Sample records for zoledronic acid enhances

  1. Breast-cancer adjuvant therapy with zoledronic acid.

    PubMed

    Coleman, Robert E; Marshall, Helen; Cameron, David; Dodwell, David; Burkinshaw, Roger; Keane, Maccon; Gil, Miguel; Houston, Stephen J; Grieve, Robert J; Barrett-Lee, Peter J; Ritchie, Diana; Pugh, Julia; Gaunt, Claire; Rea, Una; Peterson, Jennifer; Davies, Claire; Hiley, Victoria; Gregory, Walter; Bell, Richard

    2011-10-13

    Data suggest that the adjuvant use of bisphosphonates reduces rates of recurrence and death in patients with early-stage breast cancer. We conducted a study to determine whether treatment with zoledronic acid, in addition to standard adjuvant therapy, would improve disease outcomes in such patients. In this open-label phase 3 study, we randomly assigned 3360 patients to receive standard adjuvant systemic therapy either with or without zoledronic acid. The zoledronic acid was administered every 3 to 4 weeks for 6 doses and then every 3 to 6 months to complete 5 years of treatment. The primary end point of the study was disease-free survival. A second interim analysis revealed that a prespecified boundary for lack of benefit had been crossed. At a median follow-up of 59 months, there was no significant between-group difference in the primary end point, with a rate of disease-free survival of 77% in each group (adjusted hazard ratio in the zoledronic acid group, 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.85 to 1.13; P=0.79). Disease recurrence or death occurred in 377 patients in the zoledronic acid group and 375 of those in the control group. The numbers of deaths--243 in the zoledronic acid group and 276 in the control group--were also similar, resulting in rates of overall survival of 85.4% in the zoledronic acid group and 83.1% in the control group (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.72 to 1.01; P=0.07). In the zoledronic acid group, there were 17 confirmed cases of osteonecrosis of the jaw (cumulative incidence, 1.1%; 95% CI, 0.6 to 1.7; P<0.001) and 9 suspected cases; there were no cases in the control group. Rates of other adverse effects were similar in the two study groups. These findings do not support the routine use of zoledronic acid in the adjuvant management of breast cancer. (Funded by Novartis Pharmaceuticals and the National Cancer Research Network; AZURE Current Controlled Trials number, ISRCTN79831382.).

  2. Zoledronic Acid Injection

    MedlinePlus

    ... acid (Reclast) is used to prevent or treat osteoporosis (condition in which the bones become thin and ... Zoledronic acid (Reclast) is also used to treat osteoporosis in men, and to prevent or treat osteoporosis ...

  3. The use of zoledronic acid in pediatric cancer patients.

    PubMed

    August, Keith J; Dalton, Amanda; Katzenstein, Howard M; George, Bradley; Olson, Thomas A; Wasilewski-Masker, Karen; Rapkin, Louis B

    2011-04-01

    The third generation bisphosphonate zoledronic acid has demonstrated efficacy in reducing skeletal-related events in adult patients with multiple cancer types that have skeletal disease. The use of zoledronic acid in pediatric oncology patients with bone metastases for the purpose of reducing pain, improving bone strength and altering the progression of metastatic disease has not been thoroughly evaluated. From October 2005 to December 2008, 19 patients at the Aflac Cancer Center received one or more doses of zoledronic acid as part of their therapy. A retrospective review of these patients was performed and information was collected including indication for treatment, toxicities, and outcomes. Most patients (n = 15) received zoledronic acid following relapse of their malignancy with metastatic disease present in one or more bony sites. Hypocalcemia and hypophosphatemia were frequent, but did not result in clinical symptoms. More significant toxicities associated with zoledronic acid, including clinically apparent renal insufficiency and osteonecrosis of the jaw, were not seen. Overall, zoledronic acid was well tolerated in this population. The benefits of zoledronic acid seen in randomized trials of adults with bone metastases have sparked interest in its use for children with metastatic cancer. The administration of zoledronic acid in pediatric oncology appears safe, and may result in improved bone strength and pain control. Further evaluation is warranted to prospectively evaluate its efficacy and long-term safety in pediatric patients with cancer and skeletal metastases. Copyright © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  4. Zoledronic acid-associated symmetrical drug-related intertriginous and flexural exanthema (SDRIFE): report of baboon syndrome in a woman with recurrent metastatic breast cancer after receiving zoledronic acid.

    PubMed

    Cohen, Philip R

    2015-08-15

    Baboon syndrome is a distinctive skin reaction in which the patient typically develops erythematous buttocks that appear similar to those of a baboon. The non-contact allergenic variant of baboon syndrome is also referred to as symmetrical drug-related intertriginous and flexural exanthema (SDRIFE). Zoledronic acid is a bisphosphonate that is used in patients with metastatic cancer to prevent bone complications. Zoledronic acid-associated baboon syndrome is described in a woman with recurrent metastatic breast cancer. PubMed was used to search the following terms, separately and in combination: baboon syndrome, breast cancer, symmetrical drug-related intertriginous and flexural exanthema, and zoledronic acid. All papers were reviewed and relevant manuscripts, along with their reference citations, were evaluated. Zoledronic acid has infrequently been associated with mucocutaneous adverse reactions. However, baboon syndrome has not previously been observed in patients receiving zoledronic acid. The reported woman developed baboon syndrome after her initial exposure to zoledronic acid. Non-contact allergenic drug-induced baboon syndrome has most commonly been associated with antibiotics such as beta-lactams and penicillins. Zoledronic acid-associated baboon syndrome has not previously been observed in cancer patients. Baboon syndrome (SDRIFE variant) was observed in a woman with recurrent metastatic breast cancer after her first exposure to zoledronic acid. In summary, SDRIFE can occur in oncology patients receiving zoledronic acid and zoledronic acid should be added to the list of medications associated with the potential to cause non-contact allergenic drug-induced baboon syndrome.

  5. KRAS-mutation status dependent effect of zoledronic acid in human non-small cell cancer preclinical models

    PubMed Central

    Kenessey, István; Kói, Krisztina; Horváth, Orsolya; Cserepes, Mihály; Molnár, Dávid; Izsák, Vera; Dobos, Judit; Hegedűs, Balázs

    2016-01-01

    Background In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) KRAS-mutant status is a negative prognostic and predictive factor. Nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates inhibit prenylation of small G-proteins (e.g. Ras, Rac, Rho) and thus may affect proliferation and migration. In our preclinical work, we investigated the effect of an aminobisphosphonate compound (zoledronic acid) on mutant and wild type KRAS-expressing human NSCLC cell lines. Results We confirmed that zoledronic acid was unable to inhibit the prenylation of mutant K-Ras unlike in the case of wild type K-Ras. In case of in vitro proliferation, the KRAS-mutant human NSCLC cell lines showed resistance to zoledronic acid wild-type KRAS-cells proved to be sensitive. Combinatory application of zoledronic acid enhanced the cytostatic effect of cisplatin. Zoledronic acid did not induce significant apoptosis. In xenograft model, zoledronic acid significantly reduced the weight of wild type KRAS-EGFR-expressing xenograft tumor by decreasing the proliferative capacity. Futhermore, zoledronic acid induced VEGF expression and improved in vivo tumor vascularization. Materials and methods Membrane association of K-Ras was examined by Western-blot. In vitro cell viability, apoptotic cell death and migration were measured in NSCLC lines with different molecular background. The in vivo effect of zoledronic acid was investigated in a SCID mouse subcutaneous xenograft model. Conclusions The in vitro and in vivo inhibitory effect of zoledronic acid was based on the blockade of cell cycle in wild type KRAS-expressing human NSCLC cells. The zoledronic acid induced vascularization supported in vivo cytostatic effect. Our preclinical investigation suggests that patients with wild type KRAS-expressing NSCLC could potentially benefit from aminobisphosphonate therapy. PMID:27780929

  6. The bisphosphonate zoledronic acid effectively targets lung cancer cells by inhibition of protein prenylation

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

    Xie, Fan; Li, Pengcheng; Gong, Jianhua

    Aberrant activation of oncoproteins such as members of the Ras family is common in human lung cancers. The proper function of Ras largely depends on a post-translational modification termed prenylation. Bisphosphonates have been shown to inhibit prenylation in cancer cells. In this study, we show that zoledronic acid, a third generation bisphosphonate, is effective in targeting lung cancer cells. This is achieved by the induction of apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation, through suppressing the activation of downstream Ras and EGFR signalling by zoledronic acid. The combination of zoledronic acid and paclitaxel or cisplatin (commonly used chemotherapeutic drugs for lung cancer)more » augmented the activity of either drug alone in in vitro lung cancer cellular system and in vivo lung xenograft mouse model. Importantly, zoledronic acid inhibits protein prenylation as shown by the increased levels of unprenylated Ras and Rap1A. In addition, the effects of zoledronic acid were reversed in the presence of geranylgeraniol and farnesol, further confirming that mechanism of zoledroinc acid's action in lung cancer cells is through prenylation inhibition. Since zoledronic acid is already available for clinic use, these results suggest that it may be an effective addition to the armamentarium of drugs for the treatment of lung cancer. - Highlights: • Zoledronic acid (ZA) is effectively against lung cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. • ZA acts on lung cancer cells through inhibition of protein prenylation. • ZA suppresses global downstream phosphorylation of Ras signalling. • ZA enhances the effects of chemotherapeutic drugs in lung cancer cells.« less

  7. Melorheostosis and its treatment with intravenous zoledronic acid

    PubMed Central

    Hollick, Rosemary Jane; Black, Alison; Reid, David

    2010-01-01

    We report a case of melorheostosis, a rare bone disorder characterised by mesodermal dysplasia, and its successful and prolonged treatment with the intravenous bisphosphonate zoledronic acid. The middle-aged man presented with pain and swelling of his tibia, which was diagnosed by imaging and bone biopsy as being due to melorheostosis. There was early symptom control after a single infusion of intravenous zoledronic acid. Prolonged symptom relief was accompanied by long-term suppression of the bone resorption marker β cross-laps. We suggest that melorheostosis can be treated with intravenous zoledronic acid and that treatment can be monitored by the use of a specific bone resorption marker. PMID:22479293

  8. Risk factors for symptomatic hypocalcaemia complicating treatment with zoledronic acid.

    PubMed

    Chennuru, S; Koduri, J; Baumann, M A

    2008-08-01

    The bisphosphonate zoledronic acid is commonly prescribed to prevent skeletal complications in patients with multiple myeloma or metastatic cancer. Although symptomatic hypocalcaemia is a potential risk of treatment, it has been thought to be uncommon. After seeing several episodes of symptomatic hypocalcaemia following zoledronic acid administration, we undertook a review to determine the incidence of this complication in our population and to attempt to identify risk factors. We reviewed the records of all patients receiving zoledronic acid in two teaching hospitals over a 2-year period. Findings collected included the indication for treatment, whether dosing was adjusted for creatinine clearance, coadministered medications, serum chemistries and clinical course. Of 120 patients who received a total of 546 zoledronic acid infusions, hypocalcaemia developed related to 55 infusions (10%) in 42 patients (35%). Symptomatic hypocalcaemia requiring i.v. supplementation occurred in 10 patients (8%), in spite of appropriate dose adjustment for creatinine clearance and despite prophylactic administration of oral calcium and vitamin D. More patients who became hypocalcaemic developed impairment of creatinine clearance during zoledronic acid treatment than in the group that remained normocalcaemic. Hypomagnesaemia was found in all patients who developed hypocalcaemia who had serum magnesium measured. Hypocalcaemia was common in our patient group following zoledronic acid treatment. Because of the prolonged elimination half-life of this agent (146 h), renal impairment occurring during a number of days after administration may increase risk. Hypomagnesaemia may further increase risk by blunting compensatory increase in parathyroid hormone secretion.

  9. Zoledronic acid: a review of its use in the treatment of osteoporosis.

    PubMed

    Deeks, Emma D; Perry, Caroline M

    2008-01-01

    Zoledronic acid (Aclasta; Reclast), a third-generation nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate, is the first once-yearly treatment to have been approved for use in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis or at high risk of fracture. Intravenous zoledronic acid 5 mg once yearly is effective in reducing the risk of several types of fracture in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis or recent low-trauma hip fracture. Moreover, improvements in bone mineral density (BMD) and reductions in markers of bone turnover are also generally observed. Zoledronic acid is generally well tolerated. Additional comparative data are required to definitively position zoledronic acid with respect to other agents. In the meantime, intravenous zoledronic acid 5 mg once yearly is a convenient and effective treatment option that may have an advantage over some other agents, for which adherence to treatment regimens is a recognized problem.

  10. Orthodontic tooth movement and root resorption in ovariectomized rats treated by systemic administration of zoledronic acid.

    PubMed

    Sirisoontorn, Irin; Hotokezaka, Hitoshi; Hashimoto, Megumi; Gonzales, Carmen; Luppanapornlarp, Suwannee; Darendeliler, M Ali; Yoshida, Noriaki

    2012-05-01

    The effect of zoledronic acid, a potent and novel bisphosphonate, on tooth movement and orthodontically induced root resorption in osteoporotic animals systemically treated with zoledronic acid as similarly used in postmenopausal patients has not been elucidated. Therefore, this study was undertaken. Fifteen 10-week-old female Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups: ovariectomy, ovariectomy + zoledronic acid, and control. Only the ovariectomy and ovariectomy + zoledronic acid groups underwent ovariectomies. Two weeks after the ovariectomy, zoledronic acid was administered only to the ovariectomy + zoledronic acid group. Four weeks after the ovariectomy, 25-g nickel-titanium closed-coil springs were applied to observe tooth movement and orthodontically induced root resorption. There were significant differences in the amounts of tooth movement and orthodontically induced root resorption between the ovariectomy and the control groups, and also between the ovariectomy and the ovariectomy + zoledronic acid groups. There was no statistically significant difference in tooth movement and orthodontically induced root resorption between the ovariectomy + zoledronic acid and the control groups. Zoledronic acid inhibited significantly more tooth movement and significantly reduced the severity of orthodontically induced root resorption in the ovariectomized rats. The ovariectomy + zoledronic acid group showed almost the same results as did the control group in both tooth movement and orthodontically induced root resorption. Zoledronic acid inhibits excessive orthodontic tooth movement and also reduces the risk of severe orthodontically induced root resorption in ovariectomized rats. Copyright © 2012 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. Zoledronic Acid for the Treatment and Prevention of Primary and Secondary Osteoporosis

    PubMed Central

    Rizzoli, René

    2010-01-01

    There is increasing interest in therapies that can be administered less frequently and/or avoid gastrointestinal irritation. The efficacy of once-yearly zoledronic acid (5 mg) in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis has been evaluated in different patient populations. In the 3-year HORIZON-Pivotal Fracture Trial in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, zoledronic acid reduced the risk of vertebral and hip fracture by 70% and 41%, respectively, versus placebo. The efficacy of zoledronic acid in preventing subsequent fracture in patients with a hip fracture was evaluated in the HORIZON-Recurrent Fracture Trial. New vertebral and nonvertebral fractures were significantly reduced by treatment initiated within 90 days of incident hip fracture, without evidence of delayed fracture healing. Data from a 1-year study show that a single zoledronic acid 5-mg infusion is superior to oral risedronate 5 mg/day for treatment and prevention of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Increases in bone mineral density and decreases in bone turnover markers were significantly greater with zoledronic acid than with risedronate. Two different treatment regimens of zoledronic acid were found to be more effective than placebo for prevention of bone loss in postmenopausal women and reducing markers of bone turnover after 2 years. In conclusion, zoledronic acid 5 mg once-yearly infusion has demonstrated marked efficacy in the treatment and prevention of primary and secondary osteoporosis, with a combination of fracture risk reduction and prevention of bone loss at key sites. It is the only agent shown to reduce the incidence of fracture and mortality in patients with a previous low-trauma hip fracture. PMID:22870433

  12. Cost-effectiveness analysis of once-yearly injection of zoledronic acid for the treatment of osteoporosis in Japan.

    PubMed

    Moriwaki, K; Mouri, M; Hagino, H

    2017-06-01

    Model-based economic evaluation was performed to assess the cost-effectiveness of zoledronic acid. Although zoledronic acid was dominated by alendronate, the incremental quality-adjusted life year (QALY) was quite small in extent. Considering the advantage of once-yearly injection of zoledronic acid in persistence, zoledronic acid might be a cost-effective treatment option compared to once-weekly oral alendronate. The purpose of this study was to estimate the cost-effectiveness of once-yearly injection of zoledronic acid for the treatment of osteoporosis in Japan. A patient-level state-transition model was developed to predict the outcome of patients with osteoporosis who have experienced a previous vertebral fracture. The efficacy of zoledronic acid was derived from a published network meta-analysis. Lifetime cost and QALYs were estimated for patients who had received zoledronic acid, alendronate, or basic treatment alone. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of zoledronic acid was estimated. For patients 70 years of age, zoledronic acid was dominated by alendronate with incremental QALY of -0.004 to -0.000 and incremental cost of 430 USD to 493 USD. Deterministic sensitivity analysis indicated that the relative risk of hip fracture and drug cost strongly affected the cost-effectiveness of zoledronic acid compared to alendronate. Scenario analysis considering treatment persistence showed that the ICER of zoledronic acid compared to alendronate was estimated to be 47,435 USD, 27,018 USD, and 10,749 USD per QALY gained for patients with a T-score of -2.0, -2.5, or -3.0, respectively. Although zoledronic acid is dominated by alendronate, the incremental QALY is quite small in extent. Considering the advantage of annual zoledronic acid treatment in compliance and persistence, zoledronic acid may be a cost-effective treatment option compared to alendronate.

  13. Zoledronic acid enhances antitumor efficacy of liposomal doxorubicin.

    PubMed

    Hattori, Yoshiyuki; Shibuya, Kazuhiko; Kojima, Kaori; Miatmoko, Andang; Kawano, Kumi; Ozaki, Kei-Ichi; Yonemochi, Etsuo

    2015-07-01

    Previously, we found that the injection of zoledronic acid (ZOL) into mice bearing tumor induced changes of the vascular structure in the tumor. In this study, we examined whether ZOL treatment could decrease interstitial fluid pressure (IFP) via change of tumor vasculature, and enhance the antitumor efficacy of liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil®). When ZOL solution was injected at 40 µg/mouse per day for three consecutive days into mice bearing murine Lewis lung carcinoma LLC tumor, depletion of macrophages in tumor tissue and decreased density of tumor vasculature were observed. Furthermore, ZOL treatments induced inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-10 and -12, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in serum of LLC tumor-bearing mice, but not in normal mice, indicating that ZOL treatments might induce an inflammatory response in tumor tissue. Furthermore, ZOL treatments increased antitumor activity by Doxil in mice bearing a subcutaneous LLC tumor, although they did not significantly increase the tumor accumulation of doxorubicin (DXR). These results suggest that ZOL treatments might increase the therapeutic efficacy of Doxil via improvement of DXR distribution in a tumor by changing the tumor vasculature. ZOL treatment can be an alternative approach to increase the antitumor effect of liposomal drugs.

  14. Zoledronic Acid (Reclast®, Aclasta®): A Review in Osteoporosis.

    PubMed

    Dhillon, Sohita

    2016-11-01

    Zoledronic acid (Reclast ® , Aclasta ® ) is an intravenous, highly potent aminobisphosphonate approved worldwide, including in the USA, EU and Japan for use in patients with primary or secondary osteoporosis or low bone mass (approved indications vary between countries). Its high affinity to and long half-life in bone, and long duration of action, allow for once-yearly administration, which has the potential to improve adherence to therapy. Zoledronic acid once yearly for up to 3 years improved bone mineral density (BMD) at several skeletal sites, reduced fracture risk and bone turnover, and/or preserved bone structure and mass relative to placebo in clinical studies in patients with primary or secondary osteoporosis. While additional benefits were seen when treatment was continued for up to 6 years, as evidenced by a reduced risk of vertebral fractures and higher BMD relative to 3 years' therapy, there was minimal advantage of treatment beyond 6 years. Therefore, in patients with low fracture risk, treatment discontinuation should be considered after approximately 5 years' therapy. Zoledronic acid administered annually or once in 2 years was also effective in preventing bone loss in patients with low bone mass. Zoledronic acid was generally well tolerated, with the most common adverse events (AEs) being transient, mild-to-moderate post-infusion symptoms, which decreased with subsequent infusions. To conclude, zoledronic acid once yearly is an effective and generally well tolerated treatment option for patients with osteoporosis.

  15. Zoledronic Acid in Reducing Clinical Fracture and Mortality after Hip Fracture

    PubMed Central

    Lyles, Kenneth W.; Colón-Emeric, Cathleen S.; Magaziner, Jay S.; Adachi, Jonathan D.; Pieper, Carl F.; Mautalen, Carlos; Hyldstrup, Lars; Recknor, Chris; Nordsletten, Lars; Moore, Kathy A.; Lavecchia, Catherine; Zhang, Jie; Mesenbrink, Peter; Hodgson, Patricia K.; Abrams, Ken; Orloff, John J.; Horowitz, Zebulun; Eriksen, Erik Fink; Boonen, Steven

    2008-01-01

    BACKGROUND Mortality is increased after a hip fracture, and strategies that improve outcomes are needed. METHODS In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 1065 patients were assigned to receive yearly intravenous zoledronic acid (at a dose of 5 mg), and 1062 patients were assigned to receive placebo. The infusions were first administered within 90 days after surgical repair of a hip fracture. All patients received supplemental vitamin D and calcium. The median follow-up was 1.9 years. The primary end point was a new clinical fracture. RESULTS The rates of any new clinical fracture were 8.6% in the zoledronic acid group and 13.9% in the placebo group, a 35% risk reduction (P = 0.001); the respective rates of a new clinical vertebral fracture were 1.7% and 3.8% (P = 0.02), and the respective rates of new nonvertebral fractures were 7.6% and 10.7% (P = 0.03). In the safety analysis, 101 of 1054 patients in the zoledronic acid group (9.6%) and 141 of 1057 patients in the placebo group (13.3%) died, a reduction of 28% in deaths from any cause in the zoledronic-acid group (P = 0.01). The most frequent adverse events in patients receiving zoledronic acid were pyrexia, myalgia, and bone and musculoskeletal pain. No cases of osteonecrosis of the jaw were reported, and no adverse effects on the healing of fractures were noted. The rates of renal and cardiovascular adverse events, including atrial fibrillation and stroke, were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS An annual infusion of zoledronic acid within 90 days after repair of a low-trauma hip fracture was associated with a reduction in the rate of new clinical fractures and improved survival. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00046254.) PMID:17878149

  16. Bilateral retrobulbar optic neuropathy as the only sign of zoledronic acid toxicity.

    PubMed

    Lavado, Félix Manco; Prieto, Marta Para; Osorio, María Rosalba Ramoa; Gálvez, María Isabel López; Leal, Lucía Manzanas

    2017-10-01

    Bisphosphonates may rarely cause ocular adverse effects and retrobulbar optic neuropathy (RON) secondary to zoledronic acid is very rare. A 67-year-old man was referred because of progressive and painless decrease vision in the left eye. He had been treated with 7 cycles of zoledronic acid infusions because of metastatic prostate cancer. On examination, VA was 20/20 in the right eye (OD) and 20/50 in the left eye (OS). The optic nerve was unremarkable OU. Pattern visual evoked potentials (pVEP) and electroretinography were performed with the result of VEP responses abolished in OS, and the VEP waveform within the normal range amplitude and delayed peak latencies in OD. Due to the high suspicion of bilateral RON secondary to zoledronic acid, we decided to discontinue the treatment. Two months later, VA was 20/20 OD and hand motions OS, with relative afferent pupillary defect and a pallor of the optic disc in OS. The diagnosis of bilateral RON secondary to zoledronic acid infusions was confirmed, and it was only partially reversible. Zoledronic acid is a potent new generation bisphosphonate increasingly used in oncologic patients and it is usually well tolerated. Optic nerve toxicity is not a side effect recognised by either the Food and Drug Administration or the drug manufacturers, and to our knowledge, this is the first case of zoledronic acid-related bilateral RON with late onset. In conclusion, patients treated with bisphosphonates should be informed about the possibility of ocular side-effects, and ophthalmologists should be consider discontinuing the drug. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. Zoledronic acid overcomes chemoresistance and immunosuppression of malignant mesothelioma

    PubMed Central

    Kopecka, Joanna; Gazzano, Elena; Sara, Orecchia; Ghigo, Dario; Riganti, Chiara

    2015-01-01

    The human malignant mesothelioma (HMM) is characterized by a chemoresistant and immunosuppressive phenotype. An effective strategy to restore chemosensitivity and immune reactivity against HMM is lacking. We investigated whether the use of zoledronic acid is an effective chemo-immunosensitizing strategy. We compared primary HMM samples with non-transformed mesothelial cells. HMM cells had higher rate of cholesterol and isoprenoid synthesis, constitutive activation of Ras/extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2)/hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) pathway and up-regulation of the drug efflux transporter P-glycoprotein (Pgp). By decreasing the isoprenoid supply, zoledronic acid down-regulated the Ras/ERK1/2/HIF-1α/Pgp axis and chemosensitized the HMM cells to Pgp substrates. The HMM cells also produced higher amounts of kynurenine, decreased the proliferation of T-lymphocytes and expanded the number of T-regulatory (Treg) cells. Kynurenine synthesis was due to the transcription of the indoleamine 1,2 dioxygenase (IDO) enzyme, consequent to the activation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3). By reducing the activity of the Ras/ERK1/2/STAT3/IDO axis, zoledronic acid lowered the kyurenine synthesis and the expansion of Treg cells, and increased the proliferation of T-lymphocytes. Thanks to its ability to decrease Ras/ERK1/2 activity, which is responsible for both Pgp-mediated chemoresistance and IDO-mediated immunosuppression, zoledronic acid is an effective chemo-immunosensitizing agent in HMM cells. PMID:25544757

  18. Management of osteoporosis in the aging male: Focus on zoledronic acid

    PubMed Central

    Piper, Paul K; Gruntmanis, Ugis

    2009-01-01

    Osteoporosis in the aging male remains an important yet under-recognized and undertreated disease. Current US estimates indicate that over 14 million men have osteoporosis or low bone mass, and men suffer approximately 500,000 osteoporotic fractures each year. Men experience fewer osteoporotic fractures than women but have higher mortality after fracture. Bisphosphonates are potent antiresorptive agents that inhibit osteoclast activity, suppress in vivo markers of bone turnover, increase bone mineral density, decrease fractures, and improve survival in men with osteoporosis. Intravenous zoledronic acid may be a preferable alternative to oral bisphosphonate therapy in patients with cognitive dysfunction, the inability to sit upright, or significant gastrointestinal pathology. Zoledronic acid (Reclast) is approved in the US as an annual 5 mg intravenous infusion to treat osteoporosis in men. The zoledronic acid (Zometa) 4 mg intravenous dose has been studied in the prevention of bone loss associated with androgen deprivation therapy. PMID:19750231

  19. Management of osteoporosis in the aging male: focus on zoledronic acid.

    PubMed

    Piper, Paul K; Gruntmanis, Ugis

    2009-01-01

    Osteoporosis in the aging male remains an important yet under-recognized and undertreated disease. Current US estimates indicate that over 14 million men have osteoporosis or low bone mass, and men suffer approximately 500,000 osteoporotic fractures each year. Men experience fewer osteoporotic fractures than women but have higher mortality after fracture. Bisphosphonates are potent antiresorptive agents that inhibit osteoclast activity, suppress in vivo markers of bone turnover, increase bone mineral density, decrease fractures, and improve survival in men with osteoporosis. Intravenous zoledronic acid may be a preferable alternative to oral bisphosphonate therapy in patients with cognitive dysfunction, the inability to sit upright, or significant gastrointestinal pathology. Zoledronic acid (Reclast) is approved in the US as an annual 5 mg intravenous infusion to treat osteoporosis in men. The zoledronic acid (Zometa) 4 mg intravenous dose has been studied in the prevention of bone loss associated with androgen deprivation therapy.

  20. Intravenous zoledronic acid for the treatment of osteoporosis: The evidence of its therapeutic effect

    PubMed Central

    Lewiecki, E Michael

    2010-01-01

    Introduction: Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mineral density and poor bone quality resulting in reduced bone strength and increased risk of fracture. Oral bisphosphonates, first-line therapy for most patients with osteoporosis, are associated with suboptimal adherence to therapy due to factors that include a complex dosing regimen and gastrointestinal intolerance in some patients. Intravenous bisphosphonates address these limitations through infrequent injectable dosing that assures 100% bioavailability. Intravenous zoledronic acid is the newest bisphosphonate to be approved for the treatment of osteoporosis. Aims: This review assesses the evidence for the therapeutic effects of intravenous zoledronic acid for the treatment of osteoporosis. Evidence review: Zoledronic acid 5 mg administered as an annual 15-min intravenous infusion has been shown to reduce the risk of vertebral fractures, hip fractures, and other fractures in a three-year randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in women and men with a recent surgical repair of low-trauma hip fracture, it reduced the risk of new clinical fractures and improved survival. In both studies, zoledronic acid was associated with a good safety profile and was generally well tolerated. Zoledronic acid has the potential to improve clinical outcomes by reducing the risk of fracture in patients with osteoporosis. Clinical value: Intravenous zoledronic acid 5 mg every 12 months reduces fracture risk in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis and in women and men with recent low-trauma hip fracture. PMID:20694061

  1. Zoledronic Acid Inhibits Aromatase Activity and Phosphorylation: Potential Mechanism for Additive Zoledronic Acid and Letrozole Drug Interaction

    PubMed Central

    Schech, Amanda J.; Nemieboka, Brandon E.; Brodie, Angela H.

    2012-01-01

    Zoledronic acid (ZA), a bisphosphonate originally indicated for use in osteoporosis, has been reported to exert a direct effect on breast cancer cells, although the mechanism of this effect is currently unknown. Data from the ABCSG-12 and ZO-FAST clinical trials suggest that treatment with the combination of ZA and aromatase inhibitors (AI) result in increased disease free survival in breast cancer patients over AI alone. To determine whether the mechanism of this combination involved inhibition of aromatase, AC-1 cells (MCF-7 human breast cancer cells transfected with an aromatase construct) were treated simultaneously with combinations of ZA and AI letrozole for 72 hours. This combination significantly increased inhibition of aromatase activity of AC-1 cells by compared to letrozole alone. Combination treatment of 1nM letrozole and 1μM and 10μM zoledronic acid resulted in an additive drug interaction on inhibiting cell viability, as measured by MTT assay. Treatment with ZA was found to inhibit phosphorylation of aromatase on serine 473. Zoledronic acid was also shown to be more effective in inhibiting cell viability in aromatase transfected AC-1 cells when compared to inhibition of cell viability observed in non-transfected MCF-7. Estradiol was able to partially rescue the effect of 1μM and 10μM ZA on cell viability following treatment for 72 hours, as shown by a shift to the right in the estradiol dose response curve. In conclusion, these results indicate that the combination of ZA and letrozole results in an additive inhibition of cell viability. Furthermore, ZA alone can inhibit aromatase activity through inhibition of serine phosphorylation events important for aromatase enzymatic activity and contributes to inhibition of cell viability. PMID:22659283

  2. Effect of zoledronic acid in an L6-L7 rabbit spine fusion model.

    PubMed

    Bransford, Rick; Goergens, Elisabeth; Briody, Julie; Amanat, Negin; Cree, Andrew; Little, David

    2007-04-01

    Previous studies have shown that zoledronic acid administration can increase mineral content and strength in distraction osteogenesis. Of the few studies that have examined the use of bisphosphonates in spinal arthrodesis, none have assessed the effect of single dose treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of enhancing spinal fusion rate using single dose zoledronic acid (ZA) to increase fusion-mass size and mineral density. Forty-eight New Zealand white rabbits underwent an L6-L7 intertransverse process fusion. The L6-L7 model is more challenging than the more commonly used level of L5-L6. Animals were randomly allocated to one of three groups, one received iliac crest bone graft alone, one group received iliac crest bone graft with locally administered zoledronic acid, 20 microg, and one group received iliac crest bone graft with a single dose of systemically administered zoledronic acid, 0.1 mg/kg. ZA doses were administered at the time of surgery. Twenty-four rabbits were culled at 6 weeks and 24 rabbits were culled at 12 weeks. Success of spinal fusion was determined by manual palpation. Specimens were evaluated radiographically, underwent quantitative computerised tomography analysis and were tested biomechanically in flexion and extension. In the six-week group, only five of the 24 spines fused with no noticeable trend with respect to treatment. In the 12-week group there was a trend toward increased fusion in the systemically administered ZA group (63%) versus the other two groups (25%) but was not statistically significant (p = 0.15). Radiographically, the local ZA treatment group showed a delay in remodelling with the presence of unremodelled bone chips. The 12-week systemic ZA group exhibited an 86% increase in BMC, a 31% increase in vBMD and a 41% increase in the volume of the fusion-mass (p < 0.05). The 12-week local ZA group also showed significant increases in BMC (69%), vBMD (31%) and total fusion-mass volume (29%) (p

  3. Zoledronic Acid Treatment in Primary Bone Marrow Edema Syndrome.

    PubMed

    Flores-Robles, Bryan Josué; Sanz-Sanz, Jesus; Sanabria-Sanchinel, Adel Abel; Huntley-Pascual, Dixie; Andréu Sánchez, José Luis; Campos Esteban, José; Blanco, Ricardo; Merino-Argumanez, Carolina; Espinosa-Malpartida, Maria; Ramos-Giráldez, Maria Consuleo; Godoy-Tundidor, Hildegarde; Jiménez-Palop, Maria Mercedes; Barbadillo Mateos, Carmen; Villa-Alcázar, Luis Fernando; Isasi, Carlos Maria; Mulero, Juan Bartolome

    2017-03-01

    Primary bone marrow edema syndrome (BMES) is characterized by the combination of joint pain and distinctive magnetic resonance imaging changes. It has been suggested that the use of bisphosphonate drugs reduce symptom severity. Our objective was to review cases of patients diagnosed with BMES in the last 7 years who had been treated with zoledronic acid. Access to a pharmaceutical database was gained in order to obtain a list of zoledronic acid prescriptions. Based on clinical and MRI criteria for BMES, patients were selected. Baseline pain intensity was evaluated on a scale of 0 to 3 and was also assessed after 3 and 12 months. Functional recovery was evaluated by noting if a patient had returned to carrying out his or her normal daily activities. Out of 633 patients, 17 cases of BMES were identified (8 men), with a median age of 54 ± 14.1 years. The most frequently affected joint was the ankle (9), followed by the hip. Sixteen patients presented with moderate to severe pain initially. Of those patients, 13 had no pain after 12 months. Zoledronic acid is a option in the management of BMES, since 75% of patients treated with it presented with a complete response.

  4. Efficacy and Safety of Zoledronic Acid for Treatment of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

    PubMed

    Wang, Chao

    We conducted a meta-analysis based on eligible studies to assess the efficacy and safety of zoledronic acid treatment for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were searched for eligible studies that assessed the efficacy of zoledronic acid in the prevention of fractures among postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. The primary outcomes were new vertebral fracture, nonvertebral fracture, and hip fracture. Secondary outcomes were bone mineral density (BMD) and safety outcomes. A fixed-effect or random-effect model was used to pool the estimates according to the heterogeneity among the included studies. Eight randomized controlled trials, involving 13,335 patients, were included in this meta-analysis. Pooled results showed that treatment with zoledronic acid significantly reduced the incidences of nonvertebral fractures, vertebral fractures, and hip fractures, as compared with placebo. Zoledronic acid was also associated with significant improvement in BMD at lumbar spine, total hip, femoral neck, and trochanter. However, the incidence of any adverse events was higher in the zoledronic acid group than that in the control group, and serious adverse events were comparable between the 2 groups. This meta-analysis indicated that zoledronic acid could significantly reduce the fracture risk and increase BMD in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Furthermore, it would not result in serious adverse events. Zoledronic acid could be used as an effective and well-tolerated treatment for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

  5. Modifying the osteoblastic niche with zoledronic acid in vivo—Potential implications for breast cancer bone metastasis

    PubMed Central

    Haider, Marie-Therese; Holen, Ingunn; Dear, T. Neil; Hunter, Keith; Brown, Hannah K.

    2014-01-01

    Introduction Bone metastasis is the most common complication of advanced breast cancer. The associated cancer-induced bone disease is treated with bone-sparing agents like zoledronic acid. Clinical trials have shown that zoledronic acid also reduces breast cancer recurrence in bone; potentially by modifying the bone microenvironment surrounding disseminated tumour cells. We have characterised the early effects of zoledronic acid on key cell types of the metastatic niche in vivo, and investigated how these modify the location of breast tumour cells homing to bone. Methods Female mice were treated with a single, clinically achievable dose of zoledronic acid (100 μg/kg) or PBS. Bone integrity, osteoclast and osteoblast activity and number/mm trabecular bone on 1, 3, 5 and 10 days after treatment were assessed using μCT, ELISA (TRAP, PINP) and bone histomorphometry, respectively. The effect of zoledronic acid on osteoblasts was validated in genetically engineered mice with GFP-positive osteoblastic cells. The effects on growth plate cartilage were visualised by toluidine blue staining. For tumour studies, mice were injected i.c. with DID-labelled MDA-MB-231-NW1-luc2 breast cancer cells 5 days after zoledronic acid treatment, followed by assessment of tumour cell homing to bone and soft tissues by multiphoton microscopy, flow cytometry and ex vivo cultures. Results As early as 3 days after treatment, animals receiving zoledronic acid had significantly increased trabecular bone volume vs. control. This rapid bone effect was reflected in a significant reduction in osteoclast and osteoblast number/mm trabecular bone and reduced bone marker serum levels (day 3–5). These results were confirmed in mice expressing GFP in osteoblastic linage cells. Pre-treatment with zoledronic acid caused accumulation of an extra-cellular matrix in the growth plate associated with a trend towards preferential [1] homing of tumour cells to osteoblast-rich areas of bone, but without

  6. Zoledronic acid and alendronate sodium and the implications in orthodontic movement.

    PubMed

    Franzoni, J S; Soares, F M P; Zaniboni, E; Vedovello Filho, M; Santamaria, M P; Dos Santos, G M T; Esquisatto, M A M; Felonato, M; Mendonca, F A S; Franzini, C M; Santamaria, M

    2017-08-01

    To evaluate orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) in rats treated with two types of bisphosphonates (BPs), alendronate sodium (A) and zoledronic acid (Z). In all, 15 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups. Group OTM+A: orthodontic tooth movement and subcutaneous administration of alendronate sodium (2.5 mg/kg); Group OTM+Z: orthodontic tooth movement and subcutaneous administration of zoledronic acid (0.02 mg/kg), and Group OTM: orthodontic tooth movement and subcutaneous injection of saline. The BPs were administered once a day during 25 days before OTM started and during 10 days of OTM. The left upper first molar was moved with a stainless-steel closed coil spring which delivered an initial force of 0.4N. OTM was measured with a digital caliper comparing the moved and the contralateral side. The histomorphometric analysis counted the number of osteoclasts, inflammatory cells, blood vessels and fibroblasts (n/10 4  m 2 ) in periodontal ligament (PDL) of the distobuccal root. A reduction of 58.3% of OTM was found in Group OTM+A and 99.6% in Group OTM+Z, when compared with Group OTM. There was a significant decrease of osteoclasts and inflammatory cells in BP-treated groups. Blood vessels and fibroblastic cells decreased mainly in Group OTM+Z. Alendronate sodium and zoledronic acid have similar effects on the periodontal tissue during orthodontic treatment in rats. Especially, zoledronic acid can affect orthodontic tooth movement. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  7. EFFECTS OF ZOLEDRONIC ACID ON OOFORECTOMIZED RATS' TIBIAE: A PROSPECTIVE AND RANDOMIZED STUDY

    PubMed Central

    Alves Pereira, Fernando Roberto; Dutra, Ricardo César; Reis Olímpio, Thiago César; Müller, Sérgio Swain; Palacio, Evandro Pereira

    2015-01-01

    To investigate clinical, biomechanic and histomorphometric effects of zoledronic acid on osteoporotic rats’ tibiae after bilateral ooforectomy. Methods: 40 female Wistar (Rattus novergicus albinus) rats were prospectively studied. On the 60th day of life, the animals were randomized into two groups according to the surgical procedure: bilateral ooforectomy (O) (n=20) and sham surgery (“sham”) (P) (n=20). After 30 days, the animals were divided into four groups, according to the administration of zoledronic acid (ZA) 0.1mg/kg or distilled water (DW): OZA (n=10), ODW (n=10), PZA (n=10) and PDW (n=10). After 12 months, the animals were sacrificed, and had their tibiae assessed. In the clinical study, animals’ weight was considered; in the biomechanical study, compressive assays were applied and, in the histomorphometric analysis, the bone trabecular area was determined. Results: “O” groups showed a significantly greater weight gain than “P” groups (p=0.005). Groups OZA and PZA showed an insignificant weight gain when compared to ODW (p=0.47) and PDW (p=0.68). The groups receiving zoledronic acid and distilled water were able to bear maximum load, similar (p=0.2), at the moment of fracture. In the groups receiving zoledronic acid, an insignificant increase of the bone trabecular area was found when compared to the groups receiving distilled water (p=0.21). There was a positive correlation between trabecular area and maximum load (p=0.04; r=0.95). Conclusion: Zoledronic acid did not significantly influence animals’ weight. The results showed an insignificant increase both of the tibial shaft bone resistance and the bone trabecular area. PMID:26998455

  8. Effect of zoledronic acid on bone density and markers of bone turnover in a community clinic.

    PubMed

    Lim, Ria; Zailskas, Susan; Goldsby, Tashauna U; Lukens, Carrie; Muravev, Rostislav; Dulipsingh, Latha

    2013-01-01

    This study aims to document the efficacy of zoledronic acid by comparing bone densities and markers of bone turnover, in patients with osteoporosis. Bone mineral density (BMD) and urinary N-telopeptide, a marker of bone turnover, were compared before and after treatment with intravenous zoledronic acid. 52 participants had atleast two doses of zoledronic acid over 36 months. Significant increases in BMD were found in the spine (t=4.38, P<0.01) and decrease in bone turnover marker N-telopeptide (t=3.30, P=0.002). Small but significant correlations were determined between prior steroid use and change in BMD in the spine (r=0.35, P<0.05), and family history of osteoporosis and change in BMD in the right femur (r=0.38, P<0.05). Annual infusions of zoledronic acid for at least two years, revealed a significant increase in bone density at the spine and a decrease in urinary N-telopeptide in patients treated at our center.

  9. Adjuvant Therapy With Zoledronic Acid in Patients With Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

    PubMed Central

    Polyzos, Nikolaos P.; Coleman, Robert E.; Gnant, Michael; Eidtmann, Holger; Brufsky, Adam M.; Aft, Rebecca; Tevaarwerk, Amye J.; Swenson, Karen; Lind, Pehr; Mauri, Davide

    2013-01-01

    Background. The purpose of the study was to estimate the impact on survival and fracture rates of the use of zoledronic acid versus no use (or delayed use) in the adjuvant treatment of patients with early-stage (stages I–III) breast cancer. Materials and Methods. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Trials were located through PubMed, ISI, Cochrane Library, and major cancer scientific meeting searches. All trials that randomized patients with primary breast cancer to undergo adjuvant treatment with zoledronic acid versus nonuse, placebo, or delayed use of zoledronic acid as treatment to individuals who develop osteoporosis were considered eligible. Standard meta-analytic procedures were used to analyze the study outcomes. Results. Fifteen studies were considered eligible and were further analyzed. The use of zoledronic acid resulted in a statistically significant better overall survival outcome (five studies, 6,414 patients; hazard ratio [HR], 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.70–0.94). No significant differences were found for the disease-free survival outcome (seven studies, 7,541 patients; HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.70–1.06) or incidence of bone metastases (seven studies, 7,543 patients; odds ratio [OR], 0.94; 95% CI, 0.64–1.37). Treatment with zoledronic acid led to a significantly lower overall fracture rate (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.63–0.96). Finally, the rate of osteonecrosis of the jaw was 0.52%. Conclusion. Zoledronic acid as adjuvant therapy in breast cancer patients appears to not only reduce the fracture risk but also offer a survival benefit over placebo or no treatment. PMID:23404816

  10. A Phase I Study of Zoledronic Acid and Low Dose Cyclophosphamide in Recurrent/Refractory Neuroblastoma: A New Approaches to Neuroblastoma Therapy (NANT) Study

    PubMed Central

    Russell, Heidi V.; Groshen, Susan G.; Ara, Tasnim; DeClerck, Yves A.; Hawkins, Randy; Jackson, Hollie A.; Daldrup-Link, Heike E.; Marachelian, Araz; Skerjanec, Andrej; Park, Julie R.; Katzenstein, Howard; Matthay, Katherine K.; Blaney, Susan M.; Villablanca, Judith G.

    2010-01-01

    Background Zoledronic acid, a bisphosphonate, delays progression of bone metastases in adult malignancies. Bone is a common metastatic site of advanced neuroblastoma. We previously reported efficacy of zoledronic acid in a murine model of neuroblastoma bone invasion prompting this Phase I trial of zoledronic acid with cyclophosphamide in children with neuroblastoma and bone metastases. The primary objective was to determine recommended dosing of zoledronic acid for future trials. Procedure Escalating doses of intravenous zoledronic acid were given every 28 days with oral metronomic cyclophosphamide (25 mg/m2/day). Toxicity, response, zoledronic acid pharmacokinetics, bone turnover markers, serum IL-6, and sIL-6R were evaluated. Results Twenty-one patients, median age 7.5 (range 0.8 - 25.6) years were treated with 2 mg/m2 (n=4), 3 mg/m2 (n=3), or 4 mg/m2 (n=14) zoledronic acid. Fourteen patients were evaluable for dose escalation. A median of one (range 1-18) courses was given. Two dose limiting toxicities (Grade 3 hypophosphatemia) occurred at 4 mg/m2 zoledronic acid. Other Grade 3-4 toxicities included hypocalcemia (n=2), elevated transaminases (n=1), neutropenia (n=2), anemia (n=1), lymphopenia (n=1), and hypokalemia (n=1). Osteosclerosis contributed to fractures in one patient after 18 courses. Responses in evaluable patients included 1 partial response, 9 stable disease (median 4.5 courses, range 3-18), and 10 progressions. Zoledronic acid pharmacokinetics were similar to adults. Markers of osteoclast activity and serum IL-6 levels decreased with therapy. Conclusions Zoledronic acid with metronomic cyclophosphamide is well tolerated with clinical and biologic responses in recurrent/refractory neuroblastoma. The recommended dose of zoledronic acid is 4 mg/m2 every 28 days. PMID:21671363

  11. Cost-minimization study comparing annual infusion of zoledronic acid or weekly oral alendronate in women with low bone mineral density.

    PubMed

    Chávez-Valencia, Venice; Arce-Salinas, César Alejandro; Espinosa-Ortega, Fabricio

    2014-01-01

    Cost-minimization study to assess the annual direct costs of 2 antiresorptive strategies in postmenopausal women with low bone mineral densities (BMDs). Patients were randomly assigned to receive 70 mg of oral weekly alendronate or a 1-time 5mg of intravenous zoledronic acid. All medical and nonmedical direct costs were recorded for 1 yr. Student's t-test or the Chi-squared test was used. A total of 101 postmenopausal women were enrolled with a mean age of 58.3 ± 7.6 yr and a postmenopausal period of 13.5 ± 8.3 yr. A total of 50 patients completed 1 yr of alendronate and 51 patients received zoledronic acid. At baseline, no differences were seen between the 2 groups in anthropometric measures, comorbidities, and bone mineral density. The costs for medical attention for low bone mass were $81,532 (US Dollars) for the alendronate group and $69,251 for the zoledronic acid group; the cost per patient was $1631 in the alendronate group vs $1358 in the zoledronic acid group (p<0.0001). Therefore, zoledronic acid treatment provided an annual savings of 15% of the direct costs compared with oral alendronate treatment. Moreover, there was a significant increase in lumbar spine T-scores in the zoledronic acid group when compared with the alendronate group. Annual zoledronic acid infusion as an antiresorptive treatment in women with low BMD provides significant monetary savings when compared with weekly alendronate therapy for 1 yr. Zoledronic acid infusion is also linked to higher increase in BMD and compliance. Copyright © 2014 The International Society for Clinical Densitometry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws from once per year intravenous zoledronic acid (Reclast): report of 4 cases.

    PubMed

    Lee, Cameron Y S; Suzuki, Jon B

    2015-04-01

    Osteonecrosis of the jaws is a commonly reported side effect with patients prescribed oral antiresorptive medications to treat osteoporosis and osteopenia. Oral antiresorptive agents are considered as the standard of care for the prevention and treatment of women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Because of patient's noncompliance of the antiresorptive medications, which may require once-weekly or once-monthly oral ingestion, a new once a year intravenous (IV) infusion of zoledronic acid was recently introduced in the management of osteoporosis. Reports of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) have been reported in patients with cancer treated with multiple doses of IV zoledronic acid. However, there is a paucity of reports occurring with the once-yearly infusion of zoledronic acid (Reclast) for the management of osteoporosis. In this article, we report 4 cases of patients who had a history of long-term oral antiresorptive therapy and now were taking the once-yearly IV zoledronic acid (Reclast) and soon developed MRONJ after completing surgery of the maxilla and mandible.

  13. Effect of zoledronic acid used in the root surface treatment of late replanted teeth: a study in rats.

    PubMed

    Mori, Graziela Garrido; Janjacomo, Daniela Maria de Mendonça; Nunes, Daniele Clapes; Castilho, Lithiene Ribeiro

    2010-01-01

    This study evaluated the use of zoledronic acid, a resorption inhibitor, as a medication for root resorption treatment of late replanted teeth. Twenty-four maxillary right central incisors of rats were avulsed and kept dry for 30 min. Then, the teeth were divided into 2 groups. In group I, root surface was treated with 2% sodium fluoride for 20 min; in group II, 10-6M zoledronic acid solution was used for 20 min. All root canals were filled with calcium hydroxide. Next, teeth were replanted in their respective sockets. After 15 and 60 days post-replantation, the animals were killed and the anatomic pieces were obtained and prepared for microscopic and morphometric analyses. The results showed that zoledronic acid was capable of limiting the occurrence of root resorption and preserving cementum resorption. Further research must be performed to confirm the use of zoledronic acid in root surface treatment of late replanted teeth.

  14. Once-Yearly Zoledronic Acid and Days of Disability, Bed Rest, and Back Pain: Randomized, Controlled HORIZON Pivotal Fracture Trial

    PubMed Central

    Cauley, Jane A.; Black, Dennis; Boonen, Steven; Cummings, Steven R.; Mesenbrink, Peter; Palermo, Lisa; Man, Zulema; Hadji, Peyman; Reid, Ian R.

    2016-01-01

    The objective of this study was to determine the effect of once-yearly zoledronic acid on the number of days of back pain and the number of days of disability (ie, limited activity and bed rest) owing to back pain or fracture in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. This was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 240 clinical centers in 27 countries. Participants included 7736 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Patients were randomized to receive either a single 15-minute intravenous infusion of zoledronic acid (5 mg) or placebo at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months. The main outcome measures were self-reported number of days with back pain and the number of days of limited activity and bed rest owing to back pain or a fracture, and this was assessed every 3 months over a 3-year period. Our results show that although the incidence of back pain was high in both randomized groups, women randomized to zoledronic acid experienced, on average, 18 fewer days of back pain compared with placebo over the course of the trial (p = .0092). The back pain among women randomized to zoledronic acid versus placebo resulted in 11 fewer days of limited activity (p = .0017). In Cox proportional-hazards models, women randomized to zoledronic acid were about 6% less likely to experience 7 or more days of back pain [relative risk (RR) = 0.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.90–0.99] or limited activity owing to back pain (RR = 0.94, 95% CI 0.87–1.00). Women randomized to zoledronic acid were significantly less likely to experience 7 or more bed-rest days owing to a fracture (RR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.47–0.72) and 7 or more limited-activity days owing to a fracture (RR = 0.67, 95% CI 0.58–0.78). Reductions in back pain with zoledronic acid were independent of incident fracture. Our conclusion is that in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis, a once-yearly infusion with zoledronic acid over a 3-year period significantly reduced the number of days that

  15. Chondroprotective effects of zoledronic acid on articular cartilage in dogs with experimentally induced osteoarthritis.

    PubMed

    Dearmin, Michael G; Trumble, Troy N; García, Anapatricia; Chambers, Jon N; Budsberg, Steven C

    2014-04-01

    To assess effects of zoledronic acid on biomarkers, radiographic scores, and gross articular cartilage changes in dogs with induced osteoarthritis. 21 purpose-bred hound-type dogs. The left stifle joint of each dog was examined arthroscopically to determine initial articular cartilage status, which was followed by cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) transection to induce osteoarthritis. Dogs were assigned to 3 groups (control group, low dose [10 μg of zoledronic acid/kg], or high dose [25 μg of zoledronic acid/kg). Treatments were administered SC every 3 months for 1 year beginning the day after CrCL transection. Serum and synovial fluid samples and radiographs were obtained 0, 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after transection. At 12 months, each joint was scored for cartilage defects. Serum and synovial fluid biomarkers of bone and cartilage turnover (bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, type I and II collagen, carboxy-propeptide of type II collagen, and chondroitin sulfate 846) were analyzed with ELISAs. The high-dose group had fewer total articular defects and lower severity scores in CrCL-transected stifle joints than did the control group. In addition, the high-dose group had significantly less change in collagenase cleavage of type I or II collagen in the synovial fluid at 1 and 3 months after CrCL transection than did the control group and also had greater changes in bone-specific alkaline phosphatase in synovial fluid at 3 months after CrCL transection than did the control group. Zoledronic acid had a chondroprotective effect in dogs with a transected CrCL.

  16. Analgesic efficacy of zoledronic acid and its effect on functional status of prostate cancer patients with metastasis

    PubMed Central

    Gálvez, Rafael; Ribera, Victoria; González-Escalada, José Ramón; Souto, Alicia; Cánovas, María Luz; Castro, Andrés; Herrero, Begoña; de los Ángeles Maqueda, María; Castilforte, Matilde; Marco-Martínez, José Javier; Pérez, Concepción; Vicente-Fatela, Lorenza; MD, Consuelo Nieto; Orduña, Maria José; Padrol, Anna; Reig, Enrique; Carballido, Joaquín; Cózar, José Manuel

    2008-01-01

    Objectives A multi-centered observational study evaluated the efficacy of zoledronic acid for improving pain and mobility, and preventing skeletal-related events (SRE) (fracture, spinal compression, pain-relieving radiotherapy), in patients with prostate cancer and bone metastasis. Materials and Methods Males (n = 218) with prostate cancer and bone metastasis undergoing oncologic therapy received zoledronic acid (4 mg iv/month) for 6 months. Parameters evaluated were: 1) pain and movement after 2 consecutive doses; 2) quality of life; 3) SRE incidence and time-to-appearance. Medication tolerance and treatment satisfaction were assessed using a questionnaire. Results A total of 170 that matched all the inclusion criteria (78%) out of 218 were evaluable for efficacy. There was a measurable statistically significant reduction in pain at rest and on movement as well as an improvement in the quality of life compared with baseline. Best results were obtained with early treatment. Overall incidence of bone events was 11.2%. Of the 212 patients (97.2%) evaluable for safety, 16% suffered adverse events and 66% expressed satisfaction with the treatment Discussion Zoledronic acid is effective for reducing pain, improving mobility, and increasing the quality of life in patients with prostate cancer with bone metastasis. Its easy administration and good tolerability make zoledronic acid one of the principal therapeutic tools in the management of patients with pain associated with bone metastasis from prostate cancer. PMID:19920966

  17. Cost-effectiveness of denosumab versus zoledronic acid for preventing skeletal-related events in the Czech Republic.

    PubMed

    Cristino, Joaquim; Finek, Jíndřich; Jandova, Petra; Kolek, Martin; Pásztor, Bálint; Giannopoulou, Christina; Qian, Yi; Brezina, Tomas; Lothgren, Mickael

    2017-08-01

    This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of the subcutaneous RANKL inhibitor, denosumab, vs the intravenous bisphosphonate, zoledronic acid, for the prevention of skeletal-related events (SREs) in patients with prostate cancer, breast cancer, and other solid tumors (OST) in the Czech Republic. A lifetime Markov model was developed to compare the effects of denosumab and zoledronic acid on costs (including drug costs and administration, patient management, SREs, and adverse events), quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios from a national payer perspective. Different discount rates, time horizons, SRE rates, distributions, and nature (asymptomatic vs all SREs), and the inclusion of treatment discontinuation were considered in scenario analyses. The robustness of the model was tested using deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Across tumor types, denosumab was associated with fewer SREs, improved QALYs, and higher total costs over a lifetime. The incremental cost per QALY gained for denosumab vs zoledronic acid was 382,673 CZK for prostate cancer, 408,450 CZK for breast cancer, and 608,133 CZK for OST. Incremental costs per SRE avoided for the same tumor type were 54,007 CZK, 51,765 CZK, and 94,426 CZK, respectively. In scenario analyses, the results remained similar to baseline, when different discount rates and time horizons were considered. At a non-official willingness-to-pay threshold of 1.2 million CZK, the probabilities of denosumab being cost-effective vs zoledronic acid were 0.64, 0.67, and 0.49 for prostate cancer, breast cancer, and OST, respectively. The SRE rates used were obtained from clinical trials; studies suggest rates may be higher in clinical practice. Additional evidence on real-world SRE rates could further improve the accuracy of the modeling. Compared with zoledronic acid, denosumab provides a cost-effective treatment option for the prevention of SREs in patients with prostate cancer

  18. [Evidences of safety and tolerability of the zoledronic acid 5 mg yearly in the post-menopausal osteoporosis: the HORIZON project].

    PubMed

    Dalle Carbonare, L; Bertoldo, F; Lo Cascio, V

    2009-01-01

    Bisphosphonates are the most commonly prescribed medications for the treatment of osteoporosis. Despite evidence supporting the anti-fracture efficacy of aminobisphosphonates approximately 50% of patients do not follow their prescribed treatment regimen and/or discontinue treatment within the first year. Poor compliance is associated with negative outcomes, including increased fracture risk. Tolerability and safety are among the causes of poor compliance. Intravenous bisphosphonates avoids the gastrointestial intolerance and the complex dosing instruction of the oral route ensuring full compliance which may provide improved efficacy. However, there are some concerns regarding potent intravenous bisphosphonates as zoledronic acid with respect to tolerability, mainly the acute phase response and to safety, mainly a theoretical risk of over suppression of bone turnover, renal toxicity and osteonecrosis of the jaw. In the HORIZON study, 152 patients on active treatment (82) or placebo (70) underwent to a bone biopsy after double tetracycline labeling. Bone biopsies (iliac crest) were obtained at the final visit at month 36, 1 year after the last infusion. The biopsies were analyzed by histomorphometry on bone sections and by micro-CT (microCT) analysis. One hundred forthy-three biopsies (76 zoledronic acid, 67 placebo) had at least one microCT parameter measured and 111 were available for quantitative histomorphometry (59 zoledronic acid, 52 placebo). Micro-CT analysis of bone structure revealed higher trabecular bone volume (BV/TV), decreased trabecular separation (Tb.Sp), and a strong trend towards improvement in connectivity density in biopsies obtained from patients treated with zoledronic acid, indicating preservation of trabecular bone structure with respect to placebo. Histomorphometric analysis obtained from patients treated with zoledronic acid exhibited reduction of bone turnover, as suggested by decreased activation frequency (Ac.F) by 63%, mineralizing

  19. Denosumab versus zoledronic acid for treatment of bone metastases in men with castration-resistant prostate cancer: a randomised, double-blind study

    PubMed Central

    Fizazi, Karim; Carducci, Michael; Smith, Matthew; Damião, Ronaldo; Brown, Janet; Karsh, Lawrence; Milecki, Piotr; Shore, Neal; Rader, Michael; Wang, Huei; Jiang, Qi; Tadros, Sylvia; Dansey, Roger; Goessl, Carsten

    2011-01-01

    Summary Background Bone metastases are a major burden in men with advanced prostate cancer. We compared denosumab, a human monoclonal antibody against RANKL, with zoledronic acid for prevention of skeletal-related events in men with bone metastases from castration-resistant prostate cancer. Methods In this phase 3 study, men with castration-resistant prostate cancer and no previous exposure to intravenous bisphosphonate were enrolled from 342 centres in 39 countries. An interactive voice response system was used to assign patients (1:1 ratio), according to a computer-generated randomisation sequence, to receive 120 mg subcutaneous denosumab plus intravenous placebo, or 4 mg intravenous zoledronic acid plus subcutaneous placebo, every 4 weeks until the primary analysis cutoff date. Randomisation was stratified by previous skeletal-related event, prostate-specific antigen concentration, and chemotherapy for prostate cancer within 6 weeks before randomisation. Supplemental calcium and vitamin D were strongly recommended. Patients, study staff, and investigators were masked to treatment assignment. The primary endpoint was time to first on-study skeletal-related event (pathological fracture, radiation therapy, surgery to bone, or spinal cord compression), and was assessed for non-inferiority. The same outcome was further assessed for superiority as a secondary endpoint. Efficacy analysis was by intention to treat. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00321620, and has been completed. Findings 1904 patients were randomised, of whom 950 assigned to denosumab and 951 assigned to receive zoledronic acid were eligible for the efficacy analysis. Median duration on study at primary analysis cutoff date was 12·2 months (IQR 5·9–18·5) for patients on denosumab and 11·2 months (IQR 5·6–17·4) for those on zoledronic acid. Median time to first on-study skeletal-related event was 20·7 months (95% CI 18·8–24·9) with denosumab compared with 17·1

  20. Economic evaluation of denosumab compared with zoledronic acid in hormone-refractory prostate cancer patients with bone metastases.

    PubMed

    Xie, Jipan; Namjoshi, Madhav; Wu, Eric Q; Parikh, Kejal; Diener, Melissa; Yu, Andrew P; Guo, Amy; Culver, Kenneth W

    2011-10-01

    Bone metastases are common in patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer. In a study of autopsies of patients with prostate cancer, 65%-75% had bone metastases. Bone metastases place a substantial economic burden on payers with estimated total annual costs of $1.9 billion in the United States. Skeletal-related events (SREs), including pathologic fractures, spinal cord compression, surgery to bone, and radiation to bone, affect approximately 50% of patients with bone metastases. They are associated with a decreased quality of life and increased health care costs. Zoledronic acid is an effective treatment in preventing SREs in solid tumors and multiple myeloma. Recently, denosumab was FDA-approved for prevention of SREs in patients with bone metastases from solid tumors. A Phase 3 clinical trial (NCT00321620) demonstrated that denosumab had superior efficacy in delaying first and subsequent SREs compared with zoledronic acid. However, the economic value of denosumab has not been assessed in patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer. To compare the cost-effectiveness of denosumab with zoledronic acid in the treatment of bone metastases in men with hormone-refractory prostate cancer. An Excel-based Markov model was developed to assess costs and effectiveness associated with the 2 treatments over a 1- and 3-year time horizon. Because the evaluation was conducted from the perspective of a U.S. third-party payer, only direct costs were included. Consistent with the primary outcome in the Phase 3 trial, effectiveness was assessed based on the number of SREs. The model consisted of 9 health states defined by SRE occurrence, SRE history, disease progression, and death. A hypothetical cohort of patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer received either denosumab 120 mg or zoledronic acid 4 mg at the model entry and transitioned among the 9 health states at the beginning of each 13-week cycle. Transition probabilities associated with experiencing the first

  1. Addition of docetaxel and/or zoledronic acid to standard of care for hormone-naive prostate cancer: a cost-effectiveness analysis.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Pengfei; Wen, Feng; Fu, Ping; Yang, Yu; Li, Qiu

    2017-07-31

    The effectiveness of the addition of docetaxel and/or zoledronic acid to the standard of care (SOC) for hormone-naive prostate cancer has been evaluated in the STAMPEDE trial. The object of the present analysis was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of these treatment options in the treatment of advanced hormone-naive prostate cancer in China. A cost-effectiveness analysis using a Markov model was carried out from the Chinese societal perspective. The efficacy data were obtained from the STAMPEDE trial and health utilities were derived from previous studies. Transition probabilities were calculated based on the survival in each group. The primary endpoint in the analysis was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), and model uncertainties were explored by 1-way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis. SOC alone generated an effectiveness of 2.65 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) at a lifetime cost of $20,969.23. At a cost of $25,001.34, SOC plus zoledronic acid was associated with 2.69 QALYs, resulting in an ICER of $100,802.75/QALY compared with SOC alone. SOC plus docetaxel gained an effectiveness of 2.85 QALYs at a cost of $28,764.66, while the effectiveness and cost data in the SOC plus zoledronic acid/docetaxel group were 2.78 QALYs and $32,640.95. Based on the results of the analysis, SOC plus zoledronic acid, SOC plus docetaxel, and SOC plus zoledronic acid/docetaxel are unlikely to be cost-effective options in patients with advanced hormone-naive prostate cancer compared with SOC alone.

  2. Bone effect of adjuvant tamoxifen, letrozole or letrozole plus zoledronic acid in early-stage breast cancer: the randomized phase 3 HOBOE study.

    PubMed

    Nuzzo, F; Gallo, C; Lastoria, S; Di Maio, M; Piccirillo, M C; Gravina, A; Landi, G; Rossi, E; Pacilio, C; Labonia, V; Di Rella, F; Bartiromo, A; Buonfanti, G; De Feo, G; Esposito, G; D'Aniello, R; Maiolino, P; Signoriello, S; De Maio, E; Tinessa, V; Colantuoni, G; De Laurentiis, M; D'Aiuto, M; Di Bonito, M; Botti, G; Giordano, P; Daniele, G; Morabito, A; Normanno, N; de Matteis, A; Perrone, F

    2012-08-01

    To measure bone mineral density (BMD) reduction produced by letrozole as compared with tamoxifen and the benefit of the addition of zoledronic acid. A phase 3 trial comparing tamoxifen, letrozole or letrozole+zoledronic acid in patients with hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer was conducted; triptorelin was given to premenopausal patients. Two comparisons were planned: letrozole versus tamoxifen and letrozole+zoledronic acid versus letrozole. Primary end point was the difference in 1-year change of T-score at lumbar spine (LTS) measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry scan. Out of 483 patients enrolled, 459 were available for primary analyses. Median age was 50 (range 28-80). The estimated mean difference (95% confidence interval [CI]) in 1-year change of LTS was equal to -0.30 (95% CI -0.44 to -0.17) in the letrozole versus tamoxifen comparison (P<0.0001) and to +0.60 (95% CI +0.46 to +0.77) in the letrozole+zoledronic acid versus letrozole comparison (P<0.0001). Bone damage by letrozole decreased with increasing baseline body mass index in premenopausal, but not postmenopausal, patients (interaction test P=0.004 and 0.47, respectively). In the HOBOE (HOrmonal BOne Effects) trial, the positive effect of zoledronic acid on BMD largely counteracts damage produced by letrozole as compared with tamoxifen. Letrozole effect is lower among overweight/obese premenopausal patients.

  3. Effect of Longer-Interval vs Standard Dosing of Zoledronic Acid on Skeletal Events in Patients With Bone Metastases

    PubMed Central

    Himelstein, Andrew L.; Foster, Jared C.; Khatcheressian, James L.; Roberts, John D.; Seisler, Drew K.; Novotny, Paul J.; Qin, Rui; Go, Ronald S.; Grubbs, Stephen S.; O’Connor, Tracey; Velasco, Mario R.; Weckstein, Douglas; O’Mara, Ann; Loprinzi, Charles L.; Shapiro, Charles L.

    2017-01-01

    IMPORTANCE Zoledronic acid, a third-generation aminobisphosphonate, reduces the incidence of skeletal-related events and pain in patients with bone metastases. The optimal dosing interval for zoledronic acid is uncertain. OBJECTIVE To determine whether zoledronic acid administered every 12 weeks is noninferior to zoledronic acid administered every 4 weeks. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS Randomized, open-label clinical trial conducted at 269 academic and community sites in the United States. Patients (n = 1822) with metastatic breast cancer, metastatic prostate cancer, or multiple myeloma who had at least 1 site of bone involvement were enrolled between May 2009 and April 2012; follow-up concluded in April 2014. INTERVENTIONS; Patients were randomized to receive zoledronic acid administered intravenously every 4 weeks (n = 911) vs every 12 weeks (n = 911) for 2 years. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES; The primary end point was the proportion of patients having at least 1 skeletal-related event (defined as clinical fracture, spinal cord compression, radiation to bone, or surgery involving bone) within 2 years after randomization and a between-group absolute difference of 7%as the noninferiority margin. Secondary end points included the proportion of patients with at least 1 skeletal-related event by disease type, pain as assessed by the Brief Pain Inventory (range, 0–10; higher scores indicate worse pain), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (range, 0–4; higher scores indicate worse disability), incidence of osteonecrosis of the jaw, kidney dysfunction, skeletal morbidity rate (mean number of skeletal-related events per year), and, in a subset of 553 patients, suppression of bone turnover (assessed by C-terminal telopeptide levels). RESULTS Among 1822 patients who were randomized (median age, 65 years; 980 [53.8%] women; 855 with breast cancer, 689 with prostate cancer, and 278 with multiplemyeloma), 795 completed the study at 2 years. A total of 260

  4. Zoledronic acid in pediatric metabolic bone disorders.

    PubMed

    Bowden, Sasigarn A; Mahan, John D

    2017-10-01

    Zoledronic acid (ZA), a highly potent intravenous bisphosphonate (BP), has been increasingly used in children with primary and secondary osteoporosis due to its convenience of shorter infusion time and less frequent dosing compared to pamidronate. Many studies have also demonstrated beneficial effects of ZA in other conditions such as hypercalcemia of malignancy, fibrous dysplasia (FD), chemotherapy-related osteonecrosis (ON) and metastatic bone disease. This review summarizes pharmacologic properties, mechanism of action, dosing regimen, and therapeutic outcomes of ZA in a variety of metabolic bone disorders in children. Several potential novel uses of ZA are also discussed. Safety concerns and adverse effects are also highlighted.

  5. Zoledronic acid in pediatric metabolic bone disorders

    PubMed Central

    Mahan, John D.

    2017-01-01

    Zoledronic acid (ZA), a highly potent intravenous bisphosphonate (BP), has been increasingly used in children with primary and secondary osteoporosis due to its convenience of shorter infusion time and less frequent dosing compared to pamidronate. Many studies have also demonstrated beneficial effects of ZA in other conditions such as hypercalcemia of malignancy, fibrous dysplasia (FD), chemotherapy-related osteonecrosis (ON) and metastatic bone disease. This review summarizes pharmacologic properties, mechanism of action, dosing regimen, and therapeutic outcomes of ZA in a variety of metabolic bone disorders in children. Several potential novel uses of ZA are also discussed. Safety concerns and adverse effects are also highlighted. PMID:29184807

  6. High incidence of hypocalcemia and serum creatinine increase in patients with bone metastases treated with zoledronic acid.

    PubMed

    Zuradelli, Monica; Masci, Giovanna; Biancofiore, Giuseppe; Gullo, Giuseppe; Scorsetti, Marta; Navarria, Pierina; Tancioni, Flavio; Berlusconi, Marco; Giordano, Laura; Santoro, Armando

    2009-05-01

    Zoledronic acid belongs to the new generation of bisphosphonates with demonstrated clinical benefit for the treatment of bone metastases from different kinds of neoplasms. Hypocalcemia and serum creatinine elevation are expected adverse events during this therapy. The monitoring of serum calcium and creatinine is therefore recommended. The primary aim of this study was to establish the actual incidence of hypocalcemia and serum creatinine elevation during treatment with zoledronic acid. Skeletal-related events and side effects were also assessed. Serum creatinine and calcium levels were evaluated in 240 consecutive patients (83 males, 157 females; mean age, 62 years) with metastatic bone lesions from different solid tumors treated with zoledronic acid. Overall, 93 of 240 patients (38.8%) developed hypocalcemia, which was grade (G)1 in 45 patients (48.4%), G2 in 37 patients (39.8%), G3 in 10 patients (10.8%), and G4 in one patient (1.1%). The median time to occurrence of hypocalcemia (any grade) was 2.3 months after the beginning of the treatment (range, 0-34.9 months). Increased serum creatinine was observed in 33 of 240 patients (13.7%), of whom 19 had G1 (57.6%), 11 had G2 (33.3%), and three had G3 (9.1%). The median time to serum creatinine increase (for any grade) was 4.7 months (range, 0-29.2 months). Our analysis shows a high incidence of hypocalcemia and increased serum creatinine level during treatment with zoledronic acid. These results strongly support the need for accurate monitoring of plasma calcium and creatinine levels.

  7. FES-Rowing versus Zoledronic Acid to Improve Bone Health in SCI

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-10-01

    although the risk is high in this population of osteoporosis -related bone fracture. This study aims to learn if the severe osteoporosis in lower... Osteoporosis , FES-rowing, zoledronic acid, exercise, bone health 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT 18. NUMBER OF PAGES 19a...9 Introduction Serious spinal cord injury (SCI) causes osteoporosis in the lower extremities, significantly increasing

  8. Local effect of zoledronic acid on new bone formation in posterolateral spinal fusion with demineralized bone matrix in a murine model.

    PubMed

    Zwolak, Pawel; Farei-Campagna, Jan; Jentzsch, Thorsten; von Rechenberg, Brigitte; Werner, Clément M

    2018-01-01

    Posterolateral spinal fusion is a common orthopaedic surgery performed to treat degenerative and traumatic deformities of the spinal column. In posteriolateral spinal fusion, different osteoinductive demineralized bone matrix products have been previously investigated. We evaluated the effect of locally applied zoledronic acid in combination with commercially available demineralized bone matrix putty on new bone formation in posterolateral spinal fusion in a murine in vivo model. A posterolateral sacral spine fusion in murine model was used to evaluate the new bone formation. We used the sacral spine fusion model to model the clinical situation in which a bone graft or demineralized bone matrix is applied after dorsal instrumentation of the spine. In our study, group 1 received decortications only (n = 10), group 2 received decortication, and absorbable collagen sponge carrier, group 3 received decortication and absorbable collagen sponge carrier with zoledronic acid in dose 10 µg, group 4 received demineralized bone matrix putty (DBM putty) plus decortication (n = 10), and group 5 received DBM putty, decortication and locally applied zoledronic acid in dose 10 µg. Imaging was performed using MicroCT for new bone formation assessment. Also, murine spines were harvested for histopathological analysis 10 weeks after surgery. The surgery performed through midline posterior approach was reproducible. In group with decortication alone there was no new bone formation. Application of demineralized bone matrix putty alone produced new bone formation which bridged the S1-S4 laminae. Local application of zoledronic acid to demineralized bone matrix putty resulted in significant increase of new bone formation as compared to demineralized bone matrix putty group alone. A single local application of zoledronic acid with DBM putty during posterolateral fusion in sacral murine spine model increased significantly new bone formation in situ in our model. Therefore, our

  9. The cost effectiveness of zoledronic acid 5 mg for the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis in women with prior fractures: evidence from Finland, Norway and the Netherlands.

    PubMed

    Akehurst, R; Brereton, N; Ariely, R; Lusa, T; Groot, M; Foss, P; Boonen, S

    2011-01-01

    This study was conducted to assess the cost effectiveness of zoledronic acid 5 mg as a first-line treatment for the secondary prevention of fragility fractures in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis in Finland, Norway and the Netherlands. A discrete-event, individual-patient computer-simulation model was used to compare the cost effectiveness of zoledronic acid with that of basic treatment (calcium and vitamin D) and commonly prescribed bisphosphonates in postmenopausal women aged 50-80 years who have experienced one previous fracture and have a bone mineral density T-score of -2.5. The cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained with zoledronic acid compared with basic treatment ranged from being cost saving in all age groups in Norway, to costing approximately €19,000 in Finland and €22,300 in the Netherlands. Compared with the other branded bisphosphonates, zoledronic acid was cost saving in many scenarios, including all age groups in Finland. In Norway, zoledronic acid dominated branded risedronate and ibandronate in all age groups and dominated or had incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) of up to NOK83,954 per QALY gained compared with branded alendronate. In the Netherlands, zoledronic acid dominated branded intravenous ibandronate in all age groups; compared with branded risedronate and oral ibandronate, zoledronic acid dominated or had ICERs of up to €4832 per QALY gained; compared with branded alendronate, it had ICERs of up to €48,383 per QALY gained. In all three countries, zoledronic acid may be cost effective compared with generic alendronate when patient compliance with drug therapy is taken into account. Sensitivity analyses showed that the model was robust to changes in key values. The main model limitations were the lack of real-life compliance and persistence data, and lack of country-specific data for some parameters. Using local or commonly used thresholds, this analysis suggests that zoledronic acid would be a cost

  10. Treatment with acetaminophen/paracetamol or ibuprofen alleviates post-dose symptoms related to intravenous infusion with zoledronic acid 5 mg.

    PubMed

    Wark, J D; Bensen, W; Recknor, C; Ryabitseva, O; Chiodo, J; Mesenbrink, P; de Villiers, T J

    2012-02-01

    Patients treated with intravenous zoledronic acid 5 mg for osteoporosis may experience post-dose influenza-like symptoms. Oral acetaminophen/paracetamol or ibuprofen administered 4 h post-infusion reduced the proportion of patients with increased oral temperature and worsening post-infusion symptom scores vs. placebo, thus providing an effective strategy for the treatment of such symptoms. Once-yearly intravenous zoledronic acid 5 mg is a safe and effective treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis. This study assessed whether transient influenza-like post-dose symptoms associated with intravenous infusion of zoledronic acid can be reduced by post-dose administration of acetaminophen/paracetamol or ibuprofen. In an international, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy parallel-group study, bisphosphonate-naïve postmenopausal women with osteopenia (n = 481) were randomized to receive zoledronic acid 5 mg + acetaminophen/paracetamol (n = 135), ibuprofen (n = 137) or placebo (n = 137), or placebo + placebo (n = 72). Acetaminophen/paracetamol and ibuprofen were administered every 6 h for 3 days beginning 4 h post-infusion. The proportion of patients with increased oral temperature (≥1°C above 37.5°C) and with worsening post-infusion symptom scores over 3 days was significantly lower in patients receiving ibuprofen (36.8% and 48.5%) or acetaminophen/paracetamol (37.3% and 46.3%) vs. those receiving placebo (63.5% and 75.9%, respectively; all p < 0.0001) compared with background rates of 11.1% and 16.7%, respectively, in the absence of any active treatment. Overall incidence of adverse events was comparable for patients receiving acetaminophen/paracetamol or ibuprofen. Oral acetaminophen/paracetamol or ibuprofen effectively managed the transient influenza-like symptoms associated with zoledronic acid 5 mg.

  11. Effect of zoledronic acid on serum calcium in Paget’s disease patients after educational strategies to improve calcium and vitamin D supplementation

    PubMed Central

    Bone, Henry G.; Su, Guoqin; Tan, Monique; Ozturk, Zafer E.; Aftring, Paul

    2015-01-01

    Objective: Bisphosphonates are the most effective therapeutic agents in patients with Paget’s disease of bone. As a result of their inhibition of osteoclastic activity, hypocalcemia of variable frequency and severity following intravenous bisphosphonate therapy has been reported. The present study assessed the effect of physician and patient education on adequate supplementation of calcium and vitamin D to reduce the potential risk of developing hypocalcemia following infusion of 5 mg zoledronic acid. Methods: This was an open-label, multicenter, controlled registry trial in which patients with Paget’s disease were treated with a single intravenous infusion of zoledronic acid. Physicians were provided with educational materials focusing on optimization of calcium and vitamin D supplementation following zoledronic infusion that they used to educate their patients. The primary safety variable was the percentage of patients with serum calcium level <2.07mmol/l 9–11 days after zoledronic acid infusion. Results: A total of 75 patients were evaluable in the post dose hypocalcemia safety analysis. Of these, only 1 patient had treatment-emergent hypocalcemia, with a serum calcium level of 1.92 mmol/l 4 days following therapy. Hypocalcemia-related symptoms were not reported in this patient and the serum calcium returned to normal range at 2.17 mmol/l within 1 week on oral calcium supplementation. Conclusions: These results suggest that, with optimization of calcium and vitamin D supplementation by physician and patient education, hypocalcemia is an infrequent occurrence following zoledronic acid infusion. PMID:26301065

  12. Could zoledronic acid prevent root resorption in replanted rat molar?

    PubMed

    Yoo, Jung Eun; Kim, Mi Sun; Kwon, Yong-Dae; Kim, Eun-Cheol; Kim, Kwang Chul; Choi, Sung Chul

    2015-12-01

    In this study, we evaluated whether zoledronate could suppress the progression of external root resorption in rat due to delayed replantation by inhibiting osteoclastic activity. Also, we estimated the optimal dosage of zoledronate in root treatment of the rat model for a maximum effect of zoledronate. Maxillary first molars in Sprague Dawley rats (N = 84) were extracted, dried for 60 min, and then replanted. The rats were divided into 6 groups (1 mM alendronate, and 1, 5, 10, 20, 40 μM zoledronate). At 4 and 8 weeks postreplantation, the animals were sacrificed and evaluated by radiographic and histological analysis. There were no significant differences at 4 weeks. However, at 8 weeks, 10, 20, and 40 μM ZOL showed more increased radiopaque and smaller periapical lesion in radiographic analysis. In histological analysis, all groups showed similar inflammatory root resorption rate at 4 weeks. However, at 8 weeks, 20 and 40 μM ZOL showed lower rate than those of other groups (P < 0.05). In concerning of replacement resorption, there were no significant differences statistically. In this animal experiment, zoledronate was capable of limiting the occurrence of root resorption in delayed replantation model. In particular, 20 μM dosage of zoledronate solution showed the most effective dose in long-term follow up and might be suitable for inhibition of root resorption in delayed tooth replantation. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  13. Multicenter Study on Observation of Acute-phase Responses After Infusion of Zoledronic Acid 5 mg in Chinese Women with Postmenopausal Osteoporosis.

    PubMed

    Ding, Yue; Zeng, Jian-Cheng; Yin, Fei; Zhang, Chun-Lin; Zhang, Yan; Li, Shi-Xun; Liu, Xun; Zhang, Chao; Xue, Qing-Yun; Lin, Hua; Pei, Fu-Xing

    2017-08-01

    It has been reported that acute-phase reactions (APR) after infusion of 5 mg zoledronic acid for the first time is common. This study surveyed the incidence and characteristics of APR in Chinese postmenopausal women receiving 5 mg zoledronic acid intravenously for osteoporosis and to evaluate the efficacy of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) in preventing or alleviating APR following the first 5 mg zoledronic acid infusion. A total of 2601 patients with an average age of 68.14 ± 9.89 years and a mean body mass index of 22.90 ± 3.24 kg/m 2 from 62 centers in China were treated with 5 mg zoledronic acid intravenously for the first time. The incidence of fever and pain were observed in these patients, and the time of fever or pain onset and duration, and the intensity of fever and grade of pain were also recorded. The dosage, duration, and efficacy of NSAID and safety outcomes were also documented. At the end of the study, 18 patients are eliminated due to incomplete records of temperature. The incidence of fever was 28.65% (740/2583) within 7 days following zoledronic acid infusion; 98.34% (727/740) occurred at 1.03 ± 0.66 days after infusion and lasted 1.72 ± 0.93 days. A total of 456 (17.53%) patients had newly onset pain (312 of 1187, 26.28%) or experienced pain aggravation (144 of 1414, 10.18%), which mostly occurred within 3 days after zoledronic acid infusion. A total of 1246 (47.6%) patients had received NSAID for a median time of 2.63 ± 2.45 days. Using NSAID for at least 2 days could decrease body temperature by 0.54 ± 0.86°C, increase the percentage of pain-free patients by 6.17%, and reduce the percentage of patients with moderate to severe pain by 8.7%. Compared with Western populations, Chinese patients had a higher rate of fever and pain after their first zoledronic acid infusion. These symptoms were often mild to moderate in intensity and transient in duration. NSAID could effectively reduce the incidence and

  14. Enhancing adoptive cancer immunotherapy with Vγ2Vδ2 T cells through pulse zoledronate stimulation.

    PubMed

    Nada, Mohanad H; Wang, Hong; Workalemahu, Grefachew; Tanaka, Yoshimasa; Morita, Craig T

    2017-01-01

    derived with IL-2. Pulse zoledronate stimulation maximizes the purity, quantity, and quality of expanded Vγ2Vδ2 cells for adoptive immunotherapy but there is no advantage to using IL-15 over IL-2 in our humanized mouse model. Pulse zoledronate stimulation is a simple modification to existing protocols that will enhance the effectiveness of adoptively transferred Vγ2Vδ2 cells by increasing their numbers and anti-tumor activity.

  15. Zoledronic acid as compared with observation in multiple myeloma patients at biochemical relapse: results of the randomized AZABACHE Spanish trial

    PubMed Central

    García-Sanz, Ramón; Oriol, Albert; Moreno, María J.; de la Rubia, Javier; Payer, Angel R.; Hernández, Miguel T.; Palomera, Luis; Teruel, Ana I.; Blanchard, María J.; Gironella, Mercedes; Ribas, Paz; Bargay, Joan; Abellá, Eugenia; Granell, Miquel; Ocio, Enrique M.; Ribera, Josep M.; San Miguel, Jesús F.; Mateos, María V.

    2015-01-01

    This study analyzed the anti-myeloma effect of zoledronic acid monotherapy by investigating patients at the time of asymptomatic biochemical relapse. One hundred patients were randomized to receive either zoledronic acid (4 mg iv/4 weeks, 12 doses) (n=51) or not (n=49). Experimental and control groups were well balanced for disease and prognostic features. Zoledronic acid did not show an antitumor effect according to changes in M-component. However, there were fewer symptomatic progressions in the experimental group than in the control group (34 versus 41, respectively; P=0.05) resulting in a median time to symptoms of 16 versus 10 months (P=0.161). The median time to next therapy was also slightly longer for the treated group than the untreated, control group (13.4 versus 10.1 months), although the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.360). The pattern of relapses was different for treated versus control patients: progressive bone disease (8 versus 20), anemia (24 versus 18), renal dysfunction (1 versus 2), and plasmacytomas (1 versus 1, respectively). This concurred with fewer skeletal-related events in the treated group than in the control group (2 versus 14), with a projected 4-year event proportion of 6% versus 40% (P<0.001). In summary, zoledronic acid monotherapy does not show an antitumor effect on biochemical relapses in multiple myeloma, but does reduce the risk of progression with symptomatic bone disease and skeletal complications. This trial was registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov database with code NCT01087008 PMID:26069291

  16. Extracellular Ca(2+)-dependent enhancement of cytocidal potency of zoledronic acid in human oral cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Inoue, Sayaka; Arai, Naoya; Tomihara, Kei; Takashina, Michinori; Hattori, Yuichi; Noguchi, Makoto

    2015-08-15

    Direct antitumor effects of bisphosphonates (BPs) have been demonstrated in various cancer cells in vitro. However, the effective concentrations of BPs are typically much higher than their clinically relevant concentrations. Oral cancers frequently invade jawbone and may lead to the release of Ca(2+) in primary lesions. We investigated the effects of the combined application of zoledronic acid (ZA) and Ca(2+) on proliferation and apoptosis of oral cancer cells. Human oral cancer cells, breast cancer cells, and colon cancer cells were treated with ZA at a wide range of concentrations in different Ca(2+) concentration environments. Under a standard Ca(2+) concentration (0.6mM), micromolar concentrations of ZA were required to inhibit oral cancer cell proliferation. Increasing extracellular Ca(2+) concentrations greatly enhanced the potency of the ZA cytocidal effect. The ability of Ca(2+) to enhance the cytocidal effects of ZA was negated by the Ca(2+)-selective chelator EGTA. In contrast, the cytocidal effect of ZA was less pronounced in breast and colon cancer cells regardless of whether extracellular Ca(2+) was elevated. In oral cancer cells incubated with 1.6mM Ca(2+), ZA up-regulated mitochondrial Bax expression and increased mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake. This was associated with decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and increased release of cytochrome c. We suggest that ZA can specifically produce potent cytocidal activity in oral cancer cells in an extracellular Ca(2+)-dependent manner, implying that BPs may be useful for treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma with jawbone invasion leading to the hypercalcemic state. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. The IL-6 receptor super-antagonist Sant7 enhances antiproliferative and apoptotic effects induced by dexamethasone and zoledronic acid on multiple myeloma cells.

    PubMed

    Tassone, Pierfrancesco; Galea, Eulalia; Forciniti, Samantha; Tagliaferri, Pierosandro; Venuta, Salvatore

    2002-10-01

    Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is the major growth and survival factor for multiple myeloma (MM), and has been shown to protect MM cells from apoptosis induced by a variety of agents. IL-6 receptor antagonists, which prevent the assembly of functional IL-6 receptor complexes, inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in MM cells. We have investigated whether the IL-6 receptor super-antagonist Sant7 might enhance the antiproliferative and apoptotic effects induced by the combination of dexamethasone (Dex) and zoledronic acid (Zln) on human MM cell lines and primary cells from MM patients. Here we show that each of these compounds individually induced detectable antiproliferative effects on MM cells. Sant7 significantly enhanced growth inhibition and apoptosis induced by Dex and Zln on both MM cell lines and primary MM cells. These results indicate that overcoming IL-6 mediated cell resistance by Sant7 potentiates the effect of glucocorticoides and bisphosphonates on MM cell growth and survival, providing a rationale for therapies including IL-6 antagonists in MM.

  18. The effect of a single infusion of zoledronic acid on early implant migration in total hip arthroplasty. A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.

    PubMed

    Friedl, Gerald; Radl, Roman; Stihsen, Christoph; Rehak, Peter; Aigner, Reingard; Windhager, Reinhard

    2009-02-01

    Aseptic loosening is the most frequent cause of implant failure in total hip arthroplasty. While a direct link between aseptic loosening and periprosthetic bone loss remains elusive, there is plentiful evidence for a close association with early implant migration. The present trial was primarily designed to evaluate whether a single infusion of 4 mg of zoledronic acid prevented early implant migration in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Fifty patients were consecutively enrolled to receive either zoledronic acid or saline solution after cementless total hip arthroplasty. Radiographs, biochemical parameters of bone turnover, and the Harris hip-rating score were determined preoperatively and at each follow-up examination at seven weeks, six months, one year, and yearly thereafter. The median follow-up period was 2.8 years. We found a significant subsidence of the stem of up to a mean (and standard deviation) of -1.2 +/- 0.6 mm at two years within the control group, and the cups had a mean medialization of 0.6 +/- 1.0 mm and a mean cranialization of 0.6 +/- 0.8 mm (p < 0.001). Treatment with zoledronic acid effectively minimized the migration of the cups in both the transverse and the vertical direction (mean, 0.15 +/- 0.6 mm and 0.06 +/- 0.6 mm, respectively; p < 0.05), while only a trend to decreased subsidence of the stem was detected. Finally, the Harris hip score rapidly increased over time in both treatment groups, although this increase was significantly more pronounced in the zoledronate-treated group than in the control group (analysis of variance, p = 0.008). A single infusion of zoledronic acid shows promise in improving initial fixation of a cementless implant, which may improve the clinical outcome of total hip arthroplasty in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

  19. Short-term effect of zoledronic acid upon fracture resistance of the mandibular condyle and femoral head in an animal model

    PubMed Central

    López-Jornet, Pía; Vicente-Hernández, Ascensión

    2013-01-01

    Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effects in terms of resistance to fracture of the mandibular condyle and femoral head following different doses of zoledronic acid in an animal model. Study design: A total of 80 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were included in a prospective randomized study. The animals were randomly divided into four groups of 20 rats each. Group 1 (control) received sterile saline solution, while groups 2, 3 and 4 received a accumulated dose of 0.2 mg, 0.4 mg and 0.6 mg of zoledronic acid, respectively. The animals were sacrificed 28 days after the last dose, and the right hemimandible and the right femur were removed. The fracture strength was measured (in Newtons) with a universal test machine using a 1 kN load connected to a metal rod with one end angled at 30 degrees. The cross-head speed was 1 mm/min. Later, the specimens were observed under a scanning electron microscope with backscattered electron imaging (SEM-BSE). At last, chemical analysis and elemental mapping of the mineral bone composition were generated using a microanalytical system based on energy-dispersive and X-ray spectrometry (EDX). Results: A total of 160 fracture tests were performed. The fracture resistance increased in mandible and femur with a higher accumulated dose of zoledronic acid. Statistically significant differences were recorded versus the controls with all the studies groups. The chemical analysis in mandible showed a significantly increased of calcium and phosphorous to compare the control with all of the study groups; however, in femur no statistically significant differences between the four study groups were observed. Conclusions: The administration of bisphosphonates increases the fracture resistance in mandible and femur. Key words:Zoledronic acid, bisphosphonates, animal experimentation, fracture test. PMID:23524420

  20. Self-assembling nanoparticles encapsulating zoledronic acid inhibit mesenchymal stromal cells differentiation, migration and secretion of proangiogenic factors and their interactions with prostate cancer cells

    PubMed Central

    Pivetta, Eliana; Colombatti, Alfonso; Boccellino, Mariarosaria; Amler, Evzen; Normanno, Nicola; Caraglia, Michele; De Rosa, Giuseppe; Aldinucci, Donatella

    2017-01-01

    Zoledronic Acid (ZA) rapidly concentrates into the bone and reduces skeletal-related events and pain in bone metastatic prostate cancer (PCa), but exerts only a limited or absent impact as anti-cancer activity. Recently, we developed self-assembling nanoparticles (NPS) encapsulating zoledronic acid (NZ) that allowed a higher intratumor delivery of the drug compared with free zoledronic acid (ZA) in in vivo cancer models of PCa. Increasing evidence suggests that Bone Marrow (BM) Mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) are recruited into the stroma of developing tumors where they contribute to progression by enhancing tumor growth and metastasis. We demonstrated that treatment with NZ decreased migration and differentiation into adipocytes and osteoblasts of MSCs and inhibited osteoclastogenesis. Treatment with NZ reduced the capability of MSCs to promote the migration and the clonogenic growth of the prostate cancer cell lines PC3 and DU145. The levels of Interleukin-6 and of the pro-angiogenic factors VEGF and FGF-2 were significantly reduced in MSC-CM derived from MSCs treated with NZ, and CCL5 secretion was almost totally abolished. Moreover, treatment of MSCs with supernatants from PC3 cells, leading to tumor-educated MSCs (TE-MSCs), increased the secretion of IL-6, CCL5, VEGF and FGF-2 by MSCs and increased their capability to increase PC3 cells clonogenic growth. Treatment with NZ decreased cytokine secretion and the pro-tumorigenic effects also of TE-MSCS. In conclusion, demonstrating that NZ is capable to inhibit the cross talk between MSCs and PCa, this study provides a novel insight to explain the powerful anticancer activity of NZ on PCa. PMID:28477013

  1. Incidence of osteonecrosis of the jaw in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis in the health outcomes and reduced incidence with zoledronic acid once yearly pivotal fracture trial.

    PubMed

    Grbic, John T; Landesberg, Regina; Lin, Shou-Qing; Mesenbrink, Peter; Reid, Ian R; Leung, Ping-Chung; Casas, Noemi; Recknor, Christopher P; Hua, Ye; Delmas, Pierre D; Eriksen, Erik F

    2008-01-01

    The authors determined incidence of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) in a large, prospective three-year clinical trial of zoledronic acid in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO). A total of 7,714 women with PMO received intravenous zoledronic acid 5 mg or a placebo. No spontaneous reports of ONJ were received. An independent, blinded adjudication committee searched the trial's adverse event database by using 60 terms. On an ongoing basis, the committee reviewed the identified events, and it defined ONJ as exposed bone in the maxillofacial area with delayed healing for more than six weeks despite appropriate care. One participant who received a placebo and one participant who received zoledronic acid experienced delayed healing associated with infection. Both conditions resolved after antibiotic therapy, débridement or both. The occurrence of ONJ is rare in a PMO population, and delayed healing of lesions can occur with and without bisphosphonate use over three years. The low incidence of ONJ must be assessed in the context of the clinical benefit of zoledronic acid therapy in reducing hip, vertebral and nonvertebral fractures in this at-risk population. There is no evidence to suggest that healthy patients with osteoporosis who are receiving bisphosphonates require any special treatment beyond routine dental care or to support altering standard treatment practices.

  2. Effect of zoledronic acid therapy on postmenopausal osteoporosis between the Uighur and Han population in Xinjiang: An open-label, long-term safety and efficacy study.

    PubMed

    Xu, W; Xiang, C; Wang, H; Yuan, H; Zhao, X; Xiao, X

    2018-06-01

    Postmenopausal osteoporosis is becoming an urgent health problem in China. A once-yearly infusion of zoledronic acid can be very effective for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in significantly reducing the risk of hip, vertebral and other fractures. This study aimed to investigate zoledronic acid treatment on postmenopausal osteoporosis in Uighur and Han patients in Xinjiang province, China. A self-controlled and prospective trial design was adopted. A total of 155 Uighur and 151 Han patients were enrolled. All subjects received an intravenous infusion of zoledronic acid (5 mg) at day 0 (baseline) and at 12 months. Patients were followed up for 24 months; the bone mineral density (BMD) of the left total hip and L1-L4 vertebrae was measured at day 0 and at 24 months. BMD was significantly higher after zoledronic acid treatment compared with baseline levels in all patients, as assessed at 24 months. Moreover, the BMD of left total hip increased with 2.7% in the Han group was significantly higher than that of the Uighur group with 1.4% (left total hip, 95% CI: 2.6% to 2.8% in Han group vs 1.2% to 1.4% in Uighur group). The BMD of L1-L4 vertebrae increased with 2.2% in the Han group was significantly higher than that of the Uighur group with 1.6% (L1-L4 vertebrae, 95% CI, 2.0% to 2.4% in Han group vs 1.4% to 1.7% in Uighur group); P < .001. There was no significant difference in drug-related adverse effects between the two groups (P > .05). Zoledronic acid appears to be more effective in postmenopausal osteoporosis in Han than in Uighur subjects. The reasons for this require further investigation. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  3. PRGF exerts a cytoprotective role in zoledronic acid-treated oral cells.

    PubMed

    Anitua, Eduardo; Zalduendo, Mar; Troya, María; Orive, Gorka

    2016-04-01

    Bisphosphonates-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) is a common problem in patients undergoing long-term administration of highly potent nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (N-BPs). This pathology occurs via bone and soft tissue mechanism. Zoledronic acid (ZA) is the most potent intravenous N-BP used to prevent bone loss in patients with bone dysfunction. The objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate the role of different ZA concentrations on the cells from human oral cavity, as well as the potential of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) to overcome the negative effects of this BP. Primary human gingival fibroblasts and primary human alveolar osteoblasts were used. Cell proliferation was evaluated by means of a fluorescence-based method. A colorimetric assay to detect DNA fragmentation undergoing apoptosis was used to determine cell death, and the expression of both NF-κB and pNF-κB were quantified by Western blot analysis. ZA had a cytotoxic effect on both human gingival fibroblasts and human alveolar osteoblasts. This BP inhibits cell proliferation, stimulates apoptosis, and induces inflammation. However, the addition of PRGF suppresses all these negative effects of the ZA. PRGF shows a cytoprotective role against the negative effects of ZA on primary oral cells. At present, there is no definitive treatment for bisphosphonates-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ), being mainly palliatives. Our results revealed that PRGF has a cytoprotective role in cells exposed to zoledronic acid, thus providing a reliable adjunctive therapy for the treatment of BRONJ pathology.

  4. Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) associated with a once-yearly IV infusion of zoledronic acid (Reclast) 5 mg: two cases and review of the literature.

    PubMed

    Katz, Joseph; Ordoveza, Patrisha A

    2014-09-01

    The use of a once-yearly IV infusion of 5 mg zoledronic acid has become more common, as the drug is being reported as safe, with few to minimal adverse reactions. This one-time annual administration has a favorable outcome for patients with osteoporosis and spares the burden of taking daily oral bisphosphonates. The present literature search found 10 well-documented cases of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) associated with annual administration of 5 mg zoledronic acid for the treatment of osteoporosis. Two new cases are also described, with underlying risk factors similar to previous reports. These include prior dental surgical procedures, the presence of diabetes, autoimmune conditions, past use of bisphosphonate and steroids, and concomitant immunosuppression. Although the reported incidence of BRONJ related to once-a-year IV administered zoledronic acid is low, it may be plausible. Both medical and dental clinicians should be aware of its manifestation.

  5. The anti-tumour effects of zoledronic acid

    PubMed Central

    Zekri, Jamal; Mansour, Maged; Karim, Syed Mustafa

    2014-01-01

    Bone is the most common site for metastasis in patients with solid tumours. Bisphosphonates are an effective treatment for preventing skeletal related events and preserving quality of life in these patients. Zoledronic acid (ZA) is the most potent osteoclast inhibitor and is licensed for the treatment of bone metastases. Clodronate and pamidronate are also licensed for this indication. In addition, ZA has been demonstrated to exhibit antitumour effect. Direct and indirect mechanisms of anti-tumour effect have been postulated and at many times proven. Evidence exists that ZA antitumour effect is mediated through inhibition of tumour cells proliferation, induction of apoptosis, synergistic/additive to inhibitory effect of cytotoxic agents, inhibition of angiogenesis, decrease tumour cells adhesion to bone, decrease tumour cells invasion and migration, disorganization of cell cytoskeleton and activation of specific cellular antitumour immune response. There is also clinical evidence from clinical trials that ZA improved long term survival outcome in cancer patients with and without bone metastases. In this review we highlight the preclinical and clinical studies investigating the antitumour effect of bisphosphonates with particular reference to ZA. PMID:26909294

  6. Early onset acute tubular necrosis following single infusion of zoledronate.

    PubMed

    Yachoui, Ralph

    2016-01-01

    Zoledronate is a highly potent bisphosphonate widely used in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. We report the first occurrence of toxic acute tubular necrosis (ATN) following treatment with zoledronate in a patient with osteoporosis. A 63-year-old Caucasian female with rheumatoid arthritis on anti-immune agents received a single dose of zoledronic acid (reclast) for worsening osteoporosis. Twelve days later, she developed renal failure with a rise in serum creatinine from a baseline level of 1.1 mg/dL to 5.5 mg/dL. Renal biopsy showed toxic ATN. Zoledronate was discontinued and the patient had subsequent gradual improvement in renal function with final serum creatinine of 1.8 mg/dL at 1 month of follow up. Careful monitoring of serum creatinine and awareness of the potential nephrotoxicity may avert the development of acute renal failure in osteoporosis patients treated with this agent.

  7. Early onset acute tubular necrosis following single infusion of zoledronate

    PubMed Central

    Yachoui, Ralph

    2016-01-01

    Summary Zoledronate is a highly potent bisphosphonate widely used in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. We report the first occurrence of toxic acute tubular necrosis (ATN) following treatment with zoledronate in a patient with osteoporosis. A 63-year-old Caucasian female with rheumatoid arthritis on anti-immune agents received a single dose of zoledronic acid (reclast) for worsening osteoporosis. Twelve days later, she developed renal failure with a rise in serum creatinine from a baseline level of 1.1 mg/dL to 5.5 mg/dL. Renal biopsy showed toxic ATN. Zoledronate was discontinued and the patient had subsequent gradual improvement in renal function with final serum creatinine of 1.8 mg/dL at 1 month of follow up. Careful monitoring of serum creatinine and awareness of the potential nephrotoxicity may avert the development of acute renal failure in osteoporosis patients treated with this agent. PMID:27920815

  8. Modulation of Tumor Cell Metabolism by Laser Photochemotherapy with Cisplatin or Zoledronic Acid In Vitro.

    PubMed

    Heymann, Paul Günther Baptist; Henkenius, Katharina Sabine Elisabeth; Ziebart, Thomas; Braun, Andreas; Hirthammer, Klara; Halling, Frank; Neff, Andreas; Mandic, Robert

    2018-03-01

    Laser photochemotherapy is a new approach in cancer treatment using low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to enhance the effect of chemotherapy. In order to evaluate the effect of LLLT on tumor cells, HeLa cells were treated with cisplatin or zoledronic acid (ZA) followed by LLLT. Cell viability was evaluated with 2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide assay. Oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis were measured using extracellular flux analysis. Immunocytochemistry of heat-shock protein 70 (HSP70) and western blot analysis were performed. LLLT alone increased viability and was associated with lower oxidative phosphorylation but higher glycolysis rates. Cisplatin and ZA alone lowered cell viability, glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. This effect was significantly enhanced in conjunction with LLLT and was accompanied by reduced oxidative phosphorylation and collapse of glycolysis. Our observations indicate that LLLT may raise the cytotoxicity of cisplatin and ZA by modulating cellular metabolism, pointing to a possible application in cancer treatment. Copyright© 2018, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.

  9. [Efficacy of zoledronic acid combined with chemotherapy in treatment of skeletal metastases of non-small cell lung cancer and the bone metabolic markers].

    PubMed

    Hu, Xiao-ye; Zou, Qing-feng; Jin, Chuan; Li, Wei-dong; Chen, Wen-sheng; Ma, Lei

    2010-06-01

    To evaluate the clinical efficacy of zoledronic acid combined with chemotherapy in the management of skeletal metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and investigate the value in urine amino-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (uNTX) and serum bone specific alkaline phosphatase (sBALP) in monitoring skeletal metastasis of NSCLC. From February, 2007 to January, 2009, 32 NSCLC patients with bone metastases received treatment with zoledronic acid at the dose of 4 mg given every 3 weeks and platinum-based chemotherapy (each cycle lasting for 3 weeks). Before and during the treatments, uNTX and sBALP were measured in these patients using ELISA and precipitation with wheat germ lectin, respectively. The patients were followed up for skeletal-related events (SREs) and status of survival. A significant decrease occurred in the pain scores and analgesic use in the patients after the therapy. SREs were not observed during the treatment. Serum creatinine and calcium levels underwent no significant variation during the treatment. Eleven patients reported 14 possible zoledronic acid-related adverse events. The concentration of uNTX and sBALP in patients with bone metastases was above the upper limit of the normal range. A positive correlation was observed between the levels of the markers and the extent of bone metastases. At the third month, uNTX and sBALP were significantly lowered, but radionuclide whole-body bone imaging showed no obvious changes. Of the 32 patients, 24 had elevated uNTX values, which became normal after the treatment in 15 patients and remained elevated in the other 9 patients. SREs occurred in these two subgroups at the rates of 53% and 89% (P=0.039), respectively. Twenty-six patients had elevated sBALP level, and 16 of them exhibited normal sBALP level after the treatment. The incidences of SREs in the patients with elevated and normal sBALP level were 50% and 90% (P=0.038), respectively. The levels of uNTX/Cr and sBALP were not correlated

  10. Acute bilateral uveitis and right macular edema induced by a single infusion of zoledronic acid for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis as a substitution for oral alendronate: a case report.

    PubMed

    Tian, Yiming; Wang, Rui; Liu, Lianyuan; Ma, Chunming; Lu, Qiang; Yin, Fuzai

    2016-02-11

    Zoledronic acid-induced uveitis (ZAIU) is rare but severe, and has been recently considered part of an acute phase reaction. Only 15 cases have been reported since 2005. Here we describe a case with macular edema, which is the first reported case observed after long-term alendronate tolerance. A 63-year-old Asian woman received her first intravenous zoledronic acid treatment for the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis as a more convenient substitute for oral alendronate. Twenty-four hours later, bilateral eye irritations, periorbital swelling, blurred vision, and diplopia presented. The complete blood count and transaminase levels were normal, but the erythrocytic sedimentation, C-reactive protein, and serum C4 levels were elevated. On detailed ophthalmological examination, a diagnosis of bilateral acute uveitis and macular edema in the right eye was made. The ocular symptoms were not improved until administration of topical and oral steroids. Complete resolution was achieved. There was no rechallenge of bisphosphonates, and no recurrence at 6 months follow-up. Based on an extensive review, abnormal fundus is rarely reported, especially in cases of macular edema. Rechallenge with zoledronic acid in five cases induced no additional uveitis, and changing the medication to pamidronate in another patient was also tolerated. Interestingly, our patient suffered from uveitis soon after intravenous zoledronate exposure after a two-year tolerance to oral alendronate. This is the first report of zoledronic acid induced uveitis with macular edema after long-term alendronate tolerance. Prior oral alendronate may not entirely prevent ZAIU. Steroids are usually necessary in the treatment of ZAIU. Bisphosphonate rechallenge is not fully contraindicated, and prior steroid administration may be a more reasonable treatment choice according to the available evidence.

  11. Zoledronic acid-encapsulating self-assembling nanoparticles and doxorubicin: a combinatorial approach to overcome simultaneously chemoresistance and immunoresistance in breast tumors

    PubMed Central

    Kopecka, Joanna; Porto, Stefania; Lusa, Sara; Gazzano, Elena; Salzano, Giuseppina; Pinzòn-Daza, Martha Leonor; Giordano, Antonio; Desiderio, Vincenzo; Ghigo, Dario; De Rosa, Giuseppe; Caraglia, Michele; Riganti, Chiara

    2016-01-01

    The resistance to chemotherapy and the tumor escape from host immunosurveillance are the main causes of the failure of anthracycline-based regimens in breast cancer, where an effective chemo-immunosensitizing strategy is lacking. The clinically used aminobisphosphonate zoledronic acid (ZA) reverses chemoresistance and immunoresistance in vitro. Previously we developed a nanoparticle-based zoledronic acid-containing formulation (NZ) that allowed a higher intratumor delivery of the drug compared with free ZA in vivo. We tested its efficacy in combination with doxorubicin in breast tumors refractory to chemotherapy and immune system recognition as a new combinatorial approach to produce chemo- and immunosensitization. NZ reduced the IC50 of doxorubicin in human and murine chemoresistant breast cancer cells and restored the doxorubicin efficacy against chemo-immunoresistant tumors implanted in immunocompetent mice. By reducing the metabolic flux through the mevalonate pathway, NZ lowered the activity of Ras/ERK1/2/HIF-1α axis and the expression of P-glycoprotein, decreased the glycolysis and the mitochondrial respiratory chain, induced a cytochrome c/caspase 9/caspase 3-dependent apoptosis, thus restoring the direct cytotoxic effects of doxorubicin on tumor cell. Moreover, NZ restored the doxorubicin-induced immunogenic cell death and reversed the tumor-induced immunosuppression due to the production of kynurenine, by inhibiting the STAT3/indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase axis. These events increased the number of dendritic cells and decreased the number of immunosuppressive T-regulatory cells infiltrating the tumors. Our work proposes the use of nanoparticle encapsulating zoledronic acid as an effective tool overcoming at the same time chemoresistance and immunoresistance in breast tumors, thanks to the effects exerted on tumor cell and tumor-infiltrating immune cells. PMID:26980746

  12. Short-term effect of zoledronic acid upon fracture resistance of the mandibular condyle and femoral head in an animal model.

    PubMed

    Camacho-Alonso, Fabio; López-Jornet, Pía; Vicente-Hernández, Ascensión

    2013-05-01

    The aim of this study was to compare the effects in terms of resistance to fracture of the mandibular condyle and femoral head following different doses of zoledronic acid in an animal model. A total of 80 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were included in a prospective randomized study. The animals were randomly divided into four groups of 20 rats each. Group 1 (control) received sterile saline solution, while groups 2, 3 and 4 received a accumulated dose of 0.2 mg, 0.4 mg and 0.6 mg of zoledronic acid, respectively. The animals were sacrificed 28 days after the last dose, and the right hemimandible and the right femur were removed. The fracture strength was measured (in Newtons) with a universal test machine using a 1 kN load connected to a metal rod with one end angled at 30 degrees. The cross-head speed was 1 mm/min. Later, the specimens were observed under a scanning electron microscope with backscattered electron imaging (SEM-BSE). At last, chemical analysis and elemental mapping of the mineral bone composition were generated using a microanalytical system based on energy-dispersive and X-ray spectrometry (EDX). A total of 160 fracture tests were performed. The fracture resistance increased in mandible and femur with a higher accumulated dose of zoledronic acid. Statistically significant differences were recorded versus the controls with all the studies groups. The chemical analysis in mandible showed a significantly increased of calcium and phosphorous to compare the control with all of the study groups; however, in femur no statistically significant differences between the four study groups were observed. The administration of bisphosphonates increases the fracture resistance in mandible and femur.

  13. Effect of bisphosphonate use on risk of postmenopausal breast cancer: results from the randomized clinical trials of alendronate and zoledronic acid.

    PubMed

    Hue, Trisha F; Cummings, Steven R; Cauley, Jane A; Bauer, Douglas C; Ensrud, Kristine E; Barrett-Connor, Elizabeth; Black, Dennis M

    2014-10-01

    Studies have shown that bisphosphonates may have antitumor and antimetastatic properties. Recently, observational studies have suggested a possible protective effect of bisphosphonates on breast cancer, but the effect of bisphosphonate use on risk of breast cancer has not been tested in randomized trials. To assess the relationship of postmenopausal breast cancer incidence and bisphosphonate use using data from 2 randomized (1:1), double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. The Fracture Intervention Trial (FIT) randomly assigned 6459 women aged 55 to 81 years to alendronate or placebo for a mean follow-up of 3.8 years. The Health Outcomes and Reduced Incidence With Zoledronic Acid Once Yearly-Pivotal Fracture Trial (HORIZON-PFT) randomly assigned 7765 women aged 65 to 89 years to annual intravenous zoledronic acid or placebo for a mean follow-up of 2.8 years. Data were collected at clinical centers in the United States (FIT and HORIZON-PFT) and in Asia and the Pacific, Europe, North America, and South America (HORIZON-PFT). Women, in either study, with recurrent breast cancer or who reported a history of breast cancer were excluded from analyses. In each trial, a blinded review was conducted of each cancer adverse event report to verify incident invasive breast cancer cases. The primary analysis compared events in the active vs placebo group using a log-rank test. Alendronate vs placebo (FIT) or zoledronic acid vs placebo (HORIZON-PFT). Hazard ratio for incident breast cancer in the bisphosphonate treatment group compared to the placebo group. There was no significant difference in the rate of breast cancer in FIT: 1.5% (n = 46) in the placebo group and 1.8% (n = 57) in the alendronate group (hazard ratio [HR], 1.24 [95% CI, 0.84-1.83]). In HORIZON-PFT, there was also no significant difference: 0.8% (n = 29) in the placebo group and 0.9% (n = 33) in the zoledronic acid group (HR, 1.15 [95% CI, 0.70-1.89]). There was also no significant difference when

  14. Cost-effectiveness of oral ibandronate compared with intravenous (i.v.) zoledronic acid or i.v. generic pamidronate in breast cancer patients with metastatic bone disease undergoing i.v. chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    De Cock, E; Hutton, J; Canney, P; Body, J J; Barrett-Lee, P; Neary, M P; Lewis, G

    2005-12-01

    Ibandronate is the first third-generation bisphosphonate to have both oral and intravenous (i.v.) efficacy. An incremental cost-effectiveness model compared oral ibandronate with i.v. zoledronic acid and i.v. generic pamidronate in female breast cancer patients with metastatic bone disease, undergoing i.v. chemotherapy. A global economic model was adapted to the UK National Health Service (NHS), with primary outcomes of direct healthcare costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Efficacy, measured as relative risk reduction of skeletal-related events (SREs), was obtained from clinical trials. Resource use data for i.v. bisphosphonates and the cost of managing SREs were obtained from published studies. Hospital management and SRE treatment costs were taken from unit cost databases. Monthly drug acquisition costs were obtained from the British National Formulary. Utility scores were applied to time with/without an SRE to adjust survival for quality of life. Model design and inputs were validated through expert UK clinician review. Total cost, including drug acquisition, was pound 386 less per patient with oral ibandronate vs. i.v. zoledronic acid and pound 224 less vs. i.v. generic pamidronate. Oral ibandronate gained 0.019 and 0.02 QALYs vs. i.v. zoledronic acid and i.v. pamidronate, respectively, making it the economically dominant option. At a threshold of pound 30,000 per QALY, oral ibandronate was cost-effective vs. zoledronic acid in 85% of simulations and vs. pamidronate in 79%. Oral ibandronate is a cost-effective treatment for metastatic bone disease from breast cancer due to reduced SREs, bone pain, and cost savings from avoidance of resource use commonly associated with bisphosphonate infusions.

  15. Changes in cortical bone channels network and osteocyte organization after the use of zoledronic acid.

    PubMed

    Rabelo, Gustavo Davi; Travençolo, Bruno Augusto Nassif; Oliveira, Marcio Augusto; Beletti, Marcelo Emílio; Gallottini, Marina; Silveira, Fernando Ricardo Xavier da

    2015-12-01

    The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of zoledronic acid (ZA) on the cortical bone channels network (CBCN) and osteocyte organization in relation to the bone channels. Eighteen male Wistar rats were divided into control (CG) and test groups (TG). Twelve animals from TG received 3 ZA doses (7.5 µg/kg), and 6 animals from CG did not receive any medication. TG animals were euthanized at 14 (n = 6) and 75 (n = 6) dadys after drug injection. CBCN was analyzed in mandibles and tibias using computational routines. The osteocyte organization was qualitatively evaluated in tibias using a three-dimensional reconstruction of images from serial histological sections. Significant differences in CBCN of tibia were found between the treated and untreated rats, with a wider range of sizes and shapes of the channels after the use of ZA (channels area p = 0.0063, channels area SD p = 0.0276) and less bone matrix (bone volume p = 0.0388). The alterations in the channels' morphology were more evident at 75 days after the drug injection (channels perimeter p = 0.0286). No differences were found in mandibles CBCN. The osteocyte distribution revealed more variable patterns of cell distribution in ZA groups, with non-homogeneous distribution of cells in relation to the bone channels. Zoledronic acid induces structural changes in CBCN and modifies the osteocyte arrangement in cortical bone in the tibia; also, the variability in the morphology of bone channels became more evident after a certain time of the use of the drug.

  16. Once-yearly zoledronic acid in hip fracture prevention

    PubMed Central

    Demontiero, Oddom; Duque, Gustavo

    2009-01-01

    Osteoporosis is an escalating global problem. Hip fractures, the most catastrophic complication of osteoporosis, continue to cause significant mortality and morbidity despite increasing availability of effective preventative agents. Among these agents, oral bisphosphonates have been the first choice for the treatment and prevention of osteoporotic fractures. However, the use of oral bisphosphonates, especially in the older population, has been limited by their side effects and method of administration thus compromising their persistent use. The resultant low adherence by patients has undermined their full potential and has been associated with an increase in the incidence of fragility fractures. Recently, annual intravenous zoledronic acid (ZOL) has been approved for osteoporosis. Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated ZOL to be safe, have good tolerability and produce significant effect on bone mass and microarchitecture. Adherence has also been shown to be better with ZOL. Furthermore two large trials firmly demonstrated significant anti-osteoporotic effect (∼59% relative risk reduction of hip fractures) and mortality benefit (28% reduction in mortality) of ZOL in older persons with recent hip fractures. In this review, we report the current evidence on the use of ZOL for the prevention of hip fractures in the elderly. We also report the pharmacological characteristics and the advantages and disadvantages of ZOL in this particular group. PMID:19503777

  17. Role of zoledronic acid in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis

    PubMed Central

    Räkel, Agnès; Boucher, Andrée; Ste-Marie, Louis-Georges

    2011-01-01

    Taken once a year, intravenous zoledronic acid (Zol) (Reclast® or Aclasta®) is a third-generation nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate that is effective compared with placebo in reducing the risk of fractures in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis and recent low-trauma hip fracture. In glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, there is no significant difference between Zol and risedronate for new fractures. Improvements in bone mineral density and early reduction of bone remodeling markers are observed in postmenopausal osteoporosis, recent low-trauma hip fracture, and glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Given that Zol is generally well tolerated and very convenient, it is an interesting therapeutic option for aging patients who take multiple oral drugs, who have adherence or gastrointestinal tolerance issues, and who have an indication for oral bisphosphonates. Zol is not recommended for patients with severe renal impairment. Vitamin D deficiency should be corrected before the administration of Zol. PMID:21594000

  18. Role of zoledronic acid in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

    PubMed

    Räkel, Agnès; Boucher, Andrée; Ste-Marie, Louis-Georges

    2011-01-01

    Taken once a year, intravenous zoledronic acid (Zol) (Reclast® or Aclasta®) is a third-generation nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate that is effective compared with placebo in reducing the risk of fractures in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis and recent low-trauma hip fracture. In glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, there is no significant difference between Zol and risedronate for new fractures. Improvements in bone mineral density and early reduction of bone remodeling markers are observed in postmenopausal osteoporosis, recent low-trauma hip fracture, and glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Given that Zol is generally well tolerated and very convenient, it is an interesting therapeutic option for aging patients who take multiple oral drugs, who have adherence or gastrointestinal tolerance issues, and who have an indication for oral bisphosphonates. Zol is not recommended for patients with severe renal impairment. Vitamin D deficiency should be corrected before the administration of Zol.

  19. Zoledronic acid modulates maturation of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells.

    PubMed

    Orsini, Giulia; Failli, Alessandra; Legitimo, Annalisa; Adinolfi, Barbara; Romanini, Antonella; Consolini, Rita

    2011-12-01

    Zoledronic acid (ZA) is a drug of the bisphosphonate class, which is widely used for the treatment of both osteoporosis and skeletal metastasis. Besides its main bone antiresorptive activity, ZA displays antitumor properties, by triggering the expansion and activation of γδ T-cells, which exert an antitumor effect through dendritic cells (DCs). Several studies have reported the interaction between ZA and γδ T-cells, but the potential immunoregulatory activity of this drug on DCs has scarcely been investigated. Therefore, in this paper, we evaluated the effects of a therapeutic dose of ZA on the in vitro generation and maturation of DCs derived from peripheral blood monocytes of healthy adult donors. We demonstrate that ZA treatment did not affect DC differentiation, but inhibited DC maturation on lipopolysaccharide activation, as shown by the impaired expression of maturation surface markers and reduced ability to induce allogeneic T-cell proliferation. Interestingly, IL-10 secretion by mature DCs was significantly lower in ZA-treated cells than in controls. We conclude that ZA exerts its immunological in vitro activity also by modulating the maturation of DCs.

  20. Monitoring changes in quality of life in patients with lung cancer under treatment with chemotherapy and co administration of zoledronic acid by using specialized questionnaires.

    PubMed

    Tremmas, Ioannis; Petsatodis, George; Potoupnis, Michael; Laskou, Stella; Giannakidis, Dimitrios; Mantalovas, Stylianos; Koulouris, Charilaos; Katsaounis, Athanasios; Pavlidis, Efstathios; Amaniti, Aikaterini; Huang, Haidong; Bai, Chong; Shi, Dongchen; Dardas, Athanasios; Zarogoulidis, Paul; Sardeli, Chrisanthi; Konstantinou, Fotis; Katsikogiannis, Nikolaos; Zarogoulidis, Konstantinos; Karapantzos, Ilias; Karapantzou, Chrysanthi; Shen, Xiaping; Kesisoglou, Isaak; Sapalidis, Konstantinos

    2018-01-01

    Background: Due to the severity of the primary disease in patients with lung cancer, quality of life (QoL) is often overlooked. Factors that form QoL should be taken in consideration when planning the appropriate treatment and determining therapy targets, because of the increasing frequency of bone metastasis leading to high levels of pain. Purpose of this study is to assess quality of life in patients with lung cancer, before and after treatment combined with zoledronic acid. Methods and materials: QoL was assessed in 80 patients (49 males-31 females), of which 45 developed bone metastasis. Prior and post treatment (with co administration of zoledronic acid) seven reliable scales: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality index (PSQI), Epworth Sleeping Scale (ess), Dyspnea Scale (ds), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), Fact-G scale for sleep quality and EQ-5D for general health condition. Results: Statistically positive correlations were verified between PSQI-DS, PSQI-FSS, BPI-ESS, DS-FSS, DS-BPI and BPI-FSS (p<0,005) prior and post treatment. Patients sleep quality was improved, pain levels decreased and betterment in quality of life was marked (p<0,001). Although significant decrease in fatigue levels was observed (p<0,001) there has been an increase in dyspnea symptoms (p<0,001). Conclusions: Significant improvement was apparent when zoledronic acid was co administered in any treatment in patients with lung cancer. Sleep quality, fatigue and pain parameters also improved, with no positive impact on the symptoms of dyspnea.

  1. Effect of zoledronic acid on lumbar spinal fusion in osteoporotic patients.

    PubMed

    Ding, Qirui; Chen, Jian; Fan, Jin; Li, Qingqing; Yin, Guoyong; Yu, Lipeng

    2017-11-01

    To investigate the effect of zoledronic acid (ZA) on lumbar spinal fusion in patients with osteoporosis. This retrospective study includes 94 osteoporotic patients suffering from lumbar degenerative diseases or lumbar fracture who underwent lumbar spinal fusion in our institution from January 2013 to August 2014. They were divided into ZA group and control group according to whether the patient received ZA infusion or not. The patients in ZA group were given 5 mg intravenous ZA at the 3rd-5th days after operation. All patients took daily oral supplement of 600 mg calcium carbonate and 800 IU vitamin D during the follow-up after operation. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Short Form 36 (SF-36) scores were recorded preoperatively and post-operatively to evaluate the clinic outcomes; the spinal fusion was assessed by X-ray or CT Scan. 64 patients finished the final follow-up, including 30 patients in ZA group and 34 patients in control group. No significant difference was observed in gender, age, and preoperative BMI VAS, ODI, and SF-36 scores between the two groups (P > 0.05). The post-operative VAS and ODI scores decreased rapidly at 3 and 6 months, but rose back slightly at 12 and 24 months in both groups. On the contrary, post-operative SF-36 scores increased rapidly at 3 and 6 months, while fell back slightly at 12 and 24 months, with a statistically significant difference between the two groups at 12 months, but not at 3 and 6 month post-operation. The spinal fusion rate in ZA group was 90% at 6 months, 92% at 12 months, while it was 75% at 6 months, 92.86% at 12 months in control group, significantly different between the two groups at 12 months, but not at 6 months. In the whole follow-up period, adjacent vertebral compressing fracture occurred in five patients in control group, none in ZA group. No pedicle screw loosening was observed in ZA group, with six in control group. Zoledronic acid accelerates

  2. Prevention of Bone Loss after Acute SCI by Zoledronic Acid: Durability, Effect on Bone Strength, and Use of Biomarkers to Guide Therapy

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-10-01

    6 and 12 months during the first year; participants are re-randomized after 12 months with subsequent data collection at 18 and 24 months. Currently...bone mass, bone strength, osteoporosis, zoledronic acid 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT 18 . NUMBER OF PAGES 19a. NAME...and bone markers will be obtained at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months and 24 months. KEYWORDS: spinal cord

  3. Effect of once-yearly zoledronic acid five milligrams on fracture risk and change in femoral neck bone mineral density.

    PubMed

    Eastell, Richard; Black, Dennis M; Boonen, Steven; Adami, Silvano; Felsenberg, Dieter; Lippuner, Kurt; Cummings, Steven R; Delmas, Pierre D; Palermo, Lisa; Mesenbrink, Peter; Cauley, Jane A

    2009-09-01

    In the Health Outcomes and Reduced Incidence with Zoledronic Acid Once Yearly - Pivotal Fracture Trial (HORIZON-PFT), zoledronic acid (ZOL) 5 mg significantly reduced fracture risk. The aim of the study was to identify factors associated with greater efficacy during ZOL 5 mg treatment. We conducted a subgroup analysis (preplanned and post hoc) of a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 36-month trial in 7765 women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. A single infusion of ZOL 5 mg or placebo was administered at baseline, 12, and 24 months. Primary endpoints were new vertebral fracture and hip fracture. Secondary endpoints were nonvertebral fracture and change in femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD). Baseline risk factor subgroups were age, BMD T-score and vertebral fracture status, total hip BMD, race, weight, geographical region, smoking, height loss, history of falls, physical activity, prior bisphosphonates, creatinine clearance, body mass index, and concomitant osteoporosis medications. Greater ZOL induced effects on vertebral fracture risk were seen with younger age (treatment-by-subgroup interaction, P = 0.05), normal creatinine clearance (P = 0.04), and body mass index >or= 25 kg/m(2) (P = 0.02). There were no significant treatment-factor interactions for hip or nonvertebral fracture or for change in BMD. ZOL appeared more effective in preventing vertebral fracture in younger women, overweight/obese women, and women with normal renal function. ZOL had similar effects irrespective of fracture risk factors or femoral neck BMD.

  4. Effect of Zoledronate on Oral Wound Healing in Rats

    PubMed Central

    Yamashita, Junro; Koi, Kiyono; Yang, Dong-Ye; McCauley, Laurie K.

    2010-01-01

    Purpose Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is a growing concern in patients who receive bisphosphonates which target osteoclasts. Since osteoclasts play multifunctional roles in the bone marrow, their suppression likely affects bone homeostasis and alters wound healing of the jaw. The objective was to delineate the impact of osteoclast suppression in the bone marrow and wound healing of the jaw. Experimental Design Zoledronate was administered to senile rats for 14 weeks. A portion of the gingiva was removed to denude the palatal bone. Gene expression in the bone marrow was assessed and histologic sections analyzed to determine the wound healing status. Results Angiogenesis-related genes, CD31 and VEGF-A, were not altered by zoledronate. VEGF-C, which plays a role in lymphangiogenesis, was suppressed. There was a decrease in gene expression of Tcirg1 and MMP-13. Bone denudation caused extensive osteocyte death indicative of bone necrosis. In zoledronate-treated rats, the necrotic bone was retained in the wound while, in controls, osteoclastic resorption of the necrotic bone was prominent. Even though large necrotic bone areas existed in zoledronate-treated rats, overlaying soft tissue healed clinically. Immunohistochemical staining showed rich vascularity in the overlaying soft tissue. Conclusions Zoledronate therapy impacts bone marrow by suppressing genes associated with lymphoangiogenesis and tissue remodeling, such as VEGF-C and MMP-13. Zoledronate was associated with impaired osseous wound healing but had no effect on angiogenic markers in the bone marrow or soft tissue wound healing. Zoledronate selectively blunts healing in bone but does not effect soft tissue healing in the oral cavity. PMID:21149614

  5. Intravenous zoledronate for osteoporosis: less might be more

    PubMed Central

    Grey, Andrew

    2016-01-01

    Annual administration of 5 mg intravenous zoledronate is moderately effective in reducing fracture risk in older adults, decreasing the relative risk of clinical fracture by 33%. However, almost 10 years after its approval for use in clinical practice there remain very substantial uncertainties about the optimal treatment regimen, that is, the lowest dose and/or longest dosing interval that is efficacious. Several pieces of clinical research suggest that the current recommendation for annual administration of 5 mg zoledronate might represent overtreatment. Clinical trials to clarify the optimal use of zoledronate for reduction of fracture risk should be undertaken. PMID:27493690

  6. Intravenous zoledronate for osteoporosis: less might be more.

    PubMed

    Grey, Andrew

    2016-08-01

    Annual administration of 5 mg intravenous zoledronate is moderately effective in reducing fracture risk in older adults, decreasing the relative risk of clinical fracture by 33%. However, almost 10 years after its approval for use in clinical practice there remain very substantial uncertainties about the optimal treatment regimen, that is, the lowest dose and/or longest dosing interval that is efficacious. Several pieces of clinical research suggest that the current recommendation for annual administration of 5 mg zoledronate might represent overtreatment. Clinical trials to clarify the optimal use of zoledronate for reduction of fracture risk should be undertaken.

  7. Dual-therapy with αvβ3-targeted Sn2 lipase-labile fumagillin-prodrug nanoparticles and zoledronic acid in the Vx2 rabbit tumor model.

    PubMed

    Esser, Alison K; Schmieder, Anne H; Ross, Michael H; Xiang, Jingyu; Su, Xinming; Cui, Grace; Zhang, Huiying; Yang, Xiaoxia; Allen, John S; Williams, Todd; Wickline, Samuel A; Pan, Dipanjan; Lanza, Gregory M; Weilbaecher, Katherine N

    2016-01-01

    Fumagillin, an unstable anti-angiogenesis mycotoxin, was synthesized into a stable lipase-labile prodrug and incorporated into integrin-targeted lipid-encapsulated nanoparticles (αvβ3-Fum-PD NP). Dual anti-angiogenic therapy combining αvβ3-Fum-PD NP with zoledronic acid (ZA), a long-acting osteoclast inhibitor with proposed anti-angiogenic effects, was evaluated. In vitro, αvβ3-Fum-PD NP reduced (P<0.05) endothelial cell viability without impacting macrophage viability. ZA suppressed (P<0.05) macrophage viability at high dosages but not endothelial cell proliferation. 3D MR neovascular imaging of rabbit Vx2 tumors showed no effect with ZA, whereas αvβ3-Fum-PD NP alone and with ZA decreased angiogenesis (P<0.05). Immunohistochemistry revealed decreased (P<0.05) microvascularity with αvβ3-Fum-PD NP and ZA and further microvascular reduction (P<0.05) with dual-therapy. In vivo, ZA did not decrease tumor macrophage numbers nor cancer cell proliferation, whereas αvβ3-Fum-PD-NPs reduced both measures. Dual-therapy with ZA and αvβ3-Fum-PD-NP may provide enhanced neo-adjuvant utility if macrophage ZA uptake is increased. From the Clinical Editor: Although anti-angiogenesis is one of the treatment modalities in the fight against cancer, many cancers become resistant to VEGF pathway inhibitors. In this article, the authors investigated the use of dual therapy using fumagillin, integrin-targeted lipid-encapsulated nanoparticles (αvβ3- Fum-PD NP) and zoledronic acid (ZA), in both in-vitro and in-vivo experiments. This combination approach may provide an insight to the design of future drugs against cancers. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Effect of Once-Yearly Zoledronic Acid Five Milligrams on Fracture Risk and Change in Femoral Neck Bone Mineral Density

    PubMed Central

    Eastell, Richard; Black, Dennis M.; Boonen, Steven; Adami, Silvano; Felsenberg, Dieter; Lippuner, Kurt; Cummings, Steven R.; Delmas, Pierre D.; Palermo, Lisa; Mesenbrink, Peter; Cauley, Jane A.

    2016-01-01

    Context In the Health Outcomes and Reduced Incidence with Zoledronic Acid Once Yearly – Pivotal Fracture Trial (HORIZON-PFT), zoledronic acid (ZOL) 5 mg significantly reduced fracture risk. Objective The aim of the study was to identify factors associated with greater efficacy during ZOL 5 mg treatment. Design, Setting, and Patients We conducted a subgroup analysis (preplanned and post hoc) of a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 36-month trial in 7765 women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Intervention A single infusion of ZOL 5 mg or placebo was administered at baseline, 12, and 24 months. Main Outcome Measures Primary endpoints were new vertebral fracture and hip fracture. Secondary endpoints were nonvertebral fracture and change in femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD). Baseline risk factor subgroups were age, BMD T-score and vertebral fracture status, total hip BMD, race, weight, geographical region, smoking, height loss, history of falls, physical activity, prior bisphosphonates, creatinine clearance, body mass index, and concomitant osteoporosis medications. Results Greater ZOL induced effects on vertebral fracture risk were seen with younger age (treatment-by-subgroup interaction, P =0.05), normal creatinine clearance (P =0.04), and body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2 (P = 0.02). There were no significant treatment–factor interactions for hip or nonvertebral fracture or for change in BMD. Conclusions ZOL appeared more effective in preventing vertebral fracture in younger women, overweight/obese women, and women with normal renal function. ZOL had similar effects irrespective of fracture risk factors or femoral neck BMD. PMID:19567517

  9. Cytoprotective effects of melatonin on zoledronic acid-treated human mesenchymal stem cells in vitro.

    PubMed

    Rodríguez-Lozano, Francisco Javier; García-Bernal, David; Ros-Roca, Maria de Los Ángeles; Algueró, Maria del Carmen; Oñate-Sánchez, Ricardo Elías; Camacho-Alonso, Fabio; Moraleda, Jose María

    2015-07-01

    Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) is a common clinical complication in patients receiving bisphosphonate therapy. Furthermore, melatonin has been proposed as a therapeutic drug for the oral cavity due to its antioxidant properties. This study aimed to evaluate the cytoprotective effects of melatonin on zoledronic acid (ZA)-treated human mesenchymal stem cells from periodontal ligament (PDLSCs) and bone marrow (BMMSCs). PDLSCs and BMMSCs were exposed to ZA, melatonin or ZA + melatonin for 72 h. Cell proliferation was measured by a colorimetric assay, whereas their mesenchymal phenotype was analyzed by flow cytometry. Proliferation assays showed that BMMSCs presented higher ZA resistance than PDLSCs, as well as a difference in response to the simultaneous treatment of ZA + melatonin. Using PDLSCs, high doses of melatonin significantly increased their proliferation, whereas lower concentrations were enough to enhance ZA-treated BMMSC proliferation. Moreover, PDLSCs displayed a CD90/CD105 downregulation and CD73 upregulation in response to ZA, which was more pronounced in response to melatonin. Furthermore, ZA or ZA + low doses of melatonin induced a decrease of expression of CD90/CD105/CD73 on BMMSCs, while a higher concentration recovered CD73 levels. These results suggest that melatonin has a cytoprotective effect on ZA-treated PDLSCs and BMMSCs. Thus, it could be used for BRONJ prevention. Copyright © 2015 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. A Case of Severe, Prolonged, Refractory Hypophosphatemia After Zoledronic Acid Administration.

    PubMed

    Clark, Sarah L; Nystrom, Erin M

    2016-04-01

    Zoledronic acid (ZA) administration has been associated with electrolyte abnormalities, including hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, hypokalemia, and hypophosphatemia. We describe a case of severe, refractory hypophosphatemia in a patient who received ZA for hypercalcemia of malignancy (HCM). Little data are available that describe the incidence or degree of severity of hypophosphatemia that can occur following ZA administration. In addition, no formal recommendations exist to guide monitoring for or management of electrolyte derangements in the setting of bisphosphonate use. Our patient required daily, high-dose phosphorus replacement beginning day 4 following ZA administration. The average daily dose of phosphorus, including both intravenous and enteral administration, was highest in the first 2 weeks after ZA, averaging 77 mmol/d days 4 through 15, and does not include sources of phosphorus from the patient's nutrition support. Despite this high amount of supplementation, which was well beyond what meets normal daily requirements and the amount expected to treat "usual" hypophosphatemia, the patient did not achieve sustained normal serum phosphorus levels for over 30 days after ZA. ZA is a favorable option for treating HCM because of its longer duration of action, potent serum calcium-lowering effects, and favorable safety profile. The risk of hypophosphatemia with ZA use is reviewed. © The Author(s) 2016.

  11. Zoledronic acid inhibits vasculogenic mimicry in murine osteosarcoma cell line in vitro.

    PubMed

    Fu, Dehao; He, Xianfeng; Yang, Shuhua; Xu, Weihua; Lin, Tao; Feng, Xiaobo

    2011-06-30

    To study the effects of zoledronic acid (ZA) on the vasculogenic mimicry of osteosarcoma cells in vitro. A Three-dimensional culture of LM8 osteosarcoma cells on a type I collagen matrix was used to investigate whether osteosarcoma cells can develop vasculogenic mimicry, and to determine the effects of ZA on this process. In addition, the cellular ultrastructural changes were observed using scanning electron microscopy and laser confocal microscopy. The effects of ZA on the translocation of RhoA protein from the cytosol to the membrane in LM8 cells were measured via immunoblotting. ZA inhibited the development of vasculogenic mimicry by the LM8 osteosarcoma cells, decreased microvilli formation on the cell surface, and disrupted the F-actin cytoskeleton. ZA prevented translocation of RhoA protein from the cytosol to the membrane in LM8 cells. ZA can impair RhoA membrane localization in LM8 cells, causing obvious changes in the ultrastructure of osteosarcoma cells and induce cell apoptosis, which may be one of the underlying mechanisms by which the agent inhibits the development of vasculogenic mimicry by the LM8 cells.

  12. Diminished Progression of Periapical Lesions with Zoledronic Acid in Ovariectomized Rats.

    PubMed

    Wayama, Marcelo Tadahiro; Yoshimura, Hitoshi; Ohba, Seigo; Yoshida, Hisato; Matsuda, Shinpei; Kobayashi, Junichi; Kobayashi, Motohiro; Gomes Filho, João Eduardo; Sano, Kazuo

    2015-12-01

    The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of systemically administered zoledronic acid (ZOL) on the progression of periapical lesions in estrogen-deficient rats. Female Wistar rats were divided into the following groups: SHAM-veh, sham surgery treated with vehicle (physiological saline); OVX-veh, ovariectomy treated with vehicle; SHAM-ZOL, sham surgery treated with ZOL; and OVX-ZOL, ovariectomy treated with ZOL. Vehicle or ZOL was administered intravenously once a week for 4 weeks. The pulp of the mandibular first molar of all rats was exposed to the oral environment to induce a periapical lesion, and the lesions were analyzed after 7 and 30 days. The mandibles were examined by micro-computed tomographic imaging and histopathologic, histometric, and immunohistochemical analyses. Histopathologically, the OVX-veh group had more severe inflammation and bone loss and a larger number of cells that were positive for tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase compared with the SHAM-veh and OVX-ZOL groups; the SHAM-veh and OVX-ZOL groups were similar to each other. The SHAM-ZOL group had the lowest magnitude of these conditions. Tomographically, the OVX-veh group had greater bone loss than the other groups at both time points. The SHAM-veh, SHAM-ZOL, and OVX-ZOL groups had similar bone loss at both time points. In the sagittal section on day 30, the SHAM-ZOL group had lower bone loss compared with the SHAM-veh and OVX-ZOL groups. The hypoestrogenic condition aggravates the progression of periapical lesions. ZOL therapy may help contain bone destruction of periapical lesions. Copyright © 2015 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. Addition of zoledronic acid to neoadjuvant chemotherapy does not enhance tumor response in patients with HER2-negative stage II/III breast cancer: the NEOZOTAC trial (BOOG 2010-01).

    PubMed

    Charehbili, A; van de Ven, S; Smit, V T H B M; Meershoek-Klein Kranenbarg, E; Hamdy, N A T; Putter, H; Heijns, J B; van Warmerdam, L J C; Kessels, L; Dercksen, M; Pepels, M J; Maartense, E; van Laarhoven, H W M; Vriens, B; Wasser, M N; van Leeuwen-Stok, A E; Liefers, G J; van de Velde, C J H; Nortier, J W R; Kroep, J R

    2014-05-01

    The role of zoledronic acid (ZA) when added to the neoadjuvant treatment of breast cancer (BC) in enhancing the clinical and pathological response of tumors is unclear. The effect of ZA on the antitumor effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy has not prospectively been studied before. NEOZOTAC is a national, multicenter, randomized study comparing the efficacy of TAC (docetaxel, adriamycin and cyclophosphamide i.v.) followed by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor on day 2 with or without ZA 4 mg i.v. q 3 weeks inpatients withstage II/III, HER2-negative BC. We present data on the pathological complete response (pCR in breast and axilla), on clinical response using MRI, and toxicity. Post hoc subgroup analyses were undertaken to address the predictive value of menopausal status. Addition of ZA to chemotherapy did not improve pCR rates (13.2% for TAC+ZA versus 13.3% for TAC). Postmenopausal women (N = 96) had a numerical benefit from ZA treatment (pCR 14.0% for TAC+ZA versus 8.7% for TAC, P = 0.42). Clinical objective response did not differ between treatment arms (72.9% versus 73.7%). There was no difference in grade III/IV toxicity between treatment arms. Addition of ZA to neoadjuvant chemotherapy did not improve pathological or clinical response to chemotherapy. Further investigations are warranted in postmenopausal women with BC, since this subgroup might benefit from ZA treatment.

  14. Zoledronic acid at subtoxic dose extends osteoblastic stage span of primary human osteoblasts.

    PubMed

    Zara, Susi; De Colli, Marianna; di Giacomo, Viviana; Zizzari, Vincenzo Luca; Di Nisio, Chiara; Di Tore, Umberto; Salini, Vincenzo; Gallorini, Marialucia; Tetè, Stefano; Cataldi, Amelia

    2015-04-01

    This study aimed to check the effect of zoledronic acid (ZA) at subtoxic dose on human osteoblasts (HOs) in terms of cell viability, apoptosis occurrence, and differentiation induction. ZA belongs to the family of bisphosphonates (BPs), largely used in the clinical practice for the treatment of bone diseases, often associated with jaw osteonecrosis onset. Their pharmacological action consists in the direct block of the osteoclast-mediated bone resorption along with indirect action on osteoblasts. HOs were treated choosing the highest limit concentration (10(-5) M) which does not induce toxic effects. Live/dead staining, flow cytometry, mitochondrial membrane potential assay, osteocalcin western blotting, gp38 RT-PCR, collagen type I, PGE2, and IL-6 ELISA assays were performed. Similar viability level between control and ZA-treated samples is found along with no significant increase of apoptotic and necrotic cells in ZA-treated sample. To establish if an early apoptotic pathway was triggered, Bax expression and mitochondrial membrane potential were evaluated finding a higher protein expression in control sample and a good integrity of mitochondrial membrane in both experimental points. Type I collagen secretion and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity appear increased in ZA-treated sample, osteocalcin expression level is reduced in ZA-treated cells, whereas no modifications of gp38 mRNA level are evidenced. No statistical differences are identified in PGE2 secretion level whereas IL-6 secretion is lower in ZA-treated HOs with respect to control ones. These results highlight that ZA, delaying the osteoblastic differentiation process versus the osteocytic lineage, strengthens its pharmacological activity enhancing bone density. The knowledge of ZA effects on osteoblasts at subtoxic dose allows to improve therapeutic protocols in order to strengthen drug pharmacological activity through a combined action on both osteoclastic and osteoblastic cells.

  15. Zoledronic acid in children with osteogenesis imperfecta and Bruck syndrome: a 2-year prospective observational study.

    PubMed

    Otaify, G A; Aglan, M S; Ibrahim, M M; Elnashar, M; El Banna, R A S; Temtamy, S A

    2016-01-01

    Treatment with zoledronic acid (ZA) over 2 years, among 33 children with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) and five Bruck syndrome cases, showed reduction in fracture rates, pain, and improvement in bone mineral density (BMD) and motor milestones of development. This is the first study reporting the use of bisphosphonates in patients with Bruck syndrome (BS). OI and BS are genetic disorders that result in bone fragility and reduced BMD. There is little literature describing the efficacy and safety of ZA in this population. In this study, we assess the response to treatment with ZA at six monthly intervals in Egyptian children with OI and BS for a period of 2 years. Thirty-three patients with OI and five patients with BS were treated with 0.1 mg/kg ZA intravenously every 6 months for 2 years during which they were followed up using different parameters. A clinical severity score (CSS) was applied to the patients before and 2 years after the start of therapy. Comparison of disease severity and response to ZA treatment between autosomal-dominant (AD) and autosomal-recessive (AR) OI patients was also done. After 6 months of treatment, OI and BS patients showed a significant increase in BMD Z-scores (P < 0.003 in the spine and P < 0.004 in the hip), together with a significant drop in fracture rate (P < 0.001), relief of pain (P < 0.001), and improvement in ambulation (P < 0.001). CSS was significantly reduced after 2 years of treatment in both OI and BS patients. AR-OI patients were more severely affected than AD-OI patients and showed more significant improvement. Zoledronic acid proved to be safe and effective in the treatment of OI and BS. The biannual infusion protocol was convenient to patients. There was a positive correlation between disease severity and benefits of the treatment. The use of the CSS proved to be of value in the assessment of the degree of severity in OI, and with some modifications, it was a valuable tool for the assessment of

  16. FemZone trial: a randomized phase II trial comparing neoadjuvant letrozole and zoledronic acid with letrozole in primary breast cancer patients

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background The objective of this prospectively randomized phase II trial (Trial registration: EUCTR2004-004007-37-DE) was to compare the clinical response of primary breast cancer patients to neoadjuvant therapy with letrozole alone (LET) or letrozole and zoledronic acid (LET + ZOL). Methods Patients were randomly assigned to receive either LET 2.5 mg/day (n = 79) or the combination of LET 2.5 mg/day and a total of seven infusions of ZOL 4 mg every 4 weeks (n = 89) for 6 months. Primary endpoint was clinical response rate as assessed by mammogram readings. The study was terminated prematurely due to insufficient recruitment. We report here on an exploratory analysis of this data. Results Central assessment of tumor sizes during the treatment period was available for 131 patients (66 LET, 65 LET + ZOL). Clinical responses (complete or partial) were seen in 54.5% (95% CI: 41.8-66.9) of the patients in the LET arm and 69.2% (95% CI: 56.6-80.1) of those in the LET + ZOL arm (P = 0.106). A multivariate model showed an OR of 1.72 (95% CI: 0.83-3.59) for the experimental arm. Conclusion No increase in the clinical response rate was observed with the addition of ZOL to a neoadjuvant treatment regimen with LET. However a trend towards a better reponse in the LET + ZOL arm could be observed. This trend is consistent with previous studies that have investigated the addition of ZOL to chemotherapy, and it may support the evidence for a direct antitumor action of zoledronic acid. PMID:24499441

  17. Zoledronic acid inhibits macrophage/microglia-assisted breast cancer cell invasion

    PubMed Central

    Rietkötter, Eva; Menck, Kerstin; Bleckmann, Annalen; Farhat, Katja; Schaffrinski, Meike; Schulz, Matthias; Hanisch, Uwe-Karsten; Binder, Claudia; Pukrop, Tobias

    2013-01-01

    The bisphosphonate zoledronic acid (ZA) significantly reduces complications of bone metastasis by inhibiting resident macrophages, the osteoclasts. Recent clinical trials indicate additional anti-metastatic effects of ZA outside the bone. However, which step of metastasis is influenced and whether this is due to direct toxicity on cancer cells or inhibition of the tumor promoting microenvironment, is unknown. In particular, tumor-associated and resident macrophages support each step of organ metastasis and could be a crucial target of ZA. Thus, we comparatively investigate the ZA effects on: i) different types of macrophages, ii) on breast cancer cells but also iii) on macrophage-induced invasion. We demonstrate that ZA concentrations reflecting the plasma level affected viability of human macrophages, murine bone marrow-derived macrophages as well as their resident brain equivalents, the microglia, while it did not influence the tested cancer cells. However, the effects on the macrophages subsequently reduced the macrophage/microglia-induced invasiveness of the cancer cells. In line with this, manipulation of microglia by ZA in organotypic brain slice cocultures reduced the tissue invasion by carcinoma cells. The characterization of human macrophages after ZA treatment revealed a phenotype/response shift, in particular after external stimulation. In conclusion, we show that therapeutic concentrations of ZA affect all types of macrophages but not the cancer cells. Thus, anti-metastatic effects of ZA are predominantly caused by modulating the microenvironment. Most importantly, our findings demonstrate that ZA reduced microglia-assisted invasion of cancer cells to the brain tissue, indicating a potential therapeutic role in the prevention of cerebral metastasis. PMID:24036536

  18. Effect of once-yearly zoledronic acid on the spine and hip as measured by quantitative computed tomography: results of the HORIZON Pivotal Fracture Trial

    PubMed Central

    Lang, T.; Boonen, S.; Cummings, S.; Delmas, P. D.; Cauley, J. A.; Horowitz, Z.; Kerzberg, E.; Bianchi, G.; Kendler, D.; Leung, P.; Man, Z.; Mesenbrink, P.; Eriksen, E. F.; Black, D. M.

    2016-01-01

    Summary Changes in bone mineral density and bone strength following treatment with zoledronic acid (ZOL) were measured by quantitative computed analysis (QCT) or dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). ZOL treatment increased spine and hip BMD vs placebo, assessed by QCT and DXA. Changes in trabecular bone resulted in increased bone strength. Introduction To investigate bone mineral density (BMD) changes in trabecular and cortical bone, estimated by quantitative computed analysis (QCT) or dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and whether zoledronic acid 5 mg (ZOL) affects bone strength. Methods In 233 women from a randomized, controlled trial of once-yearly ZOL, lumbar spine, total hip, femoral neck, and trochanter were assessed by DXA and QCT (baseline, Month 36). Mean percentage changes from baseline and between-treatment differences (ZOL vs placebo, t-test) were evaluated. Results Mean between-treatment differences for lumbar spine BMD were significant by DXA (7.0%, p<0.01) and QCT (5.7%, p<0.0001). Between-treatment differences were significant for trabecular spine (p=0.0017) [non-parametric test], trabecular trochanter (10.7%, p<0.0001), total hip (10.8%, p<0.0001), and compressive strength indices at femoral neck (8.6%, p=0.0001), and trochanter (14.1%, p<0.0001). Conclusions Once-yearly ZOL increased hip and spine BMD vs placebo, assessed by QCT vs DXA. Changes in trabecular bone resulted in increased indices of compressive strength. PMID:19802508

  19. Local treatment of cancellous bone grafts with BMP-7 and zoledronate increases both the bone formation rate and bone density

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    Background and purpose The remodeling of morselized bone grafts in revision surgery can be enhanced by an anabolic substance such as a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP). On the other hand, BMPs boost catabolism and might cause a premature resorption, both of the graft and of the new-formed bone. Bisphosphonates inactivate osteoclasts and can be used to control the resorption. We studied a combination of both drugs as a local admix to a cancellous allograft. Methods Cancellous bone allografts were harvested and freeze-dried. Either saline, BMP-7, the bisphosphonate zoledronate, or a combination of BMP-7 and zoledronate were added in solution. The grafts were placed in bone conduction chambers and implanted in the proximal tibia of 34 rats. The grafts were harvested after 6 weeks and evaluated by histomorphometry. Results Bone volume/total volume (BV/TV) was 50% in the grafts treated with the combination of BMP-7 and zoledronate and 16% in the saline controls (p < 0.001). In the zoledronate group BV/TV was 56%, and in the BMP group it was 14%. The ingrowth distance of new bone into the graft was 3.5 mm for the combination of BMP-7 and zoledronate and 2.6 mm in the saline control (p = 0.002). The net amount of retained remodeled bone was more than 4 times higher when BMP-7 and zoledronate were combined than in the controls. Interpretation An anabolic drug like BMP-7 can be combined with an anti-catabolic bisphosphonate as local bone graft adjunct, and the combination increases the amount of remaining bone after remodeling is complete. PMID:21434769

  20. Osteoclasts but not osteoblasts are affected by a calcified surface treated with zoledronic acid in vitro

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

    Schindeler, Aaron; Little, David G.; Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney

    2005-12-16

    Bisphosphonates are potent inhibitors of osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. Recent interest has centered on the effects of bisphosphonates on osteoblasts. Chronic dosing of osteoblasts with solubilized bisphosphonates has been reported to enhance osteogenesis and mineralization in vitro. However, this methodology poorly reflects the in vivo situation, where free bisphosphonate becomes rapidly bound to mineralized bone surfaces. To establish a more clinically relevant cell culture model, we cultured bone cells on calcium phosphate coated quartz discs pre-treated with the potent nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate, zoledronic acid (ZA). Binding studies utilizing [{sup 14}C]-labeled ZA confirmed that the bisphosphonate bound in a concentration-dependent manner over themore » 1-50 {mu}M dose range. When grown on ZA-treated discs, the viability of bone-marrow derived osteoclasts was greatly reduced, while the viability and mineralization of the osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cell line were largely unaffected. This suggests that only bone resorbing cells are affected by bound bisphosphonate. However, this system does not account for transient exposure to unbound bisphosphonate in the hours following a clinical dosing. To model this event, we transiently treated osteoblasts with ZA in the absence of a calcified surface. Osteoblasts proved highly resistant to all transitory treatment regimes, even when utilizing ZA concentrations that prevented mineralization and/or induced cell death when dosed chronically. This study represents a pharmacologically more relevant approach to modeling bisphosphonate treatment on cultured bone cells and implies that bisphosphonate therapies may not directly affect osteoblasts at bone surfaces.« less

  1. A 5-year retrospective longitudinal study on the incidence and the risk factors of osteonecrosis of the jaws in patients treated with zoledronic acid for bone metastases from solid tumors.

    PubMed

    Manfredi, M; Mergoni, G; Goldoni, M; Salvagni, S; Merigo, E; Meleti, M; Vescovi, P

    2017-05-01

    The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and the risk factors of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) in a group of patients treated with zoledronic acid (ZA) for bone metastases from solid tumors and enrolled in a preventive dental program. This 5-year retrospective longitudinal study included all consecutive oncological patients who underwent at least one infusion with ZA between 2004 and 2011 for bone metastases due to solid neoplasms. Of the 156 patients enrolled in the study, 17 developed ONJ (10.89%). At the multivariate analysis, severe periodontal disease (P=0.025), tooth extraction (P<0.0001) and starting the preventive dental program after the beginning of ZA therapy (P=0.02) were the only factors which showed a significant association with the occurrence of ONJ. This study demonstrated the importance of beginning dental prevention before zoledronic acid exposure in reducing ONJ occurrence, especially in the long term. The results of this research show that control of periodontal disease and an increase in the time between tooth extraction and the first ZA administration are recommended in order to reduce the risk of ONJ development.

  2. Effect of zoledronic acid on reducing femoral bone mineral density loss following total hip arthroplasty: A meta-analysis from randomized controlled trails.

    PubMed

    Gao, Jian; Gao, Chong; Li, Hui; Wang, Guo-Sheng; Xu, Chang; Ran, Jian

    2017-11-01

    This meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficiency of intravenous administration of zoledronic acid on reducing femoral periprosthetic bone mineral density loss in patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). A systematic search was performed in Medline (1966-2017.07.31), PubMed (1966-2017.07.31), Embase (1980-2017.07.31), ScienceDirect (1985-2017.07.31) and the Cochrane Library (1966-2017.07.31). Fixed/random effect model was used according to the heterogeneity tested by I 2 statistic. Sensitivity analysis was conducted and publication bias was assessed. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 11.0 software. Four studies including 185 patients met the inclusion criteria. The present meta-analysis indicated that there were significant differences between groups in terms of periprosthetic bone mineral density in Gruen zone 1 (SMD = 0.752, 95% CI: 0.454 to 1.051, P = 0.000), 2 (SMD = 0.524, 95% CI: 0.230 to 0.819, P = 0.000), 4 (SMD = 0.400, 95% CI: 0.107 to 0.693, P = 0.008), 6 (SMD = 0.893, 95% CI: 0.588 to 1.198, P = 0.000) and 7 (SMD = 0.988, 95% CI: 0.677 to 1.300, P = 0.000). Intravenous administration of zoledronic acid could significantly reduce periprosthetic bone mineral density loss (Gruen zone 1, 2, 4, 6 and 7) after THA. In addition, no severe adverse events were identified. High-quality RCTs with large sample size were still required. Copyright © 2017 IJS Publishing Group Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. OPG-Fc but Not Zoledronic Acid Discontinuation Reverses Osteonecrosis of the Jaws (ONJ) in Mice

    PubMed Central

    de Molon, Rafael Scaf; Shimamoto, Hiroaki; Bezouglaia, Olga; Pirih, Flavia Q; Dry, Sarah M; Kostenuik, Paul; Boyce, Rogely W; Dwyer, Denise; Aghaloo, Tara L; Tetradis, Sotirios

    2016-01-01

    Osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ) is a significant complication of antiresorptive medications, such as bisphosphonates and denosumab. Antiresorptive discontinuation to promote healing of ONJ lesions remains highly controversial and understudied. Here, we investigated whether antiresorptive discontinuation alters ONJ features in mice, employing the potent bisphosphonate zoledronic acid (ZA) or the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) inhibitor OPG-Fc, utilizing previously published ONJ animal models. Mice were treated with vehicle (veh), ZA, or OPG-Fc for 11 weeks to induce ONJ, and antiresorptives were discontinued for 6 or 10 weeks. Maxillae and mandibles were examined by µCT imaging and histologically. ONJ features in ZA and OPG-Fc groups included periosteal bone deposition, empty osteocyte lacunae, osteonecrotic areas, and bone exposure, each of which substantially resolved 10 weeks after discontinuing OPG-Fc but not ZA. Full recovery of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive (TRAP+) osteoclast numbers occurred after discontinuing OPG-Fc but not ZA. Our data provide the first experimental evidence demonstrating that discontinuation of a RANKL inhibitor, but not a bisphosphonate, reverses features of osteonecrosis in mice. It remains unclear whether antiresorptive discontinuation increases the risk of skeletal-related events in patients with bone metastases or fracture risk in osteoporosis patients, but these preclinical data may nonetheless help to inform discussions on the rationale for a “drug holiday” in managing the ONJ patient. PMID:25727550

  4. Quantitation of zoledronic acid in murine bone by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Raccor, Brianne S; Sun, Jianxun; Lawrence, Ross F; Li, Lei; Zhang, Hai; Somerman, Martha J; Totah, Rheem A

    2013-09-15

    An in vitro method for extraction and quantification of zoledronic acid (ZA) from murine bone was developed. Whole mouse bones were incubated in ZA solutions with predetermined concentrations and bound ZA was subsequently extracted from bone with phosphoric acid and derivatized using trimethylsilyl diazomethane (TMS-DAM). ZA tetra-methyl phosphonate was quantified by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). This resulted in a sensitive, accurate, and precise method that was linear over three orders of magnitude (0.0250-50.0μg/mL ZA). For quality control (QC) samples, intra-and inter-day coefficients of variance were calculated and were less than 10%. This method was then applied to an in vivo model to quantitate ZA from the femur and mandible of three mice treated with ZA for two weeks. The mean ZA extracted from the mandible was four fold higher than that extracted from the femur (3.06±0.52 vs. 0.76±0.09ng/mg, respectively) indicating that ZA did not distribute equally in the skeleton and had a preference to the mandible. In conclusion, a highly sensitive method to measure ZA from mouse skeleton was developed, which can be easily adapted to multiple mammalian models including humans receiving ZA treatment. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. Favorable therapeutic response of osteoporosis patients to treatment with intravenous zoledronate compared with oral alendronate

    PubMed Central

    Al-Bogami, Mohammed M.; Alkhorayef, Mohammed A.; Bystrom, Jonas; Akanle, Olufunso A.; Al-Adhoubi, Nasra K.; Jawad, Ali S.; Mageed, Rizgar A.

    2015-01-01

    Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of orally-administered alendronate compared with intravenously-administered zoledronate. Methods: This prospective study was carried out at Barts Health HNS Trust between April 2010 and March 2012. This study compares changes in bone mineral density (BMD) in 234 patients treated with 2 bisphosphonates: alendronate taken orally, and zoledronate administered intravenously. One hundred and eighteen patients received alendronate at 70 mg/week, while 116 patients received zoledronate once annually. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry was used to measure BMD of the left hip and anterior-posterior spine (lumbar L1-L4) skeletal sites at baseline, and at one-, and 2-years post-treatment. Results: This study provides evidence that lumbar spine BMD increased by 3.6% in patients receiving alendronate, and 5.7% in patients receiving zoledronate after 2 years compared with baseline values (p=0.0001 for both). Total hip BMD decreased in patients treated with alendronate by 0.4% but increased in patients receiving zoledronate by 0.8% (p=0.0001). Conclusion: This study provides evidence that zoledronate is more effective than alendronate in treating patients with osteoporosis and with no gastrointestinal (GI) serious side effects. Furthermore, zoledronate appears to have the added advantage of a better safety profile in patients suffering from GI intolerance of oral bisphosphonates. PMID:26593163

  6. Zoledronate, ibandronate and clodronate enhance osteoblast differentiation in a dose dependent manner--a quantitative in vitro gene expression analysis of Dlx5, Runx2, OCN, MSX1 and MSX2.

    PubMed

    Koch, Felix Peter; Merkel, Christina; Al-Nawas, Bilal; Smeets, Ralf; Ziebart, Thomas; Walter, Christian; Wagner, Wilfried

    2011-12-01

    Bisphosphonates are widely used in the clinical treatment of bone diseases with increased bone resorption. In terms of side effects, they are known to be associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw (BONJ). There are two groups of bisphosphonates: the nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates, e.g. zoledronate and ibandronate, and the non-nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates, e.g. clodronate. Their impact on bone metabolism seems to differ. The objective of this study was to compare the osteogenic differentiation potency of these two pharmacologic groups. Human osteoblasts were stimulated with zoledronate and ibandronate at concentrations of 5×10(-5) M, 5×10(-6) M and 5×10(-7) M over the experimental periods of 1, 2, 5, 10 and 14 days. Clodronate was applied with concentrations of 5×10(-3), 5×10(-5) M and 5×10(-6) M. At each time point, the cells were dissolved, the mRNA extracted, and the gene expression level of the osteoblast specific differentiation markers of the homeobox transcription factors MSX1 and MSX2, the distal-less homeobox 5 (Dlx5), the Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2/CBF1a) and osteocalcin (OCN) were quantified by Real-Time PCR. The gene expression was compared to an unstimulated osteoblast cell culture as control. The results showed a significant difference between the nitrogen-containing and the non-nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates. Zoledronate and ibandronate at concentrations of 5×10(-5) M enhanced the gene expression of all differentiation markers by several hundred folds compared to unstimulated control after 10 days, whereas clodronate had less influence on gene expression, even at higher concentrations of 5×10(-3) M. Lower concentrations of zoledronate and ibandronate, however, led to a decreased gene expression. These data confirm the results of other studies which have shown the osteogenic stimulus on osteoblasts in a dose dependent manner. The nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates appear to enhance bone density by stimulation of

  7. Zoledronate and Ion-releasing Resins Impair Dentin Collagen Degradation

    PubMed Central

    Tezvergil-Mutluay, A.; Seseogullari-Dirihan, R.; Feitosa, V.P.; Tay, F.R.; Watson, T.F.; Pashley, D.H.; Sauro, S.

    2014-01-01

    This study analyzed the amounts of solubilized telopeptides cross-linked carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) and C-terminal crosslinked telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) derived from matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cysteine cathepsins (CTPs) subsequent to application of a filler-free (Res.A) or an ion-releasing resin (Res.B) to ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-demineralized dentin with or without zoledronate-containing primer (Zol-primer) pre-treatment. The chemical modification induced following treatments and artificial saliva (AS) storage was also analyzed through attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Totally EDTA-demineralized specimens were infiltrated with Res.A or Res.B with or without Zol-primer pre-treatment, light-cured, and immersed in AS for up to 4 wk. ICTP release was reduced following infiltration with Res.B and further reduced when Res.B was used with Zol-primer; remarkable phosphate mineral uptake was attained after AS storage. CTX release was increased in Res.A- and Res.B-treated dentin. However, when Zol-primer was used with Res.A, the CTX release fell significantly compared to the other tested resin-infiltration methods. In conclusion, zoledronate offers an additional inhibitory effect to the ion-releasing resins in MMP-mediated collagen degradation. However, Zol-primer induces a modest reduction in CTX release only when used with resin-based systems containing no ion-releasing fillers. PMID:25074494

  8. Cost-effectiveness of zoledronic acid and strontium-89 as bone protecting treatments in addition to chemotherapy in patients with metastatic castrate-refractory prostate cancer: results from the TRAPEZE trial (ISRCTN 12808747).

    PubMed

    Andronis, Lazaros; Goranitis, Ilias; Pirrie, Sarah; Pope, Ann; Barton, Darren; Collins, Stuart; Daunton, Adam; McLaren, Duncan; O'Sullivan, Joe M; Parker, Chris; Porfiri, Emilio; Staffurth, John; Stanley, Andrew; Wylie, James; Beesley, Sharon; Birtle, Alison; Brown, Janet E; Chakraborti, Prabir; Hussain, Syed A; Russell, J Martin; Billingham, Lucinda J; James, Nicholas D

    2017-04-01

    To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of adding zoledronic acid or strontium-89 to standard docetaxel chemotherapy for patients with castrate-refractory prostate cancer (CRPC). Data on resource use and quality of life for 707 patients collected prospectively in the TRAPEZE 2 × 2 factorial randomised trial (ISRCTN 12808747) were used to assess the cost-effectiveness of i) zoledronic acid versus no zoledronic acid (ZA vs. no ZA), and ii) strontium-89 versus no strontium-89 (Sr89 vs. no Sr89). Costs were estimated from the perspective of the National Health Service in the UK and included expenditures for trial treatments, concomitant medications, and use of related hospital and primary care services. Quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were calculated according to patients' responses to the generic EuroQol EQ-5D-3L instrument, which evaluates health status. Results are expressed as incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) and cost-effectiveness acceptability curves. The per-patient cost for ZA was £12 667, £251 higher than the equivalent cost in the no ZA group. Patients in the ZA group had on average 0.03 QALYs more than their counterparts in no ZA group. The ICER for this comparison was £8 005. Sr89 was associated with a cost of £13 230, £1365 higher than no Sr89, and a gain of 0.08 QALYs compared to no Sr89. The ICER for Sr89 was £16 884. The probabilities of ZA and Sr89 being cost-effective were 0.64 and 0.60, respectively. The addition of bone-targeting treatments to standard chemotherapy led to a small improvement in QALYs for a modest increase in cost (or cost-savings). ZA and Sr89 resulted in ICERs below conventional willingness-to-pay per QALY thresholds, suggesting that their addition to chemotherapy may represent a cost-effective use of resources. © 2016 The Authors BJU International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of BJU International.

  9. Addition of docetaxel, zoledronic acid, or both to first-line long-term hormone therapy in prostate cancer (STAMPEDE): survival results from an adaptive, multiarm, multistage, platform randomised controlled trial

    PubMed Central

    James, Nicholas D; Sydes, Matthew R; Clarke, Noel W; Mason, Malcolm D; Dearnaley, David P; Spears, Melissa R; Ritchie, Alastair W S; Parker, Christopher C; Russell, J Martin; Attard, Gerhardt; de Bono, Johann; Cross, William; Jones, Rob J; Thalmann, George; Amos, Claire; Matheson, David; Millman, Robin; Alzouebi, Mymoona; Beesley, Sharon; Birtle, Alison J; Brock, Susannah; Cathomas, Richard; Chakraborti, Prabir; Chowdhury, Simon; Cook, Audrey; Elliott, Tony; Gale, Joanna; Gibbs, Stephanie; Graham, John D; Hetherington, John; Hughes, Robert; Laing, Robert; McKinna, Fiona; McLaren, Duncan B; O'Sullivan, Joe M; Parikh, Omi; Peedell, Clive; Protheroe, Andrew; Robinson, Angus J; Srihari, Narayanan; Srinivasan, Rajaguru; Staffurth, John; Sundar, Santhanam; Tolan, Shaun; Tsang, David; Wagstaff, John; Parmar, Mahesh K B

    2016-01-01

    Summary Background Long-term hormone therapy has been the standard of care for advanced prostate cancer since the 1940s. STAMPEDE is a randomised controlled trial using a multiarm, multistage platform design. It recruits men with high-risk, locally advanced, metastatic or recurrent prostate cancer who are starting first-line long-term hormone therapy. We report primary survival results for three research comparisons testing the addition of zoledronic acid, docetaxel, or their combination to standard of care versus standard of care alone. Methods Standard of care was hormone therapy for at least 2 years; radiotherapy was encouraged for men with N0M0 disease to November, 2011, then mandated; radiotherapy was optional for men with node-positive non-metastatic (N+M0) disease. Stratified randomisation (via minimisation) allocated men 2:1:1:1 to standard of care only (SOC-only; control), standard of care plus zoledronic acid (SOC + ZA), standard of care plus docetaxel (SOC + Doc), or standard of care with both zoledronic acid and docetaxel (SOC + ZA + Doc). Zoledronic acid (4 mg) was given for six 3-weekly cycles, then 4-weekly until 2 years, and docetaxel (75 mg/m2) for six 3-weekly cycles with prednisolone 10 mg daily. There was no blinding to treatment allocation. The primary outcome measure was overall survival. Pairwise comparisons of research versus control had 90% power at 2·5% one-sided α for hazard ratio (HR) 0·75, requiring roughly 400 control arm deaths. Statistical analyses were undertaken with standard log-rank-type methods for time-to-event data, with hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs derived from adjusted Cox models. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00268476) and ControlledTrials.com (ISRCTN78818544). Findings 2962 men were randomly assigned to four groups between Oct 5, 2005, and March 31, 2013. Median age was 65 years (IQR 60–71). 1817 (61%) men had M+ disease, 448 (15%) had N+/X M0, and 697 (24%) had N0M0. 165 (6

  10. Addition of docetaxel, zoledronic acid, or both to first-line long-term hormone therapy in prostate cancer (STAMPEDE): survival results from an adaptive, multiarm, multistage, platform randomised controlled trial.

    PubMed

    James, Nicholas D; Sydes, Matthew R; Clarke, Noel W; Mason, Malcolm D; Dearnaley, David P; Spears, Melissa R; Ritchie, Alastair W S; Parker, Christopher C; Russell, J Martin; Attard, Gerhardt; de Bono, Johann; Cross, William; Jones, Rob J; Thalmann, George; Amos, Claire; Matheson, David; Millman, Robin; Alzouebi, Mymoona; Beesley, Sharon; Birtle, Alison J; Brock, Susannah; Cathomas, Richard; Chakraborti, Prabir; Chowdhury, Simon; Cook, Audrey; Elliott, Tony; Gale, Joanna; Gibbs, Stephanie; Graham, John D; Hetherington, John; Hughes, Robert; Laing, Robert; McKinna, Fiona; McLaren, Duncan B; O'Sullivan, Joe M; Parikh, Omi; Peedell, Clive; Protheroe, Andrew; Robinson, Angus J; Srihari, Narayanan; Srinivasan, Rajaguru; Staffurth, John; Sundar, Santhanam; Tolan, Shaun; Tsang, David; Wagstaff, John; Parmar, Mahesh K B

    2016-03-19

    Long-term hormone therapy has been the standard of care for advanced prostate cancer since the 1940s. STAMPEDE is a randomised controlled trial using a multiarm, multistage platform design. It recruits men with high-risk, locally advanced, metastatic or recurrent prostate cancer who are starting first-line long-term hormone therapy. We report primary survival results for three research comparisons testing the addition of zoledronic acid, docetaxel, or their combination to standard of care versus standard of care alone. Standard of care was hormone therapy for at least 2 years; radiotherapy was encouraged for men with N0M0 disease to November, 2011, then mandated; radiotherapy was optional for men with node-positive non-metastatic (N+M0) disease. Stratified randomisation (via minimisation) allocated men 2:1:1:1 to standard of care only (SOC-only; control), standard of care plus zoledronic acid (SOC + ZA), standard of care plus docetaxel (SOC + Doc), or standard of care with both zoledronic acid and docetaxel (SOC + ZA + Doc). Zoledronic acid (4 mg) was given for six 3-weekly cycles, then 4-weekly until 2 years, and docetaxel (75 mg/m(2)) for six 3-weekly cycles with prednisolone 10 mg daily. There was no blinding to treatment allocation. The primary outcome measure was overall survival. Pairwise comparisons of research versus control had 90% power at 2·5% one-sided α for hazard ratio (HR) 0·75, requiring roughly 400 control arm deaths. Statistical analyses were undertaken with standard log-rank-type methods for time-to-event data, with hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs derived from adjusted Cox models. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00268476) and ControlledTrials.com (ISRCTN78818544). 2962 men were randomly assigned to four groups between Oct 5, 2005, and March 31, 2013. Median age was 65 years (IQR 60-71). 1817 (61%) men had M+ disease, 448 (15%) had N+/X M0, and 697 (24%) had N0M0. 165 (6%) men were previously treated with

  11. Zoledronic acid infusion for lumbar interbody fusion in osteoporosis.

    PubMed

    Tu, Chao-Wei; Huang, Kuo-Feng; Hsu, Hsien-Ta; Li, Hung-Yu; Yang, Stephen Shei-Dei; Chen, Yi-Chu

    2014-11-01

    Clinical outcomes of intravenous (IV) infusion of zoledronic acid (ZOL) for lumbar interbody fusion surgery (LIFS) remain unknown. We investigated the efficacy of IV ZOL on clinical outcome and bone fusion after LIFS. We retrospectively analyzed 64 patients with both degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis and osteoporosis who underwent LIFS from January 2007 to April 2010. All patients were followed up for 2 y. Thirty-two were treated with an IV infusion of ZOL 3 d after surgery and a second injection 1 y later, and the other 32 patients did not receive ZOL. Preoperatively and every 3 mo postoperatively, oswestry disability index questionnaire and visual analog scale (VAS) scores for back and leg were compared. Preoperative and final postoperative follow-up to evaluate for subsequent compression fractures were also performed. Pedicle screw loosening, cage subsidence, and fusion rate were documented 2 y after surgery. At 2-y follow-up, a solid fusion was achieved in 75% of the ZOL group and only 56% of the control group. At final follow up, the incidence of final subsequent vertebral compression fractures (19% of the ZOL group and 51% of the control group, P = 0.006), pedicle screw loosening (18% of the ZOL group and 45% of the control group, P = 0.03), and cage subsidence >2 mm (28% of the ZOL group and only 54% of the control group, P = 0.04) were significantly lower in the ZOL group than in the control group. The ZOL group demonstrated improvement in VAS (for leg pain VAS, 2/10 for the ZOL group and 5/10 for the control group; for back pain VAS, 2/10 for the ZOL group and 6/10 for the control group) and oswestry disability index scores (7/25 for the ZOL group and 16/25 for the control group). ZOL treatment has beneficial effects on instrumented LIFS both radiographic and clinically. Thus, ZOL treatment can be recommended for osteoporosis patients undergoing LIFS. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. Medical treatment of orthotopic glioblastoma with transferrin-conjugated nanoparticles encapsulating zoledronic acid.

    PubMed

    Porru, Manuela; Zappavigna, Silvia; Salzano, Giuseppina; Luce, Amalia; Stoppacciaro, Antonella; Balestrieri, Maria Luisa; Artuso, Simona; Lusa, Sara; De Rosa, Giuseppe; Leonetti, Carlo; Caraglia, Michele

    2014-11-15

    Glioblastomas are highly aggressive adult brain tumors with poor clinical outcome. In the central nervous system (CNS) the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is the most important limiting factor for both development of new drugs and drug delivery. Here, we propose a new strategy to treat glioblastoma based on transferrin (Tf)-targeted self-assembled nanoparticles (NPs) incorporating zoledronic acid (ZOL) (NPs-ZOL-Tf). NPs-ZOL-Tf have been assessed on the glioblastoma cell line U373MG-LUC that showed a refractoriness in vitro to temozolomide (TMZ) and fotemustine (FTM). NPs-ZOL-Tf treatment resulted in higher in vitro cytotoxic activity than free ZOL. However, the potentiation of anti-proliferative activity of NPs-ZOL-Tf was superimposable to that one induced by NPs-ZOL (not armed with Tf). On the other hand, NPs-ZOL-Tf showed a higher antitumor efficacy if compared with that one caused by NPs-ZOL in immunosuppressed mice intramuscularly bearing U373MG-LUC xenografts, inducing a significant tumor weight inhibition (TWI). The experiments performed on mice with intracranial U373MG-LUC xenografts confirmed the efficacy of NPs-ZOL-Tf. These effects were paralleled by a higher intratumour localization of fluorescently-labeled-NPs-Tf both in intramuscular and intracranial xenografts. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that the encapsulation of ZOL increases the antitumor efficacy of this drug in glioblastoma through the acquisition of ability to cross the BBB.

  13. Medical treatment of orthotopic glioblastoma with transferrin-conjugated nanoparticles encapsulating zoledronic acid

    PubMed Central

    Porru, Manuela; Zappavigna, Silvia; Salzano, Giuseppina; Luce, Amalia; Stoppacciaro, Antonella; Balestrieri, Maria Luisa; Artuso, Simona; Lusa, Sara; De Rosa, Giuseppe; Leonetti, Carlo; Caraglia, Michele

    2014-01-01

    Glioblastomas are highly aggressive adult brain tumors with poor clinical outcome. In the central nervous system (CNS) the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is the most important limiting factor for both development of new drugs and drug delivery. Here, we propose a new strategy to treat glioblastoma based on transferrin (Tf)-targeted self-assembled nanoparticles (NPs) incorporating zoledronic acid (ZOL) (NPs-ZOL-Tf). NPs-ZOL-Tf have been assessed on the glioblastoma cell line U373MG-LUC that showed a refractoriness in vitro to temozolomide (TMZ) and fotemustine (FTM). NPs-ZOL-Tf treatment resulted in higher in vitro cytotoxic activity than free ZOL. However, the potentiation of anti-proliferative activity of NPs-ZOL-Tf was superimposable to that one induced by NPs-ZOL (not armed with Tf). On the other hand, NPs-ZOL-Tf showed a higher antitumor efficacy if compared with that one caused by NPs-ZOL in immunosuppressed mice intramuscularly bearing U373MG-LUC xenografts, inducing a significant tumor weight inhibition (TWI). The experiments performed on mice with intracranial U373MG-LUC xenografts confirmed the efficacy of NPs-ZOL-Tf. These effects were paralleled by a higher intratumour localization of fluorescently-labeled-NPs-Tf both in intramuscular and intracranial xenografts. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that the encapsulation of ZOL increases the antitumor efficacy of this drug in glioblastoma through the acquisition of ability to cross the BBB. PMID:25431953

  14. Site Specific Effects of Zoledronic Acid during Tibial and Mandibular Fracture Repair

    PubMed Central

    Yu, Yan Yiu; Lieu, Shirley; Hu, Diane; Miclau, Theodore; Colnot, Céline

    2012-01-01

    Numerous factors can affect skeletal regeneration, including the extent of bone injury, mechanical loading, inflammation and exogenous molecules. Bisphosphonates are anticatabolic agents that have been widely used to treat a variety of metabolic bone diseases. Zoledronate (ZA), a nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate (N-BP), is the most potent bisphosphonate among the clinically approved bisphosphonates. Cases of bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw have been reported in patients receiving long term N-BP treatment. Yet, osteonecrosis does not occur in long bones. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of zoledronate on long bone and cranial bone regeneration using a previously established model of non-stabilized tibial fractures and a new model of mandibular fracture repair. Contrary to tibial fractures, which heal mainly through endochondral ossification, mandibular fractures healed via endochondral and intramembranous ossification with a lesser degree of endochondral ossification compared to tibial fractures. In the tibia, ZA reduced callus and cartilage formation during the early stages of repair. In parallel, we found a delay in cartilage hypertrophy and a decrease in angiogenesis during the soft callus phase of repair. During later stages of repair, ZA delayed callus, cartilage and bone remodeling. In the mandible, ZA delayed callus, cartilage and bone remodeling in correlation with a decrease in osteoclast number during the soft and hard callus phases of repair. These results reveal a more profound impact of ZA on cartilage and bone remodeling in the mandible compared to the tibia. This may predispose mandible bone to adverse effects of ZA in disease conditions. These results also imply that therapeutic effects of ZA may need to be optimized using time and dose-specific treatments in cranial versus long bones. PMID:22359627

  15. Preventive dental management of osteonecrosis of the jaws related to zoledronic acid treatment.

    PubMed

    Coello-Suanzes, J A; Rollon-Ugalde, V; Castaño-Seiquer, A; Lledo-Villar, E; Herce-Lopez, J; Infante-Cossio, P; Rollon-Mayordomo, A

    2018-02-07

    To evaluate the effect of preventive dental management on reducing the incidence and delaying the onset of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) in patients treated with intravenous zoledronic acid (ZA). This single-center clinical study included 255 cancer patients monitored over a 6-year period. Patients received dental treatment prior (Group A) or after (Group B) the initiation of ZA therapy. Dental treatments performed, incidence proportion (IP) and incidence rate (IR) in both groups were analyzed using significance tests. BRONJ onset were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier estimator and log-rank test. Independent risk factors to develop BRONJ were evaluated using Cox regression analysis models. 37 patients suffered from BRONJ (IP=14.5%), 7.3% in group A and 36.5% in group B (p=0.000). The IR was 0.007 patients/month in group B and 0.004 in group A. BRONJ free survival at 3 years were 97% in group A and 66% in group B. Survival curves were significant (p=0.056) according to log-rank test. Multivariate Cox models showed that dental extractions (p=0.000) were significant. BRONJ occurred significantly in patients who underwent dental extractions after the initiation of ZA and did not accomplish a preventive dental program. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

  16. Pregnancy and Lactation-Associated Osteoporosis: Bone Histomorphometric Analysis and Response to Treatment with Zoledronic Acid.

    PubMed

    Grizzo, Felipe Merchan Ferraz; da Silva Martins, Janaina; Pinheiro, Marcelo M; Jorgetti, Vanda; Carvalho, Maria Dalva Barros; Pelloso, Sandra Marisa

    2015-10-01

    Pregnancy and lactation-associated osteoporosis (PAO) is a rare condition with little known pathophysiology. Most cases are diagnosed in the third trimester of pregnancy or in the first weeks postpartum, particularly in first pregnancies. Vertebral fractures are most commonly observed and characterised by prolonged severe pain, functional limitations and a loss of height. Measurements of bone mineral density and biochemical markers of bone remodelling are the clinical methods most commonly used for the management of these patients. However, a bone biopsy with histomorphometric analysis has been considered to be the gold-standard. Few studies have evaluated the histomorphometry in patients with this clinical condition and none of them performed the procedure at the beginning of the clinical assessment. In this study, we report a case of PAO in a 31-year-old postpartum patient who had undergone a twin pregnancy. We describe the clinical, laboratory tests and imaging features. Bone histomorphometry showed a high resorption rate and excellent evolution after 1 year of treatment with intravenous zoledronic acid. Our data suggest that osteoclastogenesis plays a central role in the pathophysiological processes of this disease.

  17. Downregulation of CXCR4 Expression and Functionality After Zoledronate Exposure in Canine Osteosarcoma.

    PubMed

    Byrum, M L; Pondenis, H C; Fredrickson, R L; Wycislo, K L; Fan, T M

    2016-07-01

    The establishment and progression of metastases remains the life-limiting factor for dogs diagnosed with osteosarcoma (OS). The pattern of metastases is likely regulated through interactions between chemokine receptors and chemokines, and perturbations in these signaling cascades responsible for cytoskeletal organization and directional migration have the potential to alter metastatic cell trafficking behaviors. Zoledronate will impair directional migration of OS cells through downregulation of chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 (CXCR4) expression and functionality. Nineteen archived tumor specimens and plasma from 20 dogs with OS. Prospectively, the expressions of CXCR4 were studied in OS cell lines and spontaneous tumor samples. The effect of zoledronate on CXCR4 expression and functionality was investigated by characterizing responses in 3 OS cell lines. In 19 OS specimens and 20 dogs with OS, changes in CXCR4 expression and circulating CXCR4 concentrations were characterized in response to zoledronate therapy respectively. All canine OS cells express CXCR4, and zoledronate reduces CXCR4 expression and functionality by 27.7% (P < .0001), through augmented proteasome degradation and reduced prenylation of heterotrimeric G-proteins in 33% of tumor cell lines evaluated. In OS-bearing dogs, zoledronate reduces CXCR4 expressions by 40% within the primary tumor compared to untreated controls (P = .03) and also decreases the circulating concentrations of CXCR4 in 18 of 20 dogs with OS. Zoledronate can alter CXCR4 expression and functionality in OS cells, and consequent perturbations in CXCR4 intracellular signaling cascades might influence patterns of metastases. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

  18. Influence of Zoledronic Acid on Atrial Electrophysiological Parameters and Electrocardiographic Measurements.

    PubMed

    Tisdale, James E; Allen, Matthew R; Overholser, Brian R; Jaynes, Heather A; Kovacs, Richard J

    2015-06-01

    Our objective was to determine effects of zoledronic acid (ZA) on atrial electrophysiological parameters and electrocardiographic measurements. Ex vivo perfusion study: Isolated guinea pig hearts were perfused with modified Krebs-Henseleit (K-H) buffer with or without ZA 0.07 mg/kg/L (each n = 6). In ZA-perfused hearts, atrial action potential at 90% repolarization (APD90 ) decreased more from baseline than in controls (-23.2% ± -5.1% vs. -2.1% ± -8.1%, P < 0 .0001), as did APD30 (-28.8% ± -3.8% vs. -2.1% ± -2.1%, P < 0.0001). In vivo dose-response study: Guinea pigs underwent intraperitoneal injections every 2 weeks in 1 of 4 groups (each n = 8): ZA 0.007 mg/kg (low-dose), ZA 0.07 mg/kg (medium-dose), ZA 0.7 mg/kg (high-dose), or placebo. Hearts were excised at 8 weeks and perfused with modified K-H. Atrial effective refractory period (ERP) was lower with medium- and high-dose ZA versus placebo (P = 0.004). Atrial APD30 was lower with high-dose ZA versus placebo, low and medium doses (P < 0.001). Canine ECG study: Mature female beagles received intravenous ZA 0.067 mg/kg or saline (placebo; each n = 6) every 2 weeks for 12 weeks. P wave dispersion was greater in the ZA group (7.7 ± 3.7 vs. 3.4 ± 2.6 ms, P = 0.04). There were no significant differences in P wave index, maximum or minimum P wave duration, or PR interval. ZA shortens left atrial APD and ERP and increases P wave dispersion. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  19. Enhanced Anti-Tumor Effect of Zoledronic Acid Combined with Temozolomide against Human Malignant Glioma Cell Expressing O6-Methylguanine DNA Methyltransferase

    PubMed Central

    Fukai, Junya; Koizumi, Fumiaki; Nakao, Naoyuki

    2014-01-01

    Temozolomide (TMZ), a DNA methylating agent, is widely used in the adjuvant treatment of malignant gliomas. O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltranferase (MGMT), a DNA repair enzyme, is frequently discussed as the main factor that limits the efficacy of TMZ. Zoledronic acid (ZOL), which is clinically applied to treat cancer-induced bone diseases, appears to possess direct anti-tumor activity through apoptosis induction by inhibiting mevalonate pathway and prenylation of intracellular small G proteins. In this study, we evaluated whether ZOL can be effectively used as an adjuvant to TMZ in human malignant glioma cells that express MGMT. Malignant glioma cell lines, in which the expression of MGMT was detected, did not exhibit growth inhibition by TMZ even at a longer exposure. However, combination experiment of TMZ plus ZOL revealed that a supra-additive effect resulted in a significant decrease in cell growth. In combined TMZ/ZOL treatment, an increased apoptotic rate was apparent and significant activation of caspase-3 and cleavage of poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase were observed compared with each single drug exposure. There were decreased amounts of Ras-GTP, MAPK and Akt phosphorylation and MGMT expression in the ZOL-treated cells. Subcutanous xenograft models showed significant decrease of tumor growth with combined TMZ/ZOL treatment. These results suggest that ZOL efficaciously inhibits activity of Ras in malignant glioma cells and potentiates TMZ-mediated cytotoxicity, inducing growth inhibition and apoptosis of malignant glioma cells that express MGMT and resistant to TMZ. Based on this work, combination of TMZ with ZOL might be a potential therapy in malignant gliomas that receive less therapeutic effects of TMZ due to cell resistance. PMID:25111384

  20. Combination sclerostin antibody and zoledronic acid treatment outperforms either treatment alone in a mouse model of osteogenesis imperfecta.

    PubMed

    Little, David G; Peacock, Lauren; Mikulec, Kathy; Kneissel, Michaela; Kramer, Ina; Cheng, Tegan L; Schindeler, Aaron; Munns, Craig

    2017-08-01

    In this study, we examined the therapeutic potential of anti-Sclerostin Antibody (Scl-Ab) and bisphosphonate treatments for the bone fragility disorder Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI). Mice with the Amish OI mutation (Col1a2 G610C mice) and control wild type littermates (WT) were treated from week 5 to week 9 of life with (1) saline (control), (2) zoledronic acid given 0.025mg/kg s.c. weekly (ZA), (3) Scl-Ab given 50mg/kg IV weekly (Scl-Ab), or (4) a combination of both (Scl-Ab/ZA). Functional outcomes were prioritized and included bone mineral density (BMD), bone microarchitecture, long bone bending strength, and vertebral compression strength. By dual-energy absorptiometry, Scl-Ab treatment alone had no effect on tibial BMD, while ZA and Scl-Ab/ZA significantly enhanced BMD by week 4 (+16% and +27% respectively, P<0.05). Scl-Ab/ZA treatment also led to increases in cortical thickness and tissue mineral density, and restored the tibial 4-point bending strength to that of control WT mice. In the spine, all treatments increased compression strength over controls, but only the combined group reached the strength of WT controls. Scl-Ab showed greater anabolic effects in the trabecular bone than in cortical bone. In summary, the Scl-Ab/ZA intervention was superior to either treatment alone in this OI mouse model, however further studies are required to establish its efficacy in other preclinical and clinical scenarios. Crown Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. Zoledronate and ion-releasing resins impair dentin collagen degradation.

    PubMed

    Tezvergil-Mutluay, A; Seseogullari-Dirihan, R; Feitosa, V P; Tay, F R; Watson, T F; Pashley, D H; Sauro, S

    2014-10-01

    This study analyzed the amounts of solubilized telopeptides cross-linked carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) and C-terminal crosslinked telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) derived from matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cysteine cathepsins (CTPs) subsequent to application of a filler-free (Res.A) or an ion-releasing resin (Res.B) to ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-demineralized dentin with or without zoledronate-containing primer (Zol-primer) pre-treatment. The chemical modification induced following treatments and artificial saliva (AS) storage was also analyzed through attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Totally EDTA-demineralized specimens were infiltrated with Res.A or Res.B with or without Zol-primer pre-treatment, light-cured, and immersed in AS for up to 4 wk. ICTP release was reduced following infiltration with Res.B and further reduced when Res.B was used with Zol-primer; remarkable phosphate mineral uptake was attained after AS storage. CTX release was increased in Res.A- and Res.B-treated dentin. However, when Zol-primer was used with Res.A, the CTX release fell significantly compared to the other tested resin-infiltration methods. In conclusion, zoledronate offers an additional inhibitory effect to the ion-releasing resins in MMP-mediated collagen degradation. However, Zol-primer induces a modest reduction in CTX release only when used with resin-based systems containing no ion-releasing fillers. © International & American Associations for Dental Research.

  2. Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Monthly Zoledronic Acid, Zoledronic Acid Every 3 Months, and Monthly Denosumab in Women With Breast Cancer and Skeletal Metastases: CALGB 70604 (Alliance).

    PubMed

    Shapiro, Charles L; Moriarty, James P; Dusetzina, Stacie; Himelstein, Andrew L; Foster, Jared C; Grubbs, Stephen S; Novotny, Paul J; Borah, Bijan J

    2017-12-10

    Purpose Skeletal-related events (SREs) such as pathologic fracture, spinal cord compression, or the necessity for radiation or surgery to bone metastasis cause considerable morbidity, decrements in quality of life, and costs to the health care system. The results of a recent large randomized trial (Cancer and Leukemia Group B/Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology [CALGB/Alliance 70604]) showed that zoledronic acid (ZA) every 3 months was noninferior to monthly ZA in reducing the risks of SREs. We sought to determine the cost-effectiveness (CE) of monthly ZA, ZA every 3 months, and monthly denosumab in women with breast cancer and skeletal metastases. Methods Using a Markov model, costs per SRE avoided were calculated for the three treatments. Sensitivity analyses were performed where denosumab SRE probabilities were assumed to be 50%, 75%, and 90% lower than the ZA SRE probabilities. Quality-adjusted life-years were also calculated. The analysis was from the US payer perspective. Results The mean costs of the denosumab treatment strategy are nine-fold higher than generic ZA every 3 months. Quality-adjusted life-years were virtually identical in all the three treatment arms; hence, the optimal treatment would be ZA every 3 months because it was the least costly treatment. The sensitivity analyses showed that relative to ZA every 3 months, the incremental costs per mean SRE avoided for denosumab ranged from $162,918 to $347,655. Conclusion ZA every 3 months was more CE in reducing the risks of SRE than monthly denosumab. This analysis was one of the first to incorporate the costs of generic ZA and one of the first independent CE analyses not sponsored by either Novartis or Amgen, the makers of ZA and denosumab, respectively. ZA every 3 months is the more CE option and more reasonable alternative to monthly denosumab.

  3. Zoledronic acid inhibits NFAT and IL-2 signaling pathways in regulatory T cells and diminishes their suppressive function in patients with metastatic cancer

    PubMed Central

    Murray, Shannon; Witt, Kristina; Seitz, Christina; Wallerius, Majken; Xie, Hanjing; Ullén, Anders; Harmenberg, Ulrika; Lidbrink, Elisabet; Rolny, Charlotte; Andersson, John

    2017-01-01

    ABSTRACT Regulatory T cells (Treg) suppress anti-tumor immune responses and their infiltration in the tumor microenvironment is associated with inferior prognosis in cancer patients. Thus, in order to enhance anti-tumor immune responses, selective depletion of Treg is highly desired. We found that treatment with zoledronic acid (ZA) resulted in a selective decrease in the frequency of Treg that was associated with a significant increase in proliferation of T cells and natural killer (NK) cells in peripheral blood of patients with metastatic cancer. In vitro, genome-wide transcriptomic analysis revealed alterations in calcium signaling pathways in Treg following treatment with ZA. Furthermore, co-localization of the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) and forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) was significantly reduced in Treg upon ZA-treatment. Consequently, reduced expression levels of CD25, STAT5 and TGFβ were observed. Functionally, ZA-treated Treg had reduced capacity to suppress T and NK cell proliferation and anti-tumor responses compared with untreated Treg in vitro. Treatment with ZA to selectively inhibit essential signaling pathways in Treg resulting in reduced capacity to suppress effector T and NK cell responses represents a novel approach to inhibit Treg activity in patients with cancer. PMID:28920001

  4. Zoledronic acid induces cytogenetic toxicity in male germline cells of Swiss albino mice.

    PubMed

    Dasari, Ramakrishna; Misra, Sunil

    2018-04-12

    This study mainly focuses on the cytogenetic toxicity induction by zoledronic acid (ZA), a nitrogen containing bisphosphonate (N-BPs) in the male germline cells of Swiss albino mice. A single intraperitoneal exposure with three different doses of ZA (2, 4, and 8 mg/kg body weight), toxicity was assessed by analyzing spermatogonial metaphase chromosome aberrations at 24 h, aberrant primary spermatocytes at week 4, and abnormal spermatozoa at week 8 posttreatment. Cyclophosphamide (40 mg/kg) and 0.9% NaCl were used as positive and vehicle controls respectively in the study. The results showed that there was a significant induction in the number of chromosomal aberrations especially at two doses of ZA (4 and 8 mg/kg) after 24 h in the spermatogonial cells (p < 0.001) compared to vehicle control. The transmission genetic damages were noticed as aberrant spermatocytes with atypical bivalents (X-Y/autosomal asynapsis) at 4 mg/kg of ZA (p < 0.01) and at 8 mg/kg of ZA (p < 0.001) at week 4 posttreatment. A statistically significant higher number of abnormal spermatozoa (sperm) were also noticed at week 8 posttreatment of both at 4 and 8 mg/kg of ZA (p < 0.001). Hence, from these genotoxicity studies, it can be concluded that ZA is genotoxic in male germline cells and has the potential of transmitting the genotoxic effects from spermatogonial cells to sperm in male Swiss mice.

  5. Survival benefit of zoledronic Acid in postmenopausal breast cancer patients receiving aromatase inhibitors.

    PubMed

    Ahn, Sung Gwe; Kim, Sung Hyun; Lee, Hak Min; Lee, Seung Ah; Jeong, Joon

    2014-12-01

    A growing body of evidence indicates that zoledronic acid (ZA) can improve the clinical outcome in patients with breast cancer and low estrogen levels. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the survival benefit of ZA administration in postmenopausal Korean women with breast cancer who were also receiving aromatase inhibitors. Between January 2004 and December 2010, 235 postmenopausal breast cancer patients undergoing aromatase inhibitor therapy were investigated. All patients were postmenopausal, as confirmed by laboratory tests. Of these patients, 77 received adjuvant upfront ZA for at least 1 year in addition to conventional adjuvant treatment. The remaining 158 patients never received ZA and were treated according to the St. Gallen guidelines. The baseline characteristics for ZA treatment were not different between the two groups. The median follow-up time was 62 months, and the patients who received ZA in addition to aromatase inhibitors showed a better recurrence-free survival compared to those who received aromatase inhibitors alone (p=0.035). On multivariate analysis, the patients who received ZA showed a better recurrence-free survival independent of the tumor size, nodal status, progesterone receptor, and histological grade. For this model, Harrell c index was 0.743. The hazard ratio of ZA use for recurrence-free survival was 0.12 (95% confidence interval, 0.01-0.99). Our findings suggest that upfront use of ZA as part of adjuvant treatment can offer a survival benefit to postmenopausal breast cancer patients receiving aromatase inhibitor treatment.

  6. Local delivery of zoledronate from a poly (D,L-lactide)-Coating increases fixation of press-fit implants.

    PubMed

    Jakobsen, Thomas; Bechtold, Joan E; Søballe, Kjeld; Jensen, Thomas; Greiner, Stefan; Vestermark, Marianne T; Baas, Jørgen

    2016-01-01

    Early secure fixation of total joint replacements is crucial for long-term survival. Antiresorptive agents such as bisphosphonates have been shown to increase implant fixation. We investigated whether local delivery of zoledronate from poly-D, L-lactide (PDLLA)-coated implants could improve implant fixation and osseointegration. Experimental titanium implants were bilaterally inserted press-fit into the proximal tibiae of 10 dogs. On one side the implant was coated with PDLLA containing zoledronate. The contralateral implant was uncoated and used as control. Observation period was 12 weeks. Implant fixation was evaluated with histomorphometry and biomechanical push-out test. We found an approximately twofold increase in all biomechanical parameters when comparing data from the zoledronate group with their respective controls. Histomorphometry showed increased amount of preserved bone and increased bone formation around the zoledronate implants. This study indicates that local delivery of zoledronate from a PDDLA coating has the potential to increase implant fixation. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  7. Differential Effect of Zoledronic Acid on Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

    PubMed Central

    Albadawi, Hassan; Haurani, Mounir J.; Oklu, Rahmi; Trubiano, Jordan P.; Laub, Peter J.; Yoo, Hyung-Jin; Watkins, Michael T.

    2012-01-01

    Introduction The activation of human vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, adhesion and migration is essential for intimal hyperplasia formation. These experiments were designed to test whether Zoledronic Acid (ZA) would modulate indices of human smooth muscle cell activation, exert differential effects on proliferating vs. quiescent cells and determine whether these effects were dependent on GTPase binding proteins prenylation. ZA was chosen for testing in these experiments because it is clinically used in humans with cancer, and has been shown to modulate rat smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration. Methods Human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMC) were cultured under either proliferating or growth arrest (quiescent) conditions in the presence or absence of ZA for 48 hours, whereupon the effect of ZA on HASMC proliferation, cellular viability, metabolic activity and membrane integrity were compared. In addition, the effect of ZA on adhesion and migration were assessed in proliferating cells. The effect of increased concentration of ZA on the mevalonate pathway and genomic/cellular stress related poly ADP Ribose polymerase (PARP) enzyme activity were assessed using the relative prenylation of Rap-1A/B protein and the formation of poly ADP- ribosylated proteins (PAR) respectively. Results There was a dose dependent inhibition of cellular proliferation, adhesion and migration following ZA treatment. ZA treatment decreased indices of cellular viability and significantly increased membrane injury in proliferating vs. quiescent cells. This was correlated with the appearance of unprenylated Rap-1A protein and dose dependent down regulation of PARP activity. Conclusions These data suggest that ZA is effective in inhibiting HASMC proliferation, adhesion and migration which coincide with the appearance of unprenylated RAP-1A/B protein, thereby suggesting that the mevalonate pathway may play a role in the inhibition of HASMC activation. PMID:23164362

  8. [gammadelta T cells stimulated by zoledronate kill osteosarcoma cells].

    PubMed

    Jiang, Hui; Xu, Qiang; Yang, Chao; Cao, Zhen-Guo; Li, Zhao-Xu; Ye, Zhao-Ming

    2010-12-01

    To investigate the cytotoxicity of human γδT cells from PBMCs stimulated by zoledronate against osteosarcoma cell line HOS in vitro and in vivo and evaluate the relavent pathways. The peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)of healthy donors were stimulated by single dose zoledronate and cultured in the present of IL-2 for two weeks, analysising the percentage of γδT cells on a FACSCalibur cytometer.Study the cytotoxicity of γδT cells against the osteosarcoma line HOS using LDH release assay kit. Pre-treatment of γδT cells with anti-human γδTCR antibody, anti-human NKG2D antibody and concanamycin A to bolck the relavent pathways for evaluating the mechenisms of its cytotoxicity. In vivo, BALB/c mice were inoculated subcutaneously osteosarcoma cell HOS for developing hypodermal tumors. And they were randomized into two groups: unteated group, γδT cell therapy group. Tumor volume and weight of the two groups were compared. After two weeks of culture, γδT cells from zoledronate-stimulated PBMCs could reach (95±3)%. When the E:T as 6:1, 12:1, 25:1, 50:1, the percentage of osteosarcoma cell HOS killed by γδT cells was 26.8%, 31.5%, 37.8%, 40.9%, respectively.When anti-huma γδTCR antibody, anti-human NKG2D antibody and concanamycin A blocked the relavent pathways, the percentage was 32.3%, 4.7%, 16.7% ( E:T as 25:1), respectively. In vivo, the tumor inhibition rate of the group of γδT cell therapy was 42.78%. γδT cells derived from PBMCs stimulated by zoledronate can acquired pure γδT cells. And they show strong cytoxicity against osteosarcoma cell line HOS in vitro and in vivo.

  9. The impact of zoledronic acid on regenerate and native bone after consolidation and removal of the external fixator: an animal model study.

    PubMed

    Saghieh, Said; Khoury, Nabil J; Tawil, Ayman; Masrouha, Karim Z; Musallam, Khaled M; Khalaf, Kinda; Dosh, Laura; Jaouhari, Rosemarie Reich; Birjawi, Ghina; El-Hajj-Fuleihan, Ghada

    2010-02-01

    We investigated the role of zoledronic acid on the regenerate and native bone after consolidation and removal of the external fixator in a rabbit model of distraction osteogenesis using 28 New Zealand white rabbits. The rabbits were randomly distributed into two groups. The first group received three doses of zoledronic acid (ZA) 0.1 mg/kg subcutaneously at weekly intervals while the second group received injections of sterile saline. Distraction started on day 7 at a rate of 0.8 mm/day for 12 days. At week 3 the average lengthening, regenerate density, and regenerate continuity were comparable between the two groups. At week 11 the regenerate in the treated group had a significant increase in Bone Mineral Density (BMD) and Bone Mineral Content (BMC) compared to the placebo group. On axial compression, the regenerate showed an increase in the peak load and a higher modulus of elasticity in the treated group. At 6 months, radiographs demonstrated signs of osteopenia of the proximal metaphysis in the control group, and failure of new bone formation around the pin sites in the treated group. BMC and BMD value differences between the two groups were not statistically significant. Histologically, there was persistence of more bone trabeculae in the medullary canal of the regenerate with the persistence of the pin-holes in the treated group. Mechanically, the regenerates in the treated group remain stronger in resisting the axial compression. The proximal fragment in the treated group exhibited a statistically significant decrease in the peak load, toughness and efail %. In conclusion, bisphosphonate-treated rabbits have a stronger regenerate during distraction, and directly after removal of the fixator. They do not develop disuse osteopenia in their lengthened tibia. This treatment may shorten the time in the external fixator and prevent fragility fractures in the treated extremity. However, its long-term safety has not yet been established. (c) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All

  10. Toxicity of a dental adhesive compared with ionizing radiation and zoledronic acid.

    PubMed

    Alcaraz, Miguel; Olivares, Amparo; Achel, Daniel-Giyngiri; García-Cruz, Emilio; Fondevilla-Soler, Adriana; Canteras-Jordana, Manuel

    2015-07-01

    To determine the toxicity of aqueous dilutions of a universal self-priming dental adhesive (DA) and comparing these with those elicited by exposure to ionizing radiation (IR), Zoledronic acid (Z) treatment and the synergic effects of the combined treatment with IR+Z. The genotoxic effect of DA was determined by the increase in the frequency of micronuclei in cytokinesis-blocked in cultured human lymphocytes before and after exposure to 2Gy of X-rays. The cytotoxic effect was studied by using the MTT cell viability test in normal prostate cell lines (PNT2) after exposure to different X-ray doses (0Gy-20Gy). The cell lines divided into different groups and treated with different test substances: DA in presence of O2, DA in absence of O2, Z-treated and control. An in vitro dose-dependent and time-dependent cytotoxic effect of DA, Z and IR on PNT2 cells (p>0.001) was demonstrated. DA without-O2, following the recommendations of manufacturers, had a more pronounced effect of increasing cell death than DA with-O2 (p<0.001). In the genotoxicity assay, DA at 25% of its original concentration significantly increased chromosome damage (p<0.001). The samples studied were found to be toxic, and the samples photo-polymerized in absence of O2 showed a bigger cytotoxic effect comparable to the additive toxic effect showed by the combined treatment of IR+Z. Additional effort should be carried out to develop adhesives, which would reduce the release of hazardous substances; since toxic effects are similar to that reported by other agents whose clinical use is controlled by the health authorities.

  11. Efficacy and Safety of a Once-Yearly Intravenous Zoledronic Acid 5 mg for Fracture Prevention in Elderly Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis Aged 75 and Older

    PubMed Central

    Boonen, Steven; Black, Dennis M.; Colón-Emeric, Cathleen S.; Eastell, Richard; Magaziner, Jay S.; Eriksen, Erik Fink; Mesenbrink, Peter; Haentjens, Patrick; Lyles, Kenneth W.

    2013-01-01

    OBJECTIVES To determine the efficacy of once-yearly intravenous zoledronic acid (ZOL) 5 mg in reducing risk of clinical vertebral, nonvertebral, and any clinical fractures in elderly osteoporotic postmenopausal women. DESIGN A post hoc subgroup analysis of pooled data from the Health Outcome and Reduced Incidence with Zoledronic Acid One Yearly (HORIZON) Pivotal Fracture Trial and the HORIZON Recurrent Fracture Trial. SETTING Multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. PARTICIPANTS Postmenopausal women (aged ≥75) with documented osteoporosis (T-score ≤ −2.5 at femoral neck or ≥1 prevalent vertebral or hip fracture) or a recent hip fracture. INTERVENTION Patients were randomized to receive an intravenous infusion of ZOL 5 mg (n =1,961) or placebo (n =1,926) at baseline and 12 and 24 months. MEASUREMENTS Primary endpoints were incidence of clinical vertebral and nonvertebral and any clinical fracture after treatment. RESULTS At 3 years, incidence of any clinical, clinical vertebral, and nonvertebral fracture were significantly lower in the ZOL group than in the placebo group (10.8% vs 16.6%, 1.1% vs 3.7%, and 9.9% vs 13.7%, respectively) (hazard ratio (HR) =0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) =0.54–0.78, P<.001; HR =0.34, 95% CI =0.21–0.55, P<.001; and HR =0.73, 95% CI =0.60–0.90, P =.002, respectively). The incidence of hip fracture was lower with ZOL but did not reach statistical significance. The incidence rate of postdose adverse events were higher with ZOL, although the rate of serious adverse events and deaths was comparable between the two groups. CONCLUSION Once-yearly intravenous ZOL 5 mg was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of new clinical fractures (vertebral and nonvertebral) in elderly postmenopausal women with osteroporosis. PMID:20070415

  12. Zoledronate induces apoptosis in cells from fibro-cellular membrane of unicameral bone cyst (UBC).

    PubMed

    Yu, John; Chang, Seong-Sil; Suratwala, Sanjeev; Chung, Woo-Sik; Abdelmessieh, Peter; Lee, Hahn-Jun; Yang, Jay; Lee, Francis Young-In

    2005-09-01

    Unicameral bone cyst (UBC) is a benign cystic lesion in children which is prone to fracture. Various treatments are available, but recurrence after different types of percutaneous injection therapy can cause bone destruction and pathologic fracture. The potential therapeutic effects of anti-resorptive agents, such as bisphosphonates, have not been investigated for UBC. The objective of this study was to characterize the cells from the fibro-cellular membrane of unicameral bone cyst (UBC cells) and to determine whether zoledronate, a nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate, could induce apoptosis in UBC cells. Flow cytometry and immunoblotting were performed in order to determine whether zoledronate induced apoptosis. Cells derived from normal human trabecular bones were used as controls against UBC cells to compare the effect of zoledronate in inducing apoptosis. Immunohisto/cytochemistry (IHC/ICC) and mini-array analyses were performed on tissues and cultured cells. Isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells were incubated with conditioned media from the UBC cells to determine whether they are capable of inducing osteoclastogenesis. UBC membrane is composed of cells staining positively with CD68, SDF-1, STRO-1 and RANKL, but in vitro cells showed no staining with antibodies to CD68 and STRO-1, suggesting that there was a clonal selection of stromal cells during cell culture. UBC cells also express RUNX2 (runt-related transcription factor-2, core binding factor-1), a key transcription factor for osteoblastic differentiation. In addition, media collected from UBC cells induced a generation of multi-nucleated osteoclast-like cells of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Zoledronate induced apoptosis of UBC cells in a dose-dependent manner. Apoptosis was evidenced by induction of the active cleaved form of caspase-3. The baseline apoptotic fractions were similar in UBC cells and trabecular bone cells. However, in the overall apoptotic fractions in this study, trabecular

  13. The apoptotic effect of Zoledronic acid on the nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells via ROS mediated chloride channel activation.

    PubMed

    Wang, Liang; Gao, Hong; Yang, Xiaoya; Liang, Xiechou; Tan, Qiuchan; Chen, Zhanru; Zhao, Chan; Gu, Zhuoyu; Yu, Meisheng; Zheng, Yanfang; Huang, Yanqing; Zhu, Linyan; Jacob, Tim J C; Wang, Liwei; Chen, Lixin

    2018-06-08

    Zoledronic acid (ZA), a third-generation bisphosphonate, has been applied for treatment of bone metastases caused by malignant tumors. Recent studies have found its anti-cancer effects on various tumor cells. One of the mechanisms of anti-cancer effects of ZA is induction of apoptosis. However, the mechanisms of ZA-induced apoptosis in tumor cells have not been clarified clearly. In this study, we investigated the roles of chloride channels in ZA-induced apoptosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE-2Z cells. Apoptosis and chloride current were induced by ZA and suppressed by chloride channel blockers. After the knockdown of ClC-3 expression by ClC-3 siRNA, ZA-induced chloride current and apoptosis were significantly suppressed, indicating that the chloride channel participated in ZA-induced apoptosis may be ClC-3. When reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was inhibited by the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (L-NAC), ZA-induced apoptosis and chloride current were blocked accordingly, suggesting that ZA induces apoptosis through promoting ROS production and subsequently activating chloride channel. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

  14. Activation of p38 MAPK-regulated Bcl-xL signaling increases survival against zoledronic acid-induced apoptosis in osteoclast precursors.

    PubMed

    Tai, Ta-Wei; Su, Fong-Chin; Chen, Ching-Yu; Jou, I-Ming; Lin, Chiou-Feng

    2014-10-01

    The nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate zoledronic acid (ZA) induces apoptosis in osteoclasts and inhibits osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. It is widely used to treat osteoporosis. However, some patients are less responsive to ZA treatment, and the mechanisms of resistance are still unclear. Here, we identified that murine osteoclast precursors may develop resistance to ZA-induced apoptosis. These resistant cells survived the apoptotic effect of ZA following an increase in anti-apoptotic Bcl-xL. Pharmacologically inhibiting Bcl-xL facilitated ZA-induced apoptosis. Treatment with ZA activated p38 MAPK, increasing Bcl-xL expression and cell survival. Nuclear import of β-catenin regulated by p38 MAPK determined Bcl-xL mRNA expression and cell survival in response to ZA. ZA also inactivated glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β, a negative upstream regulator of β-catenin, in a p38 MAPK-mediated manner. Synergistic pharmacological inhibition of p38 MAPK with ZA attenuated receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation and facilitated ZA-induced apoptosis. These results demonstrate that elevated Bcl-xL expression mediated by p38 MAPK-regulated GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling is required for cell survival of ZA-induced apoptosis in both osteoclast precursors and osteoclasts. Finally, we demonstrated that inhibiting p38 MAPK-mediated pathway enhanced ZA effect on increasing the bone mineral density of ovariectomized mice. This result suggests that targeting these pathways may represent a potential therapeutic strategy. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Paget’s Disease in an Omani: Long-term Improvement Following a Single Injection of Zoledronic Acid

    PubMed Central

    Elshafie, Omayma; Alsaffi, Nooralddin; Hussain, Samir; Woodhouse, Nicholas

    2016-01-01

    Paget’s disease of bone is a patchy skeletal disorder characterized by an increase in bone resorption and formation in the affected areas. It affects up to 3% of individuals of Anglo-Saxon origin over the age of 40 years but is rare in Arabs. Although most patients are asymptomatic, a variety of symptoms and complications may develop directly from bone involvement or secondarily to compression by bone expansion and increased blood flow. The disease can be treated by using medications that inhibit bone resorption, such as calcitonin and the bisphosphonates. Here we describe the case of an Omani patient with the disease, involving the skull, spine, pelvis, and tibia. He presented to the endocrine clinic in Sultan Qaboos University Hospital with a six-year history of headache, bone pain, progressive skull enlargement, and left-sided deafness. His alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level was 1500 U/L. His disease responded gradually to six months of subcutaneous and nasal calcitonin followed by a single 5 mg intravenous injection of zoledronic acid. This resulted in a further progressive reduction of his bone pain, skull size, and improvement in his hearing, as well as normalization of his serum ALP levels after one-year. This effect has been sustained for 3 years. PMID:27168927

  16. Zoledronic acid impairs stromal reactivity by inhibiting M2-macrophages polarization and prostate cancer-associated fibroblasts.

    PubMed

    Comito, Giuseppina; Pons Segura, Coral; Taddei, Maria Letizia; Lanciotti, Michele; Serni, Sergio; Morandi, Andrea; Chiarugi, Paola; Giannoni, Elisa

    2017-01-03

    Zoledronic acid (ZA) is a biphosphonate used for osteoporosis treatment and also proved to be effective to reduce the pain induced by bone metastases when used as adjuvant therapy in solid cancers. However, it has been recently proposed that ZA could have direct anti-tumour effects, although the molecular mechanism is unknown. We herein unravel a novel anti-tumour activity of ZA in prostate cancer (PCa), by targeting the pro-tumorigenic properties of both stromal and immune cells. Particularly, we demonstrate that ZA impairs PCa-induced M2-macrophages polarization, reducing their pro-invasive effect on tumour cells and their pro-angiogenic features. Crucially, ZA administration reverts cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) activation by targeting the mevalonate pathway and RhoA geranyl-geranylation, thereby impairing smooth muscle actin-α fibers organization, a prerequisite of fibroblast activation. Moreover, ZA prevents the M2 macrophages-mediated activation of normal fibroblast, highlighting the broad efficacy of this drug on tumour microenvironment. These results are confirmed in a metastatic xenograft PCa mouse model in which ZA-induced stromal normalization impairs cancer-stromal cells crosstalk, resulting in a significant reduction of primary tumour growth and metastases. Overall these findings reinforce the efficacy of ZA as a potential therapeutic approach to reduce cancer aggressiveness, by abrogating the supportive role of tumour microenvironment.

  17. Zoledronic acid causes γδ T cells to target monocytes and down-modulate inflammatory homing

    PubMed Central

    Fowler, Daniel W; Copier, John; Dalgleish, Angus G; Bodman-Smith, Mark D

    2014-01-01

    Zoledronic acid (ZA) is a potential immunotherapy for cancer because it can induce potent γδ T-cell-mediated anti-tumour responses. Clinical trials are testing the efficacy of intravenous ZA in cancer patients; however, the effects of systemic ZA on the activation and migration of peripheral γδ T cells remain poorly understood. We found that γδ T cells within ZA-treated peripheral blood mononuclear cells were degranulating, as shown by up-regulated expression of CD107a/b. Degranulation was monocyte dependent because CD107a/b expression was markedly reduced in the absence of CD14+ cells. Consistent with monocyte-induced degranulation, we observed γδ T-cell-dependent induction of monocyte apoptosis, as shown by phosphatidylserine expression on monocytes and decreased percentages of monocytes in culture. Despite the prevailing paradigm that ZA promotes tumour homing in γδ T cells, we observed down-modulation of their tumour homing capacity, as shown by decreased expression of the inflammatory chemokine receptors CCR5 and CXCR3, and reduced migration towards the inflammatory chemokine CCL5. Taken together our data suggest that ZA causes γδ T cells to target monocytes and down-modulate the migratory programme required for inflammatory homing. This study provides novel insight into how γδ T cells interact with monocytes and the possible implications of systemic use of ZA in cancer. PMID:24912747

  18. Replacing zoledronic acid with denosumab is a risk factor for developing osteonecrosis of the jaw.

    PubMed

    Higuchi, Tomoko; Soga, Yoshihiko; Muro, Misato; Kajizono, Makoto; Kitamura, Yoshihisa; Sendo, Toshiaki; Sasaki, Akira

    2018-06-01

    Intravenous zoledronic acid (ZA) is often replaced with subcutaneous denosumab in patients with bone metastatic cancer. Despite their different pharmacologic mechanisms of action, both denosumab and ZA are effective in bone metastasis but cause osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) as a side effect. ZA persists in the body almost indefinitely, whereas denosumab does not persist for long periods. This study evaluated the risks of developing ONJ when replacing ZA with denosumab. In total, 161 Japanese patients administered ZA for bone metastatic cancer were enrolled in this single-center, retrospective, observational study. The risk of developing ONJ was evaluated by logistic regression analysis using the following factors: age, gender, cancer type, angiogenesis inhibitors, steroids, and replacement of ZA with denosumab. Seventeen patients (10.6%) developed ONJ. Multiple regression analysis indicated a significant difference in rate of ONJ associated with replacement of ZA with denosumab (odds ratio = 3.81; 95% confidence interval 1.04-13.97; P = .043). Replacing ZA with denosumab is a risk factor for the development of ONJ. Both binding of bisphosphonate to bone and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κ B ligand inhibition could additively increase the risk of ONJ. We bring the replacement of ZA with denosumab to the attention of clinical oncologists. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Zoledronic acid induces dose-dependent increase of antigen-specific CD8 T-cell responses in combination with peptide/poly-IC vaccine.

    PubMed

    Park, Hye-Mi; Cho, Hyun-Il; Shin, Chang-Ae; Shon, Hyun-Jung; Kim, Tai-Gyu

    2016-03-04

    Zoledronic acid (ZA) is used for treating osteoporosis and for preventing skeletal fractures in cancer patients suffering from myeloma and prostate cancer. It is also reported to directly induce cancer cell apoptosis and indirectly modulate T-cell immune response as an antitumor agent. In this study, the effect of ZA following peptide/polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly-IC) vaccination was investigated in a murine tumor model. The combination of ZA with peptide/poly-IC vaccine showed a synergistic effect on the induction of antigen-specific CD8 T-cell response. Three consecutive intravenous administrations of ZA was defined to induce the highest CD8 T-cell response. Further, total splenocyte counts and antigen-specific CD8 T-cell response gradually increased depending on the dose of ZA. In tumor-bearing mice, ZA showed a dose-dependent decrease of growth and prolonged survival. Treatment with ZA only decreased the number of CD11b(+)Gr1(+) myeloid cells in blood. Our results demonstrate that the use of ZA could improve antitumor immune responses induced by the peptide/poly-IC vaccine. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. Effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with or without zoledronic acid on pathological response: A meta-analysis of randomised trials.

    PubMed

    Kroep, J R; Charehbili, A; Coleman, R E; Aft, R L; Hasegawa, Y; Winter, M C; Weilbaecher, K; Akazawa, K; Hinsley, S; Putter, H; Liefers, G J; Nortier, J W R; Kohno, N

    2016-02-01

    The addition of bisphosphonates to adjuvant therapy improves survival in postmenopausal breast cancer (BC) patients. We report a meta-analysis of four randomised trials of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CT) +/- zoledronic acid (ZA) in stage II/III BC to investigate the potential for enhancing the pathological response. Individual patient data from four prospective randomised clinical trials reporting the effect of the addition of ZA on the pathological response after neoadjuvant CT were pooled. Primary outcomes were pathological complete response in the breast (pCRb) and in the breast and lymph nodes (pCR). Trial-level and individual patient data meta-analyses were done. Predefined subgroup-analyses were performed for postmenopausal women and patients with triple-negative BC. pCRb and pCR data were available in 735 and 552 patients respectively. In the total study population ZA addition to neoadjuvant CT did not increase pCRb or pCR rates. However, in postmenopausal patients, the addition of ZA resulted in a significant, near doubling of the pCRb rate (10.8% for CT only versus 17.7% with CT+ZA; odds ratio [OR] 2.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-4.55) and a non-significant benefit of the pCR rate (7.8% for CT only versus 14.6% with CT+ZA; OR 2.62, 95% CI 0.90-7.62). In patients with triple-negative BC a trend was observed favouring CT+ZA. This meta-analysis shows no impact from the addition of ZA to neoadjuvant CT on pCR. However, as has been seen in the adjuvant setting, the addition of ZA to neoadjuvant CT may augment the effects of CT in postmenopausal patients with BC. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

  1. Zoledronate Effects on Systemic and Jaw Osteopenias in Ovariectomized Periostin-Deficient Mice

    PubMed Central

    Bonnet, Nicolas; Lesclous, Philippe; Saffar, Jean Louis; Ferrari, Serge

    2013-01-01

    Osteoporosis and periodontal disease (PD) are frequently associated in the elderly, both concurring to the loss of jaw alveolar bone and finally of teeth. Bisphosphonates improve alveolar bone loss but have also been associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), particularly using oncological doses of zoledronate. The effects and therapeutic margin of zoledronate on jaw bone therefore remain uncertain. We reappraised the efficacy and safety of Zoledronate (Zol) in ovariectomized (OVX) periostin (Postn)-deficient mice, a unique genetic model of systemic and jaw osteopenia. Compared to vehicle, Zol 1M (100 µg/kg/month) and Zol 1W (100 µg/kg/week) for 3 months both significantly improved femur BMD, trabecular bone volume on tissue volume (BV/TV) and cortical bone volume in both OVX Postn+/+ and Postn−/− (all p<0.01). Zol 1M and Zol 1W also improved jaw alveolar and basal BV/TV, although the highest dose (Zol 1W) was less efficient, particularly in Postn−/−. Zol decreased osteoclast number and bone formation indices, i.e. MAR, MPm/BPm and BFR, independently in Postn−/− and Postn+/+, both in the long bones and in deep jaw alveolar bone, without differences between Zol doses. Zol 1M and Zol 1W did not reactivate inflammation nor increase fibrous tissue in the bone marrow of the jaw, whereas the distance between the root and the enamel of the incisor (DRI) remained high in Postn−/− vs Postn+/+ confirming latent inflammation and lack of crestal alveolar bone. Zol 1W and Zol 1M decreased osteocyte numbers in Postn−/− and Postn+/+ mandible, and Zol 1W increased the number of empty lacunae in Postn−/−, however no areas of necrotic bone were observed. These results demonstrate that zoledronate improves jaw osteopenia and suggest that in Postn−/− mice, zoledronate is not sufficient to induce bone necrosis. PMID:23505553

  2. Zoledronic acid induces micronuclei formation, mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis and cytostasis in kidney cells.

    PubMed

    Singireesu, Soma Shiva Nageswara Rao; Mondal, Sujan Kumar; Yerramsetty, Suresh; Misra, Sunil

    2018-06-15

    Zoledronic acid (ZA), a FDA approved drug has used widely in the treatment of bone metastasis complications, has been linked to renal toxicity with unclear mechanism. The present study is aimed at investigating the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of ZA in renal epithelial cells. The genotoxic effect of ZA in Vero and MDCK cells determined by cytokinesis block micronucleus (CBMN) assay. The cytotoxic effect assessed by analysing cell cycle profile, cell death and mitochondrial membrane potential by flow cytometry using propidium iodide, AnnexinV-FITC/PI and JC1 dye staining, respectively, BAX and Bcl-2 expression by Western blotting and caspase activity by spectrofluorimetry. The cytotoxic effect of ZA based on MTT assay revealed variable sensitivities of Vero and MDCK cells, with IC 50 values of 7.41 and 109.58 μM, respectively. The CBMN assay has shown prominent dose-dependent (IC 10-50 ) induction of micronuclei formation in both cells, indicating ZA's clastogenic and aneugenic potential. Further, the ZA treatment led the cells to apoptosis, evident from dose-dependent increase in the percentage of cells in subG1 phase and display of membranous phosphatidylserine translocation. Studies also confirmed apoptosis through mitochondria, evident from the prominent increase in BAX/Bcl-2 ratio, mitochondrial membrane depolarization and caspase-3/7 activity. In addition, ZA reduces cytokinetic activity of renal cells, evident from dose-wise lowered replicative indices. The study depict ZA's potential genotoxic effect along with cytotoxic effect in renal epithelial cells, could be key factors for the development of renal complications associated with it, which prompts renal safety measures in lieu with ZA usage. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. Immune modulation of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells by zoledronic acid.

    PubMed

    Liu, Hsien; Wang, Shih-Han; Chen, Shin-Cheh; Chen, Ching-Ying; Lo, Jo-Lin; Lin, Tsun-Mei

    2016-11-25

    CD4 + CD25 + regulatory T (Treg) cells suppress tumor immunity by inhibiting immune cells. Manipulation of Treg cells represents a new strategy for cancer treatment. Zoledronic acid (ZA), a nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate, inhibits the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) on osteoblasts to inhibit osteoclastogenesis. In a mouse model of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw, administration of ZA suppressed Treg-cell activity and activated inflammatory Th17 cells. However, the interaction between ZA and Treg cells remained unclear. This study investigated the immune modulation of Treg cells by ZA. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the phenotypic and immunosuppressive characteristics of Treg cells treated with ZA. Chemotactic migration was evaluated using transwell assays. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to investigate the effect of ZA on the expression of suppressive molecules by Treg cells. Proliferation of isolated Treg cells in culture was inhibited by ZA, although ZA did not induce apoptosis. qRT-PCR and flow cytometry showed that ZA significantly downregulated the expression of CCR4, CTLA4, PD-1 and RANKL on Treg cells. Chemotactic migration and immunosuppressive functions were also significantly attenuated in Treg cells pretreated with ZA, and these effects were dose-dependent. Co-culture with Treg cells significantly increased the migration rate of breast cancer cells, while pretreatment of Treg cells with ZA attenuated this effect. Our findings demonstrated that ZA acted as an immune modulator by significantly inhibiting the expansion, migration, immunosuppressive function and pro-metastatic ability of Treg cells. Immunomodulation of Treg cells by ZA represents a new strategy for cancer therapy.

  4. Nephrotoxicity of ibandronate and zoledronate in Wistar rats with normal renal function and after unilateral nephrectomy.

    PubMed

    Bergner, R; Siegrist, B; Gretz, N; Pohlmeyer-Esch, G; Kränzlin, B

    2015-09-01

    A previous animal study compared the nephrotoxic effect of ibandronate (IBN) and zoledronate (ZOL), but interpretation of these study results was limited because of the model of minimal nephrotoxic dosage with a dosage ratio of 1:3. The present study investigated the nephrotoxicity of ibandronate and zoledronate in a 1.5:1 dose ratio, as used in clinical practice and compared the nephrotoxicity in rats with normal and with mildly to moderately impaired renal function. We compared rats with normal renal function (SHAM) and with impaired renal function after unilateral nephrectomy (UNX), treated either with ibandronate 1.5mg/kg, zoledronate 1mg/kg or placebo once (1×) or nine (9×) times. Renal function and markers of tubular toxicity were measured over a 27 week period. After last bisphosphonate treatment the rats were sacrificed and kidneys examined histologically. All bisphosphonate treated animals showed a significant tubular toxicity, which was temporary except in the ZOL-UNX-9×-group. Also the renal function was only transiently reduced except in the ZOL-UNX-9×-group. Histologically, bisphosphonate treatment led to cortical tubuloepithelial degeneration/necrosis and medullary tubuloepithelial swelling which were slightly more pronounced in ibandronate treated animals, when compared to zoledronate treated animals, especially with impaired renal function. In contrast to the previous study we found a similar nephrotoxicity of ibandronate and zoledronate in rats with normal renal function. In rats with impaired renal function the peak of toxicity had not even been fully reached until end of experiment in the zoledronate treated animals. The peak of toxicity seems to be more severe and delayed in rats with impaired renal function compared with rats with normal renal function. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Reactive oxygen species are required for zoledronic acid-induced apoptosis in osteoclast precursors and mature osteoclast-like cells

    PubMed Central

    Tai, Ta-Wei; Chen, Ching-Yu; Su, Fong-Chin; Tu, Yuan-Kun; Tsai, Tsung-Ting; Lin, Chiou-Feng; Jou, I.-Ming

    2017-01-01

    Inhibiting osteoclasts and osteoclast precursors to reduce bone resorption is an important strategy to treat osteoclast-related diseases, such as osteoporosis, inflammatory bone loss, and malignant bone metastasis. However, the mechanism by which apoptosis is induced in the osteoclasts and their precursors are not completely understood. Here, we used nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate zoledronic acid (ZA) to induce cell apoptosis in human and murine osteoclast precursors and mature osteoclast-like cells. Caspase-3-mediated cell apoptosis occurred following the ZA (100 μM) treatment. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were also generated in a time-dependent manner. Following knock-down of the p47phox expression, which is required for ROS activation, or co-treatment with the ROS inhibitor, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, ZA-induced apoptosis was significantly suppressed in both osteoclast precursors and mature osteoclast-like cells. The ROS-activated mitogen-activated protein kinases pathways did not trigger cell apoptosis. However, a ROS-regulated Mcl-1 decrease simultaneously with glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β promoted cell apoptosis. These findings show that ZA induces apoptosis in osteoclast precursors and mature osteoclast-like cells by triggering ROS- and GSK-3β-mediated Mcl-1 down-regulation. PMID:28281643

  6. Nanoparticles for the delivery of zoledronic acid to prostate cancer cells: A comparative analysis through time lapse video-microscopy technique

    PubMed Central

    Schiraldi, Chiara; Zappavigna, Silvia; D' Agostino, Antonella; Porto, Stefania; Gaito, Ornella; Lusa, Sara; Lamberti, Monica; De Rosa, Mario; De Rosa, Giuseppe; Caraglia, Michele

    2014-01-01

    Time-lapse live cell imaging is a powerful tool for studying the responses of cells to drugs. Zoledronic acid (ZOL) is the most potent aminobiphosphonate able to induce cell growth inhibition at very low concentrations. The lack of clear evidence of ZOL-induced anti-cancer effects is likely due to its unfavorable pharmacokinetic profile. The use of nanotechnology-based formulations allows overcoming these limitations in ZOL pharmaco-distribution. Recently, stealth liposomes (LIPOs) and new self-assembly PEGylated nanoparticles (NPs) encapsulating ZOL were developed. Both the delivery systems showed promising anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo. In this work, we investigated the cytostatic effect of these novel formulations (LIPOs and NPs) compared with free ZOL on 2 different prostate cancer cell lines, PC 3 and DU 145 and on prostate epithelial primary cells EPN using time lapse video-microscopy (TLVM). In PC3 cells, free ZOL showed a significant anti-proliferative effect but this effect was lower than that induced by LIPOs and NPs encapsulating ZOL; moreover, LIPO-ZOL was more potent in inducing growth inhibition than NP-ZOL. On the other hand, LIPO-ZOL slightly enhanced the free ZOL activity on growth inhibition of DU 145, while the anti-proliferative effect of NP-ZOL was not statistically relevant. These novel formulations did not induce anti-proliferative effects on EPN cells. Finally, we evaluated cytotoxic effects on DU145 where, LIPO-ZOL induced the highest cytotoxicity compared with NP-ZOL and free ZOL. In conclusion, ZOL can be transformed in a powerful anticancer agent, if administered with nanotechnology-based formulations without damaging the healthy tissues. PMID:25482949

  7. Zoledronic acid impairs stromal reactivity by inhibiting M2-macrophages polarization and prostate cancer-associated fibroblasts

    PubMed Central

    Comito, Giuseppina; Segura, Coral Pons; Taddei, Maria Letizia; Lanciotti, Michele; Serni, Sergio; Morandi, Andrea; Chiarugi, Paola; Giannoni, Elisa

    2017-01-01

    Zoledronic acid (ZA) is a biphosphonate used for osteoporosis treatment and also proved to be effective to reduce the pain induced by bone metastases when used as adjuvant therapy in solid cancers. However, it has been recently proposed that ZA could have direct anti-tumour effects, although the molecular mechanism is unknown. We herein unravel a novel anti-tumour activity of ZA in prostate cancer (PCa), by targeting the pro-tumorigenic properties of both stromal and immune cells. Particularly, we demonstrate that ZA impairs PCa-induced M2-macrophages polarization, reducing their pro-invasive effect on tumour cells and their pro-angiogenic features. Crucially, ZA administration reverts cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) activation by targeting the mevalonate pathway and RhoA geranyl-geranylation, thereby impairing smooth muscle actin-α fibers organization, a prerequisite of fibroblast activation. Moreover, ZA prevents the M2 macrophages-mediated activation of normal fibroblast, highlighting the broad efficacy of this drug on tumour microenvironment. These results are confirmed in a metastatic xenograft PCa mouse model in which ZA-induced stromal normalization impairs cancer-stromal cells crosstalk, resulting in a significant reduction of primary tumour growth and metastases. Overall these findings reinforce the efficacy of ZA as a potential therapeutic approach to reduce cancer aggressiveness, by abrogating the supportive role of tumour microenvironment. PMID:27223431

  8. Zoledronic Acid-Induced Expansion of γδ T Cells from Early-Stage Breast Cancer Patients: Effect of IL-18 on Helper NK Cells

    PubMed Central

    Sugie, Tomoharu; Murata-Hirai, Kaoru; Iwasaki, Masashi; Morita, Craig T.; Li, Wen; Okamura, Haruki; Minato, Nagahiro; Toi, Masakazu; Tanaka, Yoshimasa

    2013-01-01

    Human γδ T cells display potent cytotoxicity against various tumor cells pretreated with zoledronic acid (Zol). Zol has shown benefits when added to adjuvant endocrine therapy for patients with early-stage breast cancer or to standard chemotherapy for patients with multiple myeloma. Although γδ T cells may contribute to this additive effect, the responsiveness of γδ T cells from early-stage breast cancer patients has not been fully investigated. In this study, we determined the number, frequency, and responsiveness of Vγ2Vδ2 T cells from early- and late-stage breast cancer patients and examined the effect of IL-18 on their ex vivo expansion. The responsiveness of Vγ2Vδ2 T cells from patients with low frequencies of Vγ2Vδ2 T cells was significantly diminished. IL-18, however, enhanced ex vivo proliferative responses of Vγ2Vδ2 T cells and helper NK cells from patients with either low or high frequencies of Vγ2Vδ2 T cells. Treatment of breast cancer patients with Zol alone decreased the number of Vγ2Vδ2 T cells and reduced their ex vivo responsiveness. These results demonstrate that Zol can elicit immunological responses by γδ T cells from early-stage breast cancer patients but that frequent in vivo treatment reduces Vγ2Vδ2 T cell numbers and their responsiveness to stimulation. PMID:23151944

  9. The effect of zoledronic acid on type and volume of Modic changes among patients with low back pain.

    PubMed

    Koivisto, Katri; Järvinen, Jyri; Karppinen, Jaro; Haapea, Marianne; Paananen, Markus; Kyllönen, Eero; Tervonen, Osmo; Niinimäki, Jaakko

    2017-06-23

    Modic changes (MC) are associated with low back pain (LBP). In this study, we compared changes in size and type of MC, after a single intravenous infusion of 5 mg zoledronic acid (ZA) or placebo, among chronic LBP patients with MC on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and evaluated whether the MRI changes correlate with symptoms. All patients (N = 19 in ZA, 20 in placebo) had MRI at baseline (0.23-1.5 T) and at one year (1.5-3 T). We evaluated the level, type and volume of all the MC. The MC were classified into M1 (M1 (100%)), predominating M1 (M1/2 (65:35%)) or predominating M2 (M1/2 (35:65%)), and M2 (M2 (100%)). The first two were considered M1-dominant, and the latter two M2-dominant. Volumes of M1 and M2 were calculated separately for the primary MC, which was assumed to cause the symptoms, and the other MC. We analysed the one-year treatment differences in M1 and M2 volumes using analysis of covariance with adjustments for age, sex, body mass index, and smoking. The correlations between the MRI changes and the changes in LBP symptoms were analysed using Pearson correlations. In the ZA group, 84.2% of patients had M1-dominant primary MC at baseline, compared to 50% in the placebo group (p = 0.041). The primary MC in the ZA group converted more likely to M2-dominant (42.1% ZA, 15% placebo; p = 0.0119). The other MC (15 ZA, 8 placebo) were on average 42% smaller and remained largely M2-dominant. The M1 volume of the primary MC decreased in the ZA group, but increased in the placebo group (-0.83 cm 3 vs 0.91 cm 3 ; p = 0.21). The adjusted treatment difference for M1 volume was -1.9 cm 3 (95% CI -5.0 to 1.2; p = 0.22) and for M2 volume 0.23 cm 3 (p = 0.86). In the MC that remained M1-dominant, volume change correlated positively with increased symptoms in the placebo group, whereas the correlations were negative and weak in the ZA group. Zoledronic acid tended to speed up the conversion of M1-dominant into M2-dominant MC and decrease the volume

  10. Guided bone regeneration with local zoledronic acid and titanium barrier: An experimental study.

    PubMed

    Dundar, Serkan; Ozgur, Cem; Yaman, Ferhan; Cakmak, Omer; Saybak, Arif; Ozercan, Ibrahim Hanifi; Alan, Hilal; Artas, Gokhan; Nacakgedigi, Onur

    2016-10-01

    The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects on new bone formation of autogenous blood alone or in combination with zoledronic acid (ZA), a β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) graft or ZA plus a β-TCP graft placed under titanium barriers. For this purpose, eight adult male New Zealand white rabbits were used in the study, each with four titanium barriers fixed around four sets of nine holes drilled in the calvarial bones. The study included four groups, each containing 2 rabbits. In the autogenous blood (AB group), only autogeneous blood was placed under the titanium barriers. The three experimental groups were the AB+ZA group, with autogenous blood plus ZA, the AB+β-TCP group, with autogeneous blood plus a β-TCP graft, and the AB+β-TCP+ZA group, with autogeneous blood plus a β-TCP graft and ZA mixture under the titanium barriers. The animals were sacrificed after 3 months. The amounts of new bone formation identified histomorphometrically were found to be higher after 3 months than at the time of surgery in all groups. The differences between the groups were examined with histomorphometric analysis, and statistically significant differences were identified at the end of the 3 months. The bone formation rate in the AB+β-TCP+ZA group was determined to be significantly higher than that in the other groups (P<0.05). In the AB+ZA and AB+β-TCP groups, the bone formation rate was determined to be significantly higher than that in the AB group (P<0.05). No statistically significant difference in bone formation rate was observed between the AB+β-TCP and AB+ZA groups. Local ZA used with autogeneous blood and/or graft material appears to be a more effective method than the use of autogeneous blood or graft alone in bone augmentation executed with a titanium barrier.

  11. Effect of different doses of zoledronic acid in establishing of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis.

    PubMed

    Silva, Paulo Goberlânio de Barros; Ferreira Junior, Antonio Ernando Carlos; Teófilo, Carolina Rodrigues; Barbosa, Maritza Cavalcante; Lima Júnior, Roberto César Pereira; Sousa, Fabrício Bitú; Mota, Mário Rogério Lima; Ribeiro, Ronaldo de Albuquerque; Alves, Ana Paula Negreiros Nunes

    2015-09-01

    To establish osteonecrosis of the jaws in rats treated with different doses of zoledronic acid (ZA). Male Wistar rats (n=6-7) received three consecutive weekly intravenous ZA infusions at doses of 0.04, 0.20 or 1.00mg/kg ZA or saline (control). Four weeks after the last administration, the animals were submitted to simple extraction of the lower left first molar. An additional dose of ZA was administered seven days later, and the animals were sacrificed 28 days after exodontia. Weight was measured and blood was collected weekly for analysis. The jaw was radiographically and microscopically examined along with the liver, spleen, kidney and stomach. All ZA doses showed a higher radiolucent area than the control (p<0.0001), but the dose of 0.04mg/kg did not show BRONJ. Doses of 0.20 and 1.00mg/kg ZA showed histological evidence of bone necrosis (p=0.0004). Anaemia (p<0.0001, r(2)=0.8073) and leucocytosis (p<0.0001, r(2)=0.9699) are seen with an increase of lymphocytes (p<0.0001, r(2)=0.6431) and neutrophils and monocytes (p=0.0218, r(2)=0.8724) in all the animals treated with an increasing dose of ZA. Haemorrhage and ectasia were observed in the spleen (p=0.0004) and stomach (p=0.0168) in a dose-dependent manner, and the animals treated with ZA showed a lower rate of weight gain (p<0.0001). We designed a bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw model that reproduces radiographic and histological parameters and mimics clinical alterations such as leucocytosis, anaemia and idiosyncratic inflammatory post infusion reactions. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Zoledronic acid in metastatic osteosarcoma: encouraging progression free survival in four consecutive patients.

    PubMed

    Conry, Robert M; Rodriguez, Michael G; Pressey, Joseph G

    2016-01-01

    Zoledronic acid (ZA) is a third-generation bisphosphonate in widespread clinical use to reduce pain and skeletal events in patients from a variety of malignancies with bone metastases. Pre-clinical studies indicate that ZA inhibits osteosarcoma through direct anti-proliferative effects, immune activation and anti-angiogenic activity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antitumor efficacy of ZA at standard dose until progression in patients with stage IV osteosarcoma lacking a standard of care treatment option proven to influence survival. Researchers retrospectively reviewed medical records of all patients at our institution with high-grade osteosarcoma presumed to be incurable due to metastases progressive after primary combination chemotherapy who received single agent ZA in an effort to delay progression. In our four-patient cohort following initiation of ZA, the median progression-free survival was 19 months, and median overall survival was 56+ months. Two of four patients have remained progression-free since starting ZA. The other two initially progressed after 18-20 months on ZA followed by metastasectomy of lung or dural metastases and further stability for over a year following resumption of ZA. After a 20-month progression-free interval on ZA alone, one patient had partial response following addition of pazopanib to ZA that likely contributed to long term disease control. The four patients experienced no significant toxicities despite protracted dosing of ZA for up to 5 years, and none have required chemotherapy since beginning ZA. Single agent ZA was associated with encouraging progression-free survival in four consecutive patients with metastatic osteosarcoma. Prospective trials of single agent ZA are warranted as protracted maintenance therapy in surgically incurable osteosarcoma relapsed or refractory to first line combination chemotherapy with radiographically measurable metastases.

  13. Effect of zoledronic acid on fracture healing in osteoporotic patients with intertrochanteric fractures.

    PubMed

    Hayer, Prabhnoor Singh; Deane, Anit Kumar Samuel; Agrawal, Atul; Maheshwari, Rajesh; Juyal, Anil

    2017-01-01

    To assess the effect of zoledronic acid (ZOL) on fracture healing in osteoporotic patients with intertrochanteric fracture based on radiological evaluation and to study the correlations between severity of osteoporosis, age, gender, and time taken to fracture union. An open label study was conducted on 43 patients at a tertiary care center. The osteoporosis status of all the included patients was documented using a double-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan. A single dose of injection ZOL 5 mg was administered intravenously to all the patients after fixation during their hospital stay. Follow-up of the patients was done at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery until union was seen radiologically. Data were entered into Microsoft Office Excel version 2007, and interpretation and analysis of obtained data were done using summary statistics. Pearson correlation between age, gender, bone mineral density (BMD), and time taken to fracture union was done using the IBM SPSS Version 22.0 (IBM Corp. Released 2013. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 22.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.). The average age of the patients included in the study was 71.27 ± 11.48 and the average BMD was -4.58±1.42. All the fractures united by the 6 th month of follow-up, which was similar to the union rate in comparison with the literature. The correlations between the gender, BMD, age, and time to union were calculated, and all the r values obtained showed very low correlation and the P values in all the variables were not significant. The bisphosphonate therapy did not adversely affect radiologically determined fracture union, and no correlations between severity of osteoporosis, age, gender, and time taken to fracture union were found to be significant.

  14. Duration of antiresorptive activity of zoledronate in postmenopausal women with osteopenia: a randomized, controlled multidose trial

    PubMed Central

    Grey, Andrew; Bolland, Mark J.; Horne, Anne; Mihov, Borislav; Gamble, Greg; Reid, Ian R.

    2017-01-01

    BACKGROUND: Intravenous zoledronate 5 mg annually reduces fracture risk, and 5 mg every 2 years prevents bone loss, but the optimal dosing regimens for these indications are uncertain. METHODS: We conducted a 3-year open-label extension of a 2-year randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Late postmenopausal women with osteopenia were assigned to receive a single baseline dose of 1 mg, 2.5 mg or 5 mg of zoledronate or placebo. The primary outcome was change in spine bone mineral density (BMD). Secondary outcomes were changes in hip BMD and serum markers of bone turnover. RESULTS: The study involved 160 women. Zoledronate increased BMD and reduced markers of bone turnover in a dose-dependent manner. After 2 years, the 1-mg, 2.5-mg and 5-mg zoledronate doses increased spine BMD over placebo by 5.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.0% to 7.0%), 5.7% (95% CI 3.7% to 7.7%) and 5.7% (95% CI 3.7% to 7.6%), respectively; after 5 years, the respective increases were 2.0% (95% CI −1.1% to 5.0%), 2.2% (95% CI −1.0% to 5.4%) and 5.1% (95% CI 2.2% to 8.1%). After 2 years, the 1-mg, 2.5-mg and 5-mg zoledronate doses increased total hip BMD over placebo by 2.6% (95% CI 1.3% to 3.9%), 4.1% (95% CI 2.9% to 5.4%) and 4.7% (95% CI 3.4% to 5.9%), respectively; after 5 years, the respective increases were 1.8% (95% CI −0.1% to 3.8%), 2.8% (95% CI 0.8% to 4.8%) and 5.4% (95% CI 3.5% to 7.3%). BMD remained above baseline values for 2–3 years in the 1-mg group, 3–4 years in the 2.5-mg group and at least 5 years in the 5-mg group. INTERPRETATION: The antiresorptive activity of single zoledronate doses of 1–5 mg persist for at least 3 years in postmenopausal women with osteopenia. Clinical trials would be justified to evaluate the effects on fracture risk of less frequent or lower doses of zoledronate than are currently recommended. Trial registration: www.anzctr.org.au, no. ACTRN12607000576426 PMID:28893875

  15. Early, middle, or late administration of zoledronate alleviates spontaneous nociceptive behavior and restores functional outcomes in a mouse model of CFA-induced arthritis.

    PubMed

    Morado-Urbina, Carlos Eduardo; Alvarado-Vázquez, Perla Abigail; Montiel-Ruiz, Rosa Mariana; Acosta-González, Rosa Issel; Castañeda-Corral, Gabriela; Jiménez-Andrade, Juan Miguel

    2014-11-01

    This study was performed to evaluate whether early, middle, or late treatment of zoledronate, an approved bisphosphonate that blocks bone resorption, can reduce nociceptive behaviors in a mouse arthritis model. Arthritis was produced by repeated intra-articular knee injections of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). A dose-response curve with zoledronate (3, 30, 100, and 300 μg/kg, i.p., day 4 to day 25, twice weekly for 3 weeks) was performed, and the most effective dose of zoledronate (100 μg/kg, i.p.) was initially administered at different times of disease progression: day 4 (early), day 15 (middle), or day 21 (late) and continued until day 25 after the first CFA injection. Flinching of the injected extremity (spontaneous nociceptive behavior), vertical rearings and horizontal activity (functional outcomes), and knee edema were assessed. Zoledronate improved both functional outcomes and reduced flinching behavior. At day 25, the effect of zoledronate on flinching behavior and vertical rearings was greater in magnitude when it was given early or middle rather than late in the treatment regimen. Chronic zoledronate did not reduce knee edema in CFA-injected mice nor functional outcomes in naïve mice by itself. These results suggest that zoledronate may have a positive effect on arthritis-induced nociception and functional disabilities. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  16. In vitro and in vivo investigation of bisphosphonate-loaded hydroxyapatite particles for peri-implant bone augmentation.

    PubMed

    Kettenberger, Ulrike; Luginbuehl, Vera; Procter, Philip; Pioletti, Dominique P

    2017-07-01

    Locally applied bisphosphonates, such as zoledronate, have been shown in several studies to inhibit peri-implant bone resorption and recently to enhance peri-implant bone formation. Studies have also demonstrated positive effects of hydroxyapatite (HA) particles on peri-implant bone regeneration and an enhancement of the anti-resorptive effect of bisphosphonates in the presence of calcium. In the present study, both hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (nHA) and zoledronate were combined to achieve a strong reinforcing effect on peri-implant bone. The nHA-zoledronate combination was first investigated in vitro with a pre-osteoclastic cell assay (RAW 264.7) and then in vivo in a rat model of postmenopausal osteoporosis. The in vitro study confirmed that the inhibitory effect of zoledronate on murine osteoclast precursor cells was enhanced by loading the drug on nHA. For the in vivo investigation, either zoledronate-loaded or pure nHA were integrated in hyaluronic acid hydrogel. The gels were injected in screw holes that had been predrilled in rat femoral condyles before the insertion of miniature screws. Micro-CT-based dynamic histomorphometry and histology revealed an unexpected rapid mineralization of the hydrogel in vivo through formation of granules, which served as scaffold for new bone formation. The delivery of zoledronate-loaded nHA further inhibited a degradation of the mineralized hydrogel as well as a resorption of the peri-implant bone as effectively as unbound zoledronate. Hyaluronic acid with zoledronate-loaded nHA, thanks to its dual effect on inducing a rapid mineralization and preventing resorption, is a promising versatile material for bone repair and augmentation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  17. A Biphasic Calcium Sulphate/Hydroxyapatite Carrier Containing Bone Morphogenic Protein-2 and Zoledronic Acid Generates Bone

    PubMed Central

    Raina, Deepak Bushan; Isaksson, Hanna; Hettwer, Werner; Kumar, Ashok; Lidgren, Lars; Tägil, Magnus

    2016-01-01

    In orthopedic surgery, large amount of diseased or injured bone routinely needs to be replaced. Autografts are mainly used but their availability is limited. Commercially available bone substitutes allow bone ingrowth but lack the capacity to induce bone formation. Thus, off-the-shelf osteoinductive bone substitutes that can replace bone grafts are required. We tested the carrier properties of a biphasic, calcium sulphate and hydroxyapatite ceramic material, containing a combination of recombinant human bone morphogenic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) to induce bone, and zoledronic acid (ZA) to delay early resorption. In-vitro, the biphasic material released 90% of rhBMP-2 and 10% of ZA in the first week. No major changes were found in the surface structure using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) or in the mechanical properties after adding rhBMP-2 or ZA. In-vivo bone formation was studied in an abdominal muscle pouch model in rats (n = 6/group). The mineralized volume was significantly higher when the biphasic material was combined with both rhBMP-2 and ZA (21.4 ± 5.5 mm3) as compared to rhBMP-2 alone (10.9 ± 2.1 mm3) when analyzed using micro computed tomography (μ-CT) (p < 0.01). In the clinical setting, the biphasic material combined with both rhBMP-2 and ZA can potentially regenerate large volumes of bone. PMID:27189411

  18. Role of zoledronic acid in oncolytic virotherapy: Promotion of antitumor effect and prevention of bone destruction.

    PubMed

    Yamakawa, Yasuaki; Tazawa, Hiroshi; Hasei, Joe; Osaki, Shuhei; Omori, Toshinori; Sugiu, Kazuhisa; Komatsubara, Tadashi; Uotani, Kouji; Fujiwara, Tomohiro; Yoshida, Aki; Kunisada, Toshiyuki; Urata, Yasuo; Kagawa, Shunsuke; Ozaki, Toshifumi; Fujiwara, Toshiyoshi

    2017-09-01

    Osteosarcoma is an aggressive malignant bone tumor that causes bone destruction. Although tumor-specific replicating oncolytic adenovirus OBP-301 induces an antitumor effect in an osteosarcoma tumor, it cannot prevent bone destruction. Zoledronic acid (ZOL) is a clinically available agent that inhibits bone destruction. In this study, we investigated the potential of combination therapy with OBP-301 and ZOL against osteosarcomas with bone destruction. The antitumor activity of OBP-301 and ZOL in monotherapy or combination therapy was assessed using three human osteosarcoma cell lines (143B, MNNG/HOS, SaOS-2). The cytotoxic effect of OBP-301 and/or ZOL was measured by assay of cell apoptosis. The effect of OBP-301 and ZOL on osteoclast activation was investigated. The potential of combination therapy against tumor growth and bone destruction was analyzed using an orthotopic 143B osteosarcoma xenograft tumor model. OBP-301 and ZOL decreased the viability of human osteosarcoma cells. Combination therapy with OBP-301 and ZOL displayed a synergistic antitumor effect, in which OBP-301 promoted apoptosis through suppression of anti-apoptotic myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL1). Combination therapy significantly inhibited tumor-mediated osteoclast activation, tumor growth and bone destruction compared to monotherapy. These results suggest that combination therapy of OBP-301 and ZOL suppresses osteosarcoma progression via suppression of MCL1 and osteoclast activation. © 2017 The Authors. Cancer Science published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Japanese Cancer Association.

  19. A randomised controlled trial of intravenous zoledronic acid in malignant pleural disease: a proof of principle pilot study.

    PubMed

    Clive, Amelia O; Hooper, Clare E; Edey, Anthony J; Morley, Anna J; Zahan-Evans, Natalie; Hall, David; Lyburn, Iain; White, Paul; Braybrooke, Jeremy P; Sequeiros, Iara; Lyen, Stephen M; Milton, Tim; Kahan, Brennan C; Maskell, Nick A

    2015-01-01

    Animal studies have shown Zoledronic Acid (ZA) may diminish pleural fluid accumulation and tumour bulk in malignant pleural disease (MPD). We performed a pilot study to evaluate its effects in humans. We undertook a single centre, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in adults with MPD. Patients were randomised (1:1) to receive 2 doses of intravenous ZA or placebo, 3 weeks apart and were followed-up for 6 weeks. The co-primary outcomes were change in Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score measured breathlessness during trial follow-up and change in the initial area under the curve (iAUC) on thoracic Dynamic Contrast Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DCE-MRI) from randomisation to week 5. Multiple secondary endpoints were also evaluated. Between January 2010 and May 2013, 30 patients were enrolled, 24 randomised and 4 withdrew after randomisation (1 withdrew consent; 3 had a clinical decline). At baseline, the ZA group were more breathless, had more advanced disease on radiology and worse quality of life than the placebo group. There was no significant difference between the groups with regards change in breathlessness (Adjusted mean difference (AMD) 4.16 (95%CI -4.7 to 13.0)) or change in DCE-MRI iAUC (AMD -15.4 (95%CI -58.1 to 27.3). Two of nine (22%) in the ZA arm had a >10% improvement by modified RECIST (vs 0/11 who received placebo). There was no significant difference in quality of life measured by the QLQ-C30 score (global QOL: AMD -4.1 (-13.0 to 4.9)), side effects or serious adverse event rates. This is the first human study to evaluate ZA in MPD. The study is limited by small numbers and imbalanced baseline characteristics. Although no convincing treatment effect was identified, potential benefits for specific subgroups of patients cannot be excluded. This study provides important information regarding the feasibility of future trials to evaluate the effects of ZA further. UK Clinical Research Network ID 8877 ISRCTN17030426 www.isrctn.com.

  20. Zoledronic acid increases the circulating soluble RANKL level in mice, with a further increase in lymphocyte-derived soluble RANKL in zoledronic acid- and glucocorticoid-treated mice stimulated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide.

    PubMed

    Abe, Takahiro; Sato, Tsuyoshi; Kokabu, Shoichiro; Hori, Naoko; Shimamura, Yumiko; Sato, Tomoya; Yoda, Tetsuya

    2016-07-01

    The nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate (BP) zoledronic acid (ZA) is a potent antiresorptive drug used in conjunction with standard cancer therapy to treat osteolysis or hypercalcemia due to malignancy. However, it is unclear how ZA influences the circulating levels of bone remodeling factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ZA on the serum levels of soluble receptor activator of NF-kB ligand (sRANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG). The following four groups of C57BL/6 mice were used (five mice per group): (1) the placebo+phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) group, in which placebo-treated mice were injected once weekly with PBS for 4weeks; (2) the placebo+ZA group, in which placebo-treated mice were injected once weekly with ZA for 4weeks; (3) the prednisolone (PSL)+PBS group, in which PSL-treated mice were injected once weekly with PBS for 4weeks; and (4) the PSL+ZA group, in which PSL-treated mice were injected once weekly with ZA for 4weeks. At the 3-week time point, all mice were subjected to oral inflammatory stimulation with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The sera of these mice were obtained every week and the levels of sRANKL and OPG were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. At the time of sacrifice, femurs were prepared for micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), histological, and histomorphometric analyses. Our data indicated that ZA administration remarkably reduced bone turnover and significantly increased the basal level of sRANKL. Interestingly, the PSL+ZA group showed a dramatically elevated sRANKL level after LPS stimulation. In contrast, the PSL+ZA group in nonobese diabetic mice with severe combined immunodeficiency disease (NOD-SCID mice), which are characterized by the absence of functional T- and B-lymphocytes, showed no increase in the sRANKL level. Our data suggest that, particularly with combination treatment of ZA and glucocorticoids, surviving lymphocytes might be the source of inflammation-induced sRANKL. Thus

  1. The effects of local administration of Zoledronate solution on the tooth movement and periodontal ligament.

    PubMed

    Liu, Chang; Sun, Xinhua; Chen, Yuanping; Hu, Min; Liang, Tang

    2002-07-01

    To investigate the effects of local administration of Zoledronate solution on the tooth movement and periodontal ligament. Orthodontic tooth movement of upper first molar was performed in 42 rats with coil spring. Zoledronate solution was injected into the palatal submucosal area adjacent to the left upper first molar in experimental group 3 days prior to the use of the appliance. In control group, same amount of 0.9% NaCl solution was injected into the palatal submucosal area adjacent to the left and right upper first molar. The injection was applied every third day. The application of mesial force lasted 0.3, 7, 14, 21 days respectively. After the rats were sacrificed, the distance of tooth movement was measured. Sections were stained and then observed with microscope. 1. The distance of tooth movement in the experimental group was significantly smaller than that in the control group. 2. The number of osteoclast on the pressure side in the experiment group was significantly smaller than that in the control group through the experimental period, but there was no distinct difference between experimental group and control group (except for 14 days) for the number of odontoclast in interradicular area. 3. The osteoclasts and odontoclasts were the main target cell of Zoledronate in periodontal tissue. Zoledronate may be a useful agent for anchorage control and reducing the number of osteoclast on pressure side of alveolar bone.

  2. Effect of Nd:YAG laser light on post-extractive socket healing in rats treated with zoledronic acid and dexamethasone

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mergoni, Giovanni; Merigo, Elisabetta; Passerini, Pietro; Corradi, Domenico; Maestri, Roberta; Bussolati, Ovidio; Bianchi, Massimiliano; Sala, Roberto; Govoni, Paolo; Namour, Samir; Vescovi, Paolo

    2016-03-01

    Introduction The effect of low level laser therapy (LLLT) on the healing process could be useful for the prevention of post-extractive Bisphosphonate-related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws (BRONJ). The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of LLLT on the post-extractive socket healing in rats treated with zoledronic acid and dexamethasone. Material and Methods Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided in 4 groups: control group (C, n = 5), laser group (L, n = 5), treatment group (T, n = 10) and treatment plus laser group (T+L, n = 10). Rats of group T and T+L received zoledronate 0,1 mg/Kg and dexamethasone 1 mg/Kg every 2 days for 10 weeks. Rats of group C and L were infused with vehicle. After 9 weeks the first maxillary molars were extracted in all rats. Rats of groups L and T+L received laser therapy (Nd:YAG, 1064 nm, 1.25W, 15Hz, 5 min, 14.37 J/cm2) in the socket area at days 0, 2, 4 and 6 after surgery. At 8 days from extraction, the sockets were clinically assessed with a grading score and the wound area was measured with a dedicate software. Histomorphometric evaluation and western blot analysis of osteopontin and osteocalcin expression were performed. Results Group T+L showed a trend toward a better clinical grading score compared to group T (grade I 22% Vs 28 % - grade II 56% Vs 28% - grade III 22% Vs 44%, respectively). The average wound area was similar among the groups. Inhibition of osteoclastic alveolar bone resorption was found in groups T and T+L (P<0.001). Rats of groups L and T+L showed a significant higher expression of osteocalcin compared to rats of groups C and T (C=0.3993; L=1.394; T=0.2922; T+L=1.156; P=0.0001). The expression of osteopontin did not show significant differences in the groups treated with Nd:YAG compared to the ones that did not receive laser irradiation. Conclusion Our findings suggest that laser irradiation after tooth extraction can promote osteoblast differentiation, as demonstrated by the higher expression of

  3. The Effect of 3 Versus 6 Years of Zoledronic Acid Treatment of Osteoporosis: A Randomized Extension to the HORIZON-Pivotal Fracture Trial (PFT)

    PubMed Central

    Black, Dennis M; Reid, Ian R; Boonen, Steven; Bucci-Rechtweg, Christina; Cauley, Jane A; Cosman, Felicia; Cummings, Steven R; Hue, Trisha F; Lippuner, Kurt; Lakatos, Peter; Leung, Ping Chung; Man, Zulema; Martinez, Ruvie Lou Maria; Tan, Monique; Ruzycky, Mary Ellen; Su, Guoqin; Eastell, Richard

    2012-01-01

    Zoledronic acid 5 mg (ZOL) annually for 3 years reduces fracture risk in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. To investigate long-term effects of ZOL on bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture risk, the Health Outcomes and Reduced Incidence with Zoledronic acid Once Yearly–Pivotal Fracture Trial (HORIZON-PFT) was extended to 6 years. In this international, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled extension trial, 1233 postmenopausal women who received ZOL for 3 years in the core study were randomized to 3 additional years of ZOL (Z6, n = 616) or placebo (Z3P3, n = 617). The primary endpoint was femoral neck (FN) BMD percentage change from year 3 to 6 in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population. Secondary endpoints included other BMD sites, fractures, biochemical bone turnover markers, and safety. In years 3 to 6, FN-BMD remained constant in Z6 and dropped slightly in Z3P3 (between-treatment difference = 1.04%; 95% confidence interval 0.4 to 1.7; p = 0.0009) but remained above pretreatment levels. Other BMD sites showed similar differences. Biochemical markers remained constant in Z6 but rose slightly in Z3P3, remaining well below pretreatment levels in both. New morphometric vertebral fractures were lower in the Z6 (n = 14) versus Z3P3 (n = 30) group (odds ratio = 0.51; p = 0.035), whereas other fractures were not different. Significantly more Z6 patients had a transient increase in serum creatinine >0.5 mg/dL (0.65% versus 2.94% in Z3P3). Nonsignificant increases in Z6 of atrial fibrillation serious adverse events (2.0% versus 1.1% in Z3P3; p = 0.26) and stroke (3.1% versus 1.5% in Z3P3; p = 0.06) were seen. Postdose symptoms were similar in both groups. Reports of hypertension were significantly lower in Z6 versus Z3P3 (7.8% versus 15.1%, p < 0.001). Small differences in bone density and markers in those who continued versus those who stopped treatment suggest residual effects, and therefore, after 3 years of annual ZOL, many patients may discontinue

  4. Effect of low-level laser therapy on tissue repair after dental extraction in rats administered zoledronic acid and dexamethasone

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Weber, João Batista Blessmann; Camilotti, Renata Stifelman; Jasper, Juliana; Casagrande, Liliane Cristina Onofre; Maito, Fábio Luiz Dal Moro

    2017-05-01

    Bisphosphonates (BPs) are being increasingly used for the treatment of metabolic and oncological pathologies involving the skeletal system. Because of the severity of the BP associated osteonecrosis of the jaws, the difficulties of treatment, and patient discomfort, additional support methods for their management are needed. Laser therapy has an easy handling, photobiostimulator effect on tissues healing, so it can be considered a preferred therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of low-level laser therapy in the 685- and 830-nm wavelength in the healing process of the bone and soft tissues in rats under BP therapy [zoledronic acid (ZA)] and dexamethasone concomitantly that underwent a surgery for the extraction of upper molars. There were statistically significant differences in the clinical evaluation of the wound and the weight of the animals. Regarding the histological evaluation, it was possible to observe the different maturations of the healing stage between groups. The effect of drug therapy with ZA and dexamethasone in the bone tissue repair process induces osteonecrosis of the jaw in rats and slows down the healing process. In the laser groups, at the stipulated dosimetry, a positive influence on the bone and soft tissue repair process was observed.

  5. Zoledronic acid has differential antitumor activity in the pre- and postmenopausal bone microenvironment in vivo.

    PubMed

    Ottewell, Penelope D; Wang, Ning; Brown, Hannah K; Reeves, Kimberly J; Fowles, C Anne; Croucher, Peter I; Eaton, Colby L; Holen, Ingunn

    2014-06-01

    Clinical trials in early breast cancer have suggested that benefits of adjuvant bone-targeted treatments are restricted to women with established menopause. We developed models that mimic pre- and postmenopausal status to investigate effects of altered bone turnover on growth of disseminated breast tumor cells. Here, we report a differential antitumor effect of zoledronic acid (ZOL) in these two settings. Twleve-week-old female Balb/c-nude mice with disseminated MDA-MB-231 breast tumor cells in bone underwent sham operation or ovariectomy (OVX), mimicking the pre- and postmenopausal bone microenvironment, respectively. To determine the effects of bone-targeted therapy, sham/OVX animals received saline or 100 μg/kg ZOL weekly. Tumor growth was assessed by in vivo imaging and effects on bone by real-time PCR, micro-CT, histomorphometry, and measurements of bone markers. Disseminated tumor cells were detected by two-photon microscopy. OVX increased bone resorption and induced growth of disseminated tumor cells in bone. Tumors were detected in 83% of animals following OVX (postmenopausal model) compared with 17% following sham operation (premenopausal model). OVX had no effect on tumors outside of bone. OVX-induced tumor growth was completely prevented by ZOL, despite the presence of disseminated tumor cells. ZOL did not affect tumor growth in bone in the sham-operated animals. ZOL increased bone volume in both groups. This is the first demonstration that tumor growth is driven by osteoclast-mediated mechanisms in models that mimic post- but not premenopausal bone, providing a biologic rationale for the differential antitumor effects of ZOL reported in these settings. Clin Cancer Res; 20(11); 2922-32. ©2014 AACR. ©2014 American Association for Cancer Research.

  6. Increased risk of SSEs in bone-only metastatic breast cancer patients treated with zoledronic acid.

    PubMed

    Yanae, Masashi; Fujimoto, Shinichiro; Tane, Kaori; Tanioka, Maki; Fujiwara, Kimiko; Tsubaki, Masanobu; Yamazoe, Yuzuru; Morishima, Yoshiyuki; Chiba, Yasutaka; Takao, Shintaro; Komoike, Yoshifumi; Tsurutani, Junji; Nakagawa, Kazuhiko; Nishida, Shozo

    2017-09-01

    Bone represents one of the most common sites to which breast cancer cells metastasize. Patients experience skeletal related adverse events (pathological fractures, spinal cord compressions, and irradiation for deteriorated pain on bone) even during treatment with zoledronic acid (ZA). Therefore, we conducted a retrospective cohort study to investigate the predictive factors for symptomatic skeletal events (SSEs) in bone-metastasized breast cancer (b-MBC) patients. We retrospectively collected data on b-MBC patients treated with ZA. Patient characteristics, including age, subtype, the presence of non-bone lesions, the presence of multiple bone metastases at the commencement of ZA therapy, duration of ZA therapy, the time interval between breast cancer diagnosis and the initiation of ZA therapy, and type of systemic therapy, presence of previous SSE were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. The medical records of 183 patients were reviewed and 176 eligible patients were analyzed. The median age was 59 (range, 30-87) years. Eighty-seven patients were aged ≥60 years and 89 patients were aged < 60 years. The proportions of patients with estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive disease were 81.8%, 63.1%, and 17.6%, respectively. Fifty-three patients had bone-only MBC at the commencement of ZA therapy. SSEs were observed in 42 patients. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, bone-only MBC but not a breast cancer subtype was an independent risk factor for an SSE during ZA therapy (odds ratio: 3.878, 95% confidence interval: 1.647-9.481; p = 0.002). Bone-only MBC patients are more likely to experience an SSE even after treatment with ZA.

  7. Zoledronic acid suppresses transforming growth factor-β-induced fibrogenesis by human gingival fibroblasts.

    PubMed

    Komatsu, Yuko; Ibi, Miho; Chosa, Naoyuki; Kyakumoto, Seiko; Kamo, Masaharu; Shibata, Toshiyuki; Sugiyama, Yoshiki; Ishisaki, Akira

    2016-07-01

    Bisphosphonates (BPs) are analogues of pyrophosphate that are known to prevent bone resorption by inhibiting osteoclast activity. Nitrogen-containing BPs, such as zoledronic acid (ZA), are widely used in the treatment of osteoporosis and bone metastasis. However, despite having benefits, ZA has been reported to induce BP-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) in cancer patients. The molecular pathological mechanisms responsible for the development of BRONJ, including necrotic bone exposure after tooth extraction, remain to be elucidated. In this study, we examined the effects of ZA on the transforming growth factor-β (TGF‑β)-induced myofibroblast (MF) differentiation of human gingival fibroblasts (hGFs) and the migratory activity of hGFs, which are important for wound closure by fibrous tissue formation. The ZA maximum concentration in serum (Cmax) was found to be approximately 1.47 µM, which clinically, is found after the intravenous administration of 4 mg ZA, and ZA at this dose is considered appropriate for the treatment of cancer bone metastasis or bone diseases, such as Erdheim-Chester disease. At Cmax, ZA significantly suppressed i) the TGF‑β-induced promotion of cell viability, ii) the TGF‑β-induced expression of MF markers such as α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and type I collagen, iii) the TGF‑β-induced migratory activity of hGFs and iv) the expression level of TGF‑β type I receptor on the surfaces of hGFs, as well as the TGF‑β-induced phosphorylation of Smad2/3. Thus, ZA suppresses TGF‑β-induced fibrous tissue formation by hGFs, possibly through the inhibition of Smad‑dependent signal transduction. Our findings partly elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying BRONJ and may prove to be beneficial to the identification of drug targets for the treatment of this symptom at the molecular level.

  8. Effect of intravenous zoledronic acid infusion on electrocardiographic parameters in patients with osteoporosis.

    PubMed

    Aktas, I; Nazikoglu, C; Kepez, A; Ozkan, F U; Kaysin, M Y; Akpinar, P; Dogan, Z; Ileri, C; Saymaz, S; Erdogan, O

    2016-12-01

    We evaluated the effects of zoledronic acid (ZA) therapy on electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters for the first time in the literature. Measurements were performed on ECGs obtained before and after ZA infusion on the same day as well as 1 month after the infusion. ZA infusion did not have any short- or long-term effect on any parameter that might be associated with the tendency for atrial fibrillation or ventricular arrhythmias. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the early and late effects of ZA therapy on ECG parameters which might be associated with the tendency for atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. Consecutive patients with osteoporosis who were admitted to our clinic between December 2013 and December 2014 and who were scheduled to receive ZA infusion constituted our study population. Twelve-lead surface ECGs were obtained from all patients before and after ZA infusion on the same day as well as 1 month after the infusion. All ECG parameters were measured and compared with each other for each patient. Data of 100 patients were used in the analysis (9 male; 70.5 ± 11.6 years of age). There were no significant differences between repeated measurements regarding pmax, pmin, and p dispersion values. QT max and QT min values were significantly increased after infusion; however, there were no significant changes in QT dispersion, Tp-e interval, and Tp-e dispersion values. ZA infusion did not affect P wave dispersion both at the immediate post-infusion period and 1 month after infusion. QT values were significantly increased early after ZA infusion; however, there were no significant differences in parameters reflecting disparity of ventricular recovery times and transmural dispersion of ventricular repolarization. Based on these observations, it may be suggested that ZA infusion did not have any short- or long-term effect on any parameter that might be associated with the tendency for atrial fibrillation or ventricular arrhythmias.

  9. Effect of zoledronic acid and amputation on bone invasion and lung metastasis of canine osteosarcoma in nude mice

    PubMed Central

    Wolfe, Tobie D.; Somanathan Pillai, Smitha Pankajavally; Hildreth, Blake Eason; Lanigan, Lisa G.; Martin, Chelsea K.; Werbeck, Jillian L.

    2014-01-01

    Osteosarcoma (OSA) is an aggressive, highly metastatic and lytic primary bone neoplasm commonly affecting the appendicular skeleton of dogs and children. Current treatment options include amputation of the afflicted limb, limb-sparing procedures, or palliative radiation with or without adjunct chemotherapy. Therapies that inhibit bone resorption, such as the bisphosphonates, may be an effective palliative therapy by limiting the local progression of OSA in those patients that are not viable candidates for amputation. We have developed a mouse model of canine skeletal OSA following intratibial inoculation of OSCA40 cells that spontaneously metastasized to the lungs. We demonstrated that therapy with a nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate, zoledronic acid (Zol), reduced OSA-induced bone lysis; however, Zol monotherapy or in combination with amputation was not effective at inhibiting pulmonary metastasis. While not reaching statistical significance, amputation of the tumor-bearing limb reduced the average incidence of lung metastases; however, this effect was nullified when Zol was added to the treatment protocol. In untreated mice, the magnitude of proximal tibial lysis was significantly correlated with the incidence of metastasis. The data support amputation alone for the management of appendicular OSA rather than combining amputation with Zol. However, in patients that are not viable candidates for amputation, Zol may be a useful palliative therapy for OSA by reducing the magnitude of lysis and therefore bone pain, despite the risk of increased pulmonary metastasis. PMID:21374084

  10. Zoledronic acid overcomes chemoresistance by sensitizing cancer stem cells to apoptosis.

    PubMed

    Rouhrazi, H; Turgan, N; Oktem, G

    2018-01-01

    Unlike low tumorigenic bulk tumor cells (non-CSCs), cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subset of tumor cells that can self-renew and differentiate into different cancer subtypes. CSCs are considered responsible for tumor recurrence, distant metastasis, angiogenesis, and drug or radiation resistance. CSCs also are resistant to apoptosis. Zoledronic acid (ZA) is a third generation bisphosphonate that reduces cell proliferation and exhibits anti-tumor effects by inducing cell death in some malignancies; however, the effects of ZA on CSCs are unclear. We investigated the anti-cancer effects of ZA on two epithelial cancer cell lines, prostate DU-145 and breast MCF7, focusing primarily on induction and activation of apoptosis. Cluster of differentiation (CD) 133 + /CD44 + prostate CSCs and CD 44 + /CD24 breast CSCs were isolated from the DU-145 human prostate cancer and MCF-7 human breast cancer cell lines, respectively, using FACSAria flow cytometry cell sorting. CSCs and non-CSCs were exposed to increasing concentrations of ZA for 24, 48 and 72 h to determine the IC 50 dose. Annexin-V assay for detecting cell death and cell cycle was performed using the Muse™ Cell Analyzer. Prostate CSCs and non-CSCs were assayed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) array for detecting 84 key apoptosis related genes. Gene regulation at the protein level was investigated by immunofluorescence. ZA caused a dose- and time-dependent decrease in cell viability. Treatment with ZA resulted in a concomitant increase in apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at S-phase in CSCs. Significant over/under-expressions were detected in seven of the genes of ZA-treated DU-145 CSCs cells. Expressions of CASP9, CASP4, BAX and BAD genes increased, while the expressions of BIRC3, BIRC2 and BCL2 genes decreased. In the DU-145 non-CSCs, five genes exhibited changes in gene expression after ZA treatment, two exhibited increased expression (CASP7 and BAD) and three exhibited decreased expression (BIRC3

  11. Biostimulatory effects of low-level laser therapy on epithelial cells and gingival fibroblasts treated with zoledronic acid

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Basso, F. G.; Pansani, T. N.; Turrioni, A. P. S.; Kurachi, C.; Bagnato, V. S.; Hebling, J.; de Souza Costa, C. A.

    2013-05-01

    Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been considered as an adjuvant treatment for bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis, presenting positive clinical outcomes. However, there are no data regarding the effect of LLLT on oral tissue cells exposed to bisphosphonates. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of LLLT on epithelial cells and gingival fibroblasts exposed to a nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate—zoledronic acid (ZA). Cells were seeded in wells of 24-well plates, incubated for 48 h and then exposed to ZA at 5 μM for an additional 48 h. LLLT was performed with a diode laser prototype—LaserTABLE (InGaAsP—780 nm ± 3 nm, 25 mW), at selected energy doses of 0.5, 1.5, 3, 5, and 7 J cm-2 in three irradiation sessions, every 24 h. Cell metabolism, total protein production, gene expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and collagen type I (Col-I), and cell morphology were evaluated 24 h after the last irradiation. Data were statistically analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests at 5% significance. Selected LLLT parameters increased the functions of epithelial cells and gingival fibroblasts treated with ZA. Gene expression of VEGF and Col-I was also increased. Specific parameters of LLLT biostimulated fibroblasts and epithelial cells treated with ZA. Analysis of these in vitro data may explain the positive in vivo effects of LLLT applied to osteonecrosis lesions.

  12. Sclerostin Blockade and Zoledronic Acid Improve Bone Mass and Strength in Male Mice With Exogenous Hyperthyroidism.

    PubMed

    Tsourdi, Elena; Lademann, Franziska; Ominsky, Michael S; Rijntjes, Eddy; Köhrle, Josef; Misof, Barbara M; Roschger, Paul; Klaushofer, Klaus; Hofbauer, Lorenz C; Rauner, Martina

    2017-11-01

    Hyperthyroidism in mice is associated with low bone mass, high bone turnover, and high concentrations of sclerostin, a potent Wnt inhibitor. Here, we explored the effects of either increasing bone formation with sclerostin antibodies (Scl-Ab) or reducing bone turnover with bisphosphonates on bone mass and strength in hyperthyroid mice. Twelve-week-old C57BL/6 male mice were rendered hyperthyroid using l-thyroxine (T4; 1.2 µg/mL added to the drinking water) and treated with 20 mg/kg Scl-Ab twice weekly or 100 µg/kg zoledronic acid (ZOL) once weekly or phosphate-buffered saline for 4 weeks. Hyperthyroid mice displayed a lower trabecular bone volume at the spine (-42%, P < 0.05) and the distal femur (-55%, P < 0.05) compared with euthyroid controls. Scl-Ab and ZOL treatment of hyperthyroid mice increased trabecular bone volume at the spine by threefold and twofold, respectively. Serum bone formation and resorption markers were increased in hyperthyroid mice and suppressed by treatment with ZOL but not Scl-Ab. Trabecular bone stiffness at the lumbar vertebra was 63% lower in hyperthyroid mice (P < 0.05) and was increased fourfold by Sci-Ab (P < 0.001) and threefold by ZOL treatment (P < 0.01). Bone strength based on ultimate load, which was 10% lower in hyperthyroidism, was increased by Scl-Ab by 71% and ZOL by 22% (both P < 0.001). Increased proportion of low mineralized bone seen in hyperthyroid mice was restored by treatment with Scl-Ab and ZOL. Thus, bone-forming and antiresorptive drugs prevent bone loss in hyperthyroid mice via different mechanisms. Copyright © 2017 Endocrine Society.

  13. Dose-dependent inhibitory effects of zoledronic acid on osteoblast viability and function in vitro

    PubMed Central

    HUANG, XIN; HUANG, SHILONG; GUO, FENGJIN; XU, FEI; CHENG, PENG; YE, YAPING; DONG, YONGHUI; XIANG, WEI; CHEN, ANMIN

    2016-01-01

    Zoledronic acid (ZA), which is one of the most potent and efficacious bisphosphonates, has been commonly used in clinical practice for the treatment of various bone disorders. The extensive use of ZA has been associated with increasing occurrence of jaw complications, now known as bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ). However, the mechanism underlying BRONJ remains to be fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of different concentrations of ZA on the MC3T3-E1 murine preosteoblast cell line cells and examine the possible pathogenesis of BRONJ. In the present study, the effect of ZA on the viability, apoptosis, differentiation and maturation of MC3T3-E1 cells, as well as its relevant molecular mechanism, were examined The results of a Cell Counting Kit 8 assay, a flow cytometric Annexin-V/propidium iodide assay and western blot analysis demonstrated that ZA exhibited a significant inhibition of cell viability and induction of apoptosis at concentrations >10 µM. Subsequently, the effect of ZA on cell differentiation at concentrations <1 µM were investigated. In this condition, ZA inhibited bone nodule formation and decreased the activity of alkaline phosphatase. The results of reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses indicated that ZA downregulated the expression levels of the marker genes and proteins associated with osteogenic differentiation. Further investigation revealed that the suppression of differentiation by ZA was associated with decreased expression of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and downregulation of the phosphorylation levels in the downstream extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and p38 pathways. These adverse effects of ZA were observed to be concentration-dependent. The results from the present study suggested that ZA at higher concentrations induces cytotoxicity towards osteoblasts, and ZA at lower concentrations suppresses

  14. Dose-dependent inhibitory effects of zoledronic acid on osteoblast viability and function in vitro.

    PubMed

    Huang, Xin; Huang, Shilong; Guo, Fengjin; Xu, Fei; Cheng, Peng; Ye, Yaping; Dong, Yonghui; Xiang, Wei; Chen, Anmin

    2016-01-01

    Zoledronic acid (ZA), which is one of the most potent and efficacious bisphosphonates, has been commonly used in clinical practice for the treatment of various bone disorders. The extensive use of ZA has been associated with increasing occurrence of jaw complications, now known as bisphosphonate‑associated osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ). However, the mechanism underlying BRONJ remains to be fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of different concentrations of ZA on the MC3T3‑E1 murine preosteoblast cell line cells and examine the possible pathogenesis of BRONJ. In the present study, the effect of ZA on the viability, apoptosis, differentiation and maturation of MC3T3‑E1 cells, as well as its relevant molecular mechanism, were examined The results of a Cell Counting Kit 8 assay, a flow cytometric Annexin‑V/propidium iodide assay and western blot analysis demonstrated that ZA exhibited a significant inhibition of cell viability and induction of apoptosis at concentrations >10 µM. Subsequently, the effect of ZA on cell differentiation at concentrations <1 µM were investigated. In this condition, ZA inhibited bone nodule formation and decreased the activity of alkaline phosphatase. The results of reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses indicated that ZA downregulated the expression levels of the marker genes and proteins associated with osteogenic differentiation. Further investigation revealed that the suppression of differentiation by ZA was associated with decreased expression of bone morphogenetic protein‑2 (BMP‑2) and downregulation of the phosphorylation levels in the downstream extracellular signal‑regulated kinase 1/2 and p38 pathways. These adverse effects of ZA were observed to be concentration‑dependent. The results from the present study suggested that ZA at higher concentrations induces cytotoxicity towards osteoblasts, and ZA at lower concentrations

  15. Short-Term Safety of Zoledronic Acid in Young Patients With Bone Disorders: An Extensive Institutional Experience.

    PubMed

    George, Sobenna; Weber, David R; Kaplan, Paige; Hummel, Kelly; Monk, Heather M; Levine, Michael A

    2015-11-01

    Zoledronic acid (ZA) is increasingly used in young patients with bone disorders. However, data related to the safety of ZA administration in this population are limited. The study aimed to characterize the short-term safety profile of ZA and identify risk factors for ZA-related adverse events (AEs) in young patients. This was a retrospective chart review of inpatients and outpatients less than 21 years old who received at least one ZA infusion between July 2010 and January 2014 at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Eighty-one patients (56% male; median age, 12 y; age at first infusion, 0.5 to 20 y) with diverse skeletal disorders received a total of 204 infusions. The most common indications were osteoporosis (33% of cohort) and osteogenesis imperfecta (27.2%). The median ZA dose was 0.025 mg/kg (interquartile range, 0.025-0.05); the median dosing interval was 6 months (range, 1 to 25.6 mo). AEs were mild and more common after the first ZA infusion in patients with no previous bisphosphonate exposure: hypophosphatemia (25.2% of infusions), acute phase reactions (19.1%), and hypocalcemia (16.4%). Symptomatic hypocalcemia requiring iv calcium occurred after two infusions. ZA dose was significantly associated with hypophosphatemia, but not other AEs. Hypocalcemia was more common in patients with high bone turnover as assessed by preinfusion alkaline phosphatase levels. AEs were not associated with diagnosis, baseline serum calcium, or calcium/calcitriol supplementation. Acute AEs related to ZA infusion in youths are common, occur principally after the first ZA infusion in bisphosphonate-naive patients, and are typically mild and easily managed. Future prospective studies are needed to determine the potential long-term risks, as well as benefits, of ZA therapy in the pediatric population.

  16. Synergistic suppression of human breast cancer cells by combination of plumbagin and zoledronic acid In vitro.

    PubMed

    Qiao, Han; Wang, Ting-yu; Yan, Wei; Qin, An; Fan, Qi-ming; Han, Xiu-guo; Wang, Yu-gang; Tang, Ting-ting

    2015-09-01

    Zoledronic acid (ZA), a bisphosphonate, is currently used in combination with chemotherapeutic agents to suppress breast cancer cell proliferation or breast cancer-induced osteolysis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ZA combined with a natural anticancer compound plumbagin (PL) against human breast cancer cells in vitro. Human breast cancer MDA-MB-231SArfp cells were treated with ZA, PL or a combination of ZA and PL. The cell growth, apoptosis and migration were evaluated using CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry and transwell assay, respectively. The expression of apoptosis-related proteins was measured using real-time PCR and Western blotting. Synergism was evaluated using Compusyn software, and the combination index (CI) and drug reduction index (DRI) values were determined. PL or ZA alone caused mild cytotoxicity (the IC50 value at 24 h was 12.18 and above 100 μmol/L, respectively). However, the combination of ZA and PL caused a synergistic cytotoxicity (CI=0.26). The DRI values also showed a synergistic effect between PL and ZA, with actual values of 5.52 and 3.59, respectively. Furthermore, PL and ZA synergistically induced apoptosis and inhibited migration of the breast cancer cells. Moreover, the combination of ZA and PL decreased the expression of Notch-1, cleaved PARP, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl, and increased the expression of cleaved caspase-3, CDKN1A and ID1. When the breast cancer cells were transfected with specific siRNA against Notch-1, the combination of ZA and PL markedly increased the expression of Bcl-2. Combination of ZA and PL synergistically suppresses human breast cancer MDA-MB-231SArfp cells in vitro. PL can inhibit ZA-induced activation of the Notch-1 signaling pathway and subsequently reduce the expression of Bcl-2, thus potentiating cancer cell apoptosis.

  17. Short-Term Safety of Zoledronic Acid in Young Patients With Bone Disorders: An Extensive Institutional Experience

    PubMed Central

    George, Sobenna; Weber, David R.; Kaplan, Paige; Hummel, Kelly; Monk, Heather M.

    2015-01-01

    Context: Zoledronic acid (ZA) is increasingly used in young patients with bone disorders. However, data related to the safety of ZA administration in this population are limited. Objective: The study aimed to characterize the short-term safety profile of ZA and identify risk factors for ZA-related adverse events (AEs) in young patients. Design, Setting, and Participants: This was a retrospective chart review of inpatients and outpatients less than 21 years old who received at least one ZA infusion between July 2010 and January 2014 at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Results: Eighty-one patients (56% male; median age, 12 y; age at first infusion, 0.5 to 20 y) with diverse skeletal disorders received a total of 204 infusions. The most common indications were osteoporosis (33% of cohort) and osteogenesis imperfecta (27.2%). The median ZA dose was 0.025 mg/kg (interquartile range, 0.025–0.05); the median dosing interval was 6 months (range, 1 to 25.6 mo). AEs were mild and more common after the first ZA infusion in patients with no previous bisphosphonate exposure: hypophosphatemia (25.2% of infusions), acute phase reactions (19.1%), and hypocalcemia (16.4%). Symptomatic hypocalcemia requiring iv calcium occurred after two infusions. ZA dose was significantly associated with hypophosphatemia, but not other AEs. Hypocalcemia was more common in patients with high bone turnover as assessed by preinfusion alkaline phosphatase levels. AEs were not associated with diagnosis, baseline serum calcium, or calcium/calcitriol supplementation. Conclusion: Acute AEs related to ZA infusion in youths are common, occur principally after the first ZA infusion in bisphosphonate-naive patients, and are typically mild and easily managed. Future prospective studies are needed to determine the potential long-term risks, as well as benefits, of ZA therapy in the pediatric population. PMID:26308295

  18. Home-based zoledronic acid infusion therapy in patients with solid tumours: compliance and patient-nurse satisfaction.

    PubMed

    Lebret, Thierry; Mouysset, Jean-Loup; Lortholary, Alain; El Kouri, Claude; Bastit, Laurent; Ktiouet, Meryem; Slimane, Khemaies; Murraciole, Xavier; Guérif, Stéphane

    2013-06-01

    This study aimed to explore patient and nurse satisfaction, compliance with best practice, technical feasibility and safety of home infusion of the bisphosphonate zoledronic acid (ZOL). This was a prospective 1-year survey of home ZOL therapy (4 mg Zometa, 15-min i.v., every 3-4 weeks) in patients with bone metastases secondary to a solid malignancy. A physician questionnaire, nurse satisfaction/feasibility questionnaire and patient satisfaction questionnaire were administered at several time-points. Physician participation rate was 56.5% (87/154). Physicians enrolled 818 patients visited by 381 predominantly community nurses. Of the 788 case report forms received, 763 met inclusion criteria. Patient characteristics were as follows: median age, 68 years (30-95); M/F, 40/60; ECOG-PS 0 or 1, 78.6%; and primary tumour site, breast (55.2%), prostate (28.4%), lung (7.2%) or other (9.4%). Nurse satisfaction rates were high: organisation of home ZOL therapy, 90.9%; ease of infusion, 96.7%; patient-nurse relationship, 97.5%; and relationship with hospital staff, 73%. Patient satisfaction was also very high (95.3%). The main reasons were quality of the nurse-patient relationship (57.6%), less travel/waiting (68.8%), home environment (52.9%) and less disruption to daily routine (36.6%). ZOL therapy was well tolerated, the discontinuation rate due to adverse events (including deaths whether related to diseases progression or not) was 33.6%. The incidence of osteonecrosis of the jaw was 0.6% and of fractures, 0.2%. Practitioner compliance with best practice was 76.7-83.7% for recommended and/or tolerated dosage, 73% for dental hygiene checks at inclusion and 48-56% thereafter, 66% for pre-infusion hydration, and often undocumented for calcium/vitamin D supplementation. Home ZOL therapy was well tolerated. Both patient and nurse satisfaction were very high. However, better compliance with best practice should be encouraged.

  19. In vitro comparison of new bisphosphonic acids and zoledronate effects on human gingival fibroblasts viability, inflammation and matrix turnover.

    PubMed

    De Colli, Marianna; Tortorella, Paolo; Marconi, Guya Diletta; Agamennone, Mariangela; Campestre, Cristina; Tauro, Marilena; Cataldi, Amelia; Zara, Susi

    2016-11-01

    Bisphosphonates (BPs) are drugs clinically used in resorptive diseases. It was already proved that some clinically relevant BPs can inhibit a class of enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), required during tissue remodelling. Combining the arylsulfonamide function with the bisphosphonic group, several compounds were synthesized to obtain selective inhibitors of MMPs. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of zoledronic acid (ZA), the most potent bisphosphonate available as therapy, with new sulfonamide containing BPs in an in vitro model of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). Western blot was used to measure procollagen I, β1 integrin MMP-8 and MMP-9, phase contrast and MTT for cell viability; L-lactate-dehydrogenase (LDH) measurement was performed for toxicity evaluation and ELISA for prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) secretion assessment. When compared with ZA, the treatment with the newly synthesized compounds shows increasing viability, procollagen I expression and decreased expression of β1 integrin in HGFs. Higher levels of released LDH, PGE 2 and MMP-9 expression are recorded in ZA-treated HGFs. Increased levels of MMP-8 are recorded in newly synthesized compounds-treated samples. These findings allowed to conclude that new tested BPs did not affect HGFs viability and adhesion, did not induce cellular toxicity, were not responsible for inflammatory event induction and could preserve the physiological matrix turnover. It could be hypothesized that the new molecules were better tolerated by soft tissues, resulting in lesser side effects.

  20. Two isomorphous Co(ii) coordination polymers based on new α,α-disubstituted derivatives of zoledronic acid: synthesis, structures and properties.

    PubMed

    Rojek, Tomasz; Goldeman, Waldemar; Slepokura, Katarzyna; Duczmal, Marek; Wojciechowska, Agnieszka; Matczak-Jon, Ewa

    2017-05-30

    Two novel α,α-disubstituted derivatives of zoledronic acid, namely 1-hydroxy-2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-2-methylpropylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid (H 4 L1) and 1-hydroxy-2-[1-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)cyclopropyl]ethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid (H 4 L2) were synthesized and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The reaction of cobalt acetate with H 4 L1 and H 4 L2 carried out under hydrothermal conditions afforded two isomorphous Co 3 (HL1) 2 (H 2 O) 6 ·6H 2 O (1a) and Co 3 (HL2) 2 (H 2 O) 6 ·6H 2 O (2a) complexes. Both compounds are characterized by means of X-ray crystallography, IR and NIR-Vis-UV spectroscopic methods. Furthermore, their magnetic properties and thermal stabilities are reported. The crystals of 1a and 2a feature infinite 1D polymeric chains built from alternately arranged dinuclear [Co2(HL1/HL2)(H 2 O) 2 ] 2 units and {Co1O 6 } octahedra running along the [1[combining macron]10] crystallographic direction. In both compounds, crystallographically distinct Co1 and Co2 atoms are six-coordinated. As is reflected in T values (T - index of tetragonality), the coordination environment of Co1 generates a slightly elongated octahedron (T = 0.94), whereas a slightly compressed octahedron (T = 1.06 for 1a and 1.05 for 2a) is formed around Co2. An assumption that the d-d type absorption is mainly attributed to the inversion related Co2 centers, whose population is two times higher than that of Co1, afforded a good correlation between calculated transition energies and experimental NIR-Vis-UV spectra. The magnetic susceptibility measurements analyzed in terms of a spin-3/2 Heisenberg trimer chain revealed that Co1Co2 interactions within the trimer are antiferromagnetic whereas Co2Co2 intertrimer interactions are ferromagnetic.

  1. Comparison of the efficacy, adverse effects, and cost of zoledronic acid and denosumab in the treatment of osteoporosis.

    PubMed

    Sheedy, Kellen C; Camara, Maria I; Camacho, Pauline M

    2015-03-01

    Injectable osteoporosis drugs are increasing in popularity due to their efficacy and convenient administration. In this retrospective comparison of the two available treatments, denosumab (Prolia®) and zoledronic acid (ZA, Reclast®), we aimed to determine and compare the efficacy and tolerability of denosumab and ZA. The charts of patients who received denosumab and ZA at Loyola Hospital were reviewed, and adverse events were noted. Of primary interest were myalgias, flu-like symptoms, back pain, and fractures. A questionnaire regarding the efficacy, tolerability, and treatment cost supplemented this chart review in a subset of study participants. Bone mineral density (BMD) changes, bone turnover markers, and questionnaire results were also compared. The study cohort consisted of 107 patients (51 denosumab, 56 ZA). The denosumab group had a greater mean increase in spine BMD at 1 year (0.060 g/cm2) than the ZA group (0.021 g/cm2; P = .04). The change in femur and spine BMD at 1 year were not significantly different between the 2 groups. The ZA group had a significantly greater incidence of mild flu-like symptoms (29% ZA group vs. 0% denosumab group; P = .04). The denosumab group had a higher mean increase in spine BMD, and the ZA group had a higher incidence of flu-like symptoms, but the study groups were statistically similar in terms of patient satisfaction. As denosumab is still a relatively new therapy, there were a limited number of patients with posttreatment data available for comparison. As more posttherapy data become available, it can be further investigated.

  2. Zoledronic acid induces a significant decrease of circulating endothelial cells and circulating endothelial precursor cells in the early prostate cancer neoadjuvant setting.

    PubMed

    Santini, Daniele; Zoccoli, Alice; Gregorj, Chiara; Di Cerbo, Melania; Iuliani, Michele; Pantano, Francesco; Zamarchi, Rita; Sergi, Federico; Flammia, Gerardo; Buscarini, Maurizio; Rizzo, Sergio; Cicero, Giuseppe; Russo, Antonio; Vincenzi, Bruno; Avvisati, Giuseppe; Tonini, Giuseppe

    2013-01-01

    Published data demonstrated that zoledronic acid (ZOL) exhibits antiangiogenetic effects. A promising tool for monitoring antiangiogenic therapies is the measurement of circulating endothelial cells (CECs) and circulating endothelial precursor cells (CEPs) in the peripheral blood of patients. Our aim was to investigate the effects of ZOL on levels of CECs and CEPs in localized prostate cancer. Ten consecutive patients with a histologic diagnosis of low-risk prostate adenocarcinoma were enrolled and received an intravenous infusion of ZOL at baseline (T0), 28 days (T28) and 56 days (T56). Blood samples were collected at the following times: T0 (before the first infusion of ZOL), T3 (72 h after the first dose), T28, T56 (both just before the ZOL infusion) and T84 (28 days after the last infusion of ZOL) and CEC/CEP levels were directly quantified by flow cytometry at all these time points. Our analyses highlighted a significant reduction of mean percentage of CECs and CEPs after initiation of ZOL treatment [p = 0.014 (at day 3) and p = 0.012 (at day 84), respectively]. These preliminary results demonstrate that ZOL could exert an antiangiogenic effect in early prostate cancer through CEP and CEC modulation.

  3. Effects of Local and Systemic Zoledronic Acid Application on Titanium Implant Osseointegration: An Experimental Study Conducted on Two Surface Types.

    PubMed

    Dundar, Serkan; Yaman, Ferhan; Gecor, Orhan; Cakmak, Omer; Kirtay, Mustafa; Yildirim, Tuba Talo; Karaman, Tahir; Benlidayi, Mehmet Emre

    2017-06-01

    The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of local and systemic zoledronic acid (ZA) applications on titaniumoksit ceramic blasted (TiO-CB)- and sandblasted large acid-grit (SLA)-surfaced titanium implant osseointegration. Twelve New Zealand White rabbits were used in the study, divided into 6 groups: the TiO-CB (TiO-CB-CNT) (n = 2) and SLA (SLA-CNT) (n = 2) control groups in which TiO-CB- and SLA-surfaced titanium implants were surgically inserted into rabbit tibias but no treatment was applied; the TiO-CB (TiO-CB-LZA) (n = 2) and SLA (SLA-LZA) (n = 2) local ZA groups in which 1 mL of normal saline solution containing 2 mg of ZA was injected into sockets and after this the implants were integrated; and the TiO-CB (TiO-CB-SZA) (n = 2) and SLA (SLA-SZA) (n = 2) systemic ZA groups in which a single infusion of 0.1 mg/kg of ZA was administered during surgical implant insertion. Following a period of osseointegration, bone implant contact (BIC) was recorded as a proportion of the total implant surface length in direct contact with the bone. Results of this study indicate that BIC was greater in the systemic ZA application groups than in the local ZA application groups, and BIC was greater in the local ZA groups than in the controls. Statistically significant differences in BIC were not detected between the TiO-CB- and SLA-surfaced implants in all the groups. Furthermore, this study did not reveal significant differences between the 2 types of surfaces due to similar average roughness values. Overall, systemic ZA application was found to be more effective in increasing BIC than local ZA application based on the results obtained by testing 2 implant surfaces.

  4. Selective efficacy of zoledronic acid on metastasis in a patient-derived orthotopic xenograph (PDOX) nude-mouse model of human pancreatic cancer.

    PubMed

    Hiroshima, Yukihiko; Maawy, Ali A; Katz, Matthew H G; Fleming, Jason B; Bouvet, Michael; Endo, Itaru; Hoffman, Robert M

    2015-03-01

    Patient-derived orthotopic xenograft (PDOX) nude-mouse models replicate the behavior of clinical cancer, including metastasis. The objective of the study was to determine the efficacy of zoledronic acid (ZA) on metastasis of a patient-derived orthotopic xenograft (PDOX) nude-mouse model of pancreatic cancer. In the present study, we examined the efficacy of ZA on pancreatic cancer growth and metastasis in a PDOX nude-mouse model. ZA monotherapy did not significantly suppress primary tumor growth. However, the primary tumor weight of gemcitabine (GEM) and combination GEM + ZA-treated mice was significantly decreased compared to the control group (GEM: P = 0.003; GEM + ZA: P = 0.002). The primary tumor weight of GEM + ZA-treated mice was significantly decreased compared to GEM-treated mice (P = 0.016). The metastasis weight decreased in ZA- or GEM-treated mice compared to the control group (ZA: P = 0.009; GEM: P = 0.007. No metastasis was detected in combination GEM + ZA-treated mice compared to the control group (GEM + ZA; P = 0.005). The results of the present study indicate that ZA can selectively target metastasis in a pancreatic cancer PDOX model and that the combination of ZA and GEM should be evaluated clinically in the near future for this highly treatment-resistant disease. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  5. High-Dose Hypofractionated Radiation Therapy for Noncompressive Vertebral Metastases in Combination With Zoledronate: A Phase 1 Study

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

    Pichon, Baptiste; Campion, Loïc; Delpon, Grégory

    Introduction: Hypofractionated stereotactic radiation therapy (HSRT) for vertebral metastases gives good results in terms of local control but increases the risk of fracture in the treated volume. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that zoledronate not only reduces the risk of fracture and stimulates osteoclastic remodeling but also increases the immune response and radiosensitivity. This study aimed to evaluate the tolerability and effectiveness of zoledronate in association with radiation therapy. Patients and Methods: We conducted a multicenter phase 1 study that combined HSRT (3 × 9 Gy) and zoledronate in patients with vertebral metastasis ( (NCT01219790)). The principal objective was the absence ofmore » spinal cord adverse reactions at 1 year. The secondary objectives were acute tolerability, the presentation of a bone event, local tumor control, pain control, progression-free survival, and overall survival. Results: Thirty patients (25 male, 5 female), median age 66 years, who were followed up for a median period of 19.2 months, received treatment for 49 vertebral metastases. A grade 3 acute mucosal adverse event occurred in 1 patient during the treatment and in 2 more at 1 month. No late neurologic adverse events were reported at 1 year. The mean pain scores diminished significantly at 1 month (1.35; P=.0125) and 3 months (0.77; P<.0001) compared with pain scores at study entry (2.49). Vertebral collapse in the irradiated zone occurred in 1 (2%) treated vertebra. Control of local disease was achieved in 94% of irradiated patients (3 local recurrences). Conclusion: The combination of zoledronate and HSRT in the treatment of vertebral metastasis is well tolerated and seems to reduce the rate of vertebral collapse, effectively relieve pain, and achieve good local tumor control with no late neurologic adverse effects.« less

  6. Estradiol impairs the antiproliferative and proapoptotic effect of Zoledronic acid in hormone sensitive breast cancer cells in vitro.

    PubMed

    Gschwantler-Kaulich, Daphne; Weingartshofer, Sigrid; Grunt, Thomas W; Mairhofer, Mario; Tan, Yen; Gamper, Jutta; Singer, Christian F

    2017-01-01

    Zoledronic acid (ZA) has antiresorptive effects and protects from bone metastasis in women with early breast cancer. In addition, in postmenopausal women with endocrine responsive breast cancer ZA prolongs DFS. The exact mechanism is still unclear. We have therefore investigated the effect of increasing concentrations of ZA in breast cancer cell lines in the absence or presence of estradiol to mimic the hormonal environment in vitro. Using assays for cell proliferation (EZ4U, BrdU) and cell death (Annexin/PI), we have analyzed the dose-dependent antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of ZA in two hormone sensitive cell lines (MCF-7 and T47D) and a hormone insensitive, triple negative cell line (MDA-MB-231) in the presence of 0, 1 and 10 nM estradiol. In the absence of estradiol, ZA exerts dose-dependent antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic antitumor effects in both, hormone sensitive (MCF-7, T47D) and -insensitive (MDA-MB-231) breast cancer cell lines (p<0.0001). In the presence of estradiol, the antitumoral effect of ZA was significantly decreased only in the hormone sensitive MCF-7 and T47D cell lines (p = 0.0008 and p = 0.0008, respectively). We have demonstrated that estradiol impairs the antiproliferative and proapoptotic effect of ZA in hormone sensitive, but not in hormone insensitive breast cancer cell lines. Our findings provide a possible explanation for the differential effect of ZA on DFS in pre- and postmenopausal patients with hormone sensitive early breast cancer, which has been demonstrated clinically. We further hypothesize that endocrine insensitive tumors such as triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) should benefit from ZA irrespective of their menopausal status.

  7. Effects of zoledronic acid and geranylgeraniol on the cellular behaviour and gene expression of primary human alveolar osteoblasts.

    PubMed

    Zafar, S; Coates, D E; Cullinan, M P; Drummond, B K; Milne, T; Seymour, G J

    2016-11-01

    Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) is a serious complication of bisphosphonate therapy. The mechanism underlying BRONJ pathogenesis is poorly understood. To determine the effects of zoledronic acid (ZA) and geranylgeraniol (GGOH) on the mevalonate pathway (MVP) in osteoblasts generated from the human mandibular alveolar bone in terms of cell viability/proliferation, migration, apoptosis and gene expression. Primary human osteoblasts (HOBs) isolated from the mandibular alveolar bone were phenotyped. HOBs were cultured with or without ZA and GGOH for up to 72 h. Cellular behaviour was examined using a CellTiter-Blue® viability assay, an Ibidi culture-insert migration assay, an Apo-ONE® Homogeneous Caspase-3/7 apoptosis assay and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT 2 -PCR) was used to determine the simultaneous expression of 168 osteogenic and angiogenic genes modulated in the presence of ZA and GGOH. ZA decreased cell viability and migration and induced apoptosis in HOBs. TEM revealed signs of apoptosis in ZA-treated HOBs. However, the co-addition of GGOH ameliorated the effect of ZA and partially restored the cells to the control state. Twenty-eight genes in the osteogenic array and 27 genes in the angiogenic array were significantly regulated in the presence of ZA compared with those in the controls at one or more time points. The cytotoxic effect of ZA on HOBs and its reversal by the addition of GGOH suggests that the effect of ZA on HOBs is mediated via the MVP. The results suggest that GGOH could be used as a possible therapeutic/preventive strategy for BRONJ.

  8. Zoledronic acid prevents the tumor-promoting effects of mesenchymal stem cells via MCP-1 dependent recruitment of macrophages.

    PubMed

    Jia, Xiao-Hua; Du, Yang; Mao, Duo; Wang, Zhong-Liang; He, Zhen-Qiang; Qiu, Jing-Dan; Ma, Xi-Bo; Shang, Wen-Ting; Ding, Dan; Tian, Jie

    2015-09-22

    Zoledronic acid (ZA) has been tested in clinical trials as an additive therapy for early-stage breast cancer. However, the mechanism by which ZA exerts its antitumor activity is still unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the prevention of tumor growth by ZA is through regulating the mesenchymal stem cells (MSC)-monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1)-macrophages axis in the tumor microenvironment. To address this issue, MDA-MB-231-FLUC human breast cancer cells were cultured and injected either alone, or coupled with MSC into the mammary fat pads of nude mice. MSC were treated with either ZA or untreated. Tumor growth was determined by using an in vivo bioluminescence imaging (BLI) and the tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in tumor tissues were immunohistochemically analyzed by using CD206 antibody. The effects of ZA on the cytokine related gene expression of MSC were assessed by using real-time PCR. In this study, we found that ZA-treated mice showed a significant delay in tumor growth. In addition, our data revealed that ZA weakened the ability of MSC to promote tumor growth by impairing TAMs recruitment and tumor vascularization. Furthermore, it was found that ZA decreased MCP-1 expression of MSC, and therefore reduced the recruitment of TAMs to the tumor sites and hence inhibited the tumor growth. Altogether, our study demonstrated ZA can prevent the tumor-promoting effects of MSC. The antitumor effects of ZA were caused by decreasing the MCP-1 expression of MSC, which further decreased the infiltration of TAMs into tumor sites, and therefore inhibited the tumor growth.

  9. L-MTP-PE and zoledronic acid combination in osteosarcoma: preclinical evidence of positive therapeutic combination for clinical transfer

    PubMed Central

    Biteau, Kevin; Guiho, Romain; Chatelais, Mathias; Taurelle, Julien; Chesneau, Julie; Corradini, Nadège; Heymann, Dominique; Redini, Françoise

    2016-01-01

    Osteosarcoma, the most frequent malignant primary bone tumor in pediatric patients is characterized by osteolysis promoting tumor growth. Lung metastasis is the major bad prognosis factor of this disease. Zoledronic Acid (ZA), a potent inhibitor of bone resorption is currently evaluated in phase III randomized studies in Europe for the treatment of osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma. The beneficial effect of the liposomal form of Muramyl-TriPeptide-Phosphatidyl Ethanolamine (L-mifamurtide, MEPACT®), an activator of macrophage populations has been demonstrated to eradicate lung metastatic foci in osteosarcoma. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential therapeutic benefit and the safety of the ZA and L-mifamurtide combination in preclinical models of osteosarcoma, as a prerequisite before translation to patients. The effects of ZA (100 μg/kg) and L-mifamurtide (1 mg/kg) were investigated in vivo in xenogeneic and syngeneic mice models of osteosarcoma, at clinical (tumor proliferation, spontaneous lung metastases development), radiological (bone microarchitecture by microCT analysis), biological and histological levels. No interference between the two drugs could be observed on ZA-induced bone protection and on L-mifamurtide-induced inhibition of lung metastasis development. Unexpectedly, ZA and L-mifamurtide association induced an additional and in some cases synergistic inhibition of primary tumor progression. L-mifamurtide has no effect on tumor proliferation in vitro or in vivo, and macrophage population was not affected at the tumor site whatever the treatment. This study evidenced for the first time a significant inhibition of primary osteosarcoma progression when both drugs are combined. This result constitutes a first proof-of-principle for clinical application in osteosarcoma patients. PMID:27152244

  10. Zoledronic Acid Induces Site-Specific Structural Changes and Decreases Vascular Area in the Alveolar Bone.

    PubMed

    Soares, Mariana Quirino Silveira; Van Dessel, Jeroen; Jacobs, Reinhilde; da Silva Santos, Paulo Sérgio; Cestari, Tania Mary; Garlet, Gustavo Pompermaier; Duarte, Marco Antonio Hungaro; Imada, Thaís Sumie Nozu; Lambrichts, Ivo; Rubira-Bullen, Izabel Regina Fischer

    2018-03-15

    The aim was to assess the effect of a relevant regimen of zoledronic acid (ZA) treatment for the study of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw on alveolar bone microstructure and vasculature. A sub-objective was to use 3-dimensional imaging to describe site-specific changes induced by ZA in the alveolar bone. Five Wistar rats received ZA (0.6 mg/kg) and five (controls) received saline solution in the same volume. The compounds were administered intraperitoneally in 5 doses every 28 days. The rats were euthanized 150 days after therapy onset. The mandibles were scanned using high-resolution (14-μm) micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), decalcified, cut into slices for histologic analysis (5 μm), and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Bone quality parameters were calculated using CT-Analyser software (Bruker, Kontich, Belgium) in 2 different volumes of interest (VOIs): the region between the first molar roots (VOI-1) and the periapical region under the first and second molars' apex (VOI-2). Blood vessel density and bone histomorphometric parameters were calculated only for the region between the roots of the first molar using AxioVision Imaging software (version 4.8; Carl Zeiss, Gottingen, Germany). ZA-treated rats showed a significant increase in percentage of bone volume and density (P < .05), with thicker and more connected trabeculae. Furthermore, the ZA group showed a significant decrease in the size of the marrow spaces and nutritive canals and in blood vessel density (P < .05). In the micro-CT evaluation, VOI-2 showed better outcomes in measuring the effect of ZA on alveolar bone. ZA treatment induced bone corticalization and decreased alveolar bone vascularization. VOI-2 should be preferred for micro-CT evaluation of the effect of bisphosphonates on alveolar bone. This analysis allowed the effect of ZA on alveolar bone and its vascularization to be characterized. The results of this analysis may add further knowledge to the understanding of

  11. Estradiol impairs the antiproliferative and proapoptotic effect of Zoledronic acid in hormone sensitive breast cancer cells in vitro

    PubMed Central

    Weingartshofer, Sigrid; Grunt, Thomas W.; Mairhofer, Mario; Tan, Yen; Gamper, Jutta; Singer, Christian F.

    2017-01-01

    Background Zoledronic acid (ZA) has antiresorptive effects and protects from bone metastasis in women with early breast cancer. In addition, in postmenopausal women with endocrine responsive breast cancer ZA prolongs DFS. The exact mechanism is still unclear. We have therefore investigated the effect of increasing concentrations of ZA in breast cancer cell lines in the absence or presence of estradiol to mimic the hormonal environment in vitro. Materials and methods Using assays for cell proliferation (EZ4U, BrdU) and cell death (Annexin/PI), we have analyzed the dose-dependent antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of ZA in two hormone sensitive cell lines (MCF-7 and T47D) and a hormone insensitive, triple negative cell line (MDA-MB-231) in the presence of 0, 1 and 10 nM estradiol. Results In the absence of estradiol, ZA exerts dose-dependent antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic antitumor effects in both, hormone sensitive (MCF-7, T47D) and -insensitive (MDA-MB-231) breast cancer cell lines (p<0.0001). In the presence of estradiol, the antitumoral effect of ZA was significantly decreased only in the hormone sensitive MCF-7 and T47D cell lines (p = 0.0008 and p = 0.0008, respectively). Conclusion We have demonstrated that estradiol impairs the antiproliferative and proapoptotic effect of ZA in hormone sensitive, but not in hormone insensitive breast cancer cell lines. Our findings provide a possible explanation for the differential effect of ZA on DFS in pre- and postmenopausal patients with hormone sensitive early breast cancer, which has been demonstrated clinically. We further hypothesize that endocrine insensitive tumors such as triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) should benefit from ZA irrespective of their menopausal status. PMID:28945801

  12. Large-scale expansion of γδ T cells and peptide-specific cytotoxic T cells using zoledronate for adoptive immunotherapy.

    PubMed

    Yoshikawa, Toshiaki; Takahara, Masashi; Tomiyama, Mai; Nieda, Mie; Maekawa, Ryuji; Nakatsura, Tetsuya

    2014-11-01

    Specific cellular immunotherapy for cancer requires efficient generation and expansion of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) that recognize tumor-associated antigens. However, it is difficult to isolate and expand functionally active T-cells ex vivo. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of a new method to induce expansion of antigen-specific CTLs for adoptive immunotherapy. We used tumor-associated antigen glypican-3 (GPC3)-derived peptide and cytomegalovirus (CMV)-derived peptide as antigens. Treatment of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with zoledronate is a method that enables large-scale γδ T-cell expansion. To induce expansion of γδ T cells and antigen-specific CTLs, the PBMCs of healthy volunteers or patients vaccinated with GPC3 peptide were cultured with both peptide and zoledronate for 14 days. The expansion of γδ T cells and peptide-specific CTLs from a few PBMCs using zoledronate yields cell numbers sufficient for adoptive transfer. The rate of increase of GPC3‑specific CTLs was approximately 24- to 170,000-fold. These CD8(+) cells, including CTLs, showed GPC3-specific cytotoxicity against SK-Hep-1/hGPC3 and T2 pulsed with GPC3 peptide, but not against SK-Hep-1/vec and T2 pulsed with human immunodeficiency virus peptide. On the other hand, CD8(-) cells, including γδ T cells, showed cytotoxicity against SK-Hep-1/hGPC3 and SK-Hep-1/vec, but did not show GPC3 specificity. Furthermore, adoptive cell transfer of CD8(+) cells, CD8(-) cells, and total cells after expansion significantly inhibited tumor growth in an NOD/SCID mouse model. This study indicates that simultaneous expansion of γδ T cells and peptide-specific CTLs using zoledronate is useful for adoptive immunotherapy.

  13. Successful treatment of pain in melorheostosis with zoledronate, with improvement on bone scintigraphy.

    PubMed

    Slimani, Samy; Nezzar, Adlen; Makhloufi, Hachemi

    2013-06-21

    Melorheostosis is a very rare sclerosing bone disorder that involves frequently one limb. It may be asymptomatic, but pain and limb deformity may occur and can be very debilitating. Different reports have indicated efficacy of bisphosphonates (pamidronate and etidronate) on symptoms. We report an adult patient with a very painful melorheostosis, who  improved after treatment with zoledronate, either on symptoms or on bone scans.

  14. Successful treatment of pain in melorheostosis with zoledronate, with improvement on bone scintigraphy

    PubMed Central

    Slimani, Samy; Nezzar, Adlen; Makhloufi, Hachemi

    2013-01-01

    Melorheostosis is a very rare sclerosing bone disorder that involves frequently one limb. It may be asymptomatic, but pain and limb deformity may occur and can be very debilitating. Different reports have indicated efficacy of bisphosphonates (pamidronate and etidronate) on symptoms. We report an adult patient with a very painful melorheostosis, who  improved after treatment with zoledronate, either on symptoms or on bone scans. PMID:23813581

  15. Early effects of zoledronic acid and teriparatide on bone microarchitecture, remodeling and collagen crosslinks: comparison between iliac crest and lumbar vertebra in ewes.

    PubMed

    Portero-Muzy, N R; Chavassieux, P M; Bouxsein, M L; Gineyts, E; Garnero, P; Chapurlat, R D

    2012-10-01

    Iliac crest bone biopsies are used to assess the mechanism of action of drug treatments, yet there are little data comparing this site to sites prone to fracture. The purpose of this study was to compare the delay and the amplitude of responses to treatment in two different bone sites. The short-term effects of zoledronic acid and teriparatide on microarchitecture, collagen crosslinks and bone remodeling were evaluated in iliac crest and lumbar vertebrae. Aged ewes (n=8/gr) received either vehicle (CTRL) or a single injection of zoledronic acid (ZOL, 10mg) or daily injections of teriparatide (TPTD, 20 μg/d) for 3 months. Blood samples were collected monthly for assessing bone turnover markers. At the end of the study, a transiliac bone biopsy (IC) and L1 lumbar vertebrae (LV1) were collected to assess bone microarchitecture; pyridinoline (PYD), deoxypyridinoline (DPD), pentosidine (PEN) content, static and dynamic parameters of bone remodeling. In CTRL, Tb-BV/TV was significantly higher in LV1 than IC (p<0.0001). This was associated with a trend of higher Tb.N, Tb.Th, DA, an inferior Conn.D and a lower bone turnover as shown by the decreases of osteoid parameters, MS/BS, Ac.f in LV1 when compared to IC. In addition, the ratio PYD/DPD was 4 times higher in LV1 than IC. After 3 months, significant decreases of sALP (p<0.001) and sCTX (p<0.001) were observed in the ZOL-group whereas in TPTD-group, after transient increases, they returned to baseline values. When compared to their respective CTRL, ZOL induced significant increases in Tb.BV/TV, Conn.D, Tb.N and Tb.Sp, in IC but not in LV1. Regardless of the site, ZOL markedly depressed the bone turnover: The static parameters of bone formation significantly decreased and the diminution of MS/BS, BFR/BS and Ac.f varied from -94 to -98% vs CTRL (p<0.01 to 0.001). It was associated with a diminution of the DPD content and the PYD/DPD ratio mainly in IC cortices. In contrast, after 3 months, TPTD did not modify the 3D

  16. The role of vitamin E in the prevention of zoledronic acid-induced nephrotoxicity in rats: a light and electron microscopy study.

    PubMed

    Sert, İbrahim Unal; Kilic, Ozcan; Akand, Murat; Saglik, Lutfi; Avunduk, Mustafa Cihat; Erdemli, Esra

    2018-03-01

    Bisphosphonates are widely used in metastatic cancer such as prostate and breast cancer, and their nephrotoxic effects have been established previously. In this study we aimed to evaluate both the nephrotoxic effects of zoledronic acid (ZA) and the protective effects of vitamin E (Vit-E) on this process under light and electron microscopy. A total of 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups. The first group constituted the control group. The second group was given i.v. ZA of 3 mg/kg once every 3 weeks for 12 weeks from the tail vein. The third group received the same dosage of ZA with an additional i.m . injection of 15 mg Vit-E every week for 12 weeks. Tissues were taken 4 days after the last dose of ZA for histopathological and ultrastructural evaluation. Paller score, tubular epithelial thickness and basal membrane thickness were calculated for each group. For group 2, the p -values are all < 0.001 for Paller score, epitelial thickness, and basal membrane thickness. For group 3 (ZA + Vit. E), the p -values are < 0.001 for Paller score, 0.996 for epitelial thickness, and < 0.001 basal membrane thickness. Significant differences were also observed in ultrastructural changes for group 2. However, adding Vit-E to ZA administration reversed all the histopathological changes to some degree, with statistical significance. Administration of ZA had nephrotoxic effects on rat kidney observed under both light and electron microscopy. Concomitant administration of Vit-E significantly reduces toxic histopathological effects of ZA.

  17. Structural simulation of adenosine phosphate via plumbagin and zoledronic acid competitively targets JNK/Erk to synergistically attenuate osteoclastogenesis in a breast cancer model

    PubMed Central

    Qiao, H; Wang, T-y; Yu, Z-f; Han, X-g; Liu, X-q; Wang, Y-g; Fan, Q-m; Qin, A; Tang, T-t

    2016-01-01

    The treatment of breast cancer-induced osteolysis remains a challenge in clinical settings. Here, we explored the effect and mechanism of combined treatment with zoledronic acid (ZA) and plumbagin (PL), a widely investigated component derived from Plumbago zeylanica, against breast cancer-induced osteoclastogenesis. We found that the combined treatment with PL and ZA suppressed cell viability of precursor osteoclasts and synergistically inhibited MDA-MB-231-induced osteoclast formation (combination index=0.28) with the abrogation of recombinant mouse receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced activation of NF-κB/MAPK (nuclear factor-κB/mitogen-activated protein kinase) pathways. Molecular docking suggested a putative binding area within c-Jun N-terminal kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (JNK/Erk) protease active sites through the structural mimicking of adenosine phosphate (ANP) by the spatial combination of PL with ZA. A homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence assay further illustrated the direct competitiveness of the dual drugs against ANP docking to phosphorylated JNK/Erk, contributing to the inhibited downstream expression of c-Jun/c-Fos/NFATc-1 (nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytoplasmic, calcineurin-dependent 1). Then, in vivo testing demonstrated that the combined administration of PL and ZA attenuated breast cancer growth in the bone microenvironment. Additionally, these molecules prevented the destruction of proximal tibia, with significant reduction of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAcP)-positive osteoclast cells and potentiation of apoptotic cancer cells, to a greater extent when combined than when the drugs were applied independently. Altogether, the combination treatment with PL and ZA could significantly and synergistically suppress osteoclastogenesis and inhibit tumorigenesis both in vitro and in vivo by simulating the spatial structure of ANP to inhibit competitively phosphorylation of c-Jun N

  18. Zoledronic acid inhibits pulmonary metastasis dissemination in a preclinical model of Ewing’s sarcoma via inhibition of cell migration

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background Ewing’s sarcoma (ES) is the second most frequent primitive malignant bone tumor in adolescents with a very poor prognosis for high risk patients, mainly when lung metastases are detected (overall survival <15% at 5 years). Zoledronic acid (ZA) is a potent inhibitor of bone resorption which induces osteoclast apoptosis. Our previous studies showed a strong therapeutic potential of ZA as it inhibits ES cell growth in vitro and ES primary tumor growth in vivo in a mouse model developed in bone site. However, no data are available on lung metastasis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of ZA on ES cell invasion and metastatic properties. Methods Invasion assays were performed in vitro in Boyden’s chambers covered with Matrigel. Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP) activity was analyzed by zymography in ES cell culture supernatant. In vivo, a relevant model of spontaneous lung metastases which disseminate from primary ES tumor was induced by the orthotopic injection of 106 human ES cells in the tibia medullar cavity of nude mice. The effect of ZA (50 μg/kg, 3x/week) was studied over a 4-week period. Lung metastases were observed macroscopically at autopsy and analysed by histology. Results ZA induced a strong inhibition of ES cell invasion, probably due to down regulation of MMP-2 and −9 activities as analyzed by zymography. In vivo, ZA inhibits the dissemination of spontaneous lung metastases from a primary ES tumor but had no effect on the growth of established lung metastases. Conclusion These results suggest that ZA could be used early in the treatment of ES to inhibit bone tumor growth but also to prevent the early metastatic events to the lungs. PMID:24612486

  19. Efficacy and safety of once-yearly zoledronic acid in Japanese patients with primary osteoporosis: two-year results from a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study (ZOledroNate treatment in Efficacy to osteoporosis; ZONE study).

    PubMed

    Nakamura, T; Fukunaga, M; Nakano, T; Kishimoto, H; Ito, M; Hagino, H; Sone, T; Taguchi, A; Tanaka, S; Ohashi, M; Ota, Y; Shiraki, M

    2017-01-01

    In a 2-year randomized, placebo-controlled study of 665 Japanese patients with primary osteoporosis, once-yearly administration of zoledronic acid (5 mg) reduced the risk of new morphometric vertebral fractures. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of once-yearly intravenous infusion of ZOL in Japanese patients with primary osteoporosis. This was a two-year multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group comparative study (ZONE Study). Subjects were 665 Japanese patients between the ages of 65 and 89 years who had prevalent vertebral fracture. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive once-yearly intravenous infusion of 5 mg of ZOL or placebo at baseline and 12 months. The 2-year incidence of new morphometric vertebral fracture was 3.0 % (10/330 subjects) in the ZOL group and 8.9 % (29/327) in the placebo group (p = 0.0016). The 24-month cumulative incidence of new morphometric vertebral fracture was 3.3 % in the ZOL group versus 9.7 % in the placebo group (log-rank test: p = 0.0029; hazard ratio: 0.35; 95 % confidence interval: 0.17-0.72). The cumulative incidence of any clinical fracture, clinical vertebral fracture, and non-vertebral fracture was significantly reduced in the ZOL group by 54, 70, and 45 %, respectively, compared to the placebo group. At 24 months, ZOL administration increased bone mineral density in the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip (t test: p < 0.0001). No new adverse events or osteonecrosis of the jaw were observed in this study. Once-yearly administration of ZOL 5 mg to Japanese patients with primary osteoporosis reduced the risk of new morphometric vertebral fractures and was found to be safe.

  20. The Effect of Interferon-γ and Zoledronate Treatment on Alpha-Tricalcium Phosphate/Collagen Sponge-Mediated Bone-Tissue Engineering

    PubMed Central

    Li, Peiqi; Hashimoto, Yoshiya; Honda, Yoshitomo; Arima, Yoshiyuki; Matsumoto, Naoyuki

    2015-01-01

    Inflammatory responses are frequently associated with the expression of inflammatory cytokines and severe osteoclastogenesis, which significantly affect the efficacy of biomaterials. Recent findings have suggested that interferon (IFN)-γ and zoledronate (Zol) are effective inhibitors of osteoclastogenesis. However, little is known regarding the utility of IFN-γ and Zol in bone tissue engineering. In this study, we generated rat models by generating critically sized defects in calvarias implanted with an alpha-tricalcium phosphate/collagen sponge (α-TCP/CS). At four weeks post-implantation, the rats were divided into IFN-γ, Zol, and control (no treatment) groups. Compared with the control group, the IFN-γ and Zol groups showed remarkable attenuation of severe osteoclastogenesis, leading to a significant enhancement in bone mass. Histomorphometric data and mRNA expression patterns in IFN-γ and Zol-injected rats reflected high bone-turnover with increased bone formation, a reduction in osteoclast numbers, and tumor necrosis factor-α expression. Our results demonstrated that the administration of IFN-γ and Zol enhanced bone regeneration of α-TCP/CS implants by enhancing bone formation, while hampering excess bone resorption. PMID:26516841

  1. Longitudinal Effects of Teriparatide or Zoledronic Acid on Bone Modeling- and Remodeling-Based Formation in the SHOTZ Study.

    PubMed

    Dempster, David W; Zhou, Hua; Ruff, Valerie A; Melby, Thomas E; Alam, Jahangir; Taylor, Kathleen A

    2018-04-01

    Previously, we reported on bone histomorphometry, biochemical markers, and bone mineral density distribution after 6 and 24 months of treatment with teriparatide (TPTD) or zoledronic acid (ZOL) in the SHOTZ study. The study included a 12-month primary study period, with treatment (TPTD 20 μg/d by subcutaneous injection or ZOL 5 mg/yr by intravenous infusion) randomized and double-blind until the month 6 biopsy (TPTD, n = 28; ZOL, n = 30 evaluable), then open-label, with an optional 12-month extension receiving the original treatment. A second biopsy (TPTD, n = 10; ZOL, n = 9) was collected from the contralateral side at month 24. Here we present data on remodeling-based bone formation (RBF), modeling-based bone formation (MBF), and overflow modeling-based bone formation (oMBF, modeling overflow adjacent to RBF sites) in the cancellous, endocortical, and periosteal envelopes. RBF was significantly greater after TPTD versus ZOL in all envelopes at 6 and 24 months, except the periosteal envelope at 24 months. MBF was significantly greater with TPTD in all envelopes at 6 months but not at 24 months. oMBF was significantly greater at 6 months in the cancellous and endocortical envelopes with TPTD, with no significant differences at 24 months. At 6 months, total bone formation surface was also significantly greater in each envelope with TPTD treatment (all p < 0.001). For within-group comparisons from 6 to 24 months, no statistically significant changes were observed in RBF, MBF, or oMBF in any envelope for either the TPTD or ZOL treatment groups. Overall, TPTD treatment was associated with greater bone formation than ZOL. Taken together the data support the view that ZOL is a traditional antiremodeling agent, wheareas TPTD is a proremodeling anabolic agent that increases bone formation, especially that associated with bone remodeling, including related overflow modeling, with substantial modeling-based bone formation early in the course of

  2. Clinical study evaluating the effect of bevacizumab on the severity of zoledronic acid-related osteonecrosis of the jaw in cancer patients.

    PubMed

    Lescaille, Géraldine; Coudert, Amélie E; Baaroun, Vanessa; Ostertag, Agnès; Charpentier, Emmanuel; Javelot, Marie-José; Tolédo, Rafael; Goudot, Patrick; Azérad, Jean; Berdal, Ariane; Spano, Jean-Philippe; Ruhin, Blandine; Descroix, Vianney

    2014-01-01

    This study aimed to evaluate the effect of bevacizumab (BVZ) on the severity of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) in a cohort of cancer patients treated with intravenous zoledronic acid (ZA). We reviewed 42 oncologic patients with ONJ between 2007 and 2010. Only patients with solids tumors and who had received ZA were included. Data analyses included age, sex, underlying disease, ZA and BVZ dosages, dental history and ONJ characteristics. Of the 42 ONJ patients treated with ZA, 10 also received BVZ. In the 10 ZA/BVZ patients, the mean duration of ZA treatment at the time of ONJ diagnosis was 12.4 months (±6.8), compared to 22.9 months (±4.8) in the 32 patients who received ZA only (p<0.05). Cox's model analysis of the delay to ONJ diagnosis confirmed the impact of BVZ on ONJ diagnosis. In the ZA/BVZ-treated group, 7 (70%) patients developed spontaneous osteonecrosis. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that ZA/BVZ is associated with increased risk of developing spontaneous ONJ (OR 6.07; 95% CI, [1.3-28.2], p<0.05). And finally, the number of ONJ lesions was increased in the ZA/BVZ-treated group compared to the ZA group (p<0.01). Other clinical conditions as type of tumor (prostate, breast…), cancer severity or other chemotherapy drugs also could be involved in ONJ evolution. However, this study demonstrates for the first time the potential negative influence of BVZ on the incidence and severity of ONJ in patients receiving ZA. Within the study limits, our results suggest that combination ZA/BVZ treatment may possibly predispose to the development of spontaneous and earlier ONJ. © 2013.

  3. Effect of Zoledronic Acid and Denosumab in Patients With Low Back Pain and Modic Change: A Proof-of-Principle Trial.

    PubMed

    Cai, Guoqi; Laslett, Laura L; Aitken, Dawn; Halliday, Andrew; Pan, Feng; Otahal, Petr; Speden, Deborah; Winzenberg, Tania M; Jones, Graeme

    2018-05-01

    The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of zoledronic acid (ZA) and denosumab on low back pain (LBP) and Modic change (MC) over 6 months. Adults aged ≥40 years with significant LBP for at least 6 months duration and MC (type 1, 2, or mixed) were randomized to receive ZA (5 mg/100 mL), denosumab (60 mg), or placebo. LBP was measured monthly by visual analogue scale (VAS) and the LBP Rating Scale (RS). MC was measured from MRIs of T 12 -S 1 vertebrae at screening and 6 months. A total of 103 participants with moderate/severe LBP (mean VAS = 57 mm; mean RS = 18) and median total MC area 538 mm 2 were enrolled. Compared to placebo, LBP reduced significantly at 6 months in the ZA group for RS (-3.3; 95% CI, -5.9 to -0.7) but not VAS (-8.2; 95% CI, -18.8 to +2.4) with similar findings for denosumab (RS, -3.0; 95% CI, -5.7 to -0.3; VAS, -10.7; 95% CI, -21.7 to +0.2). There was little change in areal MC size overall and no difference between groups with the exception of denosumab in those with type 1 Modic change (-22.1 mm 2 ; 95% CI, -41.5 to -2.7). In post hoc analyses, both medications significantly reduced VAS LBP in participants with milder disc degeneration and non-neuropathic pain, and denosumab reduced VAS LBP in those with type 1 MC over 6 months, compared to placebo. Adverse events were more frequent in the ZA group. These results suggests a potential therapeutic role for ZA and denosumab in MC-associated LBP. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

  4. Effects of combined teriparatide and zoledronic acid on posterior lumbar vertebral fusion in an aged ovariectomized rat model of osteopenia.

    PubMed

    Yishake, Mumingjiang; Yasen, Miersalijiang; Jiang, Libo; Liu, Wangmi; Xing, Rong; Chen, Qian; Lin, Hong; Dong, Jian

    2018-03-01

    There has been no study regarding the effect of a combination of teriparatide (TPTD) and zoledronic acid (ZA) on vertebral fusion. In this study, we investigate the effect of single and combined TPTD and ZA treatment on lumbar vertebral fusion in aged ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Sixty two-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were ovariectomized and underwent bilateral L4-L5 posterolateral intertransverse fusion after 10 months. The OVX rats received vehicle (control) treatment, or ZA (100 µg/kg, once), or TPTD (60 µg/kg/2 d for 42 d), or ZA + TPTD until they were euthanized at 6 weeks following lumbar vertebral fusion. The lumbar spine was harvested. Bone mineral density (BMD), bone fusion, bone volume (BV), and bone formation rate (BFR)were analyzed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), radiography, micro-computed tomography, and histomorphometry. Compared with vehicle (control) treatment, ZA and TPTD monotherapy increased bone volume (BV) at fusion site, and ZA + TPTD combined therapy had an additive effect. Treatment with TPTD and ZA + TPTD increased the bone fusion rate when compared with the control group. ZA monotherapy did not alter the rate of bone fusion. The TPTD and ZA + TPTD treatment groups had increased mineral apposition rate (MAR), mineralizing surfaces/bone surface ((MS/BS), and BFR/BS compared with the OVX group. Our experiment confirm that the monotherapy with TPTD and combination therapy with ZA + TPTD in an OVX rat model of osteopenia following lumbar vertebral fusion surgery increased bone fusion mass and bone fusion rate, and ZA + TPTD combined therapy had an additive effect on bone fusion mass. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:937-944, 2018. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  5. Dental extraction following zoledronate, induces osteonecrosis in rat's jaw.

    PubMed

    Vidal-Gutiérrez, X; Gómez-Clavel, J-F; Gaitán-Cepeda, L-A

    2017-03-01

    Bisphosphonate-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (BRONJ) is clinically characterized by the presence of exposed bone in the oral cavity that persists for more than eight weeks. Previous attempts to establish an animal model have not sufficiently considered disease features. Our aim was to establish an inexpensive and replicable animal model that develops BRONJ in a short time. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: control and experimental. In the experimental group, we administered 0.06mg/kg intraperitoneal dose of zoledronic acid (ZA) 7 and 14 days prior to maxillary second molar extraction. At two, four and six weeks after tooth extraction, the animals were euthanized, and we dissected the maxilla following histological procedures. We stained serial slides with hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome. The samples were harvested for macroscopic, radiologic and histological evaluation of bone changes. At two weeks postextraction, we observed exposed necrotic bone in dental socket areas in experimental groups. Radiological analysis revealed osteolytic lesions accompanied by extensive destruction and sequestrum formation in the same group. Histological examination confirmed the absence of necrotic bone in control groups in contrast with the experimental groups. The percentage of empty lacunae and the number of osteoclasts and the necrotic bone area were significantly increased (p<0.05) in the experimental groups. The animal model using ZA administration to prior dental extraction successfully mimicked human BRONJ lesions. Also, the model was easily replicated, inexpensive and showed different features than other previous BRONJ models.

  6. A randomized phase II trial evaluating different schedules of zoledronic acid on bone mineral density in patients with prostate cancer beginning androgen deprivation therapy.

    PubMed

    Lang, Joshua M; Wallace, Marianne; Becker, Jordan T; Eickhoff, Jens C; Buehring, Bjoern; Binkley, Neil; Staab, Mary Jane; Wilding, George; Liu, Glenn; Malkovsky, Miroslav; McNeel, Douglas G

    2013-12-01

    To assess the effects of timing and schedule of zoledronic acid (ZA) administration on bone mineral density (BMD) in patients beginning androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for the treatment of recurrent prostate cancer. In this randomized, 3-arm trial, we evaluated changes in BMD after 3 different ZA administration schedules in men with recurrent prostate cancer who were beginning ADT. Forty-four patients were enrolled and randomized to receive a single dose of ZA given 1 week before beginning ADT (arm 1), a single dose of ZA given 6 months after beginning ADT (arm 2), or monthly administration of ZA starting 6 months after beginning ADT, for a total of 6 doses (arm 3). Patients who received ZA before ADT had a significant improvement in BMD at the total proximal femur and trochanter after 6 months compared with the other groups. In addition, only patients in the arm that received multiple doses improved lumbar spine BMD while on ADT, with these findings persisting to 24 months. However, this group also experienced more grade 1 adverse events. Analysis of these data suggests that ZA administration before initiation of ADT was superior to treatment 6 months after starting ADT in maintaining BMD. In addition, monthly ZA administration can increase BMD above baseline but is associated with more adverse events. Further study is needed to examine whether the timing and frequency of ZA therapy in patients on ADT can reduce fracture risk. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. Effect of local injection of Zolena, zoledronic acid made in Iran, on orthodontic tooth movement and root and bone resorption in rats.

    PubMed

    Seifi, Massoud; Asefi, Sohrab; Hatamifard, Ghazal; Lotfi, Ali

    2017-01-01

    Background. Anchorage control is an essential part of orthodontic treatment planning, especially in adult patients who demand a more convenient treatment. Zoledronic acid (ZA) is an effective choice to address this problem. It is the most potent member of the bisphosphonates family that has an inhibitory effect on bone resorption by suppressing osteoclast function. Therefore, ZA might be a good option for orthodontic anchorage control. The current study evaluated the effect of local administration of Zolena (ZA made in Iran) on orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) and root and bone resorption. Methods. The experimental group consisted of 30 rats in 3 subgroups (n=10). Anesthesia was induced, and one closed NiTi coil spring was installed between the first molar and central incisor unilaterally, except for the negative control group. The positive control group received vestibular injection of 0.01 mL of saline next to the maxillary first molar, and 0.01 mL of the solution was injected at the same site in the ZA group. After 21 days, the rats were sacrificed and the distance between the first and second molars was measured with a leaf gauge. Histological analysis was conducted by a blind pathologist for the number of Howship's lacunae, blood vessels, osteoclast-like cells and root resorption lacunae. Data were analyzed with ANOVA, Tukey test and t-test. Results. There were no significant differences in OTM between the force-applied groups. ZA significantly inhibited bone/root resorption and angiogenesis compared to the positive control group. Conclusion. Zolena did not decrease OTM but significantly inhibited bone and root resorption. Zolena might be less potent than its foreign counterparts.

  8. Absorbed dose assessment of 177Lu-zoledronate and 177Lu-EDTMP for human based on biodistribution data in rats

    PubMed Central

    Yousefnia, Hassan; Zolghadri, Samaneh; Jalilian, Amir Reza

    2015-01-01

    Over the past few decades, several bone-seeking radiopharmaceuticals including various bisphosphonate ligands and β-emitting radionuclides have been developed for bone pain palliation. Recently, 177Lu was successfully labeled with zoledronic acid (177Lu-ZLD) as a new generation potential bisphosphonate and demonstrated significant accumulation in bone tissue. In this work, the absorbed dose to each organ of human for 177Lu-ZLD and 177Lu-ethylenediaminetetramethylene phosphonic acid (177Lu-EDTMP;as the only clinically bone pain palliation agent) was investigated based on biodistribution data in rats by medical internal radiation dosimetry (MIRD) method. 177Lu-ZLD and 177Lu-EDTMP were prepared in high radiochemical purity (>99%, instant thin layer chromatography (ITLC)) at the optimized condition. The biodistribution of the complexes demonstrated fast blood clearance and major accumulation in the bone tissue. The highest absorbed dose for both 177Lu-ZLD and 177Lu-EDTMP is observed in trabecular bone surface with 12.173 and 10.019 mSv/MBq, respectively. The results showed that 177Lu-ZLD has better characteristics compared to 177Lu-EDTMP and can be a good candidate for bone pain palliation. PMID:26170557

  9. Expression of Dlx-5 and Msx-1 in Craniofacial Skeletons and Ilia of Rats Treated With Zoledronate.

    PubMed

    Xuan, Bin; Yang, Pan; Wu, Shichao; Li, Lin; Zhang, Jian; Zhang, Wenyi

    2017-05-01

    Because of the different embryologic origins of the craniofacial skeleton and ilium, differences in gene expression patterns have been observed between the jaw bones and ilium. Distal-less homeobox (Dlx) genes and Msh homeobox genes, particularly Dlx-5 and Msx-1, play major roles in cell differentiation and osteogenesis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of zoledronate (ZOL) on the craniofacial skeleton and ilium by detecting changes in Dlx-5 and Msx-1 expression at both the protein and messenger RNA levels. A total of 24 female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: ZOL group (n = 12), in which the rats were injected intraperitoneally with zoledronic acid for 12 weeks, and control group (n = 12), in which the rats were injected with saline solution for 12 weeks. By use of immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, the expression levels of Dlx-5 and Msx-1 in the craniofacial skeleton (including the maxilla, mandible, and parietal bone) and ilium were examined. Dlx-5 expression in the maxilla and mandible was increased at the protein and messenger RNA levels in the ZOL group compared with the control group (P < .01). In addition, Msx-1 expression in the maxilla and mandible was decreased in the ZOL group (P < .01). Furthermore, Dlx-5 and Msx-1 expression in the ilium was decreased in the ZOL group (P < .05). However, no significant difference in Dlx-5 or Msx-1 expression in the parietal bone was observed between the 2 groups (P > .05). Site-specific differences in the effects of ZOL on the craniofacial skeleton and ilium could be explained by differently altered tendencies in Dlx-5 and Msx-1 expression. The jaw bones were more susceptible to the effects of ZOL than the parietal bone and ilium. Copyright © 2017 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. Bone targeting compounds for radiotherapy and imaging: *Me(III)-DOTA conjugates of bisphosphonic acid, pamidronic acid and zoledronic acid.

    PubMed

    Meckel, M; Bergmann, R; Miederer, M; Roesch, F

    2017-01-01

    Bisphosphonates have a high adsorption on calcified tissues and are commonly used in the treatment of bone disorder diseases. Conjugates of bisphosphonates with macrocyclic chelators open new possibilities in bone targeted radionuclide imaging and therapy. Subsequent to positron emission tomography (PET) examinations utilizing 68 Ga-labelled analogues, endoradiotheraphy with 177 Lu-labelled macrocyclic bisphosphonates may have a great potential in the treatment of painful skeletal metastases. Based on the established pharmaceuticals pamidronate and zoledronate two new DOTA-α-OH-bisphosphonates, DOTA PAM and DOTA ZOL (MM1.MZ) were successfully synthesized. The ligands were labelled with the positron emitting nuclide 68 Ga and the β - emitting nuclide 177 Lu and compared in in vitro studies and in ex vivo biodistribution studies together with small animal PET and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) studies against [ 18 F]NaF and a known DOTA-α-H-bisphosphonate conjugate (BPAPD) in healthy Wistar rats. The new DOTA-bisphosphonates can be labelled in high yield of 80 to 95 % in 15 min with post-processed 68 Ga and >98 % with 177 Lu. The tracers showed very low uptake in soft tissue, a fast renal clearance and a high accumulation on bone. The best compound was [ 68 Ga]DOTA ZOL (SUV Femur  = 5.4 ± 0.6) followed by [ 18 F]NaF (SUV Femur  = 4.8 ± 0.2), [ 68 Ga]DOTA PAM (SUV Femur  = 4.5 ± 0.2) and [ 68 Ga]BPAPD (SUV Femur  = 3.2 ± 0.3). [ 177 Lu]DOTA ZOL showed a similar distribution as the diagnostic 68 Ga complex. The 68 Ga labelled compounds showed a promising pharmacokinetics, with similar uptake profile and distribution kinetics. Bone accumulation was highest for [ 68 Ga]DOTA ZOL , which makes this compound probably an interesting bone targeting agent for a therapeutic approach with 177 Lu. The therapeutic compound [ 177 Lu]DOTA ZOL showed a high target-to-background ratio. SPECT experiments showed concordance

  11. An individualised risk-adapted protocol of pre- and post transplant zoledronic acid reduces bone loss after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: results of a phase II prospective trial.

    PubMed

    Grigg, A; Butcher, B; Khodr, B; Bajel, A; Hertzberg, M; Patil, S; D'Souza, A B; Ganly, P; Ebeling, P; Wong, E

    2017-09-01

    Bone loss occurs frequently following allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT). The Australasian Leukaemia and Lymphoma Group conducted a prospective phase II study of pretransplant zoledronic acid (ZA) and individualised post-transplant ZA to prevent bone loss in alloSCT recipients. Patients received ZA 4 mg before conditioning. Administration of post-transplant ZA from days 100 to 365 post alloSCT was determined by a risk-adapted algorithm based on serial bone density assessments and glucocorticoid exposure. Of 82 patients enrolled, 70 were alive and without relapse at day 100. A single pretransplant dose of ZA prevented femoral neck bone loss at day 100 compared with baseline (mean change -2.6±4.6%). Using the risk-adapted protocol, 42 patients received ZA between days 100 and 365 post alloSCT, and this minimised bone loss at day 365 compared with pretransplant levels (mean change -2.9±5.3%). Femoral neck bone loss was significantly reduced in ZA-treated patients compared with historical untreated controls at days 100 and 365. This study demonstrates that a single dose of ZA pre-alloSCT prevents femoral neck bone loss at day 100 post alloSCT, and that a risk-adapted algorithm is able to guide ZA administration from days 100 to 365 post transplant and minimise further bone loss.

  12. Zoledronic acid increases bone mineral density and improves health-related quality of life over two years of treatment in Chinese women with postmenopausal osteoporosis.

    PubMed

    Huang, Shushu; Lin, Hua; Zhu, Xiufen; Chen, Xin; Fan, Lu; Liu, Changchang

    2014-01-01

    Osteoporosis is characterised by decreased bone mass and weakened bones, with an increased risk of fractures. Osteoporotic fracture, the most serious complication of osteoporosis, is related not only to lower bone mineral density (BMD), but also falls. Osteoporosis and fractures are associated with a decreased health-related quality of life (HRQL). Zoledronic acid (ZOL) is an intravenous once-yearly bisphosphonate that has been shown to be effective and safe in improving BMD and reducing fracture risk in controlled clinical trials. In this self-controlled, prospective trial, 220 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis (mean age 67 years) received a single infusion of ZOL 5 mg at baseline and month 12. BMD, HRQL and Fall Index (FI) were measured at baseline, and months 12 and 24 (before each use of ZOL). The main outcome measures were the changes in lumbar spine and hip BMD and the changes in HRQL, the Short Form-36 questionnaire (SF-36). Additional comparisons were based on the FI. LSD multiple comparisons were used in the comparisons of BMD, SF-36 domain scores and FI. The patients had significantly higher L1-4, total hip, femoral neck and trochanter BMD (P < 0.05) with improved HRQL (P < 0.05) over two years of treatment of once-yearly ZOL 5mg. FI was reduced (P < 0.05) with oral daily elemental calcium and vitamin D in the treatment course. ZOL improves BMD and HRQL, especially in the physical aspects, over two years of treatment in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis, and can help improve balance ability.

  13. Assessment of zoledronic acid treatment patterns and clinical outcomes in patients with bone metastases from genitourinary cancers.

    PubMed

    Henk, Henry J; Kaura, Satyin

    2012-01-01

    Patients with bone metastases secondary to genitourinary (GU) cancer are at risk for skeletal-related events (SREs), including bone pain requiring palliative radiotherapy, fractures or surgery to bone, spinal cord compression, and hypercalcemia of malignancy. These SREs can be debilitating and potentially life-limiting. This study examined treatment practices and the association of treatment patterns with Zometa (zoledronic acid, ZOL), an intravenous bisphosphonate (IV-BP), with SREs and fractures. (Zometa is a registered trademark of Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, USA.) Retrospective analysis of commercial and Medicare Advantage enrollment and medical claims data was performed to evaluate IV-BP use and SRE patterns in adult patients with GU cancers. Criteria included diagnosis of ≥1 bone metastasis and prostate cancer (PC), renal cell carcinoma (RCC), or bladder cancer (BlC) between January 2001 and December 2006; continuous healthcare plan enrollment for ≥6 months before the index date; and no evidence of prior IV-BP use. Patients were followed until disenrollment from the healthcare plan or December 2007. Of 6347 patients (PC, n = 4976; RCC, n = 941; BlC, n = 430; mean [standard deviation] age: 68.9 [11.1] years), only approximately 23% received ZOL. The mean time between diagnosis of bone metastasis and ZOL initiation was approximately 108 days. Among patients with PC, fracture risk was significantly smaller for ZOL vs no IV-BP (incidence rate ratio = 0.70; p < 0.001), and 2-year survival was significantly longer for ZOL-treated vs no IV-BP patients (p = 0.007). Patients with longer persistency on ZOL had a smaller fracture risk than patients with shorter persistency. Sub-set analyses were not performed for RCC and BIC because the proportion of patients treated was too low. Interpretation of this claims-based analysis must be tempered by the inherent limitations of observational data, such as limited and accurate available

  14. Is administration of trastuzumab an independent risk factor for developing osteonecrosis of the jaw among metastatic breast cancer patients under zoledronic acid treatment?

    PubMed

    Pilanci, Kezban Nur; Alco, Gul; Ordu, Cetin; Sarsenov, Dauren; Celebi, Filiz; Erdogan, Zeynep; Agacayak, Filiz; Ilgun, Serkan; Tecimer, Coskun; Demir, Gokhan; Eralp, Yesim; Okkan, Sait; Ozmen, Vahit

    2015-05-01

    One of the most important adverse effects of zoledronic acid (ZA) is osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). In previous literature, several risk factors have been identified in the development of ONJ. In this study, we aimed to determine the role of trastuzumab, an antiangiogenic agent, as an independent risk factor for the development of this serious side effect.Our study included 97 patients (mean age: 54 ± 10 years) with breast cancer, recorded in the archives of the Istanbul Florence Nightingale Breast Study Group, who received ZA therapy due to bone metastases between March 2006 and December 2013. We recorded the patients' ages, weights, duration of treatment with ZA, number of ZA infusions, dental procedures, anticancer treatments (chemotherapy, aromatase inhibitor, trastuzumab), the presence of diabetes mellitus or renal dysfunction, and smoking habits.Thirteen patients (13.40%) had developed ONJ. Among the patients with ONJ, the mean time of exposure to ZA was 41 months (range: 13-82) and the mean number of ZA infusions was 38 (range: 15-56). The duration of treatment with ZA and the use of trastuzumab were observed to be 2 factors that influenced the development of ONJ (P = 0.049 and P = 0.028, respectively).The development of ONJ under ZA treatment may be associated solely with the duration of ZA treatment and the concurrent administration of trastuzumab. These findings show that patients who are administered trastuzumab for metastatic breast cancer while undergoing ZA treatment are prone to developing ONJ. Therefore, we recommend intense clinical observation to avoid this particular condition in patients receiving ZA and trastuzumab.

  15. Is Administration of Trastuzumab an Independent Risk Factor for Developing Osteonecrosis of the Jaw Among Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients Under Zoledronic Acid Treatment?

    PubMed Central

    Pilanci, Kezban Nur; Alco, Gul; Ordu, Cetin; Sarsenov, Dauren; Celebi, Filiz; Erdogan, Zeynep; Agacayak, Filiz; Ilgun, Serkan; Tecimer, Coskun; Demir, Gokhan; Eralp, Yesim; Okkan, Sait; Ozmen, Vahit

    2015-01-01

    Abstract One of the most important adverse effects of zoledronic acid (ZA) is osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). In previous literature, several risk factors have been identified in the development of ONJ. In this study, we aimed to determine the role of trastuzumab, an antiangiogenic agent, as an independent risk factor for the development of this serious side effect. Our study included 97 patients (mean age: 54 ± 10 years) with breast cancer, recorded in the archives of the Istanbul Florence Nightingale Breast Study Group, who received ZA therapy due to bone metastases between March 2006 and December 2013. We recorded the patients’ ages, weights, duration of treatment with ZA, number of ZA infusions, dental procedures, anticancer treatments (chemotherapy, aromatase inhibitor, trastuzumab), the presence of diabetes mellitus or renal dysfunction, and smoking habits. Thirteen patients (13.40%) had developed ONJ. Among the patients with ONJ, the mean time of exposure to ZA was 41 months (range: 13–82) and the mean number of ZA infusions was 38 (range: 15–56). The duration of treatment with ZA and the use of trastuzumab were observed to be 2 factors that influenced the development of ONJ (P = 0.049 and P = 0.028, respectively). The development of ONJ under ZA treatment may be associated solely with the duration of ZA treatment and the concurrent administration of trastuzumab. These findings show that patients who are administered trastuzumab for metastatic breast cancer while undergoing ZA treatment are prone to developing ONJ. Therefore, we recommend intense clinical observation to avoid this particular condition in patients receiving ZA and trastuzumab. PMID:25950681

  16. Doses effects of zoledronic acid on mineral apatite and collagen quality of newly-formed bone in the rat's calvaria defect.

    PubMed

    Olejnik, Cécile; Falgayrac, Guillaume; During, Alexandrine; Cortet, Bernard; Penel, Guillaume

    2016-08-01

    Due to their inhibitory effects on resorption, bisphosphonates are widely used in the treatment of diseases associated to an extensive bone loss. Yet, little is known about bisphosphonates effects on newly-formed bone quality. In the present study, adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=80) with a bone defect calvaria area were used and short-term effects of zoledronic acid (ZA) were studied on the healing bone area. Three ZA treatments were tested by using either: 1°) a low single dose (120μgZA/kg, n=10; equivalent to human osteoporosis treatment), 2°) a low fractionated doses (20μgZA/kg daily for 6days either a total of 120μg/kg, n=15), and 3°) a high fractionated doses, (100μgZA/kg weekly for 6weeks, n=15; equivalent to 6months of human bone metastasis treatment). For each treatment, a control "vehicle" treatment was performed (with an identical number of rats). After ZA administration, the intrinsic bone material properties were evaluated by quantitative backscattered electron imaging (qBEI) and Raman microspectroscopy. Neither single nor fractionated low ZA doses modify the intrinsic bone material properties of the newly-formed bone compared to their respective control animals. On the opposite, the high ZA treatment resulted in a significant decrease of the crystallinity (-25%, P< 0.05) and of the hydroxyproline-to-proline ratio (-30%, P<0.05) in newly-formed bones. Moreover, with the high ZA treatment, the crystallinity was positively correlated with the hydroxyproline-to-proline ratio (ρ=0.78, P<0.0001). The present data highlight new properties for ZA on bone formation in a craniofacial defect model. As such, ZA at high doses disrupted the apatite crystal organization. In addition, we report here for the first time that high ZA doses decreased the hydroxyproline-to-proline ratio suggesting that ZA may affect the early collagen organization during the bone healing. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. Zoledronate promotes bone formation by blocking osteocyte-osteoblast communication during bone defect healing.

    PubMed

    Cui, Pingping; Liu, Hongrui; Sun, Jing; Amizuka, Norio; Sun, Qinfeng; Li, Minqi

    2018-01-01

    Nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (N-BPs) are potent antiresorptive drugs and their actions on osteoclasts have been studied extensively. Recent studies have suggested that N-BPs also target bone-forming cells. However, the precise mechanism of N-BPs in osteoblasts is paradoxical, and the specific role of osteocytes is worthy of in-depth study. Here, we investigated the cellular mechanisms of N-BPs regulating bone defect healing by zoledronate (ZA). Bone histomorphometry confirmed an increase in new bone formation by systemic ZA administration. ZA induced more alkaline phosphatase-positive osteoblasts and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive osteoclasts residing on the bone surface. Inexplicably, ZA increased SOST expression in osteocytes embedded in the bone matrix, which was not compatible with the intense osteoblast activity on the bone surface. ZA induced heterogeneous osteocytes and disturbed the distribution of the osteocytic-canalicular system (OLCS). Furthermore, according to the degree of OLCS regularity, dentin matrix protein 1 reactivity had accumulated around osteocytes in the ZA group, but it was distributed evenly in the OLCS of the control group. The control group showed a dense array of the gap junction protein connexin 43. However, connexin 43 was extremely sparse after ZA administration. In summary, ZA treatment reduces gap junction connections and blocks cellular communication between osteocytes and osteoblasts. Retaining SOST expression in osteocytes leads to activation of the Wnt signaling pathway and subsequent bone formation.

  18. Protocol for a randomised control trial of bisphosphonate (zoledronic acid) treatment in childhood femoral head avascular necrosis due to Perthes disease

    PubMed Central

    Zacharin, Margaret; Foster, Bruce; Donald, Geoffrey; Hassall, Timothy; Siafarikas, Aris; Johnson, Michael; Tham, Elaine; Whitewood, Colin; Gebski, Val; Cowell, Chris T; Little, David Graham; Munns, Craig Frank

    2017-01-01

    Introduction Perthes disease (PD) is an idiopathic disorder presenting with avascular necrosis to the femoral head, which frequently results in flattening. Long-term function is directly related to the subsequent femoral head sphericity. Current treatment includes mechanical modalities and surgical procedures, which are therapeutic but are not uniformly able to prevent collapse. The use of the nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate zoledronic acid (ZA) to inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption is aimed at preserving femoral head strength, reducing collapse and thus maintaining shape. The proposed multicentre, prospective, randomised controlled trial intends to evaluate the efficacy of ZA treatment in PD. Methods and analysis An open-label randomised control trial recruiting 100 children (50 each treatment arm) 5 to 16 years old with unilateral PD. Subjects are randomly assigned to either (a) ZA and standard care or (b) Standard care. The primary outcome measure is deformity index (DI), a radiographic parameter of femoral head roundness assessed at 24 months, following 12 months of ZA treatment (3-monthly doses of ZA 0.025 mg/kg at baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months) plus 12 months observation (group A) or 24 months of observation (group B). Secondary outcome measures are femoral head subluxation, Faces Pain scale, Harris hip score and quality of life. Assessments are made at baseline, 3 monthly during the first year of follow-up and then 6 monthly, until the 24th month. Ethics and dissemination The study commenced following the written approval from the Human Research Ethics Committee. Safety considerations regarding the effects of ZA are monitored which include the subject’s symptomatology, mineral status, bone mass and turnover activity, and metaphyseal modelling. Data handling plan requires that all documents, clinical information, biological samples and investigation results will be held in strict confidence by study investigators to preserve its safety and

  19. Protective effect of zoledronic acid on articular cartilage and subchondral bone of rabbits with experimental knee osteoarthritis

    PubMed Central

    She, Guorong; Zhou, Ziqi; Zha, Zhengang; Wang, Fei; Pan, Xiaoting

    2017-01-01

    Subchondral bone reabsorption and remodeling are responsible for the initiation and progression of osteoarthritis (OA). Zoledronic acid (ZOL), a third-generation bisphosphonate (BIS), is an inhibitor of bone reabsorption. However, the intervention effect of ZOL on OA has not been fully characterized and remains to be directly demonstrated in animal experiments. The present study examined the microscopic and macroscopic changes in the anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) model of OA in rabbits and evaluated the effects of ZOL on cartilage degeneration and subchondral bone loss. A total of 32 New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: High-, medium- and low-dose ZOL groups, which received an intravenous injection of 250, 50 and 10 µg/kg ZOL, respectively, after modeling, as well as an untreated group. The bone mineral density (BMD) of the knee joint was evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanning immediately after modeling and at 4 and 8 weeks. At week 8, quantitative measurement of cartilage was performed by a specialized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique, including three-dimensional fat-suppressed spoil gradient-recalled sequence and T2 mapping. The rabbits were sacrificed by air embolism after anesthesia and both knee joints were harvested and evaluated by general and histological observation. Toluidine blue and hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to assess histological changes in the articular cartilage. Quantitative analysis of cartilage histopathology was performed according to the Mankin scoring system. The BMD of ACLT joints dropped after modeling, which was effectively suppressed by ZOL at the high and medium dose but not the low dose. MRI scans demonstrated that in the untreated group, articular cartilages on ACLT knees were thinner than those on normal knees. The high dose of ZOL preserved the cartilage tissue thickness more efficiently than the medium and low doses. Observation of specimens and

  20. Skeletal accumulation of fluorescently tagged zoledronate is higher in animals with early stage chronic kidney disease.

    PubMed

    Swallow, E A; Aref, M W; Chen, N; Byiringiro, I; Hammond, M A; McCarthy, B P; Territo, P R; Kamocka, M M; Winfree, S; Dunn, K W; Moe, S M; Allen, M R

    2018-06-11

    This work examines the skeletal accumulation of fluorescently tagged zoledronate in an animal model of chronic kidney disease. The results show higher accumulation in 24-h post-dose animals with lower kidney function due to greater amounts of binding at individual surfaces. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients suffer from increased rates of skeletal-related mortality from changes driven by biochemical abnormalities. Bisphosphonates are commonly used in reducing fracture risk in a variety of diseases, yet their use is not recommended in advanced stages of CKD. This study aimed to characterize the accumulation of a single dose of fluorescently tagged zoledronate (FAM-ZOL) in the setting of reduced kidney function. At 25 weeks of age, FAM-ZOL was administered to normal and CKD rats. Twenty-four hours later, multiple bones were collected and assessed using bulk fluorescence imaging, two-photon imaging, and dynamic histomorphometry. CKD animals had significantly higher levels of FAM-ZOL accumulation in the proximal tibia, radius, and ulna, but not in lumbar vertebral body or mandible, based on multiple measurement modalities. Although a majority of trabecular bone surfaces were covered with FAM-ZOL in both normal and CKD animals, the latter had significantly higher levels of fluorescence per unit bone surface in the proximal tibia. These results provide new data regarding how reduced kidney function affects drug accumulation in rat bone.

  1. Early inhibitory effects of zoledronic acid in tooth extraction sockets in dogs are negated by recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein.

    PubMed

    Gerard, David A; Carlson, Eric R; Gotcher, Jack E; Pickett, David O

    2014-01-01

    This study was conducted with 2 purposes. The first was to determine the effect of a single dose of zoledronic acid (ZA) on the healing of a tooth extraction socket in dogs. The second was to determine if placement of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2)/absorbable collagen sponge (ACS) - INFUSE, (Medtronic, Memphis, TN) into these extraction sockets would inhibit the inhibition on bone healing and remodeling by ZA. Nine adult female beagle dogs (2 to 3 yr old) were placed into 3 groups of 3 dogs each. Group I received 15 mL of sterile saline intravenously; group II received 2.5 mg of ZA intravenously; and group III received 5 mg of ZA intravenously. Forty-five days after treatment, all dogs underwent extraction of noncontiguous right and left mandibular first molars and second premolars. In group I, the right mandibular extraction sockets had nothing placed in them, whereas the left mandibular sockets had only ACS placed in them. In groups II and III, the right mandibular sockets had rhBMP-2/ACS placed in them, whereas the left mandibular sockets had only ACS placed. All extraction sockets were surgically closed. Tetracycline was given intravenously 5 and 12 days later, and all animals were euthanized 15 days after tooth extraction. The extraction sockets and rib and femur samples were harvested immediately after euthanasia, processed, and studied microscopically. A single dose of ZA significantly inhibited healing and bone remodeling in the area of the tooth extractions. The combination of rhBMP-2/ACS appeared to over-ride some of the bone remodeling inhibition of the ZA and increased bone fill in the extraction sites, and remodeling activity in the area was noted. The effects of rhBMP-2/ACS were confined to the area of the extraction sockets because bone activity at distant sites was not influenced. A single dose of ZA administered intravenously inhibits early healing of tooth extraction sockets and bone remodeling in this animal model. The

  2. Zoledronic acid renders human M1 and M2 macrophages susceptible to Vδ2+ γδ T cell cytotoxicity in a perforin-dependent manner.

    PubMed

    Fowler, Daniel W; Copier, John; Dalgleish, Angus G; Bodman-Smith, Mark D

    2017-09-01

    Vδ2 + T cells are a subpopulation of γδ T cells in humans that are cytotoxic towards cells which accumulate isopentenyl pyrophosphate. The nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate, zoledronic acid (ZA), can induce tumour cell lines to accumulate isopentenyl pyrophosphate, thus rendering them more susceptible to Vδ2 + T cell cytotoxicity. However, little is known about whether ZA renders other, non-malignant cell types susceptible. In this study we focussed on macrophages (Mϕs), as these cells have been shown to take up ZA. We differentiated peripheral blood monocytes from healthy donors into Mϕs and then treated them with IFN-γ or IL-4 to generate M1 and M2 Mϕs, respectively. We characterised these Mϕs based on their phenotype and cytokine production and then tested whether ZA rendered them susceptible to Vδ2 + T cell cytotoxicity. Consistent with the literature, IFN-γ-treated Mϕs expressed higher levels of the M1 markers CD64 and IL-12p70, whereas IL-4-treated Mϕs expressed higher levels of the M2 markers CD206 and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 18. When treated with ZA, both M1 and M2 Mϕs became susceptible to Vδ2 + T cell cytotoxicity. Vδ2 + T cells expressed perforin and degranulated in response to ZA-treated Mϕs as shown by mobilisation of CD107a and CD107b to the cell surface. Furthermore, cytotoxicity towards ZA-treated Mϕs was sensitive-at least in part-to the perforin inhibitor concanamycin A. These findings suggest that ZA can render M1 and M2 Mϕs susceptible to Vδ2 + T cell cytotoxicity in a perforin-dependent manner, which has important implications regarding the use of ZA in cancer immunotherapy.

  3. The miR-21/PTEN/Akt signaling pathway is involved in the anti-tumoral effects of zoledronic acid in human breast cancer cell lines.

    PubMed

    Fragni, M; Bonini, S A; Bettinsoli, P; Bodei, S; Generali, D; Bottini, A; Spano, P F; Memo, M; Sigala, S

    2016-05-01

    Preclinical data indicate a direct anti-tumor effect of zoledronic acid (ZA) outside the skeleton, but its molecular mechanism is still not completely clarified. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-cancer effects of ZA in human breast cancer cell lines, suggesting that they may in part be mediated via the miR-21/PTEN/Akt signaling pathway. The effect of ZA on cell viability was measured by MTT assay, and cell death induction was analyzed using either a double AO/EtBr staining and M30 ELISA assay. A Proteome Profiler Human Apoptosis Array was executed to evaluate the molecular basis of ZA-induced apoptosis. Cell cycle analysis was executed by flow cytometry. The effect of ZA on miR-21 expression was quantified by qRT-PCR, and the amount of PTEN protein and its targets were analyzed by Western blot. ZA inhibited cell growth in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, through the activation of cell death pathways and arrest of cell cycle progression. ZA downregulated the expression of miR-21, resulting in dephosphorilation of Akt and Bad and in a significant increase of p21 and p27 proteins expression. These results were observed also in MDA-MB-231 cells, commonly used as an experimental model of bone metastasis of breast cancer. This study revealed, for the first time, an involvement of the miR-21/PTEN/Akt signaling pathway in the mechanism of ZA anti-cancer actions in breast cancer cells. We would like to underline that this pathway is present both in the hormone responsive BC cell line (MCF-7) as well as in a triple negative cell line (MDA-MB-231). Taken together these results reinforce the use of ZA in clinical practice, suggesting the role of miR-21 as a possible mediator of its therapeutic efficacy.

  4. Dental extraction following zoledronate, induces osteonecrosis in rat´s jaw

    PubMed Central

    Gómez-Clavel, José-Francisco; Gaitán-Cepeda, Luis-Alberto

    2017-01-01

    Background Bisphosphonate-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (BRONJ) is clinically characterized by the presence of exposed bone in the oral cavity that persists for more than eight weeks. Previous attempts to establish an animal model have not sufficiently considered disease features. Our aim was to establish an inexpensive and replicable animal model that develops BRONJ in a short time. Material and Methods Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: control and experimental. In the experimental group, we administered 0.06mg/kg intraperitoneal dose of zoledronic acid (ZA) 7 and 14 days prior to maxillary second molar extraction. At two, four and six weeks after tooth extraction, the animals were euthanized, and we dissected the maxilla following histological procedures. We stained serial slides with hematoxylin and eosin and Masson’s trichrome. The samples were harvested for macroscopic, radiologic and histological evaluation of bone changes. Results At two weeks postextraction, we observed exposed necrotic bone in dental socket areas in experimental groups. Radiological analysis revealed osteolytic lesions accompanied by extensive destruction and sequestrum formation in the same group. Histological examination confirmed the absence of necrotic bone in control groups in contrast with the experimental groups. The percentage of empty lacunae and the number of osteoclasts and the necrotic bone area were significantly increased (p<0.05) in the experimental groups. Conclusions The animal model using ZA administration to prior dental extraction successfully mimicked human BRONJ lesions. Also, the model was easily replicated, inexpensive and showed different features than other previous BRONJ models. Key words:Bisphosphonates, osteonecrosis, dental extractions, animal model, BRONJ. PMID:28160593

  5. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of alendronate and zoledronate for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

    PubMed

    Serrano, Ana Julissa; Begoña, Leire; Anitua, Eduardo; Cobos, Raquel; Orive, Gorka

    2013-12-01

    The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of two bisphosphonates (alendronate and zoledronate) in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. The incidence of fractures was considered as primary endpoint. Only randomized trials with a follow-up period of 1 year or more were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. We excluded studies that included patients with secondary osteoporosis especially in relation to therapy with corticosteroids or other drugs or diseases known to affect bone mineral density. Studies published as subgroup analysis, extension studies, economic evaluations, and comparisons with active control were excluded. The methodological quality of controlled clinical trials that met these inclusion criteria was evaluated. No studies were excluded from analysis due to lack of quality. The risk ratio of hip, vertebral and wrist fractures for alendronate were 0.61 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.40-0.93], 0.54 (95% CI 0.44-0.66) and 0.65 (95% CI 0.33-1.25), respectively. Zoledronate risk ratio was 0.62 (95% CI 0.46-0.82) and 0.38 (95% CI 0.22-0.67) for hip and vertebral fractures, respectively.

  6. Effects of Zoledronate and Mechanical Loading during Simulated Weightlessness on Bone Structure and Mechanical Properties

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Scott, R. T.; Nalavadi, M. O.; Shirazi-Fard, Y.; Castillo, A. B.; Alwood, J. S.

    2016-01-01

    Space flight modulates bone remodeling to favor bone resorption. Current countermeasures include an anti-resorptive drug class, bisphosphonates (BP), and high-force loading regimens. Does the combination of anti-resorptives and high-force exercise during weightlessness have negative effects on the mechanical and structural properties of bone? In this study, we implemented an integrated model to mimic mechanical strain of exercise via cyclical loading (CL) in mice treated with the BP Zoledronate (ZOL) combined with hindlimb unloading (HU). Our working hypothesis is that CL combined with ZOL in the HU model induces additive structural and mechanical changes. Thirty-two C57BL6 mice (male,16 weeks old, n8group) were exposed to 3 weeks of either HU or normal ambulation (NA). Cohorts of mice received one subcutaneous injection of ZOL (45gkg), or saline vehicle, prior to experiment. The right tibia was axially loaded in vivo, 60xday to 9N in compression, repeated 3xweek during HU. During the application of compression, secant stiffness (SEC), a linear estimate of slope of the force displacement curve from rest (0.5N) to max load (9.0N), was calculated for each cycle once per week. Ex vivo CT was conducted on all subjects. For ex vivo mechanical properties, non-CL left femurs underwent 3-point bending. In the proximal tibial metaphysis, HU decreased, CL increased, and ZOL increased the cancellous bone volume to total volume ratio by -26, +21, and +33, respectively. Similar trends held for trabecular thickness and number. Ex vivo left femur mechanical properties revealed HU decreased stiffness (-37),and ZOL mitigated the HU stiffness losses (+78). Data on the ex vivo Ultimate Force followed similar trends. After 3 weeks, HU decreased in vivo SEC (-16). The combination of CL+HU appeared additive in bone structure and mechanical properties. However, when HU + CL + ZOL were combined, ZOL had no additional effect (p0.05) on in vivo SEC. Structural data followed this trend with

  7. Adoptive transfer of ex vivo expanded Vγ9Vδ2 T cells in combination with zoledronic acid inhibits cancer growth and limits osteolysis in a murine model of osteolytic breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Zysk, Aneta; DeNichilo, Mark O; Panagopoulos, Vasilios; Zinonos, Irene; Liapis, Vasilios; Hay, Shelley; Ingman, Wendy; Ponomarev, Vladimir; Atkins, Gerald; Findlay, David; Zannettino, Andrew; Evdokiou, Andreas

    2017-02-01

    Bone metastases occur in over 75% of patients with advanced breast cancer and are responsible for high levels of morbidity and mortality. In this study, ex vivo expanded cytotoxic Vγ9Vδ2 T cells isolated from human peripheral blood were tested for their anti-cancer efficacy in combination with zoledronic acid (ZOL), using a mouse model of osteolytic breast cancer. In vitro, expanded Vγ9Vδ2 T cells were cytotoxic against a panel of human breast cancer cell lines, and ZOL pre-treatment further sensitised breast cancer cells to killing by Vγ9Vδ2 T cells. Vγ9Vδ2 T cells adoptively transferred into NOD/SCID mice localised to osteolytic breast cancer lesions in the bone, and multiple infusions of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells reduced tumour growth in the bone. ZOL pre-treatment potentiated the anti-cancer efficacy of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells, with mice showing further reductions in tumour burden. Mice treated with the combination also had reduced tumour burden of secondary pulmonary metastases, and decreased bone degradation. Our data suggests that adoptive transfer of Vγ9Vδ2 T cell in combination with ZOL may prove an effective immunotherapeutic approach for the treatment of breast cancer bone metastases. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

  8. Prospective observational study of treatment pattern, effectiveness and safety of zoledronic acid therapy beyond 24 months in patients with multiple myeloma or bone metastases from solid tumors.

    PubMed

    Van den Wyngaert, T; Delforge, M; Doyen, C; Duck, L; Wouters, K; Delabaye, I; Wouters, C; Wildiers, H

    2013-12-01

    To study the treatment patterns, effectiveness and safety of zoledronic acid (ZOL) beyond 2 years of therapy, given the paucity of data on long-term treatment in daily clinical practice. Patients with multiple myeloma (MM) or solid tumor bone metastases (STM) and at least 24 months of regular q3-4w ZOL therapy were followed prospectively for an additional 18 months beyond the 24 months required for study entry. End-points included ZOL exposure, incidence of skeletal related events (SRE), and safety. In all, 298 evaluable patients were enrolled. The mean continuation rate of ZOL was 90.6%. Exposure to ZOL decreased with time in all patients, but was lower (50.0% vs. 67.6%; p<0.001) and with higher discontinuation rates (incidence rate ratio [IRR]=1.95; p=0.002) in MM compared to the STM group. ZOL suppressed the rate of SREs similarly during the study as compared to before inclusion (0.12 vs. 0.13 events per person-year; p=0.7). At 18 months, 84.5% remained SRE-free. In STM patients, persistent ZOL therapy was associated with lower SRE risk (hazard ratio [HR]=0.42; p=0.01), but not in MM. Renal deterioration occurred in 3.7% and osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) developed in 6.0%, with dental trauma increasing ONJ risk (HR=4.67; p=0.002). Beyond 2 years of therapy, treatment patterns of ZOL were heterogeneous and SRE rates were low. The safety profile of ZOL was acceptable, and interrupting ZOL in patients with solid tumors was associated with a higher risk of SREs.

  9. Osteonecrosis of the jaw: effect of bisphosphonate type, local concentration, and acidic milieu on the pathomechanism.

    PubMed

    Otto, Sven; Pautke, Christoph; Opelz, Christine; Westphal, Ines; Drosse, Inga; Schwager, Joanna; Bauss, Frieder; Ehrenfeld, Michael; Schieker, Matthias

    2010-11-01

    Osteonecrosis of the jaw has been reported in patients receiving high doses of intravenous nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (N-BPs) because of malignant disease. The exact pathomechanisms have been elusive and questions of paramount importance remain unanswered. Recent studies have indicated toxic effects of bisphosphonates on different cell types, apart from osteoclast inhibition. Multipotent stem cells play an important role in the processes of wound healing and bone regeneration, which seem to be especially impaired in the jaws of patients receiving high doses of N-BPs. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of different bisphosphonate derivatives and dose levels combined with varying pH levels on the mesenchymal stem cells in vitro. The effect of 2 N-BPs (zoledronate and ibandronate) and 1 non-N-BP (clodronate) on immortalized mesenchymal stem cells was tested at different concentrations, reflecting 1, 3, and 6 months and 1, 3, 5, and 10 years of exposure to standard oncology doses of the 2 N-BPs and equimolar concentrations of clodronate at different pH values (7.4, 7.0, 6.7, and 6.3). Cell viability and activity were analyzed using a WST assay. Cell motility was investigated using scratch wound assays and visualized using time-lapse microscopy. Both types of bisphosphonates revealed remarkable differences. Zoledronate and ibandronate showed a dose- and pH-dependent cellular toxicity. Increasing concentrations of both N-BPs and an acidic milieu led to a significant decrease in cell viability and activity (P < .01), with more pronounced effects for zoledronate. Equimolar concentrations of clodronate did not affect the cell survival or activity significantly, apart from the effect of pH reduction itself, which was also detectable in the patients in the control group who did not receive bisphosphonates. Our results have shown that high concentrations of N-BPs and a local acidic milieu, which is commonly present in infections of

  10. Evaluation of the combined use of metronomic zoledronic acid and Coriolus versicolor in intratibial breast cancer mouse model.

    PubMed

    Ko, Chun-Hay; Yue, Grace Gar-Lee; Gao, Si; Luo, Ke-Wang; Siu, Wing-Sum; Shum, Wai-Ting; Shiu, Hoi-Ting; Lee, Julia Kin-Ming; Li, Gang; Leung, Ping-Chung; Evdokiou, Andreas; Lau, Clara Bik-San

    2017-05-23

    Coriolus versicolor (CV) is a mushroom traditionally used for strengthening the immune system and nowadays used as immunomodulatory adjuvant in anticancer therapy. Breast cancer usually metastasizes to the skeleton, interrupts the normal bone remodeling process and causes osteolytic bone lesions. The aims of the present study were to evaluate its herb-drug interaction with metronomic zoledronate in preventing cancer propagation, metastasis and bone destruction. Mice inoculated with human breast cancer cells tagged with a luciferase (MDA-MB-231-TXSA) in tibia were treated with CV aqueous extract, mZOL, or the combination of both for 4 weeks. Alteration of the luciferase signals in tibia, liver and lung were quantified using the IVIS imaging system. The skeletal response was evaluated using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). In vitro experiments were carried out to confirm the in vivo findings. Results showed that combination of CV and mZOL diminished tumor growth without increasing the incidence of lung and liver metastasis in intratibial breast tumor model. The combination therapy also reserved the integrity of bones. In vitro studies demonstrated that combined use of CV and mZOL inhibited cancer cell proliferation and osteoclastogenesis. These findings suggested that combination treatment of CV and mZOL attenuated breast tumor propagation, protected against osteolytic bone lesion without significant metastases. This study provides scientific evidences on the beneficial outcome of using CV together with mZOL in the management of breast cancer and metastasis, which may lead to the development of CV as adjuvant health supplement for the control of breast cancer. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Modification of rat detrusor muscle contraction by ascorbic acid and citric acid involving enhanced neurotransmitter release and Ca2+ influx.

    PubMed

    Dasgupta, Jaydip; Elliott, Ruth A; Tincello, Douglas G

    2009-01-01

    Consumption of carbonated soft drinks is independently associated with the development of overactive bladder (OR 1.41, 95% Cl 1.02-1.95). We have shown previously that artificial sweeteners, present in carbonated soft drinks, enhanced detrusor muscle contraction. Other constituents of soft drinks are preservatives and antioxidants, we evaluated the effects of two of these, ascorbic acid and citric acid, on the contractile response of isolated rat bladder muscle strips. Detrusor muscle strips were suspended in a perfusion organ bath. We determined the effect of ascorbic acid and citric acid on the contractile responses to electrical field stimulation (EFS) in the absence and presence of atropine, carbachol, alpha, beta methylene ATP, potassium and calcium. Ascorbic acid and citric acid (10(-7) M to 10(-3) M) enhanced the contractile response to 10 Hz EFS compared to control (P < 0.01). The frequency and amplitude of spontaneous bladder contractions were enhanced in the presence of ascorbic acid and citric acid by 14%, 21%, 21%, and 11% respectively. Ascorbic acid 10(-4) M significantly increased the atropine resistant response to EFS 5 Hz by 37% (P < 0.01) and inhibited contraction in response to carbachol 10(-4) M by 24%, (P < 0.05). Both ascorbic acid 10(-4) M and citric acid 10(-5) M significantly enhanced maximum contractile responses to alpha, beta methylene ATP, KCI and calcium compared to control. Ascorbic acid and citric acid augmented bladder muscle contraction possibly by enhanced Ca(2+) influx. Presynaptic neurotransmitter release was enhanced by ascorbic acid. Carbonated beverages containing preservatives may aggravate symptoms of OAB. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  12. A prodrug approach to enhance azelaic acid percutaneous availability.

    PubMed

    Al-Marabeh, Sara; Khalil, Enam; Khanfar, Mohammad; Al-Bakri, Amal G; Alzweiri, Muhammed

    2017-06-01

    Azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid compound used in treatment of acne vulgaris. However, high concentration (ca 20%) is needed to guarantee the drug availability in the skin. The latter increases the incidence of side effects such as local irritation. The prodrug strategy to enhance azelaic acid diffusion through skin was not reported before. Thus, a lipophilic prodrug of azelaic acid (diethyl azelate [DEA]) was synthesized and investigated to improve percutaneous availability of azelaic acid, with a subsequent full physical, chemical, and biological characterization. Expectedly, DEA exhibited a significant increase in diffusion compared to azelaic acid through silicone membrane. In contrast, the diffusion results through human stratum corneum (SC) displayed weaker permeation for DEA with expected retention in the SC. Therefore, a desorption study of DEA from SC was conducted to examine the reservoir behavior in SC. Results showed an evidence of sustained release behavior of DEA from SC. Consequently, enhancement of keratolytic effect is expected due to azelaic acid produced from enzymatic conversion of DEA released from SC.

  13. Combination Therapy with Zoledronic Acid and Parathyroid Hormone Improves Bone Architecture and Strength following a Clinically-Relevant Dose of Stereotactic Radiation Therapy for the Local Treatment of Canine Osteosarcoma in Athymic Rats

    PubMed Central

    Curtis, Ryan C.; Custis, James T.; Ehrhart, Nicole P.; Ehrhart, E. J.; Condon, Keith W.; Gookin, Sara E.; Donahue, Seth W.

    2016-01-01

    Clinical studies using definitive-intent stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT) for the local treatment of canine osteosarcoma (OSA) have shown canine patients achieving similar median survival times as the current standard of care (amputation and adjuvant chemotherapy). Despite this, there remains an unacceptable high risk of pathologic fracture following radiation treatment. Zoledronic acid (ZA) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) are therapeutic candidates for decreasing this fracture risk post-irradiation. Due to differing mechanisms, we hypothesized that the combined treatment with ZA and PTH would significantly improve bone healing more than ZA or PTH treatment alone. Using an orthotopic model of canine osteosarcoma in athymic rats, we evaluated bone healing following clinically-relevant doses of radiation therapy (12 Gy x 3 fractions, 36 Gy total). Groups included 36 Gy SRT only, 36 Gy SRT plus ZA, 36 Gy SRT plus ZA and PTH, 36 Gy SRT plus PTH, and 36 Gy SRT plus localized PTH treatment. Our study showed significant increases in bone volume and increased polar moments of inertia (in the distal femoral metaphysis) 8 weeks after radiation in the combined (ZA/PTH) treatment group as compared to radiation treatment alone. Histomorphometric analysis revealed evidence of active mineralization at the study endpoint as well as successful tumor-cell kill across all treatment groups. This work provides further evidence for the expanding potential indications for ZA and PTH therapy, including post-irradiated bone disease due to osteosarcoma. PMID:27332712

  14. Combination Therapy with Zoledronic Acid and Parathyroid Hormone Improves Bone Architecture and Strength following a Clinically-Relevant Dose of Stereotactic Radiation Therapy for the Local Treatment of Canine Osteosarcoma in Athymic Rats.

    PubMed

    Curtis, Ryan C; Custis, James T; Ehrhart, Nicole P; Ehrhart, E J; Condon, Keith W; Gookin, Sara E; Donahue, Seth W

    2016-01-01

    Clinical studies using definitive-intent stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT) for the local treatment of canine osteosarcoma (OSA) have shown canine patients achieving similar median survival times as the current standard of care (amputation and adjuvant chemotherapy). Despite this, there remains an unacceptable high risk of pathologic fracture following radiation treatment. Zoledronic acid (ZA) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) are therapeutic candidates for decreasing this fracture risk post-irradiation. Due to differing mechanisms, we hypothesized that the combined treatment with ZA and PTH would significantly improve bone healing more than ZA or PTH treatment alone. Using an orthotopic model of canine osteosarcoma in athymic rats, we evaluated bone healing following clinically-relevant doses of radiation therapy (12 Gy x 3 fractions, 36 Gy total). Groups included 36 Gy SRT only, 36 Gy SRT plus ZA, 36 Gy SRT plus ZA and PTH, 36 Gy SRT plus PTH, and 36 Gy SRT plus localized PTH treatment. Our study showed significant increases in bone volume and increased polar moments of inertia (in the distal femoral metaphysis) 8 weeks after radiation in the combined (ZA/PTH) treatment group as compared to radiation treatment alone. Histomorphometric analysis revealed evidence of active mineralization at the study endpoint as well as successful tumor-cell kill across all treatment groups. This work provides further evidence for the expanding potential indications for ZA and PTH therapy, including post-irradiated bone disease due to osteosarcoma.

  15. Gelatin- hydroxyapatite- calcium sulphate based biomaterial for long term sustained delivery of bone morphogenic protein-2 and zoledronic acid for increased bone formation: In-vitro and in-vivo carrier properties.

    PubMed

    Raina, Deepak Bushan; Larsson, David; Mrkonjic, Filip; Isaksson, Hanna; Kumar, Ashok; Lidgren, Lars; Tägil, Magnus

    2018-02-28

    In this study, a novel macroporous composite biomaterial consisting of gelatin-hydroxyapatite-calcium sulphate for delivery of bone morphogenic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) and zoledronic acid (ZA) has been developed. The biomaterial scaffold has a porous structure and functionalization of the scaffold with rhBMP-2 induces osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-e1 cells seen by a significant increase in biochemical and genetic markers of osteoblastic differentiation. In-vivo muscle pouch experiments showed higher mineralization using scaffold+rhBMP-2 when compared to an approved absorbable collagen sponge (ACS)+rhBMP-2 as verified by micro-CT. Co-delivery of rhBMP-2+ZA via the novel scaffold enabled a reduction in the effective rhBMP-2 doses. The presence of tartrate resistant acid phosphatase staining in the rhBMP-2 group indicates osteoclastic resorption, which could be stalled by adding ZA, which by speculation could explain the net increase in mineralization. The new scaffold allowed for slow release of rhBMP-2 in-vitro (3.3±0.1%) after 4weeks. Using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), the release kinetics of 125 I-rhBMP-2 in-vivo was followed for 4weeks and a total of 65.3±15.2% 125 I-rhBMP-2 was released from the scaffolds. In-vitro 14 C-ZA release curve shows an initial burst release on day 1 (8.8±0.7%) followed by a slow release during the following 4weeks (13±0.1%). In-vivo, an initial release of 43.2±7.6% of 14 C-ZA was detected after 1day, after which the scaffold retained the remaining ZA during 4-weeks. Taken together, our results show that the developed biomaterial is an efficient carrier for spatio-temporal delivery of rhBMP-2 and ZA leading to increased bone formation compared to commercially available carrier for rhBMP-2. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Method for enhancing amidohydrolase activity of fatty acid amide hydrolase

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

    John, George; Nagarajan, Subbiah; Chapman, Kent

    A method for enhancing amidohydrolase activity of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) is disclosed. The method comprising administering a phenoxyacyl-ethanolamide that causes the enhanced activity. The enhanced activity can have numerous effects on biological organisms including, for example, enhancing the growth of certain seedlings.

  17. The use of fatty acid esters to enhance free acid sophorolipid synthesis.

    PubMed

    Ashby, Richard D; Solaiman, Daniel K Y; Foglia, Thomas A

    2006-02-01

    Fatty acid esters were prepared by transesterification of soy oil with methanol (methyl-soyate, Me-Soy), ethanol (ethyl-soyate, Et-Soy) and propanol (propyl-soyate, Pro-Soy) and used with glycerol as fermentation substrates to enhance production of free-acid sophorolipids (SLs). Fed-batch fermentations of Candida bombicola resulted in SL yields of 46 +/- 4 g/l, 42 +/- 7 g/l and 18 +/- 6 g/l from Me-Soy, Et-Soy, and Pro-Soy, respectively. Liquid chromatography with atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometry (LC/API-MS) showed that Me-Soy resulted in 71% open-chain SLs with 59% of those molecules remaining esterified at the carboxyl end of the fatty acids. Et-Soy and Pro-Soy resulted in 43% and 80% open-chain free-acid SLs, respectively (containing linoleic acid and oleic acid as the principal fatty acid species linked to the sophorose sugar at the omega-1 position), with no evidence of residual esterification.

  18. Method for enhancing amidohydrolase activity of fatty acid amide hydrolase

    DOEpatents

    John, George; Nagarajan, Subbiah; Chapman, Kent; Faure, Lionel; Koulen, Peter

    2016-10-25

    A method for enhancing amidohydrolase activity of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) is disclosed. The method comprising administering a phenoxyacylethanolamide that causes the enhanced activity. The enhanced activity can have numerous effects on biological organisms including, for example, enhancing the growth of certain seedlings. The subject matter disclosed herein relates to enhancers of amidohydrolase activity.

  19. Zoledronate Triggers Vδ2 T Cells to Destroy and Kill Spheroids of Colon Carcinoma: Quantitative Image Analysis of Three-Dimensional Cultures.

    PubMed

    Varesano, Serena; Zocchi, Maria Raffaella; Poggi, Alessandro

    2018-01-01

    New successful anti-cancer strategies are based on the stimulation of immune reaction against tumors: however, preclinical testing of such treatments is still a challenge. To improve the screening of anti-cancer drugs, three-dimensional (3D) culture systems, including spheroids, have been validated as preclinical models. We propose the spheroid 3D system to test anti-tumor drug-induced immune responses. We show that colorectal carcinoma (CRC) spheroids, generated with the epithelial growth factor (EGF), can be co-cultured with Vδ2 T cells to evaluate the anti-tumor activity of these effector lymphocytes. By computerized image analysis, the precise and unbiased measure of perimeters and areas of tumor spheroids is achievable, beside the calculation of their volume. CRC spheroid size is related to ATP content and cell number, as parameters for cell metabolism and proliferation; in turn, crystal violet staining can check the viability of cells inside the spheroids to detect tumor killing by Vδ2 T cells. In this 3D cultures, we tested (a) zoledronate that is known to activate Vδ2 T cells and (b) the therapeutic anti-EGF receptor humanized antibody cetuximab that can elicit the antibody-dependent cytotoxicity of tumor cells by effector lymphocytes. Zoledronate triggers Vδ2 T cells to kill and degrade CRC spheroids; we detected the T-cell receptor dependency of zoledronate effect, conceivably due to the recognition of phosphoantigens produced as a drug effect on target cell metabolism. In addition, cetuximab triggered Vδ2 T lymphocytes to exert the antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity of CRC spheroids. Finally, the system reveals differences in the sensitivity of CRC cell lines to the action of Vδ2 T lymphocytes and in the efficiency of anti-tumor effectors from distinct donors. A limitation of this model is the absence of cells, including fibroblasts, that compose tumor microenvironment and influence drug response. Nevertheless, the system can be improved by

  20. Effective combination treatment of GD2-expressing neuroblastoma and Ewing's sarcoma using anti-GD2 ch14.18/CHO antibody with Vγ9Vδ2+ γδT cells.

    PubMed

    Fisher, Jonathan P H; Flutter, Barry; Wesemann, Florian; Frosch, Jennifer; Rossig, Claudia; Gustafsson, Kenth; Anderson, John

    Gamma delta T lymphocytes (γδT cells) have pleiotropic properties including innate cytotoxicity, which make them attractive effectors for cancer immunotherapy. Combination treatment with zoledronic acid and IL-2 can activate and expand the most common subset of blood γδT, which express the Vγ9Vδ2 T cell receptor (TCR) (Vδ2 T cells). Vγ9Vδ2 T cells are equipped for antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) through expression of the low-affinity FcγR CD16. GD2 is a highly ranked tumor associated antigen for immunotherapy due to bright expression on the cell surface, absent expression on normal tissues and availability of therapeutic antibodies with known efficacy in neuroblastoma. To explore the hypothesis that zoledronic acid, IL-2 and anti-GD2 antibodies will synergize in a therapeutic combination, we evaluated in vitro cytotoxicity and tumor growth inhibition in the GD2 expressing cancers neuroblastoma and Ewing's sarcoma. Vδ2 T cells exert ADCC against GD2-expressing Ewing's sarcoma and neuroblastoma cell lines, an effect which correlates with the brightness of GD2 expression. In an immunodeficient mouse model of small established GD2-expressing Ewing's sarcoma or neuroblastoma tumors, the combination of adoptively transferred Vδ2+ T cells, expanded in vitro with zoledronic acid and IL-2, with anti-GD2 antibody ch14.18/CHO, and with systemic zoledronic acid, significantly suppressed tumor growth compared to antibody or γδT cell-free controls. Combination treatment using ch14.18/CHO, zoledronic acid and IL-2 is more effective than their use in isolation. The already-established safety profiles of these agents make testing of the combination in GD2 positive cancers such as neuroblastoma or Ewing's sarcoma both rational and feasible.

  1. Effective combination treatment of GD2-expressing neuroblastoma and Ewing's sarcoma using anti-GD2 ch14.18/CHO antibody with Vγ9Vδ2+ γδT cells

    PubMed Central

    Fisher, Jonathan P H; Flutter, Barry; Wesemann, Florian; Frosch, Jennifer; Rossig, Claudia; Gustafsson, Kenth; Anderson, John

    2016-01-01

    Gamma delta T lymphocytes (γδT cells) have pleiotropic properties including innate cytotoxicity, which make them attractive effectors for cancer immunotherapy. Combination treatment with zoledronic acid and IL-2 can activate and expand the most common subset of blood γδT, which express the Vγ9Vδ2 T cell receptor (TCR) (Vδ2 T cells). Vγ9Vδ2 T cells are equipped for antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) through expression of the low-affinity FcγR CD16. GD2 is a highly ranked tumor associated antigen for immunotherapy due to bright expression on the cell surface, absent expression on normal tissues and availability of therapeutic antibodies with known efficacy in neuroblastoma. To explore the hypothesis that zoledronic acid, IL-2 and anti-GD2 antibodies will synergize in a therapeutic combination, we evaluated in vitro cytotoxicity and tumor growth inhibition in the GD2 expressing cancers neuroblastoma and Ewing's sarcoma. Vδ2 T cells exert ADCC against GD2-expressing Ewing's sarcoma and neuroblastoma cell lines, an effect which correlates with the brightness of GD2 expression. In an immunodeficient mouse model of small established GD2-expressing Ewing's sarcoma or neuroblastoma tumors, the combination of adoptively transferred Vδ2+ T cells, expanded in vitro with zoledronic acid and IL-2, with anti-GD2 antibody ch14.18/CHO, and with systemic zoledronic acid, significantly suppressed tumor growth compared to antibody or γδT cell-free controls. Combination treatment using ch14.18/CHO, zoledronic acid and IL-2 is more effective than their use in isolation. The already-established safety profiles of these agents make testing of the combination in GD2 positive cancers such as neuroblastoma or Ewing's sarcoma both rational and feasible. PMID:26942051

  2. Retrospective evaluation of the clinical benefit of long-term continuous use of zoledronic acid in patients with lung cancer and bone metastases.

    PubMed

    Henk, Henry J; Kaura, Satyin; Teitelbaum, April

    2012-01-01

    For patients with bone metastases, skeletal-related events including fracture are common, can cause considerable morbidity, and may reduce overall survival (OS). This retrospective analysis assessed the effect of Zometa (zoledronic acid, ZOL), an intravenous bisphosphonate (IV-BP), on fracture risk and OS in patients with bone metastases from lung cancer (LC). (Zometa is a registered trademark of Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, USA.) A claims-based analysis using commercial and Medicare Advantage data from >45 US managed-care plans was used to evaluate the association between fracture risk and treatment persistency (31-90, 91-180, 181-365, and ≥366 days) and follow-up duration in LC patients diagnosed with bone metastases between 01/01/2001 and 12/31/2006 and treated with ZOL or without (no IV-BP). Persistency was defined as the absence of a >45-day gap between ZOL treatments. Analysis of variance tests were used to compare follow-up duration, a proxy for OS, between ZOL persistency groups. The effect of time to treatment with ZOL was also assessed. In 9874 LC patients with bone metastases (n = 1090 ZOL; n = 8784 no IV-BP) the unadjusted relative fracture risk was reduced by 40% with ZOL vs no IV-BP; fracture risk decreased consistently with increasing duration of ZOL treatment. Even short-term (31-90 days) ZOL significantly reduced fracture risk (47%) vs no IV-BP (p = 0.005) with adjustment for differences in demographic and clinical characteristics. Delaying ZOL until after bone metastases were diagnosed significantly increased fracture risk (p = 0.0017). For a sub-set of patients included in a survival analysis (n = 550 ZOL; n = 4512 no IV-BP), mortality was significantly lower (mean, 38.6 vs 46.8 deaths/100 person-years; p = 0.038) in those treated with ZOL vs no IV-BP. Interpretation of this claims-based analysis must be tempered by the inherent limitations of observational data, such as limited clinical information and the

  3. Osteogenesis imperfecta type V: Genetic and clinical findings in eleven Chinese patients.

    PubMed

    Liu, Yi; Wang, Jiawei; Ma, Doudou; Lv, Fang; Xu, Xiaojie; Xia, Weibo; Jiang, Yan; Wang, Ou; Xing, Xiaoping; Zhou, Peiran; Wang, Jianyi; Yu, Wei; Li, Mei

    2016-11-01

    Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) type V is a rare inherited disease characterized by multiple fractures, intraosseous membrane calcification, and hypercallus formation. We investigate the causative gene, phenotype and also observe the effects of zoledronic acid in Chinese OI type V patients. The clinical phenotype and causative gene mutation was investigated in eleven patients with type V OI. Patients were given a dose of zoledronic acid 5mg intravenously. Fracture incidence and Z-score of bone mineral density (BMD) were evaluated. Serum levels of biomarkers such as cross linked C-telopeptide of type I collagen (β-CTX) and safety parameters were assessed. The c.-14C>T mutation in the 5' untranslated region of IFITM5 was detected in all patients. The phenotype was largely variable, and no significant correlation of genotype and phenotype was found. After one dose of zoledronic acid infusion, fracture incidence significantly dropped from 2fractures/year before treatment to 0fracture/year after treatment (P=0.01). Z score of lumbar spine BMD elevated from -2.6 to -1.3 (P<0.001). Serum β-CTX level decreased by 50% (P<0.05). No serious adverse event was found. No obvious correlation was found between the genotype and phenotype. Zoledronic acid had significantly skeletal protective effects in OI of type V. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. Bone turnover and periprosthetic bone loss after cementless total hip arthroplasty can be restored by zoledronic acid: a prospective, randomized, open-label, controlled trial.

    PubMed

    Huang, Tsan-Wen; Wang, Chao-Jan; Shih, Hsin-Nung; Chang, Yuhan; Huang, Kuo-Chin; Peng, Kuo-Ti; Lee, Mel S

    2017-05-22

    Although the loss of bone mineral density (BMD) after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a known problem, it remains unresolved. This study prospectively examined the effect of zoledronic acid (ZA) on bone turnover and BMD after cementless THA. Between January 2010 and August 2011, 60 patients who underwent cementless THA were randomly assigned to receive either ZA infusion or placebo (0.9% normal saline only) postoperatively. ZA was administered at 2 day and 1 year postoperatively. Periprosthetic BMD in seven Gruen zones was assessed preoperatively and at given time points for 2 years. Serum markers of bone turnover, functional scales, and adverse events were recorded. Each group contained 27 patients for the final analysis. The loss of BMD across all Gruen zones (significantly in zones 1 and 7) up to 2 years postoperatively was noted in the placebo group. BMD was significantly higher in the ZA group than in the placebo group in Gruen zones 1, 2, 6, and 7 at 1 year and in Gruen zones 1, 6, and 7 at 2 years (p < 0.05). Compared with baseline measures of BMD, the ZA group had increased BMD in zones 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7 at 1 year and in zones 1, 4, 6, and 7 at 2 years (p < 0.05). Serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and N-telopeptide of procollagen I levels were significantly increased at 6 weeks in the placebo group and decreased after 3 months in the ZA group. A transient decrease in osteocalcin level was found at 6 months in the ZA group. Functional scales and adverse events were not different between the two groups. The loss of periprosthetic BMD, especially in the proximal femur (zones 1 and 7), after cementless THA could be effectively reverted using ZA. In addition, bone turnover markers were suppressed until 2 years postoperatively following ZA administration. Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Protocol Record 98-1150A3, Prevention of Periprosthetic Bone Loss After Total Hip Replacement by Annual Bisphosphonate Therapy, has been reviewed and

  5. Biliary tract enhancement in gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI correlates with liver function biomarkers.

    PubMed

    Noda, Yoshifumi; Goshima, Satoshi; Kajita, Kimihiro; Kawada, Hiroshi; Kawai, Nobuyuki; Koyasu, Hiromi; Matsuo, Masayuki; Bae, Kyongtae T

    2016-11-01

    To evaluate the association between gadoxetic-acid-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging measurements and laboratory and clinical biomarkers of liver function and fibrosis. One hundred thirty nine consecutive patients with suspected liver disease or liver tumor underwent gadoxetic-acid-enhanced MR imaging. MR imaging measurements during the hepatobiliary phase included biliary tract structure-to-muscle signal intensity ratio (SIR). These measurements were compared with Child-Pugh classification, end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI). The SIRs of cystic duct and common bile duct were significantly correlated with Child-Pugh classification (P=0.012 for cystic duct and P<0.0001 for common bile duct), MELD score (P=0.0016 and P=0.0033), and APRI (P=0.0022 and P=0.0015). The sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve were: (74%, 88%, 0.86) with the SIR of common bile duct for the detection of patients with Child-Pugh class B or C; (100%, 87%, 0.94) with the SIR of cystic duct for MELD score (>10); (65%, 76%, 0.70) with the SIR of common bile duct for APRI (>1.5). Gadoxetic-acid contrast enhancement of cystic duct and common bile duct could be used as biomarkers to assess liver function. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Light-enhanced acid catalysis over a metal-organic framework.

    PubMed

    Xu, Caiyun; Sun, Keju; Zhou, Yu-Xiao; Ma, Xiao; Jiang, Hai-Long

    2018-03-06

    A Brønsted acid-functionalized metal-organic framework (MOF), MIL-101-SO 3 H, was prepared for acid-engaged esterification reactions. Strikingly, for the first time, the MOF exhibits significantly light-enhanced activity and possesses excellent activity and recyclability, with even higher activity than H 2 SO 4 under light irradiation.

  7. Enhancing Fatty Acid Production of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as an Animal Feed Supplement.

    PubMed

    You, Seung Kyou; Joo, Young-Chul; Kang, Dae Hee; Shin, Sang Kyu; Hyeon, Jeong Eun; Woo, Han Min; Um, Youngsoon; Park, Chulhwan; Han, Sung Ok

    2017-12-20

    Saccharomyces cerevisiae is used for edible purposes, such as human food or as an animal feed supplement. Fatty acids are also beneficial as feed supplements, but S. cerevisiae produces small amounts of fatty acids. In this study, we enhanced fatty acid production of S. cerevisiae by overexpressing acetyl-CoA carboxylase, thioesterase, and malic enzyme associated with fatty acid metabolism. The enhanced strain pAMT showed 2.4-fold higher fatty acids than the wild-type strain. To further increase the fatty acids, various nitrogen sources were analyzed and calcium nitrate was selected as an optimal nitrogen source for fatty acid production. By concentration optimization, 672 mg/L of fatty acids was produced, which was 4.7-fold higher than wild-type strain. These results complement the low level fatty acid production and make it possible to obtain the benefits of fatty acids as an animal feed supplement while, simultaneously, maintaining the advantages of S. cerevisiae.

  8. Enhanced solubility and antioxidant activity of chlorogenic acid-chitosan conjugates due to the conjugation of chitosan with chlorogenic acid.

    PubMed

    Rui, Liyun; Xie, Minhao; Hu, Bing; Zhou, Li; Saeeduddin, Muhammad; Zeng, Xiaoxiong

    2017-08-15

    Chlorogenic acid-chitosan conjugate was synthesized by introducing of chlorogenic acid onto chitosan with the aid of 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide and hydroxybenzotriazole. The data of UV-vis, FT-IR and NMR for chlorogenic acid-chitosan conjugates demonstrated the successful conjugation of chlorogenic acid with chitosan. Compared to chitosan, chlorogenic acid-chitosan conjugates exhibited increased solubility in distilled water, 1% acetic acid solution (v/v) or 50% ethanol solution (v/v) containing 0.5% acetic acid. Moreover, chlorogenic acid-chitosan conjugates showed dramatic enhancements in metal ion chelating activity, total antioxidant capacity, scavenging activities on 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) and superoxide radicals, inhibitory effects on lipid peroxidation and β-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching, and protective effect on H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative injury of PC12 cells. Particularly, chlorogenic acid-chitosan conjugate exhibited higher inhibitory effects on lipid peroxidation and β-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching than chlorogenic acid. The results suggested that chlorogenic acid-chitosan conjugates could serve as food supplements to enhance the function of foods in future. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. Successful treatment with denosumab in a patient with sacral giant cell tumor of bone refractory to combination therapy with arterial embolization and zoledronic acid: A case report

    PubMed Central

    Nishimura, Shunji; Hashimoto, Kazuhiko; Tan, Akihiro; Yagyu, Yukinobu; Akagi, Masao

    2017-01-01

    Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is commonly treated with surgery; however, surgery of GCTB in the sacrum may be challenging due to the associated risk. A conservative approach may be selective arterial embolization or zoledronic acid (ZOL) treatment; however, there are currently no studies investigating the efficacy of combining these two treatments. Denosumab may also be used; however, to the best of our knowledge, there are no reports of a stepwise approach for the use of all three treatments in a single patient. We herein present such a case. A 32-year-old woman diagnosed with sacral GCTB was treated with selective arterial embolization for 3 months. No improvement was observed, and monthly infusions of ZOL were added (administered 2 weeks after each arterial embolization treatment). Ten months after the initiation of ZOL, there was still no improvement. The therapy was changed to denosumab 120 mg, injected subcutaneously once a month. By the third dose, the buttock pain had decreased and the patient became ambulatory. At 5 and 10 months, computed tomography scans revealed bone sclerosis gradually appearing around the sacrum. By 1 year, needle biopsy detected no neoplastic cells. At that point, the patient discontinued treatment, as there was hepatic function impairment due to a history of hepatitis B. Despite treatment discontinuation, the patient exhibited no further symptoms, there were no signs of progression on radiography, and surgery was not required. Our patient experienced treatment failure with selective arterial embolization. The combination of ZOL with selective arterial embolization also did not improve the patient's condition. Denosumab was found to be superior to both treatments, achieving tumor remission. The patient remains symptom- and disease-free. Further studies are required, but our results suggest that patients with unresectable GCTB who fail to respond to selective arterial embolization may benefit from denosumab treatment, but not from

  10. Nucleic acid molecules conferring enhanced ethanol tolerance and microorganisms having enhanced tolerance to ethanol

    DOEpatents

    Brown, Steven; Guss, Adam; Yang, Shihui; Karpinets, Tatiana; Lynd, Lee; Shao, Xiongjun

    2014-01-14

    The present invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules which encode a mutant acetaldehyde-CoA/alcohol dehydrogenase or mutant alcohol dehydrogenase and confer enhanced tolerance to ethanol. The invention also provides related expression vectors, genetically engineered microorganisms having enhanced tolerance to ethanol, as well as methods of making and using such genetically modified microorganisms for production of biofuels based on fermentation of biomass materials.

  11. Simple amides of oleanolic acid as effective penetration enhancers.

    PubMed

    Bednarczyk-Cwynar, Barbara; Partyka, Danuta; Zaprutko, Lucjusz

    2015-01-01

    Transdermal transport is now becoming one of the most convenient and safe pathways for drug delivery. In some cases it is necessary to use skin penetration enhancers in order to allow for the transdermal transport of drugs that are otherwise insufficiently skin-permeable. A series of oleanolic acid amides as potential transdermal penetration enhancers was formed by multistep synthesis and the synthesis of all newly prepared compounds is presented. The synthetized amides of oleanolic acid were tested for their in vitro penetration promoter activity. The above activity was evaluated by means of using the Fürst method. The relationships between the chemical structure of the studied compounds and penetration activity are presented.

  12. Simple Amides of Oleanolic Acid as Effective Penetration Enhancers

    PubMed Central

    Bednarczyk-Cwynar, Barbara; Partyka, Danuta; Zaprutko, Lucjusz

    2015-01-01

    Transdermal transport is now becoming one of the most convenient and safe pathways for drug delivery. In some cases it is necessary to use skin penetration enhancers in order to allow for the transdermal transport of drugs that are otherwise insufficiently skin-permeable. A series of oleanolic acid amides as potential transdermal penetration enhancers was formed by multistep synthesis and the synthesis of all newly prepared compounds is presented. The synthetized amides of oleanolic acid were tested for their in vitro penetration promoter activity. The above activity was evaluated by means of using the Fürst method. The relationships between the chemical structure of the studied compounds and penetration activity are presented. PMID:26010090

  13. Reaction of 3-Amino-1,2,4-Triazole with Diethyl Phosphite and Triethyl Orthoformate: Acid-Base Properties and Antiosteoporotic Activities of the Products.

    PubMed

    Miszczyk, Patrycja; Wieczorek, Dorota; Gałęzowska, Joanna; Dziuk, Błażej; Wietrzyk, Joanna; Chmielewska, Ewa

    2017-02-08

    The reaction of diethyl phosphite with triethyl orthoformate and a primary amine followed by hydrolysis is presented, and the reaction was suitable for the preparation of (aminomethylene)bisphosphonates. 3-Amino-1,2,4-triazole was chosen as an interesting substrate for this reaction because it possesses multiple groups that can serve as the amino component in the reaction-namely, the side-chain and triazole amines. This substrate readily forms 1,2,4-triazolyl-3-yl-aminomethylenebisphosphonic acid (compound 1 ) as a major product, along with N -ethylated bisphosphonates as side products. The in vitro antiproliferative effects of the synthesized aminomethylenebisphosphonic acids against J774E macrophages were determined. These compounds exhibit similar activity to zoledronic acid and higher activity than incadronic acid.

  14. Study of Valproic Acid-Enhanced Hepatocyte Steatosis

    PubMed Central

    Chang, Renin; Chou, Mei-Chia; Hung, Li-Ying; Wang, Mu-En; Hsu, Meng-Chieh; Chiu, Chih-Hsien

    2016-01-01

    Valproic acid (VPA) is one of the most widely used antiepilepsy drugs. However, several side effects, including weight gain and fatty liver, have been reported in patients following VPA treatment. In this study, we explored the molecular mechanisms of VPA-induced hepatic steatosis using FL83B cell line-based in vitro model. Using fluorescent lipid staining technique, we found that VPA enhanced oleic acid- (OLA-) induced lipid accumulation in a dose-dependent manner in hepatocytes; this may be due to upregulated lipid uptake, triacylglycerol (TAG) synthesis, and lipid droplet formation. Real-time PCR results showed that, following VPA treatment, the expression levels of genes encoding cluster of differentiation 36 (Cd36), low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (Lrp1), diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (Dgat2), and perilipin 2 (Plin2) were increased, that of carnitine palmitoyltransferase I a (Cpt1a) was not affected, and those of acetyl-Co A carboxylase α (Acca) and fatty acid synthase (Fasn) were decreased. Furthermore, using immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry analyses, we found that VPA also induced peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) nuclear translocation and increased levels of cell-surface CD36. Based on these results, we propose that VPA may enhance OLA-induced hepatocyte steatosis through the upregulation of PPARγ- and CD36-dependent lipid uptake, TAG synthesis, and lipid droplet formation. PMID:27034954

  15. Gallic Acid Is an Antagonist of Semen Amyloid Fibrils That Enhance HIV-1 Infection.

    PubMed

    LoRicco, Josephine G; Xu, Changmingzi Sherry; Neidleman, Jason; Bergkvist, Magnus; Greene, Warner C; Roan, Nadia R; Makhatadze, George I

    2016-07-01

    Recent in vitro studies have demonstrated that amyloid fibrils found in semen from healthy and HIV-infected men, as well as semen itself, can markedly enhance HIV infection rates. Semen fibrils are made up of multiple naturally occurring peptide fragments derived from semen. The best characterized of these fibrils are SEVI (semen-derived enhancer of viral infection), made up of residues 248-286 of prostatic acidic phosphatase, and the SEM1 fibrils, made up of residues 86-107 of semenogelin 1. A small molecule screen for antagonists of semen fibrils identified four compounds that lowered semen-mediated enhancement of HIV-1 infectivity. One of the four, gallic acid, was previously reported to antagonize other amyloids and to exert anti-inflammatory effects. To better understand the mechanism by which gallic acid modifies the properties of semen amyloids, we performed biophysical measurements (atomic force microscopy, electron microscopy, confocal microscopy, thioflavin T and Congo Red fluorescence assays, zeta potential measurements) and quantitative assays on the effects of gallic acid on semen-mediated enhancement of HIV infection and inflammation. Our results demonstrate that gallic acid binds to both SEVI and SEM1 fibrils and modifies their surface electrostatics to render them less cationic. In addition, gallic acid decreased semen-mediated enhancement of HIV infection but did not decrease the inflammatory response induced by semen. Together, these observations identify gallic acid as a non-polyanionic compound that inhibits semen-mediated enhancement of HIV infection and suggest the potential utility of incorporating gallic acid into a multicomponent microbicide targeting both the HIV virus and host components that promote viral infection. © 2016 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  16. Gallic Acid Is an Antagonist of Semen Amyloid Fibrils That Enhance HIV-1 Infection*

    PubMed Central

    LoRicco, Josephine G.; Xu, Changmingzi Sherry; Neidleman, Jason; Bergkvist, Magnus; Greene, Warner C.; Roan, Nadia R.; Makhatadze, George I.

    2016-01-01

    Recent in vitro studies have demonstrated that amyloid fibrils found in semen from healthy and HIV-infected men, as well as semen itself, can markedly enhance HIV infection rates. Semen fibrils are made up of multiple naturally occurring peptide fragments derived from semen. The best characterized of these fibrils are SEVI (semen-derived enhancer of viral infection), made up of residues 248–286 of prostatic acidic phosphatase, and the SEM1 fibrils, made up of residues 86–107 of semenogelin 1. A small molecule screen for antagonists of semen fibrils identified four compounds that lowered semen-mediated enhancement of HIV-1 infectivity. One of the four, gallic acid, was previously reported to antagonize other amyloids and to exert anti-inflammatory effects. To better understand the mechanism by which gallic acid modifies the properties of semen amyloids, we performed biophysical measurements (atomic force microscopy, electron microscopy, confocal microscopy, thioflavin T and Congo Red fluorescence assays, zeta potential measurements) and quantitative assays on the effects of gallic acid on semen-mediated enhancement of HIV infection and inflammation. Our results demonstrate that gallic acid binds to both SEVI and SEM1 fibrils and modifies their surface electrostatics to render them less cationic. In addition, gallic acid decreased semen-mediated enhancement of HIV infection but did not decrease the inflammatory response induced by semen. Together, these observations identify gallic acid as a non-polyanionic compound that inhibits semen-mediated enhancement of HIV infection and suggest the potential utility of incorporating gallic acid into a multicomponent microbicide targeting both the HIV virus and host components that promote viral infection. PMID:27226574

  17. Ab initio design of drug carriers for zoledronate guest molecule using phosphonated and sulfonated calix[4]arene and calix[4]resorcinarene host molecules

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jang, Yong-Man; Yu, Chol-Jun; Kim, Jin-Song; Kim, Song-Un

    2018-04-01

    Monomolecular drug carriers based on calix[n]-arenes and -resorcinarenes containing the interior cavity can enhance the affinity and specificity of the osteoporosis inhibitor drug zoledronate (ZOD). In this work we investigate the suitability of nine different calix[4]-arenes and -resorcinarenes based macrocycles as hosts for the ZOD guest molecule by conducting {\\it ab initio} density functional theory calculations for structures and energetics of eighteen different host-guest complexes. For the optimized molecular structures of the free, phosphonated, sulfonated calix[4]-arenes and -resorcinarenes, the geometric sizes of their interior cavities are measured and compared with those of the host-guest complexes in order to check the appropriateness for host-guest complex formation. Our calculations of binding energies indicate that in gaseous states some of the complexes might be unstable but in aqueous states almost all of the complexes can be formed spontaneously. Of the two different docking ways, the insertion of ZOD with the \\ce{P-C-P} branch into the cavity of host is easier than that with the nitrogen containing heterocycle of ZOD. The work will open a way for developing effective drug delivering systems for the ZOD drug and promote experimentalists to synthesize them.

  18. Bisphosphonates enhance bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on bone hydroxyapatite.

    PubMed

    Kos, Marcin; Junka, Adam; Smutnicka, Danuta; Szymczyk, Patrycja; Gluza, Karolina; Bartoszewicz, Marzenna

    2015-07-01

    Because of the suspicion that bisphosphonates enhance bacterial colonization, this study evaluated adhesion and biofilm formation by Streptococcus mutans 25175, Staphylococcus aureus 6538, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 14454 reference strains on hydroxyapatite coated with clodronate, pamidronate, or zoledronate. Bacterial strains were cultured on bisphosphonate-coated and noncoated hydroxyapatite discs. After incubation, nonadhered bacteria were removed by centrifugation. Biofilm formation was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Bacterial colonization was estimated using quantitative cultures compared by means with Kruskal-Wallis and post-hoc Student-Newman-Keuls tests. Modeling of the interactions between bisphosphonates and hydroxyapatite was performed using the Density Functional Theory method. Bacterial colonization of the hydroxyapatite discs was significantly higher for all tested strains in the presence of bisphosphonates vs. Adherence in the presence of pamidronate was higher than with other bisphosphonates. Density Functional Theory analysis showed that the protonated amine group of pamidronate, which are not present in clodronate or zoledronate, forms two additional hydrogen bonds with hydroxyapatite. Moreover, the reactive cationic amino group of pamidronate may attract bacteria by direct electrostatic interaction. Increased bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation can promote osteomyelitis, cause failure of dental implants or bisphosphonate-coated joint prostheses, and complicate bone surgery in patients on bisphosphonates. Copyright © 2015 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Engineering acyl carrier protein to enhance production of shortened fatty acids.

    PubMed

    Liu, Xueliang; Hicks, Wade M; Silver, Pamela A; Way, Jeffrey C

    2016-01-01

    The acyl carrier protein (ACP) is an essential and ubiquitous component of microbial synthesis of fatty acids, the natural precursor to biofuels. Natural fatty acids usually contain long chains of 16 or more carbon atoms. Shorter carbon chains, with increased fuel volatility, are desired for internal combustion engines. Engineering the length specificity of key proteins in fatty acid metabolism, such as ACP, may enable microbial synthesis of these shorter chain fatty acids. We constructed a homology model of the Synechococcus elongatus ACP, showing a hydrophobic pocket harboring the growing acyl chain. Amino acids within the pocket were mutated to increase steric hindrance to the acyl chain. Certain mutant ACPs, when over-expressed in Escherichia coli, increased the proportion of shorter chain lipids; I75 W and I75Y showed the strongest effects. Expression of I75 W and I75Y mutant ACPs also increased production of lauric acid in E. coli that expressed the C12-specific acyl-ACP thioesterase from Cuphea palustris. We engineered the specificity of the ACP, an essential protein of fatty acid metabolism, to alter the E. coli lipid pool and enhance production of medium-chain fatty acids as biofuel precursors. These results indicate that modification of ACP itself could be combined with enzymes affecting length specificity in fatty acid synthesis to enhance production of commodity chemicals based on fatty acids.

  20. Lactic acid bacteria: promising supplements for enhancing the biological activities of kombucha.

    PubMed

    Nguyen, Nguyen Khoi; Dong, Ngan Thi Ngoc; Nguyen, Huong Thuy; Le, Phu Hong

    2015-01-01

    Kombucha is sweetened black tea that is fermented by a symbiosis of bacteria and yeast embedded within a cellulose membrane. It is considered a health drink in many countries because it is a rich source of vitamins and may have other health benefits. It has previously been reported that adding lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus) strains to kombucha can enhance its biological functions, but in that study only lactic acid bacteria isolated from kefir grains were tested. There are many other natural sources of lactic acid bacteria. In this study, we examined the effects of lactic acid bacteria from various fermented Vietnamese food sources (pickled cabbage, kefir and kombucha) on kombucha's three main biological functions: glucuronic acid production, antibacterial activity and antioxidant ability. Glucuronic acid production was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, antibacterial activity was assessed by the agar-well diffusion method and antioxidant ability was evaluated by determining the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity. Four strains of food-borne pathogenic bacteria were used in our antibacterial experiments: Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19111, Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028 and Bacillus cereus ATCC 11778. Our findings showed that lactic acid bacteria strains isolated from kefir are superior to those from other sources for improving glucuronic acid production and enhancing the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of kombucha. This study illustrates the potential of Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus plantarum isolated from kefir as biosupplements for enhancing the bioactivities of kombucha.

  1. Oleic Acid enhances all-trans retinoic Acid loading in nano-lipid emulsions.

    PubMed

    Chinsriwongkul, Akhayachatra; Opanasopit, Praneet; Ngawhirunpat, Tanasait; Rojanarata, Theerasak; Sila-On, Warisada; Ruktanonchai, Uracha

    2010-01-01

    The aim of this study was to investigate the enhancement of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) loading in nano-lipid emulsions and stability by using oleic acid. The effect of formulation factors including initial ATRA concentration and the type of oil on the physicochemical properties, that is, percentage yield, percentage drug release, and photostability of formulations, was determined. The solubility of ATRA was increased in the order of oleic acid > MCT > soybean oil > water. The physicochemical properties of ATRA-loaded lipid emulsion, including mean particle diameter and zeta potential, were modulated by changing an initial ATRA concentration as well as the type and mixing ratio of oil and oleic acid as an oil phase. The particles of lipid emulsions had average sizes of less than 250 nm and negative zeta potential. The addition of oleic acid in lipid emulsions resulted in high loading capacity. The photodegradation rate was found to be dependent on the initial drug concentration but independent of the type of oily phase used in this study. The release rates were not affected by initial ATRA concentration but were affected by the type of oil, where oleic acid showed the highest release rate of ATRA from lipid emulsions.

  2. THE ENHANCEMENT OF CHLOROFORM-INDUCED PLASMA PROTEOLYTIC ACTIVITY BY EPSILON AMINOCAPROIC ACID

    PubMed Central

    Donaldson, Virginia H.; Ratnoff, Oscar D.

    1962-01-01

    The proteolytic activity in chloroform-treated plasma euglobulins has been attributed to plasmin. Plasmin can digest both casein and fibrin. Epsilon aminocaproic acid, which inhibits the activation of plasminogen, the precursor of plasmin, by streptokinase, urokinase, and tissue activators enhanced the development of casein hydrolytic activity in a mixture of chloroform and plasma euglobulins. Fibrinolytic activity was also enhanced, but this was evident only if the epsilon aminocaproic acid was removed from the chloroform-treated euglobulins prior to assay. The reasons for the paradoxical enhancement of chloroform-induced casein hydrolysis by euglobulins containing epsilon aminocaproic acid are unclear. However, studies of optimal pH, heat stability, and the effect of ionic strength on the activation of the precursor of this proteolytic enzyme do not differentiate it from plasminogen. PMID:13887179

  3. Increased Production of Fatty Acids and Triglycerides in Aspergillus oryzae by Enhancing Expressions of Fatty Acid Synthesis-Related Genes

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

    Tamano, Koichi; Bruno, Kenneth S.; Karagiosis, Sue A.

    2013-01-01

    Microbial production of fats and oils is being developedas a means of converting biomass to biofuels. Here we investigate enhancing expression of enzymes involved in the production of fatty acids and triglycerides as a means to increase production of these compounds in Aspergillusoryzae. Examination of the A.oryzaegenome demonstrates that it contains twofatty acid synthases and several other genes that are predicted to be part of this biosynthetic pathway. We enhancedthe expressionof fatty acid synthesis-related genes by replacing their promoters with thepromoter fromthe constitutively highly expressedgene tef1. We demonstrate that by simply increasing the expression of the fatty acid synthasegenes wemore » successfullyincreasedtheproduction of fatty acids and triglyceridesby more than two fold. Enhancement of expression of the fatty acid pathway genes ATP-citrate lyase and palmitoyl-ACP thioesteraseincreasedproductivity to a lesser extent.Increasing expression ofacetyl-CoA carboxylase caused no detectable change in fatty acid levels. Increases in message level for each gene were monitored usingquantitative real-time RT-PCR. Our data demonstrates that a simple increase in the abundance of fatty acid synthase genes can increase the detectable amount of fatty acids.« less

  4. Perfluorodecanoic acid enhances the formation of oleic acid in rat liver.

    PubMed Central

    Yamamoto, A; Kawashima, Y

    1997-01-01

    The feeding of perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) to male rats at a dietary concentration of 0.005% (w/w) for 7 days resulted in a marked increase in the activity of microsomal stearoyl-CoA desaturation in the liver. This increase in the overall desaturation activity was due to the induction of terminal desaturase among the components comprising the desaturation system. In contrast, PFDA inhibited desaturation in vitro, seemingly due to interference with electron transport through the desaturation system. Accordingly, PFDA can be an inducer and also an inhibitor of delta9-desaturation. PFDA feeding enhanced the conversion of radioactive stearic acid into oleic acid in the liver in vivo, indicating that the induction of delta9-desaturase by PFDA functions in vivo. PFDA feeding increased the mass of octadecenoic acid (C18:1) in the liver and the proportion of C18:1 in microsomal lipid. A highly significant linear correlation existed between the microsomal desaturase activity and the proportion of C18:1 in microsomal lipid when compared using rats in five different physiological states: control, PFDA-fed, p-chlorophenoxyisobutyric acid (clofibric acid)-fed, starved and starved/refed. These results suggest that the increase in the hepatic level of C18:1 caused by feeding of PFDA to rats can be explained by the common concept of regulation, i.e. the hepatic level of C18:1 is under the control of delta9-desaturase. The dietary administration of PFDA also increased the content of cytochrome P-450 and the activity of 7-ethoxycoumarin O-de-ethylase in the liver. PMID:9230124

  5. Enhancing charge storage of conjugated polymer electrodes with phenolic acids

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wagner, Michal; Rębiś, Tomasz; Inganäs, Olle

    2016-01-01

    We here present studies of electrochemical doping of poly(1-aminoanthraquinone) (PAAQ) films with three structurally different phenolic acids. The examined phenolic acids (sinapic, ferulic and syringic acid) were selected due to their resemblance to redox active groups, which can be found in lignin. The outstanding electrochemical stability of PAAQ films synthesized for this work enabled extensive cycling of phenolic acid-doped PAAQ films. Potentiodynamic and charge-discharge studies revealed that phenolic acid-doped PAAQ films exhibited enhanced capacitance in comparison to undoped PAAQ films, together with appearance of redox activity characteristics specific for each dopant. Electrochemical kinetic studies performed on microelectrodes affirmed the fast electron transfer for hydroquinone-to-quinone reactions with these phenolic compounds. These results imply the potential application of phenolic acids in cheap and degradable energy storage devices.

  6. Enhanced Nitrogen Availability in Karst Ecosystems by Oxalic Acid Release in the Rhizosphere

    PubMed Central

    Pan, Fujing; Liang, Yueming; Zhang, Wei; Zhao, Jie; Wang, Kelin

    2016-01-01

    In karst ecosystems, a high level of CaCO3 enhances the stabilization of soil organic matter (SOM) and causes nitrogen (N) and/or phosphorus (P) limitation in plants. Oxalic acid has been suggested to be involved in the nutrient-acquisition strategy of plants because its addition can temporarily relieve nutrient limitation. Therefore, understanding how oxalic acid drives N availability may help support successful vegetation restoration in the karst ecosystems of southwest China. We tested a model suggested by Clarholm et al. (2015) where oxalate reacts with Ca bridges in SOM, thus exposing previously protected areas to enzymatic attacks in a way that releases N for local uptake. We studied the effects of oxalic acid, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and β-1,4-N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG) on potential N mineralization rates in rhizosphere soils of four plant species (two shrubs and two trees) in karst areas. The results showed that rhizosphere soils of shrubs grown on formerly deforested land had significantly lower oxalic acid concentrations and NAG activity than that of trees in a 200-year-old forest. The levels of MBC in rhizosphere soils of shrubs were significantly lower than those of trees in the growing season, but the measure of shrubs and trees were similar in the non-growing season; the potential N mineralization rates showed a reverse pattern. Positive relationships were found among oxalic acid, MBC, NAG activity, and potential N mineralization rates for both shrubs and trees. This indicated that oxalic acid, microbes, and NAG may enhance N availability for acquisition by plants. Path analysis showed that oxalic acid enhanced potential N mineralization rates indirectly through inducing microbes and NAG activities. We found that the exudation of oxalic acid clearly provides an important mechanism that allows plants to enhance nutrient acquisition in karst ecosystems. PMID:27252713

  7. Oleic acid-enhanced transdermal delivery pathways of fluorescent nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lo, Wen; Ghazaryan, Ara; Tso, Chien-Hsin; Hu, Po-Sheng; Chen, Wei-Liang; Kuo, Tsung-Rong; Lin, Sung-Jan; Chen, Shean-Jen; Chen, Chia-Chun; Dong, Chen-Yuan

    2012-05-01

    Transdermal delivery of nanocarriers provides an alternative pathway to transport therapeutic agents, alleviating pain, improving compliance of patients, and increasing overall effectiveness of delivery. In this work, enhancement of transdermal delivery of fluorescent nanoparticles and sulforhodamine B with assistance of oleic acid was visualized utilizing multiphoton microscopy (MPM) and analyzed quantitatively using multi-photon excitation-induced fluorescent signals. Results of MPM imaging and MPM intensity-based spatial depth-dependent analysis showed that oleic acid is effective in facilitating transdermal delivery of nanoparticles.

  8. Trehalose accumulation enhances tolerance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to acetic acid.

    PubMed

    Yoshiyama, Yoko; Tanaka, Koichi; Yoshiyama, Kohei; Hibi, Makoto; Ogawa, Jun; Shima, Jun

    2015-02-01

    Trehalose confers protection against various environmental stresses on yeast cells. In this study, trehalase gene deletion mutants that accumulate trehalose at high levels showed significant stress tolerance to acetic acid. The enhancement of trehalose accumulation can thus be considered a target in the breeding of acetic acid-tolerant yeast strains. Copyright © 2014 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. Adding Celecoxib With or Without Zoledronic Acid for Hormone-Naïve Prostate Cancer: Long-Term Survival Results From an Adaptive, Multiarm, Multistage, Platform, Randomized Controlled Trial

    PubMed Central

    Mason, Malcolm D.; Clarke, Noel W.; James, Nicholas D.; Dearnaley, David P.; Spears, Melissa R.; Ritchie, Alastair W.S.; Attard, Gerhardt; Cross, William; Jones, Rob J.; Parker, Christopher C.; Russell, J. Martin; Thalmann, George N.; Schiavone, Francesca; Cassoly, Estelle; Matheson, David; Millman, Robin; Rentsch, Cyrill A.; Barber, Jim; Gilson, Clare; Ibrahim, Azman; Logue, John; Lydon, Anna; Nikapota, Ashok D.; O’Sullivan, Joe M.; Porfiri, Emilio; Protheroe, Andrew; Srihari, Narayanan Nair; Tsang, David; Wagstaff, John; Wallace, Jan; Walmsley, Catherine; Parmar, Mahesh K.B.; Sydes, Matthew R.

    2017-01-01

    Purpose Systemic Therapy for Advanced or Metastatic Prostate Cancer: Evaluation of Drug Efficacy is a randomized controlled trial using a multiarm, multistage, platform design. It recruits men with high-risk, locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer who were initiating long-term hormone therapy. We report survival data for two celecoxib (Cel)-containing comparisons, which stopped accrual early at interim analysis on the basis of failure-free survival. Patients and Methods Standard of care (SOC) was hormone therapy continuously (metastatic) or for ≥ 2 years (nonmetastatic); prostate (± pelvic node) radiotherapy was encouraged for men without metastases. Cel 400 mg was administered twice a day for 1 year. Zoledronic acid (ZA) 4 mg was administered for six 3-weekly cycles, then 4-weekly for 2 years. Stratified random assignment allocated patients 2:1:1 to SOC (control), SOC + Cel, or SOC + ZA + Cel. The primary outcome measure was all-cause mortality. Results were analyzed with Cox proportional hazards and flexible parametric models adjusted for stratification factors. Results A total of 1,245 men were randomly assigned (Oct 2005 to April 2011). Groups were balanced: median age, 65 years; 61% metastatic, 14% N+/X M0, 25% N0M0; 94% newly diagnosed; median prostate-specific antigen, 66 ng/mL. Median follow-up was 69 months. Grade 3 to 5 adverse events were seen in 36% SOC-only, 33% SOC + Cel, and 32% SOC + ZA + Cel patients. There were 303 control arm deaths (83% prostate cancer), and median survival was 66 months. Compared with SOC, the adjusted hazard ratio was 0.98 (95% CI, 0.80 to 1.20; P = .847; median survival, 70 months) for SOC + Cel and 0.86 (95% CI, 0.70 to 1.05; P =.130; median survival, 76 months) for SOC + ZA + Cel. Preplanned subgroup analyses in men with metastatic disease showed a hazard ratio of 0.78 (95% CI, 0.62 to 0.98; P = .033) for SOC + ZA + Cel. Conclusion These data show no overall evidence of improved survival with Cel. Preplanned

  10. Adding Celecoxib With or Without Zoledronic Acid for Hormone-Naïve Prostate Cancer: Long-Term Survival Results From an Adaptive, Multiarm, Multistage, Platform, Randomized Controlled Trial.

    PubMed

    Mason, Malcolm D; Clarke, Noel W; James, Nicholas D; Dearnaley, David P; Spears, Melissa R; Ritchie, Alastair W S; Attard, Gerhardt; Cross, William; Jones, Rob J; Parker, Christopher C; Russell, J Martin; Thalmann, George N; Schiavone, Francesca; Cassoly, Estelle; Matheson, David; Millman, Robin; Rentsch, Cyrill A; Barber, Jim; Gilson, Clare; Ibrahim, Azman; Logue, John; Lydon, Anna; Nikapota, Ashok D; O'Sullivan, Joe M; Porfiri, Emilio; Protheroe, Andrew; Srihari, Narayanan Nair; Tsang, David; Wagstaff, John; Wallace, Jan; Walmsley, Catherine; Parmar, Mahesh K B; Sydes, Matthew R

    2017-05-10

    Purpose Systemic Therapy for Advanced or Metastatic Prostate Cancer: Evaluation of Drug Efficacy is a randomized controlled trial using a multiarm, multistage, platform design. It recruits men with high-risk, locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer who were initiating long-term hormone therapy. We report survival data for two celecoxib (Cel)-containing comparisons, which stopped accrual early at interim analysis on the basis of failure-free survival. Patients and Methods Standard of care (SOC) was hormone therapy continuously (metastatic) or for ≥ 2 years (nonmetastatic); prostate (± pelvic node) radiotherapy was encouraged for men without metastases. Cel 400 mg was administered twice a day for 1 year. Zoledronic acid (ZA) 4 mg was administered for six 3-weekly cycles, then 4-weekly for 2 years. Stratified random assignment allocated patients 2:1:1 to SOC (control), SOC + Cel, or SOC + ZA + Cel. The primary outcome measure was all-cause mortality. Results were analyzed with Cox proportional hazards and flexible parametric models adjusted for stratification factors. Results A total of 1,245 men were randomly assigned (Oct 2005 to April 2011). Groups were balanced: median age, 65 years; 61% metastatic, 14% N+/X M0, 25% N0M0; 94% newly diagnosed; median prostate-specific antigen, 66 ng/mL. Median follow-up was 69 months. Grade 3 to 5 adverse events were seen in 36% SOC-only, 33% SOC + Cel, and 32% SOC + ZA + Cel patients. There were 303 control arm deaths (83% prostate cancer), and median survival was 66 months. Compared with SOC, the adjusted hazard ratio was 0.98 (95% CI, 0.80 to 1.20; P = .847; median survival, 70 months) for SOC + Cel and 0.86 (95% CI, 0.70 to 1.05; P =.130; median survival, 76 months) for SOC + ZA + Cel. Preplanned subgroup analyses in men with metastatic disease showed a hazard ratio of 0.78 (95% CI, 0.62 to 0.98; P = .033) for SOC + ZA + Cel. Conclusion These data show no overall evidence of improved survival with Cel. Preplanned

  11. Vγ9Vδ2 T cells and zoledronate mediate antitumor activity in an orthotopic mouse model of human chondrosarcoma.

    PubMed

    Sun, L; Li, Y; Jiang, Z; Zhang, J; Li, H; Li, B; Ye, Z

    2016-06-01

    Chondrosarcoma (CS) is a cartilaginous malignant neoplasm characterized by resistance to conventional adjuvant therapy. The prognosis of unresectable or metastatic CS is poor. Therefore, it is imperative to explore novel therapeutic approaches to improve the treatment efficacy for those CS patients. Emerging data has implicated the synergistic antitumor activity of zoledronate (ZOL) and Vγ9Vδ2 T cells. However, whether ZOL-stimulated Vγ9Vδ2 T cells could infiltrate bone sarcoma and inhibit tumor growth has not been thoroughly answered yet. In this study, Vγ9Vδ2 T cells from healthy donors and CS patients were expanded in the presence of ZOL (1 μM) and IL-2 (400 IU/ml). The antitumor activity of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells to ZOL-pretreated human CS was examined both in vitro and in vivo. ZOL pretreatment substantially enhanced the cytotoxicity of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells to SW1353 and primary CS cells. ZOL potentiated the migration and cytotoxicity of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells to SW1353 in dose- and time-dependent manner. Moreover, weekly intravenous ZOL followed by Vγ9Vδ2 T cells inhibited subcutaneous xenograft growth. Thus, Vγ9Vδ2 T cells were able to infiltrate bone tumor and significantly suppressed the development of orthotopic SW1353 xenografts. Altogether, the study raises the possibility of combining ZOL with Vγ9Vδ2 T cells for CS treatment.

  12. Energetic particle-induced enhancements of stratospheric nitric acid

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Aikin, Arthur C.

    1994-01-01

    Inclusion of complete ion chemistry in the calculation of minor species production during energetic particle deposition events leads to significant enhancement in the calculated nitric acid concentration during precipitation. An ionization rate of 1.2 x 10(exp 3)/cu cm/s imposed for 1 day increases HNO3 from 3 x 10(exp 5) to 6 x 10(exp 7)/cu cm at 50 km. With an ionization rate of 600 cu cm/s, the maximum HNO3 is 3 x 10(exp 7)/cu cm. Calculations which neglect negative ions predict the nitric acid will fall during precipitation events. The decay time for converting HNO3 into odd nitrogen and hydrogen is more than 1 day for equinoctial periods at 70 deg latitude. Examination of nitric acid data should yield important information on the magnitude and frequency of charged particle events.

  13. Humic acids enhance the microbially mediated release of sedimentary ferrous iron.

    PubMed

    Chang, Chun-Han; Wei, Chia-Cheng; Lin, Li-Hung; Tu, Tzu-Hsuan; Liao, Vivian Hsiu-Chuan

    2016-03-01

    Iron (Fe) is an essential element for many organisms, but high concentrations of iron can be toxic. The complex relation between iron, arsenic (As), bacteria, and organic matter in sediments and groundwater is still an issue of environmental concern. The present study addresses the effects of humic acids and microorganisms on the mobilization of iron in sediments from an arsenic-affected area, and the microbial diversity was analyzed. The results showed that the addition of 50, 100, and 500 mg/L humic acids enhanced ferrous iron (Fe(II)) release in a time-dependent and dose-dependent fashion under anaerobic conditions. A significant increase in the soluble Fe(II) concentrations occurred in the aqueous phases of the samples during the first 2 weeks, and aqueous Fe(II) reached its maximum concentrations after 8 weeks at the following Fe(II) concentrations: 28.95 ± 1.16 mg/L (original non-sterilized sediments), 32.50 ± 0.71 mg/L (50 mg/L humic acid-amended, non-sterilized sediments), 37.50 ± 1.85 mg/L (100 mg/L humic acid-amended, non-sterilized sediments), and 39.00 ± 0.43 mg/L (500 mg/L humic acid-amended, non-sterilized sediments). These results suggest that humic acids can further enhance the microbially mediated release of sedimentary iron under anaerobic conditions. By contrast, very insignificant amounts of iron release were observed from sterilized sediments (the abiotic controls), even with the supplementation of humic acids under anaerobic incubation. In addition, the As(III) release was increased from 50 ± 10 μg/L (original non-sterilized sediments) to 110 ± 45 μg/L (100 mg/L humic acid-amended, non-sterilized sediments) after 8 weeks of anaerobic incubation. Furthermore, a microbial community analysis indicated that the predominant class was changed from Alphaproteobacteria to Deltaproteobacteria, and clearly increased populations of Geobacter sp., Paludibacter sp., and Methylophaga sp. were found after adding humic acids

  14. Synergistic Combination of Unquenching and Plasmonic Fluorescence Enhancement in Fluorogenic Nucleic Acid Hybridization Probes.

    PubMed

    Vietz, Carolin; Lalkens, Birka; Acuna, Guillermo P; Tinnefeld, Philip

    2017-10-11

    Fluorogenic nucleic acid hybridization probes are widely used for detecting and quantifying nucleic acids. The achieved sensitivity strongly depends on the contrast between a quenched closed form and an unquenched opened form with liberated fluorescence. So far, this contrast was improved by improving the quenching efficiency of the closed form. In this study, we modularly combine these probes with optical antennas used for plasmonic fluorescence enhancement and study the effect of the nanophotonic structure on the fluorescence of the quenched and the opened form. As quenched fluorescent dyes are usually enhanced more by fluorescence enhancement, a detrimental reduction of the contrast between closed and opened form was anticipated. In contrast, we could achieve a surprising increase of the contrast with full additivity of quenching of the dark form and fluorescence enhancement of the bright form. Using single-molecule experiments, we demonstrate that the additivity of the two mechanisms depends on the perfect quenching in the quenched form, and we delineate the rules for new nucleic acid probes for enhanced contrast and absolute brightness. Fluorogenic hybridization probes optimized not only for quenching but also for the brightness of the open form might find application in nucleic acid assays with PCR avoiding detection schemes.

  15. In vitro digestion with bile acids enhances the bioaccessibility of kale polyphenols.

    PubMed

    Yang, Isabelle; Jayaprakasha, Guddarangavvanahally K; Patil, Bhimanagouda

    2018-02-21

    Kale (Brassica oleracea) is a leafy green vegetable belonging to the Brassicaceae family, and kale leaves have large amounts of dietary fiber and polyphenolics. Dietary fiber can bind bile acids, thus potentially decreasing cholesterol levels; however, whether the polyphenols from kale contribute to in vitro bile acid binding capacity remains unclear. In the present study, kale was extracted with hexane, acetone, and MeOH : water and the dried extracts, as well as the fiber-rich residue, were tested for their bile acid binding capacity. The fiber-rich residue bound total bile acids in amounts equivalent to that bound by raw kale. The lyophilized acetone extract bound significantly more glycochenodeoxycholate and glycodeoxycholate and less of other bile acids. To test whether bile acid binding enhanced the bioaccessibility of polyphenolic compounds from kale, we used ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization/quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry to identify chemical constituents and measure their bioaccessibility in an in vitro digestion reaction. This identified 36 phenolic compounds in kale, including 18 kaempferol derivatives, 13 quercetin derivatives, 4 sinapoyl derivatives, and one caffeoylquinic acid. The bioaccessibility of these phenolics was significantly higher (69.4%) in digestions with bile acids. Moreover, bile acids enhanced the bioaccessibility of quercetin by 25 times: only 2.7% of quercetin derivatives were bioaccessible in the digestion without bile acids, but with bile acids, their accessibility increased to 69.5%. Bile acids increased the bioaccessibility of kaempferol from 37.7% to 69.2%. The extractability and biostability of total phenolics in the digested residue increased 1.8 fold in the digestions with bile acids. These results demonstrated the potential use of kale to improve human health.

  16. Enhancing fluorescence intensity of Ellagic acid in Borax-HCl-CTAB micelles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Feng; Huang, Wei; Zhang, Shuai; Liu, Guokui; Li, Kexiang; Tang, Bo

    2011-03-01

    Ellagic acid (C 14H 6O 8), a naturally occurring phytochemical, found mainly in berries and some nuts, has anticarcinogenic and antioxidant properties. It is found that fluorescence of Ellagic acid (EA) is greatly enhanced by micelle of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) surfactant. Based on this effect, a sensitive proposed fluorimetric method was applied for the determination of Ellagic acid in aqueous solution. In the Borax-HCl buffer, the fluorescence intensity of Ellagic acid in the presence of CTAB is proportional to the concentration of Ellagic acid in range from 8.0 × 10 -10 to 4.0 × 10 -5 mol L -1; and the detection limits are 3.2 × 10 -10 mol L -1 and 5.9 × 10 -10 mol L -1 excited at 266 nm and 388 nm, respectively. The actual samples of pomegranate rinds are simply manipulated and satisfactorily determined. The interaction mechanism studies argue that the negative EA-Borax complex is formed and solubilized in the cationic surfactant CTAB micelle in this system. The fluorescence intensity of EA enhances because the CTAB micelle provides a hydrophobic microenvironment for EA-Borax complex, which can prevent collision with water molecules and decrease the energy loss of EA-Borax complex.

  17. KINETIC ASPECTS OF CATION-ENHANCED AGGREGATION IN AQUEOUS HUMIC ACIDS. (R822832)

    EPA Science Inventory

    The cation-enhanced formation of hydrophobic domains in aqueous humic acids has been shown to be a slow process, consistent with the evolution and disintegration of humic acid configurations over periods lasting from days to weeks. After the addition of a magnesium salt to a humi...

  18. Ursolic acid enhances pentobarbital-induced sleeping behaviors via GABAergic neurotransmission in mice.

    PubMed

    Jeon, Se Jin; Park, Ho Jae; Gao, Qingtao; Pena, Irene Joy Dela; Park, Se Jin; Lee, Hyung Eun; Woo, Hyun; Kim, Hee Jin; Cheong, Jae Hoon; Hong, Eunyoung; Ryu, Jong Hoon

    2015-09-05

    Prunella vulgaris is widely used as a herbal medicine for cancers, inflammatory diseases, and other infections. Although it has long been used, few studies have examined its effects on central nervous system function. Here, we first observed that ethanolic extracts of P. vulgaris (EEPV) prolonged pentobarbital-induced sleep duration in mice. It is known that EEPV consists of many active components including triterpenoid (ursolic acid and oleanolic acid), which have many biological activities. Therefore, we evaluated which EEPV components induced sleep extension in pentobarbital-mediated sleeping model in mice. Surprisingly, despite their structural similarity and other common functions such as anti-inflammation, anti-cancer, and tissue protection, only ursolic acid enhanced sleep duration in pentobarbital-treated mice. These results were attenuated by bicuculline treatment, which is a GABAA receptor antagonist. The present results suggest that ursolic acid from P. vulgaris enhances sleep duration through GABAA receptor activation and could be a therapeutic candidate for insomnia treatment. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Microhydration and the Enhanced Acidity of Free Radicals.

    PubMed

    Walton, John C

    2018-02-14

    Recent theoretical research employing a continuum solvent model predicted that radical centers would enhance the acidity (RED-shift) of certain proton-donor molecules. Microhydration studies employing a DFT method are reported here with the aim of establishing the effect of the solvent micro-structure on the acidity of radicals with and without RED-shifts. Microhydration cluster structures were obtained for carboxyl, carboxy-ethynyl, carboxy-methyl, and hydroperoxyl radicals. The numbers of water molecules needed to induce spontaneous ionization were determined. The hydration clusters formed primarily round the CO₂ units of the carboxylate-containing radicals. Only 4 or 5 water molecules were needed to induce ionization of carboxyl and carboxy-ethynyl radicals, thus corroborating their large RED-shifts.

  20. Deglacial diatom production in the tropical North Atlantic driven by enhanced silicic acid supply

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hendry, Katharine R.; Gong, Xun; Knorr, Gregor; Pike, Jennifer; Hall, Ian R.

    2016-03-01

    Major shifts in ocean circulation are thought to be responsible for abrupt changes in temperature and atmospheric CO2 during the last deglaciation, linked to variability in meridional heat transport and deep ocean carbon storage. There is also widespread evidence for shifts in biological production during these times of deglacial CO2 rise, including enhanced diatom production in regions such as the tropical Atlantic. However, it remains unclear as to whether this diatom production was driven by enhanced wind-driven upwelling or density-driven vertical mixing, or by elevated thermocline concentrations of silicic acid supplied to the surface at a constant rate. Here, we demonstrate that silicic acid supply at depth in the NE Atlantic was enhanced during the abrupt climate events of the deglaciation. We use marine sediment archives to show that an increase in diatom production during abrupt climate shifts could only occur in regions of the NE Atlantic where the deep supply of silicic acid could reach the surface. The associated changes are indicative of enhanced regional wind-driven upwelling and/or weakened stratification due to circulation changes during phases of weakened Atlantic meridional overturning. Globally near-synchronous pulses of diatom production and enhanced thermocline concentrations of silicic acid suggest that widespread deglacial surface-driven breakdown of stratification, linked to changes in atmospheric circulation, had major consequences for biological productivity and carbon cycling.

  1. Metabolic engineering of Clostridium tyrobutyricum for enhanced butyric acid production with high butyrate/acetate ratio.

    PubMed

    Suo, Yukai; Ren, Mengmeng; Yang, Xitong; Liao, Zhengping; Fu, Hongxin; Wang, Jufang

    2018-05-01

    Butyric acid fermentation by Clostridium couples with the synthesis of acetic acid. But the presence of acetic acid reduces butyric acid yield and increases separation and purification costs of butyric acid. Hence, enhancing the butyrate/acetate ratio is important for economical butyric acid production. This study indicated that enhancing the acetyl-CoA to butyrate flux by overexpression of both the butyryl-CoA/acetate CoA transferase (cat1) and crotonase (crt) genes in C. tyrobutyricum could significantly reduce acetic acid concentration. Fed-batch fermentation of ATCC 25755/cat1 + crt resulted in increased butyrate/acetate ratio of 15.76 g/g, which was 2.24-fold higher than that of the wild-type strain. Furthermore, in order to simultaneously increase the butyrate/acetate ratio, butyric acid concentration and productivity, the recombinant strain ATCC 25755/ppcc (co-expression of 6-phosphofructokinase (pfkA) gene, pyruvate kinase (pykA) gene, cat1, and crt) was constructed. Consequently, ATCC 25755/ppcc produced more butyric acid (46.8 vs. 35.0 g/L) with a higher productivity (0.83 vs. 0.49 g/L·h) and butyrate/acetate ratio (13.22 vs. 7.22 g/g) as compared with the wild-type strain in batch fermentation using high glucose concentration (120 g/L). This study demonstrates that enhancing the acetyl-CoA to butyrate flux is an effective way to reduce acetic acid production and increase butyrate/acetate ratio.

  2. Unsaturated fatty acids lactose esters: cytotoxicity, permeability enhancement and antimicrobial activity.

    PubMed

    Lucarini, Simone; Fagioli, Laura; Campana, Raffaella; Cole, Hannah; Duranti, Andrea; Baffone, Wally; Vllasaliu, Driton; Casettari, Luca

    2016-10-01

    Sugar based surfactants conjugated with fatty acid chains are an emerging broad group of highly biocompatible and biodegradable compounds with established and potential future applications in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries. In this work, we investigated absorption enhancing and antimicrobial properties of disaccharide lactose, monoesterified with unsaturated fatty acids through an enzymatic synthetic approach. After chemical and cytotoxicity characterizations, their permeability enhancing activity was demonstrated using intestinal Caco-2 monolayers through transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and permeability studies. The synthesized compounds, namely lactose palmitoleate (URB1076) and lactose nervonate (URB1077), were shown to exhibit antimicrobial activity versus eight pathogenic species belonging to Gram-positive, Gram-negative microorganisms and fungi. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. A novel bisphosphonate inhibitor of squalene synthase combined with a statin or a nitrogenous bisphosphonate in vitro[S

    PubMed Central

    Wasko, Brian M.; Smits, Jacqueline P.; Shull, Larry W.; Wiemer, David F.; Hohl, Raymond J.

    2011-01-01

    Statins and nitrogenous bisphosphonates (NBP) inhibit 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme-A reductase (HMGCR) and farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FDPS), respectively, leading to depletion of farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) and disruption of protein prenylation. Squalene synthase (SQS) utilizes FPP in the first committed step from the mevalonate pathway toward cholesterol biosynthesis. Herein, we have identified novel bisphosphonates as potent and specific inhibitors of SQS, including the tetrasodium salt of 9-biphenyl-4,8-dimethyl-nona-3,7-dienyl-1,1-bisphosphonic acid (compound 5). Compound 5 reduced cholesterol biosynthesis and lead to a substantial intracellular accumulation of FPP without reducing cell viability in HepG2 cells. At high concentrations, lovastatin and zoledronate impaired protein prenylation and decreased cell viability, which limits their potential use for cholesterol depletion. When combined with lovastatin, compound 5 prevented lovastatin-induced FPP depletion and impairment of protein farnesylation. Compound 5 in combination with the NBP zoledronate completely prevented zoledronate-induced impairment of both protein farnesylation and geranylgeranylation. Cotreatment of cells with compound 5 and either lovastatin or zoledronate was able to significantly prevent the reduction of cell viability caused by lovastatin or zoledronate alone. The combination of an SQS inhibitor with an HMGCR or FDPS inhibitor provides a rational approach for reducing cholesterol synthesis while preventing nonsterol isoprenoid depletion. PMID:21903868

  4. Overexpression of heart-type fatty acid binding protein enhances fatty acid-induced podocyte injury.

    PubMed

    Gao, Qing; Sarkar, Alhossain; Chen, Yizhi; Xu, Bo; Zhu, Xiaojuan; Yuan, Yang; Guan, Tianjun

    2018-02-01

    Deregulated lipid metabolism is a characteristic of metabolic diseases including type 2 diabetes and obesity, and likely contributes to podocyte injury and end-stage kidney disease. Heart-type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP) was reported to be associated with lipid metabolism. The present study investigated whether H-FABP contributes to podocyte homeostasis. Podocytes were transfected by lentiviral vector to construct a cell line which stably overexpressed H-FABP. Small interfering RNA capable of effectively silencing H-FABP was introduced into podocytes to construct a cell line with H-FABP knockdown. Certain groups were treated with palmitic acid (PA) and the fat metabolism, as well as inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were measured. PA accelerated lipid metabolism derangement, inflammatory reaction and oxidative stress in podocytes. Overexpression of H-FABP enhanced the PA-induced disequilibrium in podocytes. The mRNA and protein expression levels of acyl-coenzyme A oxidase 3 and monocyte chemotactic protein 1, and the protein expression levels of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and 4-hydroxynonenal were upregulated in the H-FABP overexpression group, while the mRNA and protein expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α was downregulated. Knockdown of H-FABP inhibited the PA-induced injury and lipid metabolism derangement, as well as the inflammatory reaction and oxidative stress in podocytes. These results indicated that overexpression of H-FABP enhances fatty acid-induced podocyte injury, while H-FABP inhibition may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for the prevention of lipid metabolism-associated podocyte injury.

  5. Nanoparticle-enhanced fluorescence emission for non-separation assays of carbohydrates using a boronic acid-alizarin complex.

    PubMed

    Li, Qianjin; Kamra, Tripta; Ye, Lei

    2016-03-04

    Addition of crosslinked polymer nanoparticles into a solution of a 3-nitrophenylboronic acid-alizarin complex leads to significant enhancement of fluorescence emission. Using the nanoparticle-enhanced boronic acid-alizarin system has improved greatly the sensitivity and extended the dynamic range of separation-free fluorescence assays for carbohydrates.

  6. Fatty acid oxidation promotes reprogramming by enhancing oxidative phosphorylation and inhibiting protein kinase C.

    PubMed

    Lin, Zhaoyu; Liu, Fei; Shi, Peiliang; Song, Anying; Huang, Zan; Zou, Dayuan; Chen, Qin; Li, Jianxin; Gao, Xiang

    2018-02-26

    Changes in metabolic pathway preferences are key events in the reprogramming process of somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The optimization of metabolic conditions can enhance reprogramming; however, the detailed underlying mechanisms are largely unclear. By comparing the gene expression profiles of somatic cells, intermediate-phase cells, and iPSCs, we found that carnitine palmitoyltransferase (Cpt)1b, a rate-limiting enzyme in fatty acid oxidation, was significantly upregulated in the early stage of the reprogramming process. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts isolated from transgenic mice carrying doxycycline (Dox)-inducible Yamanaka factor constructs were used for reprogramming. Various fatty acid oxidation-related metabolites were added during the reprogramming process. Colony counting and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) were used to calculate reprogramming efficiency. Fatty acid oxidation-related metabolites were measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Seahorse was used to measure the level of oxidative phosphorylation. We found that overexpression of cpt1b enhanced reprogramming efficiency. Furthermore, palmitoylcarnitine or acetyl-CoA, the primary and final products of Cpt1-mediated fatty acid oxidation, also promoted reprogramming. In the early reprogramming process, fatty acid oxidation upregulated oxidative phosphorylation and downregulated protein kinase C activity. Inhibition of protein kinase C also promoted reprogramming. We demonstrated that fatty acid oxidation promotes reprogramming by enhancing oxidative phosphorylation and inhibiting protein kinase C activity in the early stage of the reprogramming process. This study reveals that fatty acid oxidation is crucial for the reprogramming efficiency.

  7. Enhancement of acidic gases in biomass burning impacted air masses over Canada

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lefer, B. L.; Talbot, R. W.; Harriss, R. C.; Bradshaw, J. D.; Sandholm, S. T.; Olson, J. O.; Sachse, G. W.; Collins, J.; Shipham, M. A.; Blake, D. R.

    1994-01-01

    Biomass-burning impacted air masses sampled over central and eastern Canada during the summer of 1990 as part of ABLE 3B contained enhanced mixing ratios of gaseous HNO3, HCOOH, CH3COOH, and what appears to be (COOH)2. These aircraft-based samples were collected from a variety of fresh burning plumes and more aged haze layers from different source regions. Values of the enhancement factor, delta X/delta CO, where X represents an acidic gas, for combustion-impacted air masses sampled both near and farther away from the fires, were relatively uniform. However, comparison of carboxylic acid emission ratios measured in laboratory fires to field plume enhancement factors indicates significant in-plume production of HCOOH. Biomass-burning appears to be an important source of HNO3, HCOOH, and CH3COOH to the troposphere over subarctic Canada.

  8. Polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and nucleic acids encoding same

    DOEpatents

    Brown, Kimberly; Harris, Paul; Zaretsky, Elizabeth; Re, Edward; Vlasenko, Elena; McFarland, Keith; Lopez de Leon, Alfredo

    2012-10-16

    The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.

  9. Polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and nucleic acids encoding same

    DOEpatents

    Brown, Kimberly; Harris, Paul; Zaretsky, Elizabeth; Re, Edward; Vlasenko, Elena; McFarland, Keith; Lopez de Leon, Alfredo

    2014-09-30

    The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.

  10. Polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and nucleic acids encoding same

    DOEpatents

    Brown, Kimberly; Harris, Paul; Zaretsky, Elizabeth; Re, Edward; Vlasenko, Elena; McFarland, Keith; Lopez de Leon, Alfredo

    2017-09-05

    The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.

  11. Polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and nucleic acids encoding same

    DOEpatents

    Brown, Kimberly; Harris, Paul; Zaretsky, Elizabeth; Re, Edward; Vlasenko, Elena; McFarland, Keith; Lopez de Leon, Alfredo

    2010-06-22

    The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.

  12. Polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and nucleic acids encoding same

    DOEpatents

    Brown, Kimberly; Harris, Paul; Zaretsky, Elizabeth; Re, Edward; Vlasenko, Elena; McFarland, Keith; Lopez de Leon, Alfredo

    2016-08-09

    The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.

  13. Enhanced splicing correction effect by an oligo-aspartic acid-PNA conjugate and cationic carrier complexes.

    PubMed

    Bae, Yun Mi; Kim, Myung Hee; Yu, Gwang Sig; Um, Bong Ho; Park, Hee Kyung; Lee, Hyun-il; Lee, Kang Taek; Suh, Yung Doug; Choi, Joon Sig

    2014-02-10

    Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are synthetic structural analogues of DNA and RNA. They recognize specific cellular nucleic acid sequences and form stable complexes with complementary DNA or RNA. Here, we designed an oligo-aspartic acid-PNA conjugate and showed its enhanced delivery into cells with high gene correction efficiency using conventional cationic carriers, such as polyethylenimine (PEI) and Lipofectamine 2000. The negatively charged oligo-aspartic acid-PNA (Asp(n)-PNA) formed complexes with PEI and Lipofectamine, and the resulting Asp(n)-PNA/PEI and Asp(n)-PNA/Lipofectamine complexes were introduced into cells. We observed significantly enhanced cellular uptake of Asp(n)-PNA by cationic carriers and detected an active splicing correction effect even at nanomolar concentrations. We found that the splicing correction efficiency of the complex depended on the kind of the cationic carriers and on the number of repeating aspartic acid units. By enhancing the cellular uptake efficiency of PNAs, these results may provide a novel platform technology of PNAs as bioactive substances for their biological and therapeutic applications. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Remediation of TCE-contaminated groundwater using acid/BOF slag enhanced chemical oxidation.

    PubMed

    Tsai, T T; Kao, C M; Wang, J Y

    2011-04-01

    The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of applying acid/H(2)O(2)/basic oxygen furnace slag (BOF slag) and acid/S(2)O(8)(2-)/BOF slag systems to enhance the chemical oxidation of trichloroethylene (TCE)-contaminated groundwater. Results from the bench-scale study indicate that TCE oxidation via the Fenton-like oxidation process can be enhanced with the addition of BOF slag at low pH (pH=2-5.2) and neutral (pH=7.1) conditions. Because the BOF slag has iron abundant properties (14% of FeO and 6% of Fe(2)O(3)), it can be sustainably reused for the supplement of iron minerals during the Fenton-like or persulfate oxidation processes. Results indicate that higher TCE removal efficiency (84%) was obtained with the addition of inorganic acid for the activation of Fenton-like reaction compared with the experiments with organic acids addition (with efficiency of 10-15% lower) (BOF slag=10gL(-1); initial pH=5.2). This could be due to the fact that organic acids would compete with TCE for available oxidants. Results also indicate that the pH value had a linear correlation with the observed first-order decay constant of TCE, and thus, lower pH caused a higher TCE oxidation rate. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Induction of gamma delta T cells using zoledronate plus interleukin-2 in patients with metastatic cancer.

    PubMed

    Nagamine, Ichiro; Yamaguchi, Yoshiyuki; Ohara, Masahiro; Ikeda, Takuhiro; Okada, Morihito

    2009-03-01

    A loss of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) expression in clinical tumors is one of their escape mechanisms from immune attack by HLA-restricted effector cells. In this study, the induction of HLA-unrestricted effector cells, gamma delta T cells, using zoledronate (ZOL) and interleukin (IL)-2 in vitro was investigated in patients with metastatic cancer. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 10 cancer patients (8 colorectal and 2 esophageal) with multiple metastases and ascites lymphocytes from 3 cancer patients (1 gastric and 2 colorectal) were stimulated with varied concentrations of ZOL plus 100 U/ml IL-2 for 48 hr followed by culturing with IL-2 alone for 12 days. Lymphocyte proliferative responses were determined using 3H-TdR uptakes and interferon (IFN)-gamma production was evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Surface phenotyping was performed using flow cytometry. Cytotoxic activity of effector cells was determined using 51Cr-releasing assay. It was found that proliferative responses of PBMCs were significantly stimulated with ZOL plus IL-2 when compared with IL-2 alone, showing 200 to 500-fold expansions for 2 weeks, although ZOL alone induced no response. The optimal concentration of ZOL was 1-5 microM. Ascites lymphocytes could also be stimulated with ZOL plus IL-2. The proliferative responses were remarkable in patients whose PBMCs could produce high levels of IFN-gamma during an initial 48-hr stimulation using ZOL plus IL-2. Removal of an adherent cell fraction before the induction augmented the proliferative responses in patients who otherwise had low-grade proliferative responses. Generated cells comprising approximately 90 or 20% in PBMCs from healthy donors or cancer patients, respectively, expressed gamma delta-type T-cell receptor. Gamma delta T cells showed high cytotoxic activity against CD166-positive TE12 and TE13 cancer cells but not against CD166-negative MKN45 cells. The cytotoxic activity against TE13 cells was augmented

  16. Enhanced detection of amino acids in hydrophilic interaction chromatography electrospray tandem mass spectrometry with carboxylic acids as mobile phase additives.

    PubMed

    Yin, Dengyang; Hu, Xunxiu; Liu, Dantong; Du, Wencheng; Wang, Haibo; Guo, Mengzhe; Tang, Daoquan

    2017-06-01

    Liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry technique has been widely used in the analysis of biological targets such as amino acids, peptides, and proteins. In this work, eight common single carboxylic acids or diacids, which contain different pKa have been investigated as the additives to the analysis of amino acids. As the results, carboxylic acid additive can improve the signal intensity of acidity amino acids such as Asp and Glu and the chromatographic separation of basic amino acids such as Arg, His, and Lys. In particular, the diacids have better performance than single acids. The proposed mechanism is that the diacid has hydrogen bond interaction with amino acids to reduce their polarity/amphiprotic characteristics. Besides, oxalic acid has been found having better enhancement than phthalic acid by overall consideration. Therefore, we successfully quantified the 15 amino acids in Sepia bulk pharmaceutical chemical by using oxalic acid as the additive.

  17. Enhancing and targeting nucleic acid delivery by magnetic force.

    PubMed

    Plank, Christian; Anton, Martina; Rudolph, Carsten; Rosenecker, Joseph; Krötz, Florian

    2003-08-01

    Insufficient contact of inherently highly active nucleic acid delivery systems with target cells is a primary reason for their often observed limited efficacy. Physical methods of targeting can overcome this limitation and reduce the risk of undesired side effects due to non-target site delivery. The authors and others have developed a novel means of physical targeting, exploiting magnetic force acting on nucleic acid vectors associated with magnetic particles in order to mediate the rapid contact of vectors with target cells. Here, the principles of magnetic drug and nucleic acid delivery are reviewed, and the facts and potentials of the technique for research and therapeutic applications are discussed. Magnetically enhanced nucleic acid delivery - magnetofection - is universally applicable to viral and non-viral vectors, is extraordinarily rapid, simple and yields saturation level transfection at low dose in vitro. The method is useful for site-specific vector targeting in vivo. Exploiting the full potential of the technique requires an interdisciplinary research effort in magnetic field physics, magnetic particle chemistry, pharmaceutical formulation and medical application.

  18. Water solubility enhancement of some organic pollutants and pesticides by dissolved humic and fulvic acids

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Chiou, C.T.; Malcolm, R.L.; Brinton, T.I.; Kile, D.E.

    1986-01-01

    Water solubility enhancements by dissolved humic and fulvic acids from soil and aquatic origins and by synthetic organic polymers have been determined for selected organic pollutants and pesticides (p,p???-DDT, 2,4,5,2???,5???-PCB, 2,4,4???-PCB, 1,2,3-trichlorobenzene, and lindane). Significant solubility enhancements of relatively water-insoluble solutes by dissolved organic matter (DOM) of soil and aquatic origins may be described in terms of a partition-like interaction of the the solutes with the microscopic organic environment of the high-molecular-weight DOM species; the apparent solute solubilities increase linearly with DOM concentration and show no competitive effect between solutes. With a given DOM sample, the solute partition coefficient (Kdom) increases with a decrease of solute solubility (Sw) or with an increase of the solute's octanol-water partition coefficient (Kow). The Kdom values of solutes with soil-derived humic acid are approximately 4 times greater than with soil fulvic acid and 5-7 times greater than with aquatic humic and fulvic acids. The effectiveness of DOM in enhancing solute solubility appears to be largely controlled by the DOM molecular size and polarity. The relative inability of high-molecular-weight poly(acrylic acids) to enhance solute solubility is attributed to their high polarities and extended chain structures that do not permit the formation of a sizable intramolecular nonpolar environment.

  19. Abscisic Acid Regulation of Root Hydraulic Conductivity and Aquaporin Gene Expression Is Crucial to the Plant Shoot Growth Enhancement Caused by Rhizosphere Humic Acids.

    PubMed

    Olaetxea, Maite; Mora, Verónica; Bacaicoa, Eva; Garnica, María; Fuentes, Marta; Casanova, Esther; Zamarreño, Angel M; Iriarte, Juan C; Etayo, David; Ederra, Iñigo; Gonzalo, Ramón; Baigorri, Roberto; García-Mina, Jose M

    2015-12-01

    The physiological and metabolic mechanisms behind the humic acid-mediated plant growth enhancement are discussed in detail. Experiments using cucumber (Cucumis sativus) plants show that the shoot growth enhancement caused by a structurally well-characterized humic acid with sedimentary origin is functionally associated with significant increases in abscisic acid (ABA) root concentration and root hydraulic conductivity. Complementary experiments involving a blocking agent of cell wall pores and water root transport (polyethylenglycol) show that increases in root hydraulic conductivity are essential in the shoot growth-promoting action of the model humic acid. Further experiments involving an inhibitor of ABA biosynthesis in root and shoot (fluridone) show that the humic acid-mediated enhancement of both root hydraulic conductivity and shoot growth depended on ABA signaling pathways. These experiments also show that a significant increase in the gene expression of the main root plasma membrane aquaporins is associated with the increase of root hydraulic conductivity caused by the model humic acid. Finally, experimental data suggest that all of these actions of model humic acid on root functionality, which are linked to its beneficial action on plant shoot growth, are likely related to the conformational structure of humic acid in solution and its interaction with the cell wall at the root surface. © 2015 American Society of Plant Biologists. All Rights Reserved.

  20. Abscisic Acid Regulation of Root Hydraulic Conductivity and Aquaporin Gene Expression Is Crucial to the Plant Shoot Growth Enhancement Caused by Rhizosphere Humic Acids1

    PubMed Central

    Bacaicoa, Eva; Garnica, María; Fuentes, Marta; Casanova, Esther; Etayo, David; Ederra, Iñigo; Gonzalo, Ramón

    2015-01-01

    The physiological and metabolic mechanisms behind the humic acid-mediated plant growth enhancement are discussed in detail. Experiments using cucumber (Cucumis sativus) plants show that the shoot growth enhancement caused by a structurally well-characterized humic acid with sedimentary origin is functionally associated with significant increases in abscisic acid (ABA) root concentration and root hydraulic conductivity. Complementary experiments involving a blocking agent of cell wall pores and water root transport (polyethylenglycol) show that increases in root hydraulic conductivity are essential in the shoot growth-promoting action of the model humic acid. Further experiments involving an inhibitor of ABA biosynthesis in root and shoot (fluridone) show that the humic acid-mediated enhancement of both root hydraulic conductivity and shoot growth depended on ABA signaling pathways. These experiments also show that a significant increase in the gene expression of the main root plasma membrane aquaporins is associated with the increase of root hydraulic conductivity caused by the model humic acid. Finally, experimental data suggest that all of these actions of model humic acid on root functionality, which are linked to its beneficial action on plant shoot growth, are likely related to the conformational structure of humic acid in solution and its interaction with the cell wall at the root surface. PMID:26450705

  1. Overexpression of heart-type fatty acid binding protein enhances fatty acid-induced podocyte injury

    PubMed Central

    Gao, Qing; Sarkar, Alhossain; Chen, Yizhi; Xu, Bo; Zhu, Xiaojuan; Yuan, Yang; Guan, Tianjun

    2018-01-01

    Deregulated lipid metabolism is a characteristic of metabolic diseases including type 2 diabetes and obesity, and likely contributes to podocyte injury and end-stage kidney disease. Heart-type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP) was reported to be associated with lipid metabolism. The present study investigated whether H-FABP contributes to podocyte homeostasis. Podocytes were transfected by lentiviral vector to construct a cell line which stably overexpressed H-FABP. Small interfering RNA capable of effectively silencing H-FABP was introduced into podocytes to construct a cell line with H-FABP knockdown. Certain groups were treated with palmitic acid (PA) and the fat metabolism, as well as inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were measured. PA accelerated lipid metabolism derangement, inflammatory reaction and oxidative stress in podocytes. Overexpression of H-FABP enhanced the PA-induced disequilibrium in podocytes. The mRNA and protein expression levels of acyl-coenzyme A oxidase 3 and monocyte chemotactic protein 1, and the protein expression levels of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine and 4-hydroxynonenal were upregulated in the H-FABP overexpression group, while the mRNA and protein expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α was downregulated. Knockdown of H-FABP inhibited the PA-induced injury and lipid metabolism derangement, as well as the inflammatory reaction and oxidative stress in podocytes. These results indicated that overexpression of H-FABP enhances fatty acid-induced podocyte injury, while H-FABP inhibition may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for the prevention of lipid metabolism-associated podocyte injury. PMID:29434805

  2. Enhancement of gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor binding by protopine-type alkaloids.

    PubMed

    Kardos, J; Blaskó, G; Simonyi, M

    1986-06-01

    Protopine, cryptopine and allocryptopine were demonstrated to enhance 3H-gamma-aminobutyric acid (3H-GABA) binding to rat brain synaptic membrane receptors. The above finding might be indicative of benzodiazepine-like activity of these alkaloids.

  3. Alkyl polyglucose enhancing propionic acid enriched short-chain fatty acids production during anaerobic treatment of waste activated sludge and mechanisms.

    PubMed

    Luo, Jingyang; Feng, Leiyu; Chen, Yinguang; Sun, Han; Shen, Qiuting; Li, Xiang; Chen, Hong

    2015-04-15

    Adding alkyl polyglucose (APG) into an anaerobic treatment system of waste activated sludge (WAS) was reported to remarkably improve the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), especially propionic acid via simultaneously accelerating solubilization and hydrolysis, enhancing acidification, inhibiting methanogenesis and balancing carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio of substrate. Not only the production of SCFAs, especially propionic acid, was significantly improved by APG, but also the feasible operation time was shortened. The SCFAs yield at 0.3 g APG per gram of total suspended solids (TSS) within 4 d was 2988 ± 60 mg chemical oxygen demand (COD) per liter, much higher than that those from sole WAS or sole WAS plus sole APG. The corresponding yield of propionic acid was 1312 ± 25 mg COD/L, 7.9-fold of sole WAS. Mechanism investigation showed that during anaerobic treatment of WAS in the presence of APG both the solubilization and hydrolysis were accelerated and the acidification was enhanced, while the methanogenesis was inhibited. Moreover, the activities of key enzymes involved in WAS hydrolysis and acidification were improved through the adjustment of C/N ratio of substrates with APG. The abundance of microorganisms responsible for organic compounds hydrolysis and SCFAs production was also observed to be greatly enhanced with APG via 454 high-throughput pyrosequencing analysis. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. A novel approach in acidic disinfection through inhibition of acid resistance mechanisms; Maleic acid-mediated inhibition of glutamate decarboxylase activity enhances acid sensitivity of Listeria monocytogenes.

    PubMed

    Paudyal, Ranju; Barnes, Ruth H; Karatzas, Kimon Andreas G

    2018-02-01

    Here it is demonstrated a novel approach in disinfection regimes where specific molecular acid resistance systems are inhibited aiming to eliminate microorganisms under acidic conditions. Despite the importance of the Glutamate Decarboxylase (GAD) system for survival of Listeria monocytogenes and other pathogens under acidic conditions, its potential inhibition by specific compounds that could lead to its elimination from foods or food preparation premises has not been studied. The effects of maleic acid on the acid resistance of L. monocytogenes were investigated and found that it has a higher antimicrobial activity under acidic conditions than other organic acids, while this could not be explained by its pKa or Ka values. The effects were found to be more pronounced on strains with higher GAD activity. Maleic acid affected the extracellular GABA levels while it did not affect the intracellular ones. Maleic acid had a major impact mainly on GadD2 activity as also shown in cell lysates. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that maleic acid is able to partly remove biofilms of L. monocytogenes. Maleic acid is able to inhibit the GAD of L. monocytogenes significantly enhancing its sensitivity to acidic conditions and together with its ability to remove biofilms, make a good candidate for disinfection regimes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Long-term adaptive evolution of Leuconostoc mesenteroides for enhancement of lactic acid tolerance and production.

    PubMed

    Ju, Si Yeon; Kim, Jin Ho; Lee, Pyung Cheon

    2016-01-01

    Lactic acid has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration as Generally Regarded As Safe (GRAS) and is commonly used in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and food industries. Applications of lactic acid have also emerged in the plastics industry. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), such as Leuconostoc and Lactobacillus , are widely used as lactic acid producers for food-related and biotechnological applications. Nonetheless, industrial mass production of lactic acid in LAB is a challenge mainly because of growth inhibition caused by the end product, lactic acid. Thus, it is important to improve acid tolerance of LAB to achieve balanced cell growth and a high titer of lactic acid. Recently, adaptive evolution has been employed as one of the strategies to improve the fitness and to induce adaptive changes in bacteria under specific growth conditions, such as acid stress. Wild-type Leuconostoc mesenteroides was challenged long term with exogenously supplied lactic acid, whose concentration was increased stepwise (for enhancement of lactic acid tolerance) during 1 year. In the course of the adaptive evolution at 70 g/L lactic acid, three mutants (LMS50, LMS60, and LMS70) showing high specific growth rates and lactic acid production were isolated and characterized. Mutant LMS70, isolated at 70 g/L lactic acid, increased d-lactic acid production up to 76.8 g/L, which was twice that in the wild type (37.8 g/L). Proteomic, genomic, and physiological analyses revealed that several possible factors affected acid tolerance, among which a mutation of ATPase ε subunit (involved in the regulation of intracellular pH) and upregulation of intracellular ammonia, as a buffering system, were confirmed to contribute to the observed enhancement of tolerance and production of d-lactic acid. During adaptive evolution under lethal stress conditions, the fitness of L. mesenteroides gradually increased to accumulate beneficial mutations according to the stress level. The

  6. Studies on the preparation of Caro’s acid by ultrasonic enhanced electrochemistry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Linbo; Yu, Zeli; Hong, Tao; Fang, Zhao; Peng, Jishi; Yang, Zhao

    2017-06-01

    Ultrasonic cavitation effects can generate hydroxyl radicals and high energy, which is widely applied in the field of oxidation currently. Ultrasound-enhanced electrochemical is used to prepare Caro’s acid, which improves the generate rate of Caro’s acid. In this article, the influences of ultrasonic frequency and ultrasonic power on the electrolysis voltage, electrolyte temperature, electrolyte concentration and the concentration of additive in the process of electrochemical preparation of Caro’s acid was studied. And the optimal production conditions were determined. The research results showed that ultrasonic can significantly improve the production of Caro’s acid and the product can increase by about 20 g/L under the best condition.

  7. Maximizing the electromagnetic and chemical resonances of surface-enhanced Raman scattering for nucleic acids.

    PubMed

    Freeman, Lindsay M; Pang, Lin; Fainman, Yeshaiahu

    2014-08-26

    Although surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has previously been performed with nucleic acids, the measured intensities for each nucleic acid have varied significantly depending on the SERS substrate and excitation wavelength. We have demonstrated that the charge-transfer (CT) mechanism, also known as the chemical enhancement of SERS, is responsible for the discrepancies previously reported in literature. The electronic states of cytosine and guanine attached to silver atoms are computationally calculated and experimentally measured to be in the visible range, which leads to a resonance Raman effect at the corresponding maximum wavelengths. The resulting SERS measurements are in good agreement with the simulated values, in which cytosine-silver shows stronger enhancement at 532 nm and guanine-silver shows stronger enhancement at 785 nm. An atomic layer of aluminum oxide is deposited on substrates to prevent charge-transfer, and corresponding measurements show weaker Raman signals caused by the suppression of the chemical resonance. These findings suggest the optimal SERS signal can be achieved by tuning the excitation wavelength to match both the electromagnetic and chemical resonances, paving the way for future single molecule detection of nucleic acids other than adenine.

  8. Enhancement of Thermodynamic Gas-Phase Acidity and Basicity of Water by Means of Secondary Interactions.

    PubMed

    Montero-Campillo, M Merced; Alkorta, Ibon; Elguero, Jose

    2018-06-26

    A series of A···water, B···water complexes (A = acid, B =base) are studied at the G4 level of theory to show that water acidity or basicity can be modulated by non-covalent interactions. Protic and non-protic acids interacting with water form hydrogen bonds or other kind of non-covalent interactions, respectively, that may dramatically change the acidity of water up to almost 360 kJ·mol-1 in terms of enthalpy. Similarly, hydrogen bonds responsible for the interaction between typical small nitrogen-containing Lewis bases and water can enhance the proton affinity of water by almost 300 kJ·mol-1. Our results reveal that these large enhancements are linearly related with the binding energy of the charged complexes, and are determined by the Lewis acid-base properties of the molecule involved in the interaction, allowing a quite precise modulation of the corresponding acid-base properties of water. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  9. 5-year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial of immediate versus delayed zoledronic acid for the prevention of bone loss in postmenopausal women with breast cancer starting letrozole after tamoxifen: N03CC (Alliance) trial.

    PubMed

    Wagner-Johnston, Nina D; Sloan, Jeff A; Liu, Heshan; Kearns, Ann E; Hines, Stephanie L; Puttabasavaiah, Suneetha; Dakhil, Shaker R; Lafky, Jacqueline M; Perez, Edith A; Loprinzi, Charles L

    2015-08-01

    Postmenopausal women with breast cancer receiving aromatase inhibitors are at an increased risk of bone loss. The current study was undertaken to determine whether upfront versus delayed treatment with zoledronic acid (ZA) impacted bone loss. This report described the 5-year follow-up results. A total of 551 postmenopausal women with breast cancer who completed tamoxifen treatment and were undergoing daily letrozole treatment were randomized to either upfront (274 patients) or delayed (277 patients) ZA at a dose of 4 mg intravenously every 6 months. In the patients on the delayed treatment arm, ZA was initiated for a postbaseline bone mineral density T-score of <-2.0 or fracture. The incidence of a 5% decrease in the total lumbar spine bone mineral density at 5 years was 10.2% in the upfront treatment arm versus 41.2% in the delayed treatment arm (P<.0001). A total of 41 patients in the delayed treatment arm were eventually started on ZA. With the exception of increased NCI Common Toxicity Criteria (CTC) grade 1/2 elevated creatinine and fever in the patients treated on the upfront arm and cerebrovascular ischemia among those in the delayed treatment arm, there were no significant differences observed between arms with respect to the most common adverse events of arthralgia and back pain. Osteoporosis occurred less frequently in the upfront treatment arm (2 vs 8 cumulative cases), although this difference was not found to be statistically significant. Bone fractures occurred in 24 patients in the upfront treatment arm versus 25 patients in the delayed treatment arm. Immediate treatment with ZA prevented bone loss compared with delayed treatment in postmenopausal women receiving letrozole and these differences were maintained at 5 years. The incidence of osteoporosis or fractures was not found to be significantly different between treatment arms. © 2015 American Cancer Society.

  10. Cost per patient and potential budget implications of denosumab compared with zoledronic acid in adults with bone metastases from solid tumours who are at risk of skeletal-related events: an analysis for Austria, Sweden and Switzerland

    PubMed Central

    Lothgren, Mickael; Ribnicsek, Erna; Schmidt, Louise; Habacher, Wolfgang; Lundkvist, Jonas; Pfeil, Alena M; Biteeva, Irina; Vrouchou, Polina; Bracco, Andrea

    2013-01-01

    Objectives To assess cost implications per patient, per year, and to predict the potential annual budget impact when patients with bone metastases secondary to solid tumours at risk of skeletal-related events (SREs) transition from zoledronic acid (ZA; 4 mg every 3–4 weeks) to denosumab (120 mg every 4 weeks) in Austria, Sweden and Switzerland. Methods Country specific costs for medication and administration, patient management and SREs (defined as pathologic fracture, radiation to bone, surgery to bone and spinal cord compression) were assessed over a 1-year time horizon. Drug administration and patient management costs were taken from available public sources. SRE costs were based on local unit costs applied to country specific healthcare resources obtained from a multinational retrospective chart review study. Due to lack of real world data for the included countries, SRE rates were derived from phase III clinical trials in patients with advanced cancer and bone metastases. These trials demonstrated that denosumab was superior to ZA in the reduction of SREs. Results Estimated total annual cost savings for each patient transitioned from ZA to denosumab varied by country and cancer type, ranging from €1583 to €2375 in Austria, from €1980 to €2319 in Sweden (9.1 SEK/€) and from €3408 to €3857 in Switzerland (1.2 CHF/€). Cost savings were mainly driven by the lower SRE related costs and lower administration costs of denosumab compared with ZA. Conclusions Denosumab offers superior efficacy compared with ZA in patients with solid tumours and bone metastases. Cost savings are predicted in the Austrian, Swedish and Swiss healthcare systems following treatment transition from ZA to denosumab. PMID:23888248

  11. The molecular assembly of the ionic liquid/aliphatic carboxylic acid/aliphatic amine as effective and safety transdermal permeation enhancers.

    PubMed

    Kubota, Koji; Shibata, Akira; Yamaguchi, Toshikazu

    2016-04-30

    In spite of numerous advantages, transdermal drug delivery systems are unfeasible for most drugs because of the barrier effect of the stratum corneum. Ionic liquids were recently used to enhance transdermal drug delivery by improving drug solubility. In the present study, safe and effective ionic liquids for transdermal absorption were obtained as salts generated by a neutralization reaction between highly biocompatible aliphatic carboxylic acids (octanoic acid or isostearic acid) and aliphatic amines (diisopropanolamine or triisopropanolamine) (Medrx Co., Ltd., 2009). The mechanism of skin permeability enhancement by ionic liquids was investigated by hydrophilic phenol red and hydrophobic tulobuterol. Further, the skin permeation enhancing effect was remarkably superior in the acid excess state rather than the neutralization state. Infrared absorption spectrum analysis confirmed that ionic liquids/aliphatic carboxylic acid/aliphatic amine are coexisting at all mixing states. In the acid excess state, ionic liquids interact with aliphatic carboxylic acids via hydrogen bonds. Thus, the skin permeation enhancing effect is not caused by the ionic liquid alone. The "liquid salt mixture," referred to as a complex of ingredients coexisting with ionic liquids, forms a molecular assembly incorporating hydrophilic drug. This molecular assembly was considered an effective and safety enhancer of transdermal drug permeation. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  12. Enhancement of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on all-trans retinoic acid-induced differentiation in human leukemia HL-60 cells

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

    Kuo, H.-C.; Kuo, W.-H.; Lee, Y.-J.

    2006-10-01

    All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) induces complete remission in a high proportion of patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL); however, the response is sometimes very slow. Furthermore, relapse and resistance to treatment often occur despite continued treatment with ATRA. Thereafter, combination treatment strategies have been suggested to circumvent these problems. The present study demonstrates that caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a major component of honeybee propolis, enhanced ATRA-induced granulocytic differentiation in HL-60, a human promyelocytic cell line. The differentiation was assessed by Wright-Giemsa stain, nitroblue tetrazolium reduction, and membrane differentiation marker CD11b. In addition, CAPE enhanced ATRA-induced cell cycle arrest atmore » the G1 phase by decreasing the association of cdk2-cyclin E complex. Finally, it was demonstrated that CAPE promoted the ATRA-mediated nuclear transcription activation of RAR{alpha} assessed by EMSA assay and enhanced the expression of target genes including RAR{alpha}, C/EBP{epsilon}, and p21 protein resulting in the differentiation development of leukemia. It is suggested that CAPE possesses the potential to enhance the efficiency of ATRA in the differentiation therapy of APL.« less

  13. Enhancement of Power Conversion Efficiency of TiO₂-Based Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells on Various Acid Treatment.

    PubMed

    Sireesha, Pedaballi; Sun, Wei-Gang; Su, Chaochin; Kathirvel, Sasipriya; Lekphet, Woranan; Akula, Suri Babu; Li, Wen-Ri

    2017-01-01

    The surface modification of the TiO2 photoelectrode film is one of the promising ways to improve the photovoltaic performance of dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). In this work for the acid treatment of TiO2 powder, fluorine containing compounds such as trifluoroacetic acid was carried out to enhance the properties of photoanode. In order to investigate the effect of trifluoroacetyl group, the TiO2 nanopowders were also treated with different acids such as acetic acid, nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, and sulfuric acid and their properties were compared. The TiO2 powders treated with both acetic acid and TFA have possessed smooth surface morphologies as well as enhanced particle dispersions with reduced particle sizes. Photoelectrodes prepared for these two kinds of TiO2 powders accommodated high amounts of dye loading and exhibited excellent light transmittance (wavelength region of 400–600 nm). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis showed the smallest radius of the semicircle which indicates the enhanced rate of electron transport for the cell based photoelectrode with trifluoroacetic acid treated TiO2 powder. The solar cell from the untreated TiO2 film showed the power conversion efficiency of 8.86% and the highest efficiency of 9.51% was achieved by the cell fabricated from trifluoroacetic acid treated TiO2 film.

  14. Fatty acid conjugation enhances the activities of antimicrobial peptides.

    PubMed

    Li, Zhining; Yuan, Penghui; Xing, Meng; He, Zhumei; Dong, Chuanfu; Cao, Yongchang; Liu, Qiuyun

    2013-04-01

    Antimicrobial peptides are small molecules that play a crucial role in innate immunity in multi-cellular organisms, and usually expressed and secreted constantly at basal levels to prevent infection, but local production can be augmented upon an infection. The clock is ticking as rising antibiotic abuse has led to the emergence of many drug resistance bacteria. Due to their broad spectrum antibiotic and antifungal activities as well as anti-viral and anti-tumor activities, efforts are being made to develop antimicrobial peptides into future microbial agents. This article describes some of the recent patents on antimicrobial peptides with fatty acid conjugation. Potency and selectivity of antimicrobial peptide can be modulated with fatty acid tails of variable length. Interaction between membranes and antimicrobial peptides was affected by fatty acid conjugation. At concentrations above the critical miscelle concentration (CMC), propensity of solution selfassembly hampered binding of the peptide to cell membranes. Overall, fatty acid conjugation has enhanced the activities of antimicrobial peptides, and occasionally it rendered inactive antimicrobial peptides to be bioactive. Antimicrobial peptides can not only be used as medicine but also as food additives.

  15. Enhanced succinic acid production by Actinobacillus succinogenes after genome shuffling.

    PubMed

    Zheng, Pu; Zhang, Kunkun; Yan, Qiang; Xu, Yan; Sun, Zhihao

    2013-08-01

    Succinic acid is an important platform chemical for synthesis of C4 compounds. We applied genome shuffling to improve fermentative production of succinic acid by A. succinogenes. Using a screening strategy composed of selection in fermentation broth, cultured in 96-deep-well plates, and condensed HPLC screening, a starting population of 11 mutants producing a higher succinic acid concentration was selected and subjected to recursive protoplasts fusion. After three rounds of genome shuffling, strain F3-II-3-F was obtained, producing succinic acid at 1.99 g/l/h with a yield of 95.6 g/l. The genome shuffled strain had about a 73 % improvement in succinic acid production compared to the parent strain after 48 h in fed-batch fermentation. The genomic variability of F3-II-3-F was confirmed by amplified fragment-length polymorphism. The activity levels of key enzymes involved in end-product formation from glucose and metabolic flux distribution during succinic acid production were compared between A. succinogenes CGMCC 1593 and F3-II-3-F. Increased activity of glucokinase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase, PEP carboxykinase and fumarase, as well as decreased activity of pyruvate kinase, pyruvate formate-lyase, and acetate kinase explained the enhanced succinic acid production and decreased acetic acid formation. Metabolic flux analysis suggested that increased flux to NADH was the main reason for increased activity of the C4 pathway resulting in increased yields of succinic acid. The present work will be propitious to the development of a bio-succinic acid fermentation industry.

  16. Minoxidil Skin Delivery from Nanoemulsion Formulations Containing Eucalyptol or Oleic Acid: Enhanced Diffusivity and Follicular Targeting

    PubMed Central

    Abd, Eman; Benson, Heather A. E.; Roberts, Michael S.; Grice, Jeffrey E.

    2018-01-01

    In this work, we examined enhanced skin delivery of minoxidil applied in nanoemulsions incorporating skin penetration enhancers. Aliquots of fully characterized oil-in-water nanoemulsions (1 mL), containing minoxidil (2%) and the skin penetration enhancer oleic acid or eucalyptol as oil phases, were applied to full-thickness excised human skin in Franz diffusion cells, while aqueous solutions (1 mL) containing minoxidil were used as controls. Minoxidil in the stratum corneum (SC), hair follicles, deeper skin layers, and flux through the skin over 24 h was determined, as well as minoxidil solubility in the formulations and in the SC. The nanoemulsions significantly enhanced the permeation of minoxidil through skin compared with control solutions. The eucalyptol formulations (NE) promoted minoxidil retention in the SC and deeper skin layers more than did the oleic acid formulations, while the oleic acid formulations (NO) gave the greatest hair follicle penetration. Minoxidil maximum flux enhancement was associated with increases in both minoxidil SC solubility and skin diffusivity in both nanoemulsion systems. The mechanism of enhancement appeared to be driven largely by increased diffusivity, rather than increased partitioning into the stratum corneum, supporting the concept of enhanced fluidity and disruption of stratum corneum lipids. PMID:29370122

  17. Enhanced succinic acid production from corncob hydrolysate by microbial electrolysis cells.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Yan; Cao, Weijia; Wang, Zhen; Zhang, Bowen; Chen, Kequan; Ouyang, Pingkai

    2016-02-01

    In this study, Actinobacillus succinogenes NJ113 microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) were used to enhance the reducing power responsible for succinic acid production from corncob hydrolysate. During corncob hydrolysate fermentation, electric MECs resulted in a 1.31-fold increase in succinic acid production and a 1.33-fold increase in the reducing power compared with those in non-electric MECs. When the hydrolysate was detoxified by combining Ca(OH)2, NaOH, and activated carbon, succinic acid production increased from 3.47 to 6.95 g/l. Using a constant potential of -1.8 V further increased succinic acid production to 7.18 g/l. A total of 18.09 g/l of succinic acid and a yield of 0.60 g/g total sugar were obtained after a 60-h fermentation when NaOH was used as a pH regulator. The improved succinic acid yield from corncob hydrolysate fermentation using A. succinogenes NJ113 in electric MECs demonstrates the great potential of using biomass as a feedstock to cost-effectively produce succinate. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. The suppression of enhanced bitterness intensity of macrolide dry syrup mixed with an acidic powder.

    PubMed

    Ishizaka, Toshihiko; Okada, Sachie; Takemoto, Eri; Tokuyama, Emi; Tsuji, Eriko; Mukai, Junji; Uchida, Takahiro

    2007-10-01

    The aim of the present study was to identify a medicine which strongly enhanced the bitterness of clarithromycin dry syrup (CAMD) when administered concomitantly and to develop a method to suppress this enhanced bitterness. The bitterness enhancement was evaluated not only by gustatory sensation tests but also using pH and taste sensor measurements of the mixed sample. A remarkable bitterness enhancement was found when CAMD was mixed with the acidic powder L-carbocysteine. The acidic pH (pH 3.40) of the suspension made from these two preparations, seemed to be due to enhanced release of clarithromycin caused by the dissolution of the alkaline polymer film-coating. Several methods for preventing this bitterness enhancement were investigated. Neither increasing the volume of water taken with the mixture, nor changing the ratio of CAMD:L-carbocysteine in the mixture, were effective in reducing the bitterness intensity of the CAMD/L-carbocysteine mixture. The best way to achieve taste masking was to first administer CAMD mixed with chocolate jelly, which has a neutral pH, followed by the L-carbocysteine suspension. Similar results were obtained for the bitterness suppression of azithromycin fine granules with L-carbocysteine. The chocolate jelly will be useful for taste masking of bitter macrolide drug formulations, when they need to be administered together with acidic drug formulations.

  19. Gadoxetic acid enhanced MRI for differentiation of FNH and HCA: a single centre experience.

    PubMed

    Grieser, Christian; Steffen, Ingo G; Kramme, Incken-Birthe; Bläker, Hendrik; Kilic, Ergin; Perez Fernandez, Carmen Maria; Seehofer, Daniel; Schott, Eckart; Hamm, Bernd; Denecke, Timm

    2014-06-01

    Evaluation of enhancement characteristics of histopathologically confirmed focal nodular hyperplasias (FNHs) and hepatocellular adenomas (HCAs) with gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI. Sixty-eight patients with 115 histopathologically proven lesions (FNHs, n=44; HCAs, n=71) examined with gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI were retrospectively enrolled (standard of reference: surgical resection, n=53 patients (lesions: FNHs, n=37; HCAs, n=53); biopsy, n=15 (lesions: FNHs, n=7; HCAs, n=18)). Two radiologists evaluated all MR images regarding morphological features as well as the vascular and hepatocyte-specific enhancement in consensus. For the hepatobiliary phase, relative enhancement of the lesions and lesion to liver enhancement were significantly lower for HCAs (mean, 48.7 (±48.4)%and 49.4 (±33.9) %) compared to FNHs (159.3 (±92.5) %; and 151.7 (±79) %; accuracy of 89%and 90 %, respectively; P<0.001). Visual strong uptake of FNHs vs. hypointensity of HCAs in the hepatobiliary phase resulted in an accuracy of 92 %. This parameter was superior to all other morphological and dynamic vascular criteria alone and in combination (accuracy, 54–85 %). For differentiation of FNHs and HCAs by means of MRI, gadoxetic acid uptake in the hepatobiliary phase was found to be superior to all other criteria alone and in combination. EOB-MRI is well suited to differentiate FNHs and hepatocellular adenomas. For this purpose hepatobiliary phase is superior to unenhanced and dynamic imaging. Hepatobiliary phase (peripheral) hyper- or isointensity is typical for FNH. Hepatobiliary phase hypointensity is typical for hepatocellular adenomas. EOB-MRI helps to avoid misinterpretations of benign hepatocellular lesions.

  20. Na+/H+ exchanger 3 inhibitor diminishes the amino-acid-enhanced transepithelial calcium transport across the rat duodenum.

    PubMed

    Thammayon, Nithipak; Wongdee, Kannikar; Lertsuwan, Kornkamon; Suntornsaratoon, Panan; Thongbunchoo, Jirawan; Krishnamra, Nateetip; Charoenphandhu, Narattaphol

    2017-04-01

    Na + /H + exchanger (NHE)-3 is important for intestinal absorption of nutrients and minerals, including calcium. The previous investigations have shown that the intestinal calcium absorption is also dependent on luminal nutrients, but whether aliphatic amino acids and glucose, which are abundant in the luminal fluid during a meal, similarly enhance calcium transport remains elusive. Herein, we used the in vitro Ussing chamber technique to determine epithelial electrical parameters, i.e., potential difference (PD), short-circuit current (Isc), and transepithelial resistance, as well as 45 Ca flux in the rat duodenum directly exposed on the mucosal side to glucose or various amino acids. We found that mucosal glucose exposure led to the enhanced calcium transport, PD, and Isc, all of which were insensitive to NHE3 inhibitor (100 nM tenapanor). In the absence of mucosal glucose, several amino acids (12 mM in the mucosal side), i.e., alanine, isoleucine, leucine, proline, and hydroxyproline, markedly increased the duodenal calcium transport. An inhibitor for NHE3 exposure on the mucosal side completely abolished proline- and leucine-enhanced calcium transport, but not transepithelial transport of both amino acids themselves. In conclusion, glucose and certain amino acids in the mucosal side were potent stimulators of the duodenal calcium absorption, but only amino-acid-enhanced calcium transport was NHE3-dependent.

  1. Cyclodextrin-enhanced degradation of toluene and p-toluic acid by Pseudomonas putida.

    PubMed Central

    Schwartz, A; Bar, R

    1995-01-01

    Degradation of an immiscible aromatic solvent, toluene, and a water-soluble aromatic compound, p-toluic acid, by a Pseudomonas putida strain in the presence of beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) was investigated. The ability of CDs to interact with hydrophobic organics and form inclusion compounds was exploited in this study to remove or alleviate the toxicities of substrates and consequently to enable or enhance degradation. Liquid toluene was found to be highly toxic to P. putida. However, this phase toxicity was removed when crystalline beta-CD-complexed toluene was provided as the substrate. The latter was fully degraded at a concentration of up to 10 g/liter. Degradation of toluene vapors was enhanced in the presence of beta-CD as a result of reduced molecular toxicity and facilitated absorption of the gaseous substrate. Similarly, beta-CD alleviated the inhibitory effect of p-toluic acid on P. putida. This protective effect of CD was remarkably more prominent when the microbial culture was shock loaded with an otherwise toxic dose of p-toluic acid (1.8 g/liter). PMID:7618884

  2. Enhanced Biocide Mitigation of Field Biofilm Consortia by a Mixture of D-Amino Acids

    PubMed Central

    Li, Yingchao; Jia, Ru; Al-Mahamedh, Hussain H.; Xu, Dake; Gu, Tingyue

    2016-01-01

    Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is a major problem in the oil and gas industry as well as in many other industries. Current treatment methods rely mostly on pigging and biocide dosing. Biocide resistance is a growing concern. Thus, it is desirable to use biocide enhancers to improve the efficacy of existing biocides. D-Amino acids are naturally occurring. Our previous work demonstrated that some D-amino acids are biocide enhancers. Under a biocide stress of 50 ppm (w/w) hydroxymethyl phosphonium sulfate (THPS) biocide, 1 ppm D-tyrosine and 100 ppm D-methionine used separately successfully mitigated the Desulfovibrio vulgaris biofilm on carbon steel coupons. The data reported in this work revealed that 50 ppm of an equimolar mixture of D-methionine, D-tyrosine, D-leucine, and D-tryptophan greatly enhanced 50 ppm THPS biocide treatment of two recalcitrant biofilm consortia containing sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB), nitrate reducing bacteria (NRB), and fermentative bacteria, etc., from oil-field operations. The data also indicated that individual D-amino acids were inadequate for the biofilm consortia. PMID:27379039

  3. Betaine and Beet Molasses Enhance L-Lactic Acid Production by Bacillus coagulans

    PubMed Central

    Xu, Ke; Xu, Ping

    2014-01-01

    Lactic acid is an important chemical with various industrial applications, and it can be efficiently produced by fermentation, in which Bacillus coagulans strains present excellent performance. Betaine can promote lactic acid fermentation as an effective osmoprotectant. Here, positive effect of betaine on fermentation by B. coagulans is revealed. Betaine could enhance lactic acid production by protecting l-LDH activity and cell growth from osmotic inhibition, especially under high glucose concentrations and with poor organic nitrogen nutrients. The fermentation with 0.05 g/L betaine could produce 17.9% more lactic acid compared to the fermentation without betaine. Beet molasses, which is rich in sucrose and betaine, was utilized in a co-feeding fermentation and raised the productivity by 22%. The efficient lactic acid fermentation by B. coagulans is thus developed by using betaine and beet molasses. PMID:24956474

  4. Betaine and beet molasses enhance L-lactic acid production by Bacillus coagulans.

    PubMed

    Xu, Ke; Xu, Ping

    2014-01-01

    Lactic acid is an important chemical with various industrial applications, and it can be efficiently produced by fermentation, in which Bacillus coagulans strains present excellent performance. Betaine can promote lactic acid fermentation as an effective osmoprotectant. Here, positive effect of betaine on fermentation by B. coagulans is revealed. Betaine could enhance lactic acid production by protecting l-LDH activity and cell growth from osmotic inhibition, especially under high glucose concentrations and with poor organic nitrogen nutrients. The fermentation with 0.05 g/L betaine could produce 17.9% more lactic acid compared to the fermentation without betaine. Beet molasses, which is rich in sucrose and betaine, was utilized in a co-feeding fermentation and raised the productivity by 22%. The efficient lactic acid fermentation by B. coagulans is thus developed by using betaine and beet molasses.

  5. Citric-acid preacidification enhanced electrokinetic remediation for removal of chromium from chromium-residue-contaminated soil.

    PubMed

    Meng, Fansheng; Xue, Hao; Wang, Yeyao; Zheng, Binghui; Wang, Juling

    2018-02-01

    Electrokinetic experiments were conducted on chromium-residue-contaminated soils collected from a chemical plant in China. Acidification-electrokinetic remediation technology was proposed in order to solve the problem of removing inefficient with ordinary electrokinetic. The results showed that electrokinetic remediation removal efficiency of chromium from chromium-contaminated soil was significantly enhanced with acidizing pretreatment. The total chromium [Cr(T)] and hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] removal rate of the group acidized by citric acid (0.9 mol/L) for 5 days was increased from 6.23% and 19.01% in the acid-free experiments to 26.97% and 77.66% in the acidification-treated experiments, respectively. In addition, part of chromium with the state of carbonate-combined will be converted into water-soluble state through acidification to improve the removal efficiency. Within the appropriate concentration range, the higher concentration of acid was, the more chromium was released. So the removal efficiency of chromium depended on the acid concentration. The citric acid is also a kind of complexing agent, which produced complexation with Cr that was released by the electrokinetic treatment and then enhanced the removal efficiency. The major speciation of chromium that was removed from soils by acidification-electrokinetics remediation was acid-soluble speciation, revivification speciation and oxidation speciation, which reduced biological availability of chromium.

  6. Dietary Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation Enhances Expression of Fatty Acid-Binding Protein 5 at the Blood-Brain Barrier and Brain Docosahexaenoic Acid Levels.

    PubMed

    Pan, Yijun; Morris, Elonie R; Scanlon, Martin J; Marriott, Philip J; Porter, Christopher Jh; Nicolazzo, Joseph A

    2018-03-27

    The cytoplasmic trafficking of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a cognitively-beneficial fatty acid, across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is governed by fatty acid-binding protein 5 (FABP5). Lower levels of brain DHA have been observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is associated with diminished BBB expression of FABP5. Therefore, upregulating FABP5 expression at the BBB may be a novel approach for enhancing BBB transport of DHA in AD. DHA supplementation has been shown to be beneficial in various mouse models of AD, and therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether DHA has the potential to upregulate the BBB expression of FABP5, thereby enhancing its own uptake into the brain. Treating human brain microvascular brain endothelial (hCMEC/D3) cells with the maximum tolerable concentration of DHA (12.5 μM) for 72 hr resulted in a 1.4-fold increase in FABP5 protein expression. Associated with this was increased expression of fatty acid transport proteins 1 and 4. To study the impact of dietary DHA supplementation, 6-8 week old C57BL/6 mice were fed with a control diet or a DHA-enriched diet for 21 days. Brain microvascular FABP5 protein expression was upregulated 1.7-fold in mice fed the DHA-enriched diet, and this was associated with increased brain DHA levels (1.3-fold). Despite an increase in brain DHA levels, reduced BBB transport of 14 C-DHA was observed over a 1 min perfusion, possibly as a result of competitive binding to FABP5 between dietary DHA and 14 C-DHA. The current study has demonstrated that DHA can increase BBB expression of FABP5, as well as fatty acid transporters, overall increasing brain DHA levels. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

  7. Structure-selective hot-spot Raman enhancement for direct identification and detection of trace penicilloic acid allergen in penicillin.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Liying; Jin, Yang; Mao, Hui; Zheng, Lei; Zhao, Jiawei; Peng, Yan; Du, Shuhu; Zhang, Zhongping

    2014-08-15

    Trace penicilloic acid allergen frequently leads to various fatal immune responses to many patients, but it is still a challenge to directly discriminate and detect its residue in penicillin by a chemosensing way. Here, we report that silver-coated gold nanoparticles (Au@Ag NPs) exhibit a structure-selective hot-spot Raman enhancement capability for direct identification and detection of trace penicilloic acid in penicillin. It has been demonstrated that penicilloic acid can very easily link Au@Ag NPs together by its two carboxyl groups, locating itself spontaneously at the interparticle of Au@Ag NPs to form strong Raman hot-spot. At the critical concentration inducing the nanoparticle aggregation, Raman-enhanced effect of penicilloic acid is ~60,000 folds higher than that of penicillin. In particular, the selective Raman enhancement to the two carboxyl groups makes the peak of carboxyl group at C6 of penicilloic acid appear as a new Raman signal due to the opening of β-lactam ring of penicillin. The surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanoparticle sensor reaches a sensitive limit lower than the prescribed 1.0‰ penicilloic acid residue in penicillin. The novel strategy to examine allergen is more rapid, convenient and inexpensive than the conventional separation-based assay methods. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Accumulation of eicosapolyenoic acids enhances sensitivity to abscisic acid and mitigates the effects of drought in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana

    PubMed Central

    Qi, Baoxiu

    2014-01-01

    IgASE1, a C18 Δ9-specific polyunsaturated fatty acid elongase from the marine microalga Isochrysis galbana, is able to convert linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid to eicosadienoic acid and eicosatrienoic acid in Arabidopsis. Eicosadienoic acid and eicosatrienoic acid are precursors of arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid, which are synthesized via the Δ8 desaturation biosynthetic pathways. This study shows that the IgASE1-expressing transgenic Arabidopsis exhibited altered morphology (decreased leaf area and biomass) and enhanced drought resistance compared to wild-type plants. The transgenic Arabidopsis were hypersensitive to abscisic acid (ABA) during seed germination, post-germination growth, and seedling development. They had elevated leaf ABA levels under well-watered and dehydrated conditions and their stomata were more sensitive to ABA. Exogenous application of eicosadienoic acid and eicosatrienoic acid can mimic ABA and drought responses in the wild type plants, similar to that found in the transgenic ones. The transcript levels of genes involved in the biosynthesis of ABA (NCED3, ABA1, AAO3) as well as other stress-related genes were upregulated in this transgenic line upon osmotic stress (300mM mannitol). Taken together, these results indicate that these two eicosapolyenoic acids or their derived metabolites can mitigate the effects of drought in transgenic Arabidopsis, at least in part, through the action of ABA. PMID:24609499

  9. Accumulation of eicosapolyenoic acids enhances sensitivity to abscisic acid and mitigates the effects of drought in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana.

    PubMed

    Yuan, Xiaowei; Li, Yaxiao; Liu, Shiyang; Xia, Fei; Li, Xinzheng; Qi, Baoxiu

    2014-04-01

    IgASE1, a C₁₈ Δ(9)-specific polyunsaturated fatty acid elongase from the marine microalga Isochrysis galbana, is able to convert linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid to eicosadienoic acid and eicosatrienoic acid in Arabidopsis. Eicosadienoic acid and eicosatrienoic acid are precursors of arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid, which are synthesized via the Δ(8) desaturation biosynthetic pathways. This study shows that the IgASE1-expressing transgenic Arabidopsis exhibited altered morphology (decreased leaf area and biomass) and enhanced drought resistance compared to wild-type plants. The transgenic Arabidopsis were hypersensitive to abscisic acid (ABA) during seed germination, post-germination growth, and seedling development. They had elevated leaf ABA levels under well-watered and dehydrated conditions and their stomata were more sensitive to ABA. Exogenous application of eicosadienoic acid and eicosatrienoic acid can mimic ABA and drought responses in the wild type plants, similar to that found in the transgenic ones. The transcript levels of genes involved in the biosynthesis of ABA (NCED3, ABA1, AAO3) as well as other stress-related genes were upregulated in this transgenic line upon osmotic stress (300 mM mannitol). Taken together, these results indicate that these two eicosapolyenoic acids or their derived metabolites can mitigate the effects of drought in transgenic Arabidopsis, at least in part, through the action of ABA.

  10. Pipecolic acid enhances resistance to bacterial infection and primes salicylic acid and nicotine accumulation in tobacco

    PubMed Central

    Vogel-Adghough, Drissia; Stahl, Elia; Návarová, Hana; Zeier, Jürgen

    2013-01-01

    Distinct amino acid metabolic pathways constitute integral parts of the plant immune system. We have recently identified pipecolic acid (Pip), a lysine-derived non-protein amino acid, as a critical regulator of systemic acquired resistance (SAR) and basal immunity to bacterial infection in Arabidopsis thaliana. In Arabidopsis, Pip acts as an endogenous mediator of defense amplification and priming. For instance, Pip conditions plants for effective biosynthesis of the phenolic defense signal salicylic acid (SA), accumulation of the phytoalexin camalexin, and expression of defense-related genes. Here, we show that tobacco plants respond to leaf infection by the compatible bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv tabaci (Pstb) with a significant accumulation of several amino acids, including Lys, branched-chain, aromatic, and amide group amino acids. Moreover, Pstb strongly triggers, alongside the biosynthesis of SA and increases in the defensive alkaloid nicotine, the production of the Lys catabolites Pip and α-aminoadipic acid. Exogenous application of Pip to tobacco plants provides significant protection to infection by adapted Pstb or by non-adapted, hypersensitive cell death-inducing P. syringae pv maculicola. Pip thereby primes tobacco for rapid and strong accumulation of SA and nicotine following bacterial infection. Thus, our study indicates that the role of Pip as an amplifier of immune responses is conserved between members of the rosid and asterid groups of eudicot plants and suggests a broad practical applicability for Pip as a natural enhancer of plant disease resistance. PMID:24025239

  11. Postrigor citric acid enhancement can alter cooked color but not fresh color of dark-cutting beef.

    PubMed

    Stackhouse, R J; Apple, J K; Yancey, J W S; Keys, C A; Johnson, T M; Mehall, L N

    2016-04-01

    In 2 experiments, dark-cutting (DC) beef strip loins were used to test the effects of citric acid-enhancement pH on visual and instrumental color of fresh and cooked steaks. In Exp. 1 and 2, each DC (mean pH = 6.57 and 6.65, respectively) and normal-pH, low USDA Choice (CH; mean pH = 5.48 and 5.51, respectively) strip loin was cut into 2 equal-length sections, and DC sections were injected to 111% of raw section weight with pH 3.5 to 5.0 (Exp. 1) or pH 2.0 to 3.5 (Exp. 2) solutions made by mixing citric acid in either 0.05% orthophosphate (PO) solution or tap water (HO) base solutions (Exp. 1) and 0.5% PO or 0.5% tripolyphosphate solution base solutions (Exp. 2). After enhancement, sections were cut into steaks, which were assigned to either 5 d of simulated retail display or cooked to 71°C for cooked color measurement. Postenhancement pH of DC steaks enhanced with pH 3.5 to 5.0 solutions did not ( ≥ 0.180) differ from that of nonenhanced DC steaks (Exp. 1) but linearly decreased ( < 0.001) as solution pH decreased from 3.5 to 2.0 (Exp. 2). Even though fresh color scores were increased ( < 0.001) by citric acid enhancement over untreated DC steaks during the first 3 d of display, fresh steak color never ( < 0.001) approached that of nonenhanced CH steaks. When compared with nonenhanced DC steaks, enhancement with pH 3.5 to 5.0 solutions received lower cooked color scores, whereas enhancing DC sections with pH 2.5 solutions produced cooked color and degree-of-doneness scores similar ( ≥ 0.113) to those of nonenhanced CH steaks (Exp. 2). Results indicated that the pH of citric acid enhancement solutions, regardless of base solution, were insufficient to improve the fresh color of DC beef; however, enhancement with pH 2.5 citric acid solutions effectively eliminated the persistent red cooked color typically associated with DC beef comparable with that of normal-pH beef.

  12. Enhanced degradation of Herbicide Isoproturon in wheat rhizosphere by salicylic acid.

    PubMed

    Lu, Yi Chen; Zhang, Shuang; Miao, Shan Shan; Jiang, Chen; Huang, Meng Tian; Liu, Ying; Yang, Hong

    2015-01-14

    This study investigated the herbicide isoproturon (IPU) residues in soil, where wheat was cultivated and sprayed with salicylic acid (SA). Provision of SA led to a lower level of IPU residues in rhizosphere soil compared to IPU treatment alone. Root exudation of tartaric acid, malic acid, and oxalic acids was enhanced in rhizosphere soil with SA-treated wheat. We examined the microbial population (e.g., biomass and phospholipid fatty acid), microbial structure, and soil enzyme (catalase, phenol oxidase, and dehydrogenase) activities, all of which are associated with soil activity and were activated in rhizosphere soil of SA-treated wheat roots. We further assessed the correlation matrix and principal component to figure out the association between the IPU degradation and soil activity. Finally, six IPU degraded products (derivatives) in rhizosphere soil were characterized using ultraperformance liquid chromatography with a quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometer (UPLC/Q-TOF-MS/MS). A relatively higher level of IPU derivatives was identified in soil with SA-treated wheat than in soil without SA-treated wheat plants.

  13. Hot topic: Enhancing omega-3 fatty acids in milk fat of dairy cows by using stearidonic acid-enriched soybean oil from genetically modified soybeans.

    PubMed

    Bernal-Santos, G; O'Donnell, A M; Vicini, J L; Hartnell, G F; Bauman, D E

    2010-01-01

    Very long chain n-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3) are important in human cardiac health and the prevention of chronic diseases, but food sources are limited. Stearidonic acid (SDA; 18:4n-3) is an n-3 fatty acid that humans are able to convert to EPA. In utilizing SDA-enhanced soybean oil (SBO) derived from genetically modified soybeans, our objectives were to examine the potential to increase the n-3 fatty acid content of milk fat and to determine the efficiency of SDA uptake from the digestive tract and transfer to milk fat. Three multiparous, rumen-fistulated Holstein cows were assigned randomly in a 3 x 3 Latin square design to the following treatments: 1) control (no oil infusion); 2) abomasal infusion of SDA-enhanced SBO (SDA-abo); and 3) ruminal infusion of SDA-enhanced SBO (SDA-rum). The SDA-enhanced SBO contained 27.1% SDA, 10.4% alpha-linolenic acid, and 7.2% gamma-linolenic acid. Oil infusions provided 57 g/d of SDA with equal amounts of oil infused into either the rumen or abomasum at 6-h intervals over a 7-d infusion period. Cow numbers were limited and no treatment differences were detected for DMI or milk production (22.9+/-0.5 kg/d and 32.3+/-0.9 kg/d, respectively; least squares means +/- SE), milk protein percentage and yield (3.24+/-0.04% and 1.03+/-0.02 kg/d), or lactose percentage and yield (4.88+/-0.05% and 1.55+/-0.05 kg/d). Treatment also had no effect on milk fat yield (1.36+/-0.03 kg/d), but milk fat percentage was lower for the SDA-rum treatment (4.04+/-0.04% vs. 4.30+/-0.04% for control and 4.41+/-0.05% for SDA-abo). The SDA-abo treatment increased n-3 fatty acids to 3.9% of total milk fatty acids, a value more than 5-fold greater than that for the control. Expressed as a percentage of total milk fatty acids, values (least squares means +/- SE) for the SDA-abo treatment were 1.55+/-0.03% for alpha-linolenic acid (18:3n-3), 1.86+/-0.02 for SDA, 0.23 +/- <0.01 for eicosatetraenoic acid (20:4n-3), and 0

  14. Alpha-momorcharin enhances Tobacco mosaic virus resistance in tobaccoNN by manipulating jasmonic acid-salicylic acid crosstalk.

    PubMed

    Yang, Ting; Zhu, Li-Sha; Meng, Yao; Lv, Rui; Zhou, Zhuo; Zhu, Lin; Lin, Hong-Hui; Xi, De-Hui

    2018-04-01

    Alpha-momorcharin (α-MMC) is a type-I ribosome inactivating protein (RIP) with a molecular weight of 29 kDa found in plants. This protein has been shown to be effective against a broad range of human viruses and also has anti-tumor activities. However, the mechanism by which α-MMC induces plant defense responses and regulates the N gene to promote resistance to the Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) is still not clear. By using pharmacological and infection experiments, we found that α-MMC enhances TMV resistance of tobacco plants containing the N gene (tobacco NN ). Our results showed that plants pretreated with 0.5 mg/ml α-MMC could relieve TMV-induced oxidative damage, had enhanced the expression of the N gene and increased biosynthesis of jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA). Moreover, transcription of JA and SA signaling pathway genes were increased, and their expression persisted for a longer period of time in plants pretreated with α-MMC compared with those pretreated with water. Importantly, exogenous application of 1-Aminobenzotriazole (ABT, SA inhibitor) and ibuprofen (JA inhibitor) reduced α-MMC induced plant resistance under viral infection. Thus, our results revealed that α-MMC enhances TMV resistance of tobacco NN plants by manipulating JA-SA crosstalk. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  15. Extracorporeal Carbon Dioxide Removal Enhanced by Lactic Acid Infusion in Spontaneously Breathing Conscious Sheep.

    PubMed

    Scaravilli, Vittorio; Kreyer, Stefan; Belenkiy, Slava; Linden, Katharina; Zanella, Alberto; Li, Yansong; Dubick, Michael A; Cancio, Leopoldo C; Pesenti, Antonio; Batchinsky, Andriy I

    2016-03-01

    The authors studied the effects on membrane lung carbon dioxide extraction (VCO2ML), spontaneous ventilation, and energy expenditure (EE) of an innovative extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal (ECCO2R) technique enhanced by acidification (acid load carbon dioxide removal [ALCO2R]) via lactic acid. Six spontaneously breathing healthy ewes were connected to an extracorporeal circuit with blood flow 250 ml/min and gas flow 10 l/min. Sheep underwent two randomly ordered experimental sequences, each consisting of two 12-h alternating phases of ALCO2R and ECCO2R. During ALCO2R, lactic acid (1.5 mEq/min) was infused before the membrane lung. Caloric intake was not controlled, and animals were freely fed. VCO2ML, natural lung carbon dioxide extraction, total carbon dioxide production, and minute ventilation were recorded. Oxygen consumption and EE were calculated. ALCO2R enhanced VCO2ML by 48% relative to ECCO2R (55.3 ± 3.1 vs. 37.2 ± 3.2 ml/min; P less than 0.001). During ALCO2R, minute ventilation and natural lung carbon dioxide extraction were not affected (7.88 ± 2.00 vs. 7.51 ± 1.89 l/min, P = 0.146; 167.9 ± 41.6 vs. 159.6 ± 51.8 ml/min, P = 0.063), whereas total carbon dioxide production, oxygen consumption, and EE rose by 12% each (223.53 ± 42.68 vs. 196.64 ± 50.92 ml/min, 215.3 ± 96.9 vs. 189.1 ± 89.0 ml/min, 67.5 ± 24.0 vs. 60.3 ± 20.1 kcal/h; P less than 0.001). ALCO2R was effective in enhancing VCO2ML. However, lactic acid caused a rise in EE that made ALCO2R no different from standard ECCO2R with respect to ventilation. The authors suggest coupling lactic acid-enhanced ALCO2R with active measures to control metabolism.

  16. Enhanced Synthesis of Alkyl Amino Acids in Miller's 1958 H2S Experiment

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Parker, Eric T.; Cleaves, H. James; Callahan, Michael P.; Dworkin, James P.; Glavin, Daniel P.; Lazcano, Antonio; Bada, Jeffrey L.

    2011-01-01

    Stanley Miller's 1958 H2S-containing experiment, which included a simulated prebiotic atmosphere of methane (CH4), ammonia (NH3), carbon dioxide (CO2), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) produced several alkyl amino acids, including the alpha-, beta-, and gamma-isomers of aminobutyric acid (ABA) in greater relative yields than had previously been reported from his spark discharge experiments. In the presence of H2S, aspariic and glutamic acids could yield alkyl amino acids via the formation of thioimide intermediates. Radical chemistry initiated by passing H2S through a spark discharge could have also enhanced alkyl amino acid synthesis by generating alkyl radicals that can help form the aldehyde and ketone precursors to these amino acids. We propose mechanisms that may have influenced the synthesis of certain amino acids in localized environments rich in H2S and lightning discharges, similar to conditions near volcanic systems on the early Earth, thus contributing to the prebiotic chemical inventory of the primordial Earth.

  17. Acidity enhancement of unsaturated bases of group 15 by association with borane and beryllium dihydride. Unexpected boron and beryllium Brønsted acids.

    PubMed

    Martín-Sómer, Ana; Mó, Otilia; Yáñez, Manuel; Guillemin, Jean-Claude

    2015-01-21

    The intrinsic acidity of CH2[double bond, length as m-dash]CHXH2, HC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CXH2 (X = N, P, As, Sb) derivatives and of their complexes with BeH2 and BH3 has been investigated by means of high-level density functional theory and molecular orbital ab initio calculations, using as a reference the ethyl saturated analogues. The acidity of the free systems steadily increases down the group for the three series of derivatives, ethyl, vinyl and ethynyl. The association with both beryllium dihydride and borane leads to a very significant acidity enhancement, being larger for BeH2 than for BH3 complexes. This acidity enhancement, for the unsaturated compounds, is accompanied by a change in the acidity trends down the group, which do not steadily decrease but present a minimum value for both the vinyl- and the ethynyl-phosphine. When the molecule acting as the Lewis acid is beryllium dihydride, the π-type complexes in which the BeH2 molecules interact with the double or triple bond are found, in some cases, to be more stable, in terms of free energies, than the conventional complexes in which the attachment takes place at the heteroatom, X. The most important finding, however, is that P, As, and Sb ethynyl complexes with BeH2 do not behave as P, As, or Sb Brønsted acids, but unexpectedly as Be acids.

  18. Anti-lipoteichoic acid antibodies enhance release of cytokines by monocytes sensitized with lipoteichoic acid.

    PubMed Central

    Mancuso, G; Tomasello, F; Ofek, I; Teti, G

    1994-01-01

    Lipoteichoic acid (LTA) from gram-positive bacteria can stimulate monocytes to produce cytokines. To ascertain whether aggregation of LTA receptors can contribute to this effect, human monocytes were sensitized with LTA from Streptococcus pyogenes, washed, and treated with anti-LTA antibodies. The addition of anti-LTA antibodies or F(ab')2 fragments markedly enhanced the aggregation of LTA receptors, as evidenced by indirect immunofluorescence and the release of tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-1 beta. These findings suggest that aggregation of LTA receptors of monocytes is required for triggering marked cytokine responses. PMID:8132355

  19. Valproate induced hepatic steatosis by enhanced fatty acid uptake and triglyceride synthesis

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

    Bai, Xupeng; Hong, Weipeng; Cai, Peiheng

    Steatosis is the characteristic type of VPA-induced hepatotoxicity and may result in life-threatening hepatic lesion. Approximately 61% of patients treated with VPA have been diagnosed with hepatic steatosis through ultrasound examination. However, the mechanisms underlying VPA-induced intracellular fat accumulation are not yet fully understood. Here we demonstrated the involvement of fatty acid uptake and lipogenesis in VPA-induced hepatic steatosis in vitro and in vivo by using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis, western blotting analysis, fatty acid uptake assays, Nile Red staining assays, and Oil Red O staining assays. Specifically, we found that the expression of cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36),more » an important fatty acid transport, and diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2) were significantly up-regulated in HepG2 cells and livers of C57B/6J mice after treatment with VPA. Furthermore, VPA treatment remarkably enhanced the efficiency of fatty acid uptake mediated by CD36, while this effect was abolished by the interference with CD36-specific siRNA. Also, VPA treatment significantly increased DGAT2 expression as a result of the inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) – extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) pathway; however, DGAT2 knockdown significantly alleviated VPA-induced intracellular lipid accumulation. Additionally, we also found that sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c)-mediated fatty acid synthesis may be not involved in VPA-induced hepatic steatosis. Overall, VPA-triggered over-regulation of CD36 and DGAT2 could be helpful for a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying VPA-induced hepatic steatosis and may offer novel therapeutic strategies to combat VPA-induced hepatotoxicity. - Highlights: • VPA induced hepatic steatosis and modulated genes associated with lipid metabolism. • CD36-mediated fatty acid uptake contributed to VPA-induced lipid accumulation. • PA increased the

  20. Ferulic acid enhances IgE binding to peanut allergens in western blots.

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Because phenolic compounds can precipitate or complex with proteins, we postulated that interactions of phenolics with IgE antibodies help enhance IgE binding to peanut allergens in Western blots. Three different phenolics, such as, ferulic, caffeic and chlorogenic acids were examined. Each was mixe...

  1. Clinical Outcomes and Survival Following Treatment of Metastatic Castrate-Refractory Prostate Cancer With Docetaxel Alone or With Strontium-89, Zoledronic Acid, or Both: The TRAPEZE Randomized Clinical Trial.

    PubMed

    James, Nicholas D; Pirrie, Sarah J; Pope, Ann M; Barton, Darren; Andronis, Lazaros; Goranitis, Ilias; Collins, Stuart; Daunton, Adam; McLaren, Duncan; O'Sullivan, Joe; Parker, Christopher; Porfiri, Emilio; Staffurth, John; Stanley, Andrew; Wylie, James; Beesley, Sharon; Birtle, Alison; Brown, Janet; Chakraborti, Prabir; Hussain, Syed; Russell, Martin; Billingham, Lucinda J

    2016-04-01

    Bony metastatic castrate-refractory prostate cancer (CRPC) has a poor prognosis and high morbidity. Zoledronic acid (ZA) is commonly combined with docetaxel in practice but lacks evidence that combining is effective, and strontium-89 (Sr89) is generally used palliatively in patients unfit for chemotherapy. Phase 2 analysis of the TRAPEZE trial confirmed combining the agents was safe and feasible, and the objectives of phase 3 include assessment of the treatments on survival. To determine clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of combining docetaxel, ZA, and Sr89, all having palliative benefits and used in bony metastatic CRPC to control bone symptoms and, for docetaxel, to prolong survival. The TRAPEZE trial is a 2 × 2 factorial trial comparing docetaxel alone or with ZA, Sr89, or both. A cohort of 757 participants were recruited between February 2005 and February 2012 from hospitals in the United Kingdom. Overall, 169 participants (45%) had received palliative radiotherapy, and the median (IQR) prostate-specific antigen level was 146 (51-354). Follow-ups were performed for at least 12 months. Up to 10 cycles of docetaxel alone; docetaxel with ZA; docetaxel with a single Sr89 dose after 6 cycles; or docetaxel with both ZA and Sr89. Primary outcomes included clinical progression-free survival (CPFS) (pain progression, skeletal-related events [SREs], or death) and cost-effectiveness. Secondary outcomes included SRE-free interval, pain progression-free interval, total SREs, and overall survival (OS). Overall, of 757 participants, 349 (46%) completed docetaxel treatment. Median (IQR) age was 68 (63-73) years. Clinical progression-free survival did not reach statistical significance for either Sr89 or ZA. Cox regression analysis adjusted for all stratification variables showed benefit of Sr89 on CPFS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.85; 95% CI, 0.73-0.99; P = .03) and confirmed no effect of ZA (HR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.85-1.14; P = .81); ZA had a significant effect

  2. Blown film extrusion of poly(lactic acid) without melt strength enhancers

    Treesearch

    Sonal S. Karkhanis; Nicole M. Stark; Ronald C. Sabo; Laurent M. Matuana

    2017-01-01

    Processing strategies were developed to manufacture poly(lactic acid) (PLA) blown films without melt strength enhancers (MSEs). The effects of processing temperature on PLA’s melt properties (shear and elongational viscosities), PLA grades, and other processing conditions [ratio of take-up roller to extruder’s rotational screw speeds or processing speed ratio (PSR) and...

  3. Taste, umami-enhance effect and amino acid sequence of peptides separated from silkworm pupa hydrolysate.

    PubMed

    Yu, Zilin; Jiang, Hongrui; Guo, Rongcan; Yang, Bo; You, Gang; Zhao, Mouming; Liu, Xiaoling

    2018-06-01

    Four umami peptides were separated and purified by ultrafiltration, gel filtration chromatography and identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass-spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), the amino acid sequences of four peptides are Val-Pro-Tyr (VPY), Thr-Ala-Tyr (TAY), Ala-Ala-Pro-Tyr (AAPY) and Gly-Phe-Pro (GFP). The result illustrates that the umami amino acids are not the content of umami peptides, but bitter amino acids are included. The threshold of VPY, TAY, AAPY and GFP were 1.65 mmol/L, 1.76 mmol/L, 2.97 mmol/L and 6.26 mmol/L, respectively. The peptide TAY, VPY and AAPY had an umami-enhancement effect on the monosodium glutamate (MSG) + sodium chloride (NaCl) solution, their concentrations were 2.5 g/L, 5 g/L and 5 g/L, respectively, while GFP has no significant umami-enhancement effect in solution. In addition, the peptides have better taste than its composing amino acids, which indicates that the taste of peptide does not depend on its composing amino acids. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  4. Morphology-dependent Electrochemical Enhancements of Porous Carbon as Sensitive Determination Platform for Ascorbic Acid, Dopamine and Uric Acid

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cheng, Qin; Ji, Liudi; Wu, Kangbing; Zhang, Weikang

    2016-02-01

    Using starch as the carbon precursor and different-sized ZnO naoparticles as the hard template, a series of porous carbon materials for electrochemical sensing were prepared. Experiments of scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and Nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms reveal that the particle size of ZnO has big impacts on the porous morphology and surface area of the resulting carbon materials. Through ultrasonic dispersion of porous carbon and subsequent solvent evaporation, different sensing interfaces were constructed on the surface of glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The electrochemical behaviors of ascorbic acid (AA), dopamine (DA) and uric acid (UA) were studied. On the surface of porous carbon materials, the accumulation efficiency and electron transfer ability of AA, DA and UA are improved, and consequently their oxidation signals enhance greatly. Moreover, the interface enhancement effects of porous carbon are also controlled by the particle size of hard template. The constructed porous carbon interface displays strong signal amplification ability and holds great promise in constructing a sensitive platform for the simultaneous determination of AA, DA and UA.

  5. Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering studies of L-amino acids adsorbed on silver nanoclusters

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Botta, Raju; Rajanikanth, A.; Bansal, C.

    2015-01-01

    Silver nanocluster films were prepared using plasma inert gas phase condensation technique. These were used as Raman active substrates for Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) studies of 19 standard L-amino acids adsorbed on the surface of Ag nanoclusters via Agsbnd N bonds. A detailed study of two essential aromatic amino acids viz. L-Phenylalanine and L-Tryptophan showed a correlation between the Raman intensity of the characteristic lines of phenol and indole side chains and their molar concentrations in the range 1 μM-1 mM. This indicates that Raman studies can be used for quantitative determination of the amino acids in proteins.

  6. Denosumab Reduces Risk of Bone Side Effects in Advanced Prostate Cancer

    Cancer.gov

    The biological agent denosumab (Xgeva) is more effective than zoledronic acid at decreasing the risk of bone fractures and other skeletal-related events (SRE) in men with castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer, according to results from a randomi

  7. Raman and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy of amino acids and peptide

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yuan, Xiaojuan; Gu, Huaimin; Wu, Jiwei; Kang, Jian; Dong, Xiao

    2009-08-01

    Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is potentially tool in the characterization of biomolecules such as amino acids, complicated peptides and proteins, and even tissues or living cells. Amino acids and short peptides contain different functional groups. Therefore, they are suitable for the investigations of the competitive-interactions of these functional groups with colloidal silver surfaces. In this paper, Normal Raman and SERS of amino acids Leucine and Isoleucine and short peptide Leu-Leu were measured on the silver colloidal substrate. Raman shifts that stem from different vibrational mode in the molecular inner structure, and the variations of SERS of the samples were analyzed in this study. The results show that different connection of one methyl to the main chains of the isomer amino acids resulted in different vibration modes in the Normal Raman spectra of Leucine and Isoleucine. In the SERS spectra of the isomer amino acids, all frequency shifts are expressed more differently than those in Normal Raman spectra of solid state. Orientation of this isomer amino acids, as well as specific-competitive interactions of their functional groups with the colloidal silver surface, were speculated by detailed spectral analysis of the obtained SERS spectra. In addition, the dipeptide Leu-Leu, as the corresponding homodipeptide of Leucine, was also measured adsorbed on the colloidal silver surface. The SERS spectrum of Leu-Leu is different from its corresponding amino acid Leucine but both of them are adsorbed on the silver surface through the carboxylate moiety.

  8. Ultrasonic-assisted incorporation of nano-encapsulated omega-3 fatty acids to enhance the fatty acid profile of pork meat.

    PubMed

    Ojha, K Shikha; Perussello, Camila A; García, Carlos Álvarez; Kerry, Joseph P; Pando, Daniel; Tiwari, Brijesh K

    2017-10-01

    In this study, ultrasound was employed to enhance the diffusion of microencapsulated fatty acids into pork meat. Nanovesicles of fish oil composed of 42% EPA (eicosapentanoic acid) and 16% DHA (docosahexanoic acid) were prepared using two different commercial Pronanosome preparations (Lipo-N and Lipo-CAT; which yield cationic and non-cationic nanovesicles, respectively). The thin film hydration (TFH) methodology was employed for encapsulation. Pork meat (Musculus semitendinosus) was submerged in the nanovesicles suspension and subjected to ultrasound (US) treatment at 25kHz for either 30 or 60min. Samples were analysed for fatty acid composition using gas chromatography-flame ionisation (GC-FID). The content of long-chain PUFAs, especially omega-3, was found to increase following the US treatment which was higher for Lipo-CAT compared to Lipo-N nanovesicles. Samples subjected to Lipo-N had higher atherogenic and thrombogenic indices, indicating higher levels of saturated fatty acids compared to the Lipo-CAT. The omega-6/omega-3 ratio in pork meat was significantly reduced following the US treatment, thus indicating an improved fatty acid profile of pork. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. Endomorphins potentiate acid-sensing ion channel currents and enhance the lactic acid-mediated increase in arterial blood pressure: effects amplified in hindlimb ischaemia.

    PubMed

    Farrag, Mohamed; Drobish, Julie K; Puhl, Henry L; Kim, Joyce S; Herold, Paul B; Kaufman, Marc P; Ruiz-Velasco, Victor

    2017-12-01

    Chronic limb ischaemia, characterized by inflammatory mediator release and a low extracellular pH, leads to acid-sensing ion channel (ASIC) activation and reflexively increases mean arterial pressure; endomorphin release is also increased under inflammatory conditions. We examined the modulation of ASIC currents by endomorphins in sensory neurons from rats with freely perfused and ligated femoral arteries: peripheral artery disease (PAD) model. Endomorphins potentiated sustained ASIC currents in both groups of dorsal root ganglion neurons, independent of mu opioid receptor stimulation or G protein activation. Intra-arterial administration of lactic acid (to simulate exercising muscle and evoke a pressor reflex), endomorphin-2 and naloxone resulted in a significantly greater pressor response than lactic acid alone, while administration of APETx2 inhibited endomorphin's enhancing effect in both groups. These results suggest a novel role for endomorphins in modulating ASIC function to effect lactic acid-mediated reflex increase in arterial pressure in patients with PAD. Chronic muscle ischaemia leads to accumulation of lactic acid and other inflammatory mediators with a subsequent drop in interstitial pH. Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs), expressed in thin muscle afferents, sense the decrease in pH and evoke a pressor reflex known to increase mean arterial pressure. The naturally occurring endomorphins are also released by primary afferents under ischaemic conditions. We examined whether high affinity mu opioid receptor (MOR) agonists, endomorphin-1 (E-1) and -2 (E-2), modulate ASIC currents and the lactic acid-mediated pressor reflex. In rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, exposure to E-2 in acidic solutions significantly potentiated ASIC currents when compared to acidic solutions alone. The potentiation was significantly greater in DRG neurons isolated from rats whose femoral arteries were ligated for 72 h. Sustained ASIC current potentiation was also observed

  10. Topical bisphosphonate augments fixation of bone-grafted hydroxyapatite coated implants, BMP-2 causes resorption-based decrease in bone.

    PubMed

    Baas, Jorgen; Vestermark, Marianne; Jensen, Thomas; Bechtold, Joan; Soballe, Kjeld; Jakobsen, Thomas

    2017-04-01

    Bone allograft is used in total joint arthroplasties in order to enhance implant fixation. BMPs are known to stimulate new bone formation within allograft, but also known to accelerate graft resorption. Bisphosphonates are strong inhibitor of bone resorption. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the bisphosphonate zoledronate was able to counteract the accelerated graft resorption without interfering with the BMP induced bone formation. In the present study the two drugs alone and in combination were studied in our canine model of impaction bone grafting. We included 10 dogs in this study. Cancellous allograft bone grafts were soaked in either saline or zoledronate solution (0.005mg/mL) and then vehicle or BMP2 (0.15mg rhBMP2) was added. This produced four treatment groups: A) control, B) BMP2, C) zoledronate and D) BMP2+zoledronate. The allograft treated with A, B, C or D was impacted into a circumferential defect of 2.5mm around HA-coated porous Ti implants. Each dog received all four treatment groups with two implants in the distal part of each femur. The group with allograft soaked in zoledronate (C) showed better biomechanical fixation than all other groups (p<0.05). It had less allograft resorption compared to all other groups (p<0.005) without any statistically significant change in new bone formation. The addition of BMP2 to the allograft did not increase new bone formation significantly, but did accelerate allograft resorption. This was also the case where the allograft was treated with BMP2 and zoledronate in combination (D). This caused a decrease in mechanical implant fixation in both these groups compared to the control group, however only statistically significant for the BMP2 group compared to control. The study shows that topical zoledronate can be a valuable tool for augmenting bone grafts when administered optimally. The use of BMP2 in bone grafting procedures seems associated with a high risk of bone resorption and mechanical

  11. Topical Bisphosphonate Augments Fixation of Bone-grafted Hydroxyapatite coated Implants, BMP-2 causes Resorption-based decrease in Bone

    PubMed Central

    Baas, Jorgen; Vestermark, Marianne; Jensen, Thomas; Bechtold, Joan; Soballe, Kjeld; Jakobsen, Thomas

    2017-01-01

    Bone allograft is used in total joint artroplasties in order to enhance implant fixation. BMPs are known to stimulate new bone formation within allograft, but also known to accelerate graft resorption. Bisphosphonates are strong inhibitor of bone resorption. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the bisphosphonate zoledronate was able to counteract the accelerated graft resorption without interfering with the BMP induced bone formation. In the present study the two drugs alone and in combination were studied in our canine model of impaction bone grafting. We included 10 dogs in this study. Cancellous allograft bone grafts were soaked in either saline or zoledronate solution (0.005 mg/mL) and then vehicle or BMP2 (0.15 mg rhBMP2) was added. This produced four treatment groups: A) control B) BMP2 C) zoledronate and D) BMP2+ zoledronate. The allograft treated with A,B,C or D was impacted into a circumferential defect of 2.5 mm around HA-coated porous Ti implants. Each dog received all four treatment groups with two implants in the distal part of each femur. The group with allograft soaked in zoledronate (C) showed better biomechanical fixation than all other groups (p<0.05). It had less allograft resorption compared to all other groups (p<0.005) without any statistically significant change in new bone formation. The addition of BMP2 to the allograft did not increase new bone formation significantly, but did accelerate allograft resorption. This was also the case where the allograft was treated with BMP2 and zoledronate in combination (D). This caused a decrease in mechanical implant fixation in both these groups compared to the control group, however only statistically significant for the BMP2 group compared to control. The study shows that topical zoledronate can be a valuable tool for augmenting bone grafts when administered optimally. The use of BMP2 in bone grafting procedures seems associated with a high risk of bone resorption and mechanical weakening

  12. Enhanced Oral Bioavailability of Diltiazem by the Influence of Gallic Acid and Ellagic Acid in Male Wistar Rats: Involvement of CYP3A and P-gp Inhibition.

    PubMed

    Athukuri, Bhargavi Latha; Neerati, Prasad

    2017-09-01

    The oral bioavailability of diltiazem is very low due to rapid first pass metabolism in liver and intestine. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of gallic acid and ellagic acid on intestinal transport and oral bioavailability of diltiazem in rats. The intestinal transport and permeability of diltiazem was evaluated by in vitro non-everted sac method and in situ single pass intestinal perfusion study. The oral pharmacokinetics was evaluated by conducting oral bioavailability study. The intestinal transport and apparent permeability of diltiazem were significantly enhanced in duodenum, jejunum, and ileum of gallic and ellagic acid-treated groups. The effective permeability of diltiazem was significantly enhanced in ileum part of gallic and ellagic acid-treated groups. When compared with control group, the presence of these two phytochemicals significantly enhanced the area under plasma concentration-time curve and the peak plasma concentration of diltiazem (C max ). Gallic acid and ellagic acid significantly increased the bioavailability of diltiazem due to the inhibition of both CYP3A-mediated metabolism and P-glycoprotein-mediated efflux in the intestine and/or liver. Based on these results, the clinical experiments are warranted for the confirmation to reduce the dose of diltiazem when concomitantly administered with these phytochemicals. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  13. [Amplification of γδ T cells in PBMCs of healthy donors and osteosarcoma patients stimulated by zoledronate].

    PubMed

    Li, Zhao-xu; Sun, Ling-ling; Cheng, Rui-lin; Sun, Zheng-wang; Ye, Zhao-ming

    2012-08-01

    To investigate the amplification and cytotoxicity of γδ T cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of healthy donors and osteosarcoma patients stimulated by zoledronate (Zol) and IL-2. PBMCs from healthy donors and osteosarcoma patients were stimulated with IL-2 and Zol+IL-2, respectively. After 14-day culture, the purity of γδ T cells was assessed by flow cytometry. The cytotoxicity of γδ T cells against target cells was analyzed using a standard lactate dehydrogenase release assay with γδ T lymphocyte-sensitive Daudi cells, γδ T lymphocyte-resistant Raji cells and human osteoblast cell line, hFOB, as the target cells. After 2-week culture ex vivo of PBMCs from healthy donors and osteosarcoma patients, compared with stimulation of IL-2, Zol+IL-2 significantly promoted the amplification of γδ T cells. In addition, γδ T cells showed the higher cytotoxicity against Daudi cells, but no cytotoxic effect on normal cells like hFOB. γδ T cells of high purity and high cytotoxicity can be obtained by the stimulation of Zol combined with IL-2 on PBMCs from healthy donors and osteosarcoma patients.

  14. Enhancement of arachidonic acid signaling pathway by nicotinic acid receptor HM74A

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

    Tang, Yuting; Zhou, Lubing; Gunnet, Joseph W.

    2006-06-23

    HM74A is a G protein-coupled receptor for nicotinic acid (niacin), which has been used clinically to treat dyslipidemia for decades. The molecular mechanisms whereby niacin exerts its pleiotropic effects on lipid metabolism remain largely unknown. In addition, the most common side effect in niacin therapy is skin flushing that is caused by prostaglandin release, suggesting that the phospholipase A{sub 2} (PLA{sub 2})/arachidonic acid (AA) pathway is involved. Various eicosanoids have been shown to activate peroxisome-proliferator activated receptors (PPAR) that play a diverse array of roles in lipid metabolism. To further elucidate the potential roles of HM74A in mediating the therapeuticmore » effects and/or side effects of niacin, we sought to explore the signaling events upon HM74A activation. Here we demonstrated that HM74A synergistically enhanced UTP- and bradykinin-mediated AA release in a pertussis toxin-sensitive manner in A431 cells. Activation of HM74A also led to Ca{sup 2+}-mobilization and enhanced bradykinin-promoted Ca{sup 2+}-mobilization through Gi protein. While HM74A increased ERK1/2 activation by the bradykinin receptor, it had no effects on UTP-promoted ERK1/2 activation.Furthermore, UTP- and bradykinin-mediated AA release was significantly decreased in the presence of both MAPK kinase inhibitor PD 098059 and PKC inhibitor GF 109203X. However, the synergistic effects of HM74A were not dramatically affected by co-treatment with both inhibitors, indicating the cross-talk occurred at the receptor level. Finally, stimulation of A431 cells transiently transfected with PPRE-luciferase with AA significantly induced luciferase activity, mimicking the effects of PPAR{gamma} agonist rosiglitazone, suggesting that alteration of AA signaling pathway can regulate gene expression via endogenous PPARs.« less

  15. Cost-effectiveness of zoledronic acid in the prevention of skeletal-related events in patients with bone metastases secondary to advanced renal cell carcinoma: application to France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

    PubMed

    Botteman, M F; Meijboom, M; Foley, I; Stephens, J M; Chen, Y M; Kaura, S

    2011-12-01

    The use of zoledronic acid (ZOL) has recently been shown to significantly reduce the risk of new skeletal-related events (SREs) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients with bone metastases. The present exploratory study assessed the cost-effectiveness of ZOL in this population, adopting a French, German, and United Kingdom (UK) government payer perspective. This cost-effectiveness model was based on a post hoc retrospective analysis of a subset of patients with RCC who were included in a larger randomized clinical trial of patients with bone metastases secondary to a variety of cancers. In the trial, patients were randomized to receive ZOL (n = 27) or placebo (n = 19) with concomitant antineoplastic therapy every 3 weeks for 9 months (core study) plus 12 months during a study extension. Since the trial did not collect costs or data on the quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) of the patients, these outcomes had to be assumed via modeling exercises. The costs of SREs were estimated using hospital DRG tariffs. These estimates were supplemented with literature-based costs where possible. Drug, administration, and supply costs were obtained from published and internet sources. Consistent with similar economic analyses, patients were assumed to experience quality of life decrements lasting 1 month for each SRE. Uncertainty surrounding outcomes was addressed via multivariate sensitivity analyses. Patients receiving ZOL experienced 1.07 fewer SREs than patients on placebo. Patients on ZOL experienced a gain in discounted QALYs of approximately 0.1563 in France and Germany and 0.1575 in the UK. Discounted SRE-related costs were substantially lower among ZOL than placebo patients (-€ 4,196 in France, - € 3,880 in Germany, and -€ 3,355 in the UK). After taking into consideration the drug therapy costs, ZOL saved € 1,358, € 1,223, and € 719 in France, Germany, and the UK, respectively. In the multivariate sensitivity analyses, therapy with ZOL saved costs in 67

  16. Recombinant host cells and nucleic acid constructs encoding polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity

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

    Schnorr, Kirk; Kramer, Randall

    The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

  17. MOXI Is a Mitochondrial Micropeptide That Enhances Fatty Acid β-Oxidation.

    PubMed

    Makarewich, Catherine A; Baskin, Kedryn K; Munir, Amir Z; Bezprozvannaya, Svetlana; Sharma, Gaurav; Khemtong, Chalermchai; Shah, Akansha M; McAnally, John R; Malloy, Craig R; Szweda, Luke I; Bassel-Duby, Rhonda; Olson, Eric N

    2018-06-26

    Micropeptide regulator of β-oxidation (MOXI) is a conserved muscle-enriched protein encoded by an RNA transcript misannotated as non-coding. MOXI localizes to the inner mitochondrial membrane where it associates with the mitochondrial trifunctional protein, an enzyme complex that plays a critical role in fatty acid β-oxidation. Isolated heart and skeletal muscle mitochondria from MOXI knockout mice exhibit a diminished ability to metabolize fatty acids, while transgenic MOXI overexpression leads to enhanced β-oxidation. Additionally, hearts from MOXI knockout mice preferentially oxidize carbohydrates over fatty acids in an isolated perfused heart system compared to wild-type (WT) animals. MOXI knockout mice also exhibit a profound reduction in exercise capacity, highlighting the role of MOXI in metabolic control. The functional characterization of MOXI provides insight into the regulation of mitochondrial metabolism and energy homeostasis and underscores the regulatory potential of additional micropeptides that have yet to be identified. Copyright © 2018 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  18. Humic Acids Enhanced U(VI) Attenuation in Acidic Waste Plumes: An In-situ Remediation Approach

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wan, J.; Dong, W.; Tokunaga, T. K.

    2010-12-01

    and HA by groundwater leaching are non-detectable over a long period of time (200 days and > 100 PV without further addition of HA). As a natural reactive agent for in-situ remediation, HAs are cost-effective (enormous reservoir in nature), nontoxic, resistant to biodegradation, soluble, and easily introducible to the subsurface. This method has high potential to efficiently and sustainably enhance natural attenuation of U within acidic waste plumes.

  19. A kinetic study of the enhancement of solution chemiluminescence of glyoxylic acid oxidation by manganese species.

    PubMed

    Otamonga, Jean-Paul; Abdel-Mageed, Amal; Agater, Irena B; Jewsbury, Roger A

    2015-08-01

    In order to study the mechanism of the enhancement of solution chemiluminescence, the kinetics of the decay of the oxidant and the chemiluminescence emission were followed for oxidations by permanganate, manganese dioxide sol and Mn(3+) (aq) of glyoxylic acid, using stopped-flow spectrophotometry. Results are reported for the glyoxylic acid oxidized under pseudo first-order conditions and in an acidic medium at 25 °C. For permanganate under these conditions, the decay is sigmoidal, consistent with autocatalysis, and for manganese dioxide sol and Mn(3+) it is pseudo first order. The effects of the presence of aqueous formaldehyde and Mn(2+) were observed and a fit to a simple mechanism is discussed. It is concluded that chemiluminescent enhancement in these systems is best explained by reaction kinetics. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  20. Desire for penile girth enhancement and the effects of the self-injection of hyaluronic Acid gel.

    PubMed

    Coskuner, Enis Rauf; Canter, Halil Ibrahim

    2012-07-01

    Penile girth enhancement is a controversial subject but demands for enhancement are increasing steadily. Although various fillers have been widely used for soft tissue augmentation, there is no reliable material for this particular situation. Here we report a case of an acute hypersensitivity reaction in a man after his first self-injection of a filler material, which, he claimed, was hyaluronic acid gel for penile girth enhancement and glans penis augmentation.

  1. Dicarboxylic acid transport in Bradyrhizobium japonicum: use of Rhizobium meliloti dct gene(s) to enhance nitrogen fixation.

    PubMed Central

    Birkenhead, K; Manian, S S; O'Gara, F

    1988-01-01

    A recombinant plasmid encoding Rhizobium meliloti sequences involved in dicarboxylic acid transport (plasmid pRK290:4:46) (E. Bolton, B. Higgisson, A. Harrington, and F. O'Gara, Arch. Microbiol. 144:142-146, 1986) was used to study the relationship between dicarboxylic acid transport and nitrogen fixation in Bradyrhizobium japonicum. The expression of the dct sequences on plasmid pRK290:4:46 in B. japonicum CJ1 resulted in increased growth rates in media containing dicarboxylic acids as the sole source of carbon. In addition, strain CJ1(pRK290:4:46) exhibited enhanced succinate uptake activity when grown on dicarboxylic acids under aerobic conditions. Under free-living nitrogen-fixing conditions, strain CJ1(pRK290:4:46) exhibited higher nitrogenase (acetylene reduction) activity compared with that of the wild-type strain. This increase in nitrogenase activity also correlated with an enhanced dicarboxylic acid uptake rate under these microaerobic conditions. The regulation of dicarboxylic acid transport by factors such as metabolic inhibitors and the presence of additional carbon sources was similar in both the wild-type and the engineered strains. The implications of increasing nitrogenase activity through alterations in the dicarboxylic acid transport system are discussed. PMID:3422072

  2. Metabolic engineering of Clostridium acetobutylicum for enhanced production of butyric acid.

    PubMed

    Jang, Yu-Sin; Woo, Hee Moon; Im, Jung Ae; Kim, In Ho; Lee, Sang Yup

    2013-11-01

    Clostridium acetobutylicum has been considered as an attractive platform host for biorefinery due to its metabolic diversity. Considering its capability to overproduce butanol through butyrate, it was thought that butyric acid can also be efficiently produced by this bacterium through metabolic engineering. The pta-ctfB-deficient C. acetobutylicum CEKW, in which genes encoding phosphotransacetylase and CoA-transferase were knocked out, was assessed for its potential as a butyric acid producer in fermentations with four controlled pH values at 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, and 6.4. Butyric acid could be best produced by fermentation of the CEKW at pH 6.0, resulting in the highest titer of 26.6 g/l, which is 6.4 times higher than that obtained with the wild type. However, due to the remaining solventogenic ability of the CEKW, 3.6 g/l solvents were also produced. Thus, the CEKW was further engineered by knocking out the adhE1-encoding aldehyde/alcohol dehydrogenase to prevent solvent production. Batch fermentation of the resulting C. acetobutylicum HCEKW at pH 6.0 showed increased butyric acid production to 30.8 g/l with a ratio of butyric-to-acetic acid (BA/AA) of 6.6 g/g and a productivity of 0.72 g/l/h from 86.9 g/l glucose, while negligible solvent (0.8 g/l ethanol only) was produced. The butyric acid titer, BA/AA ratio, and productivity obtained in this study were the highest values reported for C. acetobutylicum, and the BA/AA ratio and productivity were also comparable to those of native butyric acid producer Clostridium tyrobutyricum. These results suggested that the simultaneous deletion of the pta-ctfB-adhE1 in C. acetobutylicum resulted in metabolic switch from biphasic to acidogenic fermentation, which enhanced butyric acid production.

  3. Desire for Penile Girth Enhancement and the Effects of the Self-Injection of Hyaluronic Acid Gel

    PubMed Central

    Coskuner, Enis Rauf; Canter, Halil Ibrahim

    2012-01-01

    Penile girth enhancement is a controversial subject but demands for enhancement are increasing steadily. Although various fillers have been widely used for soft tissue augmentation, there is no reliable material for this particular situation. Here we report a case of an acute hypersensitivity reaction in a man after his first self-injection of a filler material, which, he claimed, was hyaluronic acid gel for penile girth enhancement and glans penis augmentation. PMID:23112518

  4. Silica Gel for Enhanced Activity and Hypochlorite Protection of Cyanuric Acid Hydrolase in Recombinant Escherichia coli.

    PubMed

    Radian, Adi; Aukema, Kelly G; Aksan, Alptekin; Wackett, Lawrence P

    2015-11-03

    Chlorinated isocyanuric acids are widely used water disinfectants that generate hypochlorite, but with repeated application, they build up cyanuric acid (CYA) that must be removed to maintain disinfection. 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES)-treated Escherichia coli cells expressing cyanuric acid hydrolase (CAH) from Moorella thermoacetica exhibited significantly high CYA degradation rates and provided protection against enzyme inactivation by hypochlorite (chlorine). APTES coating or encapsulation of cells had two benefits: (i) overcoming diffusion limitations imposed by the cell wall and (ii) protecting against hypochlorite inactivation of CAH activity. Cells encapsulated in APTES gels degraded CYA three times faster than nonfunctionalized tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) gels, and cells coated with APTES degraded CYA at a rate of 29 µmol/min per mg of CAH protein, similar to the rate with purified enzyme. UV spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy showed that the higher rates were due to APTES increasing membrane permeability and enhancing cyanuric acid diffusion into the cytoplasm to reach the CAH enzyme. Purified CAH enzyme was shown to be rapidly inactivated by hypochlorite. APTES aggregates surrounding cells protected via the amine groups reacting with hypochlorite as shown by pH changes, zeta potential measurements, and infrared spectroscopy. APTES-encapsulated E. coli cells expressing CAH degraded cyanuric acid at high rates in the presence of 1 to 10 ppm hypochlorite, showing effectiveness under swimming pool conditions. In contrast, CAH activity in TEOS gels or free cells was completely inactivated by hypochlorite. These studies show that commercially available silica materials can selectively enhance, protect, and immobilize whole-cell biocatalysts for specialized applications. Hypochlorite is used in vast quantities for water disinfection, killing bacteria on surfaces, and washing and whitening. In pools, spas, and other

  5. Enhanced antiamyloidal activity of hydroxy cinnamic acids by enzymatic esterification with alkyl alcohols.

    PubMed

    Kondo, Hazuki; Sugiyama, Haruka; Katayama, Shigeru; Nakamura, Soichiro

    2014-01-01

    Lipophilic derivatives of hydroxyl cinnamic acids (HCAs) including caffeic acid (CA), ferulic acid, sinapic acid (SA), and chlorogenic acid were synthesized by esterification with butanol, octanol, or hexadecanol catalyzed by the lipase from Candida antarctica to investigate the effect of lipophilicity on their antiamyloidal activity assessed by the inhibitory activities toward fibrillization of amyloid β (Aβ) peptide. Among them, CA showed the highest activity at 50 μM, reducing the amyloid fibril formation of Aβ to 34.4 ± 6.8%. The antiamyloidal effects of HCAs were enhanced by esterification with alkyl alcohols, and the longer alkyl chain tended to be more effective except for SA. Aβ fibril formation was suppressed by the hexadecyl ester of CA, which was reduced to 8.8 ± 2.3%. In contrast, those of octyl and butyl esters were 19.3 ± 2.3% and 41.6 ± 6.1%, respectively. These results show that lipophilicity plays an important role in the antiamyloidal activities of esterified phenolic compounds. © 2013 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  6. Permeation enhancement via thiolation: in vitro and ex vivo evaluation of hyaluronic acid-cysteine ethyl ester.

    PubMed

    Laffleur, Flavia; Psenner, Julia; Suchaoin, Wongsakorn

    2015-07-01

    It was the aim of this study to evaluate the permeation-enhancing effect of synthesized thiolated hyaluronic acid (HA). HA, a naturally found polysaccharide, was chemically modified with l-cysteine ethyl ether (C) via amide bond formation. In vitro permeation enhancement was tested on Caco-2 cells with two compounds, sulforhodamine (SR) and fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FD4). Cytotoxicity assays as lactate dehydrogenase and thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) were performed on colon carcinoma cell line. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements were conducted. Ex vivo evaluation was accomplished on rat intestinal mucosa in order to predict the permeation enhancing effect with SR, sodium fluorescein (SF), and FD4, respectively. The MTT as well as lactate dehydrogenase revealed no toxicity over time periods of 3 and 12 h, respectively. The bioconjugate is biocompatible and safe to use. Furthermore, TEER measurements showed the integrity of tight junctions. The in vitro permeation studies on cell studies exhibit 1.28-fold enhancement for SR and 1.47-fold enhancement for FD4 with hyaluronic acid-cysteine ethyl ester (HAC) in comparison to unmodified one. The ex vivo transport studies exhibit 1.9-fold enhancement for SF, 1.31-fold enhancement for Rhodamine123, and 1.3-fold enhancement for FD4 with HAC in comparison to unmodified one, respectively. Thus, the promising results encourage further investigations and exploitation of this versatile polysaccharide. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.

  7. Glutamic Acid as Enhancer of Protein Synthesis Kinetics in Hepatocytes from Old Rats.

    PubMed

    Brodsky, V Y; Malchenko, L A; Butorina, N N; Lazarev Konchenko, D S; Zvezdina, N D; Dubovaya, T K

    2017-08-01

    Dense cultures of hepatocytes from old rats (~2 years old, body weight 530-610 g) are different from similar cultures of hepatocytes from young rats by the low amplitude of protein synthesis rhythm. Addition of glutamic acid (0.2, 0.4, or 0.6 mg/ml) into the culture medium with hepatocytes of old rats resulted in increase in the oscillation amplitudes of the protein synthesis rhythm to the level of young rats. A similar action of glutamic acid on the protein synthesis kinetics was observed in vivo after feeding old rats with glutamic acid. Inhibition of metabotropic receptors of glutamic acid with α-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine (0.01 mg/ml) abolished the effect of glutamic acid. The amplitude of oscillation of the protein synthesis rhythm in a cell population characterizes synchronization of individual oscillations caused by direct cell-cell communications. Hence, glutamic acid, acting as a receptor-dependent transmitter, enhanced direct cell-cell communications of hepatocytes that were decreased with aging. As differentiated from other known membrane signaling factors (gangliosides, norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine), glutamic acid can penetrate into the brain and thus influence the communications and protein synthesis kinetics that are disturbed with aging not only in hepatocytes, but also in neurons.

  8. Enhanced butyric acid tolerance and bioproduction by Clostridium tyrobutyricum immobilized in a fibrous bed bioreactor.

    PubMed

    Jiang, Ling; Wang, Jufang; Liang, Shizhong; Cai, Jin; Xu, Zhinan; Cen, Peilin; Yang, Shangtian; Li, Shuang

    2011-01-01

    Repeated fed-batch fermentation of glucose by Clostridium tyrobutyricum immobilized in a fibrous bed bioreactor (FBB) was successfully employed to produce butyric acid at a high final concentration as well as to adapt a butyric-acid-tolerant strain. At the end of the eighth fed-batch fermentation, the butyric acid concentration reached 86.9 ± 2.17 g/L, which to our knowledge is the highest butyric acid concentration ever produced in the traditional fermentation process. To understand the mechanism and factors contributing to the improved butyric acid production and enhanced acid tolerance, adapted strains were harvested from the FBB and characterized for their physiological properties, including specific growth rate, acid-forming enzymes, intracellular pH, membrane-bound ATPase and cell morphology. Compared with the original culture used to seed the bioreactor, the adapted culture showed significantly reduced inhibition effects of butyric acid on specific growth rate, cellular activities of butyric-acid-forming enzyme phosphotransbutyrylase (PTB) and ATPase, together with elevated intracellular pH, and elongated rod morphology. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  9. Adrenic acid as an inflammation enhancer in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

    PubMed

    Horas H Nababan, Saut; Nishiumi, Shin; Kawano, Yuki; Kobayashi, Takashi; Yoshida, Masaru; Azuma, Takeshi

    2017-06-01

    This study was designed to identify novel links between lipid species and disease progression in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We analyzed lipid species in the liver and plasma of db/db mice fed a choline-deficient l-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet (CDAHFD) using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). An in vitro experiment was performed using HepG2 cells stimulated with recombinant human TNFα or IL1β. The expression of steatosis-, inflammation-, and fibrosis-related genes were analyzed. Plasma samples from NAFLD patients were also analyzed by LC/MS. The CDAHFD-fed db/db mice with hepatic steatosis, inflammation, mild fibrosis, obesity, and hypercholesterolemia displayed significantly higher hepatic and plasma levels of free adrenic acid (p < 0.05). The accumulated adrenic acid in the CDAHFD-fed db/db mice was associated with increased expression of ELOVL2 and 5, and the suppression of the acyl-CoA oxidase 1 gene during peroxisomal β-oxidation. The pretreatment of HepG2 cells with adrenic acid enhanced their cytokine-induced cytokines and chemokines mRNA expression. In NAFLD patients, the group with the highest ALT levels exhibited higher plasma adrenic acid concentrations than the other ALT groups (p-value for trend <0.001). Data obtained demonstrated that adrenic acid accumulation contributes to disease progression in NAFLD. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. Enhancing tolerance of rice (Oryza sativa) to simulated acid rain by exogenous abscisic acid.

    PubMed

    Wu, Xi; Liang, Chanjuan

    2017-02-01

    Abscisic acid (ABA) regulates much important plant physiological and biochemical processes and induces tolerance to different stresses. Here, we studied the regulation of exogenous ABA on adaptation of rice seedlings to simulated acid rain (SAR) stress by measuring biomass dry weight, stomatal conductance, net photosynthesis rate, nutrient elements, and endogenous hormones. The application of 10 μM ABA alleviated the SAR-induced inhibition on growth, stomatal conductance, net photosynthesis rate, and decreases in contents of nutrient (K, Mg, N, and P) and hormone (auxin, gibberellins, and zeatin). Moreover, 10 μM ABA could stimulate the Ca content as signaling molecules under SAR stress. Contrarily, the application of 100 μM ABA aggravated the SAR-induced inhibition on growth, stomatal conductance, net photosynthesis rate, and contents of nutrient and hormone. The results got after a 5-day recovery (without SAR) show that exogenous 10 μM ABA can promote self-restoration process in rice whereas 100 μM ABA hindered the restoration by increasing deficiency of nutrients and disturbing the balance of hormones. These results confirmed that exogenous ABA at proper concentration could enhance the tolerance of rice to SAR stress.

  11. An Acidic Microenvironment Increases NK Cell Killing of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii by Enhancing Perforin Degranulation

    PubMed Central

    Islam, Anowara; Li, Shu Shun; Oykhman, Paul; Timm-McCann, Martina; Huston, Shaunna M.; Stack, Danuta; Xiang, Richard F.; Kelly, Margaret M.; Mody, Christopher H.

    2013-01-01

    Cryptococcus gattii and Cryptococcus neoformans are encapsulated yeasts that can produce a solid tumor-like mass or cryptococcoma. Analogous to malignant tumors, the microenvironment deep within a cryptococcoma is acidic, which presents unique challenges to host defense. Analogous to malignant cells, NK cells kill Cryptococcus. Thus, as in tumor defense, NK cells must kill yeast cells across a gradient from physiologic pH to less than 6 in the center of the cryptococcoma. As acidic pH inhibits anti-tumor activities of NK cells, we sought to determine if there was a similar reduction in the anticryptococcal activity of NK cells. Surprisingly, we found that both primary human NK cells and the human NK cell line, YT, have preserved or even enhanced killing of Cryptococcus in acidic, compared to physiological, pH. Studies to explore the mechanism of enhanced killing revealed that acidic pH does not increase the effector to target ratio, binding of cytolytic cells to Cryptococcus, or the active perforin content in effector cells. By contrast, perforin degranulation was greater at acidic pH, and increased degranulation was preceded by enhanced ERK1/2 phosphorylation, which is essential for killing. Moreover, using a replication defective ras1 knockout strain of Cryptococcus increased degranulation occurred during more rapid replication of the organisms. Finally, NK cells were found intimately associated with C. gattii within the cryptococcoma of a fatal infection. These results suggest that NK cells have amplified signaling, degranulation, and greater killing at low pH and when the organisms are replicating quickly, which would help maintain microbicidal host defense despite an acidic microenvironment. PMID:23853583

  12. Low-dose retinoic acid enhances in vitro invasiveness of human oral squamous-cell-carcinoma cell lines

    PubMed Central

    Uchida, D; Kawamata, H; Nakashiro, K; Omotehara, F; Hino, S; Hoque, M O; Begum, N-M; Yoshida, H; Sato, M; Fujimori, T

    2001-01-01

    Retinoids inhibit the proliferation of several types of tumour cells, and are used for patients with several malignant tumours. In this study, we examined the effect of retinoic acids (RAs) on the invasive potentials of the oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cells, BHY and HNt. BHY cells expressed all of retinoid nuclear receptors (RARα, β, γ, and RXRα) and cytoplasmic retinoic acid binding proteins (CRABP1 and CRABP2). HNt cells lacked the expression of RARβ, but expressed other nuclear receptors and CRABPs. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and 13-cis retinoic acid (13-cisRA) (10−6and 10−7M) inhibited the growth of the cells, but low-dose ATRA and 13-cisRA (10−8M) marginally affected the growth of the cells. Surprisingly, low-dose RAs enhanced the activity of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), and activated pro-matrix metalloproteinases (proMMP2 and proMMP9). Activation of proMMP2 and proMMP9 was inhibited by aprotinin, a serine-proteinase, tPA inhibitor. Furthermore, low-dose RAs enhanced the in vitro invasiveness of BHY cells. These results indicate that low-dose RAs enhances the in vitro invasiveness of oral SCC cells via an activation of proMMP2 and proMMP9 probably mediated by the induction of tPA. © 2001 Cancer Research Campaign http://www.bjcancer.com PMID:11437413

  13. Removal of heavy metals from contaminated soil by electrodialytic remediation enhanced with organic acids.

    PubMed

    Merdoud, Ouarda; Cameselle, Claudio; Boulakradeche, Mohamed Oualid; Akretche, Djamal Eddine

    2016-11-09

    The soil from an industrial area in Algeria was contaminated with Cr (8370 mg kg -1 ), Ni (1135 mg kg -1 ) and zinc (1200 mg kg -1 ). The electrodialytic remediation of this soil was studied using citric acid and EDTA as facilitating agents. 0.1 M citric acid or EDTA was added directly to the soil before it was introduced in an electrodialytic cell in an attempt to enhance the heavy metal solubility in the interstitial fluid. The more acidic pH in the soil when citric acid was used as the facilitating agent was not enough to mobilize and remove the metals from the soil. Only 7.2% of Ni and 6.7% of Zn were removed from the soil in the test with citric acid. The best results were found with EDTA, which was able to solubilize and complex Zn and Ni forming negatively charged complexes that were transported and accumulated in the anolyte. Complete removal was observed for Ni and Zn in the electrodialytic treatment with EDTA. Minor amounts of Cr were removed with both EDTA and citric acid.

  14. Enhancing Perception of Contaminated Food through Acid-Mediated Modulation of Taste Neuron Responses

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Yan; Amrein, Hubert

    2015-01-01

    SUMMARY Background Natural foods not only contain nutrients, but also non-nutritious and potentially harmful chemicals. Thus, animals need to evaluate food content in order to make adequate feeding decisions. Results Here, we investigate the effects of acids on the taste neuron responses and on taste behavior of desirable, nutritious sugars and sugar/bitter compound mixtures in Drosophila melanogaster. Using Ca2+ imaging, we show that acids neither activate sweet nor bitter taste neurons in tarsal taste sensilla. However, they suppress responses to bitter compounds in bitter-sensing neurons. Moreover, acids reverse suppression of bitter compounds exerted on sweet-sensing neurons. Consistent with these observations, behavioral analyses show that bitter compound-mediated inhibition on feeding behavior is alleviated by acids. To investigate the cellular mechanism by which acids modulate these effects, we silenced bitter sensing gustatory neurons. Surprisingly, this intervention had little effect on acid-mediated de-repression of sweet neuron or feeding responses to either sugar/bitter compound mixtures, or sugar/bitter compound/acid mixtures, suggesting two independent pathways by which bitter compounds are sensed. Conclusions Our investigations reveal that acids, when presented in dietary relevant concentrations, enhance the perception of sugar/bitter compound mixtures. Drosophila’s natural food sources - fruits and cohabitating yeast - are rich in sugars and acids, but are rapidly colonized by microorganisms, such as fungi, protozoan parasites and bacteria, many of which produce bitter compounds. We propose that acids present in most fruits counteract the inhibitory effects of these bitter compounds during feeding. PMID:25131671

  15. Enhancing perception of contaminated food through acid-mediated modulation of taste neuron responses.

    PubMed

    Chen, Yan; Amrein, Hubert

    2014-09-08

    Natural foods contain not only nutrients, but also nonnutritious and potentially harmful chemicals. Thus, animals need to evaluate food content in order to make adequate feeding decisions. Here, we investigate the effects of acids on the taste neuron responses and on taste behavior of desirable, nutritious sugars and sugar/bitter compound mixtures in Drosophila melanogaster. Using Ca2+ imaging, we show that acids activate neither sweet nor bitter taste neurons in tarsal taste sensilla. However, they suppress responses to bitter compounds in bitter-sensing neurons. Moreover, acids reverse suppression of bitter compounds exerted on sweet-sensing neurons. Consistent with these observations, behavioral analyses show that bitter-compound-mediated inhibition on feeding behavior is alleviated by acids. To investigate the cellular mechanism by which acids modulate these effects, we silenced bitter-sensing gustatory neurons. Surprisingly, this intervention had little effect on acid-mediated derepression of sweet neuron or feeding responses to either sugar/bitter compound mixtures or sugar/bitter compound/acid mixtures, suggesting that there are two independent pathways by which bitter compounds are sensed. Our investigations reveal that acids, when presented in dietary relevant concentrations, enhance the perception of sugar/bitter compound mixtures. Drosophila's natural food sources-fruits and cohabitating yeast-are rich in sugars and acids but are rapidly colonized by microorganisms, such as fungi, protozoan parasites, and bacteria, many of which produce bitter compounds. We propose that the acids present in most fruits counteract the inhibitory effects of these bitter compounds during feeding. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Enhanced Bio-hydrogen Production from Protein Wastewater by Altering Protein Structure and Amino Acids Acidification Type

    PubMed Central

    Xiao, Naidong; Chen, Yinguang; Chen, Aihui; Feng, Leiyu

    2014-01-01

    Enhanced bio-hydrogen production from protein wastewater by altering protein structure and amino acids acidification type via pH control was investigated. The hydrogen production reached 205.2 mL/g-protein when protein wastewater was pretreated at pH 12 and then fermented at pH 10. The mechanism studies showed that pH 12 pretreatment significantly enhanced protein bio-hydrolysis during the subsequent fermentation stage as it caused the unfolding of protein, damaged the protein hydrogen bonding networks, and destroyed the disulfide bridges, which increased the susceptibility of protein to protease. Moreover, pH 10 fermentation produced more acetic but less propionic acid during the anaerobic fermentation of amino acids, which was consistent with the theory of fermentation type affecting hydrogen production. Further analyses of the critical enzymes, genes, and microorganisms indicated that the activity and abundance of hydrogen producing bacteria in the pH 10 fermentation reactor were greater than those in the control. PMID:24495932

  17. Enhanced bio-hydrogen production from protein wastewater by altering protein structure and amino acids acidification type.

    PubMed

    Xiao, Naidong; Chen, Yinguang; Chen, Aihui; Feng, Leiyu

    2014-02-05

    Enhanced bio-hydrogen production from protein wastewater by altering protein structure and amino acids acidification type via pH control was investigated. The hydrogen production reached 205.2 mL/g-protein when protein wastewater was pretreated at pH 12 and then fermented at pH 10. The mechanism studies showed that pH 12 pretreatment significantly enhanced protein bio-hydrolysis during the subsequent fermentation stage as it caused the unfolding of protein, damaged the protein hydrogen bonding networks, and destroyed the disulfide bridges, which increased the susceptibility of protein to protease. Moreover, pH 10 fermentation produced more acetic but less propionic acid during the anaerobic fermentation of amino acids, which was consistent with the theory of fermentation type affecting hydrogen production. Further analyses of the critical enzymes, genes, and microorganisms indicated that the activity and abundance of hydrogen producing bacteria in the pH 10 fermentation reactor were greater than those in the control.

  18. Enhanced Bio-hydrogen Production from Protein Wastewater by Altering Protein Structure and Amino Acids Acidification Type

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xiao, Naidong; Chen, Yinguang; Chen, Aihui; Feng, Leiyu

    2014-02-01

    Enhanced bio-hydrogen production from protein wastewater by altering protein structure and amino acids acidification type via pH control was investigated. The hydrogen production reached 205.2 mL/g-protein when protein wastewater was pretreated at pH 12 and then fermented at pH 10. The mechanism studies showed that pH 12 pretreatment significantly enhanced protein bio-hydrolysis during the subsequent fermentation stage as it caused the unfolding of protein, damaged the protein hydrogen bonding networks, and destroyed the disulfide bridges, which increased the susceptibility of protein to protease. Moreover, pH 10 fermentation produced more acetic but less propionic acid during the anaerobic fermentation of amino acids, which was consistent with the theory of fermentation type affecting hydrogen production. Further analyses of the critical enzymes, genes, and microorganisms indicated that the activity and abundance of hydrogen producing bacteria in the pH 10 fermentation reactor were greater than those in the control.

  19. Liver-targeting self-assembled hyaluronic acid-glycyrrhetinic acid micelles enhance hepato-protective effect of silybin after oral administration.

    PubMed

    Han, Xiaofeng; Wang, Zhe; Wang, Manyuan; Li, Jing; Xu, Yongsong; He, Rui; Guan, Hongyu; Yue, Zhujun; Gong, Muxin

    2016-06-01

    In order to enhance oral bioavailability and liver targeting delivery of silybin, two amphiphilic hyaluronic acid derivatives, hyaluronic acid-deoxycholic acid (HA-adh-DOCA) and hyaluronic acid-glycyrrhetinic acid (HA-adh-GA) conjugates, were designed and synthesized. Silybin was successfully loaded in HA-adh-DOCA and HA-adh-GA micelles with high drug-loading capacities (20.3% ± 0.5% and 20.6% ± 0.6%, respectively). The silybin-loaded micelles were spherical in shape with the average size around 130 nm. In vitro release study showed that two silybin-loaded micelles displayed similar steady continued-release pattern in simulated gastrointestinal fluids and PBS. Single-pass intestinal perfusion studies indicated that silybin-loaded micelles were absorbed in the whole intestine and transported via a passive diffusion mechanism. Compared with suspension formulation, silybin-loaded HA-adh-DOCA and HA-adh-GA micelles achieved significantly higher AUC and Cmax level. Moreover, liver targeting drug delivery of micelles was confirmed by in vivo imaging analysis. In comparison between the two micellar formulations, HA-adh-GA micelles possessed higher targeting capacity than HA-adh-DOCA micelles, owing to the active hepatic targeting properties of glycyrrhetinic acid. In the treatment of acute liver injury induced by CCl4, silybin-loaded HA-adh-GA micelles displayed better effects over suspension control and silybin-loaded HA-adh-DOCA micelles. Overall, pharmaceutical and pharmacological indicators suggested that the HA-adh-GA conjugates can be successfully utilized for liver targeting of orally administered therapeutics.

  20. Zoledronate Attenuates Accumulation of DNA Damage in Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Protects Their Function

    PubMed Central

    Misra, Juhi; Mohanty, Sindhu T.; Madan, Sanjeev; Fernandes, James A.; Hal Ebetino, F.; Russell, R. Graham G.

    2015-01-01

    Abstract Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) undergo a decline in function following ex vivo expansion and exposure to irradiation. This has been associated with accumulation of DNA damage and has important implications for tissue engineering approaches or in patients receiving radiotherapy. Therefore, interventions, which limit accumulation of DNA damage in MSC, are of clinical significance. We were intrigued by findings showing that zoledronate (ZOL), an anti‐resorptive nitrogen containing bisphosphonate, significantly extended survival in patients affected by osteoporosis. The effect was too large to be simply due to the prevention of fractures. Moreover, in combination with statins, it extended the lifespan in a mouse model of Hutchinson Gilford Progeria Syndrome. Therefore, we asked whether ZOL was able to extend the lifespan of human MSC and whether this was due to reduced accumulation of DNA damage, one of the important mechanisms of aging. Here, we show that this was the case both following expansion and irradiation, preserving their ability to proliferate and differentiate in vitro. In addition, administration of ZOL before irradiation protected the survival of mesenchymal progenitors in mice. Through mechanistic studies, we were able to show that inhibition of mTOR signaling, a pathway involved in longevity and cancer, was responsible for these effects. Our data open up new opportunities to protect MSC from the side effects of radiotherapy in cancer patients and during ex vivo expansion for regenerative medicine approaches. Given that ZOL is already in clinical use with a good safety profile, these opportunities can be readily translated for patient benefit. Stem Cells 2016;34:756–767 PMID:26679354

  1. Zoledronate Attenuates Accumulation of DNA Damage in Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Protects Their Function.

    PubMed

    Misra, Juhi; Mohanty, Sindhu T; Madan, Sanjeev; Fernandes, James A; Hal Ebetino, F; Russell, R Graham G; Bellantuono, Ilaria

    2016-03-01

    Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) undergo a decline in function following ex vivo expansion and exposure to irradiation. This has been associated with accumulation of DNA damage and has important implications for tissue engineering approaches or in patients receiving radiotherapy. Therefore, interventions, which limit accumulation of DNA damage in MSC, are of clinical significance. We were intrigued by findings showing that zoledronate (ZOL), an anti-resorptive nitrogen containing bisphosphonate, significantly extended survival in patients affected by osteoporosis. The effect was too large to be simply due to the prevention of fractures. Moreover, in combination with statins, it extended the lifespan in a mouse model of Hutchinson Gilford Progeria Syndrome. Therefore, we asked whether ZOL was able to extend the lifespan of human MSC and whether this was due to reduced accumulation of DNA damage, one of the important mechanisms of aging. Here, we show that this was the case both following expansion and irradiation, preserving their ability to proliferate and differentiate in vitro. In addition, administration of ZOL before irradiation protected the survival of mesenchymal progenitors in mice. Through mechanistic studies, we were able to show that inhibition of mTOR signaling, a pathway involved in longevity and cancer, was responsible for these effects. Our data open up new opportunities to protect MSC from the side effects of radiotherapy in cancer patients and during ex vivo expansion for regenerative medicine approaches. Given that ZOL is already in clinical use with a good safety profile, these opportunities can be readily translated for patient benefit. © 2015 AlphaMed Press.

  2. Effect of pH on skin permeation enhancement of acidic drugs by l-menthol-ethanol system.

    PubMed

    Katayama, K; Matsui, R; Hatanaka, T; Koizumi, T

    2001-09-11

    The effect of pH on the skin permeation enhancement of three acidic drugs by the l-menthol-ethanol system was investigated. The total flux of acidic drugs from the system remarkably varied over the pH range 3.0-8.0, and the permeation enhancement factor depended on the system pH and drug. A skin permeation model, which consists of two permeant (unionized and ionized) species, two system (oily and aqueous) phases, and two permeation (lipid and pore) pathways, was developed. The assumptions were made that only the unionized species can distribute to the oily phase and transport via the lipid pathway. The model explained the relationship between the concentration of drug in the aqueous phase and system pH. The skin permeability data were also described by the model and permeability coefficients corresponding to the physicochemical properties of permeant were calculated for the lipid and pore pathways. The model simulation showed that the permeation of acidic drugs occurred from the aqueous phase and the oily phase acted as a reservoir. Whether the total flux increased with increase of pH was dependent on the lipophilicity of drug. These results suggest that the pH of l-menthol-ethanol system should be given attention to elicit the maximum permeation enhancement.

  3. Mutations in a delta9-Stearoyl-ACP-Desaturase Gene Are Associated with Enhanced Stearic Acid Levels in Soybean Seeds

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

    Zhang, P.; Shanklin, J.; Burton, J. W.

    2008-11-01

    Stearic acid (18:0) is typically a minor component of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] oil, accounting for only 2 to 4% of the total fatty acid content. Increasing stearic acid levels of soybean oil would lead to enhanced oxidative stability, potentially reducing the need for hydrogenation, a process leading to the formation of undesirable trans fatty acids. Although mutagenesis strategies have been successful in developing soybean germplasm with elevated 18:0 levels in the seed oil, the specific gene mutations responsible for this phenotype were not known. We report a newly identified soybean gene, designated SACPD-C, that encodes a unique isoformmore » of {Delta}{sup 9}-stearoyl-ACP-desaturase, the enzyme responsible for converting stearic acid to oleic acid (18:1). High levels of SACPD-C transcript were only detected in developing seed tissue, suggesting that the encoded desaturase functions to enhance oleic acid biosynthetic capacity as the immature seed is actively engaged in triacylglycerol production and storage. The participation of SACPD-C in storage triacylglycerol synthesis is further supported by the observation of mutations in this gene in two independent sources of elevated 18:0 soybean germplasm, A6 (30% 18:0) and FAM94-41 (9% 18:0). A molecular marker diagnostic for the FAM94-41 SACPD-C gene mutation strictly associates with the elevated 18:0 phenotype in a segregating population, and could thus serve as a useful tool in the development of cultivars with oils possessing enhanced oxidative stability.« less

  4. Ursolic Acid Mediates Hepatic Protection through Enhancing of anti-aging Biomarkers.

    PubMed

    Gharibi, Shadi; Bakhtiari, Nuredin; Jalalvand, Elham-Moslemee

    2017-05-30

    Age-associated loss of liver function has been recognized for decades. But, the mechanism driving liver regeneration and its decline with age remains elusive. Hence, to support of our previous studies about anti-aging effects of Ursolic Acid (UA), a compound which extensively present in apple peels. The aim of this study is to address whether UA might alter sensors of the cell metabolic state such as SIRT1, SIRT6, PGC-1β and Klotho proteins. To evaluate the effect of UA on hepatic indicated proteins, mice were administrated with UA twice daily for 7 days. The involvements of these proteins in the UA-mediated effect harmony hepatic protection were investigated by immunofluorescence microscopy technique. Our findings clearly illustrated that UA enhanced SIRT1 (~ 5 ± 0.2 folds) and SIRT6 (~ 8 ± 0.5 folds) proteins levels in hepatic, p<0.001. In addition, the data showed that UA increased PGC-1β (~ 7 ± 0.4 folds) protein overexpression, p<0.001. Moreover, we showed that UA up-regulated Klotho (~ 3.5 ± 0.2 folds) protein in order to improve hepatic performance, p<0.01. Our results suggest that UA through increasing of SIRT1 up-regulation ameliorate reverse cholesterol transport, fatty acid use and oxidative stress defense. In addition, it seems that UA by enhancing of SIRT6 expression promotes cholesterol homeostasis through repressing of SREBP1 and SREBP2. Reciprocally, UA might be involved in VLDL synthesis and exportation through PGC-1β up-regulation. Finally, UA might be as key regulators of mineral homeostasis and bile acid/cholesterol metabolism, by inducing of Klotho overexpression. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

  5. A comparison of water solubility enhancements of organic solutes by aquatic humic materials and commercial humic acids

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Chlou, C.T.; Kile, D.E.; Brinton, T.I.; Malcolm, R.L.; Leenheer, J.A.; MacCarthy, P.

    1987-01-01

    Water solubility enhancements of 1,1-bis(p-chloro-phenyl)-2,2,2-trichloroethane (p,p???-DDT), 2,4,5,2???,5???-pentachlorobiphenyl (2,4,5,2???,5???-PCB), and 2,4,4???-tri-chlorobiphenyl (2,4,4???-PCB) by dissolved organic matter have been studied with the following samples: (1) acidic water samples from the Suwannee River, Georgia, and the Sopchoppy River, Florida; (2) a humic extract of a nearly neutral pH water from the Calcasieu River, Louisiana; (3) commercial humic acids from the Aldrich Chemical Co. and Fluka-Tridom Chemical Corp. The calculated partition coefficients on a dissolved organic carbon basis (Kdoc) for organic solutes with water samples and aquatic humic extracts from this and earlier studies indicate that the enhancement effect varies with the molecular composition of the aquatic humic materials. The Kdoc values with water and aquatic humic samples are, however, far less than the observed Kdoc values obtained with the two commercial samples, by factors of about 4-20. In view of this finding, one should be cautious in interpreting the effects of the dissolved organic matter on solubility enhancement of organic solutes on the basis of the use of commercial humic acids.

  6. Enhanced production of short-chain fatty acid from food waste stimulated by alkyl polyglycosides and its mechanism.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Jianwei; Yang, Qi; Li, Xiaoming; Wang, Dongbo; Luo, Kun; Zhong, Yu; Xu, Qiuxiang; Zeng, Guangming

    2015-12-01

    Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are the valuable products derived from the anaerobic fermentation of organic solid waste. However, SCFAs yield was limited by the worse solubilization and hydrolysis of particulate organic matter, and rapid consumption of organic acid by methanogens. In this study, an efficient and green strategy, i.e. adding biosurfactant alkyl polyglycosides (APG) into anaerobic fermentation system, was applied to enhance SCFAs production from food waste. Experimental results showed that APG not only greatly improved SCFAs production but also shortened the fermentation time for the maximum SCFAs accumulation. The SCFAs yield at optimal APG dosage 0.2g/g TS (total solid) reached 37.2g/L, which was 3.1-fold of that in blank. Meanwhile, the time to accumulate the maximum SCFAs in the presence of APG was shortened from day 14 to day 6. The activities of key enzymes such as hydrolytic and acid-forming enzymes were greatly promoted due to the presence of APG. These results demonstrated that the enhanced mechanism of SCFAs production should be attributed to the acceleration of solubilization and hydrolysis, enhancement of acidification and inhibition of methanogenesis by APG. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. Enhanced growth and fatty acid accumulation of microalgae Scenedesmus sp. LX1 by two types of auxin.

    PubMed

    Dao, Guo-Hua; Wu, Guang-Xue; Wang, Xiao-Xiong; Zhuang, Lin-Lan; Zhang, Tian-Yuan; Hu, Hong-Ying

    2018-01-01

    Microalgae are potential candidates for the production of valuable products, such as renewable biodiesel, health products and pigments. However, low biomass productivity has restricted their large-scale applications. In this study, the effects of two auxins (one natural type of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and the other synthetic type of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)) on the growth and fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) production of a freshwater microalgae Scenedesmus sp. LX1 were investigated. Both auxins showed a "low dosage-promotion and high dosage-inhibition" effect on the growth and FAMEs accumulation. The optimum dosage of IAA and 2,4-D were 1mgL -1 and 0.1mgL -1 , respectively. Moreover, the IAA could increase the monounsaturated fatty acid content. The auxins may promote the growth by enhancing the photosynthetic activity through increasing chlorophyll contents. Therefore, auxin significantly enhanced microalgal growth and FAMEs accumulation, and has a potential for application in developing efficient microalgal cultivation. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  8. EICOSAPENTAENOIC ACID ENHANCES HEATSTROKE-IMPAIRED INTESTINAL EPITHELIAL BARRIER FUNCTION IN RATS.

    PubMed

    Xiao, Guizhen; Yuan, Fangfang; Geng, Yan; Qiu, Xiaowen; Liu, Zhifeng; Lu, Jiefu; Tang, Liqun; Zhang, Yali; Su, Lei

    2015-10-01

    Dysfunction of the intestinal barrier plays an important role in the pathological process of heatstroke. Omega-3 (or n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), help protect the intestinal mucosal barrier. This study assessed if pretreating rats with EPA or DHA could alleviate heat stress-induced damage to the intestinal barrier caused by experimental heatstroke. Male Wistar rats were pregavaged with either EPA, DHA, corn oil, or normal saline (all 1 g/kg) for 21 days before the heatstroke experiment (control rats were not exposed to heat). Experimental rats were exposed to an ambient temperature of 37°C and 60% humidity to induce heatstroke, and then they were allowed to recover at room temperature after rapid cooling. Survival time of rats was monitored after heatstroke. Horseradish peroxidase flux from the gut lumen and the level of plasma D-lactate were measured to analyze intestinal permeability at 6 h after heatstroke. Plasma endotoxin levels were determined using a limulus amoebocyte lysate assay. Expressions of the tight junction (TJ) proteins occludin and ZO-1 were analyzed by Western blot and localized by immunofluorescence microscopy. Tight junction protein morphology was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Fatty acids of ileal mucosa were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass selective detector. Eicosapentaenoic acid significantly increased survival time after heatstroke. Eicosapentaenoic acid significantly decreased intestinal permeability and plasma endotoxin levels. Eicosapentaenoic acid effectively attenuated the heatstroke-induced disruption of the intestinal structure and improved the histology score, whereas DHA was less effective, and corn oil was ineffective. Pretreatment with EPA also increased expression of occludin and ZO-1 to effectively prevent TJ disruption. Eicosapentaenoic acid pretreatment enriched itself in the membrane of intestinal cells. Our results

  9. On the suppression of plasma nonesterified fatty acids by insulin during enhanced intravascular lipolysis in humans.

    PubMed

    Carpentier, André C; Frisch, Frédérique; Cyr, Denis; Généreux, Philippe; Patterson, Bruce W; Giguère, Robert; Baillargeon, Jean-Patrice

    2005-11-01

    During the fasting state, insulin reduces nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) appearance in the systemic circulation mostly by suppressing intracellular lipolysis in the adipose tissue. In the postprandial state, insulin may also control NEFA appearance through enhanced trapping into the adipose tissue of NEFA derived from intravascular triglyceride lipolysis. To determine the contribution of suppression of intracellular lipolysis in the modulation of plasma NEFA metabolism by insulin during enhanced intravascular triglyceride lipolysis, 10 healthy nonobese subjects underwent pancreatic clamps at fasting vs. high physiological insulin level with intravenous infusion of heparin plus Intralipid. Nicotinic acid was administered orally during the last 2 h of each 4-h clamp to inhibit intracellular lipolysis and assess insulin's effect on plasma NEFA metabolism independently of its effect on intracellular lipolysis. Stable isotope tracers of palmitate, acetate, and glycerol were used to assess plasma NEFA metabolism and total triglyceride lipolysis in each participant. The glycerol appearance rate was similar during fasting vs. high insulin level, but plasma NEFA levels were significantly lowered by insulin. Nicotinic acid significantly blunted the insulin-mediated suppression of plasma palmitate appearance and oxidation rates by approximately 60 and approximately 70%, respectively. In contrast, nicotinic acid did not affect the marked stimulation of palmitate clearance by insulin. Thus most of the insulin-mediated reduction of plasma NEFA appearance and oxidation can be explained by suppression of intracellular lipolysis during enhanced intravascular triglyceride lipolysis in healthy humans. Our results also suggest that insulin may affect plasma NEFA clearance independently of the suppression of intracellular lipolysis.

  10. Electrophilic acid gas-reactive fluid, proppant, and process for enhanced fracturing and recovery of energy producing materials

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

    Fernandez, Carlos A.; Heldebrant, David J.; Bonneville, Alain

    An electrophilic acid gas-reactive fracturing fluid, proppant, and process are detailed. The fluid expands in volume to provide rapid and controlled increases in pressure that enhances fracturing in subterranean bedrock for recovery of energy-producing materials. The proppant stabilizes fracture openings in the bedrock to enhance recovery of energy-producing materials.

  11. Ultrasound-enhanced delivery of doxorubicin/all-trans retinoic acid-loaded nanodiamonds into tumors.

    PubMed

    Li, Huanan; Zeng, Deping; Wang, Zhenyu; Fang, Liaoqiong; Li, Faqi; Wang, Zhibiao

    2018-03-14

    To build up a combined therapy strategy to address limitations of the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect and improve the efficiency of tumor therapy. A pH-sensitive nanocomplex for co-delivery of doxorubicin (DOX) and all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) was developed based on nanodiamonds (DOX/ATRA-NDs) to enhance intracellular retention of drugs. Meanwhile, ultrasound was employed to enhance tumor vascular penetration of DOX-ATRA-NDs. The distribution of DOX/ATRA-NDs in the tumor tissues increased threefold when ultrasound was applied at 1 MHz and 0.6 W/cm 2 . Comparing with unmodified chemotherapeutics, the combined therapy induced more tumor cells apoptosis and greater tumor growth inhibition in both liver and breast tumor models. DOX-ATRA-NDs demonstrate great potential in clinical applications.

  12. Hyaluronic Acid Enhances Gene Delivery into the Cochlea

    PubMed Central

    Shibata, Seiji B.; Cortez, Sarah R.; Wiler, James A.; Swiderski, Donald L.

    2012-01-01

    Abstract Cochlear gene therapy can be a new avenue for the treatment of severe hearing loss by inducing regeneration or phenotypic rescue. One necessary step to establish this therapy is the development of a safe and feasible inoculation surgery, ideally without drilling the bony cochlear wall. The round window membrane (RWM) is accessible in the middle-ear space, but viral vectors placed on this membrane do not readily cross the membrane to the cochlear tissues. In an attempt to enhance permeability of the RWM, we applied hyaluronic acid (HA), a nontoxic and biodegradable reagent, onto the RWM of guinea pigs, prior to delivering an adenovirus carrying enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) reporter gene (Ad-eGFP) at the same site. We examined distribution of eGFP in the cochlea 1 week after treatment, comparing delivery of the vector via the RWM, with or without HA, to delivery by a cochleostomy into the perilymph. We found that cochlear tissue treated with HA-assisted delivery of Ad-eGFP demonstrated wider expression of transgenes in cochlear cells than did tissue treated by cochleostomy injection. HA-assisted vector delivery facilitated expression in cells lining the scala media, which are less accessible and not transduced after perilymphatic injection. We assessed auditory function by measuring auditory brainstem responses and determined that thresholds were significantly better in the ears treated with HA-assisted Ad-eGFP placement on the RWM as compared with cochleostomy. Together, these data demonstrate that HA-assisted delivery of viral vectors provides an atraumatic and clinically feasible method to introduce transgenes into cochlear cells, thereby enhancing both research methods and future clinical application. PMID:22074321

  13. Hyaluronic acid enhances gene delivery into the cochlea.

    PubMed

    Shibata, Seiji B; Cortez, Sarah R; Wiler, James A; Swiderski, Donald L; Raphael, Yehoash

    2012-03-01

    Cochlear gene therapy can be a new avenue for the treatment of severe hearing loss by inducing regeneration or phenotypic rescue. One necessary step to establish this therapy is the development of a safe and feasible inoculation surgery, ideally without drilling the bony cochlear wall. The round window membrane (RWM) is accessible in the middle-ear space, but viral vectors placed on this membrane do not readily cross the membrane to the cochlear tissues. In an attempt to enhance permeability of the RWM, we applied hyaluronic acid (HA), a nontoxic and biodegradable reagent, onto the RWM of guinea pigs, prior to delivering an adenovirus carrying enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) reporter gene (Ad-eGFP) at the same site. We examined distribution of eGFP in the cochlea 1 week after treatment, comparing delivery of the vector via the RWM, with or without HA, to delivery by a cochleostomy into the perilymph. We found that cochlear tissue treated with HA-assisted delivery of Ad-eGFP demonstrated wider expression of transgenes in cochlear cells than did tissue treated by cochleostomy injection. HA-assisted vector delivery facilitated expression in cells lining the scala media, which are less accessible and not transduced after perilymphatic injection. We assessed auditory function by measuring auditory brainstem responses and determined that thresholds were significantly better in the ears treated with HA-assisted Ad-eGFP placement on the RWM as compared with cochleostomy. Together, these data demonstrate that HA-assisted delivery of viral vectors provides an atraumatic and clinically feasible method to introduce transgenes into cochlear cells, thereby enhancing both research methods and future clinical application.

  14. Denosumab for the management of bone disease in patients with solid tumors.

    PubMed

    Body, Jean-Jacques

    2012-03-01

    Many patients with advanced cancer develop bone metastases, which reduces their quality of life. Bone metastases are associated with an increased risk of skeletal-related events, which can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. In patients with bone metastases, tumor cells disrupt the normal process of bone remodeling, leading to increased bone destruction. Denosumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody against receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), a key regulatory factor in bone remodeling. By binding to RANKL, denosumab disrupts the cycle of bone destruction. In clinical studies in patients with prostate or breast cancer and bone metastases, denosumab was superior to the current standard of care, zoledronic acid, for delaying skeletal-related events, while in patients with other solid tumors or multiple myeloma, denosumab was noninferior to zoledronic acid. This article examines the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety and tolerability of denosumab for the management of bone events in patients with cancer.

  15. Clinical Practice. Postmenopausal Osteoporosis.

    PubMed

    Black, Dennis M; Rosen, Clifford J

    2016-01-21

    Key Clinical Points Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Fractures and osteoporosis are common, particularly among older women, and hip fractures can be devastating. Treatment is generally recommended in postmenopausal women who have a bone mineral density T score of -2.5 or less, a history of spine or hip fracture, or a Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) score indicating increased fracture risk. Bisphosphonates (generic) and denosumab reduce the risk of hip, nonvertebral, and vertebral fractures; bisphosphonates are commonly used as first-line treatment in women who do not have contraindications. Teriparatide reduces the risk of nonvertebral and vertebral fractures. Osteonecrosis of the jaw and atypical femur fractures have been reported with treatment but are rare. The benefit-to-risk ratio for osteoporosis treatment is strongly positive for most women with osteoporosis. Because benefits are retained after discontinuation of alendronate or zoledronic acid, drug holidays after 5 years of alendronate therapy or 3 years of zoledronic acid therapy may be considered for patients at lower risk for fracture.

  16. Ethylene-enhanced catabolism of ( sup 14 C)indole-3-acetic acid to indole-3-carboxylic acid in citrus leaf tissues. [Citrus sinensis

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

    Sagee, O.; Riov, J.; Goren, J.

    Exogenous ({sup 14}C)indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) is conjugated in citrus (Citrus sinensis) leaf tissues to one major substance which has been identified as indole-3-acetylaspartic acid (IAAsp). Ethylene pretreatment enhanced the catabolism of ({sup 14}C)IAA to indole-3-carboxylic acid (ICA), which accumulated as glucose esters (ICGlu). Increased formation of ICGlu by ethylene was accompanied by a concomitant decrease in IAAsp formation. IAAsp and ICGlu were identified by combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Formation of ICGlu was dependent on the concentration of ethylene and the duration of the ethylene pretreatment. It is suggested that the catabolism of IAA to ICA may be one of themore » mechanisms by which ethylene endogenous IAA levels.« less

  17. Cognitive enhancement by omega-3 fatty acids from child-hood to old age: findings from animal and clinical studies.

    PubMed

    Luchtman, Dirk W; Song, Cai

    2013-01-01

    Omega-(n)-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are major components of neuronal membranes and have a wide range of functions, from modulating synaptic plasticity and neurochemistry, to neuroimmune-modulation and neuroprotection. Thus, it is not surprising that n-3 PUFA are widely acknowledged to have cognitive-enhancing effects. Although clinical evidence is somewhat conflicting, probably in large part due to methodological issues, animal studies have consistently demonstrated that n-3 PUFA are indispensable for proper brain development, may enhance cognitive function in healthy, adult individuals and attenuate cognitive impairment in aging and age-related disorders, such as dementia. This review discusses and integrates up to date evidence from clinical and animal studies investigating the cognitive-enhancing effects of n-3 PUFA during development, child- and adult-hood, as well as old-age with associated neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, we cover the major underlying biochemical and neurophysiological mechanisms by which n-3 PUFA mediate these effects on cognition. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Cognitive Enhancers'. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. Using Laboratory Activities Enhanced with Concept Cartoons to Support Progression in Students' Understanding of Acid-Base Concepts

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ozmen, Haluk; Demircioglu, Gokhan; Burhan, Yasemin; Naseriazar, Akbar; Demircioglu, Hulya

    2012-01-01

    The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of an intervention based on a series of laboratory activities enhanced with concept cartoons. The purpose of the intervention was to enhance students' understanding of acid-base chemistry for eight grade students' from two classes in a Turkish primary school. A pretest-posttest non-equivalent…

  19. Evaluation of hyper thermal acid hydrolysis of Kappaphycus alvarezii for enhanced bioethanol production.

    PubMed

    Ra, Chae Hun; Nguyen, Trung Hau; Jeong, Gwi-Taek; Kim, Sung-Koo

    2016-06-01

    Hyper thermal (HT) acid hydrolysis of Kappaphycus alvarezii, a red seaweed, was optimized to 12% (w/v) seaweed slurry content, 180mM H2SO4 at 140°C for 5min. The maximum monosaccharide concentration of 38.3g/L and 66.7% conversion from total fermentable monosaccharides of 57.6g/L with 120gdw/L K. alvarezii slurry were obtained from HT acid hydrolysis and enzymatic saccharification. HT acid hydrolysis at a severity factor of 0.78 efficiently converted the carbohydrates of seaweed to monosaccharides and produced a low concentration of inhibitory compounds. The levels of ethanol production by separate hydrolysis and fermentation with non-adapted and adapted Kluyveromyces marxianus to high concentration of galactose were 6.1g/L with ethanol yield (YEtOH) of 0.19 at 84h and 16.0g/L with YEtOH of 0.42 at 72h, respectively. Development of the HT acid hydrolysis process and adapted yeast could enhance the overall ethanol fermentation yields of K. alvarezii seaweed. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. Enhanced oral bioavailability of metoprolol with gallic acid and ellagic acid in male Wistar rats: involvement of CYP2D6 inhibition.

    PubMed

    Athukuri, Bhargavi Latha; Neerati, Prasad

    2016-12-01

    Cytochrome P450-2D6 (CYP2D6), a member of the CYP450 mixed function oxidase system, is an important CYP isoform with regard to herbal-drug interactions and is responsible for the metabolism of nearly 25% of drugs. Until now, studies on the effects of various phytochemicals on CYP2D6 activity in vivo have been very rare. Gallic acid and ellagic acid are natural polyphenols which are widely distributed in fruits and medicinal plants. In the present study, the effects of gallic acid and ellagic acid pretreatment on intestinal transport and oral bioavailability of metoprolol were investigated. The intestinal transport of metoprolol was assessed by conducting an in situ single pass intestinal perfusion (SPIP) study. The bioavailability study was conducted to evaluate the pharmacokinetic parameters of orally administered metoprolol in rats. After pretreatment with gallic acid and ellagic acid, no significant change in effective permeability of metoprolol was observed at the ileum part of rat intestine. A significant improvement in the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the serum concentration-time profile (AUC) and decrease in clearance were observed in rats pretreated with gallic acid and ellagic acid. Gallic acid and ellagic acid significantly enhanced the oral bioavailability of metoprolol by inhibiting CYP2D6-mediated metabolism in the rat liver. Hence, adverse herbal-drug interactions may result with concomitant ingestion of gallic acid and ellagic acid supplements and drugs that are CYP2D6 substrates. The clinical assessment of these interactions should be further investigated in human volunteers.

  1. Phytotoxicity of citric acid and Tween® 80 for potential use as soil amendments in enhanced phytoremediation.

    PubMed

    Agnello, A C; Huguenot, D; van Hullebusch, E D; Esposito, G

    2015-01-01

    Enhanced phytoremediation adding biodegradable amendments like low molecular weight organic acids and surfactants is an interesting area of current research to overcome the limitation that represents low bioavailability of pollutants in soils. However, prior to their use in assisted phytoremediation, it is necessary to test if amendments per se exert any toxic effect to plants and to optimize their application mode. In this context, the present study assessed the effects of citric acid and Tween® 80 (polyethylene glycol sorbitan monooleate) on the development of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) plants, as influenced by their concentration and frequency of application, in order to evaluate the feasibility for their future use in enhanced phytoremediation of multi-contaminated soils. The results showed that citric acid negatively affected plant germination, while it did not have any significant effect on biomass or chlorophyll content. In turn, Tween® 80 did not affect plant germination and showed a trend to increase biomass, as well as it did not have any significant effect on chlorophyll levels. M. sativa appeared to tolerate citric acid and Tween® 80 at the tested concentrations, applied weekly. Consequently, citric acid and Tween® 80 could potentially be utilized to assist phytoremediation of contaminated soils vegetated with M. sativa.

  2. Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid Enhances Mitochondrial Biogenesis, Neural Stem Cell Pool, and Early Neurogenesis in Adult Rats.

    PubMed

    Soares, Rita; Ribeiro, Filipa F; Xapelli, Sara; Genebra, Tânia; Ribeiro, Maria F; Sebastião, Ana M; Rodrigues, Cecília M P; Solá, Susana

    2018-05-01

    Although neurogenesis occurs in restricted regions of the adult mammalian brain, neural stem cells (NSCs) produce very few neurons during ageing or after injury. We have recently discovered that the endogenous bile acid tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), a strong inhibitor of mitochondrial apoptosis and a neuroprotective in animal models of neurodegenerative disorders, also enhances NSC proliferation, self-renewal, and neuronal conversion by improving mitochondrial integrity and function of NSCs. In the present study, we explore the effect of TUDCA on regulation of NSC fate in neurogenic niches, the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricles and the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG), using rat postnatal neurospheres and adult rats exposed to the bile acid. TUDCA significantly induced NSC proliferation, self-renewal, and neural differentiation in the SVZ, without affecting DG-derived NSCs. More importantly, expression levels of mitochondrial biogenesis-related proteins and mitochondrial antioxidant responses were significantly increased by TUDCA in SVZ-derived NSCs. Finally, intracerebroventricular administration of TUDCA in adult rats markedly enhanced both NSC proliferation and early differentiation in SVZ regions, corroborating in vitro data. Collectively, our results highlight a potential novel role for TUDCA in neurologic disorders associated with SVZ niche deterioration and impaired neurogenesis.

  3. Radiation induces acid tolerance of Clostridium tyrobutyricum and enhances bioproduction of butyric acid through a metabolic switch

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background Butyric acid as a renewable resource has become an increasingly attractive alternative to petroleum-based fuels. Clostridium tyrobutyricum ATCC 25755T is well documented as a fermentation strain for the production of acids. However, it has been reported that butyrate inhibits its growth, and the accumulation of acetate also inhibits biomass synthesis, making production of butyric acid from conventional fermentation processes economically challenging. The present study aimed to identify whether irradiation of C. tyrobutyricum cells makes them more tolerant to butyric acid inhibition and increases the production of butyrate compared with wild type. Results In this work, the fermentation kinetics of C. tyrobutyricum cultures after being classically adapted for growth at 3.6, 7.2 and 10.8 g·L-1 equivalents were studied. The results showed that, regardless of the irradiation used, there was a gradual inhibition of cell growth at butyric acid concentrations above 10.8 g·L-1, with no growth observed at butyric acid concentrations above 3.6 g·L-1 for the wild-type strain during the first 54 h of fermentation. The sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis also showed significantly different expression levels of proteins with molecular mass around the wild-type and irradiated strains. The results showed that the proportion of proteins with molecular weights of 85 and 106 kDa was much higher for the irradiated strains. The specific growth rate decreased by 50% (from 0.42 to 0.21 h-1) and the final concentration of butyrate increased by 68% (from 22.7 to 33.4 g·L-1) for the strain irradiated at 114 AMeV and 40 Gy compared with the wild-type strains. Conclusions This study demonstrates that butyric acid production from glucose can be significantly improved and enhanced by using 12C6+ heavy ion-irradiated C. tyrobutyricum. The approach is economical, making it competitive compared with similar fermentation processes. It may prove useful as

  4. Radiation induces acid tolerance of Clostridium tyrobutyricum and enhances bioproduction of butyric acid through a metabolic switch.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Xiang; Lu, Xi-Hong; Li, Xue-Hu; Xin, Zhi-Jun; Xie, Jia-Rong; Zhao, Mei-Rong; Wang, Liang; Du, Wen-Yue; Liang, Jian-Ping

    2014-02-18

    Butyric acid as a renewable resource has become an increasingly attractive alternative to petroleum-based fuels. Clostridium tyrobutyricum ATCC 25755T is well documented as a fermentation strain for the production of acids. However, it has been reported that butyrate inhibits its growth, and the accumulation of acetate also inhibits biomass synthesis, making production of butyric acid from conventional fermentation processes economically challenging. The present study aimed to identify whether irradiation of C. tyrobutyricum cells makes them more tolerant to butyric acid inhibition and increases the production of butyrate compared with wild type. In this work, the fermentation kinetics of C. tyrobutyricum cultures after being classically adapted for growth at 3.6, 7.2 and 10.8 g·L-1 equivalents were studied. The results showed that, regardless of the irradiation used, there was a gradual inhibition of cell growth at butyric acid concentrations above 10.8 g·L-1, with no growth observed at butyric acid concentrations above 3.6 g·L-1 for the wild-type strain during the first 54 h of fermentation. The sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis also showed significantly different expression levels of proteins with molecular mass around the wild-type and irradiated strains. The results showed that the proportion of proteins with molecular weights of 85 and 106 kDa was much higher for the irradiated strains. The specific growth rate decreased by 50% (from 0.42 to 0.21 h-1) and the final concentration of butyrate increased by 68% (from 22.7 to 33.4 g·L-1) for the strain irradiated at 114 AMeV and 40 Gy compared with the wild-type strains. This study demonstrates that butyric acid production from glucose can be significantly improved and enhanced by using 12C6+ heavy ion-irradiated C. tyrobutyricum. The approach is economical, making it competitive compared with similar fermentation processes. It may prove useful as a first step in a combined

  5. The effect of zoledronate-containing primer on dentin bonding of a universal adhesive.

    PubMed

    Zenobi, Walter; Feitosa, Victor Pinheiro; Moura, Maria Elisa Martins; D'arcangelo, Camillo; Rodrigues, Lidiany Karla de Azevedo; Sauro, Salvatore

    2018-01-01

    To evaluate the bonding ability and nanoleakage of a universal adhesive applied to dentin pre-treated using a zoledronate-containing primer (zol-primer) before and after mechanical load cycling. Flat dentin surfaces obtained from human molars were assigned to one of the following adhesion procedures (n=6): 1-Single Bond Universal (SBU) applied in etch-and-rinse mode; 2- SBU applied as etch-and-rinse after the application of zol-primer; 3- SBU applied in self-etch strategy; 4- SBU applied as self-etch after the use of zol-primer. Half of the specimens were processed for microtensile bond strength test after 24h, while the other half part was submitted to 200,000 mechanical cycles. Further specimens were silver-impregnated and assessed for interface nanoleakage by SEM. Data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (p<0.05). At 24h evaluation, the four groups presented similar bond strengths, whilst both groups bonded with etch-and-rinse technique showed significant bond strength reduction after mechanical load (p<0.05), with the highest drop in bond strength for the specimens pre-treated with the zol-primer. No negative effects were found for self-etch strategy (p>0.05) in microtensile test. Lower nanoleakage expression was observed for etch-and-rinse specimens treated with zol-primer. However, noteworthy reduction of adhesive layer thickness was observed when combining the zol-primer with the self-etch bonding approach. It can be concluded that zol-primer should not be used along with a universal adhesive in etch-and-rinse mode, but its application before self-etch application may provide less degradation of the resin-dentin interface. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Comparison of the ability of organic acids and EDTA to enhance the phytoextraction of metals from a multi-metal contaminated soil.

    PubMed

    Kim, Sung-Hyun; Lee, In-Sook

    2010-02-01

    Chelates have been shown to enhance the phytoextraction of metal from contaminated soil. In this study, we evaluated the ability of chelates to enhance the phytoextraction of metals by barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli) from soils contaminated with multiple metals. The results revealed that EDTA increased the ability of barnyard grass to take up Cd, Cu and Pb, but that it resulted in increased soil leaching. Conversely, citric acid induced the removal of Cd, Cu and Pb from soil without increasing the risk of leaching. Furthermore, E.crus-galli showed no signs of phytotoxicity in response to treatment with citric acid, whereas its shoot growth decreased in response to treatment with EDTA (p < 0.05). Taken together, these results demonstrate that citric acid is a good agent for the enhancement of the phytoextraction of metals.

  7. European Myeloma Network Guidelines for the Management of Multiple Myeloma-related Complications

    PubMed Central

    Terpos, Evangelos; Kleber, Martina; Engelhardt, Monika; Zweegman, Sonja; Gay, Francesca; Kastritis, Efstathios; van de Donk, Niels W.C.J.; Bruno, Benedetto; Sezer, Orhan; Broijl, Annemiek; Bringhen, Sara; Beksac, Meral; Larocca, Alessandra; Hajek, Roman; Musto, Pellegrino; Johnsen, Hans Erik; Morabito, Fortunato; Ludwig, Heinz; Cavo, Michele; Einsele, Hermann; Sonneveld, Pieter; Dimopoulos, Meletios A.; Palumbo, Antonio

    2015-01-01

    The European Myeloma Network provides recommendations for the management of the most common complications of multiple myeloma. Whole body low-dose computed tomography is more sensitive than conventional radiography in depicting osteolytic disease and thus we recommend it as the novel standard for the detection of lytic lesions in myeloma (grade 1A). Myeloma patients with adequate renal function and bone disease at diagnosis should be treated with zoledronic acid or pamidronate (grade 1A). Symptomatic patients without lytic lesions on conventional radiography can be treated with zoledronic acid (grade 1B), but its advantage is not clear for patients with no bone involvement on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. In asymptomatic myeloma, bisphosphonates are not recommended (grade 1A). Zoledronic acid should be given continuously, but it is not clear if patients who achieve at least a very good partial response benefit from its continuous use (grade 1B). Treatment with erythropoietic-stimulating agents may be initiated in patients with persistent symptomatic anemia (hemoglobin <10g/dL) in whom other causes of anemia have been excluded (grade 1B). Erythropoietic agents should be stopped after 6–8 weeks if no adequate hemoglobin response is achieved. For renal impairment, bortezomib-based regimens are the current standard of care (grade 1A). For the management of treatment-induced peripheral neuropathy, drug modification is needed (grade 1C). Vaccination against influenza is recommended; vaccination against streptococcus pneumonia and hemophilus influenza is appropriate, but efficacy is not guaranteed due to suboptimal immune response (grade 1C). Prophylactic aciclovir (or valacyclovir) is recommended for patients receiving proteasome inhibitors, autologous or allogeneic transplantation (grade 1A). PMID:26432383

  8. Hypocalcaemia in patients with metastatic bone disease treated with denosumab.

    PubMed

    Body, Jean-Jacques; Bone, Henry G; de Boer, Richard H; Stopeck, Alison; Van Poznak, Catherine; Damião, Ronaldo; Fizazi, Karim; Henry, David H; Ibrahim, Toni; Lipton, Allan; Saad, Fred; Shore, Neal; Takano, Toshimi; Shaywitz, Adam J; Wang, Huei; Bracco, Oswaldo L; Braun, Ada; Kostenuik, Paul J

    2015-09-01

    This analysis was performed to further characterise treatment-emergent hypocalcaemia in patients with bone metastases receiving denosumab. Laboratory abnormalities and adverse events of hypocalcaemia in patients with metastatic bone disease were analysed using data from three identically designed phase 3 trials of subcutaneous denosumab 120 mg (n = 2841) versus intravenous zoledronic acid 4 mg (n = 2836). The overall incidence of laboratory events of hypocalcaemia grade ⩾ 2 was higher with denosumab (12.4%) than with zoledronic acid (5.3%). Hypocalcaemia events were primarily grade 2 in severity and usually occurred within the first 6 months of treatment. Patients who reported taking calcium and/or vitamin D supplements had a lower incidence of hypocalcaemia. Prostate cancer or small-cell lung cancer, reduced creatinine clearance and higher baseline bone turnover markers of urinary N-telopeptide of type I collagen (uNTx; > 50 versus ⩽ 50 nmol/mmol) and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP; > 20.77 μg/L [median] versus ⩽ 20.77 μg/L) values were important risk factors for developing hypocalcaemia. The risk associated with increased baseline BSAP levels was greater among patients who had > 2 bone metastases at baseline versus those with ⩽ 2 bone metastases at baseline. Hypocalcaemia was more frequent with denosumab versus zoledronic acid, consistent with denosumab's greater antiresorptive effect. Low serum calcium levels and potential vitamin D deficiency should be corrected before initiating treatment with a potent osteoclast inhibitor, and corrected serum calcium levels should be monitored during treatment. Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake appears to substantially reduce the risk of hypocalcaemia. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

  9. Endocrine effects of adjuvant letrozole compared with tamoxifen in hormone-responsive postmenopausal patients with early breast cancer: the HOBOE trial.

    PubMed

    Rossi, Emanuela; Morabito, Alessandro; Di Rella, Francesca; Esposito, Giuseppe; Gravina, Adriano; Labonia, Vincenzo; Landi, Gabriella; Nuzzo, Francesco; Pacilio, Carmen; De Maio, Ermelinda; Di Maio, Massimo; Piccirillo, Maria Carmela; De Feo, Gianfranco; D'Aiuto, Giuseppe; Botti, Gerardo; Chiodini, Paolo; Gallo, Ciro; Perrone, Francesco; de Matteis, Andrea

    2009-07-01

    PURPOSE We compared the endocrine effects of 6 and 12 months of adjuvant letrozole versus tamoxifen in postmenopausal patients with hormone-responsive early breast cancer within an ongoing phase III trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients were randomly assigned to receive tamoxifen, letrozole, or letrozole plus zoledronic acid. Serum values of estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate (DHEA-S), progesterone, and cortisol were measured at baseline and after 6 and 12 months of treatment. For each hormone, changes from baseline at 6 and 12 months were compared between treatment groups, and differences over time for each group were analyzed. Results Hormonal data were available for 139 postmenopausal patients with a median age of 62 years, with 43 patients assigned to tamoxifen and 96 patients assigned to letrozole alone or combined with zoledronic acid. Baseline values were similar between the two groups for all hormones. Many significant changes were observed between drugs and for each drug over time. Namely, three hormones seemed significantly affected by one drug only: estradiol that decreased and progesterone that increased with letrozole and cortisol that increased with tamoxifen. Both drugs affected FSH (decreasing with tamoxifen and slightly increasing with letrozole), LH (decreasing more with tamoxifen than with letrozole), testosterone (slightly increasing with letrozole but not enough to differ from tamoxifen), and DHEA-S (increasing with both drugs but not differently between them). Zoledronic acid did not have significant impact on hormonal levels. CONCLUSION Adjuvant letrozole and tamoxifen result in significantly distinct endocrine effects. Such differences can explain the higher efficacy of letrozole as compared with tamoxifen.

  10. ENHANCED DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY 1 and SALICYLIC ACID act redundantly to regulate resistance gene-mediated signaling

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Resistance (R) protein–associated pathways are well known to participate in defense against a variety of microbial pathogens. Salicylic acid (SA) and its associated proteinaceous signaling components, including enhanced disease susceptibility 1 (EDS1), non–race-specific disease resistance 1 (NDR1), ...

  11. Mutations Enhancing Amino Acid Catabolism Confer a Growth Advantage in Stationary Phase

    PubMed Central

    Zinser, Erik R.; Kolter, Roberto

    1999-01-01

    Starved cultures of Escherichia coli undergo successive rounds of population takeovers by mutants of increasing fitness. These mutants express the growth advantage in stationary phase (GASP) phenotype. Previous work identified the rpoS819 allele as a GASP mutation allowing cells to take over stationary-phase cultures after growth in rich media (M. M. Zambrano, D. A. Siegele, M. A. Almirón, A. Tormo, and R. Kolter, Science 259:1757–1760, 1993). Here we have identified three new GASP loci from an aged rpoS819 strain: sgaA, sgaB, and sgaC. Each locus is capable of conferring GASP on the rpoS819 parent, and they can provide successively higher fitnesses for the bacteria in the starved cultures. All four GASP mutations isolated thus far allow for faster growth on both individual and mixtures of amino acids. Each mutation confers a growth advantage on a different subset of amino acids, and these mutations act in concert to increase the overall catabolic capacity of the cell. We present a model whereby this enhanced ability to catabolize amino acids is responsible for the fitness gain during carbon starvation, as it may allow GASP mutants to outcompete the parental cells when growing on the amino acids released by dying cells. PMID:10482523

  12. Enhanced eicosapentaenoic acid production by a new deep-sea marine bacterium Shewanella electrodiphila MAR441T.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Jinwei; Burgess, J Grant

    2017-01-01

    Omega-3 fatty acids are products of secondary metabolism, essential for growth and important for human health. Although there are numerous reports of bacterial production of omega-3 fatty acids, less information is available on the biotechnological production of these compounds from bacteria. The production of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5ω3) by a new species of marine bacteria Shewanella electrodiphila MAR441T was investigated under different fermentation conditions. This strain produced a high percentage (up to 26%) of total fatty acids and high yields (mg / g of biomass) of EPA at or below the optimal growth temperature. At higher growth temperatures these values decreased greatly. The amount of EPA produced was affected by the carbon source, which also influenced fatty acid composition. This strain required Na+ for growth and EPA synthesis and cells harvested at late exponential or early stationary phase had a higher EPA content. Both the highest amounts (20 mg g-1) and highest percent EPA content (18%) occurred with growth on L-proline and (NH4)2SO4. The addition of cerulenin further enhanced EPA production to 30 mg g-1. Chemical mutagenesis using NTG allowed the isolation of mutants with improved levels of EPA content (from 9.7 to 15.8 mg g-1) when grown at 15°C. Thus, the yields of EPA could be substantially enhanced without the need for recombinant DNA technology, often a commercial requirement for food supplement manufacture.

  13. Enhanced eicosapentaenoic acid production by a new deep-sea marine bacterium Shewanella electrodiphila MAR441T

    PubMed Central

    Burgess, J. Grant

    2017-01-01

    Omega-3 fatty acids are products of secondary metabolism, essential for growth and important for human health. Although there are numerous reports of bacterial production of omega-3 fatty acids, less information is available on the biotechnological production of these compounds from bacteria. The production of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5ω3) by a new species of marine bacteria Shewanella electrodiphila MAR441T was investigated under different fermentation conditions. This strain produced a high percentage (up to 26%) of total fatty acids and high yields (mg / g of biomass) of EPA at or below the optimal growth temperature. At higher growth temperatures these values decreased greatly. The amount of EPA produced was affected by the carbon source, which also influenced fatty acid composition. This strain required Na+ for growth and EPA synthesis and cells harvested at late exponential or early stationary phase had a higher EPA content. Both the highest amounts (20 mg g-1) and highest percent EPA content (18%) occurred with growth on L-proline and (NH4)2SO4. The addition of cerulenin further enhanced EPA production to 30 mg g-1. Chemical mutagenesis using NTG allowed the isolation of mutants with improved levels of EPA content (from 9.7 to 15.8 mg g-1) when grown at 15°C. Thus, the yields of EPA could be substantially enhanced without the need for recombinant DNA technology, often a commercial requirement for food supplement manufacture. PMID:29176835

  14. The Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor Valproic Acid Enhances Acquisition, Extinction, and Reconsolidation of Conditioned Fear

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bredy, Timothy W.; Barad, Mark

    2008-01-01

    Histone modifications contribute to the epigenetic regulation of gene expression, a process now recognized to be important for the consolidation of long-term memory. Valproic acid (VPA), used for many years as an anticonvulsant and a mood stabilizer, has effects on learning and memory and enhances the extinction of conditioned fear through its…

  15. Ring-Like Enhancement of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Gadoxetic Acid-Enhanced Multiphasic Hepatic Arterial Phase Imaging With Differential Subsampling With Cartesian Ordering.

    PubMed

    Ichikawa, Shintaro; Motosugi, Utaroh; Oishi, Naoki; Shimizu, Tatsuya; Wakayama, Tetsuya; Enomoto, Nobuyuki; Matsuda, Masanori; Onishi, Hiroshi

    2018-04-01

    The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of multiphasic hepatic arterial phase (HAP) imaging using DISCO (differential subsampling with Cartesian ordering) in increasing the confidence of diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board, and the requirement for informed patient consent was waived. Consecutive patients (from 2 study periods) with malignant liver nodules were examined by gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging using either multiphasic (6 phases; n = 135) or single (n = 230) HAP imaging, which revealed 519 liver nodules other than benign ones (HCC, 497; cholangiocarcinoma, 11; metastases, 10; and malignant lymphoma, 1). All nodules were scored in accordance with the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS v2014), with or without consideration of ring-like enhancement in multiphasic HAP images as a major feature. In the multiphasic HAP group, 178 of 191 HCCs were scored as LR-3 to LR-5 (3 [1.69%], 85 [47.8%], and 90 [50.6%], respectively). Upon considering ring-like enhancement in multiphasic HAP images as a major feature, 5 more HCCs were scored as LR-5 (95 [53.4%]), which was a significantly more confident diagnosis than that with single HAP images (295 of 306 HCCs scored as LR-3 to LR-5: 13 [4.41%], 147 [49.8%], and 135 [45.8%], respectively; P = 0.0296). There was no significant difference in false-positive or false-negative diagnoses between the multiphasic and single HAP groups (P = 0.8400 and 0.1043, respectively). Multiphasic HAP imaging can improve the confidence of diagnosis of HCCs in gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.

  16. Enhancement of nitric oxide release and hemocompatibility by surface chirality of D-tartaric acid grafting

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Han, Honghong; Wang, Ke; Fan, Yonghong; Pan, Xiaxin; Huang, Nan; Weng, Yajun

    2017-12-01

    Nitric Oxide (NO) generation from endogenous NO-donors catalyzed by diselenide modified biomaterials has been reported. Here we reported surface chirality by L-tartaric acid and D-tartaric acid grafting on the outermost showed a significant impact on diselenide modified biomaterials, which modulated protein adsorption, NO release and anti-platelet adhesion properties. D-tartaric acid grafted surface showed more blood protein adsorption than that of L-surfaces by QCM analysis, however, ELISA analysis disclosed less fibrinogen denatured on the D surfaces. Due to the surface ratio of selenium decreasing, NO release catalyzed by L-tartaric acid grafting on the outermost significantly decreased in comparison to that of only selenocystamine immobilized surfaces. While NO release catalyzed by D-tartaric acid grafting on the outermost didn't decrease and was similar with that of selenocystamine immobilized surfaces. Surface chirality combined with NO release had synergetic effects on platelet adhesion, and it showed the lowest number of platelets adhered on the D-tartaric acid grafted surfaces. Thus surface chirality from D-tartaric acid grafting enhanced hemocompatibility of the surface in this study. Our work provides new insights into engineering novel blood contacting biomaterials by taking into account surface chirality.

  17. Chemiluminescence behaviour of CdTe-potassium permanganate enhanced by sodium hexametaphosphate and sensitized sensing of L-ascorbic acid.

    PubMed

    Chen, Hongqi; Ling, Bo; Yuan, Fei; Zhou, Cailing; Chen, Jingguo; Wang, Lun

    2012-01-01

    A highly sensitive flow-injection chemiluminescence (FIA-CL) method based on the CdTe nanocrystals and potassium permanganate chemiluminescence system was developed for the determination of L-ascorbic acid. It was found that sodium hexametaphosphate (SP), as an enhancer, could increase the chemiluminescence (CL) emission from the redox reaction of CdTe quantum dots with potassium permanganate in near-neutral pH conditions. L-ascorbic acid is suggested as a sensitive enhancer for use in the above energy-transfer excitation process. Under optimal conditions, the calibration graph of emission intensity against logarithmic l-ascorbic acid concentration was linear in the range 1.0 × 10(-9)-5.0 × 10(-6)  mol/L, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9969 and relative standard deviation (RSD) of 2.3% (n = 7) at 5.0 × 10(-7)  mol/L. The method was successfully used to determine L-ascorbic acid in vitamin C tablets. The possible mechanism of the chemiluminescence in the system is also discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  18. Complex-formation-enhanced fluorescence quenching effect for efficient detection of picric acid.

    PubMed

    Ding, Aixiang; Yang, Longmei; Zhang, Yuyang; Zhang, Gaobin; Kong, Lin; Zhang, Xuanjun; Tian, Yupeng; Tao, Xutang; Yang, Jiaxiang

    2014-09-15

    Amine-functionalized α-cyanostilbene derivatives (Z)-2-(4-aminophenyl)-3-(4-butoxyphenyl)acrylonitrile (ABA) and (Z)-3-(4-butoxyphenyl)-2-[4-(butylamino)phenyl]acrylonitrile (BBA) were designed for specific recognition of picric acid (PA), an environmental and biological pollutant. The 1:1 host-guest complexes formed between the chemosensors and PA enhanced fluorescence quenching, thus leading to sensitive and selective detection in aqueous media and the solid phase. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  19. Gadoxetate Acid-Enhanced MR Imaging for HCC: A Review for Clinicians

    PubMed Central

    Chanyaputhipong, Jendana; Low, Su-Chong Albert; Chow, Pierce K. H.

    2011-01-01

    Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasingly being detected at an earlier stage, owing to the screening programs and regular imaging follow-up in high-risk populations. Small HCCs still pose diagnostic challenges on imaging due to decreased sensitivity and increased frequency of atypical features. Differentiating early HCC from premalignant or benign nodules is important as management differs and has implications on both the quality of life and the overall survival for the patients. Gadoxetate acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA, Primovist®, Bayer Schering Pharma) is a relatively new, safe and well-tolerated liver-specific contrast agent for magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the liver that has combined perfusion- and hepatocyte-specific properties, allowing for the acquisition of both dynamic and hepatobiliary phase images. Its high biliary uptake and excretion improves lesion detection and characterization by increasing liver-to-lesion conspicuity in the added hepatobiliary phase imaging. To date, gadoxetate acid-enhanced MRI has been mostly shown to be superior to unenhanced MRI, computed tomography, and other types of contrast agents in the detection and characterization of liver lesions. This review article focuses on the evolving role of gadoxetate acid in the characterization of HCC, differentiating it from other mimickers of HCC. PMID:21994860

  20. Carnosic acid and fisetin combination therapy enhances inhibition of lung cancer through apoptosis induction.

    PubMed

    Shi, Bin; Wang, Li-Fang; Meng, Wen-Shu; Chen, Liang; Meng, Zi-Li

    2017-06-01

    Carnosic acid is a phenolic diterpene with anti-inflammation, anticancer, anti-bacterial, anti-diabetic, as well as neuroprotective properties, which is generated by many species from Lamiaceae family. Fisetin (3,3',4',7-tetrahydroxyflavone), a naturally flavonoid is abundantly produced in different vegetables and fruits. Fisetin has been reported to have various positive biological effects, including anti-proliferative, anticancer, anti-oxidative and neuroprotective effects. Lung cancer is reported as the most common neoplasm in human world-wide. In the present study, the possible benefits of carnosic acid combined with fisetin on lung cancer in vitro and in vivo was explored. Carnosic acid and fisetin combination led to apoptosis in lung cancer cells. Caspase-3 signaling pathway was promoted in carnosic acid and fisetin co-treatment, which was accompanied by anti-apoptotic proteins of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl decreasing and pro-apoptotic signals of Bax and Bad increasing. The death receptor (DR) of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) was enhanced in carnosic acid and fisetin combined treatment. Furthermore, the mouse xenograft model in vivo suggested that carnosic acid and fisetin combined treatment inhibited lung cancer growth in comparison to the carnosic acid or fisetin monotherapy. This study supplies a novel therapy to induce apoptosis to inhibit lung cancer through caspase-3 activation.

  1. Signal enhancement for gradient reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry analysis with trifluoroacetic and other strong acid modifiers by postcolumn addition of propionic acid and isopropanol.

    PubMed

    Kuhlmann, F E; Apffel, A; Fischer, S M; Goldberg, G; Goodley, P C

    1995-12-01

    Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and other volatile strong acids, used as modifiers in reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, cause signal suppression for basic compounds when analyzed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Evidence is presented that signal suppression is caused by strong ion pairing between the TFA anion and the protonated sample cation of basic sample molecules. The ion-pairing process "masks" the protonated sample cations from the ESI-MS electric fields by rendering them "neutral. " Weakly basic molecules are not suppressed by this process. The TFA signal suppression effect is independent from the well-known spray problem that electrospray has with highly aqueous solutions that contain TFA. This previously reported spray problem is caused by the high conductivity and surface tension of aqueous TFA solutions. A practical method to enhance the signal for most basic analytes in the presence of signal-suppressing volatile strong acids has been developed. The method employs postcolumn addition of a solution of 75% propionic acid and 25% isopropanol in a ratio 1:2 to the column flow. Signal enhancement is typically 10-50 times for peptides and other small basic molecules. Thus, peptide maps that use ESI-MS for detection can be performed at lower levels, with conventional columns, without the need to use capillary chromatography or reduced mass spectral resolution to achieve satisfactory sensitivity. The method may be used with similar results for heptafluorobutyric acid and hydrochloric acid. A mechanism for TFA signal suppression and signal enhancement by the foregoing method, is proposed.

  2. Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids enhance embryonic haematopoiesis and adult marrow engraftment.

    PubMed

    Li, Pulin; Lahvic, Jamie L; Binder, Vera; Pugach, Emily K; Riley, Elizabeth B; Tamplin, Owen J; Panigrahy, Dipak; Bowman, Teresa V; Barrett, Francesca G; Heffner, Garrett C; McKinney-Freeman, Shannon; Schlaeger, Thorsten M; Daley, George Q; Zeldin, Darryl C; Zon, Leonard I

    2015-07-23

    Haematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) transplant is a widely used treatment for life-threatening conditions such as leukaemia; however, the molecular mechanisms regulating HSPC engraftment of the recipient niche remain incompletely understood. Here we develop a competitive HSPC transplant method in adult zebrafish, using in vivo imaging as a non-invasive readout. We use this system to conduct a chemical screen, and identify epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) as a family of lipids that enhance HSPC engraftment. The pro-haematopoietic effects of EETs were conserved in the developing zebrafish embryo, where 11,12-EET promoted HSPC specification by activating a unique activator protein 1 (AP-1) and runx1 transcription program autonomous to the haemogenic endothelium. This effect required the activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinase (PI(3)K) pathway, specifically PI(3)Kγ. In adult HSPCs, 11,12-EET induced transcriptional programs, including AP-1 activation, which modulate several cellular processes, such as migration, to promote engraftment. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the EET effects on enhancing HSPC homing and engraftment are conserved in mammals. Our study establishes a new method to explore the molecular mechanisms of HSPC engraftment, and discovers a previously unrecognized, evolutionarily conserved pathway regulating multiple haematopoietic generation and regeneration processes. EETs may have clinical application in marrow or cord blood transplantation.

  3. Zoledronic Acid in Aromatase Inhibitor Induced Musculoskeletal Symptoms

    ClinicalTrials.gov

    2017-10-05

    Ductal Carcinoma in Situ; Estrogen Receptor-positive Breast Cancer; Progesterone Receptor-positive Breast Cancer; Stage I Breast Cancer; Stage II Breast Cancer; Stage IIIA Breast Cancer; Stage IIIB Breast Cancer; Stage IIIC Breast Cancer

  4. Liver enhancement in healthy dogs after gadoxetic acid administration during dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.

    PubMed

    Borusewicz, P; Stańczyk, E; Kubiak, K; Spużak, J; Glińska-Suchocka, K; Jankowski, M; Nicpoń, J; Podgórski, P

    2018-05-01

    Dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE)-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) consists of acquisition of native baseline images, followed by a series of acquisitions performed during and after administration of a contrast medium. DCE-MRI, in conjunction with hepatobiliary-specific contrast media, such as gadoxetic acid (GD-EOB-DTPA), allows for precise characterisation of the enhancement pattern of the hepatic parenchyma following administration of the contrast agent. The aim of the study was to assess the pattern of temporal resolution contrast enhancement of the hepatic parenchyma following administration of GD-EOB-DTPA and to determine the optimal time window for post-contrast assessment of the liver. The study was carried out on eight healthy beagle dogs. MRI was performed using a 1.5T scanner. The imaging protocol included T1 weighted (T1-W) gradient echo (GRE), T2 weighted (T2-W) turbo spin echo (TSE) and dynamic T1-W GRE sequences. The dynamic T1-W sequence was performed using single 10mm thick slices. Regions of interest (ROIs) were chosen and the signal intensity curves were calculated for quantitative image analysis. The mean time to peak for all dogs was 26min. The plateau phase lasted on average 21min. A gradual decrease in the signal intensity of the hepatic parenchyma was observed in all dogs. A DCE-MRI enhancement pattern of the hepatic parenchyma was evident in dogs following the administration of a GD-EOB-DTPA, establishing baseline data for an optimal time window between 26 and 41min after administration of the contrast agent. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Feasibility of semiautomated MR volumetry using gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI at hepatobiliary phase for living liver donors.

    PubMed

    Lee, Jeongjin; Kim, Kyoung Won; Kim, So Yeon; Kim, Bohyoung; Lee, So Jung; Kim, Hyoung Jung; Lee, Jong Seok; Lee, Moon Gyu; Song, Gi-Won; Hwang, Shin; Lee, Sung-Gyu

    2014-09-01

    To assess the feasibility of semiautomated MR volumetry using gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI at the hepatobiliary phase compared with manual CT volumetry. Forty potential live liver donor candidates who underwent MR and CT on the same day, were included in our study. Semiautomated MR volumetry was performed using gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI at the hepatobiliary phase. We performed the quadratic MR image division for correction of the bias field inhomogeneity. With manual CT volumetry as the reference standard, we calculated the average volume measurement error of the semiautomated MR volumetry. We also calculated the mean of the number and time of the manual editing, edited volume, and total processing time. The average volume measurement errors of the semiautomated MR volumetry were 2.35% ± 1.22%. The average values of the numbers of editing, operation times of manual editing, edited volumes, and total processing time for the semiautomated MR volumetry were 1.9 ± 0.6, 8.1 ± 2.7 s, 12.4 ± 8.8 mL, and 11.7 ± 2.9 s, respectively. Semiautomated liver MR volumetry using hepatobiliary phase gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI with the quadratic MR image division is a reliable, easy, and fast tool to measure liver volume in potential living liver donors. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  6. The identification of aluminium-resistance genes provides opportunities for enhancing crop production on acid soils.

    PubMed

    Ryan, P R; Tyerman, S D; Sasaki, T; Furuichi, T; Yamamoto, Y; Zhang, W H; Delhaize, E

    2011-01-01

    Acid soils restrict plant production around the world. One of the major limitations to plant growth on acid soils is the prevalence of soluble aluminium (Al(3+)) ions which can inhibit root growth at micromolar concentrations. Species that show a natural resistance to Al(3+) toxicity perform better on acid soils. Our understanding of the physiology of Al(3+) resistance in important crop plants has increased greatly over the past 20 years, largely due to the application of genetics and molecular biology. Fourteen genes from seven different species are known to contribute to Al(3+) tolerance and resistance and several additional candidates have been identified. Some of these genes account for genotypic variation within species and others do not. One mechanism of resistance which has now been identified in a range of species relies on the efflux of organic anions such as malate and citrate from roots. The genes controlling this trait are members of the ALMT and MATE families which encode membrane proteins that facilitate organic anion efflux across the plasma membrane. Identification of these and other resistance genes provides opportunities for enhancing the Al(3+) resistance of plants by marker-assisted breeding and through biotechnology. Most attempts to enhance Al(3+) resistance in plants with genetic engineering have targeted genes that are induced by Al(3+) stress or that are likely to increase organic anion efflux. In the latter case, studies have either enhanced organic anion synthesis or increased organic anion transport across the plasma membrane. Recent developments in this area are summarized and the structure-function of the TaALMT1 protein from wheat is discussed.

  7. 78 FR 54842 - Medicare and Medicaid Programs: Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-09-06

    ..., ado- K2 $29.40 trastuzumab emtansine, 1 mg. C9736 Laparoscopy, G2 2,010.57 surgical, radiofrequency... Injection, K2 545.44 Doxorubicin Hydrochloride, Liposomal, Not Otherwise Specified, 10 mg. Q2051 Injection, K2 196.42 Zoledronic Acid, Not Otherwise Specified, 1 mg. * Note: HCPCS code Q2050 replaced code...

  8. Glucuronic acid and the ethanol metabolite ethyl-glucuronide cause Toll-like receptor 4 activation and enhanced pain

    PubMed Central

    Lewis, Susannah S.; Hutchinson, Mark R.; Zhang, Yingning; Hund, Dana K.; Maier, Steven F.; Rice, Kenner C.; Watkins, Linda R.

    2013-01-01

    We have previously observed that the non-opioid morphine metabolite, morphine-3-glucuronide, enhances pain via a toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) dependent mechanism. The present studies were undertaken to determine whether TLR4-dependent pain enhancement generalizes to other classes of glucuronide metabolites. In silico modeling predicted that glucuronic acid alone and ethyl glucuronide, a minor but long-lasting ethanol metabolite, would dock to the same MD-2 portion of the TLR4 receptor complex previously characterized as the docking site for morphine-3-glucuronide. Glucuronic acid, ethyl glucuronide and ethanol all caused an increase in TLR4-dependent reporter protein expression in a cell line transfected with TLR4 and associated co-signaling molecules. Glucuronic acid-, ethyl glucuronide-, and ethanol-induced increases in TLR4 signaling were blocked by the TLR4 antagonists LPS-RS and (+)-naloxone. Glucuronic acid and ethyl glucuronide both caused allodynia following intrathecal injection in rats, which was blocked by intrathecal co-administration of the TLR4 antagonist LPS-RS. The finding that ethyl glucuronide can cause TLR4-dependent pain could have implications for human conditions such as hangover headache and alcohol withdrawal hyperalgesia, as well as suggesting that other classes of glucuronide metabolites could have similar effects. PMID:23348028

  9. Enhanced biodegradation of diesel oil by a newly identified Rhodococcus baikonurensis EN3 in the presence of mycolic acid.

    PubMed

    Lee, M; Kim, M K; Singleton, I; Goodfellow, M; Lee, S-T

    2006-02-01

    The aim of the present study was to isolate and characterize a bacterium, strain EN3, capable of using diesel oil as a major carbon and energy source, and to analyse the enhancement of diesel oil degradation by this organism using synthetic mycolic acid (2-hexyl-3-hydroxyldecanoic acid). An actinomycete with the ability to degrade diesel oil was isolated from oil contaminated soil and characterized. The strain had phenotypic properties consistent with its classification in the genus Rhodococcus showing a 16S rRNA gene similarity of 99.7% with Rhodococcus baikonurensis DSM 44587(T). The ability of the characterized strain to degrade diesel oil at various concentrations (1000, 5000, 10 000 and 20 000 mg l(-1)) was determined. The effect of synthetic mycolic acid on the biodegradation of diesel oil was investigated at the 20 000 mg l(-1) concentration; the surfactant was added to the flask cultures at three different concentrations (10, 50 and 100 mg l(-1)) and degradation followed over 7 days. Enhanced degradation was found at all three concentrations of the surfactant. In addition, the enhancement of diesel oil degradation by other surfactants was observed. The synthetic mycolic acid has potential for the remediation of petroleum-contaminated sites from both an economic and applied perspective as it can stimulate biodegradation at low concentrations. This study showed that the synthesized mycolic acid can be used for potential applications in the bioremediation industries, for example, in oil spill clean-up, diesel fuel remediation and biostimulation.

  10. Preparation and characterization of adefovir dipivoxil-stearic acid cocrystal with enhanced physicochemical properties.

    PubMed

    Seo, Jeong-Woong; Hwang, Kyu-Min; Lee, Sung-Hoon; Kim, Dong-Wook; Park, Eun-Seok

    2017-06-11

    The objectives of this study were to prepare cocrystal composed of adefovir dipivoxil (AD) and stearic acid (SA) and to investigate the enhanced properties of the cocrystal. The cocrystal was prepared by antisolvent precipitation and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The enhanced properties were evaluated by dissolution testing, permeability studies, and powder rheology analysis. The AD raw material has a cuboid-like crystal and the cocrystal has a needle shape. In the FT-IR study, there were bathochromic shifts caused by the hydrogen bonding. The melting point of the cocrystal was 52.9 °C, which was lower than that of AD. The XRPD pattern also had distinct differences, supporting the formation of a new crystalline form. The cocrystal showed changes in the lattice energy and the solvation strength, which caused an enhanced dissolution. The permeability was increased due to the SA, which acts as a P-gp inhibitor. The tabletability was enhanced due to the altered crystal habit. In conclusion, cocrystal containing AD and SA was successfully prepared, presenting advantages such as enhanced solubility, tabletability, and permeability. The use of the cocrystal is a desirable approach for the improved physicochemical properties.

  11. Detection of Serum Lysophosphatidic Acids Using Affinity Binding and Surface Enhanced Laser Desorption/Ionization (SELDI) Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2005-04-01

    AD Award Number: DAIMD17-03-1-0222 TITLE: Detection of Serum Lysophosphatidic Acids Using Affinity Binding and Surface Enhanced Laser Desorption...Annual (1 Apr 04 - 31 Mar 05) 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5. FUNDING NUMBERS Detection of Serum Lysophosphatidic Acids Using Affinity DAMD17-03-1-0222...of multiple forms of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). LPA increases proliferation, prevents apoptosis and anoikis, increases invasiveness, decreases

  12. Inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation for enhancing citric acid production by Aspergillus niger.

    PubMed

    Wang, Lu; Zhang, Jianhua; Cao, Zhanglei; Wang, Yajun; Gao, Qiang; Zhang, Jian; Wang, Depei

    2015-01-16

    intracellular ATP can accelerate glycolysis and the TCA cycle to enhance citric acid yield.

  13. Toward a noncytotoxic glioblastoma therapy: blocking MCP-1 with the MTZ Regimen

    PubMed Central

    Salacz, Michael E; Kast, Richard E; Saki, Najmaldin; Brüning, Ansgar; Karpel-Massler, Georg; Halatsch, Marc-Eric

    2016-01-01

    To improve the prognosis of glioblastoma, we developed an adjuvant treatment directed to a neglected aspect of glioblastoma growth, the contribution of nonmalignant monocyte lineage cells (MLCs) (monocyte, macrophage, microglia, dendritic cells) that infiltrated a main tumor mass. These nonmalignant cells contribute to glioblastoma growth and tumor homeostasis. MLCs comprise of approximately 10%–30% of glioblastoma by volume. After integration into the tumor mass, these become polarized toward an M2 immunosuppressive, pro-angiogenic phenotype that promotes continued tumor growth. Glioblastoma cells initiate and promote this process by synthesizing 13 kDa MCP-1 that attracts circulating monocytes to the tumor. Infiltrating monocytes, after polarizing toward an M2 phenotype, synthesize more MCP-1, forming an amplification loop. Three noncytotoxic drugs, an antibiotic – minocycline, an antihypertensive drug – telmisartan, and a bisphosphonate – zoledronic acid, have ancillary attributes of MCP-1 synthesis inhibition and could be re-purposed, singly or in combination, to inhibit or reverse MLC-mediated immunosuppression, angiogenesis, and other growth-enhancing aspects. Minocycline, telmisartan, and zoledronic acid – the MTZ Regimen – have low-toxicity profiles and could be added to standard radiotherapy and temozolomide. Re-purposing older drugs has advantages of established safety and low drug cost. Four core observations support this approach: 1) malignant glioblastoma cells require a reciprocal trophic relationship with nonmalignant macrophages or microglia to thrive; 2) glioblastoma cells secrete MCP-1 to start the cycle, attracting MLCs, which subsequently also secrete MCP-1 perpetuating the recruitment cycle; 3) increasing cytokine levels in the tumor environment generate further immunosuppression and tumor growth; and 4) MTZ regimen may impede MCP-1-driven processes, thereby interfering with glioblastoma growth. PMID:27175087

  14. Ligand-enhanced electrokinetic remediation of metal-contaminated marine sediments with high acid buffering capacity.

    PubMed

    Masi, Matteo; Iannelli, Renato; Losito, Gabriella

    2016-06-01

    The suitability of electrokinetic remediation for removing heavy metals from dredged marine sediments with high acid buffering capacity was investigated. Laboratory-scale electrokinetic remediation experiments were carried out by applying two different voltage gradients to the sediment (0.5 and 0.8 V/cm) while circulating water or two different chelating agents at the electrode compartments. Tap water, 0.1 M citric acid and 0.1 M ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) solutions were used respectively. The investigated metals were Zn, Pb, V, Ni and Cu. In the unenhanced experiment, the acid front could not propagate due to the high acid buffering capacity of the sediments; the production of OH(-) ions at the cathode resulted in a high-pH environment causing the precipitation of CaCO3 and metal hydroxides. The use of citric acid prevented the formation of precipitates, but solubilisation and mobilisation of metal species were not sufficiently achieved. Metal removal was relevant when EDTA was used as the conditioning agent, and the electric potential was raised up to 0.8 V/cm. EDTA led to the formation of negatively charged complexes with metals which migrated towards the anode compartment by electromigration. This result shows that metal removal from sediments with high acid buffering capacity may be achieved by enhancing the electrokinetic process by EDTA addition when the acidification of the medium is not economically and/or environmentally sustainable.

  15. Enhanced dispersion of boron nitride nanosheets in aqueous media by using bile acid-based surfactants

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chae, Ari; Park, Soo-Jin; Min, Byunggak; In, Insik

    2018-01-01

    Facile noncovalent surface functionalization of hydroxylated boron nitride nanosheet (BNNS-OH) was attempted through the sonication-assisted exfoliation of h-BN in aqueous media in the presence of bile acid-based surfactants such as sodium cholic acid (SC) or sodium deoxycholic acid (SDC), resulting in SC- or SDC-BNNS-OH dispersion with high up to 2 mg ml-1 and enhanced dispersion stability due to the increased negative zeta potential. While prepared SC-BNNS-OH revealed multi-layered BNNS structures, the large lateral sizes of hundreds nanometers and clear h-BN lattice structures are very promising for the preparation and application of water-processable BNNS-based nanomaterials. It is regarded that noncovalent functionalization of BNNS-OH based on σ-π interaction between with σ-rich bile acid-based amphiphiles and π-rich BNNS is very effective to formulate multi-functional BNNS-based nanomaterials or hybrids that can be utilized in various applications where both the pristine properties of BNNS and the extra functions are simultaneously required.

  16. Multifunctional hybrid micelles with tunable active targeting and acid/phosphatase-stimulated drug release for enhanced tumor suppression.

    PubMed

    Liu, Xuhan; Li, Yinghuan; Tan, Xi; Rao, Rong; Ren, Yuanyuan; Liu, Lingyan; Yang, Xiangliang; Liu, Wei

    2018-03-01

    Therapeutic efficacy of conventional single PEGylated polymeric micelles is significantly reduced by limited endocytosis and intracellular drug release. To improve drug delivery efficiency, poly (ethylene glycol)-block-poly (l-lactic acid)/(Arg-Gly-Asp-Phe)-poly (aminoethyl ethylene phosphate)-block-poly (l-lactic acid) (PEG-PLLA/RGDF-PAEEP-PLLA) hybrid micelles with tunable active targeting and acid/phosphatase-stimulated drug release are developed. The optimized hybrid micelles with 6 wt % of RGDF have favorable in vitro and in vivo activities. The hybrid micelles could temporarily shield the targeting efficacy of RGDF at pH 7.4 due to the steric effect exerted by concealment of RGDF peptides in the PEG corona, which strongly decreases the clearance by mononuclear phagocyte system and consequently improves the tumor accumulation. Inside the solid tumor with a lower acidic pH, the hybrid micelles restore the active tumor targeting property with exposed RGDF on the surface of the micelles because of the increased protonation and stretching degree of PAEEP blocks. RGDF-mediated endocytosis improves the tumor cell uptake. The hybrid micelles would also enhance intracellular drug release because of the hydrolysis of the acid/phosphatase-sensitivity of PAEEP blocks in endo/lysosome. Systemic administration of the hybrid micelles significantly inhibits tumor growth by 96% due to the integration of enhanced circulation time, tumor accumulation, cell uptake and intracellular drug release. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. Thermodynamic Analysis of the Selectivity Enhancement Obtained by Using Smart Hydrogels That Are Zwitterionic When Detecting Glucose With Boronic Acid Moieties

    PubMed Central

    Horkay, F.; Cho, S. H.; Tathireddy, P.; Rieth, L.; Solzbacher, F.; Magda, J.

    2011-01-01

    Because the boronic acid moiety reversibly binds to sugar molecules and has low cytotoxicity, boronic acid-containing hydrogels are being used in a variety of implantable glucose sensors under development, including sensors based on optical, fluorescence, and swelling pressure measurements. However, some method of glucose selectivity enhancement is often necessary, because isolated boronic acid molecules have a binding constant with glucose that is some forty times smaller than their binding constant with fructose, the second most abundant sugar in the human body. In many cases, glucose selectivity enhancement is obtained by incorporating pendant tertiary amines into the hydrogel network, thereby giving rise to a hydrogel that is zwitterionic at physiological pH. However, the mechanism by which incorporation of tertiary amines confers selectivity enhancement is poorly understood. In order to clarify this mechanism, we use the osmotic deswelling technique to compare the thermodynamic interactions of glucose and fructose with a zwitterionic smart hydrogel containing boronic acid moieties. We also investigate the change in the structure of the hydrogel that occurs when it binds to glucose or to fructose using the technique of small angle neutron scattering. PMID:22190765

  18. Enhanced Biocide Treatments with D-amino Acid Mixtures against a Biofilm Consortium from a Water Cooling Tower.

    PubMed

    Jia, Ru; Li, Yingchao; Al-Mahamedh, Hussain H; Gu, Tingyue

    2017-01-01

    Different species of microbes form mixed-culture biofilms in cooling water systems. They cause microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) and biofouling, leading to increased operational and maintenance costs. In this work, two D-amino acid mixtures were found to enhance two non-oxidizing biocides [tetrakis hydroxymethyl phosphonium sulfate (THPS) and NALCO 7330 (isothiazoline derivatives)] and one oxidizing biocide [bleach (NaClO)] against a biofilm consortium from a water cooling tower in lab tests. Fifty ppm (w/w) of an equimass mixture of D-methionine, D-leucine, D-tyrosine, D-tryptophan, D-serine, D-threonine, D-phenylalanine, and D-valine (D8) enhanced 15 ppm THPS and 15 ppm NALCO 7330 with similar efficacies achieved by the 30 ppm THPS alone treatment and the 30 ppm NALCO 7330 alone treatment, respectively in the single-batch 3-h biofilm removal test. A sequential treatment method was used to enhance bleach because D-amino acids react with bleach. After a 4-h biofilm removal test, the sequential treatment of 5 ppm bleach followed by 50 ppm D8 achieved extra 1-log reduction in sessile cell counts of acid producing bacteria, sulfate reducing bacteria, and general heterotrophic bacteria compared with the 5 ppm bleach alone treatment. The 10 ppm bleach alone treatment showed a similar efficacy with the sequential treatment of 5 ppm bleach followed by 50 ppm D8. The efficacy of D8 was found better than that of D4 (an equimass mixture of D-methionine, D-leucine, D-tyrosine, and D-tryptophan) in the enhancement of the three individual biocides against the biofilm consortium.

  19. Enhanced Biocide Treatments with D-amino Acid Mixtures against a Biofilm Consortium from a Water Cooling Tower

    PubMed Central

    Jia, Ru; Li, Yingchao; Al-Mahamedh, Hussain H.; Gu, Tingyue

    2017-01-01

    Different species of microbes form mixed-culture biofilms in cooling water systems. They cause microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) and biofouling, leading to increased operational and maintenance costs. In this work, two D-amino acid mixtures were found to enhance two non-oxidizing biocides [tetrakis hydroxymethyl phosphonium sulfate (THPS) and NALCO 7330 (isothiazoline derivatives)] and one oxidizing biocide [bleach (NaClO)] against a biofilm consortium from a water cooling tower in lab tests. Fifty ppm (w/w) of an equimass mixture of D-methionine, D-leucine, D-tyrosine, D-tryptophan, D-serine, D-threonine, D-phenylalanine, and D-valine (D8) enhanced 15 ppm THPS and 15 ppm NALCO 7330 with similar efficacies achieved by the 30 ppm THPS alone treatment and the 30 ppm NALCO 7330 alone treatment, respectively in the single-batch 3-h biofilm removal test. A sequential treatment method was used to enhance bleach because D-amino acids react with bleach. After a 4-h biofilm removal test, the sequential treatment of 5 ppm bleach followed by 50 ppm D8 achieved extra 1-log reduction in sessile cell counts of acid producing bacteria, sulfate reducing bacteria, and general heterotrophic bacteria compared with the 5 ppm bleach alone treatment. The 10 ppm bleach alone treatment showed a similar efficacy with the sequential treatment of 5 ppm bleach followed by 50 ppm D8. The efficacy of D8 was found better than that of D4 (an equimass mixture of D-methionine, D-leucine, D-tyrosine, and D-tryptophan) in the enhancement of the three individual biocides against the biofilm consortium. PMID:28861053

  20. Enhanced performance of starter lighting ignition type lead-acid batteries with carbon nanotubes as an additive to the active mass

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Marom, Rotem; Ziv, Baruch; Banerjee, Anjan; Cahana, Beni; Luski, Shalom; Aurbach, Doron

    2015-11-01

    Addition of various carbon materials into lead-acid battery electrodes was studied and examined in order to enhance the power density, improve cycle life and stability of both negative and positive electrodes in lead acid batteries. High electrical-conductivity, high-aspect ratio, good mechanical properties and chemical stability of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT, unmodified and mofified with carboxylic groups) position them as viable additives to enhance the electrodes' electrical conductivity, to mitigate the well-known sulfation failure mechanism and improve the physical integration of the electrodes. In this study, we investigated the incorporation-effect of carbon nanotubes (CNT) to the positive and the negative active materials in lead-acid battery prototypes in a configuration of flooded cells, as well as gelled cells. The cells were tested at 25% and 30% depth-of-discharge (DOD). The positive effect of the carbon nanotubes (CNT) utilization as additives to both positive and negative electrodes of lead-acid batteries was clearly demonstrated and is explained herein based on microscopic studies.

  1. Enhancement of power production with tartaric acid doped polyaniline nanowire network modified anode in microbial fuel cells.

    PubMed

    Liao, Zhi-Hong; Sun, Jian-Zhong; Sun, De-Zhen; Si, Rong-Wei; Yong, Yang-Chun

    2015-09-01

    The feasibility to use tartaric acid doped PANI for MFC anode modification was determined. Uniform PANI nanowires doped with tartaric acid were synthesized and formed mesoporous networks on the carbon cloth surface. By using this tartaric acid doped PANI modified carbon cloth (PANI-TA) as the anode, the voltage output (435 ± 15 mV) and power output (490 ± 12 mW/m(2)) of MFC were enhanced by 1.6 times and 4.1 times compared to that of MFC with plain carbon cloth anode, respectively. Strikingly, the performance of PANI-TA MFC was superior to that of the MFCs with inorganic acids doped PNAI modified anode. These results substantiated that tartaric acid is a promising PANI dopant for MFC anode modification, and provided new opportunity for MFC performance improvement. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. Real-world effectiveness of osteoporosis therapies for fracture reduction in post-menopausal women.

    PubMed

    Yusuf, Akeem A; Cummings, Steven R; Watts, Nelson B; Feudjo, Maurille Tepie; Sprafka, J Michael; Zhou, Jincheng; Guo, Haifeng; Balasubramanian, Akhila; Cooper, Cyrus

    2018-03-21

    Studies examining real-world effectiveness of osteoporosis therapies are beset by limitations due to confounding by indication. By evaluating longitudinal changes in fracture incidence, we demonstrated that osteoporosis therapies are effective in reducing fracture risk in real-world practice settings. Osteoporosis therapies have been shown to reduce incidence of vertebral and non-vertebral fractures in placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials. However, information on the real-world effectiveness of these therapies is limited. We examined fracture risk reduction in older, post-menopausal women treated with osteoporosis therapies. Using Medicare claims, we identified 1,278,296 women age ≥ 65 years treated with zoledronic acid, oral bisphosphonates, denosumab, teriparatide, or raloxifene. Fracture incidence rates before and after treatment initiation were described to understand patients' fracture risk profile, and fracture reduction effectiveness of each therapy was evaluated as a longitudinal change in incidence rates. Fracture incidence rates increased during the period leading up to treatment initiation and were highest in the 3-month period most proximal to treatment initiation. Fracture incidence rates following treatment initiation were significantly lower than before treatment initiation. Compared with the 12-month pre-index period, there were reductions in clinical vertebral fractures for denosumab (45%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 39-51%), zoledronic acid (50%; 95% CI 47-52%), oral bisphosphonates (24%; 95% CI 22-26%), and teriparatide (72%; 95% CI 69-75%) during the subsequent 12 months. Relative to the first 3 months after initiation, clinical vertebral fractures were reduced for denosumab (51%; 95% CI 42-59%), zoledronic acid (25%; 95% CI 17-32%), oral bisphosphonates (23%; 95% CI 20-26%), and teriparatide (64%; 95% CI 58-69%) during the subsequent 12 months. In summary, reductions in fracture incidence over time were observed in cohorts

  3. Flow-injection chemiluminescence determination of acetylsalicylic acid based on its enhancing effect on the lucigenin–hydrogen peroxide system.

    PubMed

    Wabaidur, S M; Alam, S M; Alothmana, Z A; Eldesokya, Gaber

    2014-09-01

    A sensitive flow-injection chemiluminescence method for the determination of acetylsalicylic acid is described. It is based on the enhanced chemiluminescent emission of the alkaline lucigenin–H2O2 system by acetylsalicylic acid. The difference in chemiluminescent intensity of alkaline lucigenin–H2O2 in the presence of acetylsalicylic acid from that in the absence of acetylsalicylic acid was linear at acetylsalicylic acid concentrations in the range of 0.0029–47.37 μg/mL, with detection and quantification limits of 0.0011 and 0.0029 μg/mL, respectively. The correlation coefficient of the working curve was 0.9983. The relative standard deviation (n = 10) for 25 μg/mL acetylsalicylic acid is 1.95%. All experimental parameters were optimized. The method was successfully applied to the determination of acetylsalicylic acid in pharmaceutical preparations. The recovery results obtained by the method were satisfactory.

  4. Local vs. systemic administration of bisphosphonates in rat cleft bone graft: A comparative study

    PubMed Central

    Lin, Lawrence; Olson, Jeffrey; Kwon, Taewoo; Bezouglaia, Olga; Tran, Jaime; Hoang, Michael; Bui, Kimberly; Kim, Reuben H.; Tetradis, Sotirios

    2018-01-01

    A majority of patients with orofacial cleft deformity requires cleft repair through a bone graft. However, elevated amount of bone resorption and subsequent bone graft failure remains a significant clinical challenge. Bisphosphonates (BPs), a class of anti-resorptive drugs, may offer great promise in enhancing the clinical success of bone grafting. In this study, we compared the effects of systemic and local delivery of BPs in an intraoral bone graft model in rats. We randomly divided 34 female 20-week-old Fischer F344 Inbred rats into four groups to repair an intraoral critical-sized defect (CSD): (1) Control: CSD without graft (n = 4); (2) Graft/Saline: bone graft with systemic administration of saline 1 week post-operatively (n = 10); (3) Graft/Systemic: bone graft with systemic administration of zoledronic acid 1 week post-operatively (n = 10); and (4) Graft/Local: bone graft pre-treated with zoledronic acid (n = 10). At 6-weeks post-operatively, microCT volumetric analysis showed a significant increase in bone fraction volume (BV/TV) in the Graft/Systemic (62.99 ±14.31%) and Graft/Local (69.35 ±13.18%) groups compared to the Graft/Saline (39.18±10.18%). Similarly, histological analysis demonstrated a significant increase in bone volume in the Graft/Systemic (78.76 ±18.00%) and Graft/Local (89.95 ±4.93%) groups compared to the Graft/Saline (19.74±18.89%). The local delivery approach resulted in the clinical success of bone grafts, with reduced graft resorption and enhanced osteogenesis and bony integration with defect margins while avoiding the effects of BPs on peripheral osteoclastic function. In addition, local delivery of BPs may be superior to systemic delivery with its ease of procedure as it involves simple soaking of bone graft materials in BP solution prior to graft placement into the defect. This new approach may provide convenient and promising clinical applications towards effectively managing cleft patients. PMID:29304080

  5. Folic acid-modified soy protein nanoparticles for enhanced targeting and inhibitory.

    PubMed

    Cheng, Xu; Wang, Xin; Cao, Zhipeng; Yao, Weijing; Wang, Jun; Tang, Rupei

    2017-02-01

    Soy protein isolate (SPI) was hydrolyzed by compound enzymes to give water soluble low molecular soy protein (SP). SP and folic acid (FA) modified SP was polymerized with N-3- acrylamidophenylboronic acid (APBA) monomer in aqueous solution to give SP nanoparticles (SP NPs) and FA modified nanoparticles (FA-SP NPs), respectively. These NPs display excellent stability in different conditions, and have a uniform spherical shape with a diameter around of 200nm. Doxorubicin (DOX) was then successfully loaded into SP and FA-SP NPs with a desirable loading content of 13.33% and 16.01%, respectively. The cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of DOX-loaded SP NPs and FA-SP NPs were investigated using the two-dimensional (2D) monolayer cell model and three-dimensional (3D) multicellular spheroids (MCs). In vivo, tumor accumulation and growth inhibitory were then examined using H22 tumor-bearing mice. All these results demonstrated that conjugation of FA can efficiently enhance SP-based NPs' tumor accumulation and antitumor effect. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. Epitope enhancement for immunohistochemical demonstration of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase.

    PubMed

    Janckila, A J; Lear, S C; Martin, A W; Yam, L T

    1996-03-01

    We have developed a monoclonal antibody (9C5) for immunohistochemical localization of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAcP). This antibody reacts with a denatured epitope of TRAcP and requires enhancement methods to promote antigenicity in paraffin-embedded tissues. We used this antibody to systematically examine proteolytic digestion and heat denaturation conditions for epitope enhancement in both paraffin sections and fixed smears. The goal was to increase the sensitivity of the immunohistochemical stain for TRAcP. Optimal conditions for proteolytic digestion were established. Denaturation in a conventional boiling water bath was compared to microwave irradiation in several commonly used solutions. Immunohistochemistry was compared directly to TRAcP cytochemistry in fixed smears from hairy cell leukemia specimens to gauge the level of sensitivity of our improved method. Attempts were made to "retrieve" the 9C5 epitope from overfixed tissues and aged smears. Maximal immunoreactivity of TRAcP was achieved by microwave irradiation in a citrate or Tris buffer of pH 6.0-8.0 without the need for a subsequent protease digestion step. With this method of epitope enhancement, immunohistochemistry with antibody 9C5 was as sensitive as direct cytochemical staining of TRAcP activity. However, once a tissue specimen had been overfixed or a smear stored for a year or more, the 9C5 epitope was no longer retrievable. The key element in epitope enhancement for 9C5 immunohistochemistry is heat denaturation of the target epitope. Immunohistochemistry of TRAcP in paraffin sections would be a great asset to the study of specialized forms of the monocyte/macrophage lineage and to the process of macrophage activation. It would also provide another means for more precise evaluation of residual disease in bone marrow of patients treated for hairy cell leukemia.

  7. Arabidopsis ENHANCED DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY1 promotes systemic acquired resistance via azelaic acid and its precursor 9-oxo nonanoic acid

    PubMed Central

    Wittek, Finni; Hoffmann, Thomas; Kanawati, Basem; Bichlmeier, Marlies; Knappe, Claudia; Wenig, Marion; Schmitt-Kopplin, Philippe; Parker, Jane E.; Schwab, Wilfried; Vlot, A. Corina

    2014-01-01

    Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) is a form of inducible disease resistance that depends on salicylic acid and its upstream regulator ENHANCED DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY1 (EDS1). Although local Arabidopsis thaliana defence responses activated by the Pseudomonas syringae effector protein AvrRpm1 are intact in eds1 mutant plants, SAR signal generation is abolished. Here, the SAR-specific phenotype of the eds1 mutant is utilized to identify metabolites that contribute to SAR. To this end, SAR bioassay-assisted fractionation of extracts from the wild type compared with eds1 mutant plants that conditionally express AvrRpm1 was performed. Using high-performance liquid chromatography followed by mass spectrometry, systemic immunity was associated with the accumulation of 60 metabolites, including the putative SAR signal azelaic acid (AzA) and its precursors 9-hydroperoxy octadecadienoic acid (9-HPOD) and 9-oxo nonanoic acid (ONA). Exogenous ONA induced SAR in systemic untreated leaves when applied at a 4-fold lower concentration than AzA. The data suggest that in planta oxidation of ONA to AzA might be partially responsible for this response and provide further evidence that AzA mobilizes Arabidopsis immunity in a concentration-dependent manner. The AzA fragmentation product pimelic acid did not induce SAR. The results link the C9 lipid peroxidation products ONA and AzA with systemic rather than local resistance and suggest that EDS1 directly or indirectly promotes the accumulation of ONA, AzA, or one or more of their common precursors possibly by activating one or more pathways that either result in the release of these compounds from galactolipids or promote lipid peroxidation. PMID:25114016

  8. Pretreatment of grass waste using combined ionizing radiation-acid treatment for enhancing fermentative hydrogen production.

    PubMed

    Yang, Guang; Wang, Jianlong

    2018-05-01

    In this study, the combined ionizing radiation-acid pretreatment process was firstly applied to enhance hydrogen fermentation of grass waste. Results showed that the combined pretreatment synergistically enhanced hydrogen fermentation of grass waste. The SCOD and soluble polysaccharide contents of grass waste increased by 1.6 and 2.91 times after the combined pretreatment, respectively. SEM observation and crystallinity test showed the combined pretreatment effectively disrupted the grass structure. Owing to the more favorable substrate conditions, the hydrogen yield achieved 68 mL/g-dry grass added after the combined pretreatment, which was 161.5%, 112.5% and 28.3% higher than those from raw, ionizing radiation pretreated and acid pretreated grass waste, respectively. The VS removal also increased from 13.9% to 25.6% by the combined pretreatment. Microbial community analysis showed that the abundance of dominant hydrogen producing genus Clostridium sensu stricto 1 increased from 37.9% to 69.4% after the combined pretreatment, which contributed to more efficient hydrogen fermentation. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. Utilization of acetic acid-rich pyrolytic bio-oil by microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii: reducing bio-oil toxicity and enhancing algal toxicity tolerance.

    PubMed

    Liang, Yi; Zhao, Xuefei; Chi, Zhanyou; Rover, Marjorie; Johnston, Patrick; Brown, Robert; Jarboe, Laura; Wen, Zhiyou

    2013-04-01

    This work was to utilize acetic acid contained in bio-oil for growth and lipid production of the microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The acetic acid-rich bio-oil fraction derived from fast pyrolysis of softwood contained 26% (w/w) acetic acid, formic acid, methanol, furfural, acetol, and phenolics as identified compounds, and 13% (w/w) unidentified compounds. Among those identified compounds, phenolics were most inhibitory to algal growth, followed by furfural and acetol. To enhance the fermentability of the bio-oil fraction, activated carbon was used to reduce the toxicity of the bio-oil, while metabolic evolution was used to enhance the toxicity tolerance of the microalgae. Combining activated carbon treatment and using evolved algal strain resulted in significant algal growth improvement. The results collectively showed that fast pyrolysis-fermentation process was a viable approach for converting biomass into fuels and chemicals. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. Optical clearing of skin enhanced with hyaluronic acid for increased contrast of optoacoustic imaging

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liopo, Anton; Su, Richard; Tsyboulski, Dmitri A.; Oraevsky, Alexander A.

    2016-08-01

    Enhanced delivery of optical clearing agents (OCA) through skin may improve sensitivity of optical and optoacoustic (OA) methods of imaging, sensing, and monitoring. This report describes a two-step method for enhancement of light penetration through skin. Here, we demonstrate that topical application of hyaluronic acid (HA) improves skin penetration of hydrophilic and lipophilic OCA and thus enhances their performance. We examined the OC effect of 100% polyethylene and polypropylene glycols (PPGs) and their mixture after pretreatment by HA, and demonstrated significant increase in efficiency of light penetration through skin. Increased light transmission resulted in a significant increase of OA image contrast in vitro. Topical pretreatment of skin for about 30 min with 0.5% HA in aqueous solution offers effective delivery of low molecular weight OCA such as a mixture of PPG-425 and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-400. The developed approach of pretreatment by HA prior to application of clearing agents (PEG and PPG) resulted in a ˜47-fold increase in transmission of red and near-infrared light and significantly enhanced contrast of OA images.

  11. Suppression of the rice fatty-acid desaturase gene OsSSI2 enhances resistance to blast and leaf blight diseases in rice.

    PubMed

    Jiang, Chang-Jie; Shimono, Masaki; Maeda, Satoru; Inoue, Haruhiko; Mori, Masaki; Hasegawa, Morifumi; Sugano, Shoji; Takatsuji, Hiroshi

    2009-07-01

    Fatty acids and their derivatives play important signaling roles in plant defense responses. It has been shown that suppressing a gene for stearoyl acyl carrier protein fatty-acid desaturase (SACPD) enhances the resistance of Arabidopsis (SSI2) and soybean to multiple pathogens. In this study, we present functional analyses of a rice homolog of SSI2 (OsSSI2) in disease resistance of rice plants. A transposon insertion mutation (Osssi2-Tos17) and RNAi-mediated knockdown of OsSSI2 (OsSSI2-kd) reduced the oleic acid (18:1) level and increased that of stearic acid (18:0), indicating that OsSSI2 is responsible for fatty-acid desaturase activity. These plants displayed spontaneous lesion formation in leaf blades, retarded growth, slight increase in endogenous free salicylic acid (SA) levels, and SA/benzothiadiazole (BTH)-specific inducible genes, including WRKY45, a key regulator of SA/BTH-induced resistance, in rice. Moreover, the OsSSI2-kd plants showed markedly enhanced resistance to the blast fungus Magnaporthe grisea and leaf-blight bacteria Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae. These results suggest that OsSSI2 is involved in the negative regulation of defense responses in rice, as are its Arabidopsis and soybean counterparts. Microarray analyses identified 406 genes that were differentially expressed (>or=2-fold) in OsSSI2-kd rice plants compared with wild-type rice and, of these, approximately 39% were BTH responsive. Taken together, our results suggest that induction of SA-responsive genes, including WRKY45, is likely responsible for enhanced disease resistance in OsSSI2-kd rice plants.

  12. Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibition enhances memory acquisition through activation of PPAR-α nuclear receptors

    PubMed Central

    Mazzola, Carmen; Medalie, Julie; Scherma, Maria; Panlilio, Leigh V.; Solinas, Marcello; Tanda, Gianluigi; Drago, Filippo; Cadet, Jean Lud; Goldberg, Steven R.; Yasar, Sevil

    2009-01-01

    Inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) increase endogenous levels of anandamide (a cannabinoid CB1-receptor ligand) and oleoylethanolamide and palmitoylethanolamide (OEA and PEA, ligands for α-type peroxisome proliferator-activated nuclear receptors, PPAR-α) when and where they are naturally released in the brain. Using a passive-avoidance task in rats, we found that memory acquisition was enhanced by the FAAH inhibitor URB597 or by the PPAR-α agonist WY14643, and these enhancements were blocked by the PPAR-α antagonist MK886. These findings demonstrate novel mechanisms for memory enhancement by activation of PPAR-α, either directly by administering a PPAR-α agonist or indirectly by administering a FAAH inhibitor. PMID:19403796

  13. Lysophosphatidic acid enhances collagen deposition and matrix thickening in engineered tissue.

    PubMed

    Chabaud, Stéphane; Marcoux, Thomas-Louis; Deschênes-Rompré, Marie-Pier; Rousseau, Alexandre; Morissette, Amélie; Bouhout, Sara; Bernard, Geneviève; Bolduc, Stéphane

    2015-11-01

    The time needed to produce engineered tissue is critical. A self-assembly approach provided excellent results regarding biological functions and cell differentiation because it closely respected the microenvironment of cells. Nevertheless, the technique was time consuming for producing tissue equivalents with enough extracellular matrix to allow manipulations. Unlike L-arginine supplementation that only increased accumulation of collagen in cell culture supernatant in our model, addition of lysophosphatidic acid, a natural bioactive lipid, did not modify the amount of accumulated collagen in the cell culture supernatant; however, it enhanced the matrix deposition rate without inducing fibroblast hyperproliferation and tissue fibrosis. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  14. A Novel Approach to Enhancing Ganoderic Acid Production by Ganoderma lucidum Using Apoptosis Induction

    PubMed Central

    You, Bang-Jau; Lee, Miin-Huey; Tien, Ni; Lee, Meng-Shiou; Hsieh, Hui-Chuan; Tseng, Lin-Hsien; Chung, Yu-Lin; Lee, Hong-Zin

    2013-01-01

    Ganoderma lucidum is one of most widely used herbal medicine and functional food in Asia, and ganoderic acids (GAs) are its active ingredients. Regulation of GA biosynthesis and enhancing GA production are critical to using G. lucidum as a medicine. However, regulation of GA biosynthesis by various signaling remains poorly understood. This study investigated the role of apoptosis signaling on GA biosynthesis and presented a novel approach, namely apoptosis induction, to increasing GA production. Aspirin was able to induce cell apoptosis in G. lucidum, which was identified by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUPT nick end labeling assay positive staining and a condensed nuclear morphology. The maximum induction of lanosta-7,9(11), 24-trien-3α-01-26-oic acid (ganoderic acid 24, GA24) production and total GA production by aspirin were 2.7-fold and 2.8-fold, respectively, after 1 day. Significantly lower levels of GA 24 and total GAs were obtained after regular fungal culture for 1.5 months. ROS accumulation and phosphorylation of Hog-1 kinase, a putative homolog of MAPK p38 in mammals, occurred after aspirin treatment indicating that both factors may be involved in GA biosynthetic regulation. However, aspirin also reduced expression of the squalene synthase and lanosterol synthase coding genes, suggesting that these genes are not critical for GA induction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report showing that GA biosynthesis is linked to fungal apoptosis and provides a new approach to enhancing secondary metabolite production in fungi. PMID:23326470

  15. Enhanced conductivity of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) film by acid treatment for indium tin oxide-free organic solar cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lin, Chun-Chiao; Huang, Chih-Kuo; Hung, Yu-Chieh; Chang, Mei-Ying

    2016-08-01

    An acid treatment is used in the enhancement of the conductivity of the conducting polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) thin film, which is often used as the anode in organic solar cells. There are three types of acid treatment for PEDOT:PSS thin film: hydrochloric, sulfuric, and phosphoric acid treatments. In this study, we examine and compare these three ways with each other for differences in conductivity. Hydrochloric acid results in the highest conductivity enhancement, from 0.3 to 1109 S/cm. We also discuss the optical transmittance, conductivity, surface roughness, surface morphology, and stability, as well as the factors that can influence device efficiency. The devices are fabricated using an acid-treated PEDOT:PSS thin film as the anode. The highest power conversion efficiency was 1.32%, which is a large improvement over that of the unmodified organic solar cell (0.21%). It is comparable to that obtained when using indium tin oxide (ITO) as an electrode, ca. 1.46%.

  16. Acid additives enhancing the conductivity of spiro-OMeTAD toward high-efficiency and hysteresis-less planar perovskite solar cells

    DOE PAGES

    Li, Zhen; Tinkham, Jonathan; Schulz, Philip; ...

    2016-10-28

    A general doping strategy, using a wide range of acids with different p K a values as additive, is demonstrated to enhance the conductivity of spiro-OMeTAD, the dominant hole transport material in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Here, hysteresis-less planar PSCs with ≈19% efficiency and better open-circuit voltage and fill factor is achieved with acid doped spiro-OMeTAD.

  17. Dual Role for Phospholipid:Diacylglycerol Acyltransferase: Enhancing Fatty Acid Synthesis and Diverting Fatty Acids from Membrane Lipids to Triacylglycerol in Arabidopsis Leaves[C][W

    PubMed Central

    Fan, Jilian; Yan, Chengshi; Zhang, Xuebin; Xu, Changcheng

    2013-01-01

    There is growing interest in engineering green biomass to expand the production of plant oils as feed and biofuels. Here, we show that PHOSPHOLIPID:DIACYLGLYCEROL ACYLTRANSFERASE1 (PDAT1) is a critical enzyme involved in triacylglycerol (TAG) synthesis in leaves. Overexpression of PDAT1 increases leaf TAG accumulation, leading to oil droplet overexpansion through fusion. Ectopic expression of oleosin promotes the clustering of small oil droplets. Coexpression of PDAT1 with oleosin boosts leaf TAG content by up to 6.4% of the dry weight without affecting membrane lipid composition and plant growth. PDAT1 overexpression stimulates fatty acid synthesis (FAS) and increases fatty acid flux toward the prokaryotic glycerolipid pathway. In the trigalactosyldiacylglycerol1-1 mutant, which is defective in eukaryotic thylakoid lipid synthesis, the combined overexpression of PDAT1 with oleosin increases leaf TAG content to 8.6% of the dry weight and total leaf lipid by fourfold. In the plastidic glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase1 mutant, which is defective in the prokaryotic glycerolipid pathway, PDAT1 overexpression enhances TAG content at the expense of thylakoid membrane lipids, leading to defects in chloroplast division and thylakoid biogenesis. Collectively, these results reveal a dual role for PDAT1 in enhancing fatty acid and TAG synthesis in leaves and suggest that increasing FAS is the key to engineering high levels of TAG accumulation in green biomass. PMID:24076979

  18. The enhanced anti-tissue adhesive effect of injectable pluronic-HA hydrogel by poly(γ-glutamic acid).

    PubMed

    Kim, Manse; Hwang, Youngmin; Tae, Giyoong

    2016-12-01

    The stability of tissue barrier in physiological condition is a key factor to isolate the damaged site from adjacent tissue for anti-tissue adhesion. Although pluronic or pluronic-hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel as an injectable formulation can prevent tissue adhesion at the injection site, the anti-tissue adhesion effect is limited due to its poor stability. Herein, we prepared tissue barrier formulations composed of pluronic F127 (F127) and HA mixture (F127-HA) and the effect of the addition of poly(γ-glutamic acid) (PGA) was characterized. All of F127, HA, and F127-HA mixture showed the poor in vitro residence stability less than 3 days. However, by adding PGA into F127-HA mixture, their stability was significantly enhanced by the control of the molecular weight and concentration of PGA. Thus, F127-HA with 10wt% PGA (2000kDa) showed the long-term stability over 10 days. Similarly, the enhanced stability of F127-HA with PGA resulted in the enhanced and excellent in vivo anti-tissue adhesion effect, evidenced by histological analysis and grading of tissue adhesion. Therefore, F127-HA containing PGA could be applied as an efficient injectable tissue barrier for anti-tissue adhesion. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Citric acid induced W18O49 electrochromic films with enhanced optical modulation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xie, Junliang; Song, Bin; Zhao, Gaoling; Han, Gaorong

    2018-06-01

    Electrochromic materials exhibit promising applications in energy-saving fields for their ability to control heat from outdoors. Nanostructured W18O49 has drawn attention for its one-dimensional structure to transfer charge efficiently as a remarkable electrochromic material. W18O49 bi-layer films were fabricated through a facile one-step solvothermal process with citric acid as a chelating agent. The addition of citric acid improved the deposition on the substance, and a nanostructured film with a denser layer at the bottom and a tussock-like upper layer was obtained. The bi-layer film exhibited an enhanced optical modulation of 68.7%, a coloration efficiency of 82.1 cm2/C with stability over 400 cycles, and fast response times (1.4 s and 2.3 s for bleaching and coloring), with expectation to be applied in the electrochromic field.

  20. Freezing-Enhanced Dissolution of Iron Oxides: Effects of Inorganic Acid Anions.

    PubMed

    Jeong, Daun; Kim, Kitae; Min, Dae Wi; Choi, Wonyong

    2015-11-03

    Dissolution of iron from mineral dust particles greatly depends upon the type and amount of copresent inorganic anions. In this study, we investigated the roles of sulfate, chloride, nitrate, and perchlorate on the dissolution of maghemite and lepidocrocite in ice under both dark and UV irradiation and compared the results with those of their aqueous counterparts. After 96 h of reaction, the total dissolved iron in ice (pH 3 before freezing) was higher than that in the aqueous phase (pH 3) by 6-28 times and 10-20 times under dark and UV irradiation, respectively. Sulfuric acid was the most efficient in producing labile iron under dark condition, whereas hydrochloric acid induced the most dissolution of the total and ferrous iron in the presence of light. This ice-induced dissolution result was also confirmed with Arizona Test Dust (AZTD). In the freeze-thaw cycling test, the iron oxide samples containing chloride, nitrate, or perchlorate showed a similar extent of total dissolved iron after each cycling while the sulfate-containing sample rapidly lost its dissolution activity with repeating the cycle. This unique phenomenon observed in ice might be related to the freeze concentration of protons, iron oxides, and inorganic anions in the liquid-like ice grain boundary region. These results suggest that the ice-enhanced dissolution of iron oxides can be a potential source of bioavailable iron, and the acid anions critically influence this process.

  1. Valproate induced hepatic steatosis by enhanced fatty acid uptake and triglyceride synthesis.

    PubMed

    Bai, Xupeng; Hong, Weipeng; Cai, Peiheng; Chen, Yibei; Xu, Chuncao; Cao, Di; Yu, Weibang; Zhao, Zhongxiang; Huang, Min; Jin, Jing

    2017-06-01

    Steatosis is the characteristic type of VPA-induced hepatotoxicity and may result in life-threatening hepatic lesion. Approximately 61% of patients treated with VPA have been diagnosed with hepatic steatosis through ultrasound examination. However, the mechanisms underlying VPA-induced intracellular fat accumulation are not yet fully understood. Here we demonstrated the involvement of fatty acid uptake and lipogenesis in VPA-induced hepatic steatosis in vitro and in vivo by using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis, western blotting analysis, fatty acid uptake assays, Nile Red staining assays, and Oil Red O staining assays. Specifically, we found that the expression of cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36), an important fatty acid transport, and diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2) were significantly up-regulated in HepG2 cells and livers of C57B/6J mice after treatment with VPA. Furthermore, VPA treatment remarkably enhanced the efficiency of fatty acid uptake mediated by CD36, while this effect was abolished by the interference with CD36-specific siRNA. Also, VPA treatment significantly increased DGAT2 expression as a result of the inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) - extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) pathway; however, DGAT2 knockdown significantly alleviated VPA-induced intracellular lipid accumulation. Additionally, we also found that sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c)-mediated fatty acid synthesis may be not involved in VPA-induced hepatic steatosis. Overall, VPA-triggered over-regulation of CD36 and DGAT2 could be helpful for a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying VPA-induced hepatic steatosis and may offer novel therapeutic strategies to combat VPA-induced hepatotoxicity. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Peracetic acid-ionic liquid pretreatment to enhance enzymatic saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass.

    PubMed

    Uju; Abe, Kojiro; Uemura, Nobuyuki; Oshima, Toyoji; Goto, Masahiro; Kamiya, Noriho

    2013-06-01

    To enhance enzymatic saccharification of pine biomass, the pretreatment reagents peracetic acid (PAA) and ionic liquid (IL) were validated in single reagent pretreatments or combination pretreatments with different sequences. In a 1h saccharification, 5-25% cellulose conversion was obtained from the single pretreatment of PAA or IL. In contrast, a marked enhancement in conversion rates was achieved by PAA-IL combination pretreatments (45-70%). The PAA followed by IL (PAA+IL) pretreatment sequence was the most effective for preparing an enzymatic digestible regenerated biomass with 250-fold higher glucose formation rates than untreated biomass and 2- to 12-fold higher than single pretreatments with PAA or IL alone. Structural analysis confirmed that this pretreatment resulted in biomass with highly porous structural fibers associated with the reduction of lignin content and acetyl groups. Using the PAA+IL sequence, biomass loading in the pretreatment step can be increased from 5% to 15% without significant decrease in cellulose conversion. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. Arabidopsis ENHANCED DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY1 promotes systemic acquired resistance via azelaic acid and its precursor 9-oxo nonanoic acid.

    PubMed

    Wittek, Finni; Hoffmann, Thomas; Kanawati, Basem; Bichlmeier, Marlies; Knappe, Claudia; Wenig, Marion; Schmitt-Kopplin, Philippe; Parker, Jane E; Schwab, Wilfried; Vlot, A Corina

    2014-11-01

    Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) is a form of inducible disease resistance that depends on salicylic acid and its upstream regulator ENHANCED DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY1 (EDS1). Although local Arabidopsis thaliana defence responses activated by the Pseudomonas syringae effector protein AvrRpm1 are intact in eds1 mutant plants, SAR signal generation is abolished. Here, the SAR-specific phenotype of the eds1 mutant is utilized to identify metabolites that contribute to SAR. To this end, SAR bioassay-assisted fractionation of extracts from the wild type compared with eds1 mutant plants that conditionally express AvrRpm1 was performed. Using high-performance liquid chromatography followed by mass spectrometry, systemic immunity was associated with the accumulation of 60 metabolites, including the putative SAR signal azelaic acid (AzA) and its precursors 9-hydroperoxy octadecadienoic acid (9-HPOD) and 9-oxo nonanoic acid (ONA). Exogenous ONA induced SAR in systemic untreated leaves when applied at a 4-fold lower concentration than AzA. The data suggest that in planta oxidation of ONA to AzA might be partially responsible for this response and provide further evidence that AzA mobilizes Arabidopsis immunity in a concentration-dependent manner. The AzA fragmentation product pimelic acid did not induce SAR. The results link the C9 lipid peroxidation products ONA and AzA with systemic rather than local resistance and suggest that EDS1 directly or indirectly promotes the accumulation of ONA, AzA, or one or more of their common precursors possibly by activating one or more pathways that either result in the release of these compounds from galactolipids or promote lipid peroxidation. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Experimental Biology.

  4. Effect of Bisphosphonate Use on Risk of Postmenopausal Breast Cancer

    PubMed Central

    Hue, Trisha F.; Cummings, Steven R.; Cauley, Jane A.; Bauer, Douglas C.; Ensrud, Kristine E.; Barrett-Connor, Elizabeth; Black, Dennis M.

    2015-01-01

    IMPORTANCE Studies have shown that bisphosphonates may have antitumor and antimetastatic properties. Recently, observational studies have suggested a possible protective effect of bisphosphonates on breast cancer, but the effect of bisphosphonate use on risk of breast cancer has not been tested in randomized trials. OBJECTIVE To assess the relationship of postmenopausal breast cancer incidence and bisphosphonate use using data from 2 randomized (1:1), double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS The Fracture Intervention Trial (FIT) randomly assigned 6459 women aged 55 to 81 years to alendronate or placebo for a mean follow-up of 3.8 years. The Health Outcomes and Reduced Incidence With Zoledronic Acid Once Yearly–Pivotal Fracture Trial (HORIZON-PFT) randomly assigned 7765 women aged 65 to 89 years to annual intravenous zoledronic acid or placebo for a mean follow-up of 2.8 years. Data were collected at clinical centers in the United States (FIT and HORIZON-PFT) and in Asia and the Pacific, Europe, North America, and South America (HORIZON-PFT). Women, in either study, with recurrent breast cancer or who reported a history of breast cancer were excluded from analyses. In each trial, a blinded review was conducted of each cancer adverse event report to verify incident invasive breast cancer cases. The primary analysis compared events in the active vs placebo group using a log-rank test. INTERVENTION Alendronate vs placebo (FIT) or zoledronic acid vs placebo (HORIZON-PFT). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Hazard ratio for incident breast cancer in the bisphosphonate treatment group compared to the placebo group. RESULTS There was no significant difference in the rate of breast cancer in FIT: 1.5% (n = 46) in the placebo group and 1.8% (n = 57) in the alendronate group (hazard ratio [HR], 1.24 [95% CI, 0.84–1.83]). In HORIZON-PFT, there was also no significant difference: 0.8% (n = 29) in the placebo group and 0.9% (n = 33) in the

  5. Rapid and reversible enhancement of blood–brain barrier permeability using lysophosphatidic acid

    PubMed Central

    On, Ngoc H; Savant, Sanjot; Toews, Myron; Miller, Donald W

    2013-01-01

    The present study characterizes the effects of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) on blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability focusing specifically on the time of onset, duration, and magnitude of LPA-induced changes in cerebrovascular permeability in the mouse using both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and near infrared fluorescence imaging (NIFR). Furthermore, potential application of LPA for enhanced drug delivery to the brain was also examined by measuring the brain accumulation of radiolabeled methotrexate. Exposure of primary cultured brain microvessel endothelial cells (BMECs) to LPA produced concentration-dependent increases in permeability that were completely abolished by clostridium toxin B. Administration of LPA disrupted BBB integrity and enhanced the permeability of small molecular weight marker gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (Gd-DTPA) contrast agent, the large molecular weight permeability marker, IRdye800cwPEG, and the P-glycoprotein efflux transporter probe, Rhodamine 800 (R800). The increase in BBB permeability occurred within 3 minutes after LPA injection and barrier integrity was restored within 20 minutes. A decreased response to LPA on large macromolecule BBB permeability was observed after repeated administration. The administration of LPA also resulted in 20-fold enhancement of radiolabeled methotrexate in the brain. These studies indicate that administration of LPA in combination with therapeutic agents may increase drug delivery to the brain. PMID:24045401

  6. Hyaluronic acid enhances the effect of the PAMPS/PDMAAm double-network hydrogel on chondrogenic differentiation of ATDC5 cells

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background A double-network (DN) gel, which was composed of poly-(2-Acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid) and poly-(N,N’-dimethyl acrylamide) (PAMPS/PDMAAm), has the potential to induce chondrogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. The present study investigated whether DN gel induced chondrogenic differentiation of ATDC5 cells in a maintenance medium without insulin, and whether supplementation of hyaluronic acid enhanced the chondrogenic differentiation effect of DN gel. Methods ATDC5 cells were cultured on the DN gel and the polystyrene (PS) dish in maintenance media without insulin for 21 days. Hyaluronic acid having a molecular weight of approximately 800 kDa was supplemented into the medium so that the concentration became 0.01, 0.1, or 1.0 mg/mL. The cultured cells were evaluated using immunocytochemistry for type-2 collagen and real time PCR for gene expression of type-2 collagen, aggrecan, and Sox9 at 7 and 21 days of culture. Results The cells cultured on the DN gel formed nodules and were stained with an anti-type-2 collagen antibody, and expression of type-2 collagen and aggrecan mRNA was significantly greater on the DN gel than on the PS dish surface (p < 0.05) in the hyaluronic acid-free maintenance medium. Hyaluronic acid supplementation of a high concentration (1.0 mg/mL) significantly enhanced expression of type-2 collagen and aggrecan mRNA in comparison with culture without hyaluronic acid at 21 days (p < 0.05). Conclusions The DN gel induced chondrogenic differentiation of ATDC5 cells without insulin. This effect was significantly affected by hyaluronic acid, depending on the level of concentration. There is a high possibility that hyaluronic acid plays an important role in the in vivo hyaline cartilage regeneration phenomenon induced by the DN gel. PMID:24997593

  7. Hyaluronic acid enhances the effect of the PAMPS/PDMAAm double-network hydrogel on chondrogenic differentiation of ATDC5 cells.

    PubMed

    Kitamura, Nobuto; Kurokawa, Takayuki; Fukui, Takaaki; Gong, Jian P; Yasuda, Kazunori

    2014-07-06

    A double-network (DN) gel, which was composed of poly-(2-Acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid) and poly-(N,N'-dimethyl acrylamide) (PAMPS/PDMAAm), has the potential to induce chondrogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. The present study investigated whether DN gel induced chondrogenic differentiation of ATDC5 cells in a maintenance medium without insulin, and whether supplementation of hyaluronic acid enhanced the chondrogenic differentiation effect of DN gel. ATDC5 cells were cultured on the DN gel and the polystyrene (PS) dish in maintenance media without insulin for 21 days. Hyaluronic acid having a molecular weight of approximately 800 kDa was supplemented into the medium so that the concentration became 0.01, 0.1, or 1.0 mg/mL. The cultured cells were evaluated using immunocytochemistry for type-2 collagen and real time PCR for gene expression of type-2 collagen, aggrecan, and Sox9 at 7 and 21 days of culture. The cells cultured on the DN gel formed nodules and were stained with an anti-type-2 collagen antibody, and expression of type-2 collagen and aggrecan mRNA was significantly greater on the DN gel than on the PS dish surface (p < 0.05) in the hyaluronic acid-free maintenance medium. Hyaluronic acid supplementation of a high concentration (1.0 mg/mL) significantly enhanced expression of type-2 collagen and aggrecan mRNA in comparison with culture without hyaluronic acid at 21 days (p < 0.05). The DN gel induced chondrogenic differentiation of ATDC5 cells without insulin. This effect was significantly affected by hyaluronic acid, depending on the level of concentration. There is a high possibility that hyaluronic acid plays an important role in the in vivo hyaline cartilage regeneration phenomenon induced by the DN gel.

  8. The importance of chain length for the polyphosphate enhancement of acidic potassium permanganate chemiluminescence.

    PubMed

    Holland, Brendan J; Adcock, Jacqui L; Nesterenko, Pavel N; Peristyy, Anton; Stevenson, Paul G; Barnett, Neil W; Conlan, Xavier A; Francis, Paul S

    2014-09-09

    Sodium polyphosphate is commonly used to enhance chemiluminescence reactions with acidic potassium permanganate through a dual enhancement mechanism, but commercially available polyphosphates vary greatly in composition. We have examined the influence of polyphosphate composition and concentration on both the dual enhancement mechanism of chemiluminescence intensity and the stability of the reagent under analytically useful conditions. The average chain length (n) provides a convenient characterisation, but materials with similar values can exhibit markedly different distributions of phosphate oligomers. There is a minimum polyphosphate chain length (∼6) required for a large enhancement of the emission intensity, but no further advantage was obtained using polyphosphate materials with much longer average chain lengths. Providing there is a sufficient average chain length, the optimum concentration of polyphosphate is dependent on the analyte and in some cases, may be lower than the quantities previously used in routine detection. However, the concentration of polyphosphate should not be lowered in permanganate reagents that have been partially reduced to form high concentrations of the key manganese(III) co-reactant, as this intermediate needs to be stabilised to prevent formation of insoluble manganese(IV). Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. Overexpression of an alfalfa GDP-mannose 3, 5-epimerase gene enhances acid, drought and salt tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis by increasing ascorbate accumulation.

    PubMed

    Ma, Lichao; Wang, Yanrong; Liu, Wenxian; Liu, Zhipeng

    2014-11-01

    GDP-mannose 3', 5'-epimerase (GME) catalyses the conversion of GDP-D-mannose to GDP-L-galactose, an important step in the ascorbic acid (ascorbic acid) biosynthetic pathway in higher plants. In this study, a novel cDNA fragment (MsGME) encoding a GME protein was isolated and characterised from alfalfa (Medicago sativa). An expression analysis confirmed that MsGME expression was induced by salinity, PEG and acidity stresses. MsGME overexpression in Arabidopsis enhanced tolerance of the transgenic plants to salt, drought and acid. Real-time PCR analysis revealed that the transcript levels of GDP-D-mannose pyrophosphorylase (GMP), L-galactose-phosphate 1-P phosphatase (GP) and GDP-L-galactose phosphorylase (GGP) were increased in transgenic Arabidopsis (T3 generation). Moreover, the ascorbate content was increased in transgenic Arabidopsis. Our results suggest that MsGME can effectively enhance tolerance of transgenic Arabidopsis to acid, drought and salt by increasing ascorbate accumulation.

  10. Enhancing sludge biodegradability and volatile fatty acid production by tetrakis hydroxymethyl phosphonium sulfate pretreatment.

    PubMed

    Wu, Qing-Lian; Guo, Wan-Qian; Bao, Xian; Yin, Ren-Li; Feng, Xiao-Chi; Zheng, He-Shan; Luo, Hai-Chao; Ren, Nan-Qi

    2017-09-01

    A new pretreatment method based on tetrakis hydroxymethyl phosphonium sulfate (THPS) biocide was tried to enhance sludge disintegration, and improved sludge biodegradability and subsequent volatile fatty acid (VFA) production. Sludge activity decreased to less than 10% after 2 days pretreatment using 20mg/g-TSS THPS, which also obviously destroyed EPS and cell membrane, and dissolved more biodegradable substances (48.8%) than raw sludge (19.7%). Moreover, 20mg/g-TSS THPS pretreatment shortened fermentation time to 4days and improved VFA production to 2778mg COD/L (4.35 times than that in control). Therein, the sum of n-butyric, n-valeric and iso-valeric acids unexpectedly accounted for 60.5% of total VFA (only 20.1% of that in control). The more high molecular weight VFAs (C4-C5) than low molecular VFAs (C2-C3) resulted from THPS pretreatment benefited to subsequent medium-chain volatile acids (C6-C12) generation to realize the separation and recovery of organic carbon more efficiently. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  11. Studying Pellet Formation of a Filamentous Fungus Rhizopus oryzae to Enhance Organic Acid Production

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liao, Wei; Liu, Yan; Chen, Shulin

    Using pelletized fungal biomass can effectively improve the fermentation performance for most of fugal strains. This article studied the effects of inoculum and medium compositions such as potato dextrose broth (PDB) as carbon source, soybean peptone, calcium carbonate, and metal ions on pellet formation of Rhizopus oryzae. It has been found that metal ions had significantly negative effects on pellet formation whereas soybean peptone had positive effects. In addition PDB and calcium carbonate were beneficial to R. oryzae for growing small smooth pellets during the culture. The study also demonstrated that an inoculum size of less than 1.5×109 spores/L had no significant influence on pellet formation. Thus, a new approach to form pellets has been developed using only PDB, soybean peptone, and calcium carbonate. Meanwhile, palletized fungal fermentation significantly enhanced organic acid production. Lactic acid concentration reached 65.0 g/L in 30 h using pelletized R. oryzae NRRL 395, and fumeric acid concentration reached 31.0 g/L in 96 h using pelletized R. oryzae ATCC 20344.

  12. In ovo exposure to omega-3 fatty acids does not enhance omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism in broiler chickens.

    PubMed

    Kanakri, K; Carragher, J; Muhlhausler, B; Hughes, R; Gibson, R

    2017-10-01

    The content of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) in chicken meat can be boosted by feeding broilers a diet containing α-linolenic acid (ALA, from flaxseed oil), some of which is converted by hepatic enzymes to n-3 LCPUFA. However, most of the accumulated n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in meat tissues is still in the form of ALA. Despite this, the levels of chicken diets are being enhanced by the inclusion of vegetable and marine sources of omega-3 fats. This study investigated whether the capacity of chicken for n-3 LCPUFA accumulation could be enhanced or inhibited by exposure to an increased supply of ALA or n-3 LCPUFA in ovo. Breeder hens were fed either flaxseed oil (High-ALA), fish oil (high n-3 LCPUFA) or tallow- (low n-3 PUFA, Control) based diets. The newly hatched chicks in each group were fed either the High-ALA or the Control diets until harvest at 42 days' post-hatch. The n-3 PUFA content of egg yolk and day-old chick meat closely matched the n-3 PUFA composition of the maternal diet. In contrast, the n-3 PUFA composition of breast and leg meat tissues of the 42-day-old offspring closely matched the diet fed post-hatch, with no significant effect of maternal diet. Indeed, there was an inhibition of n-3 LCPUFA accumulation in meat of the broilers from the maternal Fish-Oil diet group when fed the post-hatch High-ALA diet. Therefore, this approach is not valid to elevate n-3 LCPUFA in chicken meat.

  13. Gadoxetic Acid-Enhanced MRI and Sonoelastography: Non-Invasive Assessments of Chemoprevention of Liver Fibrosis in Thioacetamide-Induced Rats with Sho-Saiko-To

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Ya-Wen; Tsai, Meng-Yuan; Pan, Huay-Ben; Tseng, Hui-Hwa; Hung, Yu-Ting; Chou, Chen-Pin

    2014-01-01

    Background This study aimed to compare the performance of gadoxetic acid -enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and sonoelastography in evaluating chemopreventive effects of Sho-Saiko-To (SST) in thioacetamide (TAA)-induced early liver fibrosis in rats. Materials and Methods Ten of Sprague-Dawley rats receiving TAA (200 mg/kg of body weight) intraperitoneal injection were divided into three groups: Group 1 (TAA only, n = 3), Group 2 (TAA +0.25 g/kg SST, n = 4) and Group 3 (TAA+1 g/kg SST, n = 3). Core needle liver biopsy at week 2 and liver specimens after sacrifice at week 6 confirmed liver fibrosis using histological examinations, including Sirius red staining, Ishak and Metavir scoring systems. Gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI and shear-wave sonoelastography were employed to evaluate liver fibrosis. The expression of hepatic transporter organic anion transporter 1 (Oatp1), multidrug-resistant protein 2 (Mrp2) and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-Sma) were also analyzed in each group by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot. Results According to histological grading by Sirius red staining, Ishak scores of liver fibrosis in Groups 1, 2 and 3 were 3, 2 and 1, respectively. As shown in gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI, the ratio of relative enhancement was significantly lower in Group 1 (1.87±0.21) than in Group 2 of low-dose (2.82±0.25) and Group 3 of high-dose (2.72±0.12) SST treatment at 10 minutes after gadoxetic acid intravenous injection (p<0.05). Sonoelastography showed that the mean difference before and after experiments in Groups 1, 2 and 3 were 4.66±0.1, 4.4±0.57 and 3±0.4 KPa (p<0.1), respectively. Chemopreventive effects of SST reduced the Mrp2 protein level (p<0.01) but not Oatp1 and α-Sma levels. Conclusion Sonoelastography and gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI could monitor the treatment effect of SST in an animal model of early hepatic fibrosis. PMID:25490034

  14. Detection of amino acid neurotransmitters by surface enhanced Raman scattering and hollow core photonic crystal fiber

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tiwari, Vidhu S.; Khetani, Altaf; Monfared, Ali Momenpour T.; Smith, Brett; Anis, Hanan; Trudeau, Vance L.

    2012-03-01

    The present work explores the feasibility of using surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for detecting the neurotransmitters such as glutamate (GLU) and gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA). These amino acid neurotransmitters that respectively mediate fast excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission in the brain, are important for neuroendocrine control, and upsets in their synthesis are also linked to epilepsy. Our SERS-based detection scheme enabled the detection of low amounts of GLU (10-7 M) and GABA (10-4 M). It may complement existing techniques for characterizing such kinds of neurotransmitters that include high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or mass spectrography (MS). This is mainly because SERS has other advantages such as ease of sample preparation, molecular specificity and sensitivity, thus making it potentially applicable to characterization of experimental brain extracts or clinical diagnostic samples of cerebrospinal fluid and saliva. Using hollow core photonic crystal fiber (HC-PCF) further enhanced the Raman signal relative to that in a standard cuvette providing sensitive detection of GLU and GABA in micro-litre volume of aqueous solutions.

  15. Quality enhancement in the Japanese sea bass (Lateolabrax japonicas) fillets stored at 4°C by chitosan coating incorporated with citric acid or licorice extract.

    PubMed

    Qiu, Xujian; Chen, Shengjun; Liu, Guangming; Yang, Qiuming

    2014-11-01

    The preserving effects of chitosan, chitosan and citric acid, chitosan and licorice extract on fresh Japanese sea bass fillets stored at 4 °C for 12 days were studied. Results showed that citric acid or licorice extract can enhance the preserving function of chitosan significantly by retarding lipid oxidation and inhibiting microbial growth as reflected in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and total plate count, respectively. Both total volatile basic nitrogen values and sensory scores indicated chitosan and citric acid or licorice extract can significantly reduce the quality loss and extend the shelf life of Japanese sea bass fish fillets during refrigerated storage. Citric acid or licorice extract with chitosan could thus be applied in the seafood industry to enhance quality of fish fillets as natural preservatives. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Hepatic gluconeogenesis is enhanced by phosphatidic acid which remains uninhibited by insulin in lipodystrophic Agpat2-/- mice.

    PubMed

    Sankella, Shireesha; Garg, Abhimanyu; Horton, Jay D; Agarwal, Anil K

    2014-02-21

    In this study we examined the role of phosphatidic acid (PA) in hepatic glucose production (HGP) and development of hepatic insulin resistance in mice that lack 1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate O-acyltransferase 2 (AGPAT2). Liver lysophosphatidic acid and PA levels were increased ∼2- and ∼5-fold, respectively, in male Agpat2(-/-) mice compared with wild type mice. In the absence of AGPAT2, the liver can synthesize PAs by activating diacylglycerol kinase or phospholipase D, both of which were elevated in the livers of Agpat2(-/-) mice. We found that PAs C16:0/18:1 and C18:1/20:4 enhanced HGP in primary WT hepatocytes, an effect that was further enhanced in primary hepatocytes from Agpat2(-/-) mice. Lysophosphatidic acids C16:0 and C18:1 failed to increase HGP in primary hepatocytes. The activation of HGP was accompanied by an up-regulation of the key gluconeogenic enzymes glucose-6-phosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase. This activation was suppressed by insulin in the WT primary hepatocytes but not in the Agpat2(-/-) primary hepatocytes. Thus, the lack of normal insulin signaling in Agpat2(-/-) livers allows unrestricted PA-induced gluconeogenesis significantly contributing to the development of hyperglycemia in these mice.

  17. Enhanced degradation of trichloroethene by calcium peroxide activated with Fe(III) in the presence of citric acid

    PubMed Central

    ZHANG, Xiang; GU, Xiaogang; LU, Shuguang; MIAO, Zhouwei; XU, Minhui; FU, Xiaori; DANISH, Muhammad; Brusseau, Mark L.; QIU, Zhaofu; SUI, Qian

    2017-01-01

    Trichloroethene (TCE) degradation by Fe(III)-activated calcium peroxide (CP) in the presence of citric acid (CA) in aqueous solution was investigated. The results demonstrated that the presence of CA enhanced TCE degradation significantly by increasing the concentration of soluble Fe(III) and promoting H2O2 generation. The generation of HO• and O2−• in both the CP/Fe(III) and CP/Fe(III)/CA systems was confirmed with chemical probes. The results of radical scavenging tests showed that TCE degradation was due predominantly o direct oxidation by HO•, while O2−• strengthened the generation of HO• by promoting Fe(III) transformation in the CP/Fe(III)/CA system. Acidic pH conditions were favorable for TCE degradation, and the TCE degradation rate decreased with increasing pH. The presence of Cl−, HCO3−, and humic acid (HA) inhibited TCE degradation to different extents for the CP/Fe(III)/CA system. Analysis of Cl− production suggested that TCE degradation in the CP/Fe(III)/CA system occurred through a dechlorination process. In summary, this study provided detailed information for the application of CA-enhanced Fe(III)-activated calcium peroxide for treating TCE contaminated groundwater. PMID:28959499

  18. [Studies on interaction of acid-treated nanotube titanic acid and amino acids].

    PubMed

    Zhang, Huqin; Chen, Xuemei; Jin, Zhensheng; Liao, Guangxi; Wu, Xiaoming; Du, Jianqiang; Cao, Xiang

    2010-06-01

    Nanotube titanic acid (NTA) has distinct optical and electrical character, and has photocatalysis character. In accordance with these qualities, NTA was treated with acid so as to enhance its surface activity. Surface structures and surface groups of acid-treated NTA were characterized and analyzed by Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FT-IR). The interaction between acid-treated NTA and amino acids was investigated. Analysis results showed that the lengths of acid-treated NTA became obviously shorter. The diameters of nanotube bundles did not change obviously with acid-treating. Meanwhile, the surface of acid-treated NTA was cross-linked with carboxyl or esterfunction. In addition, acid-treated NTA can catch amino acid residues easily, and then form close combination.

  19. Simple 3,4-Dihydroxy-L-Phenylalanine Surface Modification Enhances Titanium Implant Osseointegration in Ovariectomized Rats.

    PubMed

    Ma, Ting; Ge, Xi-Yuan; Hao, Ke-Yi; Zhang, Bi-Ru; Jiang, Xi; Lin, Ye; Zhang, Yu

    2017-12-19

    Osteoporosis presents a challenge to the long-term success of osseointegration of endosseous implants. The bio-inspired 3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine (Dopa) coating is widely used as a basic layer to bind osteogenetic molecules that may improve osseointegration. To date, little attention has focused on application of Dopa alone or binding inhibitors of bone resorption in osteoporosis. Local use of a bisphosphonate such as zoledronic acid (ZA), an inhibitor of osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, has been proven to improve implant osseointegration. In this study, ovariectomized rats were divided into four groups and implanted with implants with different surface modifications: sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA), SLA modified with Dopa (SLA-Dopa), SLA modified with ZA (SLA-ZA), and SLA modified with Dopa and ZA (SLA-Dopa + ZA). Measurement of removal torque, micro-computed tomography and histology revealed a greater extent of bone formation around the three surface-modified implants than SLA-controls. No synergistic effect was observed for combined Dopa + ZA coating. Microarray analysis showed the Dopa coating inhibited expression of genes associated with osteoclast differentiation, similarly to the mechanism of action of ZA. Simple Dopa modification resulted in a similar improvement in osseointegration compared to ZA. Thus, our data suggest simple Dopa coating is promising strategy to promote osseointegration of implants in patients with osteoporosis.

  20. Label-free direct surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) of nucleic acids (Conference Presentation)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Guerrini, Luca; Morla-Folch, Judit; Gisbert-Quilis, Patricia; Xie, Hainan; Alvarez-Puebla, Ramon

    2016-03-01

    Recently, plasmonic-based biosensing has experienced an unprecedented level of attention, with a particular focus on the nucleic acid detection, offering efficient solutions to engineer simple, fast, highly sensitive sensing platforms while overcoming important limitations of PCR and microarray techniques. In the broad field of plasmonics, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy has arisen as a powerful analytical tool for detection and structural characterization of biomolecules. Today applications of SERS to nucleic acid analysis largely rely on indirect strategies, which have been demonstrated very effective for pure sensing purposes but completely dismiss the exquisite structural information provided by the direct acquisition of the biomolecular vibrational fingerprint. Contrarily, direct label-free SERS of nucleic acid shows an outstanding potential in terms of chemical-specific information which, however, remained largely unexpressed mainly because of the inherent poor spectral reproducibility and/or limited sensitivity. To address these limitations, we developed a fast and affordable high-throughput screening direct SERS method for gaining detailed genomic information on nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and for the characterization and quantitative recognition of DNA interactions with exogenous agents. The simple strategy relies on the electrostatic adhesion of DNA/RNA onto positively-charged silver colloids that promotes the nanoparticle aggregation into stable clusters yielding intense and reproducible SERS spectra at picogram level (i.e. the analysis can be performed without the necessity of amplification steps thus providing realistic direct information of the nucleic acid in its native state). We anticipate this method to gain a vast impact and set of applications in different fields, including medical diagnostics, genomic screening, drug discovery, forensic science and even molecular electronics.

  1. Enhancing Cooperativity in Bifunctional Acid–Pd Catalysts with Carboxylic Acid-Functionalized Organic Monolayers

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

    Coan, Patrick D.; Ellis, Lucas D.; Griffin, Michael B.

    Here, cooperative catalysts containing a combination of noble metal hydrogenation sites and Bronsted acid sites are critical for many reactions, including the deoxygenation (DO) of biomass-derived oxygenates in the upgrading of pyrolysis oil. One route toward the design of cooperative catalysts is to tether two different catalytically active functions so that they are in close proximity while avoiding undesirable interactions that can block active sites. Here, we deposited carboxylic acid (CA)-functionalized organophosphonate monolayers onto Al 2O 3-supported Pd nanoparticle catalysts to prepare bifunctional catalysts containing both Bronsted acid and metal sites. Modification with phosphonic acids (PAs) improved activity and selectivitymore » for gas-phase DO reactions, but the degree of improvement was highly sensitive to both the presence and positioning of the CA group, suggesting a significant contribution from both the PA and CA sites. Short spacer lengths of 1-2 methylene groups between the phosphonate head and CA tail were found to yield the best DO rates and selectivities, whereas longer chains performed similarly to self-assembled monolayers having alkyl tails. Results from a combination of density functional theory and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy suggested that the enhanced catalyst performance on the optimally positioned CAs was due to the generation of strong acid sites on the Al 2O 3 support adjacent to the metal. Furthermore, the high activity of these sites was found to result from a hydrogen-bonded cyclic structure involving cooperativity between the phosphonate head group and CA tail function. More broadly, these results indicate that functional groups tethered to supports via organic ligands can influence catalytic chemistry on metal nanoparticles.« less

  2. Enhancing Cooperativity in Bifunctional Acid–Pd Catalysts with Carboxylic Acid-Functionalized Organic Monolayers

    DOE PAGES

    Coan, Patrick D.; Ellis, Lucas D.; Griffin, Michael B.; ...

    2018-03-05

    Here, cooperative catalysts containing a combination of noble metal hydrogenation sites and Bronsted acid sites are critical for many reactions, including the deoxygenation (DO) of biomass-derived oxygenates in the upgrading of pyrolysis oil. One route toward the design of cooperative catalysts is to tether two different catalytically active functions so that they are in close proximity while avoiding undesirable interactions that can block active sites. Here, we deposited carboxylic acid (CA)-functionalized organophosphonate monolayers onto Al 2O 3-supported Pd nanoparticle catalysts to prepare bifunctional catalysts containing both Bronsted acid and metal sites. Modification with phosphonic acids (PAs) improved activity and selectivitymore » for gas-phase DO reactions, but the degree of improvement was highly sensitive to both the presence and positioning of the CA group, suggesting a significant contribution from both the PA and CA sites. Short spacer lengths of 1-2 methylene groups between the phosphonate head and CA tail were found to yield the best DO rates and selectivities, whereas longer chains performed similarly to self-assembled monolayers having alkyl tails. Results from a combination of density functional theory and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy suggested that the enhanced catalyst performance on the optimally positioned CAs was due to the generation of strong acid sites on the Al 2O 3 support adjacent to the metal. Furthermore, the high activity of these sites was found to result from a hydrogen-bonded cyclic structure involving cooperativity between the phosphonate head group and CA tail function. More broadly, these results indicate that functional groups tethered to supports via organic ligands can influence catalytic chemistry on metal nanoparticles.« less

  3. Enhanced lignin monomer production caused by cinnamic Acid and its hydroxylated derivatives inhibits soybean root growth.

    PubMed

    Lima, Rogério Barbosa; Salvador, Victor Hugo; dos Santos, Wanderley Dantas; Bubna, Gisele Adriana; Finger-Teixeira, Aline; Soares, Anderson Ricardo; Marchiosi, Rogério; Ferrarese, Maria de Lourdes Lucio; Ferrarese-Filho, Osvaldo

    2013-01-01

    Cinnamic acid and its hydroxylated derivatives (p-coumaric, caffeic, ferulic and sinapic acids) are known allelochemicals that affect the seed germination and root growth of many plant species. Recent studies have indicated that the reduction of root growth by these allelochemicals is associated with premature cell wall lignification. We hypothesized that an influx of these compounds into the phenylpropanoid pathway increases the lignin monomer content and reduces the root growth. To confirm this hypothesis, we evaluated the effects of cinnamic, p-coumaric, caffeic, ferulic and sinapic acids on soybean root growth, lignin and the composition of p-hydroxyphenyl (H), guaiacyl (G) and syringyl (S) monomers. To this end, three-day-old seedlings were cultivated in nutrient solution with or without allelochemical (or selective enzymatic inhibitors of the phenylpropanoid pathway) in a growth chamber for 24 h. In general, the results showed that 1) cinnamic, p-coumaric, caffeic and ferulic acids reduced root growth and increased lignin content; 2) cinnamic and p-coumaric acids increased p-hydroxyphenyl (H) monomer content, whereas p-coumaric, caffeic and ferulic acids increased guaiacyl (G) content, and sinapic acid increased sinapyl (S) content; 3) when applied in conjunction with piperonylic acid (PIP, an inhibitor of the cinnamate 4-hydroxylase, C4H), cinnamic acid reduced H, G and S contents; and 4) when applied in conjunction with 3,4-(methylenedioxy)cinnamic acid (MDCA, an inhibitor of the 4-coumarate:CoA ligase, 4CL), p-coumaric acid reduced H, G and S contents, whereas caffeic, ferulic and sinapic acids reduced G and S contents. These results confirm our hypothesis that exogenously applied allelochemicals are channeled into the phenylpropanoid pathway causing excessive production of lignin and its main monomers. By consequence, an enhanced stiffening of the cell wall restricts soybean root growth.

  4. Enhanced Lignin Monomer Production Caused by Cinnamic Acid and Its Hydroxylated Derivatives Inhibits Soybean Root Growth

    PubMed Central

    Lima, Rogério Barbosa; Salvador, Victor Hugo; dos Santos, Wanderley Dantas; Bubna, Gisele Adriana; Finger-Teixeira, Aline; Soares, Anderson Ricardo; Marchiosi, Rogério; Ferrarese, Maria de Lourdes Lucio; Ferrarese-Filho, Osvaldo

    2013-01-01

    Cinnamic acid and its hydroxylated derivatives (p-coumaric, caffeic, ferulic and sinapic acids) are known allelochemicals that affect the seed germination and root growth of many plant species. Recent studies have indicated that the reduction of root growth by these allelochemicals is associated with premature cell wall lignification. We hypothesized that an influx of these compounds into the phenylpropanoid pathway increases the lignin monomer content and reduces the root growth. To confirm this hypothesis, we evaluated the effects of cinnamic, p-coumaric, caffeic, ferulic and sinapic acids on soybean root growth, lignin and the composition of p-hydroxyphenyl (H), guaiacyl (G) and syringyl (S) monomers. To this end, three-day-old seedlings were cultivated in nutrient solution with or without allelochemical (or selective enzymatic inhibitors of the phenylpropanoid pathway) in a growth chamber for 24 h. In general, the results showed that 1) cinnamic, p-coumaric, caffeic and ferulic acids reduced root growth and increased lignin content; 2) cinnamic and p-coumaric acids increased p-hydroxyphenyl (H) monomer content, whereas p-coumaric, caffeic and ferulic acids increased guaiacyl (G) content, and sinapic acid increased sinapyl (S) content; 3) when applied in conjunction with piperonylic acid (PIP, an inhibitor of the cinnamate 4-hydroxylase, C4H), cinnamic acid reduced H, G and S contents; and 4) when applied in conjunction with 3,4-(methylenedioxy)cinnamic acid (MDCA, an inhibitor of the 4-coumarate:CoA ligase, 4CL), p-coumaric acid reduced H, G and S contents, whereas caffeic, ferulic and sinapic acids reduced G and S contents. These results confirm our hypothesis that exogenously applied allelochemicals are channeled into the phenylpropanoid pathway causing excessive production of lignin and its main monomers. By consequence, an enhanced stiffening of the cell wall restricts soybean root growth. PMID:24312480

  5. Electrophilic acid gas-reactive fluid, proppant, and process for enhanced fracturing and recovery of energy producing materials

    DOEpatents

    Fernandez, Carlos A.; Heldebrant, David J.; Bonneville, Alain H. R.; Jung, Hun Bok; Carroll, Kenneth

    2016-09-20

    An electrophilic acid gas-reactive fracturing and recovery fluid, proppant, and process are detailed. The fluid expands in volume to provide rapid and controlled increases in pressure that enhances fracturing in subterranean bedrock for recovery of energy-producing materials. Proppants stabilize openings in fractures and fissures following fracturing.

  6. Synergistically enhanced selective intracellular uptake of anticancer drug carrier comprising folic acid-conjugated hydrogels containing magnetite nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kim, Haneul; Jo, Ara; Baek, Seulgi; Lim, Daeun; Park, Soon-Yong; Cho, Soo Kyung; Chung, Jin Woong; Yoon, Jinhwan

    2017-01-01

    Targeted drug delivery has long been extensively researched since drug delivery and release at the diseased site with minimum dosage realizes the effective therapy without adverse side effects. In this work, to achieve enhanced intracellular uptake of anticancer drug carriers for efficient chemo-therapy, we have designed targeted multifunctional anticancer drug carrier hydrogels. Temperature-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) hydrogel core containing superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles (MNP) were prepared using precipitation polymerization, and further polymerized with amine-functionalized copolymer shell to facilitate the conjugation of targeting ligand. Then, folic acid, specific targeting ligand for cervical cancer cell line (HeLa), was conjugated on the hydrogel surface, yielding the ligand conjugated hybrid hydrogels. We revealed that enhanced intracellular uptake by HeLa cells in vitro was enabled by both magnetic attraction and receptor-mediated endocytosis, which were contributed by MNP and folic acid, respectively. Furthermore, site-specific uptake of the developed carrier was confirmed by incubating with several other cell lines. Based on synergistically enhanced intracellular uptake, efficient cytotoxicity and apoptotic activity of HeLa cells incubated with anticancer drug loaded hybrid hydrogels were successfully achieved. The developed dual-targeted hybrid hydrogels are expected to provide a platform for the next generation intelligent drug delivery systems.

  7. The allelopathic effects of invasive plant Solidago canadensis on seed germination and growth of Lactuca sativa enhanced by different types of acid deposition.

    PubMed

    Wang, Congyan; Xiao, Hongguang; Zhao, Lulu; Liu, Jun; Wang, Lei; Zhang, Fei; Shi, Yanchun; Du, Daolin

    2016-04-01

    Invasive species can exhibit allelopathic effects on native species. Meanwhile, the types of acid deposition are gradually changing. Thus, the allelopathic effects of invasive species on seed germination and growth of native species may be altered or even enhanced under conditions with diversified acid deposition. This study aims to assess the allelopathic effects (using leaves extracts) of invasive plant Solidago canadensis on seed germination and growth of native species Lactuca sativa treated with five types of acid deposition with different SO4(2-) to NO3(-) ratios (1:0, sulfuric acid; 5:1, sulfuric-rich acid; 1:1, mixed acid; 1:5, nitric-rich acid; 0:1, nitric acid). Solidago canadensis leaf extracts exhibited significantly allelopathic effects on germination index, vigor index, and germination rate index of L. sativa. High concentration of S. canadensis leaf extracts also similarly exhibited significantly allelopathic effects on root length of L. sativa. This may be due to that S. canadensis could release allelochemicals and then trigger allelopathic effects on seed germination and growth of L. sativa. Acid deposition exhibited significantly negative effects on seedling biomass, root length, seedling height, germination index, vigor index, and germination rate index of L. sativa. This may be ascribed to the decreased soil pH values mediated by acid deposition which could produce toxic effects on seedling growth. Sulfuric acid deposition triggered more toxic effects on seedling biomass and vigor index of L. sativa than nitric acid deposition. This may be attributing to the difference in exchange capacity with hydroxyl groups (OH(-)) between SO4(2-) and NO3(-) as well as the fertilizing effects mediated by nitric deposition. All types of acid deposition significantly enhanced the allelopathic effects of S. canadensis on root length, germination index, vigor index, and germination rate index of L. sativa. This may be due to the negatively synergistic effects of

  8. Geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase inhibition induces apoptosis that is dependent upon GGPP depletion, ERK phosphorylation and caspase activation.

    PubMed

    Agabiti, Sherry S; Li, Jin; Wiemer, Andrew J

    2017-03-16

    Bisphosphonates are diphosphate analogs that inhibit the intermediate enzymes of the mevalonate pathway. Here, we compared the effects of a farnesyl diphosphate synthase inhibitor, zoledronate, and a geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGDPS) inhibitor, digeranyl bisphosphonate (DGBP), on lymphocytic leukemia cell proliferation and apoptosis. Both zoledronate and DGBP inhibited proliferation with DGBP doing so more potently. DGBP was markedly less toxic than zoledronate toward the viability of healthy human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Addition of GGPP, but not farnesyl diphosphate (FPP), prevented the anti-proliferative effects of DGBP. Both GGPP and FPP partially rescued the effects of zoledronate. Co-treatment with DGBP and zoledronate was antagonistic. To further assess the effects of the bisphosphonates, we analyzed annexin V and propidium iodide staining via flow cytometry and found that DGBP induced apoptosis more potently than zoledronate. Western blots show that DGBP treatment altered expression and membrane affinity of some but not all geranylgeranylated small GTPases, activated caspases and increased ERK phosphorylation. Importantly, the anti-proliferative effects of DGBP were blocked by treatment with a caspase inhibitor and by treatment with a MEK inhibitor. Together, our findings indicate that DGBP is a more potent and selective compound than zoledronate in inducing apoptosis mediated through pathways that include caspases and MEK/ERK. These findings support the further development of GGDPS inhibitors as anticancer therapeutics.

  9. Enhancement of hydrolysis of Chlorella vulgaris by hydrochloric acid.

    PubMed

    Park, Charnho; Lee, Ja Hyun; Yang, Xiaoguang; Yoo, Hah Young; Lee, Ju Hun; Lee, Soo Kweon; Kim, Seung Wook

    2016-06-01

    Chlorella vulgaris is considered as one of the potential sources of biomass for bio-based products because it consists of large amounts of carbohydrates. In this study, hydrothermal acid hydrolysis with five different acids (hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, peracetic acid, phosphoric acid, and sulfuric acid) was carried out to produce fermentable sugars (glucose, galactose). The hydrothermal acid hydrolysis by hydrochloric acid showed the highest sugar production. C. vulgaris was hydrolyzed with various concentrations of hydrochloric acid [0.5-10 % (w/w)] and microalgal biomass [20-140 g/L (w/v)] at 121 °C for 20 min. Among the concentrations examined, 2 % hydrochloric acid with 100 g/L biomass yielded the highest conversion of carbohydrates (92.5 %) into reducing sugars. The hydrolysate thus produced from C. vulgaris was fermented using the yeast Brettanomyces custersii H1-603 and obtained bioethanol yield of 0.37 g/g of algal sugars.

  10. Conjugated linoleic acid enhanced the immune function in broiler chicks.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Haijun; Guo, Yuming; Yuan, Jianmin

    2005-11-01

    This study was undertaken to investigate the growth performance and immune responses of broiler chicks fed diets supplemented with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Two hundred and forty day-old Arbor Acre male broiler chicks were randomly allotted into four dietary treatments with different inclusion levels of CLA (0, 2.5, 5.0 or 10.0 g pure CLA/kg) for 6 weeks. Growth performance, lysozyme activity, peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) proliferation, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis and antibody production were investigated. There were no significant differences in growth performance among treatments (P>0.05). Chicks fed 10.0 g CLA/kg diet produced 40 % and 49 % more lysozyme activity in serum and spleen than the control group at 21 d of age (P<0.05). Dietary CLA enhanced the PBMC proliferation in response to concanavalin A at the age of 21 and 42 d (P<0.05). Systemic and peripheral blood lymphocytic synthesis of PGE2 in chicks fed 10.0 g CLA/kg diet was significantly decreased by 57 % and 42 % compared to chicks fed control diet (P<0.05). Antibody production to sheep red blood cell and bovine serum albumin were elevated in either 2.5 or 10.0 g CLA/kg dietary treatments (P<0.05). The results indicated dietary CLA could enhance the immune response in broiler chicks, but did not alter the growth performance.

  11. Pretreatment of wheat straw by nonionic surfactant-assisted dilute acid for enhancing enzymatic hydrolysis and ethanol production.

    PubMed

    Qi, Benkun; Chen, Xiangrong; Wan, Yinhua

    2010-07-01

    Pretreating wheat straw (WS) with combined use of varied sulfuric acid concentration (0-3%, w/v) and Tween 20 concentration (0-1%) was investigated in an attempt to enhance the hydrolysis and fermentability of pretreated WS. Enzymatic hydrolysis yield of glucan and xylan and ethanol production by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) of water-insoluble solids (WIS) were significantly affected by the amount of Tween 20 added during acid pretreatment. Any further addition of Tween 20 in either hydrolysis stage or fermentation stage only led to small increase in glucan conversion and ethanol production. Determination of adsorption of cellulases during hydrolysis showed that Tween 20-assisted acid treated straw solution contained more free cellulases than individual acid treated straw solution, indicating that modification of lignin surface by Tween 20 added during pretreatment likely occurred. In addition, the effects of pretreatment conditions on overall recovery of glucose and xylose after pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis were also investigated. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Arachidonic Acid Enhances Reproduction in Daphnia magna and Mitigates Changes in Sex Ratios Induced by Pyriproxyfen

    PubMed Central

    Ginjupalli, Gautam K.; Gerard, Patrick D.; Baldwin, William S.

    2016-01-01

    Arachidonic acid (AA) is one of only two unsaturated fatty acids retained in the ovaries of crustaceans, and an inhibitor of HR97g, a nuclear receptor expressed in adult ovaries. We hypothesized that as a key fatty acid, AA may be associated with reproduction and potentially environmental sex determination in Daphnia. Reproduction assays with AA indicate that it alters female/male sex ratios by increasing female production. This reproductive effect only occurred during a restricted P. subcapitata diet. Next, we tested whether enriching a poorer algal diet (C. vulgaris) with AA enhances overall reproduction and sex ratios. AA enrichment of a C. vulgaris diet also enhances fecundity at 1.0 and 4.0μM by 30–40% in the presence and absence of pyriproxyfen. This indicates that AA is crucial in reproduction regardless of environmental sex determination. Furthermore, our data indicates that P. subcapitata may provide a threshold concentration of AA needed for reproduction. Diet switch experiments from P. subcapitata to C. vulgaris mitigate some but not all of AA’s effects when compared to a C. vulgaris only diet, suggesting that some AA provided by P. subcapitata is retained. In summary, AA supplementation increases reproduction and represses pyriproxyfen-induced environmental sex determination in D. magna in restricted diets. A diet rich in AA may provide protection from some reproductive toxicants such as the juvenile hormone agonist, pyriproxyfen. PMID:25393616

  13. Enhanced rates of enzymatic saccharification and catalytic synthesis of biofuel substrates in gelatinized cellulose generated by trifluoroacetic acid

    DOE PAGES

    Shiga, Tânia M.; Xiao, Weihua; Yang, Haibing; ...

    2017-12-27

    The crystallinity of cellulose is a principal factor limiting the efficient hydrolysis of biomass to fermentable sugars or direct catalytic conversion to biofuel components. We evaluated the impact of TFA-induced gelatinization of crystalline cellulose on enhancement of enzymatic digestion and catalytic conversion to biofuel substrates. Low-temperature swelling of cotton linter cellulose in TFA at subzero temperatures followed by gentle heating to 55 degrees C dissolves the microfibril structure and forms composites of crystalline and amorphous gels upon addition of ethanol. The extent of gelatinization of crystalline cellulose was determined by reduction of birefringence in darkfield microscopy, loss of X-ray diffractability,more » and loss of resistance to acid hydrolysis. Upon freeze-drying, an additional degree of crystallinity returned as mostly cellulose II. Both enzymatic digestion with a commercial cellulase cocktail and maleic acid/AlCl3-catalyzed conversion to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and levulinic acid were markedly enhanced with the low-temperature swollen cellulose. Only small improvements in rates and extent of hydrolysis and catalytic conversion were achieved upon heating to fully dissolve cellulose. Low-temperature swelling of cellulose in TFA substantially reduces recalcitrance of crystalline cellulose to both enzymatic digestion and catalytic conversion. In a closed system to prevent loss of fluorohydrocarbons, the relative ease of recovery and regeneration of TFA by distillation makes it a potentially useful agent in large-scale deconstruction of biomass, not only for enzymatic depolymerization but also for enhancing rates of catalytic conversion to biofuel components and useful bio-products.« less

  14. Enhanced rates of enzymatic saccharification and catalytic synthesis of biofuel substrates in gelatinized cellulose generated by trifluoroacetic acid

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

    Shiga, Tânia M.; Xiao, Weihua; Yang, Haibing

    The crystallinity of cellulose is a principal factor limiting the efficient hydrolysis of biomass to fermentable sugars or direct catalytic conversion to biofuel components. We evaluated the impact of TFA-induced gelatinization of crystalline cellulose on enhancement of enzymatic digestion and catalytic conversion to biofuel substrates. Low-temperature swelling of cotton linter cellulose in TFA at subzero temperatures followed by gentle heating to 55 degrees C dissolves the microfibril structure and forms composites of crystalline and amorphous gels upon addition of ethanol. The extent of gelatinization of crystalline cellulose was determined by reduction of birefringence in darkfield microscopy, loss of X-ray diffractability,more » and loss of resistance to acid hydrolysis. Upon freeze-drying, an additional degree of crystallinity returned as mostly cellulose II. Both enzymatic digestion with a commercial cellulase cocktail and maleic acid/AlCl3-catalyzed conversion to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and levulinic acid were markedly enhanced with the low-temperature swollen cellulose. Only small improvements in rates and extent of hydrolysis and catalytic conversion were achieved upon heating to fully dissolve cellulose. Low-temperature swelling of cellulose in TFA substantially reduces recalcitrance of crystalline cellulose to both enzymatic digestion and catalytic conversion. In a closed system to prevent loss of fluorohydrocarbons, the relative ease of recovery and regeneration of TFA by distillation makes it a potentially useful agent in large-scale deconstruction of biomass, not only for enzymatic depolymerization but also for enhancing rates of catalytic conversion to biofuel components and useful bio-products.« less

  15. Metabolic pathways regulated by abscisic acid, salicylic acid and γ-aminobutyric acid in association with improved drought tolerance in creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera).

    PubMed

    Li, Zhou; Yu, Jingjin; Peng, Yan; Huang, Bingru

    2017-01-01

    Abscisic acid (ABA), salicylic acid (SA) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are known to play roles in regulating plant stress responses. This study was conducted to determine metabolites and associated pathways regulated by ABA, SA and GABA that could contribute to drought tolerance in creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera). Plants were foliar sprayed with ABA (5 μM), GABA (0.5 mM) and SA (10 μM) or water (untreated control) prior to 25 days drought stress in controlled growth chambers. Application of ABA, GABA or SA had similar positive effects on alleviating drought damages, as manifested by the maintenance of lower electrolyte leakage and greater relative water content in leaves of treated plants relative to the untreated control. Metabolic profiling showed that ABA, GABA and SA induced differential metabolic changes under drought stress. ABA mainly promoted the accumulation of organic acids associated with tricarboxylic acid cycle (aconitic acid, succinic acid, lactic acid and malic acid). SA strongly stimulated the accumulation of amino acids (proline, serine, threonine and alanine) and carbohydrates (glucose, mannose, fructose and cellobiose). GABA enhanced the accumulation of amino acids (GABA, glycine, valine, proline, 5-oxoproline, serine, threonine, aspartic acid and glutamic acid) and organic acids (malic acid, lactic acid, gluconic acid, malonic acid and ribonic acid). The enhanced drought tolerance could be mainly due to the enhanced respiration metabolism by ABA, amino acids and carbohydrates involved in osmotic adjustment (OA) and energy metabolism by SA, and amino acid metabolism related to OA and stress-defense secondary metabolism by GABA. © 2016 Scandinavian Plant Physiology Society.

  16. PAR-2 activation enhances weak acid-induced ATP release through TRPV1 and ASIC sensitization in human esophageal epithelial cells.

    PubMed

    Wu, Liping; Oshima, Tadayuki; Shan, Jing; Sei, Hiroo; Tomita, Toshihiko; Ohda, Yoshio; Fukui, Hirokazu; Watari, Jiro; Miwa, Hiroto

    2015-10-15

    Esophageal visceral hypersensitivity has been proposed to be the pathogenesis of heartburn sensation in nonerosive reflux disease. Protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) is expressed in human esophageal epithelial cells and is believed to play a role in inflammation and sensation. PAR-2 activation may modulate these responses through adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release, which is involved in transduction of sensation and pain. The transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1) and acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are both acid-sensitive nociceptors. However, the interaction among these molecules and the mechanisms of heartburn sensation are still not clear. We therefore examined whether ATP release in human esophageal epithelial cells in response to acid is modulated by TRPV1 and ASICs and whether PAR-2 activation influences the sensitivity of TRPV1 and ASICs. Weak acid (pH 5) stimulated the release of ATP from primary human esophageal epithelial cells (HEECs). This effect was significantly reduced after pretreatment with 5-iodoresiniferatoxin (IRTX), a TRPV1-specific antagonist, or with amiloride, a nonselective ASIC blocker. TRPV1 and ASIC3 small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection also decreased weak acid-induced ATP release. Pretreatment of HEECs with trypsin, tryptase, or a PAR-2 agonist enhanced weak acid-induced ATP release. Trypsin treatment led to the phosphorylation of TRPV1. Acid-induced ATP release enhancement by trypsin was partially blocked by IRTX, amiloride, or a PAR-2 antagonist. Conversely, acid-induced ATP release was augmented by PAR-2 activation through TRPV1 and ASICs. These findings suggested that the pathophysiology of heartburn sensation or esophageal hypersensitivity may be associated with the activation of PAR-2, TRPV1, and ASICs. Copyright © 2015 the American Physiological Society.

  17. Comparison of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound and Gadolinium-Ethoxybenzyl-Diethylenetriamine Pentaacetic Acid-Enhanced MRI for the Diagnosis of Macroscopic Type of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Iwamoto, Takayuki; Imai, Yasuharu; Kogita, Sachiyo; Igura, Takumi; Sawai, Yoshiyuki; Fukuda, Kazuto; Yamaguchi, Yoshitaka; Matsumoto, Yasushi; Nakahara, Masanori; Morimoto, Osakuni; Seki, Yasushi; Ohashi, Hiroshi; Fujita, Norihiko; Kudo, Masatoshi; Takehara, Tetsuo

    We compared the efficacy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound sonography (CEUS) with sonazoid and gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced MRI for the assessment of macroscopic classification of nodular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Seventy-seven consecutive patients with 79 surgically resected HCCs who underwent both preoperative CEUS and Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI were enrolled in this retrospective study. Based on the macroscopic diagnosis of resected specimens, nodules were categorized into the simple nodular (SN) and non-SN type HCC. Two hepatologists independently assessed image datasets of the post-vascular phase of CEUS and hepatobiliary phase of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI to compare their diagnostic performance. Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI enabled the evaluation of macroscopic classification in a significantly larger number of nodules than CEUS (78/79 (98.7%) vs. 70/79 (88.6%), p < 0.05). Of 70 nodules that could be evaluated by both modalities, 41 and 29 nodules were pathologically categorized as SN and non-SN, respectively. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for non-SN did not differ between CEUS and Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI (reader 1: 0.748 for CEUS, 0.808 for MRI; reader 2: 0.759 for CEUS, 0.787 for MRI). The AUC of combined CEUS and Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI for SN HCC was 0.855 (reader 1) and 0.824 (reader 2), indicating higher AUC values for the combined modalities. The diagnostic performance for macroscopic classification of nodular HCC of CEUS was comparable with that of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI, although some HCCs could not be evaluated by CEUS owing to lower detectability. The combination of the 2 modalities had a more accurate diagnostic performance. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  18. Microscopic Evaluation of the Effect of Oral Microbiota on the Development of Bisphosphonate-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws in Rats

    PubMed Central

    Silveira, Felipe M.; Etges, Adriana; Correa, Marcos B.

    2016-01-01

    ABSTRACT Objectives Osteonecrosis of the jaws is a side effect associated with the use of bisphosphonates. Using histologic analysis, this study aimed to evaluate the influence of microbial colonies in the development of osteonecrosis in the jaws of rats subjected to nitrogenous and non-nitrogenous bisphosphonates, undergoing surgical procedures. Material and Methods Thirty-four rats (Rattus norvegicus, Wistar strain) were allocated randomly into three groups: 12 animals treated with zoledronic acid; 12 animals treated with clodronate; and 10 animals treated with saline. Sixty days after the start of treatment, the animals underwent three extractions of the upper right molars. After 120 days of drug administration, the rats were killed. Histologic analysis was performed on specimens stained with hematoxylin and eosin by the technique of manual counting points using Image-Pro Plus software on images of the right hemimaxilla. Results Osteonecrosis was induced in the test groups. There was no statistically significant association between the presence of microbial colonies and the presence of non-vital bone (Kruskal-Wallis, P > 0.05). Conclusions Use of zoledronic acid was associated with non-vital bone and the results suggested that the presence of microbial colonies does not lead to osteonecrosis. PMID:28154747

  19. Vitamin D enhances omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids-induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Yang, Jing; Zhu, Shenglong; Lin, Guangxiao; Song, Ci; He, Zhao

    2017-08-01

    Breast cancer is a leading type of cancer in women and generally classified into three subtypes of ER + /PR + , HER2 + and triple negative. Both omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin D 3 play positive role in the reduction of breast cancer incidence. However, whether combination of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin D 3 has stronger protective effect on breast carcinogenesis still remains unknown. In this study, we show that the combination of ω-3 free fatty acids (ω-3 FFAs) and 1α, 25-dihydroxy-vitamin D 3 (VD 3 ) dramatically enhances cell apoptosis among three subtypes of breast cancer cell lines. Bcl-2 and total PARP protein levels are decreased in combined treatment MCF-7 and SK-BR-3 cells. Caspase signals play a vital role in cell apoptosis induced by combination. Moreover, Raf-MAPK signaling pathway is involved in the apoptosis induction by combination of ω-3 FFAs+VD 3 . These results demonstrate that the induction of cell apoptosis by combined treatment is dependent on different signaling pathways in three subtypes of breast cancer cell lines. © 2017 International Federation for Cell Biology.

  20. Intestinal permeability enhancement of levothyroxine sodium by straight chain fatty acids studied in MDCK epithelial cell line.

    PubMed

    Pabla, Dimple; Akhlaghi, Fatemeh; Zia, Hossein

    2010-08-11

    Levothyroxine sodium (T4), administered orally, is used for the treatment of hypothyroidism. T4 is a narrow therapeutic index drug with highly variable bioavailability (40-80%). The purpose of the present study was to increase the transepithelial transport of T4 using straight chain fatty acids across Madin-Darby Canine kidney (MDCK) cell line. Capric acid (C10), lauric acid (C12) and oleic acid (C18) were studied in molar ratios of 1:0.5, 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 (T4:fatty acid). Transport of the hydrophilic marker, Lucifer yellow, was also studied. All three fatty acids proved to significantly increase T4 transport and the order of enhancement was to the effect of C12 approximately C18>C10. This Increase in transport was accompanied by reductions in transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) values, which indicates an opening of tight junctions. Cytotoxic effects of the fatty acids were evaluated by TEER measurements, lactate dehydrogenase release, percent viability and propidium iodide staining of the cells. At the lower molar concentrations of 1:1, the fatty acids did not show any toxicity. However, C12 and C18 when added, to T4:fatty acid molar ratio of 1:2 and 1:3, respectively showed severe toxicity with irreversible damage to the cells. Hence, addition of fatty acids to T4 formulations at low concentrations can significantly improve intestinal permeability of T4 without any toxicity potentially leading to improved bioavailability. 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.