Establishment of patient-derived xenografts of retinoblastoma and choroidal melanoma on the avian chorioallantoic membrane

Purpose: To develop a viable in vivo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model to study the growth and invasion of patient?derived retinoblastoma (RB) and choroidal melanoma (CM) xenografts (PDXs). The study utilizes primary tumor samples instead of cancer cell lines, which provides a more authentic representation of tumors due to conserved morphology and heterogeneity. Methods: Fertilized chicken eggs were procured, windowed, and their CAM layers were dropped. On embryonic development day (EDD) 10, freshly cut patient?derived CM and RB tumors were implanted on the CAM layer and the setup was incubated for 7 days. The tumor?embedded CAM layer was harvested on EDD 17, and the extracted tumor samples were subjected to hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical analysis to evaluate the extent of tumor invasion. Results: Significant changes in the vascularity around the RB and CM PDXs were observed, indicating an angiogenic environment. The cross?sectional histological view of the tumor implant site revealed the invasion of both the tumors into the CAM mesoderm. Invasion of CM into CAM mesoderm was visualized in the form of pigmented nodules, and that of RB was indicated by synaptophysin and Ki?67 positivity in Immunohistochemistry (IHC). Conclusion: The CAM xenograft model was successfully able to support the growth of CM and RB PDXs and their invasion in CAM, thus presenting as a feasible alternative to mammalian models for studying tumorigenicity and invasiveness of ocular tumors. Moreover, this model can further be utilized to develop personalized medicine by inoculating patient?specific tumors for preclinical drug screening.

Effects of HMGB1 on clinical prognosis of esophagus squamous cell carcinoma patients after chemoradiotherapy and the radiosensitivity of xenograft in nude mice / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effects of high mobility group protein box 1 (HMGB1) on clinical prognosis of esophagus squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients treated with chemoradiotherapy and the radiosensitivity of xenograft in nude mice.Methods:A total of 90 endoscopic biopsy specimens were obtained from ESCC patients treated with chemoradiotherapy. The expression level of HMGB1 was determined by immunohistochemical staining. High expression level was defined when staining was observed on ≥50% of the tumor cells. All patients were divided into the high expression group ( n=48) and low expression group ( n=42), and their survival information was retrospectively analyzed. Cell transfection was performed with the plasmid carrying human HMGB1-shRNA to knockdown HMGB1 expression in ECA109 cells and xenograft mouse models were established. The tumor volume and mass were calculated after irradiation with a dose of 15 Gy. The cell apoptosis in xenograft tissues were detected. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate prognostic analysis was conducted by log-rank test. Intergroup comparison was performed by analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results:The expression level of HMGB1 was significantly associated with gross tumor volume, longest diameter of tumor, T staging and distant metastasis ( χ2=9.663, 5.625, 4.068, 7.146, all P<0.05). In the low expression group, the overall survival (OS) ( χ2=4.826, P=0.028), progression-free survival (PFS) ( χ2=4.390, P=0.036) were longer compared with that in the high expression group. Further analysis of HMGB1-high expression patients showed that the radiation dose and the combination of chemoradiotherapy did not significantly affect the OS or PFS of ESCC patients. We observed that knockdown of HMGB1 slowed the growth rate of xenograft, decreased the tumor volume and increased the apoptosis rate after irradiation. Conclusions:ESCC patients with high expression level of HMGB1 obtain poor prognosis after chemoradiotherapy, which can be enhanced by increasing the sensitivity to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. HMGB1 knockdown can effectively increase the radiosensitivity of xenograft in ESCC nude mice.

Discovery of a first-in-class ANXA3 degrader for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a nasty disease with extremely high malignancy and poor prognosis. Annexin A3 (ANXA3) is a potential prognosis biomarker, displaying an excellent correlation of ANXA3 overexpression with patients' poor prognosis. Silencing the expression of ANXA3 effectively inhibits the proliferation and metastasis of TNBC, suggesting that ANXA3 can be a promising therapeutic target to treat TNBC. Herein, we report a first-in-class ANXA3-targeted small molecule (R)-SL18, which demonstrated excellent anti-proliferative and anti-invasive activities to TNBC cells. (R)-SL18 directly bound to ANXA3 and increased its ubiquitination, thereby inducing ANXA3 degradation with moderate family selectivity. Importantly, (R)-SL18 showed a safe and effective therapeutic potency in a high ANXA3-expressing TNBC patient-derived xenograft model. Furthermore, (R)-SL18 could reduce the β-catenin level, and accordingly inhibit the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in TNBC cells. Collectively, our data suggested that targeting degradation of ANXA3 by (R)-SL18 possesses the potential to treat TNBC.

Repurposed benzydamine targeting CDK2 suppresses the growth of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma / 医学前沿

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide. It is urgent to develop new drugs to improve the prognosis of ESCC patients. Here, we found benzydamine, a locally acting non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, had potent cytotoxic effect on ESCC cells. Benzydamine could suppress ESCC proliferation in vivo and in vitro. In terms of mechanism, CDK2 was identified as a target of benzydamine by molecular docking, pull-down assay and in vitro kinase assay. Specifically, benzydamine inhibited the growth of ESCC cells by inhibiting CDK2 activity and affecting downstream phosphorylation of MCM2, c-Myc and Rb, resulting in cell cycle arrest. Our study illustrates that benzydamine inhibits the growth of ESCC cells by downregulating the CDK2 pathway.

Cordycepin, a metabolite of Cordyceps militaris, inhibits xenograft tumor growth of tongue squamous cell carcinoma in nude mice / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the inhibitory effect of cordycepin on oral cancer xenograft in nude mice and explore the underlying mechanisms.@*METHODS@#Sixteen BALB/c mice bearing subcutaneous human tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) TCA-8113 cell xenografts were randomized into model group and cordycepin treatment group for daily treatment with saline and cordycepin for 4 weeks. After the treatment, the tumor xenografts were dissected and weighed to assess the tumor inhibition rate. Histological changes in the heart, spleen, liver, kidney, and lung of the mice were evaluated with HE staining, and tumor cell apoptosis was examined using TUNEL staining; The expressions of Bax, Bcl-2, GRP78, CHOP, and caspase-12 in the xenografts were detected using RT-qPCR and Western blotting.@*RESULTS@#Cordycepin treatment resulted in a tumor inhibition rate of 56.09% in the nude mouse models, induced obvious changes in tumor cell morphology and significantly enhanced apoptotic death of the tumor cells without causing pathological changes in the vital organs. Cordycepin treatment also significantly reduced Bcl-2 expression (P < 0.05) and increased Bax, GRP78, CHOP, and caspase-12 expressions at both the RNA and protein levels in the tumor tissues.@*CONCLUSION@#Cordycepin treatment can induce apoptotic death of TCA-8113 cell xenografts in nude mice via the endogenous mitochondrial pathway and endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways.

Establishment of a Patient-Derived T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Xenograft Model in Novel Immunodeficient NCG Mice / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#The leukemia cells from patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) were inoculated into NCG mice to establish a stable human T-ALL leukemia animal model.@*METHODS@#Leukemia cells from bone marrow of newly diagnosed T-ALL patients were isolated, and the leukemia cells were inoculated into NCG mice via tail vein. The proportion of hCD45 positive cells in peripheral blood of the mice was detected regularly by flow cytometry, and the infiltration of leukemia cells in bone marrow, liver, spleen and other organs of the mice was detected by pathology and immunohistochemistry. After the first generation mice model was successfully established, the spleen cells from the first generation mice were inoculated into the second generation mice, and after the second generation mice model was successfully established, the spleen cells from the second generation mice were further inoculated into the third generation mice, and the growth of leukemia cells in peripheral blood of the mice in each group was monitored by regular flow cytometry to evaluate the stability of this T-ALL leukemia animal model.@*RESULTS@#On the 10th day after inoculation, hCD45+ leukemia cells could be successfully detected in the peripheral blood of the first generation mice, and the proportion of these cells was gradually increased. On average, the mice appeared listless 6 or 7 weeks after inoculation, and a large number of T lymphocyte leukemia cells were found in the peripheral blood and bone marrow smear of the mice. The spleen of the mice was obviously enlarged, and immunohistochemical examination showed that hCD3+ leukemia cells infiltrated into bone marrow, liver and spleen extensively. The second and third generation mice could stably develop leukemia, and the average survival time was 4-5 weeks.@*CONCLUSION@#Inoculating leukemia cells from bone marrow of patients with T-ALL into NCG mice via tail vein can successfully construct a patient-derived tumor xenografts (PDTX) model.

The expression of matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) on xenograft and PRF in bone regeneration / Efeito da combinação de xenoenxerto e PRP na expressão de metaloproteinase de matriz -13 (MMP-13) durante regeneração óssea

Objective: inflammation may play a role in bone loss by altering the boné remodelling process, favouring bone resorption by osteoclasts over bone synthesis by osteoblasts. Matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13) has the ability to activate osteoclasts, leading to bone resorption. Regenerative treatments have been widely used in periodontology. When combined with Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), xenografts will give better results in bone regeneration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of xenograft combined with PRF on MMP-13 expression in a bone defect using an experimentally created bone defect. Material and Methods: eighteen New Zealand rabbits were assigned to three groups. Each group consisted of six New Zealand rabbits. A critical bone defect with a diameter size of 5 mm was created in the right tibia of each rabbit in group 1 (application: xenograft), group 2 (application: PRF), and group 3 (application: xenograft and PRF). The PRF was produced from 5 ml of blood taken from each rabbit's ears. After 30 days, the rabbits were euthanized. The tissue samples were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining. Results: group 3 showed the lowest mean expression of MMP-13 (4.50) compared to group 1 (20.50) and group 2 (11.70). Group 3 showed a significant difference in the MMP-13 expression compared to group 1 and group 2 (P = 0.000) (P < 0.05). Conclusion: this research showed that the combination of xenograft and PRF had the lowest expression of MMP-13. The application of a xenograft and PRF has better osteogenesis ability in bone regeneration.(AU)

Objetivo: inflamação pode interferir na perda óssea através de alterações no processo de remodelação, favorecendo a reabsorção óssea pelos osteoclastos ao invés da síntese pelos osteoblastos. A metaloproteinases de matriz 13 (MMP-13) ativa osteoclastos causando reabsorção óssea. Tratamentos regenerativos têm sido amplamente usados na periodontia. Quando combinamos Plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP) e xenoenxerto levam a melhores resultados de regeneração óssea. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos de xenoenxerto combinado com PRP na expressão de MMP-13 em defeitos ósseos experimentais. Material e Métodos: dezoitos coelhos Nova Zelândia foram distribuídos em 3 grupos de 6 coelhos cada. Um defeito ósseo de 5 mm de diâmetro foi feito na tíbia direita dos animais do grupo 1 (xenoenxerto), grupo 2 (PRP) e grupo 3 (Xenoenxerto+PRP). O PRP foi obtido pela coleta de 5mL de sangue das orelhas dos coelhos. Após 30 dias, os coelhos foram eutanasiados. As amostras foram submetidas a coloração imuno-histoquímica. Resultados: o grupo 3 apresentou a menor expressão de MMP-13 (4.50) quando comparado ao grupo 1 (20.50) e ao grupo 2 (11.70). O grupo 3 mostrou diferença estatística significante em relação a expressão de MMP-13 quando comparado aos grupos 1 e 2 (p=0.000) (p< 0.05). Conclusão: esta pesquisa mostra que a combinação de xenoenxerto e PRP teve a menor expressão de MMP-13. A combinação de xenoenxerto e PRP têm maior habilidade de osteogênese na regeneração óssea (AU)

Efficacy and cardiotoxicity observation of different doses of capecitabine in patient-derived tumor xenograft of mice with colorectal cancer / 肿瘤研究与临床

Objective:To explore the correlation of the dose of capecitabine with the efficacy and cardiotoxicity in patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDX) model of mice with colorectal cancer.Methods:The fresh cancer tissues of 1 colorectal cancer patient were transplanted into the bilateral axillary subcutaneous of immunodeficient NOG mice to establish PDX model and passage stably. And then the morphology of tumor cells in primary generation and the second-generation tumor tissues was observed by using HE staining. The expression of tumor markers was detected by using immunohistochemistry method, and the model was evaluated. Mice were intragastrically infused with 200, 300 and 400 mg/kg capecitabine once a day, which were treated as low, middle and high dose groups respectively, 5 rats in each group; in the control group, 0.9% NaCl solution was perfused into the stomach; 14 d in total, use stop for 7 d, consecutively administered in this way. The body weight was measured every day and the tumor volume was measured every 3 days. After 100 days of observation, the mice were killed, and the tumor tissue was taken to measure the tumor weight and then the tumor volume, tumor volume inhibition rate and tumor inhibition rate were calculated. The morphology of tumor tissues was observed by using HE staining. The protein levels of anti-tumor effect indexes like rasP21, cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), cardiac troponin Ⅰ (cTn-Ⅰ) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in serum of mice were detected by using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results:PDX model of mice with colorectal cancer was successfully constructed, and the histological characteristics of the primary tumor in the model were well preserved. During administration, 1 mouse died in the capecitabine high dose group; a slow down in tumor volume growth could be found with the increased dose of capecitabine. There was no statistically significant difference in body weight among 4 groups until all mice were killed ( P > 0.05). The tumor volume and tumor weight in the low, middle and high dose groups were lower than those in the control group (all P < 0.05), and the tumor volume and tumor weight showed an obvious decrease with the increase in dose. The tumor volume inhibition rates of low, middle and high dose groups were 42.61%, 67.61% and 77.27%, respectively, and the tumor inhibition rates were 35.53%, 67.77% and 75.09%, respectively. The serum anti-tumor effect indexes rasP21, COX2 and PGE2 in the middle and high dose groups were decreased compared with those in the control group (all P < 0.05), while cTn-Ⅰ and BNP levels were increased compared with those in the control group (all P < 0.05). Conclusions:The established PDX model of mice with colorectal cancer can better retain the histological characteristics of the original tumor. After treatment of middle and high dose of capecitabine, the tumor inhibition effect is obvious, but the risk of myocardial damage should be noticed.

A short-term chick embryo in vivo xenograft model to study retinoblastoma cancer stem cells

Purpose: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) reported in various tumors play a crucial role in tumorigenesis and metastasis of retinoblastoma (Rb). Following the efforts to reduce, replace, and refine the use of mammalian models, we aimed to establish a short?term xenograft for Rb to evaluate the CSC properties of CD133? Rb Y79 cells, using the well?established chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CE?CAM) assay. Methods: Y79 cells were cultured, labeled with two different dyes (CM?Dil Y79 and enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP)) and sorted for CD133? and CD133 + subsets. Two million cells from each of the labeled groups were transplanted onto the abraded CAM on embryonic day 7 (E7). On E14, the tumor nodule formation on CAM and spontaneous metastasis to the embryos were evaluated by confocal microscopy, in vivo imaging, and histology. Results: Y79 cells formed pink–white raised perivascular nodules with feeder vessels on the CAM with both the types of labeled CD133? cells. CD133? cells, when compared to CD133 + cells, demonstrated significantly larger tumor volume (40.45 ± 7.744 mm3 vs 3.478 ± 0.69 mm3, P = 0.0014) and higher fluorescence intensity (CM?Dil: AUF = 6.37 × 107 ± 7.7 × 106 vs 1.08 × 107 ± 1.6 × 106; P < 0.0001; eGFP: AUF = 13.94 × 104 ± 2.54 × 104 vs AUF = 1.39 × 104 ± 0.4 × 104; P = 0.0003). The metastatic potential of CD133? cells was also observed to be higher as noted by in vivo imaging and histopathology. Conclusion: This study highlights that CE?CAM is a feasible alternative nonmammalian model for evaluating tumorigenicity and metastatic potential of Y79 CSCs. Increased tumorigenicity and metastatic potential of CD133? subset of tumor cells substantiate their CSC properties

Hematological Changes after Caprine Demineralized Bone Matrix Implantation in Ulnar Critical Defect of Rabbit Model / Alterações hematológicas após implante de matriz óssea desmineralizada caprina em modelo de defeito ulnar crítico em coelhos

Abstract Objective Several animal models have been used in fracture healing and bone graft studies, but hematological responses are seldom reported. Therefore, the present study reported the hematological changes observed in rabbits that underwent xenografting of caprine demineralized bone matrix (CDBM). Method Twenty-four (24) male rabbits (2.5 0.5kg) were acquired for the purpose of this study and were randomly assigned to three groups: autologous bone graft (ABG), unfilled (NC), and caprine demineralized bone matrix (CDBM). Blood samples were collected through cardiac puncture under xylazine-ketamine anesthesia on day 0 (baseline), and on days 28 and 56 postsurgery and were analyzed manually within 2hours of collection. Statistical analysis was performed using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures, and a p-value< 0.05 was considered significant. Result There was an overall significant difference in the values of total white blood cell count (p» 0.0043), neutrophil count (p< 0.0001), monocyte count (p» 0.0184), red blood cell count (p» 0.003), hemoglobin concentration (p< 0.0001) and packed cell volume (p< 0.0001) across the days and the treatment groups. There was, however, no overall significant difference in lymphocyte count (p» 0.4923), basophil count (p» 0.4183), and eosinophil count (0.4806) within days. Conclusion Response to CDBM grafting in rabbits could, therefore, be said to be characterized by marked leukocytosis with neutrophilia, lymphocytosis, and monocytosis by day 28 of postgrafting. This could form the basis with which hematology can be used to monitor body response of bone graft animal models.

Resumo Objetivo Diversos modelos animais têm sido usados em estudos sobre enxertos ósseos e o tratamento de fraturas, mas as respostas hematológicas são raramente relatadas. Este estudo descreveu as alterações hematológicas observadas em coelhos submetidos a xenoenxertos de matriz óssea desmineralizada caprina (MODC). Métodos Vinte e quatro (24) coelhos machos (2,5 0,5 kg) foram adquiridos para este estudo e divididos aleatoriamente em três grupos: enxerto ósseo autólogo (EOA); controle negativo sem preenchimento (SP) e matriz óssea desmineralizada caprina (MODC). Amostras de sangue foram coletadas por punção cardíaca sob anestesia com xilazina-quetamina no dia 0 (para estabelecimento dos valores basais) e aos dias 28 e 56 após a cirurgia; essas amostras foram submetidas à análise manual em até 2 horas após a coleta. A análise estatística foi composta por análise de variância (ANOVA) de dois fatores com medidas repetidas, e o valor de p< 0,05 foi considerado significativo. Resultados Houve uma diferença geral significativa nos números de leucócitos totais (p» 0,0043), neutrófilos (p< 0,0001), monócitos (p» 0,0184) e hemácias (p» 0,003), na concentração de hemoglobina (p< 0,0001) e no hematócrito (p< 0,0001) ao longo dos dias e entre os grupos de tratamento. No entanto, não houve diferença global significativa no número de linfócitos (p» 0,4923), basófilos (p» 0,4183) e eosinófilos (p» 0,4806) entre os dias. Conclusão A resposta ao enxerto de MODC em coelhos é, portanto, caracterizada por leucocitose intensa com neutrofilia, linfocitose e monocitose no 28° dia após o procedimento. Esses dados podem basear a utilização da hematologia no monitoramento da resposta corporal em modelos animais de enxerto ósseo.

A novel second-generation platinum derivative and evaluation of its anti-cancer potential

Abstract Cisplatin is the primary anti-cancer agent for the treatment of most solid tumors. However, platinum-based anti-cancer chemotherapy produces severe side effects due to its poor specificity. There are a broad interest and literature base for a novel mechanism of action on platinum derivatives. Additionally, combining cisplatin with histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) such as 4-hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives showed promising results in treating solid tumors. Here we aimed to conjugate 4-hydroxybenzoic acid with platinum to obtain a novel platinum derivative that can overcome cisplatin resistance. Cis-4-hydroxyphenylplatinum(II)diamine compound was synthesized under mild conditions and characterized. Cytotoxicity assay was performed on SKOV3-Luc and A549-Luc cells. Hemocompatibility and serum protein binding analysis were performed. Treatment potential was evaluated in xenograft tumor models. Biodistribution was tested on tumor-bearing mice via Pt analysis in organs with ICP-MS, ex vivo. In this study, cis-4-hydroxyphenylplatinum (II) diamine was synthesized with a yield of 62%. The MTT assay on A549-Luc and SKOV3-Luc cell lines resulted in IC50 values of 17.82 and 7.81 µM, respectively. While tumor growth was continued in the control group, the tumor volume decreased in the treatment group. All results point to the conclusion that the new compound has the potential to treat solid tumors

Preliminary study on polymerized human cord hemoglobin increasing the chemosensitivity of subcutaneous xenografts of breast cancer in nude mice / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the effect of polymerized human cord hemoglobin (PolyCHb) on the chemosensitivity of human breast cancer MCF-7 cell subcutaneous xenografts in nude mice and its mechanism. 【Methods】 The MCF-7 cells in exponential growth phase were collected and made into suspension cells at a density of 5×107 cells/mL.Subsequently, the cells were inoculated subcutaneously in the right limb of 18 BALB/c-nu nude mice with 0.2 mL cells per mouse to establish subcutaneous xenograft.When the tumor volume reached about 100 mm3, they were randomly divided into chemotherapy group: doxorubicin 5 mg·kg-1, once/week; chemotherapy + PolyCHb group: in addition to doxorubicin (chemotherapy group), PolyCHb 600 mg·kg-1, 3 times/week; the control group: normal saline 90 mg·kg-1, once/week; all were injected through tail vein continuously for 4 weeks.From the day of injection (d 0), the tumor volume of each group of nude mice was measured every 3 days, and the tumor growth curves were drawn accordingly.After 38 days, the tumor growth observation was completed.The tumor was removed and weighed to calculate the tumor inhibition rate.HE staining, immunohistochemistry and TUNEL method were used to observe the pathological changes of tumor tissue, detect the expression of HIF-1α, and detect tumor cell apoptosis respectively.The content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) of each group was determined by fluorescence staining. 【Results】 The tumor volume (mm3) of chemotherapy + PolyCHb group, chemotherapy group and the control group at day 38 were 196.35±103.45 vs 316.29±62.88 vs 519.42±177.33 (P<0.05), and the tumor inhibition rate (%) of chemotherapy + PolyCHb treatment group and chemotherapy group was 62.20 vs 39.11, respectively.HE staining and TUNEL detection showed that cell necrosis and apoptosis in the growth area of tumor tissue increased in chemotherapy + PolyCHb group.Immunohistochemistry and fluorescence staining showed that HIF-1α expression in chemotherapy + PolyCHb group decreased and reactive oxygen species (ROS) content increased. 【Conclusion】 PolyCHb increases the chemosensitivity of subcutaneous xenograft in nude mice with breast cancer, and its mechanism may be related to the increase of ROS in tumor tissue and the promotion of tumor cell apoptosis.

Application and expectation of patient-derived tumor xenograft models in the treatment of pancreatic cancer / 国际外科学杂志

Pancreatic cancer has a poor prognosis, systemic comprehensive therapy including chemotherapeutic and molecular targeted therapy is the key to improve the postoperative prognosis of pancreatic cancer, as well as to prolong the survival time of advanced pancreatic cancer. However, due to the drug resistance and heterogeneity of pancreatic cancer cells, systemic comprehensive treatment still does not reach the ideal effect, and personalized therapy will be an important approach to solve this problem. The personalized therapy for pancreatic cancer will become possible with the application of patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDX) models. Here, this article will review the progress of the application of PDX models in comprehensive therapy of pancreatic cancer based on reviewing the methods of establishing pancreatic cancer PDX models, aiming to provide new ideas for personalized therapy of pancreatic cancer.

Effect of Astragalus Polysaccharide on EMT of A549/DDP Lung Adenocarcinoma Xenograft： An Exploration Based on PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of Astragalus polysaccharide （APS） on transforming growth factor-<italic>β</italic>₁ （TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁）-induced epithelial mesenchymal transition （EMT） of A549/DDP lung adenocarcinoma xenograft and its potential molecular mechanism. Method:BALB/c nude mice were randomly divided into the non-loading group （A549/DDP cells not loaded with TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁）， model group， cisplatin group， and combined group （A549/DDP cells overexpressing TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁）. Mice in the combined group were treated with intragastric administration of APS （0.3 g·kg^-1·d^-1） and intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin （0.003 5 g·kg^-1）， while those in the cisplatin group only received intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin （0.003 5 g·kg^-1）. After drug intervention， the nude mice were sacrificed and the xenograft and lung were harvested， followed by the weighing of tumor and the calculation of the inhibition rate. The number of tumors metastasizing to the lung was counted under the microscope. The pathological features of tumors and their metastasis to the lung tumor were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. The protein and mRNA expression levels of EMT molecular markers E-cadherin， Vimentin， <italic>α</italic>-smooth muscle actin （<italic>α</italic>-SMA）， and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B （PI3K/Akt） in the xenograft were detected by immunohistochemistry， Western blot， and Real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. Result:Compared with the non-loading group， the model group exhibited increased tumor weight and pulmonary metastatic nodules （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， sparse tumor cell junctions， long spindle cells， massive metastatic nodules in the lung， down-regulated E-cadherin protein and mRNA expression， and up-regulated Vimentin and <italic>α</italic>-SMA protein and mRNA expression and p-PI3K and p-Akt protein expression （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Compared with the model group and cisplatin group， the combined group displayed decreased tumor weight and pulmonary metastatic nodules （<italic>P<</italic>0.05）， tight tumor cell junctions， round or oval cells， no obvious lung metastasis， up-regulated E-cadherin protein and mRNA expression （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， and down-regulated Vimentin and <italic>α</italic>-SMA protein and mRNA expression （<italic>P</italic><0.05） and p-PI3K and p-Akt protein expression （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. There was no significant difference in PI3K or Akt protein expression among groups. Conclusion:APS has a certain inhibitory effect against EMT in lung adenocarcinoma A549/DDP cells， which may be related to the inhibition of activated PI3K/Akt protein expression.

Identification of ferroptosis as a novel mechanism for antitumor activity of natural product derivative a2 in gastric cancer

Ferroptosis is a type of cell death accompanied by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, thus stimulating ferroptosis may be a potential strategy for treating gastric cancer, therapeutic agents against which are urgently required. Jiyuan oridonin A (JDA) is a natural compound isolated from Jiyuan

Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling of the antitumor action of bispecific CD3/EpCAM antibody M701 in human colorectal cancer xenograft mice / 药学学报

M701 is a bispecific CD3/EpCAM T-cell engager antibody for the treatment of malignant ascites. We developed a population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model to quantitatively describe and predict the antitumor effect of M701 in human colorectal cancer xenograft mice. We developed the M701 PK model based on plasma concentration data after i.v. administration. A tumor growth model for human colorectal cancer xenograft was developed to evaluate the antitumor effect of M701. We additionally simulated the inhibitory effect of M701 on tumor volume under different dose regimens based on a PK/PD model. A two-compartment model was developed to predict the PK in human colorectal cancer xenograft mice. The relationship between the M701 concentration and tumor growth inhibition was characterized by a combined Simeoni tumor growth/transit compartment model. The estimated pharmacodynamic parameters were related to the tumor growth characteristics λ0 (0.212 d-1) and λ1 (0.044 7 cm3·d-1), to the drug potency k2 (0.071 5 mL·ng-1·d-1), and to the kinetics of tumor cell death k1 (2×10-5 d-1). A model visual predictive check showed that both the PK model and the tumor growth model closely fit the observed data. Simulated tumor growth after administration of M701 (0.5 mg·kg-1 every 6 days and 0.25 mg·kg-1 every 3 days) could be effectively inhibited. This population PK/PD model of M701 provides insight into the antitumor effect of M701 and supports the further therapeutic development of M701.

The new bone formation in human maxillary sinuses using two bone substitutes with different resorption types associated or not with autogenous bone graft: a comparative histomorphometric, immunohistochemical and randomized clinical study

Abstract Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate the new bone and connective tissue formation and the biomaterial remaining after maxillary sinus bone augmentation using 5 different bone substitutes. The osteocalcin immunolabeling was performed to demonstrate their calcification and the possibility of receiving dental implants. Methodology 40 patients underwent maxillary sinus bone augmentation and were divided in 5 groups: Group 1 with 8 maxillary sinuses were grafted with autogenous bone graft (AB); Group 2 with 8 maxillary sinuses grafted with bioactive glass (BG); Group 3 with 8 maxillary sinuses grafted with bioactive glass added to autogenous bone graft (BG + AB) 1:1; Group 4 with 8 maxillary sinuses grafted with Bio-Oss (BO) and Group 5 with 8 maxillary sinuses grafted with Bio-Oss added to autogenous bone graft (BO + AB) 1:1. Results In group AB, 37.8% of bone was formed in the pristine bone region, 38.1% in the intermediate and 44.5% in the apical region. In group BG, 43.6% was formed in the pristine bone, 37% in the intermediate and 49.3% in the apical region. In group BG + AB 1:1, 39.0% was formed in the pristine bone region, 34.8% in the intermediate and 36.8% in apical region. In group BO, 33.4% was formed in the pristine bone, 32.5% in the intermediate and 34.3% in the apical region. In group BO + AB 1:1, 32.8% was formed in the pristine bone, 36.1% in intermediate and 27.8% in the apical regions. The immunolabeling for osteocalcin showed an intensive staining for all groups, which could demonstrate the calcification of the bone formed. Conclusion This study showed that the groups evaluated formed a suitable lamellar bone in the maxillary sinus reconstruction after six months of bone healing, thus being indicated to receive dental implants.

Research progress of human derived xenograft models in primary liver cancer / 中华肝胆外科杂志

With the development and marketing of a variety of new anti-tumor drugs, it the patients with liver cancer were benefited but it also raised a series of new problems. How to develop individualized therapeutic plans for the patients with liver cancer has always been bothering the clinicians. Patient-derived xenograft model retains the histological characteristics, molecular diversity and microenficity of human-derived tumors, and it can help conduct in vitro experiments, which can solve the above problems to a certain extent. This article summarizes the research progress of the application of patient-derived xenograft models on the diagnosis and treatment of primary liver cancer.

Development of the patient-derived xenograft model for gallbladder carcinoma and gene screening for tumor associated mutations / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective:To establish a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model of gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) and to screen mutated genes associated with GBC with the aim to provide an effective preclinical model with novel therapeutic targets for individualized patient treatment.Methods:The PDX model of GBC was established by transplantation of fresh GBC tissues from 10 patients into subcutaneous tissues of nude mice. In two of these mice, the PDX tumor tissues were stained with HE, Ki67 immunohistochemical staining and whole exome sequencing (WES). The biological characteristics of the PDX tumor tissues were compared with those of the primary donor tumors in histological structure and molecular pathology, and a high-throughput screening of tumor mutation genes was then carried out.Results:In this study, the success rate of the PDX model of GBC was 70% (7/10). The pathological and growth characteristics of PDX tumor tissues and donor tumors were basically similar. In the 2 modeled cases sequenced by WES, the same rates between the harmful mutant genes in the PDX model and primary donor tumor were 71.4% (15/21) and 65.2% (15/23), and the same genes accounted for 93.8% (15/16) and 71.4% (15/21) in the harmful mutant gene of the PDX model. The 22 mutated genes, including TP53, ABCC4 and AMPD1, were involved both in the two donor tumors, and the model tumor tissues. Ten genes including TP53 and ABCC4 were screened out and they might be closely related to development of GBC by bioinformatics analysis.Conclusions:The PDX model of GBC could effectively be used in patients with GBC in this preclinical study on individualized patient treatment. In addition, 10 mutated genes, including TP53 and ABCC4 and the like, may be used as new potential therapeutic targets for GBC.

Establishment of a simple and efficient platform for car-t cell generation and expansion: from lentiviral production to in vivo studies

ABSTRACT Introduction: Adoptive transfer of T cells expressing a CD19-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) has shown impressive response rates for the treatment of CD19 + B-cell malignancies in numerous clinical trials. The CAR molecule, which recognizes cell-surface tumor-associated antigen independently of human leukocyte antigen (HLA), is composed by one or more signaling molecules to activate genetically modified T cells for killing, proliferation, and cytokine production. Objectives: In order to make this treatment available for a larger number of patients, we developed a simple and efficient platform to generate and expand CAR-T cells. Methods: Our approach is based on a lentiviral vector composed by a second-generation CAR that signals through a 41BB and CD3-ζ endodomain. Conclusions: In this work, we show a high-level production of the lentiviral vector, which was successfully used to generate CAR-T cells. The CAR-T cells produced were highly cytotoxic and specific against CD19+ cells in vitro and in vivo, being able to fully control disease progression in a xenograft B-cell lymphoma mouse model. Our work demonstrates the feasibility of producing CAR-T cells in an academic context and can serve as a paradigm for similar institutions. Nevertheless, the results presented may contribute favoring the translation of the research to the clinical practice.