Most triple negative breast cancers (TNBC) are characterized by elevated expression of mesothelin (MSLN), a cell surface antigen and one of the preferred targets for the therapy of solid tumors. Most continuous TNBC cell lines are MSLN-negative, which obstructs the development of MSLN-targeted therapy for TNBC. The aim of this study was to identify TNBC cell lines with MSLN hyperexpression and to obtain single-domain antibodies (nanobodies) capable of recognizing MSLN in TNBC cells. Mesothelin expression levels were measured in the panel of TNBC cell lines by real-time reverse-transcription PCR. PCR results were verified by measuring concentrations of the megakaryocyte potentiating factor (the secreted fragment of the mesothelin precursor) using sandwich ELISA. Immune phage-display VHH fragment libraries were prepared from mononuclear cells of Vicugna pacos using a modified library enrichment protocol. Two nanobody variants with high specificity for the target and Kd of about 140 and 95 nmol, respectively were obtained. Two MSLN+ and three MSLN– cell lines were identified in the TNBC cell lines panel. The nanobodies demonstrated the ability to recognize the target antigen in MSLN+ cells and had the low ability to bind to MSLN– cells. Thus, we found a convenient MSLN+ TNBC cell model for MSLN-targeted therapy testing. The new single-domain antibodies can be used as targeting components of chimeric antigen receptors.
VIEWS 3628
Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among men, which is mainly due to extensive use of screening tests and high total number of prostate biopsies. Verification of tumors with poorer prognosis is the primary goal of prostate cancer management. The study was aimed to determine the clinical and morphological associations and the prognostic value of the Nanog protein expression in prostate cancer of distinct Grade Groups. We used the prostate tissue specimens obtained during surgery, and the biopsy specimens, the total of 89 cases. Histological and immunohistochemical assessment was performed using antibodies to Ki-67 and Nanog. Correlations between the expression of markers and the Grade Groups were revealed using the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, and the correlation with clinical and morphological characteristics was determined using the chi-squared test (χ2). There was a positive correlation between the expression of Ki-67 and Nanog, and the Grade Group numerical order (rs = 0.619, p < 0.001 and rs = 0.786, p < 0.001 respectively). We managed to find the relationship between the high Nanog expression and the extraprostatic extension (p = 0.041). High expression of Nanog protein in the prostate cancer cells was associated with a higher-grade adenocarcinoma and indicated a poor prognosis.
VIEWS 3552
The key factor promoting post-stroke gait disturbances is motor impairment of the ankle joint (AJ) which results in pathological synergies. Robotic devices used for gait training are equipped with hip and knee joint actuators. However, there is no consensus in the literature on their effect on AJ movements. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of robot-assisted gait training on AJ movements in patients with post-stroke paresis. The study recruited 22 hemispheric stroke survivors. They motor function was assessed using clinical scales and motion capture analysis. All patients received 11 robot-assisted gait training session. After rehabilitation, the total score on the Fugl-Meyer Assessment scale increased from 146.5 to 152 points (p < 0.05); for the lower limb, the score increased from 18 to 20.5 points (p < 0.05). The muscle tone of ankle extensors decreased from 2.5 to 2.0 points on the modified Ashworth scale (p < 0.05). The duration of the stance phase increased from 28.0 to 33.5% relative to the total gait cycle (GC). The main difference in the GC structure before and after rehabilitation is the presence of 3 GC parts instead of 5, suggesting consolidation of patients’ goniograms at 1-61% of GC. Comparison of joint angles before and after rehabilitation revealed that only the interquartile ranges (IR) were different (р < 0.05). The authors conclude that robot-assisted training with knee and hip joint actuators indirectly affects the kinematic parameters of AJ by promoting a shift towards the average gait kinematics.
VIEWS 3539
Early detection of melanocytic nevus progression to malignant melanoma is a pressing concern. Traditionally, patients with multiple melanocytic nevi (MMN) are monitored for extended periods of time and excisional biopsies are performed on individual suspicious melanocytic nevi (MN). This approach is costly and tremendously time-consuming for both doctors and patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a smartphone-compatible optical instrument in the assessment of MN for malignancy. Seven patients aged 43 to 65 years with MMN on the trunk and upper/lower extremities were followed-up for 4 years. Dermoscopy images of MN were taken and analyzed using a Handyscope smartphone-compatible optical system operated at 20x magnification and a Handyscope3 application. A total of 74 MN were surgically removed during the follow-up period. None of the patients had melanoma. The results of dermoscopy image analysis generated by the convolutional neural network coincided with histopathology findings in all cases. The optical Handyscope system demonstrated its efficacy in assessing MN for malignancy. AI can be used for primary screening of MMN dermoscopy images. However, histopathological verification of the diagnosis is still needed.
VIEWS 3764