protein 1 (MRP1) and p53 were analyzed. Results The IDH1 R132H overexpressing cells were more sensitive to temozolomide than WT and the control, and Nrf2 was significantly decreased in IDH1 R132H overexpressing cells. We found that knocking down Nrf2 could decrease resistance to temozolomide. The nuclear translocation of Nrf2 in IDH1 R132H overexpressing cells was lower than the WT and the control groups after temozolomide treatment. When compared with WT cells, NQO1 expression was reduced in IDH1 R132H cells, especially after temozolomide treatment. P53 was involved in the resistance mechanism of temozolomide mediated by Nrf2 and NQO1. Conclusions Nrf2 played an important role in IDH1 R132H-mediated drug resistance. The present study provides new insight for glioma chemotherapy with temozolomide. PMID:28427200

  14. MicroRNA-26b Enhances the Radiosensitivity of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Targeting EphA2.

    PubMed

    Jin, Qiao; Li, Xiang Jun; Cao, Pei Guo

    2016-02-01

    Sensitizing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells to irradiation is important to achieve satisfactory therapeutic effect with low-dose radiotherapy. Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma A2 (EphA2) is a member of the Eph receptor family that constitutes the largest family of tyrosine kinase receptors. EphA2 overexpression is one of the poor prognostic factors in many progressive cancers. Importantly, EphA2 is a potential target of microRNA-26b (miR-26b), and miR-26b expression is down-regulated in several types of cancer. In this study, we measured the expression levels of miR-26b and EphA2 protein in seven human HCC cell lines by quantitative PCR and western blot analysis, respectively. Overall, lower miR-26b expression levels tended to be associated with higher EphA2 levels in HCC cell lines. Among the cell lines examined, 97H HCC cells expressed the lowest level of miR-26b and highest level of EphA2 protein. Thus, using 97H HCC cells, EphA2 mRNA was verified as the target of miR-26b by the luciferase reporter assay. Accordingly, a synthetic miR-26b, miR-26b mimics, was used to mimic the function of endogenous miR-26b. In 97H HCC cells transfected with miR-26b mimics or short-hairpin RNA targeting EphA2 mRNA, expression of EphA2 protein was reduced, which was associated with significantly lower proliferation rate and invasion ability and with higher apoptosis rate in response to low-dose irradiation, compared to control cells. In contrast, 97H HCC cells over-expressing EphA2 showed higher proliferation rate and invasion ability and lower apoptosis rate upon irradiation. These data suggest that miR-26b enhances the radiosensitivity of 97H HCC cells by targeting EphA2 protein.

  15. Imaging of adrenal incidentalomas with PET using (11)C-metomidate and (18)F-FDG.

    PubMed

    Minn, Heikki; Salonen, Anna; Friberg, Johan; Roivainen, Anne; Viljanen, Tapio; Långsjö, Jaakko; Salmi, Jorma; Välimäki, Matti; Någren, Kjell; Nuutila, Pirjo

    2004-06-01

    Our aim was to evaluate the use of PET with (11)C-metomidate and (18)F-FDG for the diagnosis of adrenal incidentalomas. Twenty-one patients underwent hormonal screening before dynamic imaging of the upper abdomen with (11)C-metomidate, and for 19 of these 21 patients, static (18)F-FDG imaging followed. Uptake of (11)C-metomidate and (18)F-FDG in incidentalomas was quantified and correlated with the hormonal work-up and the mass size on CT (median, 2.5 cm; range, 2-10 cm). The final diagnoses were hormonally active adenoma (n = 7), nonsecretory adenoma (n = 5), adrenocortical carcinoma (n = 1), pheochromocytoma (n = 2), benign noncortical tumor (n = 2), normal adrenal (n = 1), and malignant noncortical tumor (n = 3). Diagnosis was established at surgery (n = 9), percutaneous biopsy (n = 4), or follow-up (n = 8). The highest uptake of (11)C-metomidate, expressed as standardized uptake value (SUV), was found in adrenocortical carcinoma (SUV = 28.0), followed by active adenomas (median SUV = 12.7), nonsecretory adenomas (median SUV = 12.2), and noncortical tumors (median SUV = 5.7). Patients with adenomas had significantly higher tumor-to-normal-adrenal (11)C-metomidate SUV ratios than did patients with noncortical tumors. (18)F-FDG detected 2 of 3 noncortical malignancies but failed to detect adrenal metastases from renal cell carcinoma. All inactive and most active adenomas were difficult to detect with (18)F-FDG against background activity, whereas both pheochromocytomas and adrenocortical carcinoma showed slightly increased uptake of (18)F-FDG. There was no correlation between uptake of (11)C-metomidate or (18)F-FDG and mass size. (11)C-Metomidate is a promising PET tracer to identify incidentalomas of adrenocortical origin. (18)F-FDG should be reserved for patients with a moderate to high likelihood of neoplastic disease.

  16. MiR-21 promoted proliferation and migration in hepatocellular carcinoma through negative regulation of Navigator-3

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wang, Zhipeng, E-mail: dr_zpwang@163.com; Yang, Huan; Ren, Lei

    2015-09-04

    MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) has been well-established and found to be over-expressed in various human cancers and has been associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. However, the underlying mechanism of miR-21 involvement in the development and progression of HCC remains to be understood. In the present study, we firstly identified that the Navigator-3 (NAV-3) gene as a novel direct target of miR-21. Knock-down of NAV-3 using shRNA can rescue the effects of anti-miR-21 inhibitor in HCC cell lines, whereas re-expression of miR-21 using transfection with miR-21 mimics phenocopied the NAV-3 knock-down model. Additionally, miR-21 levels inversely correlated with NAV-3 both in HCCmore » cells and tissues. Knock-down of NAV-3 promoted both the proliferation and migration in HCC cells. Together, our findings suggest an important role for miR-21 in the progression of HCC, which negatively regulated Navigator-3 in the migration of HCC. - Highlights: • Navigator-3 (NAV-3) suppresses proliferation, migration and tumorigenesis of HCC cells. • NAV-3 was a novel target of miR-21. • MiR-21 negatively regulates NAV-3 in HCC.« less

  17. Dibenzo[b,f][1,4]oxazepines and dibenzo[b,e]oxepines: Influence of the chlorine substitution pattern on the pharmacology at the H1R, H4R, 5-HT2AR and other selected GPCRs.

    PubMed

    Naporra, Franziska; Gobleder, Susanne; Wittmann, Hans-Joachim; Spindler, Julia; Bodensteiner, Michael; Bernhardt, Günther; Hübner, Harald; Gmeiner, Peter; Elz, Sigurd; Strasser, Andrea

    2016-11-01

    Inspired by VUF6884 (7-Chloro-11-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)dibenzo[b,f][1,4]oxazepine), reported as a dual H 1 /H 4 receptor ligand (pK i : 8.11 (human H 1 R (hH 1 R)), 7.55 (human H 4 R (hH 4 R))), four known and 28 new oxazepine and related oxepine derivatives were synthesised and pharmacologically characterized at histamine receptors and selected aminergic GPCRs. In contrast to the oxazepine series, within the oxepine series, the new compounds showed high affinity to the hH 1 R (pK i : 6.8-8.7), but no or moderate affinity to the hH 4 R (pK i :≤5.3). For one oxepine derivative (1-(2-Chloro-6,11-dihydrodibenzo[b,e]oxepin-11-yl)-4-methylpiperazine), the enantiomers were separated and the R-enantiomer was identified as the eutomer at the hH 1 R (pK i : 8.83 (R), 7.63 (S)) and the guinea-pig H 1 R (gpH 1 R) (pK i : 8.82 (R), 7.41 (S)). Molecular dynamic studies suggest that the tricyclic core of the compounds is bound in a similar mode into the binding pocket, as described for doxepine in the hH 1 R crystal structure. Moreover, docking studies of all oxepine derivatives at the hH 1 R indicate that the oxygen and the position of the chlorine in the tricyclic core determines, if the R- or the S-enantiomer is the eutomer. For some of the oxazepines and oxepines the affinity to other aminergic GPCRs is in the same range as to hH 1 R or hH 4 R, thus, those compounds have to be classified as dirty drugs. However, one oxazepine derivative (3,7-Dichloro-11-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)dibenzo[b,f][1,4]oxazepine was identified as dual hH 1 /h5-HT 2A receptor ligand (pK i : 9.23 (hH 1 R), 8.74 (h5-HT 2A R), ≤7 at other analysed GPCRs), whereas one oxepine derivative (1-(3,8-Dichloro-6,11-dihydrodibenzo[b,e]oxepin-11-yl)-4-methylpiperazine) was identified as selective hH 1 R antagonist (pK i : 8.44 (hH 1 R), ≤6.7 at other analyzed GPCRs). Thus, the pharmacological results suggest that the oxazepine/oxepine moiety and additionally the chlorine substitution pattern toggles

  18. Fourth-Generation Progestins Inhibit 3β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2 and Modulate the Biosynthesis of Endogenous Steroids

    PubMed Central

    Louw-du Toit, Renate; Perkins, Meghan S.; Snoep, Jacky L.; Storbeck, Karl-Heinz; Africander, Donita

    2016-01-01

    Progestins used in contraception and hormone replacement therapy are synthetic compounds designed to mimic the actions of the natural hormone progesterone and are classed into four consecutive generations. The biological actions of progestins are primarily determined by their interactions with steroid receptors, and factors such as metabolism, pharmacokinetics, bioavailability and the regulation of endogenous steroid hormone biosynthesis are often overlooked. Although some studies have investigated the effects of select progestins on a few steroidogenic enzymes, studies comparing the effects of progestins from different generations are lacking. This study therefore explored the putative modulatory effects of progestins on de novo steroid synthesis in the adrenal by comparing the effects of select progestins from the respective generations, on endogenous steroid hormone production by the H295R human adrenocortical carcinoma cell line. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry analysis showed that the fourth-generation progestins, nestorone (NES), nomegestrol acetate (NoMAC) and drospirenone (DRSP), unlike the progestins selected from the first three generations, modulate the biosynthesis of several endogenous steroids. Subsequent assays performed in COS-1 cells expressing human 3βHSD2, suggest that these progestins modulate the biosynthesis of steroid hormones by inhibiting the activity of 3βHSD2. The Ki values determined for the inhibition of human 3βHSD2 by NES (9.5 ± 0.96 nM), NoMAC (29 ± 7.1 nM) and DRSP (232 ± 38 nM) were within the reported concentration ranges for the contraceptive use of these progestins in vivo. Taken together, our results suggest that newer, fourth-generation progestins may exert both positive and negative physiological effects via the modulation of endogenous steroid hormone biosynthesis. PMID:27706226

  19. Expression Levels and Clinical Significance of miR-21-5p, miR-let-7a, and miR-34c-5p in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

    PubMed Central

    Gioacchini, Federico M.; Çeka, Artan; Rubini, Corrado; Ferrante, Luigi; Procopio, Antonio D.; Olivieri, Fabiola

    2017-01-01

    Objective Altered microRNAs (miRNAs) expression has been found in many cancer types, including laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). The aim of this study was to determine the role and clinical value of three LSCC-related miRs, such as miR-21-5p, miR-let-7a, and miR-34c-5p in a homogeneous cohort of patients with primary LSCC treated by primary surgery. Methods Expression levels of miR-21-5p, miR-let-7a, and miR-34c-5p were detected in 43 pairs of LSCC and adjacent normal tissues by reverse-transcription quantitative PCR. Overall survival and disease-free survival were evaluated using the Kaplan–Meier method, and multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox proportional hazard analysis. Results miR-21-5p is significantly upregulated, while miR-let-7a is significantly downregulated in LSCC tumor tissues compared with the corresponding adjacent normal tissues. The downregulation of miR-34c-5p expression significantly correlated with a shorter disease-free survival and, in the multivariate analysis, low miR-34c-5p expression was associated with an increased risk of recurrence. Conclusions miR-21-5p, miR-let-7a, and miR-34c-5p seem to play a critical role in LSCC carcinogenesis and might have a diagnostic and prognostic clinical value. The miR-let-7a levels could have a predictive role for lymph node metastases and miR-34c-5p might be a promising biomarker of patient outcome. PMID:29082244

  20. MiR-593 mediates curcumin-induced radiosensitization of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells via MDR1.

    PubMed

    Fan, Haoning; Shao, Meng; Huang, Shaohui; Liu, Ying; Liu, Jie; Wang, Zhiyuan; Diao, Jianxin; Liu, Yuanliang; Tong, L I; Fan, Qin

    2016-06-01

    Curcumin (Cur) exhibits radiosensitization effects to a variety of malignant tumors. The present study investigates the radiosensitizing effect of Cur on nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells and whether its mechanism is associated with microRNA-593 (miR-593) and multidrug resistance gene 1 (MDR1). A clonogenic assay was performed to measure the radiosensitizing effect. The expression of miR-593 and MDR1 was analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) or western blot assay. A transplanted tumor model was established to identify the radiosensitizing effect in vivo . A luciferase-based reporter was constructed to evaluate the effect of direct binding of miR-593 to the putative target site on the 3' UTR of MDR1. The clonogenic assay showed that Cur enhanced the radiosensitivity of cells. Cur (100 mg/kg) combined with 4 Gy irradiation inhibited the growth of a transplanted tumor model in vivo , resulting in the higher inhibition ratio compared with the radiotherapy-alone group. These results demonstrated that Cur had a radiosensitizing effect on NPC cells in vivo and in vitro ; Cur-mediated upregulation of miR-593 resulted in reduced MDR1 expression, which may promote radiosensitivity of NPC cells.

  1. 44 CFR 295.31 - Reimbursement of claim expenses.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... § 295.31 Reimbursement of claim expenses. (a) FEMA will reimburse Claimants for the reasonable costs they incur in copying documentation requested by OCGFC. FEMA will also reimburse Claimants for the... 44 Emergency Management and Assistance 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Reimbursement of claim...

  2. 46 CFR 170.295 - Special consideration for free surface of passive roll stabilization tanks.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 46 Shipping 7 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Special consideration for free surface of passive roll stabilization tanks. 170.295 Section 170.295 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED... consideration for free surface of passive roll stabilization tanks. (a) The virtual increase in the vertical...

  3. CTNNA3 is a tumor suppressor in hepatocellular carcinomas and is inhibited by miR-425

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Fang-E; Chen, Xue-Mei; Zhao, Jing; Lin, Song; Liu, Zhi-Zhen; Zhang, Hu-Qin

    2016-01-01

    Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common and leading cause of death worldwide. Here, we identified that a cell-cell adhesion gene, CTNNA3, is a tumor suppressor in HCC. CTNNA3 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cell lines. In these cells, CTNNA3 inhibited Akt signal, and in turn decreased the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and the matrix metallopeptidase MMP-9, and increased the cell cycle inhibitor p21Cip1/Waf1. Meanwhile, CTNNA3 is inhibited by miR-425 in HCC. The miR-425 directly bound to the 3′UTR of CTNNA3 and inhibited its expression. The tumor suppressor function of CTNNA3 and the oncogenic function of miR-425 were further confirmed in HCC cell xenograft in nude mice. The miR-425/CTNNA3 axis may provide insights into the mechanisms underlying HCC, and contribute to potential therapeutic strategy of HCC. PMID:26882563

  4. miR-654-5p Targets GRAP to Promote Proliferation, Metastasis, and Chemoresistance of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Through Ras/MAPK Signaling.

    PubMed

    Lu, Meng; Wang, Chengyong; Chen, Weihui; Mao, Chuanqing; Wang, Jin

    2018-04-01

    Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is characterized by rapid local migration and invasion. This study was aimed at clarifying the effect of miR-654-5p on progression of OSCC. miR-654-5p promoted proliferation, metastasis, and chemoresistance of OSCC in vitro and in vivo. Consistently, miR-654-5p was upregulated in late-stage OSCC and was correlated with poor prognosis of OSCC patients. Furthermore, miR-654-5p was mechanistically verified to target Grb-2-related adaptor protein (GRAP), accompanied by the activation of Ras/MAPK signaling and the facilitation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in OSCC cells. GRAP was downregulated in T1-2 stage versus T3-4 stage head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) and was negatively correlated with tumor-node-metastases (TNM) stage in HNSC patients based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) analysis. In addition, GRAP was positively correlated with good prognosis in HNSC patients. Our findings suggest that the miR-654-5p/GRAP/Ras/Erk signaling pathway in OSCC cells might contribute to the underlying mechanism through which miR-654-5p participates in the regulation of OSCC progression. miR-654-5p, as a potential biomarker for the clinical diagnosis and prognosis of OSCC, may be an effective anticancer target for the treatment of OSCC.

  5. Reduced miR-300 expression predicts poor prognosis in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

    PubMed

    He, F-Y; Liu, H-J; Guo, Q; Sheng, J-L

    2017-02-01

    miR-300 has been demonstrated to play an important role in the progression of several tumors, but its role in tumorigenesis of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore miR-300 expression in LSCC patients and analyze its association with clinicopathological factors and prognosis. In the present study, we measured the expression level of miR-300 in LSCC tissues by RT-PCR. Associations between miRNA-300 expressions and various clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed. Patient survival and their differences were determined by Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. The univariate and multivariate analysis were performed using the Cox proportional hazard analysis. miR-300 expression was significantly increased in LSCC tissues compared with that in adjacent non-cancerous tissues (p < 0.01). In addition, lymph node metastasis (p = 0.004) and TNM stage (p = 0.001) were obvious influence factors for the expression of miR-300. More importantly, Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that LSCC patients with low miR-300 expression tended to have shorter overall survival (p < 0.001). Finally, multivariate analysis revealed that miR-300 expression was an independent prognostic factor for LSCC patients. Our results pointed to miR-300 as a powerful prognostic marker in LSCC and as a novel target for tumor-suppressive therapy.

  6. miR-361-5p inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation and invasion by targeting VEGFA

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Cui, Wenxian; Li, Yuanguo; Xu, Keqing

    MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in the pathogenesis of many types of cancers by negatively regulating gene expression at posttranscriptional level. Here, we found that miR-361-5p is down-regulated in 135 patients with HCV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Moreover, the expressions of miR-361-5p were highly correlated with VEGFA in these HCC patients. Further, CCK-8 proliferation assay indicated that miR-361-5p mimics inhibited the cell proliferation of HepG2 and SNU-398 HCC cells. Transwell assay showed that miR-361-5p mimics inhibited the invasion and migration of HepG2 and SNU-398 HCC cells. Luciferase assays revealed that miR-361-5p directly bound to the 3'untranslated region of VEGFA, and westernmore » blotting showed that miR-361-5p inhibited the expression of VEGFA. Generally, this study indicated that miR-361-5p is down-regulated in HCC and inhibits proliferation and invasion of HCC cell lines via VEGFA. In future, miR-361-5p will be a potential therapeutic agent for HCC. - Highlights: • miR-361-5p is down-regulated in HCV-related HCC. • miR-361-5p mimics inhibit the proliferation and invasion of HCC cells. • miR-361-5p inhibitors promote the proliferation and invasion of HCC cells. • miR-361-5p targets 3′ UTR of VEGFA in HCC cells. • miR-361-5p inhibits VEGFA in HCC cells.« less

  7. The anti-tumor effects of the recombinant toxin protein rLj-RGD3 from Lampetra japonica on pancreatic carcinoma Panc-1 cells in nude mice.

    PubMed

    Wang, Yue; Zheng, Yuanyuan; Tu, Zuoyu; Dai, Yongguo; Xu, Hong; Lv, Li; Wang, Jihong

    2017-02-01

    Recombinant Lampetra japonica RGD peptide (rLj-RGD3) is a soluble toxin protein with three RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) motifs and a molecular weight of 13.5kDa. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and mechanisms of rLj-RGD3 on tumor growth and survival in pancreatic carcinoma Panc-1 cell-bearing mice. A Panc-1 human pancreatic carcinoma-bearing nude mouse model was successfully generated, and the animals were treated with different doses of rLj-RGD3 for 3 weeks. The volume and weight of the subcutaneous tumors, the survival of the nude mice, histopathological changes, the intratumoral MVD, the number of apoptotic Panc-1 cells, and apoptosis-related proteins and gene expressions were determined. rLj-RGD3 significantly decreased the tumor volumes and weights, and the maximum tumor volume and weight IR values were 53.2% (p<0.001) and 55.9% (p<0.001), respectively. The life expectancy of Panc-1-bearing nude mice treated with rLj-RGD3 was increased by 56.3% (p<0.001). Meanwhile, rLj-RGD3 promoted the expression of Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9 and inhibited Bcl-2 and VEGF expression. In addition, rLj-RGD3 did not change FAK, PI3K and Akt expression, but p-FAK, p-PI3K and p-Akt, levels were down-regulated. These results show that rLj-RGD3 induced potent anti-tumor activity in vivo and suppressed the growth of transplanted Panc-1 cells in a nude mouse model, implying that rLj-RGD3 may serve as a potent clinical therapeutic agent for human pancreatic carcinoma. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. The angiotensin II type 1 receptor-neprilysin inhibitor LCZ696 blocked aldosterone synthesis in a human adrenocortical cell line.

    PubMed

    Miura, Shin-Ichiro; Suematsu, Yasunori; Matsuo, Yoshino; Tomita, Sayo; Nakayama, Asuka; Goto, Masaki; Arimura, Tadaaki; Kuwano, Takashi; Yahiro, Eiji; Saku, Keijiro

    2016-11-01

    A recent clinical study indicated that an angiotensin II (Ang II) type 1 (AT 1 ) receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNi) designated LCZ696 (sacubitril/valsartan, as combined sodium complex) was superior to enalapril at reducing the risks of death and hospitalization due to heart failure. Therefore, we investigated the possible mechanisms of the beneficial effect of LCZ696, in which the inhibition of neprilysin enhances atrial natriuretic peptide (NP) or brain NP (ANP or BNP)-evoked signals that can block Ang II/AT 1 receptor-induced aldosterone (Ald) synthesis in human adrenocortical cells. The binding affinity of valsartan+LBQ657 (active moiety of sacubitril) to the AT 1 receptor was greater than that of valsartan alone in an AT 1 receptor-expressing human embryonic kidney cell-based assay. There was no difference in the dissociation from the AT 1 receptor between valsartan+LBQ657 and valsartan alone. In Ang II-sensitized human adrenocortical cells, ANP or BNP alone, but not LBQ657 or valsartan alone, significantly decreased Ald synthesis. The level of suppression of Ald synthesis by ANP or BNP with LBQ657 was greater than that by ANP or BNP without LBQ657. The suppression of ANP was blocked by inhibitors of regulator of G-protein signaling proteins and cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase. The inhibition of neprilysin did not change the mRNA levels of the AT 1 receptor, ANP receptor A, regulator of G-protein signaling protein, renin or 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases. In conclusion, the inhibition of neprilysin by LBQ657 enhances the NP-evoked signals that can block Ang II/AT 1 receptor-induced Ald synthesis in human adrenocortical cells.

  9. miR-204-5p suppresses cell proliferation by inhibiting IGFBP5 in papillary thyroid carcinoma

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Liu, Lianyong; Wang, Jingnan; Li, Xiangqi

    2015-02-20

    microRNAs (miRNAs) are frequently dysregulated in human malignancies. It was recently shown that miR-204-5p is downregulated in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC); however, the functional significance of this observation is not known. This study investigated the role of miR-204-5p in PTC. Overexpressing miR-204-5p suppressed PTC cell proliferation and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. The results of a luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-204-5p can directly bind to the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 5 (IGFBP5) mRNA, and IGFBP5 overexpression partially reversed the growth-inhibitory effects of miR-204-5p. These results indicate that miR-204-5p acts as a tumor suppressormore » in PTC by regulating IGFBP5 expression and that miR-204-5p can potentially serve as an antitumorigenic agent in the treatment of PTC. - Highlights: • miR-204-5p expression is downregulated in PTC tissues and cell lines. • miR-204-5p suppresses proliferation and promotes apoptosis in PTC cells. • miR-204-5p suppresses IGFBP5 expression by direct binding to the 3′-UTR. • IGFBP5 overexpression reverses the effects of miR-204-5p.« less

  10. Combination of miR-125b and miR-27a enhances sensitivity and specificity of AFP-based diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Zuo, Duo; Chen, Liwei; Liu, Xiaoqian; Wang, Xia; Xi, Qing; Luo, Yi; Zhang, Ning; Guo, Hua

    2016-05-01

    Non-invasive biomarkers of early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) could offer immense benefits. Currently available tumor markers for HCC are of not much clinical relevance. In this study, we investigated the potential for using a panel of serum microRNAs (miRNAs) as novel tumor markers in conjunction with serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) for diagnosis of HCC. Serum expression of four miRNAs was assessed in 150 subjects (90 cases of HCC and 60 cases without cancer) by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the potential use of miRNAs for detection of HCC. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate diagnostic accuracy. A panel of serum miRNAs (miR-125b, miR-223, miR-27a, and miR-26a) used in conjunction with AFP helped differentiate HCC patients from those in the non-cancer group after adjusting for age and gender, with the area under the curve of 0.870. In addition, the use of miR-125b/miR-27a panel differentiated HBV-related early-stage HCC with a high sensitivity (80.0 %) and specificity (87.2 %) in AFP-negative (-) subjects. A combination of serum miR-125b, miR-223, miR-27a, and miR-26a as a second-line tests could help detect HCC in AFP (-) subjects. The panel of miR-125b/miR-27a/AFP had a higher sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of early-stage HCC as compared to that of a single marker.

  11. 32 CFR 295.3 - Definition of OIG records.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ..., decisions, or procedures of the OIG. Normally, computer software, including source code, object code, and... the underlying data which is processed and produced by such software and which may in some instances be stored with the software.) Exceptions to this position are outlined in § 295.4(c). (3) Anything...

  12. 32 CFR 295.3 - Definition of OIG records.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ..., decisions, or procedures of the OIG. Normally, computer software, including source code, object code, and... the underlying data which is processed and produced by such software and which may in some instances be stored with the software.) Exceptions to this position are outlined in § 295.4(c). (3) Anything...

  13. 32 CFR 295.3 - Definition of OIG records.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ..., decisions, or procedures of the OIG. Normally, computer software, including source code, object code, and... the underlying data which is processed and produced by such software and which may in some instances be stored with the software.) Exceptions to this position are outlined in § 295.4(c). (3) Anything...

  14. 32 CFR 295.3 - Definition of OIG records.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ..., decisions, or procedures of the OIG. Normally, computer software, including source code, object code, and... the underlying data which is processed and produced by such software and which may in some instances be stored with the software.) Exceptions to this position are outlined in § 295.4(c). (3) Anything...

  15. 32 CFR 295.3 - Definition of OIG records.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ..., decisions, or procedures of the OIG. Normally, computer software, including source code, object code, and... the underlying data which is processed and produced by such software and which may in some instances be stored with the software.) Exceptions to this position are outlined in § 295.4(c). (3) Anything...

  16. Expression of AR, 5αR1 and 5αR2 in bladder urothelial carcinoma and relationship to clinicopathological factors.

    PubMed

    Hata, Shuko; Ise, Kazue; Azmahani, Abdullah; Konosu-Fukaya, Sachiko; McNamara, Keely May; Fujishima, Fumiyoshi; Shimada, Keiji; Mitsuzuka, Koji; Arai, Yoichi; Sasano, Hironobu; Nakamura, Yasuhiro

    2017-12-01

    Bladder urothelial carcinoma is increasing in incidence with age and its prognosis could become worse when accompanied with metastasis. Effective treatment of these advanced patients is required and it becomes important to understand its underlying biology of this neoplasm, especially with regard to its biological pathways. A potential proposed pathway is androgen receptor (AR)-mediated intracellular signaling but the details have remained relatively unexplored. The expression of AR, 5α-reductase type1 (5αR1) and 5α-reductase type2 (5αR2) were examined in the bladder cancer cell line T24 and surgical pathology specimens. We also evaluated the status of androgen related cell proliferation and migration using the potent, non-aromatizable androgen agonist 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT treatment significantly increased AR mRNA expression level, but not those of 5αR1 and 5αR2 in T24 cells. DHT also suppressed cellular migration with weaker and opposite effects on cell proliferation. A significant inverse correlation was detected between pT stage and AR, 5αR1 and 5αR2 immunoreactivity. Inverse correlations detected between tumor grade and AR/androgen metabolizing enzyme also suggested that the loss of AR and androgen-producing enzymes could be associated with tumor progression. Effects of DHT on cells also suggest that androgens may regulate cellular behavior. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. miR-221 suppression through nanoparticle-based miRNA delivery system for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy and its diagnosis as a potential biomarker.

    PubMed

    Li, Feng; Wang, Feiran; Zhu, Changlai; Wei, Qun; Zhang, Tianyi; Zhou, You Lang

    2018-01-01

    MicroRNA-221(miR-221) is frequently dysregulated in cancer. The purpose of this study was to explore whether miR-221 can be used as a potential diagnostic marker or therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we investigated whether miR-221 expression was associated with clini-copathological characteristics and prognosis in HCC patients, and we developed a nanoparticle-based miRNA delivery system and detected its therapeutic efficacy in vitro and in vivo. We found that miR-221 was upregulated in HCC tissues, cell lines and blood of HCC patients. Upregulated miR-221 was associated with clinical TNM stage and tumor capsular infiltration, and showed poor prognosis, suggesting that its suppression could serve as an effective approach for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy. Treatment of HCC cells with nanoparticle/miR-221 inhibitor complexes suppressed their growth, colony formation ability, migration and invasion. In vivo, the growth of the tumors treated by the nanoparticle/miR-221 inhibitor complexes were significantly less than those treated by the nanoparticle/miRNA scramble complexes. In addition, circulating miR-221 may act as a potential tumor biomarker for early diagnosis of HCC, and combined serum miR-221 and AFP detection gave a better performance than individual detection in early diagnosis of HCC. These findings suggest that a nanoparticle-based miRNA delivery system could potentially serve as a safe and effective treatment and miR-221 could also be a potential diagnostic marker for HCC.

  18. MiR-661 inhibits glioma cell proliferation, migration and invasion by targeting hTERT

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Li, Zhen, E-mail: lizhen7111@163.com; Liu, Yun-hui; Diao, Hong-yu

    In this study, we analyzed the functional role of miR-661 in glioma cell proliferation, migration and invasion. We found that overexpression of miR-661 obviously suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of glioma cells. MiRNA target prediction algorithms implied that hTERT is a candidate target gene for miR-661. A fluorescent reporter assay confirmed that miR-661 could lead to hTERT gene silencing by recognizing and specifically binding to the predicted site of the hTERT mRNA 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) specifically. Furthermore, hTERT knockdown significantly decreased the growth and viability of glioma cells. These results indicate that miR-661 can inhibit glioma cell proliferation,more » migration and invasion by targeting hTERT. - Highlights: • MiR-661 was downregulated in glioma tissues and functional as a tumor suppressor. • MiR-661 modulates cell proliferation, invasion and migration of glioma cells. • MiR-661 directly target hTERT in glioma cells. • MiR-661 inhibits glioma cell tumorgenesis by targeting hTERT.« less

  19. The effect of a maternal history of childhood abuse on adrenocortical attunement in mothers and their toddlers.

    PubMed

    Fuchs, Anna; Moehler, Eva; Resch, Franz; Kaess, Michael

    2017-07-01

    We investigated circadian mother-child adrenocortical attunement in the context of a maternal history of childhood abuse (HoA). Mothers were screened after birth using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. Women reporting moderate or severe abuse formed the HoA group (n = 37; HoAG) and were compared with a non-maltreated comparison group (n = 45; CG). Three years later, cortisol awakening response (CAR) and diurnal slope (DSL) were assessed. Mother-child interaction was coded using the Emotional Availability Scales at 12 months of age. For the CAR, we found adrenocortical attunement only in the HoAG (2-way interaction: p = .004), particularly if mothers scored low on structuring (3-way interaction: p = .042) and children scored low on responsiveness (3-way interaction: p = .044). DSL-attunement was dependent on maternal sensitivity (3-way interaction: p = .012) and child involvement (3-way interaction: p = .012). In the context of a maternal HoA, it seems possible for mother-child-dyads to show less optimal interactional quality but be stronger attuned to each other biologically. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  20. Evaluation of a bioluminescent mouse model expressing aromatase PII-promoter-controlled luciferase as a tool for the study of endocrine disrupting chemicals

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Rivest, Patricia, E-mail: patricia.rivest@iaf.inrs.ca; Devine, Patrick J., E-mail: patrick.devine@iaf.inrs.ca; Sanderson, J. Thomas, E-mail: thomas.sanderson@iaf.inrs.c

    Dysfunction of the enzyme aromatase (CYP19) is associated with endocrine pathologies such as osteoporosis, impaired fertility and development of hormone-dependent cancers. Certain endocrine disrupting chemicals affect aromatase expression and activity in vitro, but little is known about their ability to do so in vivo. We evaluated a bioluminescent mouse model (LPTA (registered)) CD-1-Tg(Cyp19-luc)-Xen) expressing luciferase under control of the gonadal aromatase pII promoter as an in vivo screening tool for chemicals that may affect aromatase expression. We studied the effects of forskolin, pregnant mare serum gonadotropin and atrazine in this model (atrazine was previously shown to induced pII-promoter-driven aromatase expressionmore » in H295R human adrenocortical carcinoma cells). About 2-4 out of every group of 10 male or female Cyp19-luc mice injected i.p. with 10 mg/kg forskolin had increased gonadal bioluminescence after 3-5 days compared to controls; the others appeared non-responsive. Similarly, about 4 per group of 9 individual females injected with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin had increased ovarian bioluminescence after 24 h. There was a statistically significant correlation between ovarian bioluminescence and plasma estradiol concentrations (n = 14; p = 0.022). Males exposed to a single dose of 100 mg/kg or males and females exposed to 5 daily injections of 30 mg/kg atrazine showed no change in gonadal bioluminescence over a 7 day period, but a significant interaction was found between atrazine (100 mg/kg) and time in female mice (p < 0.05; two-way ANOVA). Ex vivo luciferase activity in dissected organs was increased by forskolin in testis, epididymis and ovaries. Atrazine (30 mg/kg/day) increased (30%) luciferase activity significantly in epididymis only. In conclusion, certain individual Cyp19-luc mice are highly responsive to aromatase inducers, suggesting this model, with further optimization, may have potential as an in vivo screening tool

  1. miR-4295 promotes cell proliferation and invasion in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma via CDKN1A

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Shao, Mingchen; Geng, Yiwei; Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou

    2015-09-04

    MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in the pathogenesis of many types of cancers by negatively regulating gene expression at posttranscriptional level. However, the role of microRNAs in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC), has remained elusive. Here, we identified that miR-4295 promotes ATC cell proliferation by negatively regulates its target gene CDKN1A. In ATC cell lines, CCK-8 proliferation assay indicated that the cell proliferation was promoted by miR-4295, while miR-4295 inhibitor significantly inhibited the cell proliferation. Transwell assay showed that miR-4295 mimics significantly promoted the migration and invasion of ATC cells, whereas miR-4295 inhibitors significantly reduced cell migration and invasion. luciferase assaysmore » confirmed that miR-4295 directly bound to the 3'untranslated region of CDKN1A, and western blotting showed that miR-4295 suppressed the expression of CDKN1A at the protein levels. This study indicated that miR-4295 negatively regulates CDKN1A and promotes proliferation and invasion of ATC cell lines. Thus, miR-4295 may represent a potential therapeutic target for ATC intervention. - Highlights: • miR-4295 mimics promote the proliferation and invasion of ATC cells. • miR-4295 inhibitors inhibit the proliferation and invasion of ATC cells. • miR-4295 targets 3′UTR of CDKN1A in ATC cells. • miR-4295 negatively regulates CDKN1A in ATC cells.« less

  2. Long non-coding RNA colon cancer-associated transcript 1 functions as a competing endogenous RNA to regulate cyclin-dependent kinase 1 expression by sponging miR-490-3p in hepatocellular carcinoma progression.

    PubMed

    Dou, Chunqing; Sun, Liyuan; Jin, Xin; Han, Mingming; Zhang, Bao; Li, Tao

    2017-04-01

    Hepatocellular carcinoma is an aggressive neoplasm and is one of the most common human cancers. Recently, long non-coding RNAs have been demonstrated to participate in pathogenesis of many diseases including the progression in several cancers. In this study, we found that the long non-coding RNA colon cancer-associated transcript 1 was upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues (p < 0.05), and high colon cancer-associated transcript 1 expression level was positively associated with tumor volume (p < 0.05) and American Joint Committee on Cancer stage (p < 0.05) in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Luciferase reporter assays and RNA-pulldown assays showed that colon cancer-associated transcript 1 is a target of miR-490-3p. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis indicated that colon cancer-associated transcript 1 regulated cyclin-dependent kinase 1 expression as a competing endogenous RNA by sponging miR-490-3p in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Furthermore, colon cancer-associated transcript 1 silencing decreased hepatocellular carcinoma cells proliferation and invasion and overexpression promoted cell proliferation and invasion in vitro. These data demonstrated that the colon cancer-associated transcript 1/miR-490-3p/cyclin-dependent kinase 1 regulatory pathway promotes the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. Inhibition of colon cancer-associated transcript 1 expression may be a novel therapeutic strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma.

  3. Adrenocortical reserves in hyperthyroidism.

    PubMed

    Agbaht, Kemal; Gullu, Sevim

    2014-02-01

    Explicit data regarding the changes in adrenocortical reserves during hyperthyroidism do not exist. We aimed to document the capability (response) of adrenal gland to secrete cortisol and DHEA-S during hyperthyroidism compared to euthyroidism, and to describe factors associated with these responses. A standard-dose (0.25 mg/i.v.) ACTH stimulation test was performed to the same patients before hyperthyroidism treatment, and after attainment of euthyroidism. Baseline cortisol (Cor(0)), DHEA-S (DHEA-S(0)), cortisol binding globulin (CBG), ACTH, calculated free cortisol (by Coolen's equation = CFC), free cortisol index (FCI), 60-min cortisol (Cor(60)), and DHEA-S (DHEA-S(60)), delta cortisol (ΔCor), delta DHEA-S (ΔDHEA-S) responses were evaluated. Forty-one patients [22 females, 49.5 ± 15.2 years old, 32 Graves disease, nine toxic nodular goiter] had similar Cor(0), DHEA-S(0), CFC, FCI, and DHEA-S(60) in hyperthyroid and euthyroid states. Cor(60), ΔCor, and ΔDHEA-S were lower in hyperthyroidism. In four (10 %) patients the peak ACTH-stimulated cortisol values were lower than 18 μg/dL. When the test repeated after attainment of euthyroidism, all of the patients had normal cortisol response. Regression analysis demonstrated an independent association of Cor(60) with free T3 in hyperthyroidism. However, the predictors of CFC, FCI, and DHEA-S levels were serum creatinine levels in hyperthyroidism, and both creatinine and transaminase levels in euthyroidism. ACTH-stimulated peak cortisol, delta cortisol, and delta DHEA-S levels are decreased during hyperthyroidism, probably due to increased turnover. Since about 10 % of the subjects with hyperthyroidism are at risk for adrenal insufficiency, clinicians dealing with Graves' disease should be alert to the possibility of adrenal insufficiency during hyperthyroid stage.

  4. Study on chemotherapeutic sensitizing effect of nimotuzumab on different human esophageal squamous carcinoma cells.

    PubMed

    Yang, Xiaoyu; Ji, Yinghua; Kang, Xiaochun; Chen, Meiling; Kou, Weizheng; Jin, Cailing; Lu, Ping

    2016-02-01

    Esophageal cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Although, surgery, radio- and chemotherapy are used to treat the disease, the identification of new drugs is crucial to increase the curative effect. The aim of the present study was to examine the chemotherapeutic sensitizing effect of nimotuzumab (h-R3) and cisplatin cytotoxic drugs cisplatin (DDP) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on esophageal carcinoma cells with two different epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expressions. The expression of EGFR was detected in the human EC1 or EC9706 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell line using immunohistochemistry. The inhibitory effect of DDP and 5-FU alone or combined with h-R3 on EC1 or EC9706 cell proliferation was detected using an MTT assay. Flow cytometry and the TUNEL assay were used to determine the effect of single or combined drug treatment on cell apoptosis. The results showed that the expression of EGFR was low in EC1 cells but high in EC9706 cells. The inhibitory effect of the single use of h-R3 on EC1 or EC9706 cell proliferation was decreased. The inhibitory effect between single use of h-R3 alone and combined use of the chemotherapy drugs showed no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) on the EC1 cell growth rate, but showed a statistically significant difference (a=0.05) on EC9706 cell growth rate. The results detected by flow cytometry and TUNEL assay showed that the difference between single use of h-R3 alone and the control group was statistically significant with regard to the EC1 apoptosis rate effect (P<0.05), but not statistically significant for EC9706 (P>0.05). However, statistically significant differences were identified in the apoptotic rate of EC9706 cells between the h-R3 combined chemotherapy group and single chemotherapy group (P<0.05), but not on in the EC1 chemotherapy group (P>0.05). In conclusion, the sensitization effect of h-R3 on chemotherapy drugs is associated with the expression level of EGFR in EC1

  5. A Novel Monoallelically Expressed Candidate Tumor Suppressor Gene for Breast Carcinogenesis on Chromosome 11p15.5

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2002-07-01

    Loss of heterozygosity is also observed in a number of other tumor types, notably rhabdomyosarcoma [3,4], adrenocortical carcinoma [5], hepatocellular ... carcinoma [6], and Wilm’s tumor [7]. A second line of evidence suggesting that 1 lp15.5 may play a key role in tumorigenesis is the association of a

  6. 37 CFR 1.295 - Review of decision finally refusing to publish a statutory invention registration.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... refusing to publish a statutory invention registration. 1.295 Section 1.295 Patents, Trademarks, and... decision finally refusing to publish a statutory invention registration. (a) Any requester who is dissatisfied with the final refusal to publish a statutory invention registration for reasons other than...

  7. H12CN and H13CN excitation analysis in the circumstellar outflow of R Sculptoris

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Saberi, M.; Maercker, M.; De Beck, E.; Vlemmings, W. H. T.; Olofsson, H.; Danilovich, T.

    2017-03-01

    Context. The 12CO/13CO isotopologue ratio in the circumstellar envelope (CSE) of asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars has been extensively used as the tracer of the photospheric 12C/13C ratio. However, spatially-resolved ALMA observations of R Scl, a carbon rich AGB star, have shown that the 12CO/13CO ratio is not consistent over the entire CSE. Hence, it can not necessarily be used as a tracer of the 12C/13C ratio. The most likely hypothesis to explain the observed discrepancy between the 12CO/13CO and 12C/13C ratios is CO isotopologue selective photodissociation by UV radiation. Unlike the CO isotopologue ratio, the HCN isotopologue ratio is not affected by UV radiation. Therefore, HCN isotopologue ratios can be used as the tracer of the atomic C ratio in UV irradiated regions. Aims: We aim to present ALMA observations of H13CN(4-3) and APEX observations of H12CN(2-1), H13CN(2-1, 3-2) towards R Scl. These new data, combined with previously published observations, are used to determine abundances, ratio, and the sizes of line-emitting regions of the aforementioned HCN isotopologues. Methods: We have performed a detailed non-LTE excitation analysis of circumstellar H12CN(J = 1-0, 2-1, 3-2, 4-3) and H13CN(J = 2-1, 3-2, 4-3) line emission around R Scl using a radiative transfer code based on the accelerated lambda iteration (ALI) method. The spatial extent of the molecular distribution for both isotopologues is constrained based on the spatially resolved H13CN(4-3) ALMA observations. Results: We find fractional abundances of H12CN/H2 = (5.0 ± 2.0) × 10-5 and H13CN/H2 = (1.9 ± 0.4) × 10-6 in the inner wind (r ≤ (2.0 ± 0.25) ×1015 cm) of R Scl. The derived circumstellar isotopologue ratio of H12CN/H13CN = 26.3 ± 11.9 is consistent with the photospheric ratio of 12C/13C 19 ± 6. Conclusions: We show that the circumstellar H12CN/H13CN ratio traces the photospheric 12C/13C ratio. Hence, contrary to the 12CO/13CO ratio, the H12CN/H13CN ratio is not affected by UV

  8. 35. NORTH END OF BALTIMOREWASHINGTON PARKWAY, WHERE MARYLAND HIGHWAY 295, ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    35. NORTH END OF BALTIMORE-WASHINGTON PARKWAY, WHERE MARYLAND HIGHWAY 295, "THE BALTIMORE-WASHINGTON EXPRESSWAY," BEGINS, MARYLAND HIGHWAY 175 IN BACKGROUND. VIEWN. - Baltimore-Washington Parkway, Greenbelt, Prince George's County, MD

  9. Evaluation of Stress Corrosion Resistance Properties of 15CrMoR(H) in H2S Environment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Yiliang; Wang, Jing; Wu, Mingyao; Li, Shurui; Liu, Wenbin

    To evaluate the hydrogen resistant properties of the 15CrMoR(H) with new smelting process, according to NACE and National Standards, three tests including NACE standard tensile test, NACE standard bent-beam test and hydrogen induced cracking test are executed in saturated hydrogen sulfide(H2S) environment. Stress-life mathematical model of this material is given by analyzing and fitting the results of tensile test. Test results show that the threshold sth of tensile test is 0.7R eL(252MPa); the threshold nominal stress SC of bent-beam is higher than 4.5 R eL (1620MPa); for HIC test, the crack length rate CLR is 4.40%, the crack thickness rate CTR is 0.87% and the crack sensitive rate CSR is 0.04%. Compare with EFC standard, the safety margin of HIC test is 3.4, 3.4 and 37.5 times respectively. All the experimental results show that the new 15CrMoR(H) material has excellent H2S environmental cracking resistance properties.

  10. miR-22 regulates cell invasion, migration and proliferation in vitro through inhibiting CD147 expression in tongue squamous cell carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Qiu, Kaifeng; Huang, Zixian; Huang, Zhiquan; He, Zhichao; You, Siping

    2016-06-01

    Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is the most common type of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in China, and its survival rate remains unsatisfactory. miR-22 has been identified as a tumor suppressor in many human cancers, and high expression of CD147 occurs in many tumors. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression and function of miR-22 in TSCC and its relationship with the expression of CD147. TCA8113 cells were transiently transfected with a miR-22 mimic/inhibitor. Subsequently, a validation with Real-time RT-PCR was performed to analyze the miR-22 expression level, and a CCK-8 proliferation assay and transwell migration and invasion assays were carried out. Cotransfections using As-miR-22/si-CD147 mRNA or a miR-22/CD147 overexpression vector were applied, and we investigated the biological effects on cotranscribed TCA8113 cells. qRT-PCR confirmed that miR-22 or As-miR-22 were successfully transfected into TCA8113 cells. Suppressing miR-22 resulted in a promotion of cell proliferation and motility and an up-regulation of CD147 in TCA8113 cells in vitro. In contrast, increasing miR-22 inhibited cell proliferation and motility and down-regulated CD147. Furthermore, the reduction or overexpression of CD147 can reverse the promoting or suppressive effects of miR-22, respectively. The down-expression of miR-22 can regulate cell growth and motility in TSCC cells, which indicates that miR-22 acts as a tumor suppressor in TSCC. Additionally, CD147 is subsequently up-regulated when miR-22 inhibited. Taken together, the findings of this research defined a novel relationship between the down-regulation of miR-22 and the up-regulation of CD147 and demonstrated that CD147 is a downstream factor of miR-22. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Evaluation of Triclosan in the Hershberger and H295R Steroidogenesis Assays

    EPA Science Inventory

    Triclosan (TCS) is an antibacterial widely used in personal care products that exhibits endocrine disrupting activity in several species with reports of altered thyroid, estrogen and androgen signaling pathways. To evaluate the androgen mode of action, TCS was evaluated for and...

  12. Aberrant expression of microRNAs and the miR-1/MET pathway in canine hepatocellular carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Lai, Y-C; Ushio, N; Rahman, M M; Katanoda, Y; Ogihara, K; Naya, Y; Moriyama, A; Iwanaga, T; Saitoh, Y; Sogawa, T; Sunaga, T; Momoi, Y; Izumi, H; Miyoshi, N; Endo, Y; Fujiki, M; Kawaguchi, H; Miura, N

    2018-06-01

    Canine hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary hepatic tumour in dogs. MicroRNA (miRNA) dysregulation has been reported in human HCC and shown to have diagnostic and prognostic value; however, there are no data on miRNA expression in canine HCC. The aim of the present study was to investigate differentially expressed miRNAs in canine HCC. Analysis of miRNA expression in canine HCC tissues and cell lines by quantitative reverse transcription PCR showed that miR-1, miR-122, let-7a, and let-7g were downregulated, whereas miR-10b and miR-21 were upregulated in canine HCC. MET is one of the target genes of miR-1. MET was upregulated in canine HCC at the gene and protein levels, and a significant correlation between the concomitant downregulation of miR-1 and upregulation of MET was observed. Fast/intermediate-proliferating canine HCC cell lines had higher MET gene and protein expression levels than the slow-proliferating cell line. These findings suggest that miRNAs are differentially expressed in canine HCC, and that the miR-1/MET pathway may be associated with canine HCC cell proliferation. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  13. 27 CFR 25.295 - Record of unsalable beer.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 27 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Record of unsalable beer..., DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY LIQUORS BEER Records and Reports § 25.295 Record of unsalable beer. A brewer having unsalable beer in packages or tanks in the brewery may destroy, recondition, or use the beer as...

  14. 27 CFR 25.295 - Record of unsalable beer.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 27 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms 1 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Record of unsalable beer..., DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY ALCOHOL BEER Records and Reports § 25.295 Record of unsalable beer. A brewer having unsalable beer in packages or tanks in the brewery may destroy, recondition, or use the beer as...

  15. 27 CFR 25.295 - Record of unsalable beer.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 27 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms 1 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Record of unsalable beer..., DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY LIQUORS BEER Records and Reports § 25.295 Record of unsalable beer. A brewer having unsalable beer in packages or tanks in the brewery may destroy, recondition, or use the beer as...

  16. 27 CFR 25.295 - Record of unsalable beer.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... 27 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms 1 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Record of unsalable beer..., DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY ALCOHOL BEER Records and Reports § 25.295 Record of unsalable beer. A brewer having unsalable beer in packages or tanks in the brewery may destroy, recondition, or use the beer as...

  17. 27 CFR 25.295 - Record of unsalable beer.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 27 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms 1 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Record of unsalable beer..., DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY LIQUORS BEER Records and Reports § 25.295 Record of unsalable beer. A brewer having unsalable beer in packages or tanks in the brewery may destroy, recondition, or use the beer as...

  18. Comparisons among serum, egg albumin and yolk concentrations of corticosterone as biomarkers of basal and stimulated adrenocortical activity of laying hens.

    PubMed

    Cook, N J; Renema, R; Wilkinson, C; Schaefer, A L

    2009-09-01

    1. Serial blood samples from individual birds were analysed for corticosterone concentrations under basal and stimulated conditions, and matched to eggs from the same birds for comparison to albumin and yolk concentrations of corticosterone. 2. Serum corticosterone exhibited increases in response to stimulation by ACTH and Handling stress. There were no significant increases in egg albumin or yolk concentrations of corticosterone following stimulation. 3. Several significant correlations were observed between the mean and area under the curve (AUC) measurements of serum corticosterone concentrations with albumin and yolk corticosterone concentrations in eggs laid from 1 to 2 d later. 4. The results demonstrated a relationship between endogenous concentrations of serum corticosterone that reflected daily adrenocortical output with albumin and yolk corticosterone concentrations in eggs laid the following day. 5. The results do not support the concept of albumin and yolk concentrations of corticosterone as biomarkers of acute adrenocortical responses to stimulation.

  19. Higher Expression of miR-182 in Cytology Specimens of High-Grade Urothelial Cell Carcinoma: A Potential Diagnostic Marker.

    PubMed

    Wei, Shuanzeng; Bing, Zhanyong; Yao, Yuan; Master, Stephen R; Gupta, Prabodh

    2015-01-01

    MicroRNAs (miRs) are short noncoding RNA molecules that posttranscriptionally modulate protein expression. There are distinct miR alterations characterizing urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) of the urinary bladder. In this study, we investigate the possibility of using miR as a noninvasive marker in the screening of UCC. The total RNA was extracted from 75 cytology specimens including bladder or renal washings and voided urines. Cases comprise UCC (21 high grade and 6 low grade), 25 normal controls and 23 cases with a history of UCC but negative at the time of testing (negative with a positive history). The expressions of miR-96, miR-182, miR-183, miR-200c, miR-21, miR-141 and miR-30b were determined using quantitative TaqMan real-time PCR. This study shows that the level of miR-182 is higher in cytology specimens from high-grade UCC patients as compared to normal controls. Measuring miR-182 may provide a potential alternative or adjunct approach for screening high-grade UCC. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  20. Extract of Stellerachamaejasme L(ESC) inhibits growth and metastasis of human hepatocellular carcinoma via regulating microRNA expression.

    PubMed

    Liu, Xiaoni; Wang, Shuang; Xu, Jianji; Kou, Buxin; Chen, Dexi; Wang, Yajie; Zhu, Xiaoxin

    2018-03-20

    MicroRNAs(miRNAs)are involved in the initiation and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. ESC, an extract of Stellerachamaejasme L, had been confirmed as a potential anti-tumor extract of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In light of the important role of miRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma, we questioned whether the inhibitory effects of ESC on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were associated with miRNAs. The proliferation inhibition of ESC on HCC cells was measured with MTT assay. The migration inhibition of ESC on HCC cells was measured with transwell assay. The influences of ESC on growth and metastasis inhibition were evaluated with xenograft tumor model of HCC. Protein expressions were measured with western blot and immunofluorescence methods and miRNA profiles were detected with miRNA array. Differential miRNA and target mRNAs were verified with real-time PCR. The results showed that ESC could inhibit proliferation and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HCC cells in vitro and tumor growth and metastasis in xenograft models in vivo. miRNA array results showed that 69 differential miRNAs in total of 429 ones were obtained in MHCC97H cells treated by ESC. hsa-miR-107, hsa-miR-638, hsa-miR-106b-5p were selected to be validated with real-time PCR method in HepG2 and MHCC97H cells. Expressions of hsa-miR-107 and hsa-miR-638 increased obviously in HCC cells treated by ESC. Target genes of three miRNAs were also validated with real-time PCR. Interestingly, only target genes of hsa-miR-107 changed greatly. ESC downregulated the MCL1, SALL4 and BCL2 gene expressions significantly but did not influence the expression of CACNA2D1. The findings suggested ESC regressed growth and metastasis of human hepatocellular carcinoma via regulating microRNAs expression and their corresponding target genes.