Apatinib reduces liver cancer cell multidrug resistance by modulating NF-κB signaling pathway

Objectives:This investigation aimed to elucidate the inhibitory impact of apatinib on the multidrug resistance of liver cancer both in vivo and in vitro.Methods:To establish a Hep3B/5-Fu resistant cell line,5-Fu concentrations were gradually increased in the culture media.Hep3B/5-Fu cells drug resistance and its alleviation by apatinib were confirmed via flow cytometry and Cell Counting Kit 8(CCK8)test.Further,Nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)siRNA was transfected into Hep3B/5-Fu cells to assess alterations in the expression of multidrug resistance(MDR)-related genes and proteins.Nude mice were injected with Hep3B/5-Fu cells to establish subcutaneous xenograft tumors and then categorized into 8 treatment groups.The treatments included oxaliplatin,5-Fu,and apatinib.In the tumor tissues,the expression of MDRrelated genes was elucidated via qRT-PCR,immunohistochemistry,and Western blot analyses.Results:The apatinibtreated mice indicated slower tumor growth with smaller size compared to the control group.Both the in vivo and in vitro investigations revealed that the apatinib-treated groups had reduced expression of MDR genes GST-pi,LRP,MDR1,and p-p65.Conclusions:Apatinib effectively suppresses MDR in human hepatic cancer cells by modulating the expression of genes related to MDR,potentially by suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Identification of FDA-Approved Drugs as Modulators of Multidrug Resistance Protein 2 (MRP2/ABCC2) Expression Levels in MRP2-Overexpressing Cells: Preliminary Data

Multidrug Resistance Protein 2 (MRP2) is an ATP-dependent transmembrane protein that plays a pivotal role in the efflux of a wide variety of physiological substrates across the plasma membrane. Several studies have shown that MRP2 can significantly affect the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) profiles of many therapeutic drugs and chemicals found in the environment and diet. This transporter can also efflux newly developed anticancer agents that target specific signaling pathways and are major clinical markers associated with multidrug resistance (MDR) of several types of cancers. MDR remains a major limitation to the advancement of the combinatorial chemotherapy regimen in cancer treatment. In addition to anticancer agents, MRP2 reduces the efficacy of various drug classes such as antivirals, antimalarials, and antibiotics. The unique role of MRP2 and its contribution to MDR makes it essential to profile drug-transporter interactions for all new and promising drugs. Thus, this current research seeks to identify modulators of MRP2 protein expression levels using cell-based assays. A unique recently approved FDA library (372 drugs) was screened using a high-throughput In-Cell ELISA assay to determine the effect of these therapeutic agents on protein expression levels of MRP2. A total of 49 FDA drugs altered MRP2 protein expression levels by more than 50% representing 13.17% of the compounds screened. Among the identified hits, thirty-nine (39) drugs increased protein expression levels whereas 10 drugs lowered protein expression levels of MRP2 after drug treatment. Our findings from this initial drug screening showed that modulators of MRP2 peregrinate multiple drug families and signify the importance of profiling drug interactions with this transporter. Data from this study provides essential information to improve combinatorial drug therapy and precision medicine as well as reduce the drug toxicity of various cancer chemotherapies.

Efficacy and Safety of Combined Bedaquiline and Delamanid Use among Patients with Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Beijing,China

Objectives The combined use of bedaquiline and delamanid(BDQ-DLM)is limited by an increased risk of prolonging the QTc interval.We retrospectively evaluated patients who received DLM/BDQcontaining regimens at a TB-specialized hospital.We aimed to present clinical efficacy and safety data for Chinese patients.Methods This case-control study included patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis(MDR-TB)treated with BDQ alone or BDQ plus DLM.Results A total of 96 patients were included in this analysis:64 in the BDQ group and 32 in the BDQ+DLM group.Among the 96 patients with positive sputum culture at the initiation of BDQ alone or BDQ combined with DLM,46 patients(71.9%)in the BDQ group and 29(90.6%)in the BDQ-DLM group achieved sputum culture conversion during treatment.The rate of sputum culture conversion did not differ between the two groups.The time to sputum culture conversion was significantly shorter in the BDQ-DLM group than in the BDQ group.The most frequent adverse event was QTc interval prolongation;however,the frequency of adverse events did not differ between the groups.Conclusion In conclusion,our results demonstrate that the combined use of BDQ and DLM is efficacious and tolerable in Chinese patients infected with MDR-TB.Patients in the BDQ-DLM group achieved sputum culture conversion sooner than those in the BDQ group.

Five-year analysis of isolated pathogens and antibiotic resistance of ocular infections from two large tertiary comprehensive hospitals in east China

AIM:To analyze the spectrum of isolated pathogens and antibiotic resistance for ocular infections within 5y at two tertiary hospitals in east China.METHODS:Ocular specimen data were collected from January 2019 to October 2023.The pathogen spectrum and positive culture rate for different infection location,such as keratitis,endophthalmitis,and periocular infections,along with antibiotic resistance were analyzed.RESULTS:We included 2727 specimens,including 827(30.33%)positive cultures.A total of 871 strains were isolated,530(60.85%)bacterial and 341(39.15%)fungal strains were isolated.Gram-positive cocci(GPC)were the most common ocular pathogens.The most common bacterial isolates were Staphylococcus epidermidis(25.03%),Staphylococcus aureus(7.46%),Streptococcus pneumoniae(4.59%),Corynebacterium macginleyi(3.44%),and Pseudomonas aeruginosa(3.33%).The most common fungal genera were Fusarium spp.(12.74%),Aspergillus spp.(6.54%),and Scedosporium spp.(5.74%).Staphylococcus epidermidis strains showed more than 50%resistance to fluoroquinolones.Streptococcus pneumoniae and Corynebacterium macginleyi showed more than 90%resistance to erythromycin.The percentage of bacteria showing multidrug resistance(MDR)significantly decreased(χ^(2)=17.44,P=0.002).CONCLUSION:GPC are the most common ocular pathogens.Corynebacterium macginleyi,as the fourth common bacterium,may currently be the local microbiological feature of east China.Fusarium spp.is the most common fungus.More than 50%of the GPC are resistant to fluoroquinolones,penicillins,and macrolides.However,the proportion of MDR strains has been reduced over time.

Diarrheal Diseases: A Review on Gastroenteritis Bacteria Global Burden and Alternative Control of Multidrug-Resistant Strains

Diarrheal diseases represent a significant and pervasive health challenge for humanity. The aetiology of diarrheal diseases is typically associated with the presence of enteropathogens, including viruses, bacteria and parasites. The implementation of preventive measures, including the maintenance of good food hygiene, effective water sanitation, and the development of rotavirus vaccines, has resulted in a notable reduction in the prevalence of the disease. However, the emergence of bacterial multidrug resistance due to the past or present inappropriate use of antibiotics has rendered bacterial infections a significant challenge. The objective of this review is threefold: firstly, to provide an overview of diarrheal diseases associated with bacteria;secondly, to offer a concise analysis of bacterial multidrug resistance on a global scale;and thirdly, to present the potential of filamentous fungi as an alternative solution to the challenge posed by multidrug-resistant strains. Campylobacter spp. is the most dangerous bacteria, followed by Shigella spp. and Vibrio cholerae in all age groups combined. However, Shigella spp. was the deadliest in children under five years of age and, together with E. coli, are the most antibiotic-resistant bacteria. With their highly developed secondary metabolism, fungi are a reservoir of natural bioactive compounds.

The Activity of Erianin and Chrysotoxine from Dendrobium chrysotoxum to Reverse Multidrug Resistance in B16/h MDR-1 Cells

The ability of two dihydrostilbene derivatives erianin and chrysotoxine from Dendrobium chrysotoxum to reverse multidrug resistant (MDR) cells was investigated using murine B16 melanoma cells transfected with the human MDR 1 gene and crossresistant to vinblastine and adriamycin (B16/h MDR 1 cells). Both of the two compounds were shown to increase the accumulation of adriamycin, the P glycoprotein (P gp) substrate, in B16/h MDR 1 transfectants.

Genotyping Characteristics of Human Fecal Escherichia coli and Their Association with Multidrug Resistance in Miyun District, Beijing

Objective To explore the genotyping characteristics of human fecal Escherichia coli(E. coli) and the relationships between antibiotic resistance genes(ARGs) and multidrug resistance(MDR) of E. coli in Miyun District, Beijing, an area with high incidence of infectious diarrheal cases but no related data.Methods Over a period of 3 years, 94 E. coli strains were isolated from fecal samples collected from Miyun District Hospital, a surveillance hospital of the National Pathogen Identification Network. The antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates was determined by the broth microdilution method. ARGs,multilocus sequence typing(MLST), and polymorphism trees were analyzed using whole-genome sequencing data(WGS).Results This study revealed that 68.09% of the isolates had MDR, prevalent and distributed in different clades, with a relatively high rate and low pathogenicity. There was no difference in MDR between the diarrheal(49/70) and healthy groups(15/24).Conclusion We developed a random forest(RF) prediction model of TEM.1 + baeR + mphA + mphB +QnrS1 + AAC.3-IId to identify MDR status, highlighting its potential for early resistance identification. The causes of MDR are likely mobile units transmitting the ARGs. In the future, we will continue to strengthen the monitoring of ARGs and MDR, and increase the number of strains to further verify the accuracy of the MDR markers.

Multidrug-Resistant of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. Strains in Chicken Feces Intended for Consumption in Open Spaces of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Resistant bacteria can be transmitted to humans through feces or contaminated meat from local chickens. Bacterial strains were isolated from the intestinal contents of 400 local chicken samples from various sales sites. These strains were then characterized using bacteriological and biochemical methods to identify resistant strains. In a study conducted in Ouagadougou, we systematically collected chicken fecal samples from 20 locations across the city, followed by isolation and identification of Salmonella spp. using specific enrichment and culture methods, as well as Escherichia coli. Bacterial strains were characterized using antibiotic resistance profiles were determined through agar diffusion tests, revealing sensitivity or resistance to a range of antibiotics based on established scientific criteria. The results showed that out of the 400 samples collected, 81.25% and 63.5% were contaminated by Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp., respectively. Among these, 86.15% of identified Escherichia coli and 50.78% of Salmonella spp. displayed resistance to at least one tested antibiotic. Among 280 Escherichia coli isolates identified resistant to at least one antibiotic, 31.07% were resistant to cefotaxime (CTX), 20.35% to ceftazidime (CAZ), 21.07% to ceftriaxone (CTR), 75% to amoxicillin clavulanic acid (AMC), 23.57% aztreoname (ATM) and 27.14% were resistant to imipenem (IMP). In the case of the 129 Salmonella spp. isolates resistant to at least one tested antibiotic, 34.88% were resistant to CTX;41.08% to CAZ;35.65% to CTR, 92% to AMC, 39.53% to ATM and finally 47.28% were resistant to IMP. Our study revealed high prevalence of resistance in bacterial strains isolated from local chickens sold outdoors in Ouagadougou. These findings raise significant public health concerns, due to the possible transmission of these resistant strains to humans through the consumption of contaminated meat, thus complicating the treatment of bacterial infections.

Reversing multidrug resistance by RNA interference through the suppression of MDR1 gene in human hepatoma cells

AIM： To reverse the multidrug resistance （MDR） by RNA interference （RNAi）-mediated MDRI suppression in heparoma cells.METHODS： For reversing MDR by RNAi technology, two different short hairpin RNAs （shRNAs） were designed and constructed into pGenSil-1 plasmid, respectively. They were then transfected into a highly adriarnycin-resistant HepG2 hepatorna cell line （HepG2/ADM）. The RNAi effect on MDR was evaluated by real-time PCR, cell cytotoxicity assay and rhodarnine 123 （Rh123） efflux assy. RESULTS： The stably-transfected clones showed various degrees of reversal of MDR phenotype. Surprisingly, the MDR phenotype was completely reversed in two transfected clones. CONCLUSION： MDR can be reversed by the shRNAmediated MDRI suppression in HepG2/ADM cells, which provides a valuable clue to make multidrug-resistant hepatoma cells sensitive to anti-cancer drugs.

REVERSAL EFFECTS OF MIFEPRISTONE ON MULTIDRUG RESISTANCE(MDR) IN DRUG-RESISTANT BREAST CANCER CELL LINE MCF7/ADR IN VITRO AND IN VIVO

To explore the reversal effect of mifepristone on multidrug resistance (MDR) in drug-resistant human breast cancer cell line MCF7/ADR and its mechanisms. Methods: Expression of MDR1 and MDR-associated protein(MRP) mRNA in MCF7/ADR cells was detected using reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). Western blotting was used to assay the protein levels of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and MRP. Intracellular rhodamine 123 retention and [3H]vincristine (VCR) accumulation were measured by flow cytometry and liquid scintillation counter, respectively. MTT reduction assay was used to determine the sensitivity of cells to the anticancer agent, adriamycin (ADR). Additionally, a MCF7/ADR cell xenograft model was established to assess the reversal effect of mifeprisone on MDR in MCF7/ADR cells in vivo. Results: Miferpristone dose-dependently down- regulated the expression of MDR1 and MRP mRNA in MCF7/ADR cells, accompanied by a significant decrease in the protein levels of P-gp and MRP. After exposure to 5, 10, and 20 mmol/L mifepristone, MCF7/ADR cells showed a 3.87-, 5.81-, and 7.40-fold increase in the accumulation of intracellular VCR(a known substrate of MRP), and a 2.14-, 4.39-, and 5.53-fold increase in the retention of intracellular rhodamine 123(an indicator of P-gp function), respectively. MTT analysis showed that the sensitivity of MCF7/ADR cells to ADR was enhanced by 7.23-, 13.62-, and 20.96-fold after incubation with mifepristone as above-mentioned doses for 96 h. In vivo, mifepristone effectively restored the chemosensitivity of MCF7/ADR cells to ADR. After 8 weeks of administration with ADR(2 mg穔g-1穌-1) alone or in combination with mifepristone(50 mg穔g-1穌-1), the growth inhibitory rate of xenografted tumors in nude mice was 8.08% and 37.25%, respectively. Conclusion: Mifepristone exerts potent reversal effects on MDR in MCF7/ADR cells in vitro and in vivo through down- regulation of MDR1/P-gp and MRP expression and inhibition of P-gp- and MRP-dependent drug efflux, thus increasing the sensitivity to anticancer drug.

In Vitro Study of Ultrasound on Multidrug Resistance in MDR Human Hepatoma HepG_2 Cells

OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to examine the reversal effects of ultrasound （US） on the MDR in HepG2/ADM, a HepG2 cell line resistant to Adriamycin （ADM）, and to study the mechanism of US action.METHODS Using the MTT assay, the effects of US on MDR in HepG2/ADR cells were studied. Before and after the treatment with 0.5 W/cm^2 low intensity ultrasound （LIUS）, the expression of the MDR-related genes, mdrl, mrp and lrp was assayed with the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） and the levels of their respective protein expression determined by flow cytometry. By using confocal laser scanning microscopy （CLSM）, we examined the intracellular daunorubicin （DNR） distribution, and the effects on the cells of treatment with US or DNR.RESULTS LIUS significantly reversed MDR in HepG2/ADR cells. After treatment with LIUS at 0.5 W/cm^2, chemosensitivity to ADM and DNR increased 3.35-fold and 2.81-fold, respectively. The reversal activity by LIUS plus verapamil （VER） was stronger than with either US or VER alone. After treatment with 0.5 W/cm^2, the expression of both the MDR1 and the MRP mRNA genes began to decline （P 〈 0.01 and P 〈 0.05, respectively）; the expression of LRP showed no significant changes. Changes in the expression of the P-glycoprotein （P-gp） and MRP were similar to those of their mRNA expressions. Results of the CLSM showed that administration of US （0. 5 W/cm^2） or VER （15.7 uM） with DNR to HepGa/ADM cells showed a significant change in the distribution of DNR in the cells.CONCLUSION Our results show that LIUS can reverse MDR. The reversal effects are stronger than those of either US or VER alone, when combined with VER administration. As LIUS is noninvasive causing no toxicity, it might have potential for clinical application. The reversal mechanism needs further study.

Survey of Multidrug Resistance and Class I Integron Prevalence in Chicken-derived Salmonella

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the multidrug resistance and prevalence of class I integrons in Salmonel a. [Method] Salmonel a strains were isolated from chicken farms in Shandong Province. Kauffmann-White classification method was employed to analyze the serotypes of Salmonel a strains. Minimum in-hibition concentration （MIC） of Salmonel a strains against 19 common antimicrobial drugs was analyzed determined with microdilution method. The class I integrons and carried drug resistance gene cassettes were detected by PCR. [Result] A total of 311 Salmonel a strains were isolated and classified into two serotypes, including 133 Salmonel a Indiana strains and 178 Salmonel a Enteritidis strains. Drug sensitivity test showed that the isolated Salmonel a strains were general y resistant to sulfadiazine, sulfamethoxazole, nalidixic acid, ampicil in, tetracycline, doxycycline and trimethoprim, with a multidrug resistance rate of 91.0% （283/311）; 99% strains were sensitive to amikacin and colistin. PCR assay indicated that the detection rate of class I integrons was 65.0% （202/311）; the positive rate of class I integrons in Salmonel a strains with multidrug resistance was 92.6%; among 202 positive strains, six strains carried gene cassette dfr17-aadA5. [Conclusion] According to the above results, class I integrons exist general y in Salmonel a and are closely associated with the multidrug resistance of Salmonel a strains.

Structure-activity Relationship of Phenothiazines for Inhibition of Protein Kinase C and Reversal of Multidrug Resistance

Studies on structure-activity relationship of phenothiazines (PTZs) forinhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) and reversal of multidrug resistance (MDR) has been made invitro. The results showed that the order of potency of reversal effect of PTZs on MDR is as follows:2-COC_3 H_7 > 2-CF_3 > 2-COCH_3 > H. The type of piperazinyl substitution also significantlyaffected potency against MDR. The results show the order: CH_3 > COOC_2 H_5 > C_2 H_4 OH. Inaddition, PKC plays a marked role in diverse cellular process including MDR. Some derivatives of PTZwas tested for inhibition of PKC, of which PTZ11 showed the highest inhibitory effect of MDR andPKC, implying a potential reversal agent of MDR for tumor therapy in the future. We also tried toexplore the possible binding model of PTZs to PKC. Our molecular-modeling study preliminarilysuggests how these PTZs bind to PKC and provides a structural basis for the design of high affinityPKC-modulator. The infor-mation may be used in the rational design of more effective drugs.

Reversal of Multidrug Resistance by Neferine in Adriamycin Resistant Human Breast Cancer Cell Line MCF-7/ADM

Objective: To study the reversal effect of neferine on adriamycin (ADM) resistant human breast cancer cell line MCF-7/ADM. Methods: The cytotoxic effect of Nef or ADM was determined by 3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2.-yl], 5-diphenyl tetraxolium bromid (MTT) assay. Apoptosis and the expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) were detected by flow cytometry (FCM). The intracellular ADM concentration was measured by HPLC. Results: Nef at 1, 5, 10 mol/L decreased the IC50 of ADM to MCF-7/ADM from 11.63 g/mL to 4.59, 2.44, 0.27 g/mL respectively. MCF-7/ADM could resist the apoptosis induced by ADM while Nef (1-10 mol/L) could augment ADR-mediated apoptosis. Nef (10 mol/L) increased the accumulation of ADM up to 2.88 fold in MCF-7/ADM but not in sensitive cells MCF-7/S and reduced the expression of P-gp in MCF-7/ADM cells. Conclusion: Nef can circumvent multidrug resistance (MDR) of MCF-7/ADM cells and the mechanism was associated with the increase of intracellular accumulation of ADM and the reduced expression of P-gp in MCF-7/ADM cells.

Antimicrobial peptides: new hope in the war against multidrug resistance

The discovery of antibiotics marked a golden age in the revolution of human medicine. However,decades later, bacterial infections remain a global healthcare threat, and a return to the pre-antibiotic era seems inevitable if stringent measures are not adopted to curb the rapid emergence and spread of multidrug resistance and the indiscriminate use of antibiotics. In hospital settings, multidrug resistant(MDR) pathogens, including carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, vancomycin-resistant enterococci(VRE), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA), and extendedspectrum β-lactamases(ESBL) bearing Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae are amongst the most problematic due to the paucity of treatment options,increased hospital stay, and exorbitant medical costs. Antimicrobial peptides(AMPs) provide an excellent potential strategy for combating these threats. Compared to empirical antibiotics, they show low tendency to select for resistance, rapid killing action, broad-spectrum activity, and extraordinary clinical efficacy against several MDR strains. Therefore, this review highlights multidrug resistance among nosocomial bacterial pathogens and its implications and reiterates the importance of AMPs as next-generation antibiotics for combating MDR superbugs.

Inhibitory effects of emodin, baicalin, schizandrin and berberine on hef A gene: Treatment of Helicobacter pylori-induced multidrug resistance

AIM: To investigate the inhibitory effects of emodin, baicalin, etc.on the hefA gene of multidrug resistance(MDR) in Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori).METHODS: The double dilution method was used to screen MDR H.pylori strains and determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations(MICs) of emodin, baicalin, schizandrin, berberine, clarithromycin, metronidazole, tetracycline, amoxicillin and levofloxacin against H.pylori strains.After the screened MDR stains were treated with emodin, baicalin, schizandrin or berberine at a 1/2 MIC concentration for 48 h, changes in MICs of amoxicillin, tetracycline, levofloxacin, metronidazole and clarithromycin were determined.MDR strains with reduced MICs of amoxicillin were selected to detect the hefA mR NA expression by realtime quantitative PCR.RESULTS: A total of four MDR H.pylori strains were screened.Treatment with emodin, baicalin, schizandrin and berberine significantly decreased the MICs of amoxicillin and tetracycline against some strains, decreased by 1 to 2 times, but did not significantly change the MICs of clarithromycin, levofloxacin, and metronidazole against MDR strains.In the majority of strains with reduced MICs of amoxicillin, hef A m RNA expression was decreased; one-way ANOVA(SPSS 12.0) used for comparative analysis, P < 0.05.CONCLUSION: Emodin, baicalin, schizandrin and berberine significantly decreased the MICs of amoxicillin and tetracycline against some H.pylori strains, possibly by mechanisms associated with decreasing hefA mR NA expression.

Influence of efflux pump inhibitors on the multidrug resistance of Helicobacter pylori

AIM:To evaluate the effect of efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs) on multidrug resistance of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).METHODS: H. pylori strains were isolated and cultured on Brucella agar plates with 10% sheep's blood. The multidrug resistant (MDR) H. pylori were obtained with the inducer chloramphenicol by repeated doubling of the concentration until no colony was seen, then the susceptibilities of the MDR strains and their parents to 9 antibiotics were assessed with agar dilution tests. The present study included periods before and after the advent of the EPIs, carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone (CCCP), reserpine and pantoprazole), and the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined accordingly. In the same way, the effects of 5 proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), used in treatment of H. pylori infection, on MICs of antibiotics were evaluated.RESULTS: Four strains of MDR H. pylori were induced successfully, and the antibiotic susceptibilities of MDR strains were partly restored by CCCP and pantoprazole, but there was little effect of reserpine. Rabeprazole was the most effective of the 5 PPIs which could decrease the MICs of antibiotics for MDR H. pylori significantly.CONCLUSION: In vitro, some EPIs can strengthen the activities of different antibiotics which are the putative substrates of the efflux pump system in H. pylori.

JNK1,JNK2,and JNK3 are involved in P-glycoprotein-mediated multidrug resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma cells

BACKGROUND:Multidrug resistance(MDR)is extremely common in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)and is a major problem in cancer eradication by limiting the efficacy of chemotherapy.Modulation of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase(JNK)activation could be a new method to reverse MDR.However,the relationship between JNK activity and MDR in HCC cells is unknown.This study aimed to explore the relationship between MDR and JNK in HCC cell lines with different degrees of MDR.METHODS:A MDR human HCC cell line,SMMC-7721/ ADM,was developed by exposing parental cells to gradually increasing concentrations of adriamycin.The MTT assay was used to determine drug sensitivity.Flow cytometry was used to analyze the cell cycle distribution and to measure the expression levels of P-glycoprotein(P-gp)and MDR-related protein(MRP)-1 in these cells.JNK1,JNK2 and JNK3 mRNA expression levels were quantified by real-time PCR.Expression and phosphorylation of JNK1,JNK2,and JNK3 were analyzed by Western blotting.RESULTS:The MDR of SMMC-7721/ADM cells resistant to 0.05 mg/L adriamycin was mainly attributed to the overexpression of P-gp but not MRP1.In addition,these cells had a significant increase in percentage in the S phase,accompanied by a decrease in percentage in the G0/G1 phase,which is likely associated with a reduced ability for cell proliferation and MDR generation.We found that JNK1,JNK2,and JNK3 activities were negatively correlated with the degree of MDR in HCC cells.CONCLUSION:This study suggests that JNK1,JNK2,and JNK3 activities are negatively correlated with the degree of MDR in HCC cells.

Biofilm formation in clinical isolates of nosocomial Acinetobacter baumannii and its relationship with multidrug resistance

Objective: To check biofilm formation by Acinetobacter baumannii(A. baumannii)clinical isolates and show their susceptibility to different antibiotics and investigate a possible link between establishment of biofilm and multidrug resistance.Methods: This study was performed on clinical samples collected from patients with nosocomial infections in three hospitals of Tehran. Samples were initially screened by culture and biochemical tests for the presence of different species of Acinetobacter. Identifications were further confirmed by PCR assays. Their susceptibilities to 11 antibiotics of different classes were determined by disc diffusion method according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. The ability to produce biofilm was investigated using methods: culture on Congo red agar, microtiter plate, and test tube method.Results: From the overall clinical samples, 156 specimens were confirmed to contain A. baumannii. The bacteria were highly resistant to most antibiotics except polymyxin B.Of these isolates, 10.26% were able to produce biofilms as shown on Congo red agar.However, the percentage of bacteria with positive biofilm in test tube, standard microtiter plate, and modified microtiter plate assays were 48.72%, 66.66%, and 73.72%, respectively. At least 92% of the biofilm forming isolates were multidrug resistant.Conclusions: Since most of the multidrug resistant strains produce biofilm, it seems necessary to provide continuous monitoring and determination of antibiotic susceptibility of clinical A. baumannii. This would help to select the most appropriate antibiotic for treatment.

Multidrug resistance associated proteins in multidrug resistance

Multidrug resistance proteins(MRPs) are members of the C family of a group of proteins named ATP-binding cassette(ABC) transporters.These ABC transporters together form the largest branch of proteins within the human body.The MRP family comprises of 13 members,of which MRP1 to MRP9 are the major transporters indicated to cause multidrug resistance in tumor cells by extruding anticancer drugs out of the cell.They are mainly lipophilic anionic transporters and are reported to transport free or conjugates of glutathione(GSH),glucuronate,or sulphate.In addition,MRP1 to MRP3 can transport neutral organic drugs in free form in the presence of free GSH.Collectively,MRPs can transport drugs that differ structurally and mechanistically,including natural anticancer drugs,nucleoside analogs,antimetabolites,and tyrosine kinase inhibitors.Many of these MRPs transport physiologically important anions such as leukotriene C4,bilirubin glucuronide,and cyclic nucleotides.This review focuses mainly on the physiological functions,cellular resistance characteristics,and probable in vivo role of MRP1 to MRP9.