No / Activation of fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR) is a common oncogenic event. Little is known about the determinants of sensitivity to FGFR inhibition and how these may vary between different oncogenic FGFRs. Using parallel RNA interference (RNAi) genetic screens, we show that the EGF receptor (EGFR) limits sensitivity to FGFR inhibition in FGFR3-mutant and -translocated cell lines, but not in other FGFR-driven cell lines. We also identify two distinct mechanisms through which EGFR limits sensitivity. In partially FGFR3-dependent lines, inhibition of FGFR3 results in transient downregulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling that is rescued by rapid upregulation of EGFR signaling. In cell lines that are intrinsically resistant to FGFR inhibition, EGFR dominates signaling via repression of FGFR3, with EGFR inhibition rescued by delayed upregulation of FGFR3 expression. Importantly, combinations of FGFR and EGFR inhibitors overcome these resistance mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. Our results illustrate the power of parallel RNAi screens in identifying common resistance mechanisms to targeted therapies. SIGNIFICANCE: Our data identify a novel therapeutic approach to the treatment of FGFR3-mutant cancer, emphasizing the potential of combination approaches targeting both FGFR3 and EGFR. Our data extend the role of EGFR in mediating resistance to inhibitors targeting a mutant oncogene, showing that EGFR signaling can repress mutant FGFR3 to induce intrinsic resistance to FGFR targeting.

INTRODUÇÃO: Os níveis séricos de fósforo (P) têm sido associados a doenças cardiovasculares e mortalidade em pacientes com doença renal crônica e na população geral. Estudos in vitro demonstram que altas concentrações de fósforo extracellular são capazes de induzir calcificação vascular e disfunção endotelial. O Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF-23) é um hormônio fosfatúrico e foi relacionado à presença de aterosclerose em pacientes idosos. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar as relações entre P, FGF-23 e outros atores do metabolismo mineral e a ocorrência de doença arterial coronariana em pacientes com função renal preservada. MÉTODOS: Duzentos e noventa pacientes clinicamente estáveis com indicação de cineangiocoronariografia eletiva e clearance de creatinina superior a 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 foram submetidos à Tomografia Computadorizada Multislice para avaliação da calcificação coronariana e coleta de sangue para dosagens bioquímicas. A calcificação coronariana foi quantificada através do Escore de Agatston (EA) e os Escores de Friesinger e Gensini foram calculados para quantificar a obstrução coronariana. RESULTADOS: A média de idade dos pacientes foi 58,1± 9,3 anos, 81% eram hipertensos e 35,5% diabéticos. Os pacientes foram divididos em grupos de acordo com o EA utilizando-se como ponto de corte o valor de 10 Unidades Hounsfield (HU). O P sérico foi maior no grupo de pacientes com EA > 10 HU (3,63 0,55 vs 3,49 0,52mg/dL; p=0,019). Cada 1 mg/dL de elevação no P sérico associou-se a um aumento de 92% no risco de apresentar o EA > 10HU [Odds Ratio (OR) =1,92, CI 1,56-3,19; p=0,01]. Quando os pacientes foram divididos de acordo com a mediana do Escore de Friesinger (4 pontos), o grupo com valores superiores à mediana apresentou P sérico maior (3,6 0,5 vs. 3,5 0,6 mg/dl; p=0,04) e FGF-23 menor (mediana 40,3 pg/mL intervalo interquartil 24,1-62,2 vs. 45,7 pg/mL intervalo interquartil 31,7-76,1; p=0,01) quando comparado àquele com valores menores ou iguais a 4. Pacientes no tercil mais alto do escore de Gensini também apresentaram P sérico mais elevado que os demais (p<0,05). Nas análises de regressão logística uni e multivariadas, cada 1 mg/dL de elevação no P sérico implicou em um aumento de 74% no risco de apresentar o Escore de Friesinger superior à mediana (OR 1,74, CI 1,06- 2,88; p=0,03) e o FGF-23 sérico foi preditor negativo do Escore de Friesinger (OR 0,26, CI 0,11-0,63; p=0,002) Os níveis séricos de cálcio e paratormônio não mostraram associação com a presença de doença coronariana. CONCLUSÃO: Em pacientes com suspeita de doença arterial coronariana e função renal preservada, o fósforo sérico foi preditor da presença de calcificação e obstrução coronariana e houve uma associação negativa entre o FGF-23 sérico e a presença de obstrução coronariana. / INTRODUCTION: Serum phosphorus (P) has been associated with cardiovascular diseases and mortality in chronic kidney disease patients and in the general population. In vitro studies suggest that excessive phosphorus induces vascular calcification and endothelial dysfunction. Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) is a phosphaturic hormone and has been correlated to atherosclerosis in the community. AIM: This study intended to investigate the associations between P, FGF-23 and other mineral metabolism players and coronary artery disease in patients with preserved renal function. METHODS: Two-hundred ninety patients with a creatinine clearance higher than 60ml/min/1,73m2 undergoing elective coronary angiography were submitted to Multislice Computed Tomography in order to evaluate coronary calcification and blood was collected for biochemical analyses. Coronary artery calcification was quantified using the Agatston Score (AS). Friesinger (FS) and Gensini Scores (GS) were calcutalet to quantify coronary obstruction. RESULTS: Considering the whole population, mean age was 58.1±9.3 anos, 81% were hypertensive and 35.5% were diabetics. Patients were divided according to AS using the value of 10 Hounsfield Units (HU) as the cutoff.point. Serum phosphorus was higher in patients with an AS > 10HU when compared to the group with an AS 10 HU (3.63 0.55 vs 3.49 0.52mg/dL, p=0.019). Each 1 mg/dL of elevation in the serum phosphorus implied a 92% additional risk of presenting an AS > 10 HU [Odds Ratio (OR) =1.92, CI 1.56-3.19; p=0.01]. Patients were also divided using the median Friesinger score (4 points) as the cutoff value. Serum phosphorus was higher (3.6 0.5 vs. 3.5 0.6 mg/dl, p=0.04) and intact FGF-23 was lower (median 40.3 interquartile range 24.1-62.2 pg/mL vs. 45.7 interquartile range 31.7- 76.1 pg/mL, p=0.01) in the FS > 4 group. Patientis in the higher Gensini Score tertile presented elevated serum phosphorus when compared to the other groups (p<0,05). In the uni and multivariate logistic regression analyses, a rise of 1 mg/dL of serum phosphorus carried a 74% increase in the risk of having a FS higher than 4 (OR 1.74, CI 1.06-2.88; p=0.03) and FGF-23 was a negative predictor of FS (OR 0.26, CI 0.11-0.63; p=0.002). Serum calcium and parathormone were not associated with the presence of coronary artery disease. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with suspected coronary artery disease and preserved renal function, phosphorus was predictive of both coronary artery calcification and obstruction. There was a negative association between FGF-23 and coronary obstruction

INTRODUÇÃO: Tumores indutores de osteomalácia (TIOs) são raros, geralmente apresentam origem mesenquimal, têm produção excessiva de fosfatoninas sendo a mais comum o FGF23 (Fibroblast Growth Factor 23) que, em níveis elevados, provoca osteomalácia hipofosfatêmica. A cura dos TIOs envolve a remoção completa do tumor, o que torna essencial sua localização. OBJETIVOS: (1) caracterizar nove pacientes com TIO ao diagnóstico e avaliá-los evolutivamente em longo prazo; (2) avaliar a eficácia da cintilografia com Octreotida (Octreoscan®) e a da cintilografia de corpo inteiro com Mibi (MIBI) na detecção dos TIOs. MÉTODOS: O acompanhamento dos pacientes consistiu na avaliação clínica, na avaliação laboratorial com ênfase no metabolismo ósseo e na realização de exames de imagem para caracterização das deformidades esqueléticas. Para a localização dos TIOs, os pacientes foram submetidos a exames de Octreoscan®, MIBI, ressonância magnética (RM) e tomografia computadorizada (TC). RESULTADOS: O período de observação dos pacientes variou de dois a 25 anos. Ao diagnóstico, todos exibiam fraqueza muscular, dores ósseas e fraturas de fragilidade. Em relação à avaliação laboratorial, apresentavam: hipofosfatemia com taxa de reabsorção tubular de fosfato reduzida, fosfatase alcalina aumentada e níveis elevados de FGF23. O Octreoscan® permitiu a identificação dos TIOs nos nove pacientes e o MIBI possibilitou a localização dos TIOs em seis pacientes, sendo que ambos os exames foram concordantes entre si e com os exames topográficos (RM ou TC). Os achados histopatológicos das lesões dos nove pacientes confirmaram tratar-se de oito tumores mesenquimais fosfatúricos (PMTs) benignos e um PMT maligno. Após a primeira intervenção cirúrgica para a remoção dos TIOs, quatro pacientes encontram-se em remissão da doença e cinco evoluíram com persistência tumoral. Dos cinco, quatro foram reoperados e um aguarda nova cirurgia. Dos que foram reoperados, um paciente se mantém em remissão da doença, um foi a óbito por complicações clínicas, uma teve doença metastática e o último apresentou recidiva tumoral três anos após a segunda cirurgia. Deformidades ósseas graves foram observadas nos pacientes cujo diagnóstico e/ou tratamento clínico foram tardios. O tratamento da osteomalácia foi iniciado com fosfato e perdurou até a ressecção tumoral, tendo sido reintroduzido nos casos de persistência/recidiva tumoral. Quatro pacientes que fizerem uso regular desse medicamento por mais de seis anos evoluíram com hiperparatireoidismo terciário (HPT). CONCLUSÕES: O estudo revelou que tanto o Octreoscan® como o MIBI foram capazes de localizar os TIOs. Por isso, incentivamos a realização do MIBI nos locais onde o Octreoscan® não for disponível. Uma equipe experiente é indispensável para o sucesso cirúrgico visto que os tumores, embora benignos, costumam ser infiltrativos. Recomendamos o seguimento por tempo indeterminado em função do risco de recidiva tumoral. Assim como o FGF23, consideramos o fósforo um excelente marcador de remissão, persistência e recidiva dos TIOs. O diagnóstico e o tratamento precoce são fundamentais para a melhora dos sintomas podendo minimizar as deformidades esqueléticas e as sequelas ósseas. O uso prolongado do fosfato no tratamento da osteomalácia hipofosfatêmica foi associado ao desenvolvimento do HPT / BACKGROUND: Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is rare. The tumor usually has mesenchymal origin and produces excessive phosphatonins, most commonly FGF23 (Fibroblast Growth Factor 23), which at high levels causes hyphophostatemic osteomalacia. The cure for TIO is achieved through complete removal of the tumor. It is therefore essential identify its location. OBJECTIVES: (1) to characterize nine patients with TIO at diagnosis and to evaluate their follow-up over a long-term period; (2) to evaluate the efficacy of whole-body scintigraphy 111In-octreotide (Octreoscan®) and 99mTc-sestamibi (MIBI) in TIO detection. METHODS: Evaluations consisted of clinical and laboratory testing of bone metabolism and imaging to characterize skeletal deformities. To locate TIO, patients underwent Octreoscan®, MIBI, magnetic resonance (MRI), and computed tomography (TC). RESULTS: Patients were followed-up from two to 25 years. At diagnosis, all patients presented with muscle weakness, bone pain and fragility fractures. Laboratorial evaluation revealed hypophosphatemia with reduced tubular reabsorption of phosphate, increased alkaline phosphatase, and high levels of FGF23. TIO was identified in nine patients through Octreoscan® and in six patients through MIBI. Results of both types of scintigraphies matched one another as well with topographic examination (MR or CT). Histopathological findings of the lesions in the nine patients confirmed the existence of eight benign phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors (PMTs) and one malign PMT. After the first surgery for tumor resection, four patients were in remission, whereas five revealed tumoral persistence. Four of the latter five were re-operated, and one is still waiting for another surgery. Of those four patients, one became in remission, one died of clinical complications, one disclosed metastatic disease, and the last one had tumoral recurrence three years after the second surgery. Severe bone deformations were observed in patients whose diagnosis and/or clinical treatment were delayed. Osteomalacia treatment was initiated with oral phosphate, which continued until tumor resection. In case of tumor persistence or recurrence, oral phosphate was reintroduced. Four patients treated with this medication regularly for six years or more developed tertiary hyperparathyroidism (HPT). CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed that Octreoscan® and MIBI were able to locating TIO. Therefore, we suggest that MIBI should be encouraged in places where Octreoscan® is not available. An expert team of surgeons is essential to the success of TIO\'s treatment, because of their infiltrative, albeit benign nature. Long-term follow-up is important due to the risk of tumor recurrence. Along with FGF23, phosphorous was considered an excellent hallmarker of TIO remission, persistence and recurrence. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to improve symptoms and minimize skeletal deformities and skeletal disabilities. Long-term treatment of osteomalacia with oral phosphate was associated with the development of HPT

Introdução: Doador de rim em vida é uma importante fonte de órgão para os pacientes portadores de doença renal crônica (DRC). Os doadores experimentam uma redução abrupta da taxa de filtração glomerular (TFG) e adaptações ao metabolismo mineral demandam estudos nesta população. Nós avaliamos prospectivamente esta adaptação em doadores de rim em vida. Métodos: Entre janeiro de 2010 a agosto de 2011, no hospital das Clínicas de São Paulo e na Universidade de Miami, realizamos a avaliação prospectiva do metabolismo mineral e da função renal por 1 ano em 74 doadores de rim em vida. Medimos a taxa de filtração glomerular (TFG), fósforo (Pi), cálcio (Ca), paratohormônio (PTH), fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF23) e a fração de excreção do fósforo (FePO4) no pré-operatório e nos dias 1, 2, 14, 180 e 360 do pós-operatório. Resultados: Observamos uma redução, aproximadamente, de 40% da TFG nos dois primeiros dias após a cirurgia. No décimo quarto dia após a nefrectomia, observamos o início da recuperação da TFG, chegando ao máximo da recuperação com 1 ano, quando se atingiu 68,6% da função renal se comparado com o dia anterior a doação (75,3 ml/min/1,73m2, p < 0,001). O cálcio sérico apresentou seu nadir no dia 1 (7,99 mg/dL; p < 0,01) e o Pi sérico atingiu seu nadir no dia 2 (2,61 mg/dL; p < 0,01). Já no dia 14, os valores de Ca e Pi retornaram aos valores basais tendo o fósforo evoluído novamente com valores inferiores ao basal no último dia de seguimento (3,36mg/dL; p < 0,001). FGF23 e PTH apresentaram elevação no D1 (111,0144,6 percentil 25-75: 16-63 RU/ml 64,9 30,3pg/mL; p < 0,01). Os valores de FGF23 se mantiveram elevados até o final do estudo enquanto que o PTH retornou aos valores de base no segundo dia e, a partir de então, manteve sem diferença do valores basais até o último dia de estudo. FePO4 elevou de 11,45,2% para 15,28,1% entre o pré-operatório e D365 (p < 0,01). Conclusão: A nefrectomia para doação de rim em 74 pacientes saudáveis elevou os valores de FGF23 durante todo o estudo juntamente com a FePO4. O fósforo, cálcio e PTH séricos apresentaram queda nos seus valores na primeira semana após a nefrectomia, e, com duas semanas após a cirurgia, retornaram aos valores basais mantendo-se estáveis até o final do estudo / Introduction: Living kidney donors (LKDs) experience an abrupt decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Mineral metabolism adaptations in early CKD are still debated and not well studied in LKDs. We prospectively studied acute and long term mineral metabolism adaptation of LKDs. Materials and Methods: We measured renal function and mineral metabolites longitudinally for 1 year (days (D) 1, 2, 14, 180, & 365 post-operatively) in 74 healthy individuals who underwent kidney live donation. Results: eGFR (MDRD) decreased to 59% of its baseline on day 2 and started to increase at day 3, to its maximum at day 360 (75.3±15.6 ml/min/1.73m2, p < 0.01) wile FGF23 increased from 60.6 (25th-75th percentile 19-81 RU/mL) at baseline to 111.0±144.6 (p < 0.01) on day 1 and keep higher than baseline throwout the study. PTH rose maximally on day 1 (64.9 ± 30.3pg/ml) and returned to its base line on D2 and did not change after that. Total serum Calcium levels decreased from 9,40±0,48 mg/dL to a nadir of 7.99±0,51 mg/dL on day 1 (p < 0.001). Serum Phosphate levels reached their nadir on day 2 (2.61±0,52 mg/dL; p < 0.01). At D14 total calcium and phosphate levels had returned to baseline, but phosphate levels returned down on D360 (3.36±0,52 mg/dL; p < 0.001). Phosphate excretion fraction (FePO4) increased from base line (11.4±5.2%) up to 15.2±8.1% until D360 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Abrupt reduction in eGFR induces physiological increases in FGF23 and PTH, and decreases in serum Ca and Pi in the first week. The changes in FGF23 and Pi urinary fractional excretion of Pi remain modestly yet significantly different from baseline throughout the first year after nephrectomy. Wile Ca, PTH and Pi serum levels are not significantly different from the baseline

INTRODUÇÃO: Tumores indutores de osteomalácia (TIOs) são raros, geralmente apresentam origem mesenquimal, têm produção excessiva de fosfatoninas sendo a mais comum o FGF23 (Fibroblast Growth Factor 23) que, em níveis elevados, provoca osteomalácia hipofosfatêmica. A cura dos TIOs envolve a remoção completa do tumor, o que torna essencial sua localização. OBJETIVOS: (1) caracterizar nove pacientes com TIO ao diagnóstico e avaliá-los evolutivamente em longo prazo; (2) avaliar a eficácia da cintilografia com Octreotida (Octreoscan®) e a da cintilografia de corpo inteiro com Mibi (MIBI) na detecção dos TIOs. MÉTODOS: O acompanhamento dos pacientes consistiu na avaliação clínica, na avaliação laboratorial com ênfase no metabolismo ósseo e na realização de exames de imagem para caracterização das deformidades esqueléticas. Para a localização dos TIOs, os pacientes foram submetidos a exames de Octreoscan®, MIBI, ressonância magnética (RM) e tomografia computadorizada (TC). RESULTADOS: O período de observação dos pacientes variou de dois a 25 anos. Ao diagnóstico, todos exibiam fraqueza muscular, dores ósseas e fraturas de fragilidade. Em relação à avaliação laboratorial, apresentavam: hipofosfatemia com taxa de reabsorção tubular de fosfato reduzida, fosfatase alcalina aumentada e níveis elevados de FGF23. O Octreoscan® permitiu a identificação dos TIOs nos nove pacientes e o MIBI possibilitou a localização dos TIOs em seis pacientes, sendo que ambos os exames foram concordantes entre si e com os exames topográficos (RM ou TC). Os achados histopatológicos das lesões dos nove pacientes confirmaram tratar-se de oito tumores mesenquimais fosfatúricos (PMTs) benignos e um PMT maligno. Após a primeira intervenção cirúrgica para a remoção dos TIOs, quatro pacientes encontram-se em remissão da doença e cinco evoluíram com persistência tumoral. Dos cinco, quatro foram reoperados e um aguarda nova cirurgia. Dos que foram reoperados, um paciente se mantém em remissão da doença, um foi a óbito por complicações clínicas, uma teve doença metastática e o último apresentou recidiva tumoral três anos após a segunda cirurgia. Deformidades ósseas graves foram observadas nos pacientes cujo diagnóstico e/ou tratamento clínico foram tardios. O tratamento da osteomalácia foi iniciado com fosfato e perdurou até a ressecção tumoral, tendo sido reintroduzido nos casos de persistência/recidiva tumoral. Quatro pacientes que fizerem uso regular desse medicamento por mais de seis anos evoluíram com hiperparatireoidismo terciário (HPT). CONCLUSÕES: O estudo revelou que tanto o Octreoscan® como o MIBI foram capazes de localizar os TIOs. Por isso, incentivamos a realização do MIBI nos locais onde o Octreoscan® não for disponível. Uma equipe experiente é indispensável para o sucesso cirúrgico visto que os tumores, embora benignos, costumam ser infiltrativos. Recomendamos o seguimento por tempo indeterminado em função do risco de recidiva tumoral. Assim como o FGF23, consideramos o fósforo um excelente marcador de remissão, persistência e recidiva dos TIOs. O diagnóstico e o tratamento precoce são fundamentais para a melhora dos sintomas podendo minimizar as deformidades esqueléticas e as sequelas ósseas. O uso prolongado do fosfato no tratamento da osteomalácia hipofosfatêmica foi associado ao desenvolvimento do HPT / BACKGROUND: Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is rare. The tumor usually has mesenchymal origin and produces excessive phosphatonins, most commonly FGF23 (Fibroblast Growth Factor 23), which at high levels causes hyphophostatemic osteomalacia. The cure for TIO is achieved through complete removal of the tumor. It is therefore essential identify its location. OBJECTIVES: (1) to characterize nine patients with TIO at diagnosis and to evaluate their follow-up over a long-term period; (2) to evaluate the efficacy of whole-body scintigraphy 111In-octreotide (Octreoscan®) and 99mTc-sestamibi (MIBI) in TIO detection. METHODS: Evaluations consisted of clinical and laboratory testing of bone metabolism and imaging to characterize skeletal deformities. To locate TIO, patients underwent Octreoscan®, MIBI, magnetic resonance (MRI), and computed tomography (TC). RESULTS: Patients were followed-up from two to 25 years. At diagnosis, all patients presented with muscle weakness, bone pain and fragility fractures. Laboratorial evaluation revealed hypophosphatemia with reduced tubular reabsorption of phosphate, increased alkaline phosphatase, and high levels of FGF23. TIO was identified in nine patients through Octreoscan® and in six patients through MIBI. Results of both types of scintigraphies matched one another as well with topographic examination (MR or CT). Histopathological findings of the lesions in the nine patients confirmed the existence of eight benign phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors (PMTs) and one malign PMT. After the first surgery for tumor resection, four patients were in remission, whereas five revealed tumoral persistence. Four of the latter five were re-operated, and one is still waiting for another surgery. Of those four patients, one became in remission, one died of clinical complications, one disclosed metastatic disease, and the last one had tumoral recurrence three years after the second surgery. Severe bone deformations were observed in patients whose diagnosis and/or clinical treatment were delayed. Osteomalacia treatment was initiated with oral phosphate, which continued until tumor resection. In case of tumor persistence or recurrence, oral phosphate was reintroduced. Four patients treated with this medication regularly for six years or more developed tertiary hyperparathyroidism (HPT). CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed that Octreoscan® and MIBI were able to locating TIO. Therefore, we suggest that MIBI should be encouraged in places where Octreoscan® is not available. An expert team of surgeons is essential to the success of TIO\'s treatment, because of their infiltrative, albeit benign nature. Long-term follow-up is important due to the risk of tumor recurrence. Along with FGF23, phosphorous was considered an excellent hallmarker of TIO remission, persistence and recurrence. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to improve symptoms and minimize skeletal deformities and skeletal disabilities. Long-term treatment of osteomalacia with oral phosphate was associated with the development of HPT

<p>Heparan sulfate (HS) is a linear polysaccharide, located on the surface and in the extracellular matrix of most cells, that regulates functions of numerous proteins. HS-protein interaction is mainly mediated by sulfate groups found in N-sulfated (NS) regions of the HS, but may also involve rare HS substituents such as N-unsubstituted glucosamine (GlcNH₂) residues. The location of GlcNH₂ in an HS-epitope recognized by the monoclonal antibody 10E4, that specifically stains the prion lesions in scrapie-infected murine brain, suggests an involvement of GlcNH₂ in prion disease and other amyloid-related disorders. HS in general is strongly associated with amyloidosis, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Therefore, the aims of this thesis were to structurally characterize GlcNH₂-containing HS sequences found in native tissues, to further study HS epitopes recognized by 10E4, and to investigate the possible role(s) of GlcNH₂ and other HS structures in binding to amyloid β peptide (Aβ) (core material in AD plaque lesions, also stained by 10E4).</p><p>The GlcNH₂ content (0.7-4% of total disaccharide units) varied between HS from different tissues. Most GlcNH₂ units were found in poorly modified N-acetylated (NA-) or NA/NS-domains, located toward the polysaccharide-protein linkage region.</p><p>Binding of human cerebral cortex HS to Aβ(1–40) monomers requires N-, 2- and 6-O-sulfation of HS, while binding to Aβ fibrils requires N- and 2-O-sulfation only. GlcNH₂ units do not appreciably contribute to interaction with Aβ. Aβ fibril-binding HS domains also bind to fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2), indicating that Aβ (neurotoxic) and FGF-2 (neuroprotective) may compete for common binding sites in HS. However, Aβ had no effect on FGF-2-induced MAPK signaling in NIH 3T3 fibroblasts.</p><p>Continued studies on 10E4-antigenic HS epitope(s) showed that binding of 10E4 to the previously identified antigenic tetrasaccharide, ∆UA-GlcNH₂-GlcA-GlcNAc, requires the nonreducing hexuronic acid (∆UA) to be 4,5 unsaturated (induced by lyase cleavage), and thus is artificial. Further studies are needed to clarify the potential involvement of GlcNH₂ in 10E4-recognition of the native HS epitope(s).</p>

<p>Collagenous colitis (CC) is an inflammatory bowel disease of unknown etiology. It is characterized by watery diarrhoea without blood, normal endoscopic findings but microscopically colonic mucosal inflammation and increased thickness of the subepithelial collagen band, the latter being a pathognomonic sign. The inflammatory infiltrate in the mucosa of CC contains lymphocytes, plasma cells, eosinophils, mast cells but few neutrophils. The pathophysiological roles of the thickened collagen band and the inflammatory infiltrate in CC are not fully understood. The aims of the present study were to develop a colonoscope based segmental perfusions technique and to analyze local intestinal secretion of inflammatory mediators: Eosinophilic Cationic Protein (ECP), Myeloperoxidase (MPO), Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and permeability marker albumin in CC patients without medication and also during steroid treatment. Furthermore, the colonic mucosal distribution of bFGF and VEGF were studied by immunohistochemical methods.</p><p>Colonoscope-based segmental perfusions were performed in totally 22 patients and the success rate was 76% in both rectal and descending colon segments. The analysis showed high intraluminal concentrations of ECP, bFGF, VEGF and albumin in ten CC patients compared to 10 control patients. Further, albumin had correlations with ECP and VEGF. However, elevated concentrations of MPO, an important feature of ulcerative colitis, were only observed in a few CC patients. Immunohistochemistry visualized bFGF and VEGF in the colonic epithelium but also deeper in the lamina propria. The steroid treatment study (including 12 patients) showed that the perfusate concentrations of ECP, bFGF and VEGF declined significantly in parallel with decreased frequency of diarrhoea. </p><p>In conclusion, a safe colonoscope-based, segmental perfusion technique was developed and perfusions of the rectum and descending colon were performed. CC patients had elevated perfusate concentrations of ECP, VEGF and bFGF. There was a marked reduction of these mediators during steroid treatment supporting the hypothesis that these inflammatory mediators separately or synergistically participate in the inflammatory reaction and tissue remodelling in CC patients. The finding of correlations between albumin and ECP or VEGF implies that permeability is increased in CC and may be triggered by ECP and VEGF. </p>

Heparan sulfate (HS) is a linear polysaccharide, located on the surface and in the extracellular matrix of most cells, that regulates functions of numerous proteins. HS-protein interaction is mainly mediated by sulfate groups found in N-sulfated (NS) regions of the HS, but may also involve rare HS substituents such as N-unsubstituted glucosamine (GlcNH2) residues. The location of GlcNH2 in an HS-epitope recognized by the monoclonal antibody 10E4, that specifically stains the prion lesions in scrapie-infected murine brain, suggests an involvement of GlcNH2 in prion disease and other amyloid-related disorders. HS in general is strongly associated with amyloidosis, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Therefore, the aims of this thesis were to structurally characterize GlcNH2-containing HS sequences found in native tissues, to further study HS epitopes recognized by 10E4, and to investigate the possible role(s) of GlcNH2 and other HS structures in binding to amyloid β peptide (Aβ) (core material in AD plaque lesions, also stained by 10E4). The GlcNH2 content (0.7-4% of total disaccharide units) varied between HS from different tissues. Most GlcNH2 units were found in poorly modified N-acetylated (NA-) or NA/NS-domains, located toward the polysaccharide-protein linkage region. Binding of human cerebral cortex HS to Aβ(1–40) monomers requires N-, 2- and 6-O-sulfation of HS, while binding to Aβ fibrils requires N- and 2-O-sulfation only. GlcNH2 units do not appreciably contribute to interaction with Aβ. Aβ fibril-binding HS domains also bind to fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2), indicating that Aβ (neurotoxic) and FGF-2 (neuroprotective) may compete for common binding sites in HS. However, Aβ had no effect on FGF-2-induced MAPK signaling in NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. Continued studies on 10E4-antigenic HS epitope(s) showed that binding of 10E4 to the previously identified antigenic tetrasaccharide, ∆UA-GlcNH2-GlcA-GlcNAc, requires the nonreducing hexuronic acid (∆UA) to be 4,5 unsaturated (induced by lyase cleavage), and thus is artificial. Further studies are needed to clarify the potential involvement of GlcNH2 in 10E4-recognition of the native HS epitope(s).

Collagenous colitis (CC) is an inflammatory bowel disease of unknown etiology. It is characterized by watery diarrhoea without blood, normal endoscopic findings but microscopically colonic mucosal inflammation and increased thickness of the subepithelial collagen band, the latter being a pathognomonic sign. The inflammatory infiltrate in the mucosa of CC contains lymphocytes, plasma cells, eosinophils, mast cells but few neutrophils. The pathophysiological roles of the thickened collagen band and the inflammatory infiltrate in CC are not fully understood. The aims of the present study were to develop a colonoscope based segmental perfusions technique and to analyze local intestinal secretion of inflammatory mediators: Eosinophilic Cationic Protein (ECP), Myeloperoxidase (MPO), Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and permeability marker albumin in CC patients without medication and also during steroid treatment. Furthermore, the colonic mucosal distribution of bFGF and VEGF were studied by immunohistochemical methods. Colonoscope-based segmental perfusions were performed in totally 22 patients and the success rate was 76% in both rectal and descending colon segments. The analysis showed high intraluminal concentrations of ECP, bFGF, VEGF and albumin in ten CC patients compared to 10 control patients. Further, albumin had correlations with ECP and VEGF. However, elevated concentrations of MPO, an important feature of ulcerative colitis, were only observed in a few CC patients. Immunohistochemistry visualized bFGF and VEGF in the colonic epithelium but also deeper in the lamina propria. The steroid treatment study (including 12 patients) showed that the perfusate concentrations of ECP, bFGF and VEGF declined significantly in parallel with decreased frequency of diarrhoea. In conclusion, a safe colonoscope-based, segmental perfusion technique was developed and perfusions of the rectum and descending colon were performed. CC patients had elevated perfusate concentrations of ECP, VEGF and bFGF. There was a marked reduction of these mediators during steroid treatment supporting the hypothesis that these inflammatory mediators separately or synergistically participate in the inflammatory reaction and tissue remodelling in CC patients. The finding of correlations between albumin and ECP or VEGF implies that permeability is increased in CC and may be triggered by ECP and VEGF.

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition for which there is no effective clinical treatment. Neuroprotective molecules that minimize tissue loss have shown promising results; however systemic delivery may limit in vivo benefits due to short systemic half-life and minimal passage across the blood-spinal cord barrier. To overcome these limitations, an injectable intrathecal delivery vehicle comprised of hyaluronan and methylcellulose (HAMC) was developed, and previously demonstrated to be safe and biocompatible intrathecally. Here, HAMC was determined to persist in the intrathecal space for between 4-7 d in vivo, indicating it as an optimal delivery system for neuroprotective agents to reduce tissue degeneration after SCI. HAMC was then investigated as an in vivo delivery system for two neuroprotective proteins: erythropoietin (EPO) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2). Both proteins demonstrated a diffusive release profile in vitro and maintained significant bioactivity during release. When EPO was delivered intrathecally with HAMC to the injured spinal cord, reduced cavitation in the tissue and significantly improved neuron counts were observed relative to the conventional delivery strategies of intraperitoneal and intrathecal bolus. When FGF2 was delivered intrathecally from HAMC, therapeutic concentrations penetrated into the injured spinal cord tissue for up to 6 h. Poly(ethylene glycol) modification of FGF2 significantly increased the amount of protein that diffused into the tissue when delivered similarly. Because FGF2 is a known angiogenic agent, dynamic computed tomography was developed for small animal serial assessment of spinal cord hemodynamics. Following SCI and treatment with FGF2 from HAMC, moderate improvement of spinal cord blood flow and a reduction in permeability were observed up to 7 d post-injury, suggesting that early delivery of neuroprotective agents can have lasting effects on tissue recovery. Importantly, the entirety of this work demonstrates that HAMC is an effective short-term delivery system for neuroprotective agents by improving tissue outcomes following traumatic SCI.