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Effects of GSK3beta inhibition on the formation of invadopodium-like microstructures and matrix degradation by U251 cells.

Source and working dilutions of the primary antibodies used for Western blotting, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical staining and pull-down assay.

Bortezomib (Btz) shows robust efficacy in patients with multiple myeloma (MM); however, some patients experience suboptimal responses and show specific toxicities. Therefore, we attempted to identify specific HLA alleles associated with Btz‐related toxicities and response to treatment. Eighty‐two transplant‐ineligible patients with newly diagnosed MM enrolled in a phase II study (JCOG1105) comparing two less intensive melphalan, prednisolone, plus Btz (MPB) regimens were subjected to HLA typing. The frequency of each allele was compared between the groups, categorized based on toxicity grades and responses to MPB therapy. Among 82 patients, the numbers of patients with severe peripheral neuropathy (PN; grade 2 or higher), skin disorders (SD; grade 2 or higher), and pneumonitis were 16 (19.5%), 15 (18.3%), and 6 (7.3%), respectively. Complete response was achieved in 10 (12.2%) patients. Although no significant HLA allele was identified by multiple comparisons, several candidates were identified. HLA‐B*40:06 was more prevalent in patients with severe PN than in those with less severe PN (odds ratio [OR] = 6.76). HLA‐B*40:06 and HLA‐DRB1*12:01 were more prevalent in patients with SD than in those with less severe SD (OR = 7.47 and OR = 5.55, respectively). HLA‐DRB1*08:02 clustered in the group of patients with pneumonitis (OR = 11.34). Complete response was achieved in patients carrying HLA‐DQB1*03:02, HLA‐DQB1*05:01, and HLA‐DRB1*01:01 class II alleles. HLA genotyping could help predict Btz‐induced toxicity and treatment efficacy in patients with MM, although this needs further validation., Four factors, HLA‐B4006, female (sex), Arm A (treatment course), and bone pain, were chosen as explanatory variables using the stepwise method. The carriers of HLA‐B4006 showed the highest odds ratio for the risk of bortezomib‐induced peripheral neuropathy.

Phosphate (Pi)-containing food additives are used in several forms. Polyphosphate (PPi) salt has more harmful effects than monophosphate (MPi) salt on bone physiology and renal function. This study aimed to analyze the levels of parathyroid hormone PTH and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and the expression of renal / intestinal Pi transport-related molecules in mice fed with an MPi or PPi diet. There were no significant differences in plasma Pi concentration and fecal Pi excretion levels between mice fed with the high-MPi and PPi diet. However, more severe tubular dilatation, interstitial fibrosis, and calcification were observed in the kidneys of mice fed with the high PPi diet versus the MPi diet. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in serum FGF23 levels and a decrease in renal phosphate transporter protein expression in mice fed with the PPi diet versus the MPi diet. Furthermore, the high MPi diet was associated with significantly suppressed expression and activity of intestinal alkaline phosphatase protein. In summary, PPi has a more severe effect on renal damage than MPi, as well as induces more FGF23 secretion. Excess FGF23 may be more involved in inflammation, fibrosis, and calcification in the kidney. J. Med. Invest. 69 : 173-179, August, 2022.

Background Phosphate is absorbed in the small intestine via passive flow and active transport.NaPi-IIb, a type II sodium-dependent phosphate transporter, is considered to mediate active phosphate transport in rodents. To study the regulation of intestinal phosphate transport in chronic kidney disease (CKD), we analyzed the expression levels of NaPi-IIb, pituitary-specific transcription factor 1 (PiT-1) and PiT-2 and the kinetics of intestinal phosphate transport using two CKD models. Methods CKD was induced in rats via adenine orThy1 antibody injection. Phosphate uptake by intestinal brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) and the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of NaPi-IIb, PiT-1 and PiT-2 were analyzed. The protein expression level of NaPi-IIb was measured by mass spectrometry (e.g. liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry). Results In normal rats, phosphate uptake into BBMV consisted of a single saturable component and its Michaelis constant (Km) was comparable to that of NaPi-IIb. The maximum velocity (Vmax) correlated with mRNA and protein levels of NaPi-IIb. In the CKD models, intestinal phosphate uptake consisted of two saturable components. The Vmax of the higher-affinity transport, which is thought to be responsible for NaPi-IIb, significantly decreased and the decrease correlated with reduced NaPi-IIb expression. The Km of the lower-affinity transport was comparable to that of PiT-1 and -2. PiT-1 mRNA expression was much higher than that of PiT-2, suggesting that PiT-1 was mostly responsible for phosphate transport. Conclusions This study suggests that the contribution of NaPi-IIb to intestinal phosphate absorption dramatically decreases in rats with CKD and that a low-affinity alternative to NaPi-IIb, in particular PiT-1, is upregulated in a compensatory manner in CKD.

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for phosphate in the U.S. is around 700 mg/day for adults. The majority of healthy adults consume almost double the amount of phosphate than the RDA. Lack of awareness, and easy access to phosphate-rich, inexpensive processed food may lead to dietary phosphate overload with adverse health effects, including cardiovascular diseases, kidney diseases and tumor formation. Nutritional education and better guidelines for reporting phosphate content on ingredient labels are necessary, so that consumers are able to make more informed choices about their diets and minimize phosphate consumption. Without regulatory measures, dietary phosphate toxicity is rapidly becoming a global health concern, and likely to put enormous physical and financial burden to the society.

Renal type II sodium-dependent inorganic phosphate (Pi) transporters NaPi2a and NaPi2c cooperate with other organs to strictly regulate the plasma Pi concentration. A high Pi load induces the phosphaturic hormones parathyroid hormone (PTH) and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), enhances urinary Pi excretion and prevents the onset of hyperphosphatemia. How FGF23 is induced from the bones by a high Pi load and the setpoint of the plasma Pi concentration, however, are unclear. Here, we investigated the role of transporter-associated protein (TRAP), found in gene co-expression networks in NaPi2a and NaPi2c function. TRAP is localized in the renal proximal tubules and interacts with NaPi2a. In TRAP-knockout (KO) mice, the serum FGF23 concentration was markedly increased but increased Pi excretion and hypophosphatemia were not observed. In addition, TRAP-KO mice exhibit reduced NaPi2a responsiveness to FGF23 and PTH administration. Furthermore, a dietary Pi load causes marked hyperphosphatemia and abnormal NaPi2a regulation in TRAP-KO mice. Thus, TRAP is thought to be associated with FGF23 induction in bones and the regulation of NaPi2a to prevent an increase in the plasma Pi concentration due to a high Pi load and kidney injury.

Renal type II sodium-dependent inorganic phosphate (Pi) transporters NaPi2a and NaPi2c cooperate with other organs to strictly regulate the plasma Pi concentration. A high Pi load induces expression and secretion of the phosphaturic hormones parathyroid hormone (PTH) and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) that enhance urinary Pi excretion and prevent the onset of hyperphosphatemia. How FGF23 secretion from bone is increased by a high Pi load and the setpoint of the plasma Pi concentration, however, are unclear. Here, we investigated the role of Transmembrane protein 174 (Tmem174) and observed evidence for gene co-expression networks in NaPi2a and NaPi2c function. Tmem174 is localized in the renal proximal tubules and interacts with NaPi2a, but not NaPi2c. In Tmem174-knockout (KO) mice, the serum FGF23 concentration was markedly increased but increased Pi excretion and hypophosphatemia were not observed. In addition, Tmem174-KO mice exhibit reduced NaPi2a responsiveness to FGF23 and PTH administration. Furthermore, a dietary Pi load causes marked hyperphosphatemia and abnormal NaPi2a regulation in Tmem174-KO mice. Thus, Tmem174 is thought to be associated with FGF23 induction in bones and the regulation of NaPi2a to prevent an increase in the plasma Pi concentration due to a high Pi load and kidney injury.

Background: Hyperphosphatemia is a major accelerator of complications in chronic kidney disease and dialysis, and phosphate (Pi) binders have been shown to regulate extracellular Pi levels. Research on hyperphosphatemia in mouse models is scarce, and few models display hyperphosphatemia induced by glomerular injury, despite its relevance to human glomerular disease conditions. In this study, we investigated the involvement of hyperphosphatemia in kidney disease progression using a mouse model in which hyperphosphatemia is induced by focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Methods: We established the NEP25 mouse model in which FSGS-hyperphosphatemia is induced by podocyte injury and evaluated the effect of a Pi binder, sevelamer. Results: After disease induction, we confirmed a gradual increase in serum Pi accompanied by reduced renal function and observed increases in serum FGF23 and PTH. Treatment with sevelamer significantly reduced serum Pi and urinary Pi fractional excretion and suppressed increases in serum FGF23 and PTH. A high dose improved serum creatinine and tubular injury markers, and pathological analysis confirmed amelioration of glomerular and tubular damage. Gene expression and marker analysis suggested protective effects on tubular epithelial cells in the diseased kidney. Compared to disease control, NEP25 mice treated with sevelamer retained their mRNA expression of Klotho, a known FGF23 co-receptor and renoprotective factor. Conclusions: Hyperphosphatemia caused by renal function decline was observed in a FSGS-induced NEP25 mouse model. Studies using this model showed that Pi regulation had a positive impact on kidney disease progression, and notably on tubular epithelial cell injury, which indicates the importance of Pi regulation in the treatment of kidney disease progression.

Recently, whole exome sequencing for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has been performed by a next-generation sequencer in several studies. It has been revealed that a few gene mutations are identified per AML patient. Some of these mutations are actionable mutations that affect the response to an approved targeted treatment that is available for off-label treatment or that is available in clinical trials. The era of precision medicine for AML has arrived, and it is extremely important to detect actionable mutations relevant to treatment decision-making. However, the percentage of actionable mutations found in AML is about 50% at present, and therapeutic development is also needed for AML patients without actionable mutations. In contrast, the newly approved drugs are less toxic than conventional intensive chemotherapy and can be combined with low-intensity treatments. These combination therapies can contribute to the improvement of prognosis, especially in elderly AML patients who account for more than half of all AML patients. Thus, the treatment strategy for leukemia is changing drastically and showing rapid progress. In this review, we present the latest information regarding the recent development of treatment for AML.

[18F] fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography is incorporated in response criteria currently used for lymphoma; however, the primary endpoint in earlier phase study is an overall response, which includes the partial response of 50% shrinkage in two dimensions. Therefore, the measurement of target lesions is still prerequisite to determine the destiny of new, promising agents. Since required is calculating the sum of the product of bidimensional diameters of maximal six target lesions, the International Workshop Criteria (IWC) used as response evaluation in lymphoma is more time-consuming than the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST). This study aimed to examine whether the RECIST could replace the IWC using data from a phase II/III study of R-CHOP-21 versus R-CHOP-14 for advanced-stage indolent B-cell lymphoma, JCOG0203. To evaluate the degree of agreement between them, the Kappa coefficient (KC) was calculated. Excluding patients without target lesions for the RECIST following central pathological review, 269 patients were evaluable. We determined which criterion was more predictive for progression-free survival. The criterion showing the lower point estimate of the hazard ratio (HR) of a complete response (CR) vs. a non-CR was defined as more useful. The KC between them was 0.34 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.26–0.42); namely, indicating poor agreement. The HR of the IWC (0.47: 95% CI 0.33–0.68, log-rank test p

SLC34A3/NPT2c/NaPi‐2c/Npt2c is a growth‐related NaPi cotransporter that mediates the uptake of renal sodium‐dependent phosphate (Pi). Mutation of human NPT2c causes hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets with hypercalciuria. Mice with Npt2c knockout, however, exhibit normal Pi metabolism. To investigate the role of Npt2c in Pi homeostasis, we generated α‐klotho−/−/Npt2c−/− (KL2cDKO) mice and analyzed Pi homeostasis. α‐Klotho−/− (KLKO) mice exhibit hyperphosphatemia and markedly increased kidney Npt2c protein levels. Genetic disruption of Npt2c extended the lifespan of KLKO mice similar to that of α‐Klotho−/−/Npt2a−/− mice. Adult KL2cDKO mice had hyperphosphatemia, but analysis of Pi metabolism revealed significantly decreased intestinal and renal Pi (re)absorption compared with KLKO mice. The 1,25‐dihydroxy vitamin D3 concentration was not reduced in KL2cDKO mice compared with that in KLKO mice. The KL2cDKO mice had less severe soft tissue and vascular calcification compared with KLKO mice. Juvenile KL2cDKO mice had significantly reduced plasma Pi levels, but Pi metabolism was not changed. In Npt2cKO mice, plasma Pi levels began to decrease around the age of 15 days and significant hypophosphatemia developed within 21 days. The findings of the present study suggest that Npt2c contributes to regulating plasma Pi levels in the juvenile stage and affects Pi retention in the soft and vascular tissues in KLKO mice., SLC34A3/NPT2c/NaPi‐2c/Npt2c is a growth‐related NaPi cotransporter that mediates the uptake of renal sodium‐dependent phosphate (Pi). Mutation of human NPT2c causes hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets with hypercalciuria. Npt2c contributes to regulating plasma Pi levels in the juvenile stage and affects Pi retention in the soft and vascular tissues in KLKO mice.

Inorganic phosphate (Pi) secretion from the salivary glands and dietary Pi are key Pi sources. The regulatory mechanisms of Pi homeostasis in the salivary glands are unknown. We investigated how salivary Pi concentrations are regulated by dietary Pi in mouse models. Dietary manipulation significantly changed the levels of Npt2b protein in the salivary gland ductal cells. In addition, rapid feeding on a high-Pi diet increased the saliva Pi concentrations and led to rapid endocytosis of Npt2b in the apical membranes of the duct cells. Global Npt2b± mice exhibited increased salivary Pi concentrations and intestine-specific deletion of Npt2b after high Pi loading increased the salivary Pi concentrations. These findings indicate that Npt2b levels in the salivary glands affect the salivary Pi concentration and are regulated by dietary Pi. Intestinal Npt2b levels might also affect salivary Pi concentrations as well as renal Pi excretion. These findings suggest Pi is endogenously recycled by salivary Pi secretion, intestinal Pi absorption, and renal Pi excretion.

X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH), the most common form of inheritable rickets, is caused by inactivation of phosphate-regulating gene with homologies to endopeptidases on the X chromosome (PHEX) and leads to fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 23-dependent renal inorganic phosphate (Pi) wasting. In the present study, we investigated whether maintaining Pi homeostasis with a potent vitamin D3 analog, eldecalcitol [1α,25-dihydroxy-2β-(3-hydroxypropyloxy) vitamin D3; ED71], could improve hypophosphatemic rickets in a murine model of XLH, the Hyp mouse. Vehicle, ED71, or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D was subcutaneously injected five times weekly in wild-type (WT) and Hyp mice for 4 weeks, from 4 to 8 weeks of age. Injection of ED71 into WT mice suppressed the synthesis of renal 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and promoted phosphaturic activity. In contrast, administration of ED71 to Hyp mice completely restored renal Pi transport and NaPi-2a protein levels, although the plasma-intact FGF23 levels were further increased. In addition, ED71 markedly increased the levels of the scaffold proteins, renal sodium-hydrogen exchanger regulatory factor 1, and ezrin in the Hyp mouse kidney. Treatment with ED71 increased the body weight and improved hypophosphatemia, the bone volume/total volume, bone mineral content, and growth plate structure in Hyp mice. Thus, ED71 causes FGF23 resistance for phosphate reabsorption and improves rachitic bone phenotypes in Hyp mice. In conclusion, ED71 has opposite effects on phosphate homeostasis in WT and Hyp mice. Analysis of Hyp mice treated with ED71 could result in an additional model for elucidating PHEX abnormalities.

Hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) chemotherapy is expected to be a more effective and safer method to treat the hepatic metastasis of pancreatic cancer than intravenous (iv) administration because of higher tumor exposure and lower systemic exposure. To clarify the uptake mechanism of nucleoside anticancer drugs, including gemcitabine (GEM), in pancreatic cancer, we investigated the uptakes of radiolabeled uridine (a general substrate of nucleoside transporters) and GEM in pancreatic cancer cell lines MIA-PaCa2 and As-PC1. Uridine uptake was inhibited by non-labeled GEM and also by S-(4-nitrobenzyl)-6-thioinosine (NBMPR; an inhibitor of equilibrative nucleoside transporters, ENTs) in a concentration-dependent manner, suggesting that ENTs contribute to uridine uptake in pancreatic cancer cells. As for GEM, saturable uptake was mediated by high- and low-affinity components with Km values of micromolar and millimolar orders, respectively. Uptake was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by NBMPR and was sodium ion-independent. Moreover, the concentration dependence of uptake in the presence of 0.1 μM NBMPR showed a single low-affinity site. These results indicated that the high- and low-affinity sites correspond to hENT1 and hENT2, respectively. The results indicated that at clinically relevant hepatic concentrations of GEM in GEM-HAI therapy, the metastatic tumor exposure of GEM is predominantly determined by hENT2 under unsaturated conditions, suggesting that hENT2 expression in metastatic tumor would be a candidate biomarker for indicating anticancer therapy with GEM-HAI.

Background/Aims: Hyperphosphatemia is a serious complication of late-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD). Intestinal inorganic phosphate (Pi) handling plays an important role in Pi homeostasis in CKD. We investigated whether intestinal alkaline phosphatase 3 (Akp3), the enzyme that hydrolyzes dietary Pi compounds, is a target for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in CKD. Methods: We investigated Pi homeostasis in Akp3 knockout mice (Akp3-/-). We also studied the progression of renal failure in an Akp3-/- mouse adenine treated renal failure model. Plasma, fecal, and urinary Pi and Ca concentration were measured with commercially available kit, and plasma fibroblast growth factor 23, parathyroid hormone, and 1,25(OH)2D3 concentration were measured with ELISA. Brush border membrane vesicles were prepared from mouse intestine using the Ca2+ precipitation method and used for Pi transport activity and alkaline phosphatase activity. In vivo intestinal Pi absorption was measured with oral 32P administration. Results: Akp3-/- mice exhibited reduced intestinal type II sodium-dependent Pi transporter (Npt2b) protein levels and Na-dependent Pi co-transport activity. In addition, plasma active vitamin D levels were significantly increased in Akp3-/- mice compared with wild-type animals. In the adenine-induced renal failure model, Akp3 gene deletion suppressed hyperphosphatemia. Conclusion: The present findings indicate that intestinal Akp3 deletion affects Na+-dependent Pi transport in the small intestine. In the adenine-induced renal failure model, Akp3 is predicted to be a factor contributing to suppression of the plasma Pi concentration.

Hyperphosphatemia is common in chronic kidney disease and is associated with morbidity and mortality. The intestinal Na+-dependent phosphate transporter Npt2b is thought to be an important molecular target for the prevention of hyperphosphatemia. The role of Npt2b in the net absorption of inorganic phosphate (Pi), however, is controversial. In the present study, we made tamoxifen-inducible Npt2b conditional knockout (CKO) mice to analyze systemic Pi metabolism, including intestinal Pi absorption. Although the Na+-dependent Pi transport in brush-border membrane vesicle uptake levels was significantly decreased in the distal intestine of Npt2b CKO mice compared with control mice, plasma Pi and fecal Pi excretion levels were not significantly different. Data obtained using the intestinal loop technique showed that Pi uptake in Npt2b CKO mice was not affected at a Pi concentration of 4 mM, which is considered the typical luminal Pi concentration after meals in mice. Claudin, which may be involved in paracellular pathways, as well as claudin-2, 12, and 15 protein levels were significantly decreased in the Npt2b CKO mice. Thus, Npt2b deficiency did not affect Pi absorption within the range of Pi concentrations that normally occurs after meals. These findings indicate that abnormal Pi metabolism may also be involved in tight junction molecules such as Cldns that are affected by Npt2b deficiency.

Background: Acute myeloid leukemias with KMT2A (formerly known as MLL-1) fusion genes (MLL-AML) and those with NPM1 mutations (NPM1-AML) are distinct subtypes as defined by the WHO classification. Although they have different clinical features and prognostic impact , recent studies suggest that the MLL1 co-factor, menin, plays a key role in maintaining self-renewal of immature leukemic cells by upregulating transcription of HOXA and MEIS (Gundry et al.). New targeted strategies for these AML subtypes are expected as preliminary data suggest that menin-MLL1 inhibition may inhibit malignancy. In addition to classical chromosomal analysis and prefixed fusion gene screening, next-generation sequencing (NGS) should help in identifying the precise prevalence of these alterations and understanding the relationship with other pathological mutations. We launched the HM-SCREEN-JAPAN01 study (UMIN000035233) in which gene alterations are analyzed by FoundationOne Heme® in patients with AML who are relapsed/refractory to, or ineligible for standard therapies. Aiming for 200 registrations, recruitment has reached approximately 100. The interim results are described here. Methods: HM-SCREEN-JAPAN01 is an observational study and conducted by 17 participating institutions. The eligibility criteria are as follows: 1) histological diagnosis of AML must be made by bone marrow testing; 2) one of the following conditions must be fulfilled: i) a patient with newly diagnosed AML and is ineligible for standard treatment, or ii) a patient with AML who has relapsed or is refractory to prior therapy; 3) sufficient amount of bone marrow sample must be available; 4) age at registration must be 20 or more; and 5) written informed consent must be taken. All samples were analyzed by FoundationOne Heme®. Results:Nine patients (9.9%) with MLL-AML and seventeen patients (18.7%) with NPM1-AML were found among 91 available cases (either one found in 28.6%). No patients demonstrated MLL-rearrangement and NPM1-mutation simultaneously. Median age of patients with MLL-AML (42-68 y) was a decade less than that of patients with NPM1-AML (55-74 y), and the majority of cases had a clinical relapse or were refractory to prior therapies. Translocations involving chromosome 11q23.3 (e.g. t(9;11)(p21.3;q23.3)) were found in 5 of 8 patients (62.5%) with MLL-AML (data not available due to insufficient cell count in one case) and no chromosomal abnormalities were detected in 10 of 16 patients (62.5%) with NPM1-AML (chromosomal analysis was not performed in one case). In patients with MLL-AML (see Figure), FLT3 mutations were found in 3 of 9 cases (33.3%), all of which were point mutations within the tyrosine kinase domain (FLT3-TKD). PTPN11 mutations were also found simultaneously in these three cases. Co-existing NRAS and TP53 mutations with high allele-frequency (32-50%) were also seen in two different cases. A targetable mutation of IDH2 was seen in one patient (11.1%) who had an FLT3 mutation with low allele-frequency (2%). In patients with NPM1-AML (see Figure), allele-frequency of mutated NPM1 ranged from 10 to 44%. Relatively common co-existing mutations were TET2 (7 of 17; 41.2%), DNMT3A (9 of 17; 52.9%), and FLT3 (9 of 17; 52.9%). Unlike in MLL-AML patients, all FLT3 alterations were internal tandem duplication (FLT-ITD) with one case of dual FLT3-ITD and -TKD mutation. IDH1 and IDH2 mutations were found in two (11.8%) and four (23.5%) separate cases, respectively. A rare fusion gene ETV6-NTRK3 (one of primary targets of NTRK inhibitors) was detected in one patient (5.9%) who had IDH1 mutation with moderate allele-frequency (17%). Conclusion: MLL-rearrangements and NPM1-mutations were found in approximately a quarter of the 91 AML patient (mostly relapsed or refractory) bone marrow samples analyzed. These alterations appeared to be mutually exclusive. FLT3 alterations were seen in a third of the MLL-AML cases and half of the NPM1-AML cases, seemingly more frequent than that previously reported. Interestingly, FLT3-TKDs were dominant in MLL-AML cases, whereas NPM1-AML cases carried FLT3-ITD. IDH1 and IDH2 mutations commonly co-existed in both groups. This HM-SCREEN-Japan01 study is now recruiting patients, and a further understanding of genomic distribution and correlation is expected. Figure Disclosures Yamauchi: Otsuka:Research Funding;Astellas:Research Funding;Daiichi Sankyo:Research Funding;Chugai:Honoraria;Pfizer:Honoraria, Research Funding;Abbie:Research Funding;Solasia Pharma:Research Funding;Ono Pharmaceutical:Honoraria.Shibayama:AstraZeneca:Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Sanofi:Honoraria;Pfizer:Honoraria;Fujimoto:Honoraria;Janssen:Honoraria, Research Funding;Teijin:Research Funding;Novartis:Honoraria, Research Funding;Takeda:Honoraria, Research Funding;Nippon Shinyaku:Honoraria, Research Funding;Daiichi Sankyo:Honoraria;Chugai:Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding;Sumitomo Dainippon:Honoraria, Research Funding;Merck Sharp & Dohme:Research Funding;Shionogi:Research Funding;Astellas:Research Funding;Taiho:Research Funding;Otsuka:Honoraria;Bristol-Myers Squibb:Honoraria;Celgene:Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding;Eisai:Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding;AbbVie:Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding;Kyowa Kirin:Honoraria;Ono:Honoraria, Research Funding;Mundi Pharma:Honoraria.Yamamoto:Stemline Therapeutics:Consultancy;Meiji Seika Pharma:Consultancy, Honoraria;MSD:Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding;Chugai:Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding;Eisai:Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding;Daiichi Sankyo:Consultancy;IQIVA/HUYA:Honoraria;HUYA:Consultancy;IQIVA/Incyte:Research Funding;Mundipharma:Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding;Kyowa Kirin:Honoraria;Mochida:Honoraria;Gilead Sciences:Research Funding;Solasia Pharma:Research Funding;Nippon Shinyaku:Honoraria, Research Funding;Novartis:Honoraria, Research Funding;Ono:Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding;Aichi Cancer Center:Current Employment;AbbVie:Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding;Astra-Zeneca:Consultancy, Research Funding;Bayer:Research Funding;Bristol-Myers Squibb:Honoraria;Celgene:Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding;Zenyaku:Research Funding;Takeda:Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding;Yakult:Research Funding;SymBio:Research Funding;Pfizer:Honoraria;Otsuka:Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding;Sanofi:Honoraria;Sumitomo Dainippon:Honoraria;Janssen:Honoraria.Fujishima:Pfizer:Speakers Bureau.Takahashi:Pfizer Japan Inc.:Honoraria, Research Funding;Novartis Pharma KK:Honoraria, Research Funding;Bristol-Myers Squibb Company:Honoraria.Usuki:Alexion:Speakers Bureau;Pfizer:Research Funding;Nippon Boehringer Ingelheim:Research Funding;Mundipharma:Research Funding;Astellas-Amgen-Biopharma:Research Funding;Nippon shinyaku:Research Funding, Speakers Bureau;Eisai:Speakers Bureau;MSD:Speakers Bureau;Takeda:Speakers Bureau;PharmaEssentia:Speakers Bureau;Yakult:Speakers Bureau;Symbio:Research Funding, Speakers Bureau;Daiichi Sankyo:Research Funding, Speakers Bureau;Sumitomo Dainippon:Research Funding;Otsuka:Research Funding, Speakers Bureau;Novartis:Research Funding, Speakers Bureau;Brisol-Myers Squibb:Research Funding, Speakers Bureau;Kyowa Kirin:Research Funding, Speakers Bureau;Ono:Research Funding, Speakers Bureau;Janssen:Research Funding;Celgene:Research Funding, Speakers Bureau;Takeda:Research Funding;Astellas:Research Funding, Speakers Bureau;Abbvie:Research Funding;Gilead:Research Funding.Ono:Celgene:Honoraria, Research Funding;Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd.:Honoraria, Research Funding;Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.:Honoraria, Research Funding;Novartis Pharma KK:Honoraria;Mundipharma K.K.:Honoraria;TAIHO PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD.:Research Funding;Eisai Co., Ltd.:Honoraria;Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.:Honoraria;Astellas Pharma Inc.:Honoraria;Bristol-Myers Squibb Company:Honoraria;Pfizer Japan Inc.:Honoraria;Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited.:Honoraria;ONO PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD.:Honoraria, Research Funding;DAIICHI SANKYO COMPANY, LIMITED.:Honoraria;Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K:Honoraria.Kuroda:Daiichi Sankyo:Honoraria, Research Funding;Pfizer:Honoraria, Research Funding;Sysmex:Research Funding;Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K:Consultancy;Eisai:Honoraria, Research Funding;Sanofi:Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding;Kyowa Kirin:Honoraria, Research Funding;Otsuka Pharmaceutical:Honoraria, Research Funding;Ono Pharmaceutical:Honoraria, Research Funding;Abbvie:Consultancy, Honoraria;MSD:Research Funding;Celgene:Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding;Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma:Honoraria, Research Funding;Chugai Pharmaceutical:Honoraria, Research Funding;Takeda:Honoraria, Research Funding;Bristol-MyersSquibb:Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding;Astellas Pharma:Honoraria, Research Funding;Fujimoto Pharmaceutical:Honoraria, Research Funding;Taiho Pharmaceutical:Research Funding;Asahi Kasei:Research Funding;Shionogi:Research Funding;Nippon Shinyaku:Honoraria, Research Funding.Ishitsuka:Celgene:Other: Personal Fees;Kyowa Hakko Kirin:Other: Personal fees, Research Funding;BMS:Other: Personal fees;Chugai Pharmaceutical:Other: Personal fees, Research Funding;Takeda:Other: Personal fees, Research Funding;mundiharma:Other: Personal fees;Taiho Pharmaceuticals:Other: Personal fees, Research Funding;Janssen Pharmaceuticals:Other: Personal fees;Novartis:Other: Personal fees;Pfizer:Other: Personal fees;Astellas Pharma:Other, Research Funding;Genzyme:Other;Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma:Other, Research Funding;Eisai:Other, Research Funding;Mochida:Other, Research Funding;Shire:Other;Otsuka Pharmaceutical:Other;Ono Pharmaceutical:Other, Research Funding;Teijin Pharma:Research Funding;MSD:Research Funding;Asahi kasei:Research Funding;Eli Lilly:Research Funding;Daiichi Sankyo:Other;Huya Japan:Other.Minami:Bristol-Myers Squibb Company:Honoraria;Novartis Pharma KK:Honoraria;Pfizer Japan Inc.:Honoraria;Takeda:Honoraria.

Injection of parathyroid hormone (PTH) rapidly stimulates renal Pi excretion, in part by downregulating NaPi-IIa (Npt2a/SLC34A1) and NaPi-IIc (Npt2c/SLC34A3) transporters. The mechanisms underlying the effects of PTH on NaPi-IIc are not fully elucidated. We analyzed the effect of PTH on inorganic phosphate (Pi) reabsorption in Npt2a−/− mice to eliminate the influence of Npt2a on renal Pi reabsorption. In opossum kidney (OK) cells and Xenopus oocytes, we investigated the effect of NaPi-IIc transporter phosphorylation. Studies of mice with mutations of NaPi-IIc protein in which serine and threonine were replaced with either alanine (A), which prevents phosphorylation, or aspartic acid (D), which mimics the charged state of phosphorylated NaPi-IIc, were also performed to evaluate the involvement of phosphorylation in the regulation of transport function. The Npt2a−/− experiments showed that PTH administration rapidly inactivated NaPi-IIc function in the apical membrane of proximal tubular cells. Analysis of mutant proteins (S71, S138, T151, S174, T583) at putative protein kinase C sites, revealed that S138 markedly suppressed the function and cellular expression of mouse NaPi-IIc in Xenopus oocytes and OK cells. In addition, 138D had a short half-life compared with wild-type protein. The present study suggests that acute regulation of NaPi-IIc protein by PTH is involved in the inactivation of Na+-dependent Pi cotransporter activity and that phosphorylation of the transporter is involved in the rapid modification.

Itai-itai disease is an endemic disease characterized by osteomalacia accompanied with osteoporosis and multiple proximal tubular dysfunctions (Fanconi syndrome). Itai-itai disease is caused by environmental cadmium exposure, but the pathological mechanism of the disease remains unknown. Cadmium also yields irreversible bone and renal dysfunction; new validated biomarkers are needed for the detection of cadmium-induced nephropathy. We have focused on the role of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 23, a protein that is essential for phosphate homeostasis in the bone-kidney axis, and have investigated the mechanism of cadmium-induced FGF23 production by bone cells. Cadmium injection in mice resulted in increased plasma FGF23 concentrations, but the level of FGF23 mRNA in the bone was not changed. Further studies indicated that increased plasma FGF23 levels in the cadmium-injected mice were caused by the posttranslational regulation of the FGF23 protein stability. FGF23 stability and secretion was altered by glycosylation of FGF23, which was in turn regulated by the activity of the GalNAc-T3 protein. We demonstrated that expression of the GalNAc-T3-encoding gene was significantly increased by cadmium exposure. Moreover, cadmium-dependent FGF23 accumulation was inhibited by an antagonist of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a transcription factor that can bind to the promoter of the GalNAc-T3 gene. Thus, cadmium stimulates transcription of the GalNAc-T3 gene via enhanced binding of AhR to the GalNAc-T3 promoter.

Some patients with dysphagia are prone to aspiration of low-viscosity liquids. Thickened liquids are often used in attempts to prevent aspiration. The patients should be given thickened liquids with suitable thickness, and the thickness should be constant at all time. While rotational and cone-and-plate viscometers are used for the evaluation of thickened liquids, they are high-precision and expensive equipment. To control the thickness of liquids, a simple and objective evaluation method is thus necessary. We developed a method to evaluate thickened liquids using funnels, and verified the appropriateness of this method. We measured the outflow times of five thickened liquids through funnels. One of the thickened liquids was a commercially available nutritional supplement, another was made with a thickening agent that contained guar gum, and all others were made with a thickening agent that contained xanthan gum. Four funnels with different stem sizes were tested. We found that the outflow time of thickened liquids through a funnel depended on their viscosities at a shear rate between 10 and 50 s−1, when the average inner diameter of the stem was in the range of 5.3–9.0 mm, and the volume of the liquid poured into the funnel was 30 mL. The correlation coefficient between the value of the sensory evaluation and the outflow time of the funnel with an average stem ID of 5.3 mm was 0.946. Therefore, this method may be useful in hospital and nursing home kitchens for evaluating thickened liquids. Practical applications The findings of this study will help develop a new method for the evaluation of thickened liquids. Funnels made from polypropylene, which are inexpensive and light, were used in this method. The process for measuring the outflow time of thickened liquids through a funnel is simple, and we can obtain quantitative data that are objective. Even though line spread test (LST) is well known as a simple measurement method, nutritional supplements and liquids thickened using a thickening agent containing guar gum have not been evaluated accurately. The funnel method was found to have a stronger correlation with sensory evaluation compared to LST. This method is useful in hospital and nursing home kitchens for evaluating thickened liquids.

The role of Na+-dependent inorganic phosphate (Pi) transporters in the human kidney is not fully clarified. Hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets with hypercalciuria (HHRH) is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the IIc Na+-dependent Pi transporter (NPT2c/Npt2c/NaPi-IIc) gene. Another Na+-dependent type II transporter, (NPT2A/Npt2a/NaPi-IIa), is also important for renal Pi reabsorption in humans. In mice, Npt2c deletion does not lead to hypophosphatemia and rickets because Npt2a compensates for the impaired Pi reabsorption. To clarify the differences between mouse and human, we investigated the relation between NaPi-IIa and NaPi-IIc functions in opossum kidney (OK) cells. We cloned NaPi-IIc from OK cells and created opossum NaPi-IIc (oNaPi-IIc) antibodies. We used oNaPi-IIc small interference (si)RNA and investigated the role of NaPi-IIc in Pi transport in OK cells. We cloned opossum kidney NaPi-IIc cDNAs encoding 622 amino acid proteins (variant1) and examined their pH- and sodium-dependency. The antibodies reacted specifically with 75-kDa and 150-kDa protein bands, and the siRNA of NaPi-IIc markedly suppressed endogenous oNaPi-IIc in OK cells. Treatment with siRNA significantly suppressed the expression of NaPi-4 (NaPi-IIa) protein and mRNA. oNaPi-IIc siRNA also suppressed Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor 1 expression in OK cells. These findings suggest that NaPi-IIc is important for the expression of NaPi-IIa (NaPi-4) protein in OK cells. Suppression of Npt2c may downregulate Npt2a function in HHRH patients.

Hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets with hypercalciuria (HHRH; OMIM: 241530) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder with an estimated prevalence of 1:250,000 that was originally described by Tieder et al. Individuals with HHRH carry compound-heterozygous or homozygous (comp/hom) loss-of-function mutations in the sodium-phosphate co-transporter NPT2c. These mutations result in the development of urinary phosphate (Pi) wasting and hypophosphatemic rickets, bowing, and short stature, as well as appropriately elevated 1,25(OH)2D levels, which sets this fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23)-independent disorder apart from the more common X-linked hypophosphatemia. The elevated 1,25(OH)2D levels in turn result in hypercalciuria due to enhanced intestinal calcium absorption and reduced parathyroid hormone (PTH)-dependent calcium-reabsorption in the distal renal tubules, leading to the development of kidney stones and/or nephrocalcinosis in approximately half of the individuals with HHRH. Even heterozygous NPT2c mutations are frequently associated with isolated hypercalciuria (IH), which increases the risk of kidney stones or nephrocalcinosis threefold in affected individuals compared with the general population. Bone disease is generally absent in individuals with IH, in contrast to those with HHRH. Treatment of HHRH and IH consists of monotherapy with oral Pi supplements, while active vitamin D analogs are contraindicated, mainly because the endogenous 1,25(OH)2D levels are already elevated but also to prevent further worsening of the hypercalciuria. Long-term studies to determine whether oral Pi supplementation alone is sufficient to prevent renal calcifications and bone loss, however, are lacking. It is also unknown how therapy should be monitored, whether secondary hyperparathyroidism can develop, and whether Pi requirements decrease with age, as observed in some FGF23-dependent hypophosphatemic disorders, or whether this can lead to osteoporosis.

The solute carrier 34 (SLC34) family of membrane transporters is a major contributor to Pi homeostasis. Many factors are involved in regulating the SLC34 family. The roles of the bone mineral metabolism factors parathyroid hormone (PTH) and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) in Pi homeostasis are well studied. Intracellular Pi is thought to be involved in energy metabolism, such as ATP production. Under certain conditions of altered energy metabolism, plasma Pi concentrations are affected by the regulation of a Pi shift into cells or release from the tissues. We recently investigated the mechanism of hepatectomy-related hypophosphatemia, which is thought to involve an unknown phosphaturic factor. Hepatectomy-related hypophosphatemia is due to impaired nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) metabolism through its effects on the SLC34 family in the liver-kidney axis. The oxidized form of NAD, NAD+, is an essential cofactor in various cellular biochemical reactions. Levels of NAD+ and its reduced form NADH vary with the availability of dietary energy and nutrients. Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (Nampt) generates a key NAD+ intermediate, nicotinamide mononucleotide, from nicotinamide and 5-phosphoribosyl 1-pyrophosphate. The liver, an important organ of NAD metabolism, is thought to release metabolic products such as nicotinamide and may control NAD metabolism in other organs. Moreover, NAD is an important regulator of the circadian rhythm. Liver-specific Nampt-deficient mice and heterozygous Nampt mice have abnormal daily plasma Pi concentration oscillations. These data indicate that NAD metabolism in the intestine, liver, and kidney is closely related to Pi metabolism through the SLC34 family. Here, we review the relationship between the SLC34 family and NAD metabolism based on our recent studies.

In this review, we focus on the interconnection of inorganic phosphate (Pi) homeostasis in the network of the bone-kidney, parathyroid-kidney, intestine-kidney, and liver-kidney axes. Such a network of organ communication is important for body Pi homeostasis. Normalization of serum Pi levels is a clinical target in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Particularly, disorders of the fibroblast growth factor 23/klotho system are observed in early CKD. Identification of phosphaturic factors from the intestine and liver may enhance our understanding of body Pi homeostasis and Pi metabolism disturbances in CKD patients.

The failure of current treatment options for glioblastoma stems from their inability to control tumor cell proliferation and invasion. Biologically targeted therapies offer great hope and one promising target is glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β), implicated in various diseases, including cancer. We previously reported that inhibition of GSK3β compromises the survival and proliferation of glioblastoma cells, induces their apoptosis, and sensitizes them to temozolomide and radiation. Here, we explore whether GSK3β also contributes to the highly invasive nature of glioblastoma. The effects of GSK3β inhibition on migration and invasion of glioblastoma cells were examined by wound-healing and Transwell assays, as well as in a mouse model of glioblastoma. We also investigated changes in cellular microarchitectures, cytoskeletal components, and proteins responsible for cell motility and invasion. Inhibition of GSK3β attenuated the migration and invasion of glioblastoma cells in vitro and that of tumor cells in a mouse model of glioblastoma. These effects were associated with suppression of the molecular axis involving focal adhesion kinase, guanine nucleotide exchange factors/Rac1 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase. Changes in cellular phenotypes responsible for cell motility and invasion were also observed, including decreased formation of lamellipodia and invadopodium-like microstructures and alterations in the subcellular localization, and activity of Rac1 and F-actin. These changes coincided with decreased expression of matrix metalloproteinases. Our results confirm the potential of GSK3β as an attractive therapeutic target against glioblastoma invasion, thus highlighting a second role in this tumor type in addition to its involvement in chemo- and radioresistance. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(2); 564–74. ©2014 AACR.

In response to kidney damage, osteocytes increase the production of several hormones critically involved in mineral metabolism. Recent studies suggest that osteocyte function is altered very early in the course of chronic kidney disease. In the present study, to clarify the role of osteocytes and the canalicular network in mineral homeostasis, we performed four experiments. In Experiment 1, we investigated renal and intestinal Pi handling in osteocyte-less (OCL) model mice [transgenic mice with the dentin matrix protein-1 promoter-driven diphtheria toxin (DT)-receptor that were injected with DT]. In Experiment 2, we administered granulocyte colony-stimulating factor to mice to disrupt the osteocyte canalicular network. In Experiment 3, we investigated the role of osteocytes in dietary Pi signaling. In Experiment 4, we analyzed gene expression level fluctuations in the intestine and liver by comparing mice fed a high Pi diet and OCL mice. Together, the findings of these experiments indicate that osteocyte ablation caused rapid renal Pi excretion (P

Hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) chemotherapy is expected to be a more effective and safer method to treat the hepatic metastasis of pancreatic cancer than intravenous (iv) administration because of higher tumor exposure and lower systemic exposure. To clarify the uptake mechanism of nucleoside anticancer drugs, including gemcitabine (GEM), in pancreatic cancer, we investigated the uptakes of radiolabeled uridine (a general substrate of nucleoside transporters) and GEM in pancreatic cancer cell lines MIA-PaCa2 and As-PC1. Uridine uptake was inhibited by non-labeled GEM and also by S-(4-nitrobenzyl)-6-thioinosine (NBMPR; an inhibitor of equilibrative nucleoside transporters, ENTs) in a concentration-dependent manner, suggesting that ENTs contribute to uridine uptake in pancreatic cancer cells. As for GEM, saturable uptake was mediated by high- and low-affinity components with K

In elderly people, vitamin D insufficiency may increase the risk of fracture, and may also be involved in the development of sarcopenia or cardiovascular decline. Recent studies using vitamin D receptor knockout mice unveiled multiple functions of vitamin D beyond bone and mineral metabolism. This review describes the actions of vitamin D in skeletal, cardiac, and vascular smooth muscle. Eldecalcitol, an active vitamin D analog developed for the treatment of osteoporosis, also effectively improved skeletal muscle function

Undernutrition caused by difficulties in masticating is of growing concern among the elderly. Soft diets are often served at nursing homes; however, the styles differ with nursing homes. Improperly modified food texture and consistency may lead to further loss of nutritive value. Therefore, we developed a method to produce a soft diet using chicken. The texture-modified chicken was prepared by boiling a mixture of minced chicken and additive foodstuff that softened the meat. The best food additive was determined through testing cooking process, size after modification and texture. The optimum proportions of each component in the mixture were determined measuring food texture using a creep meter. Teriyaki chicken was cooked using the texture-modified chicken, and provided to a nursing home. The amount of food intake by elderly residents was subsequently surveyed. This study involved 22 residents (1 man and 21 women; mean age 91.4±5.3 y). Consequently, yakifu, which was made from wheat gluten, was the most suitable additive foodstuff. The hardness of the texture-modified chicken, with proportions of minced chicken, yakifu, and water being 50%, 10%, and 40% respectively, was under 40,000 N/m2. The intake amount of the texture-modified chicken of subjects whose intake amount of conventional chicken using chicken thigh was not 100% was significantly higher. These findings suggest that properly modified food textures could contribute to improve the quality of meals by preventing undernutrition among the elderly with mastication difficulties.

Circulating inorganic phosphate exhibits a remarkable daily oscillation based on food intake. In humans and rodents, the daily oscillation in response to food intake may be coordinated to control the intestinal absorption, renal excretion, cellular shifts, and extracellular concentration of inorganic phosphate. However, mechanisms regulating the resulting oscillation are unknown. Here we investigated the roles of the sodium phosphate cotransporter SLC34 (Npt2) family and nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (Nampt) in the daily oscillation of plasma inorganic phosphate levels. First, it is roughly linked to urinary inorganic phosphate excretion. Second, expression of renal Npt2a and Npt2c, and intestinal Npt2b proteins also exhibit a dynamic daily oscillation. Analyses of Npt2a, Npt2b, and Npt2c knockout mice revealed the importance of renal inorganic phosphate reabsorption and cellular inorganic phosphate shifts in the daily oscillation. Third, experiments in which nicotinamide and a specific Nampt inhibitor (FK866) were administered in the active and rest phases revealed that the Nampt/NAD + system is involved in renal inorganic phosphate excretion. Additionally, for cellular shifts, liver-specific Nampt deletion disturbed the daily oscillation of plasma phosphate during the rest but not the active phase. In systemic Nampt +/− mice, NAD levels were significantly reduced in the liver, kidney, and intestine, and the daily oscillation (active and rest phases) of the plasma phosphate concentration was attenuated. Thus, the Nampt/NAD + system for Npt2 regulation and cellular shifts to tissues such as the liver play an important role in generating daily oscillation of plasma inorganic phosphate levels.

The sodium-dependent phosphate cotransporter (NaPi) family plays a critical role in Pi homeostasis in mammals via several mechanisms, including renal tubular reabsorption, intestinal absorption, and exchange with intracellular or bone storage. The type II NaPi transport family (SLC34) is especially important for renal and intestinal Pi handling. SLC34 protein dysfunction causes several abnormalities, such as hypophosphatemic hereditary rickets/osteomalacia and hyperphosphatemia-induced vascular disease. Expression of SLC34 family members is regulated at several steps, including transcription, translation, protein degradation, and cellular trafficking. Both hormonal (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, fibroblast growth factor 23, estrogen, T3, and epidermal growth factor) and nonhormonal (dietary Pi, Ca, and vitamin A) factors regulate the transcriptional step. Here, we describe the transcriptional regulation of the SLC34 genes in the small intestine and kidney.