Therapeutic strategies targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway in metastatic colorectal cancer

More than 1.9 million new colorectal cancer(CRC)cases and 935000 deaths were estimated to occur worldwide in 2020,representing about one in ten cancer cases and deaths.Overall,colorectal ranks third in incidence,but second in mortality.More than half of the patients are in advanced stages at diagnosis.Treatment options are complex because of the heterogeneity of the patient population,including different molecular subtypes.Treatments have included conventional fluorouracil-based chemotherapy,targeted therapy,immunotherapy,etc.In recent years,with the development of genetic testing technology,more and more targeted drugs have been applied to the treatment of CRC,which has further prolonged the survival of metastatic CRC patients.

Expression and functional characterization of platelet-derived growth factor receptor-like gene

AIM:To investigate the role of platelet-derived growth factor receptor-like gene(PDGFRL)in the anti-cancer therapy for colorectal cancers(CRC).METHODS:PDGFRL mRNA and protein levels were measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)and immunohistochemistry in CRC and colorectal normal tissues.PDGFRL prokaryotic expression vector was carried out in Escherichia coli(E.coli),and purified by immobilized metal affinity chromatography.The effect of PDGFRL protein on CRC HCT-116 cells was detected by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide(MTT),clone counting,cell cycle,and wound healing assay.RESULTS:Both RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry showed that the expression of PDGFRL in colorectal normal tissues was higher than in cancer tissues.Recombinant pET22b-PDGFRL prokaryotic expression vector was successfully expressed in E.coli,and the target protein was expressed in the form of inclusion bodies.After purification and refolding,recombinant human PDGFRL(rhPDGFRL)could efficiently inhibit the proliferation and invasion of CRC HCT-116 cells detected by MTT,clone counting and wound healing assay.Moreover,rhPDGFRL arrested HCT-116 cell cycling at the G0/G1 phase.CONCLUSION:PDGFRL is a potential gene for application in the anti-cancer therapy for CRC.

Exogenous platelet-derived growth factor improves neurovascular unit recovery after spinal cord injury

The blood-spinal cord barrier plays a vital role in recovery after spinal cord injury.The neurovascular unit concept emphasizes the relationship between nerves and vessels in the brain,while the effect of the blood-spinal cord barrier on the neurovascular unit is rarely reported in spinal cord injury studies.Mouse models of spinal cord injury were established by heavy object impact and then immediately injected with plateletderived growth factor(80μg/kg)at the injury site.Our results showed that after platelet-derived growth factor administration,spinal cord injury,neuronal apoptosis,and blood-spinal cord barrier permeability were reduced,excessive astrocyte proliferation and the autophagyrelated apoptosis signaling pathway were inhibited,collagen synthesis was increased,and mouse locomotor function was improved.In vitro,human umbilical vein endothelial cells were established by exposure to 200μM H2O2.At 2 hours prior to injury,in vitro cell models were treated with 5 ng/mL platelet-derived growth factor.Our results showed that expression of blood-spinal cord barrier-related proteins,including Occludin,Claudin 5,andβ-catenin,was significantly decreased and autophagy was significantly reduced.Additionally,the protective effects of platelet-derived growth factor could be reversed by intraperitoneal injection of 80 mg/kg chloroquine,an autophagy inhibitor,for 3 successive days prior to spinal cord injury.Our findings suggest that platelet-derived growth factor can promote endothelial cell repair by regulating autophagy,improve the function of the blood-spinal cord barrier,and promote the recovery of locomotor function post-spinal cord injury.Approval for animal experiments was obtained from the Animal Ethics Committee,Wenzhou Medical University,China(approval No.wydw2018-0043)in July 2018.

Deficiency of platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α-positive cells in Hirschsprung's disease colon

AIM: To investigate whether the expression of plateletderived growth factor receptor-α-positive(PDGFRα^+)-cells is altered in Hirschsprung's disease(HD).METHODS: HD tissue specimens(n = 10) were collected at the time of pull-through surgery, while colonic control samples were obtained at the time of colostomy closure in patients with imperforate anus(n = 10). Immunolabelling of PDGFRα^+-cells was visualized using confocal microscopy to assess the distribution of these cells, while Western blot analysis was undertaken to quantify PDGFRα protein expression.RESULTS: Confocal microscopy revealed PDGFRα+-cells within the mucosa, myenteric plexus and smooth muscle in normal controls, with a marked reduction in PDGFRα^+-cells in the HD specimens. Western blotting revealed high levels of PDGFRα protein expression in normal controls, while there was a striking decrease in PDGFRα protein expression in the HD colon.CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the altered distribution of PDGFRα^+-cells in both the aganglionic and ganglionic HD bowel may contribute to the motility dysfunction in HD.

Effect of recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor B on cat corneal endothelial cell viability mediated by adeno-associated virus

AIM: To transduce recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor B (PDGF-B) gene adeno-associated virus(AAV) to in vitro cultured cat corneal endothelial cell (CEC) and observe the effect of the expressed PDGF-BB protein on the viability of cat CEC. METHODS: Cat cornea endothelium was torn under microscope and rapidly cultivated in DMEM to form single layer CEC and the passage 2 endothelial cells were used in this study. The recombinant human PDGF-B gene AAV was constructed and transduced into cat CEC directly. Three groups were as following: blank control group, AAV control group and recombinant AAV group. At 24 hours, 48 hours, and 5 days after transduction, total RNA was extracted from the CEC by Trizol and the expression of PDGF-B gene was detected by fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Viability of the transduced CEC was detected at 48 hours after transduction by MTT assay. Cell morphology was observed under inverted phase contrast microscope. RESULTS: With the torn endothelium culture technique, we rapidly got single layer cat CEC. At 24 hours, 48 hours and 5 days after transduction, fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed there was no significant difference of the expressed PDGF-B gene mRNA between blank control group and AAV control group (P>0.05). In contrast, there were significant differences between two control groups and recombinant AAV group (P<0.05). MTT assay showed that in recombinant AAV group, the expressed PDGF-BB protein could promote the viability of cat CEC. Morphology observation showed at 48 hours after transduction, cells in CEC-AAV-PDGF-B group proliferated into bigger scales in regular triangle to hexagon shape with distinct boundary, while the number of cells was significantly less in the two control groups. CONCLUSION: The recombinant AAV-PDGF-B expresses biological active PDGF-BB protein in cat CEC, which promotes the viability and proliferation of cells.

Vascular endothelial growth factor/platelet-derived growth factor receptor pathway is involved in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell differentiation and directional migration toward gliomas

BACKGROUND： Vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） induces bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell （BMSC） differentiation into vascular endothelial-like cells and promotes BMSC migration toward gliomas. However, the molecular mechanisms by which VEGF induces BMSC differentiation and migration remain poorly understood. OBJECTIVE; To investigate the role of platelet-derived growth factor （PDGF） receptor （PDGFR） in BMSC differentiation and migration induced by VEGE DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A parallel, controlled, in vitro experiment was performed at the Molecular Neurobiology ＆ Neural Regeneration and Repairing Laboratory, Anhui Provincial Hospital of Anhui Medical University, China from June 2008 to March 2009. MATERIALS： U87 glioma cells were purchased from Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences; mouse anti-human PDGFR and VEGF receptor （VEGFR） monoclonal antibodies were purchased from Peprotech, USA. METHODS： Isolated BMSCs were precultured with neutralizing antibody for VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, PDGFR-α, and PDGFR-β to block biological activity of related receptors, followed by induced differentiation with 50μg/L VEGF. BMSCs induced with 50μg/L VEGF alone served as the VEGF-induced group. The control group remained untreated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Cell surface markers were identified by flow cytometry; BMSC surface cytokine receptor expression was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction; the Transwell model was used to observe cell migration. RESULTS： After blocking the PDGFR, VEGF did not induce BMSC cell surface marker CD-31 or von Willebrand factor （vWF） expression. However, inhibition with VEGF receptor blocking agents, VEGF induced BMSCs to express CD-31 and vWE Following inhibition of the PDGFR, the number of cells migrating through the polycarbonate membrane Transwell chamber was decreased, as well as the number of BMSCs migrating to glioma cells. However, through the use of VEGF receptor blocking agents, the number of migrating cells remained unchanged. VEGF preculture increased the number of BMSCs migrating to gliomas. CONCLUSION： VEGF interacts with PDGFRs on the BMSC surface to attract BMSC directional migration and induce BMSC differentiation. The VEGF/PDGFR pathway participates in BMSC directional migration to glioma. VEGF pretreatment increased efficiency of BMSC migration to glioma.

KIT and platelet-derived growth factor receptor α wild-type gastrointestinal stromal tumor associated with neurofibromatosis type 1: Two case reports

BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal stromal tumors(GISTs) associated with neurofibromatosis are uncommon compared to their gastrointestinal counterparts. Patients with neurofibromatosis type 1(NF-1) have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal tumors, including rare types such as GIST.CASE SUMMARY A 60-year-old male Chinese patient was diagnosed with NF-1 10 years ago and presented with upper abdominal discomfort and black stools. Endoscopic ultrasonography and an enhanced abdominal computed tomography scan revealed a mass located 4 cm from the muscular layer of the descending duodenum. A 59-year-old Chinese woman who was diagnosed with NF-1 25 years ago presented with sudden unconsciousness and black stools. Multiple masses in the duodenum were noted by echogastroscopy and an enhanced abdominal computed tomography scan. Both patients presented with cutaneous neurofibromas. The histologic examination of tumors from both patients revealed spindle cells and low mitotic activity. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells showed strong positivity for KIT(CD117), DOG-1, CD34, and Dehydrogenase Complex Subunit B, and negativity for SMA, desmin, S-100, and β-catenin. None of the six tumors from two patients had KIT exon 9, 11, 13, or 17 or platelet-derived growth factor receptor α exon 12 or 18 mutation, which is a typical finding for sporadic GISTs. None of the six tumors from the two patients had a BRAFV600 E mutation. The patients were alive and well during the follow-up period(range:0.6-5 yr).CONCLUSION There have been only a few previous reports of GISTs associated with NF-1.Although GISTs associated with NF-1 have morphologic and immunohistochemical similarities with GISTs, the pathogenesis, incidence,genetic background, and prognosis are not completely known. A medical history of NF-1 in a patient who has gastrointestinal bleeding or anemia and an intraabdominal mass with nonspecific computed tomography features may help in diagnosing GIST by virtue of the well-known association of these two entities.Molecular genetic studies of cases indicated that GISTs in NF-1 patients have a different pathogenesis than sporadic GISTs.

Clinical Significance of Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-C Expression in Colorectal Cancer

Platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) are known to be associated with tumor growth and angiogenesis through their activation of the receptor tyrosine kinases, PDGF receptors alpha and beta. Several studies revealed the participation of the PDGF family in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the role of platelet derived growth factor-C (PDGFC) in CRC is less well studied. This study aimed to determine the correlation between PDGFC expression and the prognosis of patients with CRCs. Tumor samples were obtained from patients with CRC who underwent surgical resection between 2002 and 2006. The mRNA expression of PDGFC was investigated by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in 85 patients with stage I-IV CRC. PDGFC protein expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry, and the relationship between PDGFC protein expression and clinicopathologic features was investigated in 245 patients with stage I-III CRC. PDGFC mRNA expression in cancer tissues was significantly higher in patients with distant metastases than in those without metastases (P = 0.016). PDGFC protein overexpression was associated with significantly worse overall and relapse-free survival (P P < 0.0001, respectively). Moreover, PDGFC protein overexpression was an independent risk factor for CRC recurrence (relative risk = 3.395, 95% confidence interval = 1.895 - 6.081, P < 0.001). In the present study, PDGFC overexpression appeared to be predictive of recurrence and poor prognosis in patients with CRC.

Effect of Retinoic acid on Platelet-derived Growth Factorand Lung Development in Newborn Rats

Summary: The influence of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) on lung development in newborn rats and the effect of retinoic acid (RA) on PDGF in lung development were investigated. Newborn Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned to two groups: control group and RA group. The rats in RA group was intraperitoneally injected with all trans-retinoic acid (500 μg/kg every day) for consecutive 3 days after birth, while those in the control group were not subjected to intervention. Immunohistochemical assay was performed to locate the expression of PDGF. mRNA levels of PDGF were measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) at age of 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, 21 days. The method of radial alveolar counts (RAC) was used to measure the amount of the alveoli of the lungs. It was found that with increasing days, levels of PDGF-A and PDGF-B changed to verying degrees. RA could elevate significantly the expression levels of PDGF-A mRNA and protein (P<0.01), but not affect the expression levels of PDGF-B mRNA and protein markedly (P>0.05). It is suggested that PDGF might play an important role in lung development. RA can stimulate lung development through increasing the expression levels of PDGF-A mRNA and protein.

Effects of interleukin-1α on platelet-derived growth factor release from bovine cerebral microvascular endothelial cells

The present study showed that, interleukin-1α (IL-1α) stimulateal cultured bovine cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (BCMEC) releasing growth factor which promoted bovine cerebral microvascular smooth muscle cells (BCMSMC) proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. The mitogenic activity in conditioned medium of BCMEC stimulated by IL-1α was neutralized significantly by the antibody to platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). Imperatorin (Imp), iso-Imperatorin (iso Imp) and 6-(α,α-phenylacetylpiperazinyl)phenyl-5-methyl-4,5-dihydro-3 (2H)-pyridazinone (PMDP) did not affect the releasing of PDGF from IL-1α stimulated BCMEC, but inhibited the promotion of PDGF on the proliferation of BCMSMC. We concluded that the promotion of IL-1α on the proliferation of BCMSMC should be mediated by some growth factors, such as PDGF.

Effects of IL-4 on cyclooxygenase-2 and platelet-derived growth factor in the lungs of COPD rats

Objective： To explore the role of interleukin 4（IL-4）, expressions of cyclooxygenase-2 （COX-2） and platelet-derived growth factor （PDGF） in the model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD）, in the lungs of rats. Methods： Male Wistar rats were used to build up the model of COPD. Rats were randomly divided into the control group and model group, the IL-4 group and the dexamethasone group. The expressions of COX-2, PDGF-A and PDGF-B in the lung tissue were detected by western blotting and RT-PCR. Results： The expressions of COX-2, PDGF-A and PDGF-B in the model group were increased significantly. Those expressions in the IL-4 and dexamethasone group were notably decreased. Conclusion： IL-4 and dexamethasone could interfere in the establishment of COPD. The expressions of COX-2 and PDGF in the lung tissue of COPD were increased significantly and IL-4 and dexamethasone could decrease those expressions.

Expression of NG2 and platelet-derived growth facto receptor alpha in the developing neonatal rat brain

Platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha （PDGFRct） is a marker of oligodendrocyte precursor cells in the central nervous system. NG2 is also considered a marker of oligodendrocyte precursor cells. However, whether there are differences in the distribution and morphol- ogy of oligodendrocyte precursor cells labeled by NG2 or PDGFRa in the developing neonatal rat brain remains unclear. In this study, by immunohistochemical staining, NG2 positive （NG2＋） cells were ubiquitous in the molecular layer, external pyramidal layer, internal pyramidal layer, and polymorphic layer of the cerebral cortex, and corpus callosum, external capsule, piriform cortex, and medial septal nucleus. NG2~ cells were stellate or fusiform in shape with long processes that were progressively decreased and shortened over the course of brain development. The distribution and morphology of PDGFRct positive （PDGFRa＋） cells were coincident with NG2＋ cells. The co- localization of NG2 and PDGFRu in the cell bodies and processes of some cells was confirmed by double immunofluorescence labeling. Moreover, cells double-labeled for NG2 and PDGFRa were predominantly in the early postnatal stage of development. The numbers of NG2＋/PDGFRa＋ cells and PDGFRa＋ cells decreased, but the number of NG2＋ cells increased from postnatal days 3 to 14 in the developing brain. In addition, amoeboid microglial cells of the corpus callosum, newborn brain macrophages in the normal developing brain, did not express NG2 or PDGFRu, but NG2 expression was detected in amoeboid microglia after hypoxia. The present results suggest that NG2 and PDGFRct are specific markers of oligodendrocyte precursor cells at different stages during early development. Additionally, the NG2 protein is involved in inflammatory and pathological processes of amoeboid microglial cells.

血清胱抑素C、内皮素-1、转化生长因子-β1预测高尿酸血症患者非布司他治疗后疗效的价值

目的研究血清胱抑素C、内皮素-1、转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)预测高尿酸血症(HUA)非布司他治疗后疗效的价值。方法回顾性分析2021年1月至2023年1月在武警山西总队医院收治的160例HUA患者的临床资料,所有患者均口服非布司他进行治疗,根据患者使用非布司他治疗3个月后的疗效情况分为有效组(n=118)和无效组(n=42)。观察两组基础资料信息[性别、年龄、体重指数、病程、疾病类型、合并高血压、合并糖尿病、血肌酐、肾小球过滤率(GFR)、血尿酸、胱抑素C、内皮素-1、TGF-β1水平]差异。采用多因素Logistic回归分析影响HUA患者非布司他治疗效果的危险因素。绘制受试者操作特征(ROC)曲线评估血清胱抑素C、内皮素-1、TGF-β1预测HUA患者非布司他治疗效果的效能。结果两组性别构成比、年龄、体重指数、病程、疾病类型、合并高血压、合并糖尿病、血肌酐、eGFR比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);无效组的血尿酸、胱抑素C、内皮素-1、TGF-β1水平分别为(435.89±33.05)μmol/L、(10.84±1.65)mg/L、(32.81±5.55)ng/L、(25.74±4.85)ng/mL,均显著高于有效组[(351.85±24.76)μmol/L、(8.15±1.43)mg/L、(24.56±4.12)ng/L、(19.28±3.62)ng/mL],差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。经多因素Logistic回归分析证实,血清血尿酸、胱抑素C、内皮素-1、TGF-β1高水平均是影响HUA患者非布司他治疗无效的危险因素(P<0.05)。经ROC分析证实,血清胱抑素C、内皮素-1、TGF-β1可用于HUA患者非布司他治疗效果的预测,曲线下面积分别为0.917、0.853、0.825,预测价值较好(P<0.05)。结论血清血尿酸、胱抑素C、内皮素-1、TGF-β1高水平均是影响HUA患者非布司他治疗效果的危险因素,可将以上指标作为评估HUA患者非布司他治疗效果的标志物,为临床降低HUA治疗无效风险提供参考。

miR-26a通过HGF/c-Met通路调控乳腺癌血管生成及分子机制

目的:研究miR-26a通过肝细胞生长因子(HGF)/细胞间质上皮转化(c-Met)通路调控乳腺癌血管生成及分子机制。方法:选择深圳市宝安区松岗人民医院2021年1月~2022年3月收治的乳腺癌患者40例,采集所有受试者的乳腺癌组织以及癌旁正常组织,比较不同乳腺组织织miR-26a、血管内皮生长因子A(VEGFA)mRNA相对表达量以及微血管密度(MVD)情况。此外,通过LipofectamineTM2000脂质体法将miR-26a模拟物以及抑制物分别转染至乳腺癌细胞中,记作miR-26a转染组、miR-26a抑制组,并将未进行任何处理的乳腺癌细胞作为阴性对照组。采用PCR方法检测HGF/c-Met通路相关蛋白及其下游靶基因磷脂酰肌醇激酶3(PI3K)、蛋白酶B(AKT)、雷帕霉素靶蛋白(mTOR)表达情况。结果:乳腺癌组织中miR-26a相对表达量相较于癌旁正常组织更低,而VEGFA相对表达量与MVD相较于癌旁正常组织更高,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。miR-26a抑制组HGF、p-c-Met/c-MET表达水平相较于阴性对照组以及miR-26a转染组均更高,而miR-26a转染组HGF、p-c-Met/c-MET表达水平相较于阴性对照组更低,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。miR-26a抑制组PI3K、AKT、mTOR mRNA相对表达量相较于阴性对照组以及miR-26a转染组更高,而miR-26a转染组PI3K、AKT、mTOR mRNA相对表达量相较于阴性对照组更低,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。结论:miR-26a通过抑制HGF/c-Met通路,降低PI3K、AKT、mTOR表达,抑制乳腺癌的发生及发展。

降钙素、血管内皮生长因子C在甲状腺髓样癌患者中的表达及临床意义

目的探讨降钙素(Ctn)、血管内皮生长因子C(VEGFC)在甲状腺髓样癌(MTC)患者中的表达及临床意义。方法选取82例MTC患者和71例健康体检者,分别作为观察组和对照组,采用酶联免疫吸附试验检测Ctn和VEGFC水平。比较两组受试者及不同TNM分期MTC患者的Ctn、VEGFC水平。对MTC患者随访1年,根据随访情况分为预后良好组和预后不良组。比较预后良好组和预后不良组MTC患者的临床特征,采用Logistic回归模型分析MTC患者预后的影响因素。结果观察组患者Ctn、VEGFC水平均明显高于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P﹤0.01)。Ⅲ~Ⅳ期MTC患者Ctn、VEGFC水平均明显高于Ⅰ~Ⅱ期患者,差异均有统计学意义(P﹤0.01)。预后良好组和预后不良组患者的TNM分期、淋巴结转移情况、Ctn水平、VEGFC水平比较,差异均有统计学意义(P﹤0.05)。多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示,TNM分期为Ⅲ~Ⅳ期、淋巴结转移、Ctn水平升高、VEGFC水平升高均是MTC患者预后不良的独立危险因素(P﹤0.05)。结论Ctn、VEGFC在MTC患者中表达均升高,且其表达水平与MTC的发生发展及预后密切相关。

Serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-C and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Level in Patients with Colorectal Carcinoma and Clinical Significance

Circulating vascular endothelial growth factor-C （VEGF-C） and vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） levels in patients with colorectal carcinoma were determined in order to assess their clinical significance as a diagnostic tool for monitoring lymph node metastasis. In 66 patients with colorectal carcinoma and 30 healthy controls, circulating VEGF-C and VEGF levels were assessed by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Serum VEGF-C and VEGF levels were higher in patients with colorectal carcinoma than in healthy controls. Patients with lymph node metastasis had higher serum VEGF-C and VEGF levels than those without lymph node metastasis. The levels of VEGF-C and VEGF were higher in the invasion group than in the non-invasion group. Serum VEGF-C levels reached a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 76 % with a cutoff value of 1438.0 pg/mL, whereas VEGF levels reached 72 % sensitivity and 74 % specificity at 240.2 pg/ mL. If 66 patients were divided into 4 groups according to the combined determination of VEGF-C and VEGF levels, the positive predictive value was 85.3 %, the negative predictive value was 94.6 %, and accuracy was 93.7 %. It was suggested that circulating VEGF-C levels might provide additional information for distinguishing the absence from presence of lymph node metastasis in patients with colorectal carcinoma. The combined determination of VEGF-C and VEGF levels could be used as an important index for preoperatively clinical stage of colorectal carcinoma.

巨噬细胞特异性启动子SP146-C1增强血管内皮生长因子C在动脉粥样硬化小鼠中的表达

背景:携带巨噬细胞特异性启动子SP146-C1(Synthetic promoter 146-C1)及外源性基因血管内皮生长因子C(vascular endothelial growth factor C,VEGFC)的重组9型腺相关病毒(recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype 9,rAAV9)在动脉粥样硬化组织中的表达效率还不确定。目的:探究rAAV9-SP146-C1-VEGFC在动脉粥样硬化小鼠中的表达效率及对淋巴管生成的影响。方法:取30只ApoE^(-/-)小鼠给予高脂饮食喂养12周构建动脉粥样硬化模型,随机数字表法分为转染7,14,21,28,35 d组各5只,尾静脉注射5.0×10^(11) vg rAAV9-SP146-C1-VEGFC,对照组5只小鼠尾静脉注射等量对照病毒rAAV9-SP146-C1-Scramble。分别于转染后7,14,21,28,35 d时麻醉后处死,留取血清、股骨、胫骨、心脏及主动脉组织,对照组于7 d时同法取材。各组小鼠的股骨和胫骨用于提取骨髓原代巨噬细胞,RT-qPCR检测骨髓原代巨噬细胞及主动脉中VEGFC、血管内皮细胞生长因子受体3、平足蛋白、淋巴管内皮透明质酸受体1的基因表达;Western blot检测骨髓原代巨噬细胞及主动脉中VEGFC的蛋白表达水平,ELISA检测小鼠血清中VEGFC水平,免疫荧光检测主动脉窦中VEGFC的表达,主动脉周围及心肌中淋巴管内皮透明质酸受体1的表达。结果与结论:①与对照组比较,转染7 d组小鼠血清VEGFC水平增加,主动脉及骨髓巨噬细胞中VEGFC、血管内皮细胞生长因子受体3、平足蛋白、淋巴管内皮透明质酸受体1的mRNA表达增高,骨髓巨噬细胞中VEGFC蛋白表达增高,主动脉窦斑块的VEGFC荧光强度增高(P<0.05,P<0.01);②转染rAAV9-SP146-C1-VEGFC的各组小鼠血清VEGFC水平随时间延长逐渐增加,在28 d时开始减少;主动脉及骨髓巨噬细胞中VEGFC、血管内皮细胞生长因子受体3、平足蛋白、淋巴管内皮透明质酸受体1的mRNA水平、骨髓巨噬细胞中VEGFC蛋白水平、主动脉窦斑块的VEGFC荧光强度、主动脉窦周围及心肌的淋巴管内皮透明质酸受体1荧光强度随着时间延长逐渐增加,其中主动脉淋巴管内皮透明质酸受体1的mRNA水平、主动脉窦周围及心肌的淋巴管内皮透明质酸受体1荧光强度在28 d时表达量最高(P<0.05),其余均在21 d时表达最高,28 d后逐渐减少(P<0.05)。结果表明,rAAV9-SP146-C1-VEGFC可有效转染动脉粥样硬化模型小鼠骨髓巨噬细胞,并促进淋巴管增生。

Role of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 in gastric cancer:Biological and pharmacological aspects

Amplification of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2)gene and overexpression of the HER2protein is found in 15%-20%of patients with gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer.The degree of HER2 overexpression and amplification varies with the location of the carcinoma,with higher expression in the gastroesophageal and proximal parts compared to the distal parts of the stomach.Further,HER2 overexpression and amplification also seems to be related to the Lauren histological classification,with higher levels found in the intestinal phenotype compared to the diffuse and mixed types.The prognostic properties of HER2 overexpression and amplification are still under debate,but a large number of studies seem to indicate that HER2 is a negative prognostic factor.The usefulness of HER2 targeted therapy in gastric cancer was demonstrated in the ToGA trial,where HER2-positive patients with advanced gastric and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma were randomized to receive5-FU/capecitabine and cisplatin,either alone or in combination with trastuzumab.A statically significant gain in overall survival was seen in patients who received the combined treatment of trastuzumab and chemotherapy.Patients with a strong overexpression of the HER2 protein(IHC3+)specifically benefited from the treatment,with a median overall survival of 17.9 mo.As a consequence of the positive results of the ToGA trial,patients with advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma are now routinely tested for HER2.The ToGA trial must be characterized as a landmark in the treatment of gastric cancer and it has paved the way for a number of new HER2 targeted compounds such as pertuzumab,ado-trastuzumab emtansine,lapatinib,afatinib,and dacomitinib,which are currently undergoing phaseⅡandⅢclinical testing.Overall,this review will discuss the current status of HER2 in gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer and the future direction in relation to HER2 target therapy.

Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C and Its Correlation with Lymph Node Metastasis in Colorectal Carcinoma

Summary: To study the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) in colorectal carcinoma and its relationship with lymph node metastasis, the expression of VEGF-C protein in colorectal carcinoma tissues obtained from 94 patients who underwent radical resection was immunohistochemically detected. Meanwhile, the expression of VEGF-C mRNA in 4 colorectal carcinoma cell lines was examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).VEGF-C protein was found to be expressed in 53.2 % of patients. The expression was more frequently detected in tumors with lymph node metastasis than in those without metastasis (P<0.01), and there was significant correlation between its expression and lymphatic invasion, TNM stage (P<0.01). However, no significant correlation was found between its expression and the age, gender, tumor location, depth of invasion and vascular invasion. 2 of the 4 colorectal carcinoma cell lines, including LoVo and LoVo-5FU, expressed VEGF-C mRNA. The expression of VEGF-C is closely related to lymph node metastasis, and it might take part in the tumor lymphangiogenesis.

Effect of Antisense Oligodeoxynucleotide of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C on Lymphangiogenesis and Angiogenesis of Pancreatic Cancer

In order to investigate the effect of antisense oligonucleotide （ASODN） of vascular endothelial growth factor C （VEGF-C） on lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis of pancreatic cancer, antisense and scamble-sense oligonucleotide of VEGF-C were constructed, and the model of nude mice with orthotopically xenografied human pancreatic cancer cells （Panc-1） was established. Thirty nude mice were randomly divided into 3 groups： PBS control group （group A）, scramble-sense control group （group B） and antisense group （group C）. All nude mice were treated once every 2 days as 3 times per week, for 3 weeks （oligonucleotide 10 mg/kg every time）. After treatments were completed, ELISA method was used to examine the concentration of VEGF-C in plasma and immunohistochemical method to examine microvessel density （MVD）, lymphtic vessel density （LVD） of pancreatic cancer. The results showed that the expression of VEGF-C was inhibited significantly in group C. The concentrations were 237.5±41.5, 221.5±52.3 and 108.6±14.9 pg/mL in groups A, B and C respectively （P〈0.01）. LVD in groups A, B and C was 13.8±2.1, 12.4±1.9 and 4.2±1.6 respectively （P〈0.01）. MVD in groups A, B and C was 27.5±8.7, 25.9±4.2 and 19.4±5.6 respectively with no significant difference among the groups （P〉0.05）. It was suggested that VEGF-C ASODN decreased the expression levels of VEGF-C in nude mice with orthotopically xenografted human pancreatic cancer, and it could inhibit lymphangiogenesis, but had no significant effect on angiogenesis.