Levels Of TF Research Articles

Tissue factor is induced by interleukin-33 in human endothelial cells: a new link between coagulation and inflammation.

Tissue factor (TF) is the primary trigger of coagulation. Elevated levels of TF are found in atherosclerotic plaques, and TF leads to thrombus formation when released upon plaque rupture. Interleukin (IL)-33 was previously shown to induce angiogenesis and inflammatory activation of endothelial cells (ECs). Here, we investigated the impact of IL-33 on TF in human ECs, as a possible new link between inflammation and coagulation. IL-33 induced TF mRNA and protein in human umbilical vein ECs and coronary artery ECs. IL-33-induced TF expression was ST2- and NF-κB-dependent, but IL-1-independent. IL-33 also increased cell surface TF activity in ECs and TF activity in ECs-derived microparticles. IL-33-treated ECs reduced coagulation time of whole blood and plasma but not of factor VII-deficient plasma. In human carotid atherosclerotic plaques (n = 57), TF mRNA positively correlated with IL-33 mRNA expression (r = 0.691, p < 0.001). In this tissue, IL-33 and TF protein was detected in ECs and smooth muscle cells by immunofluorescence. Furthermore, IL-33 and TF protein co-localized at the site of clot formation within microvessels in plaques of patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis. Through induction of TF in ECs, IL-33 could enhance their thrombotic capacity and thereby might impact on thrombus formation in the setting of atherosclerosis.

Effects of Tissue Factor and Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor-1 on Lung Adenocarcinoma With Venous Thromboembolism

SESSION TITLE: Lung Cancer I SESSION TYPE: Original Investigation Poster PRESENTED ON: Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM PURPOSE: To expore the relationship between lung adenocarcinoma and venous thromboembolic disease, several factors were dected, including coagulation indexes of PT, APTT, Fib, D-dimer and thromboembolic markers of TF, TFPI-1 in patients with lung adenocarcinoma; Meanwhile, to analyze the changs of TF / TFPI ratio in different stages of lung adenocarcinoma, so as to offer valuable evidence of whether those patients should receive anticoagulant therapy and how to choose the ideal anticoagulation time. METHODS: Fifty cases of lung adenocarcinoma patients, including 5 cases of venous thromboembolism were enrolled into the study from July 2013 to December 2014 in First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University. At the same time, 12 cases of patients with benign pulmonary disease, 20 cases of acute pulmonary thromboembolism and 30 cases of healthy people were also enrolled into the study. Expression of TF and TFPI-1 of lung tissue samples were detected by reverse transeriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and SABC immunohistochemistry method. The content of plasma PT, APTT and Fib were detected by blood coagulation analyzer, the content of plasma TFAg and TFPI-1Ag were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: In thrombotic cases, PT, APTT and TFPI-1 decreased while Fib, D-dimer, TF and TF/TFPI ratio increased. PT in lung adenocarcinoma without VTE group showed no significant difference when compared with control group (P>0.05). APTT decreased while Fib and D-dimer values were remarkably elevated in lung adenocarcinoma group when compared with control group (P< 0.01). No matter in blood samples or tissue samples, we found that TF and TFPI-1 expressions significantly increased along with the advanced TNM stage of lung cancer. The plasma levels of TF and TFPI-1 in stagesⅠ, Ⅱof lung adenocarcinoma were higher than that in control group (P< 0.01) while the TF / TFPI ratio show no statistically significant difference between stages Ⅰ, Ⅱ and control group (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PT, APTT, Fib and D-dimer could be used to preliminary evaluate the coagulation state of lung adenocarcinoma in clinical. TF/TFPI imbalance plays an important role on the mechanism of lung adenocarcinoma complicated with VTE. Other than the single index levels of TF or TFPI-1, the ratio of TF/TFPI can more accurately reflect the coagulation state in the patients with lung adenocarcinoma. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: TF/TFPI may play an important role on assessing whether or when the case with lung adenocarcinoma DISCLOSURE: The following authors have nothing to disclose: Chaosheng Deng, Xiaoming Cao, Qi-Chang Lin, Zhihua Huang, Haibo Ding, Jianchai Huang, Zhanghua Zhong, Yongxu Jin No Product/Research Disclosure Information

Decreased serum levels of sex steroids associated with osteoporosis in a group of Romanian male patients

Abstract Introduction. With age, sex hormone deficiency leads to reduced bone mineral density (BMD) in men. The aim of our research is to analyze the role of serum sex steroids in assessing BMD in the men included in this study. Materials and methods. This cross-sectional study included 146 men aged 65-85 years old with osteopenia or osteoporosis (study group) and 121 men with normal BMD (control group). Serum levels of total testosterone (Tt) and free testosterone (Tf) were measured by immunoassay, and estradiol (E2) levels were measured by the immunoenzymatic method. Femoral neck and lumbar spine BMD was examined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results. Tf and E2 deficiency was significantly associated with low BMD (p=0.007). No association was found between Tt deficiency and reduced BMD. Tf levels (p&lt;0.001) and E2 levels (p=0.003) were significantly lower in patients with reduced BMD compared to those with normal BMD. Significant more cases with low levels of Tf (p=0.015) and E2 (p&lt;0.001) were found in patients with osteoporosis compared to those with osteopenia. Conclusions. Sex hormones deficiency in men was significantly correlated with the decrease of BMD. Determination of serum Tf and E2 levels is important in assessing the risk of osteoporosis in male subjects.

Tissue factor–positive tumor microvesicles activate platelets and enhance thrombosis in mice

ESSENTIALS: Cancer patients have a high rate of venous thrombosis (VT) but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Tumor-derived, tissue factor-positive microvesicles in platelet activation in vitro and in vivo were studied. Tumor-derived, tissue factor-positive microvesicles enhanced VT in mice. Platelets may contribute to VT in some cancer patients, and this could be prevented with antiplatelet drugs. Cancer patients have an approximately 4-fold increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) compared with the general population, and cancer patients with VTE have reduced survival. Tumor cells constitutively release small membrane vesicles called microvesicles (MVs) that may contribute to thrombosis in cancer patients. Clinical studies have shown that levels of circulating tumor-derived, tissue factor-positive (TF(+) ) MVs in pancreatic cancer patients are associated with VTE. Objectives We tested the hypothesis that TF(+) tumor-derived MVs (TMVs) activate platelets in vitro and in mice. We selected two human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell lines expressing high (BxPc-3) and low (L3.6pl) levels of TF as models to study the effect of TF(+) TMVs on platelets and thrombosis. We found that both types of TF(+) TMVs activated human platelets and induced aggregation in vitro in a TF and thrombin-dependent manner. Further, injection of BxPc-3 TF(+) TMVs triggered platelet activation in vivo and enhanced thrombosis in two mouse models of venous thrombosis in a TF-dependent manner. Importantly, BxPc-3 TF(+) TMV-enhanced thrombosis was reduced in Par4-deficient mice and in wild-type mice treated with clopidogrel, suggesting that platelet activation was required for enhanced thrombosis. These studies suggest that TF(+) TMV-induced platelet activation contributes to thrombosis in cancer patients.

The effects of polysaccharides from the root of Angelica sinensis on tumor growth and iron metabolism in H22-bearing mice.

The crude polysaccharide was obtained from the root of Angelica sinensis (AS) to investigate its effect on tumor growth and iron metabolism in H22-bearing mice. In our study, we showed that Angelica sinensis polysaccharide (ASP) was mainly composed of arabinose, glucose and galactose in a molar ratio of 1:1:1.75, with a molecular weight of 80,900 Da and a sugar content of 88.0%. Animal experimental results revealed that three doses of ASP all had anti-tumor effects with inhibition ratios of 27.11%, 31.65% and 37.05%. With respect to iron metabolism, the mean levels of serum hepcidin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), ferritin, transferrin (Tf), transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) and transferrin receptor 2 (TfR2) in H22-bearing mice were promoted, and serum iron concentration decreased significantly. After treatment with ASP, these iron-related indicators recovered in different degrees. The findings suggested that the anti-tumor activity of ASP may be affected by its regulation on iron metabolism in H22-bearing mice.

Pharmacological Concentrations of Recombinant Factor VIIa Restores Hemostasis in Acquired Hemophilia Primarily Independent of Tissue Factor

High doses of recombinant FVIIa (rFVIIa) are used successfully to treat hemophilia patients with inhibitory antibodies against FVIII and FIX. Despite its widespread and successful use of treating bleeding disorders for many years, the understanding of the mechanism of rFVIIa action in hemophilia therapy is incomplete. A majority of the studies, mostly in vitro studies, suggested that activation of FX by rFVIIa bound to phospholipids exposed on the activated platelets is responsible for the hemostatic effect of rFVIIa in hemophilia patients. However, other in vitro studies and mathematical modeling indicated that the action of rFVIIa at therapeutic doses is dominated by the TF-dependent pathway, partly because of the need to overcome the inhibitory effect of zymogen FVII, with a minor contribution from phospholipid-dependent mechanism. In the present study, we investigated whether TF plays a role in rFVIIa-mediated hemostasis in hemophilia by employing transgenic mice expressing low levels of human TF (Low TF mice) or normal levels of human TF (HTF mice; breeding pairs for these mice were provided by Nigel Mackman). Mice were administered with FVIII mAb to induce acquired hemophilia. The saphenous vein incision bleeding model was used to evaluate the hemostasis. In this model, saphenous vein was exposed and bleeding was induced by a sharp incision of the vein with a fine scissors. The bleeding from the cut was monitored for 30 min while blood was collected onto a filter paper by capillary action. After each hemostasis incident, the clot was disrupted gently to reinitiate a new bleeding episode, and average time to achieve hemostasis (ATH) was calculated.First, we investigated the role of TF in hemostasis by comparing the bleeding episodes in low TF and HTF mice following the saphenous vein incision. In the saphenous vein bleeding model, control wild-type mice had a median ATH of 60 sec (n=6) and hemophilia A mice failed to achieve hemostasis within 30 min experimental time frame (n=6). HTF mice had essentially very similar ATH compared to that of the wild-type mice, i.e., 64 sec (n=5). In contrast, low TF mice had a substantially longer median ATH, 90 sec (n=6), which is statistically significantly longer than that of ATH of wild-type or HTF mice. Administration of TF antibodies (1 mg/kg) to neutralize remaining traces of TF in Low TF mice further prolonged the bleeding time to a median ATH of 309 sec (n=6). These data clearly illustrates the role of TF in hemostasis.Next, we created acquired hemophilic condition in low TF and HTF mice by injecting FVIII mAb (1 mg/kg). Low TF mice also received TF antibodies. Administration of FVIII mAb markedly prolonged the bleeding time in both groups of mice (between 300 to 1800 sec), with a median ATH of 900 sec. Administration of rFVIIa (4 mg/kg) to HTF hemophilic mice reduced the ATH to a median of 51 sec (mean ± SD, 50 ± 5 sec, n=6). The same concentration of rFVIIa also restored hemostasis in hemophilic low TF mice with a median ATH of 66 sec (mean ±SD, 70 ± 18 sec, n=6). This value is not statistically significantly different from that of ATH of wild-type mice. Although rFVIIa restored the hemostasis in both HTF and low TF mice, it appears that rFVIIa is slightly, but statistically significantly, more effective in HTF mice compared to low TF mice in restoring the hemostasis (p = 0.025). However, we did not observe any significant differences between these two groups in the volume of blood loss following rFVIIa administration. In summary, our data strongly support the hypothesis that high concentrations of rFVIIa restore hemostasis in hemophilia primarily in TF-independent manner. More detailed studies are needed to completely eliminate the role of TF in rFVIIa mediated hemostasis. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

The Targeting Repair of UC-MSCs Homing on Immune Inflammatory Microenvironment and Thrombophilia in CIA Rats

IntroductionTo preliminary study the repair effect of umbilical cordmesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) homing on local and systemic inflammatory microenvironment and immune inflammatory thrombophilia states of the CIA rata by observing the distribution of the UC-MSCs in the CIA rate and the influence of the UC-MSCs on the expression of the inflammatory cytokines IL-10, TNF-α IL-6, IFN-γ and the thrombosis indicators TF, VWF, DD, FIB's.MethodsThe clean grade, female, 5-week-old SD rats were randomly divided into a control (C) group, model (M) group, UC-MSCs treatment (SU) group, adding AMD3100 to labled UC-MSCs therapy (ASU) group. Except for control group, the other rats were induced as CIA rats model. Treatment group were injected UC-MSCs suspension by tail vein. The rats were sacrificed in the first, the third and the fifth week after transplantation. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of joint tissues. The distribution of UC-MSCs in the joint tissue was detected by FISH. ELISA assay was used to observe the expression of inflammation and thrombosis indicators in peripheral blood. The expression of inflammatory factors in the joint tissue were detected by western blot.Results:1. One week after injection, the expression of SDF-1 in the injuried joint of the group SU was significantly increased compared with the control group, at the same time, the large number of UC-MSCs occured in injured sites. While, adding AMD3100 to labled UC-MSCs were not expressed in the joint tissue. The expression of SDF-1 in the labled UC-MSCs treating group decreased over time, and the number of UC-MSCs reduced in the inflammatory joints.2. After given UC-MSCs treatment, the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ in the knee and serum were conspicuously reduced compared with the group M since the first week. While the level of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was increased (p <0.05). After adding AMD3100, the expression of above indicators in the group ASU showed no significant difference compared to the group C.3. After given UC-MSCs treatment, the levels of TF in serum and DD, FIB, VWF in plasma were conspicuously reduced compared to the group M since the first week (p <0.05). The expression of the above indicators in the group ASU showed no significant difference compared to the group C.Conclusion:1. UC-MSCs homing to the injured joint tissue is influnced by the local inflammation environment, which is an important way to play its role of immune regulation to improve the immune inflammatory thrombophilia state in CIA rsts.2. SDF-1/CXCR4 axis is important to the UC-MSCs homing, the antagonist AMD3100 can suppress the UC-MSC homing to the injured site.Funded by Jiangsu Provincial Special Program of Medical Science (BL2012005) DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Alteration of Microparticle Levels in Early Complications During Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

To investigate the alteration of microparticles (MP) in the recipients following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and its significance, and to search the early diagnostic indicators of thrombotic complications after transplantation. According to the occurrence of transplantation-associated complications, 94 allo-HSCT patients were divided into 4 groups: thrombotic group (VOD n = 7, TMA n = 2), acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) group (n = 27), infection group (n = 41) and non-complication group (n = 17). Alterations of serum concentration of tissue factor positive microparticles (TF(+) MP) and endothelial microparticles (EMP) were analyzed by flow cytometry during the process of conditioning treatment and the early stage after transplantation. The relation of these 2 kinds of MP with complications was analysed. (1) The levels of TF(+) MP and EMP of patients undogoing allo-HSCT before conditioning treatment were obviously higher than those in normal controls, and showed some elevation during different times, but there was no significant statistical difference. Although the levels of TF(+) MP and EMP at the end of conditioning treatment were some higher than those before conditioning treatment, but there was no statistical difference between them. (2)The levels of TF(+) MP and EMP in thrombotic group were obviously higher than those in aGVHD group and infection group (P < 0.05). (3)The levels of TF(+) MP and EMP in thrombotic group at different times were significant differences from those in other groups (P < 0.05), and the levels of TF(+) MP and EMP were no significant difference from those in non-complication group. The increase of the TF(+) MP and EMP levels may be associated with occurrence of thrombosis after transplantation, indicating occurrence of the thrombotic complications, like hepatic vein occulusive disease (HVOD). The dynamically monitoring levels of TF(+) MP and EMP contributes to early discovery of thrombotic complications.

Regulation of UC-MSC on Immune Inflammatory Thrombophilia in MRL/lpr Mice

To study the immune repair effect of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSC) on inflammatory disorders and thrombophilia state of MRL/lpr mice by detecting the expression change of peripheral blood CD4(+) CD25(+) T cells and the levels of plasma inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and thrombosis indicators TF, FIB. Twenty five MRL/lpr mice were divided into control (C) group, UC-MSC one time treatment (UT1) group and UC-MSC three time treatments (UT3) group. UC-MSC cell suspension was injecled via tail vein and these mice were feeded in SPF environment. The blood samples were taken from the mice every 2 weeks after 16(th) week. FCM was used to detect the expression of CD4(+) CD25(+) T cells in peripheral blood, ELISA assay was used to detect the levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and thrombosis indicators TF, FIB. The expression of peripheral blood CD4(+) CD25(+) T cells in treatment groups increased during 16(th) to 18(th) week, dropped and tended to be stable since 20(th) week, and lower than those in control group. The levels of plasma TNF-α and IL-6 in treatment group decreased since 16(th) week and significantly lower than those in control group (P < 0.05). The levels of plasma TF and FIB in treatment group decreased since 16(th) week. The level of plasma TF in treatment group was significantly lower than those in control group (P < 0.05) since 18(th) week. UC-MSC can repair the immune inflammatory microenvironment disorders of MRL/lpr mice through its immunomodulatory effect. UC-MSC contribute to repair of immune inflammatory thrombophilia of MRL/lpr mice.

Transferrin Sialylation in Smoking and Non-Smoking Pregnant Women with Intrauterine Growth Restriction

Transferrin (Tf) is a glycosylated protein responsible for transporting iron. Various sialylation levels of Tf are observed during physiological and pathological processes. We studied if the changes in iron stores as well as tobacco smoke may have an impact on foetal development and in consequence lead to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). In the third trimester of pregnancy, lower levels of 4-sialoTf isoform and higher levels of 5-sialoTf were observed in the serum of non-smoking women with IUGR in comparison to the control group. On the day of labour, level of 2-sialoTf was significantly lower and level of 3-sialo was Tf higher in the serum of non-smoking women. Level of 4-sialo was found lower in the serum of smoking women with IUGR than in the control group. The observed changes may suggest a connection between iron stores, transport of iron to the foetus and foetal development.

Expression of transferrin in hematoma brain tissue at different stages after intra cerebral hemorrhage in rats.

To explore the expression of transferrin (Tf) and transferrin receptor (TfR) in hematoma brain tissue at different stage after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in rats. ICH rats model were established by collagenase method, and rats were sacrificed at 24h, 72h, 7d and 14d after operation. The levels of Tf and TfR in different periods of rats were detected by immunohistochemical method, and correlation between two groups was analyzed. Tf, TfR-positive cells at each time after operation in observation group were significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05). Tf, TfR-positive cells began to increase from 24h after the operation and reached the peak 72h-7d after surgery, but then gradually decreased. Tf was mainly expressed in nucleus and cytoplasm of neurons and glial cells around the hematoma, but TfR was mainly expressed in nucleus and cytoplasm of neurons and choroid plexus endothelial cells. Correlation analysis showed that the Tf-positive cell was significantly positively correlated with TfR-positive cell expression (r=0.447, P=0.022). Tf and TfR were important transporters in brain tissue excessive load iron transport after ICH, and detecting the expression levels of the two indicators can provide a reference for prognosis treatment in ICH.

Expression of heparanase and its related factors mRNA in leukemia cells

Objective To explore whether the expression of heparanase (HPA) and other coagulation proteins on blast membrane could determine the hemostatic balance on the surface of leukemia cells. Methods 40 patients with leukemia (study group) and 20 patients with iron deficiency anemia (control group) were analyzed, the levels of TF, uPAR, HPA mRNA were detected by semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results The levels of TF, uPAR, HPA mRNA in study group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The levels of TF, uPAR, HPA mRNA in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) group (23 cases) were significantly higher than those in the acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) (5 cases), chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML) (4 cases), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) groups (3 cases) (in control, AML, CML, ALL, CLL groups, TF levels were 0.66±0.03, 2.56±0.37, 1.33±0.06, 1.93±0.08, 1.23±0.07, uPAR were 0.53±0.02, 1.89±0.26, 0.92±0.15, 1.44±0.01, 1.19±0.16, HPA were 2.37±0.24, 1.42± 0.13, 1.68±0.09, 1.54±0.12, respectively, all P< 0.05). Conclusions The TF, uPAR and HPA predominate in leukemia cells. The expression of coagulation proteins on blast membrane may determine the hemostatic balance on the surface of leukemia cells, and the hemostatic balance on the blast surface may contribute to thombohemorrhagic syndrome manifestations in leukemic patients. Key words: Leukemia; Heparanase; Tissue factor; Urokinase plasminogen activator receptor

Diagnostic and prognostic utility of tissue factor for severe sepsis and sepsis-induced acute lung injury.

BackgroundTissue factor (TF) and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) play a central role in the endothelial permeability regulation and dysfunction, which is associated with the development of sepsis and acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS). The aim of this study is to assess the diagnostic and prognostic values of TF and TFPI in patients with sepsis and sepsis-induced ARDS.MethodsA total of 62 patients with sepsis, 167 patients with severe sepsis and 32 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this prospective observational study. TF and TFPI levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsPatients with sepsis-induced ARDS showed significantly higher median levels of TF compared with patients without ARDS (1425.5 (1019.9 to 2595.2) pg/ml vs 916.2 (724.1 to 1618.2) pg/ml, P < 0.001), and compared with sepsis patients (943.5 (786.4 to 992.4) pg/ml, P < 0.001) on the day of admission. However, there was no significant difference between sepsis patients and healthy subjects, or between septic shock and non-septic shock patients (P > 0.05). The AUC of TF for the diagnosis of sepsis-induced ARDS was 0.749 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.675-0.822). Plasma TF levels in the non-survivors of severe sepsis were significantly higher than those of survivors (1618.6 (1017.1 to 2900.8) pg/ml vs. 979.9 (757.2 to 1645.5) pg/ml, P < 0.001), and multivariate logistic regression showed the plasma value of TF was the independent predictor for 30-day mortality in patients with severe sepsis (P = 0.0022, odds ratio (OR) = 1.41, 95% CI 1.24-1.69). The AUC of TF for predicting 30-day mortality in severe sepsis patients was 0.718 (95% CI 0.641-0.794). However, there was no significant difference in the plasma TFPI values among the healthy control, sepsis and severe sepsis groups (P > 0.05).ConclusionsOur data showed that tissue factor is a valuable diagnostic biomarker for the diagnosis of sepsis-induced ARDS. Moreover, tissue factor is a strong prognostic marker for short-term mortality in severe sepsis and sepsis-induced ARDS patients.

Effects of Melatonin and Luzindole on plasma levels of tissue factor, tissue factor Pathway inhibitor and Von Willebrand factor in rats

Introduction: The role of melatonin in hemostasis is still poorly studied. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of melatonin and luzindole, inhibitor of the melatonin receptors - MT 1 and MT 2 , on plasma levels of tissue factor, tissue factor pathway inhibitor and von Willebrand factor. Material and methods: The study was performed on 52 male Wistar rats, kept at 12/12 h natural regimen dark/light. The daily doses of melatonin 0.2 mg/kg b.m. and luzindole 0.4 mg/kg b.m. were applied subcutaneously twice daily at intervals of 12h for three consecutive days. The rats were distributed into four equal groups (n = 13) and were treated as follows: the first group (control group) - by saline; the second group - by melatonin; the third group - by luzindole; and the fourth group - by luzindole and an hour later by melatonin. Results: The results show that melatonin significantly increases the plasma levels of TF, reduces the values of free TFPI antigen and free TFPI activity, and increases the values of vWF antigen and vWF activity. Applied alone, luzindole lowers the plasma levels of TF, increases the values of free TFPI antigen and free TFPI activity; decreases the values of vWF antigen and vWF activity. Pretreatment with luzindole repeats the effect of self-administration. The received data show that melatonin induces a pronounced tendency to hypercoagulability in rats by a significant increase in TF, a decrease of free TFPI and free TFPI activity, as well as an increase in vWF antigen and vWF activity. Conclusions: Lizindole self-administration and pretreatment show a decisive involvement of MT 1 and MT 2 receptors for accomplishing the effects of the hormone.

Proteomics analysis of urine reveals acute phase response proteins as candidate diagnostic biomarkers for prostate cancer.

Despite the overall success of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in screening and detection of prostate cancer (PCa), its use has been limited due to the lack of specificity. The principal driving goal currently within PCa research is to identify non-invasive biomarker(s) for early detection of aggressive tumors with greater sensitivity and specificity than PSA. In this study, we focused on identification of non-invasive biomarkers in urine with higher specificity than PSA. We tested urine samples from PCa and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients by 2-D DIGE coupled with MS and bioinformatics analysis. Statistically significant (p < 0.05), 1.8 fold variation or more in abundance, showed 41 spots, corresponding to 23 proteins. The Ingenuity Pathway Analysis showed significant association with the Acute Phase Response Signaling pathway. Nine proteins with differential abundances were included in this pathway: AMBP, APOA1, FGA, FGG, HP, ITIH4, SERPINA1, TF and TTR. The expression pattern of 4 acute phase response proteins differed from the defined expression in the canonical pathway. The urine levels of TF, AMPB and HP were measured by immunoturbidimetry in an independent validation set. The concentration of AMPB in urine was significantly higher in PCa while levels of TF and HP were opposite (p < 0.05). The AUC for the individual proteins ranged from 0.723 to 0.754. The combination of HP and AMBP yielded the highest accuracy (AUC = 0.848), greater than PSA. The proposed biomarker set is quickly quantifiable and economical with potential to improve the sensitivity and specificity of PCa detection.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12953-014-0059-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

IgG sera levels against a subset of periodontopathogens and severity of disease in aggressive periodontitis patients: a cross-sectional study of selected pocket sites.

To evaluate the association among serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses to Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) serotypes a, b and c, Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Tannerella forsythia (Tf) and clinical parameters in Aggressive Periodontitis (AP) subjects. Associations between periodontal pathogens and clinical and immunological parameters were also evaluated. Thirty-eight subjects diagnosed with generalized AP (GAP) and localized AP (LAP) were included. Ten healthy controls were also evaluated. Clinical parameters were assessed and percentages of subgingival levels of Aa, Pg and Tf (beyond bacterial load), were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Serum IgG antibody levels against Aa, Pg and Tf were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Percentages of Aa, Pg and Tf were significantly higher in AP than in controls. The response to Aa serotype c was higher in LAP subjects than in controls. There were no differences in microbial composition or antibodies responses between GAP and LAP, except for IgG response to Tf. Pg levels were correlated with probing depth (PD), BoP and CAL in GAP but not in LAP subjects. Tf levels correlated with PD and CAL in GAP subjects. In GAP, the infection levels of Aa and Pg correlated with the corresponding IgG levels to Aa serotype c and Pg. Given the evidences that IgG response in AP patients correlated with bacterial infection level in GAP, but not in LAP, and that LAP patients lack a response to Tf, despite harbouring this species, our data suggest a difference in host immune defence between these two forms of aggressive periodontitis.

Circulating microparticles in carriers of prothrombin G20210A mutation.

Factor V Leiden (FVL) and prothrombin gene mutation G20210A (PTM) are the two most common genetic polymorphisms known to predispose carriers to venous thromboembolism (VTE). A recent study in FVL carriers showed that circulating levels of microparticles (MP) may contribute to their thrombogenic profile. To further elucidate the prothrombotic state linked to genetic thrombophilia, we extended this study to carriers of PTM. The plasma level of annexin V-MP, endothelial-MP (EMP), platelet-MP (PMP), tissue factor-bearing MP (TF+) and the MP procoagulant activity (PPL) was measured in 124 carriers of PTM (105 heterozygous and 19 homozygous) and in 120 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals. Heterozygous and homozygous carriers of PTM showed significantly increased levels of annexin V-MP (2930 [1440-4646] MP/µl and 3064 [2412-4906] MP/µl, respectively) and significantly shorter PPL clotting time (54 [46-67] sec and 55 [46-64] sec) compared to controls (1728 [782-2122] MP/µl and 71 [61-75] sec, respectively; p<0.01). Similarly, heterozygous and homozygous subjects presented with significantly higher levels of EMP, PMP and TF+ than controls (p<0.05). PTM carriers with a VTE history had significantly higher MP numbers and activity than controls. No significant difference was seen between carriers with and without a VTE history. We conclude that the higher levels of circulating MP found in PTM carriers may play a role in the development of VTE possibly by increasing thrombin generation. Further studies are needed to better define the role of MP as triggering factors for the thrombotic complications characterizing mild genetic thrombophilic defects.

Procoagulant Status In Patients With Immune Thrombocytopenia

IntroductionImmune thrombocytopaenia (ITP) is an acquired immune-mediated disorder characterized by mild to severe thrombocytopaenia caused by autoantibodies against platelet proteins. Bleeding risk in patients with ITP is increased with platelet counts less than 20 or 30 x 109/L. However, patients with ITP often have few bleeding symptoms despite very low platelet counts suggesting the existence of compensatory mechanisms. Moreover, an increased risk for thrombosis in patients with ITP has been described (Nørgaard M, 2012). It has been recently reported that increased production of platelet- and red cells-derived microparticles (MP) might be one of the causes of increased thrombotic risk in ITP patients (Sewify, 2013). ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the microparticle-associated and plasma procoagulant activities in ITP patients with thrombocytopaenia. MethodsSixty-eight patients with chronic ITP and platelet count less than 50 x 109/L and twenty-two healthy controls were included. Platelet counts were determined with a Coulter Ac. T Diff cell counter (Beckman Coulter, Madrid, Spain). Citrated blood was centrifuged at 1,500 g for 15 min at 23°C. Platelet-poor plasma obtained was additionally centrifuged twice at 23°C (15 min at 1,500 g, and 2 min at 13,000 g) and aliquots were stored at -70ºC until analysis.Phosphatidylserine-MP (Ph-MP) and tissue factor-MP (TF-MP) dependent procoagulant activities were determined with the ZYMUPHEN kits (Hyphen BioMed, Neuville sur Oise, France) following the manufacturer's instructions.Plasma thrombin generation was measured using the Calibrated Automated Thrombogram (CAT) test as described by Hemker et al (2000) at a final concentration of 1 pM tissue factor and 4 μM phospholipids (PPP-Reagent LOW, Thrombinoscope BV, Maastricht, The Netherlands). We evaluated the endogenous thrombin potential (ETP, the total amount of thrombin generated over time); the lag time (the time to the beginning of the explosive burst of thrombin generation); the peak height of the curve (the maximum thrombin concentration produced); and the time to the peak.To test resistance to protein C, CAT experiments were performed without and with the addition of thrombomodulin (TM) (PPP and PPP with thrombomodulin reagents, Thrombinoscope BV, Maastricht, The Netherlands). Results were expressed as the ratio [(ETP with TM)/(ETP without ETP)]x100.Results were expressed as mean±SD. Comparisons of quantitative variables were made with Mann-Whitney test and correlations with Spearman test. Values of p≤0.05 were considered statistically significant. ResultsPh-MP associated procoagulant capacity in ITP patients was higher than in controls (p<0.05) whereas MP-TF associated procoagulant activity was practically negligible in both groups. Plasma procoagulant activity was higher in ITP patients than in controls (ETP: 1604±616 nM x min in ITP patients and 1302±416, p=0.012 in controls; Peak: 328±123 nM in ITP patients and 203±74 nM in controls, p<0.001). We tested whether the higher procoagulant activity of plasma from ITP patients was due to a resistance to protein C. We observed that the mean Ratio value in ITP patients was slightly higher than the mean Ratio of controls (60±18 and 50±13 respectively, p=0.034). Despite this significant difference in the Ratio, no correlation was found between this value and the CAT parameters. ConclusionITP patients with thrombocytopaenia had a higher Ph-MP associated and plasma procoagulant activity than controls. The fact that the increased MP-procoagulant activity was not accompanied by a higher TF-MP associated procoagulant activity brings further support to the previous observation that MPs in ITP patients are from platelets and red cells, as both cells express very low levels of TF (Sewify, 2013). Regarding the increased plasma procoagulant capacity observed in ITP patients, our results suggest that resistance to protein C does not seem to be the main mechanism involved.References• Nørgaard M. Thromb Res. 2012;130 Suppl 1:S74-75.• Sewify EM, et al. Thromb Res. 2013;131:e59-63.Hemker HC, et al. Thromb Haemost 2000;83:589-9. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Phenolic profile and antioxidant activity in selected seeds and sprouts

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of germination on the phenolic acids and flavonoids profile, as well as antioxidant activity (AA), in selected edible seeds of mung beans, radish, broccoli and sunflower. Germination increased the total phenolic (TP) and flavonoid (TF) levels, as well as the AA of the seeds, and influenced the profile of free and bound phenolic compounds. Among the samples, mung bean was characterised by lowest levels of TP and TF, as well as AA, evaluated using ABTS, DPPH and FRAP assays. Sunflower and radish sprouts were the most rich in phenolic compounds. Insignificant amounts of free phenolic acids were found in the free phenolic acid fraction; alkaline hydrolysis of the seeds and sprouts extracts provided the majority of the phenolic acids. The amounts of free and bound flavonoids were inconsiderable both for seeds and sprouts.

Abstract 1150: Biomarkers discovery and racial disparity in hepatitis C-associated hepatocellular carcinoma.

Abstract Cancer health disparities represent a major public health concern in the US. Even when factors such as socioeconomic status, carcinogen exposure, and access to care are accounted for, disparities persist in the form of higher overall incidence rates and worse clinical outcomes for minority populations than for overall population. A case of point is the racial disparities in liver cancer-related mortality. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most significant contributing factor in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In the US, African Americans (AAs) have twice the prevalence of HCV/genotype 1 infection, and develop HCC at more than twice the rate as Caucasian (CA) counterparts. African Americans are, however, less likely to respond to interferon-based therapy than CAs, and have considerably lower likelihood of receiving liver transplantation. While it is evident that viral infection with HCV is associated with the development of HCC, there are critical gaps in our understanding of the biological basis for this racial disparity. The aim of the current study was to define the molecular signatures of HCV disease progression in liver &amp; tumor tissue samples obtained from AA &amp; CA patients using 8-plex iTRAQ-based proteomics coupled with bioinformatics data analyses. The raw data were analyzed by the ProteinPilot v3.0 using the paragon algorithm. Searches were performed against a comprehensive database generated from SwissPort, Refseq, and Tremble protein sequences. The data were normalized for loading error &amp; background correction. The proteins with confidence score &amp;gt; 90% and with at least 1 peptide of 95% identification confidence were used for further quality control &amp; differential expression analysis. The quality control analysis was performed using pairwise correlation plots, boxplots, principal component analysis (PCA), and unsupervised hierarchical clustering. Supervised analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEP), where the relative protein expression values were compared between groups (Normal vs. Cirrhosis (CIR), Normal vs. HCC, CIR vs. HCC). Based on our experimental design, 787 unique proteins were identified. Of those, 32 were differentially expressed between normal, cirrhosis &amp; HCC groups. Targets validation using real-time PCR (RT-PCR) or western blotting (WB) shows racially distinct alteration in the expression of certain targets. For example, the mRNA expression levels of TF were 2 and18-fold higher in CIR &amp; HCC, respectively in AAs compared to CAs. Similarly, the expression of APOA1 mRNA levels was 7-fold higher in HCC of AAs compared to CAs. This trend was similar to their protein expression levels using WB. However, the level of HNF4α protein was down regulated in AAs compared to CAs. This indicates that HNF4α does not regulate TF &amp; APOA1 expression in HCC of AA samples. Citation Format: Simon T. Dillon, Manoj K. Bhasin, Xiaoxing (Stella) Feng, David Koh, Sayed Salih Daoud. Biomarkers discovery and racial disparity in hepatitis C-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1150. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-1150