RAD-sequencing improves the genetic characterization of a threatened tree peony (Paeonia ludlowii) endemic to China: Implications for conservation.

Compared with traditional genetic markers, genomic approaches have proved valuable to the conservation of endangered species. Paeonia ludlowii having rarely and pure yellow flowers, is one of the world's most famous tree peonies. However, only several wild populations remain in the Yarlung Zangbo Valley (Nyingchi and Shannan regions, Xizang) in China due to increasing anthropogenic impact on the natural habitats. We used genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms to elucidate the spatial pattern of genetic variation, population structure and demographic history of P. ludlowii from the fragmented region comprising the entire range of this species, aiming to provide a basis for conserving the genetic resources of this species. Unlike genetic uniformity among populations revealed in previous studies, we found low but varied levels of intra-population genetic diversity, in which lower genetic diversity was detected in the population in Shannan region compared to those in Nyingzhi region. These spatial patterns may be likely associated with different population sizes caused by micro-environment differences in these two regions. Additionally, low genetic differentiation among populations (Fst = 0.0037) were detected at the species level. This line of evidence, combined with the result of significant genetic differentiation between the two closest populations and lack of isolation by distance, suggested that shared ancestry among now remnant populations rather than contemporary genetic connectivity resulted in subtle population structure. Demographic inference suggested that P. ludlowii probably experienced a temporal history of sharp population decline during the period of Last Glacial Maximum, and a subsequent bottleneck event resulting from prehistoric human activities on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. All these events, together with current habitat fragment and excavation might contribute to the endangered status of P. ludlowii. Our study improved the genetic characterization of the endangered tree peony (P. ludlowii) in China, and these genetic inferences should be considered when making different in situ and ex situ conservation actions for P. ludlowii in this evolutionary hotspot region.

Characteristics of plastid genomes in the genus Ceratostigma inhabiting arid habitats in China and their phylogenomic implications.

BACKGROUND: Ceratostigma, a genus in the Plumbaginaceae, is an ecologically dominant group of shrubs, subshrub and herb mainly distributed in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and North China. Ceratostigma has been the focal group in several studies, owing to their importance in economic and ecological value and unique breeding styles. Despite this, the genome information is limited and interspecific relationships within the genus Cerotastigma remains unexplored. Here we sequenced, assembled and characterized the 14 plastomes of five species, and conducted phylogenetic analyses of Cerotastigma using plastomes and nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) data. RESULTS: Fourteen Cerotastigma plastomes possess typical quadripartite structures with lengths from 164,076 to 168,355 bp that consist of a large single copy, a small single copy and a pair of inverted repeats, and contain 127-128 genes, including 82-83 protein coding genes, 37 transfer RNAs and eight ribosomal RNAs. All plastomes are highly conservative and similar in gene order, simple sequence repeats (SSRs), long repeat repeats and codon usage patterns, but some structural variations in the border of single copy and inverted repeats. Mutation hotspots in coding (Pi values > 0.01: matK, ycf3, rps11, rps3, rpl22 and ndhF) and non-coding regions (Pi values > 0.02: trnH-psbA, rps16-trnQ, ndhF-rpl32 and rpl32-trnL) were identified among plastid genomes that could be served as potential molecular markers for species delimitation and genetic variation studies in Cerotastigma. Gene selective pressure analysis showed that most protein-coding genes have been under purifying selection except two genes. Phylogenetic analyses based on whole plastomes and nrDNA strongly support that the five species formed a monophyletic clade. Moreover, interspecific delimitation was well resolved except C. minus, individuals of which clustered into two main clades corresponding to their geographic distributions. The topology inferred from the nrDNA dataset was not congruent with the tree derived from the analyses of the plastid dataset. CONCLUSION: These findings represent the first important step in elucidating plastome evolution in this widespread distribution genus Cerotastigma in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The detailed information could provide a valuable resource for understanding the molecular dynamics and phylogenetic relationship in the family Plumbaginaceae. Lineage genetic divergence within C. minus was perhaps promoted by geographic barriers in the Himalaya and Hengduan Mountains region, but introgression or hybridization could not be completely excluded.

Sequential treatment of severe pneumonia with respiratory failure and its influence on respiratory mechanical parameters and hemodynamics.

BACKGROUND: The pathophysiological characteristics of severe pneumonia complicated by respiratory failure comprise pulmonary parenchymal changes leading to ventilation imbalance, alveolar capillary injury, pulmonary edema, refractory hypoxemia, and reduced lung compliance. Prolonged hypoxia can cause acid-base balance disorder, peripheral circulatory failure, blood-pressure reduction, arrhythmia, and other adverse consequences. AIM: To investigate sequential mechanical ventilation's effect on severe pneumonia complicated by respiratory failure. METHODS: We selected 108 patients with severe pneumonia complicated by respiratory failure who underwent mechanical ventilation between January 2018 and September 2020 at the Luhe Hospital's Intensive Care Unit and divided them into sequential and regular groups according to a randomized trial, with each group comprising 54 patients. The sequential group received invasive and non-invasive sequential mechanical ventilation, whereas the regular group received invasive mechanical ventilation. Blood-gas parameters, hemodynamic parameters, respiratory mechanical parameters, inflammatory factors, and treatment outcomes were compared between the two groups before and after mechanical-ventilation treatment. RESULTS: The arterial oxygen partial pressure and stroke volume variation values of the sequential group at 24, 48, and 72 h of treatment were higher than those of the conventional group (P < 0.05). The carbon dioxide partial pressure value of the sequential group at 72 h of treatment and the Raw value of the treatment group at 24 and 48 h were lower than those of the conventional group (P < 0.05). The pH value of the sequential group at 24 and 72 h of treatment, the central venous pressure value of the treatment at 24 h, and the Cst value of the treatment at 24 and 48 h were higher than those of the conventional group (P < 0.05). The tidal volume in the sequential group at 24 h of treatment was higher than that in the conventional group (P < 0.05), the measured values of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α in the sequential group at 72 h of treatment were lower than those in the conventional group (P < 0.05), and the total time of mechanical ventilation in the sequential group was shorter than that in the conventional group, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Treating severe pneumonia complicated by respiratory failure with sequential mechanical ventilation is more effective in improving respiratory system compliance, reducing inflammatory response, maintaining hemodynamic stability, and improving patient blood-gas levels; however, from this study's perspective, it cannot reduce patient mortality.

Protective effect of probiotics in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

To investigate the effects of probiotics on liver function, glucose and lipids metabolism, and hepatic fatty deposition in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).Totally 140 NAFLD cases diagnosed in our hospital from March 2017 to March 2019 were randomly divided into the observation group and control group, 70 cases in each. The control group received the diet and exercise therapy, while the observation group received oral probiotics based on the control group, and the intervention in 2 groups lasted for 3 months. The indexes of liver function, glucose and lipids metabolism, NAFLD activity score (NAS), and conditions of fecal flora in 2 groups were compared before and after the treatment.Before the treatment, there were no significant differences on alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), glutamine transferase (GGT), total bilirubin (TBIL), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), NAFLD activity score (NAS), and conditions of fecal flora in 2 groups (P > .05). After the treatment, ALT, AST, GGT, TC, TG, HOMA-IR, NAS, and conditions of fecal flora in the observation group were better than those in the control group, and the observation group was better after treatment than before. All these above differences were statistically significant (P < .05).Probiotics can improve some liver functions, glucose and lipids metabolism, hepatic fatty deposition in patients with NAFLD, which will enhance the therapeutic effects of NAFLD.

Climatic Refugia and Geographical Isolation Contribute to the Speciation and Genetic Divergence in Himalayan-Hengduan Tree Peonies (Paeonia delavayi and Paeonia ludlowii).

Himalaya and Hengduan Mountains (HHM) is a biodiversity hotspot, and very rich in endemic species. Previous phylogeographical studies proposed different hypotheses (vicariance and climate-driven speciation) in explaining diversification and the observed pattern of extant biodiversity, but it is likely that taxa are forming in this area in species-specific ways. Here, we reexplored the phylogenetic relationship and tested the corresponding hypotheses within Paeonia subsect. Delavayanae composed of one widespread species (Paeonia delavayi) and the other geographically confined species (Paeonia ludlowii). We gathered genetic variation data at three chloroplast DNA fragments and one nuclear gene from 335 individuals of 34 populations sampled from HHM. We performed a combination of population genetic summary statistics, isolation-with-migration divergence models, isolation by environment, and demographic history analyses. We found evidence for the current taxonomic treatment that P. ludlowii and P. delavayi are two different species with significant genetic differentiation. The significant isolation by environment was revealed within all sampled populations but genetic distances only explained by geographical distances within P. delavayi populations. The results of population divergence models and demographic history analyses indicated a progenitor-derivative relationship and the Late Quaternary divergence without gene flow between them. The coalescence of all sampled cpDNA haplotypes could date to the Late Miocene, and P. delavayi populations probably underwent a severe bottleneck in population size during the last glacial period. Genetic variation in Paeonia subsect. Delavayanae is associated with geographical and environmental distances. These findings point to the importance of geological and climatic changes as causes of the speciation event and lineage diversification within Paeonia subsect. Delavayanae.

Surveillance of potential transmission factors of schistosomiasis in Xiuzhou District of Jiaxing City from 2013 to 2015 / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To understand the potential risk of schistosomiasis transmission in Xiuzhou District of Jiaxing City, so as to provide the scientific evidence for consolidating schistosomiasis control achievements. Methods Fixed and mobile surveillance sites were set up in Xiuzhou District of Jiaxing City from 2013 to 2015. Oncomelania hupensis snails was surveyed historical snail habitats, current snail habitats, and suspected snail habitats. The schistosome infections were identified using serological and parasitological testing among local residents and mobile populations. In addition, the survival and reproduction of snails imported into Xiuzhou District was observed, and the schistosome infection in wild reservoir hosts was detected. Results A total of 540.14 hm2 of settings were surveyed in Xiuzhou District, Jiaxing City from 2013 to 2015, and 1.65 hm2 of snail habitats were identified. The snail habitats were mainly located in dry lands, and no infected snails or importation of snails were found. During the period from 2013 to 2015, a total of 7 668 local residents and mobile populations were examined in Xiuzhou District, and no new local infections were detected; however, three imported schistosomiasis cases were identified. Field simulation experiment showed that the imported snails laid eggs and reproduced in Xiuzhou District, and no schistosome infections were found in wild animals. Conclusion There are still residual Oncomelania snails and imported schistosomiasis patients in Xiuzhou District of Jiaxing City; therefore, the surveillance and management of local Oncomelania snails and imported schistosomiasis should be intensified to reduce the risk of schistosomiasis transmission.

Surveillance of potential transmission factors of schistosomiasis in Xiuzhou District of Jiaxing City from 2013 to 2015 / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To understand the potential risk of schistosomiasis transmission in Xiuzhou District of Jiaxing City, so as to provide the scientific evidence for consolidating schistosomiasis control achievements. Methods Fixed and mobile surveillance sites were set up in Xiuzhou District of Jiaxing City from 2013 to 2015. Oncomelania hupensis snails was surveyed historical snail habitats, current snail habitats, and suspected snail habitats. The schistosome infections were identified using serological and parasitological testing among local residents and mobile populations. In addition, the survival and reproduction of snails imported into Xiuzhou District was observed, and the schistosome infection in wild reservoir hosts was detected. Results A total of 540.14 hm2 of settings were surveyed in Xiuzhou District, Jiaxing City from 2013 to 2015, and 1.65 hm2 of snail habitats were identified. The snail habitats were mainly located in dry lands, and no infected snails or importation of snails were found. During the period from 2013 to 2015, a total of 7 668 local residents and mobile populations were examined in Xiuzhou District, and no new local infections were detected; however, three imported schistosomiasis cases were identified. Field simulation experiment showed that the imported snails laid eggs and reproduced in Xiuzhou District, and no schistosome infections were found in wild animals. Conclusion There are still residual Oncomelania snails and imported schistosomiasis patients in Xiuzhou District of Jiaxing City; therefore, the surveillance and management of local Oncomelania snails and imported schistosomiasis should be intensified to reduce the risk of schistosomiasis transmission.

Correction: Long non-coding RNA HoxA-AS3 interacts with EZH2 to regulate lineage commitment of mesenchymal stem cells.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11538.].

Population Genetics of the Endangered and Wild Edible Plant Ottelia acuminata in Southwestern China Using Novel SSR Markers.

Ottelia acuminata is an edible aquatic plant species that is endemic to southwestern China. This plant has experienced habitat degradation resulting from environmental change and extensive human disturbance. Determining the genetic variation and genetic structure of O. acuminata populations could help develop strategies to collect, evaluate, utilize and conserve the species. To this end, we genotyped 183 individuals sampled throughout the species distribution using twelve novel nuclear microsatellite loci (nSSRs). Eight of these nSSRs exhibited low average levels of genetic diversity (HE = 0.351, Ho = 0.376) and showed evidence of significant inbreeding across several populations. A high degree of genetic differentiation was identified among populations (FST = 0.457), probably resulting from limited pollen and seed-mediated gene flow. Only 17.8% of variation existed between O. acuminata var. acuminata and other O. acuminata varieties. Bayesian analysis and a UPGMA dendrogram based on Nei's genetic distance also revealed notably low genetic differentiation among the varieties. This low genetic differentiation is possibly attributed to shared ancestral polymorphisms since their divergence. Additional taxonomic and phylogenetic studies with additional molecular markers are needed to determine the population genetic relationship between O. acuminata varieties. Conservation of this species depends on in situ and ex situ actions, such as controlling habitat water pollution and overexploitation and creating a germplasm bank based on the population genetic differences. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first attempt to understand the population genetics of O. acuminata in China using novel nSSR markers developed from transcriptome sequencing and could contribute to the conservation management of this economic plant.

Early diagnosis of acute kidney injury in aged patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

In aged patients, acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common clinical complication after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), highlighting the need for timely and certain diagnosis of this disease. A single centre, nested case-control study was conducted, which assessed the usefulness of urinary liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (uL-FABP), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL), and kidney injury molecule-1 (uKIM-1) for early detection of AKI. One hundred and thirty-two patients at or over 60 years old undergoing PCI were included. Serum creatinine (SCr) was measured before PCI, 24 and 48 h after PCI; uL-FABP, uNGAL, and uKIM-1 were measured before PCI, 6, 24, and 48 h after PCI. We identified 16 AKI patients and selected 32 control patients matched by admission time (<1 week), age (±5 years), and gender. In the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the areas under the curve (AUCs) for the relative measurements of uL-FABP, uNGAL, and uKIM-1 were 0.809, 0.867, and 0.512 at 6 h after PCI, and 0.888, 0.840, and 0.676 at 24 h after PCI, respectively. AUC for the combination of uL-FABP and uNGAL was 0.899 at 6 h after PCI, and 0.917 at 24 h after PCI. Thus, measurement of uL-FABP and uNGAL levels at 6 and 24 h after PCI may be useful in detecting AKI in aged patients. Measurement of uKIM-1 levels provides inferior predictive power for early diagnosis of AKI.

Clinical emergency treatment of 68 critical patients with severe organophosphorus poisoning and prognosis analysis after rescue.

This study reports the clinical emergency treatment of 68 critical patients with severe organophosphorus poisoning, and analyzes the prognosis after rescue.The general data of 68 patients with severe organophosphorus poisoning treated in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were divided into 2 groups: treatment group, and control group. Patients in the control group received routine emergency treatment, while patients in the treatment group additionally received hemoperfusion plus hemodialysis on the basis of routine emergency treatment. The curative effects in these 2 groups and the prognosis after rescue were compared.Compared with the control group, atropinization time, recovery time of cholinesterase activity, recovery time of consciousness, extubation time, and length of hospital stay were shorter (P < .05); the total usage of atropine was significantly lower (P < .05); Glasgow Coma Score was significantly higher (P < .05); acute physiology and chronic health score (APACHE II) was significantly lower (P < .05); and mortality and poisoning rebound rate was significantly lower (P < .05) in the treatment group.Hemoperfusion and hemodialysis on the basis of routine emergency treatment for critical patients with organophosphorus poisoning can improve rescue outcomes and improve the prognosis of patients, which should be popularized.

A bispecific enediyne-energized fusion protein targeting both epidermal growth factor receptor and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor showing enhanced antitumor efficacy against non-small cell lung cancer.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) both overexpressed on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and are known cooperatively to promote tumor progression and drug resistance. This study was to construct a novel bispecific fusion protein EGF-IGF-LDP-AE consisting of EGFR and IGF-IR specific ligands (EGF and IGF-1) and lidamycin, an enediyne antibiotic with potent antitumor activity, and investigate its antitumor efficacy against NSCLC. Binding and internalization assays showed that EGF-IGF-LDP protein could bind to NSCLC cells with high affinity and then internalized into cells with higher efficiency than that of monospecific proteins. In vitro, the enediyne-energized analogue of bispecific fusion protein (EGF-IGF-LDP-AE) displayed extremely potent cytotoxicity to NSCLC cell lines with IC50<10-11 mol/L. Moreover, the bispecific protein EGF-IGF-LDP-AE was more cytotoxic than monospecific proteins (EGF-LDP-AE and LDP-IGF-AE) and lidamycin. In vivo, EGF-IGF-LDP-AE markedly inhibited the growth of A549 xenografts, and the efficacy was more potent than that of lidamycin and monospecific counterparts. EGF-IGF-LDP-AE caused significant cell cycle arrest and it also induced cell apoptosis in a dosage-dependent manner. Pretreatment with EGF-IGF-LDP-AE inhibited EGF-, IGF-stimulated EGFR and IGF-1R phosphorylation, and blocked two main downstream signaling molecules AKT and ERK activation. These data suggested that EGF-LDP-IGF-AE protein would be a promising targeted agent for NSCLC patients with EGFR and/or IGF-1R overexpression.

Jarid2 is essential for the maintenance of tumor initiating cells in bladder cancer.

Bladder cancer is the most common urologic malignancy in China, with an increase of the incidence and mortality rates over past decades. Recent studies suggest that bladder tumors are maintained by a rare fraction of cells with stem cell proprieties. Targeting these bladder tumor initiating cell (TICs) population can overcome the drug-resistance of bladder cancer. However, the molecular and genetic mechanisms regulating TICs in bladder cancer remain poorly defined. Jarid2 is implicated in signaling pathways regulating cancer cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and stem cell maintenance. The goal of our study was to examine whether Jarid2 plays a role in the regulation of TICs in bladder cancer. We found that knockdown of Jarid2 was able to inhibit the invasive ability and sphere-forming capacity in bladder cancer cells. Moreover, knockdown of Jarid2 reduced the proportion of TICs and impaired the tumorigenicity of bladder cancer TICs in vivo. Conversely, ectopic overexpression of Jarid2 promoted the invasive ability and sphere-forming capacity in bladder cancer cells. Mechanistically, reduced Jarid2 expression led to the upregulation of p16 and H3K27me3 level at p16 promoter region. Collectively, we provided evidence that Jarid2 via modulation of p16 is a putative novel therapeutic target for treating malignant bladder cancer.

Long non-coding RNA HoxA-AS3 interacts with EZH2 to regulate lineage commitment of mesenchymal stem cells.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in gene regulation and are involving in diverse cellular processes. However, their roles in reprogramming of gene expression profiles during lineage commitment and maturation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) remain poorly understood. In the current study, we characterize the expression of a lncRNA, HoxA-AS3, during the differentiation of MSCs. We showed that HoxA-AS3 is increased upon adipogenic induction of MSCs, while HoxA-AS3 remains unaltered during osteogenic induction. Silencing of HoxA-AS3 in MSCs resulted in decreased adipogenesis and expression of adipogenic markers, PPARG, CEBPA, FABP4 and ADIPOQ. Conversely, knockdown of HoxA-AS3 expression in MSCs exhibited an enhanced osteogenesis and osteogenic markers expression, including RUNX2, SP7, COL1A1, IBSP, BGLAP and SPP1. Mechanistically, HoxA-AS3 interacts with Enhancer Of Zeste 2 (EZH2) and is required for H3 lysine-27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) of key osteogenic transcription factor Runx2. Our data reveal that HoxA-AS3 acts as an epigenetic switch that determines the lineage specification of MSC.

Diagnosis value of non-enhanced magnetic resonance venography for deep pelvic vein disease / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of non-enhanced magnetic resonance venography (MRV) for deep pelvic vein disease. Methods A total of 50 patients highly suspicious of pelvic and lower extremity vein disease were enrolled in the present study, and they were subjected to lower extremity vascular 2D-TOF MRV(two-dimensional time-of-flight MR venography)examination with the following technical parameter: echo time 5-7 ms, repetition time 35-45 ms, and flip angle 35°-45°. The MRV range included the scanning from low segment of inferior vena cava (IVC) to the popliteal vein (PV); the image quality was scaled into grades, and the results of MRV were compared with those of ultrasound and DSA. Results The images of all 50 patients clearly showed the scanning from low segment of IVC to the PV and its branches, with the diagnostic accuracy reaching 96.0%. The images of 25 patients clearly showed a total of 723 veins, including IVC, common iliac vein (CIV), internal iliac vein, external iliac vein (EIV), common femoral vein, deep femoral vein, superficial femoral vein and PV, with a consistent rate of 96.4%. Thrombosis from inferior segment of IVC to EIV was shown on MRV images of 9 patients, while it could not be clearly and completely manifested by B-ultrasound. Ten patients received DSA simultaneously, and the MRV results of 9 were in accord with those of DSA findings. MRV of one patient with thrombosis at initial segment of CIV was shown normal on DSA. Conclusion MRV for diagnosis of lower extremity vascular lesions has the advantage of non-trauma, greater scanning range, high grade contrast, excellent image delineation and intuitive convincement, making it worth popularizing in clinic.

Comparison of major bioactive components from leaves of Chrysanthemum morifolium / 中国中药杂志

Leaves of Chrysanthemum morifolium were potential medicinal resource. The present study aims to estimate the main bioactive components: total flavonoids (TF), galuteolin (GA), quercitrin (QU), chlorogenic acid (CA) and 3 ,5-O-caffeoylquinic acid ( CQ), which were considered to be the main effective components, in leaves of C. morfolium cultivars in China. The TF content was estimated hy UV-VIS spectrophotometry, while GA, QU, CA, and CQ were quantitatively determined by HPLC. The highest TF content (7. 13% w/w) was found in cultivar Wan Cong (Shexian county). Cultivar Da Bo ( Bozhou county) had the highest GA content (33. 45 mg - g-1); Cultivar Hong Xin (Sheyang county) contained the highest QU content (29.25 mg · g(-1)); Cultivar Chang Ban (Sheyang county) had the highest CA content (13.14 mg ·(-1)). The maximum CQ content (7.35 mg · g(-1)) was observed in culti- r Da Yang ( Tongxiang county). Different cultivars of C. morfolium had significant difference in components, but the leaf and capitulum of C. morifolium. were found to possess similar chemical compositions. The high content of bioactive components in several cultivars suggested the potential utilization of C. morifolium leaves.

Small antibody fusion proteins with complementarity-determining regions and lidamycin for tumor targeting therapy.

Gelatinases are overexpressed in several types of maligancies and tumor stromal cells. Lidamycin is an enediyne antitumor antibiotic, which is composed of an apoprotein (LDP) and an active chromophore (AE). It is known that the heavy-chain complementarity-determining region-3 (CDR3) domain of scFv is important in antibody affinity. The aim of this study was to prepare the enediyne-energized fusion proteins with a heavy-chain CDR3 domain of anti-gelatinases scFv and lidamycin, and to evaluate their antitumor efficiency. Fusion proteins comprising the CDR3 domain and the lidamycin apoprotein were generated, and ELISA, immunofluorescence and FACS were used to analyze the binding of the fusion protein with antigen gelatinases. The purified fusion proteins were assembled with the lidamycin chromophore, and the antitumor effects were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. It was found that the CDR3-LDP and CDR3-LDP-CDR3 fusion proteins demonstrated high affinity towards antigen gelatinases. Following stimulation of CDR3-LDP with enediyne, the results of MTT showed potent cytotoxicity towards tumor cells; the IC50 values of CDR3-LDP-AE to HepG2 and Bel-7402 tumor cells were 1.05×10-11 and 6.6×10-14 M, respectively. In addition, CDR3-LDP-AE displayed a potent antitumor effect in H22 cell xenografts in mice; the combination of CDR3-LDP (10 mg/kg) and CDR3-LDP-AE (0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg) revealed that the tumor inhibitory rates were 85.2 and 92.7%, respectively (P<0.05 compared with CDR3-LDP-AE). In conclusion, these results suggest that the CDR3-LDP fusion protein and its analog CDR3-LDP-AE may both be promising candidates for tumor targeting therapy.

Inhibitory effects of anti-gelatinases scFv and lidamycin fusion protein on proliferation and metastasis of human fibrosarcoma HT-1080 / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the antitumor efficacy of anti-gelatinases dFv-LDP and its enediyne-energized fusion protein dFv-LDP-AE on human fibrosarcoma HT-1080 cancer cells. METHODS: Western blot was used to analyze the expression level of gelatinases in different cancer cell lines. The inhibitory effects of fusion protein dFv-LDP and its enediyne-energized fusion protein dFv-LDP-AE on HT-1080 were determined by MTT assay. The binding capability of fusion protein dFv-LDP with HT-1080 was detected by ELISA and immunofluorescence. FACS was used to analyze the cell cycle arrest by dFv-LDP, dFv-LDP-AE or their combination on HT-1080 cells. The anti-metastasis effects of dFv-LDP, dFv-LDP-AE or their combination on the experimental lung metastasis model established by HT-1080Luc via tail vein injection were also evaluated in this study. RESULTS: Expression level of gelatinases was higher in HT-1080 cells as compared to that of other cancer cell lines. The fusion protein dFv-LDP showed well binding capability with HT-1080 cells as determined by ELISA and immunofluorescence. The enediyne-energized fusion protein dFv-LDP-AE displayed extremely inhibitory effect on proliferation of HT-1080. Results of FACS indicated that the combination of dFv-LDP with dFv-LDP-AE could not further increase the G2/M proportion on cell cycle arrest. However, in vivo experiment as examined using the experimental lung metastasis model established via HT-1080Luc tail veil injection, the metastasis foci in group of fusion protein dFv-LDP (10 mg·g-1) was 55.8% compared to that of control group (P<0.01). The metastasis foci in group of dFv-LDP-AE at dosage of 0.4 and 0.6 mg·g-1 were 41.4% and 25.1% respectively compared to that of dFv-LDP 10 mg·g-1 group (P<0.01). The combination of dFv-LDP (10 mg·g-1) with dFv-LDP-AE (0.4 or 0.6 mg·g-1) showed an additive decrease of metastasis foci number in the lung of athymic mice, which were 20.3% (P<0.05, compared with dFv-LDP-AE at 0.4 mg·g-1) and 13.1% (P<0.05, compared with dFv-LDP-AE at 0.6 mg·g-1) respectively. CONCLUSION: The combination of dFv-LDP with its enediyne-energized fusion protein dFv-LDP-AE would intensify the anti-metastasis effect on experimental lung metastasis model as established via tail vein injection of HT-1080Luc cells.