Development of a Novel Orthotopic Gastric Cancer Mouse Model.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer metastasis is a highly fatal disease with a five-year survival rate of less than 5%. One major obstacle in studying gastric cancer metastasis is the lack of faithful models available. The cancer xenograft mouse models are widely used to elucidate the mechanisms of cancer development and progression. Current procedures for creating cancer xenografts include both heterotopic (i.e., subcutaneous) and orthotopic transplantation methods. Compared to the heterotopic model, the orthotopic model has been shown to be the more clinically relevant design as it enables the development of cancer metastasis. Although there are several methods in use to develop the orthotopic gastric cancer model, there is not a model which uses various types of tumor materials, such as soft tissues, semi-liquid tissues, or culture derivatives, due to the technical challenges. Thus, developing the applicable orthotopic model which can utilize various tumor materials is essential. RESULTS: To overcome the known limitations of the current orthotopic gastric cancer models, such as exposure of tumor fragments to the neighboring organs or only using firm tissues for the orthotopic implantation, we have developed a new method allowing for the complete insertion of soft tissue fragments or homogeneously minced tissues into the stomach submucosa layer of the immunodeficient NOD.Cg-Prkdc CONCLUSION: Here we describe a new protocol, step by step, for the establishment of orthotopic xenograft of gastric cancer. This novel technique will be able to increase the use of orthotopic models in broader applications for not only gastric cancer research but also any research related to the stomach microenvironment

Scutellaria baicalensis

Antimycin A (AMA) damages mitochondria by inhibiting mitochondrial electron transport and can produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS formation, aging, and reduction of mitochondrial biogenesis contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction. The present study sought to investigate extracts of Scutellaria baicalensis and its flavonoids (baicalin, baicalein, and wogonin), whether they could protect mitochondria against oxidative damage. The viability of L6 cells treated with AMA increased in the presence of flavonoids and extracts of S. baicalensis. ATP production decreased in the AMA treated group, but increased by 50% in cells treated with flavonoids (except wogonin) and extracts of S. baicalensis compared to AMA-treated group. AMA treatment caused a significant reduction (depolarized) in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), whereas flavonoid treatment induced a significant increase in MMP. Mitochondrial superoxide levels increased in AMA treated cells, whereas its levels decreased when cells were treated with flavonoids or extracts of S. baicalensis. L6 cells treated with flavonoids and extracts of S. baicalensis increased their levels of protein expression compared with AMA-treated cells, especially water extracts performed the highest levels of protein expression. These results suggest that the S. baicalensis extracts and flavonoids protect against AMA-induced mitochondrial dysfunction by increasing ATP production, upregulating MMP, and enhancing mitochondrial function

CSAI analysis of non-crimp fabric cross-ply laminate manufactured through wet compression molding process

The main purpose of the present work is to demonstrate mechanical performance of a wet-compression-molding (WCM) composite product through conventional compressive-strength-after-impact (CSAI) analysis. Biaxial non-crimp fabric (NCF) is utilized to manufacture laminated composite panels. Specimens are cut from the panels and tested to characterize fundamental mechanical properties of the NCF composite. The volume fractions of fibers and voids are also measured to evaluate the quality of the WCM product. Impact tests are carried out to examine impact resistance of the composite structure. Numerous impact characteristics at various energy levels are quantitatively measured. Internal failure patterns and damage extent are revealed via X-ray CT. Compression tests on the impacted plates are followed to evaluate structural integrity and damage tolerance (SIDT). 3D DIC technique is employed and distinct buckling responses dependent on impact energy levels are successfully visualized. Experimental results are showing a promising potential of the WCM process as one of the alternatives to the conventional autoclave-based fabrication method