The pathways of cell cycle regulation in retinoblastoma / As vias de regulação do ciclo celular em retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is a childhood ocular tumor often caused by the biallelic inactivation of the RB1 gene affecting children up to 5 years of age. A retinoblastoma protein (pRB), encoded by the tumor suppressor gene RB1, is responsible for the regular progression of the G1 phase to the phase S of the cell cycle. This protein forms a complex with the transcriptional factor E2F causing the cell cycle to remain in the G0/G1 stage. With a phosphorylation of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK), the phosphorylation of the RB protein is activated and the complex formed with E2F is disrupted, with the advancement of the cell cycle to an S phase and cell proliferation. All the control of cell proliferation is regulated not only by the complex formed by RB and E2F proteins, but also by other proteins that participate in and/or interfere in this cell division control mechanism, such as mdm2, mdm4 and p21 proteins.

O retinoblastoma é um tumor ocular infantil ocasionado, frequentemente, pela inativação bialélica do gene RB1 acometendo crianças até os 5 anos de idade. A proteína retinoblastoma (pRB), codificada pelo gene supressor tumoral RB1, é responsável por regular a progressão da fase G1 para a fase S do ciclo celular. Essa proteína forma um complexo com o fator transcricional E2F fazendo com que o ciclo celular permaneça no estágio G0/G1. Com a fosforilação de quinases dependentes de ciclinas, a fosforilação da proteína RB é ativada e o complexo formado com o E2F é desfeito, havendo o avanço do ciclo celular para a fase S e a proliferação celular. Todo esse controle da proliferação celular é regulado não só pelo complexo formado pela proteína RB e E2F, mas também por outras proteínas que participam e/ou interferem neste mecanismo de controle da divisão celular, como, por exemplo, as proteínas mdm2, mdm4, p21

Olaparib induced senescence under P16 or P53 dependent manner in ovarian cancer / 부인종양

OBJECTIVE: Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) is an important molecule in the early stress response of DNA damage, which is involved in DNA damage repair and cellular senescence. Olaparib, as PARP inhibitor, has an anti-tumor effect on high grade serous ovarian cancer, but its effects on cellular senescence have not been reported. This study intends to explore the role of olaparib in the regulation of senescence in ovarian cancer cells. METHODS: The effects of olaparib on the senescence of ovarian cancer cells were detected by using the senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) and senescence-associated heterochromatin aggregation (SAHF). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. The effect of olaparib on tumor growth was analyzed in a nude mouse xenograft transplantation model. RESULTS: Long-term (6 days) treatment with olaparib (5 μM) significantly inhibited the growth of ovarian cancer cells, leading to arrest the cell cycle at G0/G1 phase, significant increase the number of positive SA-β-Gal stained cells and positive SAHF cells. The expression of P16 and retinoblastoma protein (p-RB) were significantly enhanced in SKOV3 cells under olaparib treated, meanwhile, the expression of P53 and p-RB were upregulated in A2780 cells. In OVCAR-3 cells, the expression of P53 was downregulated and p-RB was upregulated. Mice with SKOV3 xenograft transplantation was given olaparib (10 mg/kg/day) via abdominal cavity administration, the tumor volume was reduced (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Continuous low dosage administration of olaparib induced senescence under P16 or P53 dependent manner in ovarian cancer.

Current Assessment and Management of Retinoblastoma / 임상소아혈액종양

Retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular malignancy in childhood. Diagnosis is currently made by ophthalmologists under general anesthesia as it is the gold standard for intraocular assessment. However, evaluations for extraocular disease are also necessary. Treatment strategies vary according to the disease status. If a single eye is involved, the treatment goal is oriented to the removal of the tumor and prevention of relapse. In bilateral retinoblastoma, the main treatment goal is to save monocular vision and save life. This article will explore the available treatment options for retinoblastoma including enucleation, radiotherapy, local therapy, intravenous chemotherapy, intra-arterial injection and intra-vitreal injections. There were recent advances in our understanding on the genetic pathophysiology of the retinoblastoma protein gene in tumorigenesis, which may help developing future treatment. Early detection of retinoblastoma is important for prolonging survival and improving quality of life.

Development of a Novel Nonradioisotopic Assay and Cdc25B Overexpression Cell Lines for Use in Screening for Cdc25B Inhibitors

PURPOSE: The cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1) and cyclin B complex performs important roles in the transition from the G2 to M phase in the cell cycle through removal of inhibitory phosphates on Cdk1, and Cdc25B, which is a dual-specific phosphatase, mediates these dephosphorylation events. However, measuring Cdc25B activity by existing methods is hampered by inadequate nonspecific substrates and the need to use a radiolabeled isotope. The present study aimed to develop an improved method with which to properly measure Cdc25B activity using a novel nonradioisotopic assay and Cdc25B overexpression cell lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A nonradioisotopic Cdk1 kinase assay, based on Western blotting for retinoblastoma protein and histone H1, was used to analyze Cdc25B activity. Also, stable Cdc25B2 and Cdc25B3 overexpression HeLa cell lines were constructed using the tetracycline-regulated expression system and were applied as a tool for screening for inhibitors of Cdc25B. RESULTS: The present study developed and optimized a nonradioisotopic assay method to properly measure Cdc25B activity. Furthermore, we constructed stable Cdc25B2 and Cdc25B3 overexpression HeLa cell lines for the establishment of a strong assay system with which to evaluate the specificity of Cdc25B inhibitors under conditions similar to the intracellular environment. These methods were confirmed as useful tools for measuring Cdc25B activity. CONCLUSION: The nonradioisotopic Cdk1 kinase assay and Cdc25B overexpression cell lines developed in this study can be conveniently used as tools for screening inhibitors of Cdc25B phosphatase as anticancer drugs.

microRNA-3129 promotes cell proliferation in gastric cancer cell line SGC7901 via positive regulation of pRb

Several microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported as oncogenes or tumor suppressors in many cancers, including gastric cancer (GC). However, the role and molecular mechanism of miR-3129 in GC is largely unknown. We aimed to explore the function and the underlying molecular mechanism of miR-3129 in GC. Cancer tissues and corresponding adjacent tissues were collected from 50 patients with GC, and the expression of miR-3129 was detected by RT-qPCR. The expression of miR-3129 and pRb in human GC cell line SCG7091 was altered by transient transfection. Thereafter, MTT and flow cytometry assays were used to analyze cell viability and cell cycle. The expression of cyclin E, CDK2, CDK2 inhibitors (p16 and 21), and pRb were detected by RT-qPCR and western blot. A significant up-regulation of miR-3129 was observed in GC tissues compared to adjacent tissues. Overexpression of miR-3129 significantly improved cell viability after 4 days of post-transfection. Flow cytometry assay results showed that the miR-3129 overexpression arrested more SGC7901 cells at S phase. Moreover, overexpression of miR-3129 down-regulated the expression of CDK2 inhibitors while it up-regulated the expression levels of cyclin E, CDK2, and pRb. Interestingly, we found that pRb inhibition reversed the effect of miR-3129 inhibitor on cell proliferation in SGC7901 cells, increased cell viability, reduced cells at G0/1 phase, and modulated the expression of proliferation-related factors. Our results revealed that miR-3129 functioned as an oncogene through positive regulation of pRb and may prove to be a promising option for molecular therapy of GC.

Mammary-Type Myofibroblastoma: A Report of Two Cases

Mammary-type myofibroblastoma (MFB) is a rare, benign spindle cell neoplasm occurring along the milkline, with extension from the mid-axilla to the medial groin. It is histologically and immunohistochemically identical to MFB of the breast and is part of a spectrum of lesions that includes spindle cell lipoma and cellular angiofibroma. Recently, we experienced two cases of mammary-type MFB involving male patients aged 30 and 58 years, respectively. The tumors were located in the right scrotal sac and in the right axilla. Wide excisions were performed. Microscopically, the masses were composed of haphazardly arranged, variably sized fascicles of bland spindle cells and were admixed with mature fat tissue. The spindle cells in both cases showed immunopositivity for desmin and CD34 and negativity for smooth muscle actin. Loss of retinoblastoma (RB)/13q14 loci is a characteristic genetic alteration of mammary-type MFB, and we identified loss of RB protein expression by immunohistochemical staining. We emphasize the importance of awareness of this rare neoplasm when a spindle cell neoplasm is accompanied by desmin immunopositivity. The second patient was alive without recurrence for 20 months, and the first patient had not been followed.

Estrogen-related receptor γ is upregulated in liver cancer and its inhibition suppresses liver cancer cell proliferation via induction of p21 and p27

Orphan nuclear receptor estrogen-related receptor γ (ERRγ) regulates cell growth and tumorigenesis in various cancers. However, the clinical relevance of ERRγ to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. Here we examined the clinical significance of ERRγ in HCC and its potential as a therapeutic target. ERRγ levels in tissues from completely resected specimens from 190 HCC patients were examined immunohistochemically and their association with clinical stage and pathological grade was analyzed. Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of ERRγ (siRNA-ERRγ) or an ERRγ inverse agonist, GSK5182, were also used to examine the effects of ERRγ inhibition on the proliferation and growth of a human hepatoma cell line, PLC/PRF/5. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that tumor tissues showed higher levels of ERRγ-positivity than adjacent non-tumor lesions. Tumors showing high levels of ERRγ immunoreactivity also had advanced tumor node metastasis (TNM) and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stages and a higher Edmondson–Steiner grade. In addition, high-level expression of ERRγ in tumors of advanced TNM stage correlated with poorer overall survival. Treatment of PLC/PRF/5 cells with siRNA-ERRγ or GSK5182 inhibited proliferation through G1 arrest, increased expression of p21 and p27 and decreased expression of phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein. GSK5182-induced reactive oxygen species also suppressed the proliferation of PLC/PRF/5 cells. The present study showed that ERRγ expression is clinically significant in HCC; therefore, it can be considered a biomarker for HCC diagnosis. Moreover, the results provide a rationale for the use of ERRγ inhibitors such as GSK5182 as potential therapeutic agents.

Uncommon RB1 somatic mutations in a unilateral retinoblastoma patient

Retinoblastoma (RB) is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in children. Somatic inactivation of both alleles of the RB1 tumor suppressor gene in a developing retina is a crucial event in the initiation of tumorigenesis in most cases of isolated unilateral retinoblastoma. We analyzed the DNA from tumor tissue and peripheral blood of a unilateral retinoblastoma patient to determine the RB1 mutation status and to provide an accurate genetic counseling. A comprehensive approach, based on our previous experience, was used to identify the causative RB1 mutations. Screening for RB1 mutations was performed by PCR direct sequencing, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and Real Time-PCR analyses. Three different mutations were identified in the tumor DNA, which were absent in blood DNA. The somatic origin of these mutations was vital to rule out the heritable condition in this patient.

El retinoblastoma (RB) es el cáncer ocular más común de la niñez. La inactivación somática de ambos alelos del gen supresor de tumores RB1 en la retina en desarrollo es un evento crucial en la iniciación de la tumorigénesis en la mayoría de los casos de retinoblastoma unilateral. Nosotros analizamos el ADN de tumor y de sangre periférica de un paciente con retinoblastoma unilateral para identificar las mutaciones y así proveer un asesoramiento genético a la familia. Para ello utilizamos un protocolo basado en nuestra previa experiencia para identificar todas las mutaciones en el gen RB1 que causaron el RB. El rastreo de mutaciones se realizó por medio de los siguientes análisis: PCR-secuenciación, amplificación multiplex de sondas ligadas (MLPA) y PCR-Tiempo Real. Se encontraron tres mutaciones diferentes en el ADN del tumor, las cuales estaban ausentes en el ADN de la sangre. El origen somático de estas mutaciones es importante para indicar que la enfermedad no es hereditaria.

Murrayafoline A Induces a G0/G1-Phase Arrest in Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-Stimulated Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

The increased potential for vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) growth is a key abnormality in the development of atherosclerosis and post-angioplasty restenosis. Abnormally high activity of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is believed to play a central role in the etiology of these pathophysiological situations. Here, we investigated the anti-proliferative effects and possible mechanism(s) of murrayafoline A, a carbazole alkaloid isolated from Glycosmis stenocarpa Guillamin (Rutaceae), on PDGF-BB-stimulated VSMCs. Murrayafoline A inhibited the PDGF-BB-stimulated proliferation of VSMCs in a concentration-dependent manner, as measured using a non-radioactive colorimetric WST-1 assay and direct cell counting. Furthermore, murrayafoline A suppressed the PDGF-BB-stimulated progression through G0/G1 to S phase of the cell cycle, as measured by [3H]-thymidine incorporation assay and cell cycle progression analysis. This anti-proliferative action of murrayafoline A, arresting cell cycle progression at G0/G1 phase in PDGF-BB-stimulated VSMCs, was mediated via down-regulation of the expression of cyclin D1, cyclin E, cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)2, CDK4, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and the phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein (pRb). These results indicate that murrayafoline A may be useful in preventing the progression of vascular complications such as restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and atherosclerosis.

Correlação entre aspectos clínicos e marcadores biológicos no processo de fotocarcinogênese de lábio / Relationship between clinical aspects and biological markers during lip photocarcinogenesis process

A queilite actínica (QA) é uma lesão potencialmente maligna importante para identificar indícios precoces de transformação maligna para o carcinoma epidermoide de lábio (CEL), possibilitando a implementação de um tratamento eficiente e menos invasivo, que promova um melhor prognóstico para os pacientes. Pesquisas recentes indicam que os métodos histopatológicos geralmente são falhos em traçar o risco de malignização de casos de QA, pois além de não demonstrar as alterações genéticas presentes nos queratinócitos, não foram realizados estudos de acompanhamento clínico para avaliar se o grau de displaia epitelial da QA está relacionado ao risco de malignização para CE. Assim, a presente pesquisa teve como objetivo caracterizar, a partir dos casos atendidos no Serviço de Patologia Cirúrgica da FOUSP, qual a diferença de perfil clínico-patológico de pacientes de QA com evolução para CEL, pacientes de QA sem informações e sinais presentes de malignização e pacientes apenas diagnosticados com CEL, e também visou analisar a expressão de Ki67 e pRb nesses três grupos. Para isso, os dados dos pacientes como idade, sexo, cor da pele, aspecto clínico da lesão fundamental, coloração, tamanho e tempo de duração das lesões foram resgatados de 998 casos e distribuídos nessas três categorias. Os resultados da análise clínico-epidemiológica revelaram que o único aspecto clínico estatisticamente significante para diferenciar pacientes apenas diagnosticados com CEL dos demais

grupos foi o tempo de duração das lesões. A análise do grau de displasia epitelial nos casos de QA na amostra presente revelou que todos os pacientes de QA posteriormente diagnosticados com CEL foram classificados como lesões de alto risco, e ainda exibiram em maior frequência as atipias: aumento do número de figuras de mitose, variação anormal do tamanho do núcleo, variação anormal do tamanho da célula e alteração da relação núcleo/citoplasma, figuras de mitose anormais e aumento do número e tamanho de nucléolos. Tanto a expressão da proteína Ki-67 como da proteína pRb não demonstraram significância estatística na comparação entre os grupos do estudo. Assim, a avaliação de uma ampla série de casos revelou diferença significante no tempo de duração do CEL com relação à QA. Além disso, algumas alterações morfológicas foram observadas com maior frequência em casos de QA com evolução para CEL. No entanto, outros marcadores biológicos devem ser testados em conjunto, para tentar diagnosticar alterações precoces que levem ao desenvolvimento de CEL.

Actinic cheilitis (AC) is a potentially malignant lesion important to identify early signs of malignant transformation into lip squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC), enabling the implementation of an efficient and less invasive treatment to patients. Recent researches pointed that histopatological methods often fail to trace malignization risk in AC cases, because they are unable to identify genetic damage in keratinocytes and do not exist a clinical follow-up studie to assess if the grading of epithelial dysplasia in AC is related with the malignancy risk to LSCC development. Thus, this research aims to characterize, from cases of Surgical Pathology Service of Universidade de São Paulo, the differences in clinical and pathological profile among AC patients which had evolution to LSCC, AC patients without signs and information about malignization and patients diagnosed only with LSCC. This study also analyzed the expression of Ki-67 and pRb proteins in these three groups. To conduct this study, data as age, gender, race, fundamental lesion aspect, color, size and duration time of the lesion were collected from 998 patients. The clinical-epidemiological analysis revealed that duration time of the lesion was the statistically significant clinical feature to differentiate patients diagnosed only with LSCC from other groups. The grading of epithelial dysplasia analysis showed that all AC patients with

a posterior diagnosis of LSCC were classified as high risk lesions and these cases also exhibited most frequently atypia figures as: increased number of mitotic features, abnormal variation in nuclear size, abnormal variation in cellular size, increased nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio, abnormal mitotic features and increased number and size of nucleoli. The immunohistochemical expression of both Ki-67 and pRb protein demonstrated lack of significant statistical difference among the groups. We concluded that the evaluation of a large serie of cases revealed differences in duration time of lesion in patiens only diagnoses with LSCC and some morphological criteria were most frequent in AC cases with a posterior diagnosis of LSCC. However, other biological markers must be tested together, to try to identify early steps of LSCC development.

Correlação entre aspectos clínicos e marcadores biológicos no processo de fotocarcinogênese de lábio / Relationship between clinical aspects and biological markers during lip photocarcinogenesis process

A queilite actínica (QA) é uma lesão potencialmente maligna importante para identificar indícios precoces de transformação maligna para o carcinoma epidermoide de lábio (CEL), possibilitando a implementação de um tratamento eficiente e menos invasivo, que promova um melhor prognóstico para os pacientes. Pesquisas recentes indicam que os métodos histopatológicos geralmente são falhos em traçar o risco de malignização de casos de QA, pois além de não demonstrar as alterações genéticas presentes nos queratinócitos, não foram realizados estudos de acompanhamento clínico para avaliar se o grau de displaia epitelial da QA está relacionado ao risco de malignização para CE. Assim, a presente pesquisa teve como objetivo caracterizar, a partir dos casos atendidos no Serviço de Patologia Cirúrgica da FOUSP, qual a diferença de perfil clínico-patológico de pacientes de QA com evolução para CEL, pacientes de QA sem informações e sinais presentes de malignização e pacientes apenas diagnosticados com CEL, e também visou analisar a expressão de Ki67 e pRb nesses três grupos. Para isso, os dados dos pacientes como idade, sexo, cor da pele, aspecto clínico da lesão fundamental, coloração, tamanho e tempo de duração das lesões foram resgatados de 998 casos e distribuídos nessas três categorias. Os resultados da análise clínico-epidemiológica revelaram que o único aspecto clínico estatisticamente significante para diferenciar pacientes apenas diagnosticados com CEL dos demais grupos foi o tempo de duração das lesões. A análise do grau de displasia epitelial nos casos de QA na amostra presente revelou que todos os pacientes de QA posteriormente diagnosticados com CEL foram classificados como lesões de alto risco, e ainda exibiram em maior frequência as atipias: aumento do número de figuras de mitose, variação anormal do tamanho do núcleo, variação anormal do tamanho da célula e alteração da relação núcleo/citoplasma, figuras de mitose anormais e aumento do número e tamanho de nucléolos. Tanto a expressão da proteína Ki-67 como da proteína pRb não demonstraram significância estatística na comparação entre os grupos do estudo. Assim, a avaliação de uma ampla série de casos revelou diferença significante no tempo de duração do CEL com relação à QA. Além disso, algumas alterações morfológicas foram observadas com maior frequência em casos de QA com evolução para CEL. No entanto, outros marcadores biológicos devem ser testados em conjunto, para tentar diagnosticar alterações precoces que levem ao desenvolvimento de CEL.

Actinic cheilitis (AC) is a potentially malignant lesion important to identify early signs of malignant transformation into lip squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC), enabling the implementation of an efficient and less invasive treatment to patients. Recent researches pointed that histopatological methods often fail to trace malignization risk in AC cases, because they are unable to identify genetic damage in keratinocytes and do not exist a clinical follow-up studie to assess if the grading of epithelial dysplasia in AC is related with the malignancy risk to LSCC development. Thus, this research aims to characterize, from cases of Surgical Pathology Service of Universidade de São Paulo, the differences in clinical and pathological profile among AC patients which had evolution to LSCC, AC patients without signs and information about malignization and patients diagnosed only with LSCC. This study also analyzed the expression of Ki-67 and pRb proteins in these three groups. To conduct this study, data as age, gender, race, fundamental lesion aspect, color, size and duration time of the lesion were collected from 998 patients. The clinical-epidemiological analysis revealed that duration time of the lesion was the statistically significant clinical feature to differentiate patients diagnosed only with LSCC from other groups. The grading of epithelial dysplasia analysis showed that all AC patients with a posterior diagnosis of LSCC were classified as high risk lesions and these cases also exhibited most frequently atypia figures as: increased number of mitotic features, abnormal variation in nuclear size, abnormal variation in cellular size, increased nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio, abnormal mitotic features and increased number and size of nucleoli. The immunohistochemical expression of both Ki-67 and pRb protein demonstrated lack of significant statistical difference among the groups. We concluded that the evaluation of a large serie of cases revealed differences in duration time of lesion in patiens only diagnoses with LSCC and some morphological criteria were most frequent in AC cases with a posterior diagnosis of LSCC. However, other biological markers must be tested together, to try to identify early steps of LSCC development.

Clinical Relevance of High-Resolution Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Array in Patients with Relapsed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia with Normal Karyotype: A Report of Three Cases

We report three patients with normal karyotype (NK) ALL, who showed genetic aberrations as determined by high-resolution single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP-A) analysis at both diagnosis and relapse. We evaluated the clinical relevance of the SNP-A assay for the detection of subtle changes in the size of affected genetic lesions at relapse as well as the prognostic value of the assay. In our patients, application of the SNP-A assay enabled sensitive detection of cryptic changes affecting clinically important genes in NK ALL. Therefore, this assay seems to be more advantageous compared to other conventional methods such as FISH assay, HemaVision (DNA Technology, Denmark), and conventional karyotyping for the detection of an "unstable genotype" at relapse, which may be associated with microscopic clonal evolution and poor prognosis. Further comprehensive studies are required to confirm the issues presented by our case patients in this report.

Maltrato institucional hacia el adulto mayor: percepciones del prestador de servicios de salud y de los ancianos / Institutional abuse toward the elderly: Perceptions of health care providers and older adults

Objetivo. Analizar la percepción que el prestador de servicios de salud y el adulto mayor (AM) tienen sobre el maltrato al AM en los servicios públicos de salud, en ciudades seleccionadas de México. Material y métodos. De 2009 a 2012 se realizó un estudio con diseño cualitativo y estrategia de triangulación de fuentes de datos; se efectuaron entrevistas semiestructuradas a 13 prestadores y a 12 ancianos para recuperar su experiencia en el tema. El análisis utilizó procedimientos de la Teoría Fundamentada. Resultados. El maltrato contra el AM es una práctica naturalizada por el personal y por el anciano, la cual se manifiesta de formas diversas. Conclusiones. La institucionalización, profesionalización histórica y falta de conciencia sobre las necesidades de los AM demandan cambios de planeación, organización y supervisión del Sistema de Salud. El personal requiere intervenciones de formación, capacitación y cambio de actitudes/comportamiento, para otorgar atención integral, digna, humana y de respeto a los Derechos Humanos de los AM.

Objective. To analyze the health care providers (HCP) and elderly patients' perceptions about abuse of the elderly by health personnel of public health services, in selected cities in Mexico. Materials and methods. A qualitative study and a strategy of data triangulation were performed during 2009 and 2012; 13 HCPs and 12 elders were interviewed, in order to obtain their experience regarding elder abuse. Grounded Theory proceedings were used for the analysis. Results. Elder abuse is a naturalized practice, from HCP and elderly people's point of view; these perceptions are showed in different ways. Conclusion. Institutionalization, historical professionalization and lack of consciousness about needs of the elderly (sociocultural and economic), require changes in planning, organization and monitoring process in the Health System; training and educational interventions on staff and exchange attitudes and behavior are necessary in order to offer a health care that is comprehensive, decent, human and with respect for the human rights.

Experimental study on aging effect of Angelica sinensis polysaccharides combined with cytarabine on human leukemia KG1alpha cell lines / 中国中药杂志

The latest findings of our laboratory showed that Angelica sinensis polysaccharide (ASP) showed a definite effect in regulating the aging of hematopoietic stem cells. Leukemia is a type of malignant hematopoietic tumor in hematopoietic stem cells. There have been no relevant reports about ASP's effect in regulating the aging of leukemia cells. In this study, human acute myeloid leukemia (AML) KG1alpha cell lines in logarithmic growth phase were taken as the study object, and were divided into the ASP group, the cytarabine (Ara-C) group, the ASP + Ara-C group and the control group. The groups were respectively treated with different concentration of ASP, Ara-C and ASP + Ara-C for different periods, with the aim to study the effect of ASP combined with Ara-C in regulating the aging of human acute myeloid leukemia KG1alpha cell lines and its relevant mechanism. The results showed that ASP, Ara-C and ASP + Ara-C could obviously inhibit KG1alpha cell proliferation in vitro, block the cells in G0/G1 phase. The cells showed the aging morphological feature. The percentage of positive stained aging cells was dramatically increased, and could significantly up-regulate the expression of aging-related proteins P16 and RB, which were more obvious in the ASP + Ara-C group. In conclusion, the aging mechanism of KG1alpha cell induced by ASP and Ara-C may be related to the regulation of the expression of aging-related proteins, suggesting that the combined administration of ASP and anticancer drugs plays a better role in the treatment of leukemia .

The role of micro RNAs let7c, 100 and 218 expression and their target RAS, C-MYC, BUB1, RB, SMARCA5, LAMB3 and Ki-67 in prostate cancer

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to verify the expression of proteins that are controlled by miR-let7c, 100 and 218 using immunohistochemistry in tissue microarray representative of localized and metastasized the lymph nodes and bone prostate cancer. METHODS: To verify the expression of proteins that are controlled by miR-let7c (C-MYC, BUB1, RAS) 100 (SMARCA5, RB) and 218 (LAMB3) and cell proliferation (Ki-67) we used immunohistochemistry and computerized image system ImageJ MacBiophotonics in three tissue microarrays representative of localized prostate cancer and lymph node and bone metastases. miRNA expression was evaluated by qRT-PCR using 60 paraffin blocks to construct the tissue microarray representative of localized disease. RESULTS: RAS expression was increased in localized prostate cancer and bone metastases compared to the lymph nodes (p=0.017). RB showed an increase in expression from localized prostate cancer to lymph node and bone metastasis (p=0.036). LAMB3 was highly expressed in localized and lymph node metastases (p<0.001). Cell proliferation evaluated by Ki-67 showed an increase from localized prostate cancer to metastases (p<0.001). We did not found any relationship between C-MYC (p=0.253), BUB1 (p=0.649) and SMARCA5 (p=0.315) protein expression with prognosis or tumor behavior. CONCLUSION: We found that the expression of RAS, RB, LAMB3 and Ki-67 changed in the different stages of prostate cancer. Furthermore, we confirmed the overexpression of the miRNAs let7c, 100 and 218 in localized prostate cancer but failed to show the control of protein expression by the putative controller miRNAs using immunohistochemistry. .

Cytogenetic and molecular aberrations of multiple myeloma patients: a single-center study in Singapore / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Much is known about the cytogenetic lesions that characterize multiple myeloma (MM) patients from the USA, Europe, and East Asia. However, little has been published about the disease among Southeast Asians. The aim of this study was to determine the chromosomal abnormalities of MM patients in our Singapore population.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty-five newly-diagnosed, morphologically confirmed patients comprising 18 males and 27 females, aged 46 - 84 years (median 65 years) were investigated by karyotyping and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). FISH employing standard panel probes and 1p36/1q21 and 6q21/15q22 probes was performed on diagnostic bone marrow samples.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Thirty-four cases (75.6%) had karyotypic abnormalities. Including FISH, a total detection rate of 91.1% was attained. Numerical and complex structural aberrations were common to both hyperdiploid and non-hyperdiploid patients. Numerical gains of several recurring chromosomes were frequent among hyperdiploid patients while structural rearrangements of several chromosomes including 8q24.1 and 14q32 characterized non-hyperdiploid patients. With FISH, immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH) gene rearrangements, especially fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3)/IGH and RB1 deletion/monosomy 13 were the most common abnormalities (43.4%). Amplification 1q21 was 10 times more frequent (42.5%) than del(1p36) and del(6q21).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>We have successfully reported the comprehensive cytogenetic profiling of a cohort of newly-diagnosed myeloma patients in our population. This study indicates that the genetic and cytogenetic abnormalities, and their frequencies, in our study group are generally similar to other populations.</p>

Characteristics of RB1 gene mutations in Chinese patients with retinoblastoma / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the characteristics of RB1 gene mutations in Chinese patients with retinoblastoma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Peripheral blood samples of 35 patients with retinoblastoma were collected and genomic DNA was extracted. Multiplex PCR sequencing was carried out to identify RB1 gene mutations. Parents of 6 probands with RB1 mutations were also enrolled to identify the origins of mutations.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Fourteen patients were found to have carried germline mutations, among whom 11 had bilateral tumors and 3 had unilateral tumors. Sixteen germline mutations were identified, among which 13 were pathological, which included 5 nonsense mutations (c.1072C > T, c.1333C > T, c.1363C > T, c.1399C > T, c.2501C > A), 4 missense mutations (c.920C > T, c.1346G > A, c.1468G > A, c.1861C > A), 2 frameshift mutations (c.1947delG, c.2403delA) and 2 large fragment deletions (c.139_168 del30, exon 8 deletion). Three were non-pathological mutations, including 2 intronic mutations (c.540-23 dupT, c.2664-10T > A) and 1 silent mutation (c.2192T > A). One carrier was identified among the 6 parents of children carrying a RB1 mutation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Screening for RB1 gene mutations in patients with bilateral or unilateral retinoblastoma can help to identify heritable mutations and provide important clues for genetic counseling and clinical management.</p>

A Rare Case of Transformation of Childhood Myelodysplastic Syndrome to Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Transformation of MDS into ALL during childhood is extremely rare. We report a rare case of an 8-yr-old girl who presented with refractory cytopenia of childhood (RCC) that transformed into ALL only 3 months after the diagnosis of childhood MDS. Although no cytogenetic abnormalities were observed in conventional karyotype and FISH analysis, we found several deletions on chromosomes 5q, 12q, 13q, and 22q. Partial homozygous deletion of the RB1 gene was observed on microarray analysis, with the bone marrow specimen diagnosed as ALL. This is the first case report of transformation of ALL from childhood MDS in Korea. We also compared the clinical, cytological, and cytogenetic features of 4 previously reported childhood MDS cases that transformed into ALL.

Cilostazol inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in rat vascular smooth muscle cells through Rb-p53-p21 pathways / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effects and related mechanisms of cilostazol on rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs)proliferation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>VSMCs were treated with DMEM (control) and various doses of cilostazol (1.0×10(-7), 2.5×10(-7), 5.0×10(-7), 7.5×10(-7) and 1.0×10(-6) mol/L) for 13 d (cell counting) or 72 h. Proliferation of VSMCs was investigated by cell-counting, MTT and flow cytometry analysis. Cell apoptosis was determined by TUNEL staining. mRNA and protein expressions of cell cycle regulatory proteins, such as Rb, p53 and p21 were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Cilostazol inhibited VSMCs proliferation and induced VSMCs arrest at G1 phase in a dose-dependent manner. High dose of cilostazol (7.5×10(-7) and 1.0×10(-6) mol/L) induced VSMCs apoptosis. p53 mRNA expression in 2.5×10(-7) mol/L to 7.5×10(-7) mol/L groups as well as 1.0×10(-6) mol/L group (3.22 ± 0.45 vs. 1.75 ± 0.32) and p53 protein expression in 7.5×10(-7) mol/L group and 1.0×10(-6) mol/L group (0.53 ± 0.11 vs. 0.18 ± 0.06) were significantly upregulated after 72 h culture (all P < 0.05 vs. control). Low dose of cilostazol (1.0×10(-7), 2.5×10(-7) and 5.0×10(-7) mol/L) significantly upregulated p21 mRNA expression compared to control group (1.86 ± 0.19, 2.20 ± 0.24 and 2.10 ± 0.18 vs. 1.210 ± 0.18, all P < 0.05). Similarly, Rb mRNA expression was significantly upregulated in 1.0×10(-7), 2.5×10(-7) and 5.0×10(-7) mol/L groups (0.89 ± 0.07 vs. 0.38 ± 0.04)compared with control group (all P < 0.05). However, high dose cilostazol (7.5×10(-7) and 1.0×10(-6) mol/L) significantly downregulated p21 mRNA expression (0.81 ± 0.09 vs. 1.21 ± 0.18, 0.36 ± 0.10 vs. 1.21 ± 0.18, all P < 0.05 vs. control) and Rb mRNA expression (0.12 ± 0.02 and 0.11 ± 0.02 vs. 0.38 ± 0.04, all P < 0.05 vs. control). p21 and Rb protein expressions also upregulated at low concentrations of cilostazol and downregulated at high concentrations of cilostazol.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Cilostazol could inhibit the proliferation of rat VSMCs through modulating Rb-p53-p21 pathway and induce VSMCs apoptosis through upregulating p53.</p>

Gamma-tocotrienol modulation of senescence-associated gene expression prevents cellular aging in human diploid fibroblasts

OBJECTIVE: Human diploid fibroblasts undergo a limited number of cellular divisions in culture and progressively reach a state of irreversible growth arrest, a process termed cellular aging. The beneficial effects of vitamin E in aging have been established, but studies to determine the mechanisms of these effects are ongoing. This study determined the molecular mechanism of γ-tocotrienol, a vitamin E homolog, in the prevention of cellular aging in human diploid fibroblasts using the expression of senescence-associated genes. METHODS: Primary cultures of young, pre-senescent, and senescent fibroblast cells were incubated with γ-tocotrienol for 24 h. The expression levels of ELN, COL1A1, MMP1, CCND1, RB1, and IL6 genes were determined using the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Cell cycle profiles were determined using a FACSCalibur Flow Cytometer. RESULTS: The cell cycle was arrested in the G0/G1 phase, and the percentage of cells in S phase decreased with senescence. CCND1, RB1, MMP1, and IL6 were upregulated in senescent fibroblasts. A similar upregulation was not observed in young cells. Incubation with γ-tocotrienol decreased CCND1 and RB1 expression in senescent fibroblasts, decreased cell populations in the G0/G1 phase and increased cell populations in the G2/M phase. γ-Tocotrienol treatment also upregulated ELN and COL1A1 and downregulated MMP1 and IL6 expression in young and senescent fibroblasts. CONCLUSION: γ-Tocotrienol prevented cellular aging in human diploid fibroblasts, which was indicated by the modulation of the cell cycle profile and senescence-associated gene expression.